The Ottomans
Reign of Bayezid II
The Sultan was in residence in the capitol of Istambul and ordered
his Pasha Sinan (4-2-3) to attend him for orders regarding the Sultans
proposed campaign against Persia. Having had enough of Persian
provocations and wishing the capture of various provinces which would
add greatly to the wealth of the nation the following campaign was
envisioned. Armenia, Azerbajan and Kurdistan were to be conquered and
annexed if Allah was with us, Sinan was to embark with 40,000 men and
be transported to Trabzon, Giray (3-1-1) with his 20,000 men was to hold his
position in Sivas until Sinan arrived in Trabzon. Once Sinan arrived
he was to attack Armenia and use his initative after it fell to secure
the remaining target provinces and force peace upon the Persians.
Sinan begins embarking and war is declared, 2 January 1492. The Sultan
also orders the assignment of 8 new Agas {bailiffs} in the richest
provinces as he is supremely confident of victory and only retains a
small portion of the treasury as a emergency fund. The Sultan orders
that inflation be kept as low as possible without losing coin from
the treasury and that traders be dispatched to Venice when able.
Grave News!!! from Trabzon, a Persian army of 24,000 men has besieged the
city and Sinan has not yet arrived, the citadel holds, Febuary 25.
More news arrives to the Sultans court, a small army of 6,000 men
recruited in Trabzon contests the Persian siege and is defeated, this
however buys Sinan more time and the Sultan smiles for the Persian
siege of Trabzon has been delayed. Giray with his 20,000 men in Sivas
is now ordered to invade Kurdistan. Word arrives that Sinan has finally
arrived at Trabzon and is engaging the Perisan army. Grave News!!!
Giray reports a Persian army of 52,000 men is spotted marching into
Kurdistan, he is ordered to stop his advance and hold position in Sivas
until Sinan can come to his aid. Wonderous News!!! Sinan was victorious
at Trabzon on March 24th, the Persian siege broken he and Giray now
attack Kurdistan hoping to catch the 52,000 man Persian army on the
march. The Herald Reports April 4th, the Sultan is informed Spain
annexes Granada. Grave News!!! The Persian main army arrives at Trabzon
before Giray and Sinan can reach Kurdistan and engages Sinan. A
huge battle now rages in the province, some 80,000 men on both sides.
The Persians now number 44,000 reduced by attrition, and Sinan some
33,000 men. Wonderous News April 24th, Giray has finally reached Kurdistan
and is ordered to storm the works in this province to secure it quickly.
Wonderous News!!! April 29th Sinan is victorious and defeats the Persian
main army at Trabzon, casualitys for the Persians was 20,000 Sinan loses
some 14,000 men. The Sultan orders Sinan to make haste for Armenia and
to persue the Persian army if it retreats to this province and crush it
if not to invest and storm the works in Armenia to secure it quickly.
Wonderous News!!! May 6th, Giray storms the last forts in Kurdistan
and is ordered to now march to Kars and invest the works in this
province, further he is not to storm but besiege and prevent additional
Persian reinforcements from interfering with Sinan and the destruction
of the remainder of the Persian main army which Sinan now persues into
Armenia. The Sultan thanks Allah again for keeping the christians from
attacking while the majority of his army in now in the east. Fortunatly
the Sultan declared war on Persia before she was able to secure any
allies. He is quite happy with events so far and orders the Palace Vizir
to bring him some new girls for his harem so he can celebrate.
Grave News May 15th!!! The Persians throw small armys at both Sinan
and Giray before they are able to reach thier objectives, thus buying
time for them. Wonderous News May 18th!!! Sinan easily defeats the
2,000 man Persian army and marches towards Armenia now finally in
persuit of the Persian main army retreating before him. Wonderous News
May 22nd!!! Giray suceeds in defeating the 9,000 man Persian army, he
is now ordered to storm the works in Kars before additional Persian
reinforcements arrive on the scene and begins marching there from
Kurdistan. Grave News June 15th!!!, Sinan reaches Armenia and engages
the Persian main army which he had persued from Trabzon. Giray reports
the arrival of his army at Kars, June 18th, and is ordered to storm.
6,000 men rasied as reinforcements are now dispatched from Sivas to Kars
to reinforce Giray, still no word from Sinan. Grave News!!! Sinan was
DEFEATED by the reminder of the Persian main army at Armenia, he retreats
to Trabzon and the reinforcements dispatched to Giray are now sent to
reinforce Sinan, a additional 6,000 men are raised at Trabzon to bolster
Sinan, though they will take some time to raise. The Sultans hopes for
a quick campaign are now smashed. Grave News, August 9th!!! The 9,000
horse that is all that remains of the Persian main army catches the 6,000
man reinforcements onroute from Kurdistan to Trabzon and causes casualitys
this army is ordered to retreat to Trabzon before it is destroyed. It
appears the Persian Pasha is now exacting a worthy price for his earlier
defeat at Sinans hands. Wonderous News, August 13th!!! Giray finally
suceeds in storming the remaining works in Kars, a new threat appears
however. Giray reports a new Persian army of 10,000 men marches towards
him from Tabriz, he is ordered to hold his position and prevent reinforcements
from arriving to aid the persian main army, now besieging Kurdistan. A
Persian embassy arrives and offers Kars and Kurdistan, the Sultan refuses,
his eyes are fixed on Armenia and its gold mines. Sinan sends word he
has finally regrouped and with 12,000 men now marches to conquer Armenia.
The Persian main army, now numbering only some 7000 horse lifts its
siege of Kurdistan and marches towards Kars, apparently intent on joining
forces with the other army Giray reported. This is grave news indeed.
If Giray can defeat each in detail the plan will suceed, if not the war
will cost much more in men and gold to win, this was not the Sultans
vision of the campaign. He curses a infidel named 'Murphy'. Wonderous
News, September 23rd!!! Girays asessment was correct, the two Persian
armys combined to attack him in Kars, and were defeated, though giray
now only has 6,000 men left. If we are to win Sinan must quickly take Armenia and
Azerbajan. The Sultan bites his nails anxiously. Sinan arrives at Armenia
on September 29th and begins to storm the fortresses. Wonderous News,
October 29th!!! Sinan reports the fall of the last forts in Armenia. He
further reports the Persians have raised some reinforcements in Azerbajan
and are on the march. Sinan is ordered to now conquer Azerbajan.
Wonderous News, October 24th!!! Sinan reaches Azerbajan, and defeats
the pitious remainder of the Persian army, now only 6,000 men, it retreats
towards Kurdistan. Sinan is ordered to storm the works at Azerbajan, for
the Sultan senses the war can now be won. The Herald reports that England
has declared war upon Scotland, and Milan and Naples come to the aid of
the English. The Sultan smiles and hopes more infidels fight each other.
Grave News, December 2nd!!! The Kurds revolt, and the Sultan orders the
religious tolerances adjusted by a new royal edict. The clerics hasten
to obey his will. fortunatly the retreating Persian army happened to arrive
at Kurdistan just as the rebels massed, and now fight one another. Giray
has been dispatched from Kars to Kurdistan to quell the rebellion. Sinan
still invests the works in Azerbajan. Wonderous News, December 27th!!!
Sinan finally takes the last forts in Azberjan, Giray has all but defeated
the rebels in Kurdistan and the Sultan deems the time right to send
a peace embassy to the Persian Kings court. Wonderous News, January 7th
1493!!! The Persian King ceeds Armenia and Kurdistan for peace. Sinan
is ordered to Thrace enbarking on ships from Trabzon, Giray is to secure
the eastern frontier. Both leaders are givin large fiefs as rewards and
are allowed to hang another horse tail from thier standards. The Sultan
now resolves to secure his borders by building forts, emplacing new Agas
(bailiffs) in the newly conquered provinces, and rebuilding the army.
The Hedschas send a marriage offer which the Sultan accepts wishing
to foster good relations with those of the True Faith, 27 January.
The Sultan orders that a allaince of embassy be sent Cyrenaica, which
accepts the Ottoman offer. The Sultan eyes his map and dreams of annexing
the Mamlukes, thereby controlling the eastern mediterranean. Of course
the Venetian islands of Crete and Cyprus will have to be taken to insure
this, but that would have to wait. A embassy from Tripoli offers a royal
marriage, the Sultan accepts, April 12th. The Herald reports that Russia
declares war against Kazan and that Denmark joins Russia, July 13th.
The Herald reports Kazan accepts peace by paying 43 Ducats, November 25th.
March 8, 1494 the Sultan dispatches a alliance embassy to Nubia which
they accept. The Sultan grins and thinks of the Mamlukes surrounded
by his allies. When war came they would be fighting on every front.
The herald reports that Austria declares war on Bohemie, August 30th,
1494. The war between Scotland and England along with its allies continues
unabated, and appears to be stalemated. The Herald reports that England
accepts peace with Scotland and ceeds the Marches, Febuary 14th, 1495.
The Sultan dispatches a Alliance embassy to Georgia, she accepts and
joins the Ottoman alliance on March 17th. The Sultan is disappointed
however to discover that the Hedschas have allied with the Mamelukes,
he had hoped to join them to his alliance also. The Herald reports that
Persia declares war on Iraq, April 17th. The Herald again reports, Iraq
is now assailed by the Mamlukes and thier allies the Hedschas. It now
appears poor Iraq is doomed. The Sultan dispatches a Alliance embassy to
Tripoli, she accepts on April 25,1496. The Herald reports Persia accepts
peace with Iraq with a return to peacetime borders, October 18th. A
marriage embassy arrives from Cyrenaica which the Sultan accepts, November
20th, 1496. The Herald reports that Hedschas have accepted peace and a
return to peacetime borders with Iraq. The Sultan admires the stout
fight that Iraq has givin her enemys, Bravo. The Sultan dispatches a
Alliance embassy March 27th, 1497 to Tunis, this offer is declined by
the Sultan of Tunis. The Herald reports that Hanse has declared war on
Brandenburg. And that England and its allies Milan and Naples have also
joined Hanse against Brandenburg, May 30th, 1497. The war between
Austria and Bohemie still rages. The herald reports that Denmark ends
its vassalization of Sweden, and then with its allie Russia declares war
November 27th, 1497. The herald reports that Louis XII has accended the
throne of France on April 9th, 1498. And that our embassy suceeded in
raising our relations. The Herald also reports that Sweden accepts
peace with Denmark and pays 7 Ducats along with ceeding Bergslagen.
The Sultan offers a royal marriage with Algiers, which accepts on
August 16th, 1498. The Herald reports Bohemie accepts peace with Austria
November 26th, 1498 and Austria ceeds Presburg to gain this peace.
The herald reports that the Golden Horde declares war on Astrakhan on
Febuary 3, 1499. The Sultan continues to place Agas(Bailiffs) rebuild
the army, and send merchants to the various trading centers of import.
The Herald reports that Oman declares war on Aden, June 22, 1499.
The Herald reports the Golden Horde accepts peace with Astrakhan, which
pays 98 Ducats and ceeds two provinces, August 30th, 1499. The Sultan
dispatches marriage embassys to Oman and Astrakhan, both of which accept
January 20th, 1500. the Herald reports that Brandenburg accepts peace
with Hanse and pays 246 Ducats along with ceeding Magdeburg, June 19th
1500. The herald reports that Denmark declared war on Sweden, the
Russians allied to Denmark also join, and the allies of Sweden also
enter the fray. France, Navarre, Savoy and Switzerland declare on the
side of Sweden, September 29th, the Sultan gloats, this is a massive war
among the Infidel. Perhaps now is the time to strike the Mamlukes he muses.
But the plan to rebuild the army is still one year away from its end.
The Mamlukes would have to wait a bit longer he decided.
The Herald reports that a new King has accended the Polish Lithunain
throne, Alaksander Jagiellonczyk is crowned on January 1st, 1501.
finally the Sultan summoned his Pashas. New men had risen to leadership
one was a admiral, Daoud(4-2-2) along with the Prince Ibrahim(3-2-3).
This gave the Sultan three able leaders to use in his attempt to conquer
and annex the Mamlukes. His plan was givin to the Pashas, and it was
ordered thus, the fleet was to be devided between Daoud and Karim, Daoud
was to embark Sinan and make way to the coast of Alexandra, the Prince
was to embark and make way to Adana, and the to Sivas to take command
of the 30,000 men awaiting him there. Both Sinan and the Prince were
then to attack Alexandra and Aleppo respectively. The fleet would blockade
the Mameluke ports and destroy any enemy fleets in the area. The Sultan
thus commanded his will, and the Pashas marched off to make it come to
pass.
June 30th, 1501 the Sultans embassy arrives before the Mamluke
Sultan and declares war, the Mamluke allie Hedschas joins the war against
the Ottomans. The Sultan now sends embassys to all his allies summoning
them to his aid. Of these Tripoli, Cyrenecia, and Georgia join, while
Nubia does not, what treachery muses the Sultan, but no matter the armys
march and news is awaited. Grave News!!! Daoud reports the fleet is attacked
while disembarking Sinan at Alexandria, the issue is in doubt. Ibrahim
sends word he has arrived at Aleppo and is ordered to storm the works on
July 16th 1501. Shortly thereafter Girays small army reports his arrival
at Nuysayybin and is also ordered to storm, no Mamluke armys garrison
these border provinces. On July 30th Sinan finally debarks and sends
word he is besieging Alexandria, he is also ordered to storm. Meanwhile
Daoud asks the other half of the fleet make haste and join him in the
sea battle still raging off the coast of Alexandria. Fortunatly a fleet
from Cyrenaica has joined the fray also and the Mamlukes have lost
four warships to a single galley, but the issue is still in doubt.
Wonderous News!!! August 9th, 1501 Sinan reports Alexandria captured.
He dispatches a small 2,000 man army to Cateract to secure this wasteland
and marches for the Delta where the Mamlukes are even now raising a
army. The Herald reports that Spain has declared war on the Aztecs,
August 15th, 1501. Wonderous News!!! The Prince reports the capture
of Aleppo, he is now marching to secure Lebanon, meanwhile the Mamlukes
send a peace embassy which is rejected. Wonderous News!!! August 19th,
1501, Daoud sends word the Mamluke fleet was completely distroyed, 14
warships lost to one galley. The Sultan smiled and ordered another
cup of wine. Of course at one point the Sultan and his allie had 50
masts against the reduced 10 masts of the enemy, surely only a most
brillant admiral could have suceeded against such odds, and the Mamlukes
appeared sorely lacking. Both fleets are ordered to port as they are
nearing thier limits having wasted some weeks embarking troops in Thrace
and traveling a considerable distance, to prevent attrition they would
have to return to port. The small 2,000 man army has reached Cataract
and secured the few rude settlements that were to be found then it marched
to the Nile on September 15,1501. The Prince also secures Lebanon and
marches for Syria. Wonderous News!!! The army sent to Nuyssaybin has
secured this province and also is ordered to march to Syria. The
Prince reports his arrival at Syria and that a army from Hedschas
numbering some 5,000 men was engaged and distroyed as they marched into
the province. The smaller army marching under Giray also has joined the
siege in Syria. October 14,1501 Sinan sends word he has reached the Delta
and has engaged and distroyed a 9,000 man army awaiting him there. He
also begs that reinforcements be sent in all due haste as a 31,000 man
army massed by the enemy is marching towards the Delta from Egypt and
he has but 17,000 men left. Grave News!!! The herald reports a political
crisis which reduced the realms stability by three, NOT NOW!!! Laments
the Sultan, he again curses Murphy. Wonderous News!!! November 12th,1501
the Prince reports the capture of Syria and begins the march to Judea.
Wonderous News!!! December 10th,1501 the Prince reports his arrival to
Judea and that he has crushed a small 3,000 man army there. He is ordered
to storm the works in Judea. Meanwhile Sinan reports the 31,000 man
enemy army has split up with 19,000 men marching to Alexandria. Wonderous
News!!! December 27th, 1501 the Prince reports the capture of Judea and
marches to Samaria, meanwhile the Hedschas allie of the Mameluks fight
a battle against the Sultans allie Cyrenica which still rages in Eygpt.
The Sultan orders Sinan to storm in the Delta as the threat of the big
enemy army seems to have disapated. Sinan reports the enemy has again
combined in Egypt and crushed the Cyrenican army, and now appears to march
towards the Delta, his effort to storm has been called off, and the
small army currently in the Nile is ordered to Egypt, this army will attempt
to engage the large enemy army and buy Sinan time as his armys morale
is very poor as a result of the storm attempts in the Delta. The Prince
sends word he has arrived at Samaria and is ordered to march across the
Sinai and make haste to aid Sinan. Grave News!!! Febuary 4th, 1502 the
Prince reports that 20,000 men of the enemy main army have marched north
and are now battling him in Sinai. Meanwhile the small army of 2,000 men
sent to Egypt from the Nile are fighting the remaining 10,000 men from
the enemy main army. Wonderous News!!! Febuary 13th, 1502 the Prince
reports the complete distruction of the Mameluk army in the Sinai and
now marches to Egypt. The small 2,000 man army sent to Egypt is however
crushed and wiped out to a man. There remains but 10,000 enemy against
some 38,000 men in two combined armys. The Sultan had another cup of wine
surely he was close to complete victory. Grave News!!! The Prince
reports his arrival in Egypt with but 17,000 men, the desert has taken
its toll in attrition. He is now engaging the 11,000 man enemy army that
remains, Sinan again is ordered to storm the Delta. Wonderous News!!!
April 4th, 1502 the Prince sends word the enemy army is destroyed and
that he now besieges the works in Egypt, he is ordered to storm. The
Sultan notes his Georgian allies are attempting to storm Samaria which
the Prince had bypassed to come to Sinans aid. Grave News!!! The Prince
reports a new enemy army recruited in Egypt has attacked while he was
attempting to storm the works in Egypt, May 7th,1502. The Prince sends
word that the enemy army is crushed in battle, and he is again attempting
to storm the works in Egypt and that he awaits Sinans arrival. The Herald
reports on May 11th, 1502 that Russia agrees to pay Sweden 218 Ducats
for peace. Wonderous News!!! June 13th the last forts in Egypt fall and
the Sultan offers annexation to the Mameluk Sultan, whom with bowed head
accepts, he is placed in a guilded cage and shipped to Istambul to
entertain the Sultan. The Mameluk allie Hedschas fought valiantly beside
thier allie, unlike the betrayal of Nubia, so the Sultan agreed to a
white peace offer by this foe. Again the realm was at peace. And now
it was time to consolidate the conquests of these past two years. The
Georgian allies of the Sultans managed quite nicely and maintained control
of Samaria, this was not altogether pleasing to the Sultan because if
cut Egypt and the surrounding provinces off from the rest of the Empire.
But the Sultan valued this allaince even if it was a Infidel kingdom.
The Herlad reports November 9th 1502 that Denmark agrees to peace with
Sweden and will pay 25 Ducats and ceed Bergslagen to secure it. Grave
News!!! Lebanon has revolted, and a small 5,000 man army was crushed
by the rebels attempting to regain this province. The Prince has embarked
at the Delta and makes way to Adana, there he will gather the men
now bieng recruited in Aleppo to supress the rebellion. The clerics
have again been commanded to adjust thier religious tolerance. The Sultan
sends a allaince embassy to Henschas and she agrees to join the Sultans
other allies, Nubia meanwhile rejects the allaince offer, the Sultan
is very displeased with the Nubians, first thier betrayal in the war
against the Mameluks, now thier refusal to join as allies. Perhaps they
should be conquered also muses the Sultan, but the Venetian Islands
pose a more pressing problem, they are ready bases in the heart of his
empire, and with most provinces largely unfortified presented a grave
threat in the event of a war. So now time to consolidate, reinforce the
army and make preparations for a war against Venice. But that would for
the time bieng have to wait, meanwhile three new Agas(bailiffs) were
installed to govern in old Mameluk lands. The Sultan also noted the
Venetians graciously built a brewery in Cyprus, making the prize even
more desirable. Wonderous News!!! March 17th, 1503 the Prince defeats
the rebels in Lebanon and secures the province which has NO
fortifications. Something that the Sultan will soon have to rectify.
The Herald reports that Poland has declared war on Kurland, and that Spain
and a few minor spanish allies have also joined the war on Polands side.
Surely poor Kurland is lost the Sultan muses. The Herald reports on
October 16th, 1503 Kurland agrees to be annexed by Poland. January 9th
1504 the Sultan orders the emplacement of four new Agas in captured
Mamekul lands, leaving but one province in all the empire unbailiffed.
The Herald reports that on August 28th, 1504 the Russians declare war
on Kazan, Denmark quickly declares on Russias side. Meanwhile Bulgaria
revolts and the rebels are now battling the garrisoning army. The local
garrison commander reports the distruction of the rebel army and the
recapture of Bulgaria, on October 27th. The herald reports that on January
1st, 1505, Vasilli III is crowned King of Russia. The Sultan emplaces
one last Aga, thereby bailiffing all empire provinces, and uses the
balance of the treasury to recruit more men for the army. The poor fleet
is just that, the Sultan has yet to allow the building of more ships, and
dislikes the thought of what it will cost to build a decent fleet of
warships. The 59 galleys, 3 warships, and 3 transports will have to do.
The Sultan did gain command of five warships when the Mameluks were annexed
but they are trapped in the red sea port with no way to navigate since
the Ottomans have no explorers. Perhaps disbanding would be better then
to maintain a fleet that cannot sail. The Sultan decides to keep these
ships, who knows maybe one day maps and a explorer will allow access
to the red sea but for now they rot at thier moorings. The Herald reports
Kazan accepts a white peace with Russia on January 5th,1505. The
Herald reports that on March 12th, 1505 France declared war upon England
and both sides bring a number of allies into the fray, this is a large
war in the making. The clerics report that the Shite province of
Nuyssaybin has converted to Sunni, this is most agreeable since it was
the only Shite province in the empire, and this tolerance can now be
applyed to other religions, thereby preventing any additional rebellions.
Yes time for another cup of wine surely!!! LAMENTATIONS!!! Sinan has
died September 18th,1505. Ah what sad news, now only two leaders of any
quality remain. The campaign against Venice, to win quickly will now
require the Prince to take Cyprus and Crete, while the garrisons
near Venetian lands around Bosnia and so on would take Ragusa and Illyria
to force a quick peace. What alliances did the Venetians have the Sultan
wondered. Wonderful, the Venetians were allied to England, now completely
embroiled in war with the France and thier allies, now was the perfect
time to strike the Sultan reasoned. Orders were givin to form two invasion
fleets, one to strike Cyprus the other Crete. The Herald reports on
November 15, 1505 the Duke of Milan agrees to be annexed by France, Milan
was a English allie, now no more. The Herald reports that on January 1,
1506 Zygmund I Stary was crowned King of Poland. March 29th, 1506 both
invasion fleets make ready to embark the armys. May 18th, 1506 the
Sultan dispatches a war embassy which delivers it to the Doge. The
allies of Venice join the fray, however the Sultan quickly offers peace
to England and Hanse, only Hanse accepts, the Sultan further declines
to summon his allies. The campaign unfolds so, the Prince Ibrahim with
some 30,000 men and half the fleet is invading Cyprus, another 30,000
man army with the balance of the fleet attacks Crete, both Ragusa and
Illyeria are also invaded by two armys of 65,000 men. The Sultan awaits
events. The Herald reports the Papuacy makes peace with Naples and pays
172 Ducats to secure it. The invasion army lands in Crete and defeats
a 6000 man garrison army, the Prince also lands at Cyprus, and the armys
tasked to invade Ragusa and Illyeria both arrived, all are now ordered
to storm. Wonderous News!!! August 12, 1506 the Prince reports the capture
of Cyprus. He is ordered to reembark and make way for Corfu. Wonderous
News!!! August 18th, the army sent to conquer Crete reports sucess. It
is to await the fleet, embark, and make haste to the balkans. Wonderous
News!!! on September 12th,1506 Ragusa was conquered. The army sent there
now marches north to aid the other army in Illyeria. Again good news,
Illyeria fell before the reinforcements were needed. There appears no need
to reinforce the northern campaign at all. The Venetians have but 6,000
men in Isteria. Surely the combined remainants of the two northern armys
can finish the task and force peace. The northern army defeats the
Venetians at Isteria. The reason for feeble resistance is clear, Venice is
besieged by some 74,000 Frenchmen and allies. The Sultan gloats, he can
now dictate terms, but first Corfu must fall. ARGGG!!! November 17th
1506 the Venetians agree to peace with France, paying 250 Ducats
and ceeding Mantua. The campaign must be finished quickly the Sultan
muses, lest the Venetian fleet appears and makes the entire issue costly.
Dire News, November 20th 1506 the Venetians land 5,000 men at Egypt.
Fortunatly the Delta garrison is ready to engage them and are dispatched
to meet this foe. News from Dauod, the Venetian fleet finally appears
with some 120 sail Daoud retreats before its attack leaving the Corfu
invasion army on its own. Grave News!!! the small Venetian army in Egypt
defeats the Delta garrison. New recruits are bieng raised in the Delta.
Dread News!!! A army recruited in Corfu by the Venetians suceeds in
defeating the invasion army and completely distroys it, since with it
goes the Sultans hope of securing Corfu also in the peace settlement
he now sends the Embassy. Excellent news arrives, the Venetians agree
to ceed Cyprus and Crete for peace. The eastern Mediteranean is now a
Turkish lake. The only remaining thorn is the Knights of St. John.
The Sultan muses about a quick campaign to remove this thorn. The
Herald reports that Austria along with allies Hungary declares war
on Bohemie April 10th, 1507. The Sultan now resolves to conquer Rhodes.
The Knights have few and meaningless allies. Only Genoa may have the
ability to influence events with thier fleet. But the Knights will have
to survive a 30,000 man invasion army and the Prince, not to mention
the entire fleet of 58 galleys and 3 warships. The army begain embarking
at Lebanon. July 24th, 1507 the war embassy arrives at Rhodes and gives
the Sultans message to the Grand Master of the Knights. July 25th, the
invasion army under the Prince begins disembarking. Daoud and the fleet
stand ready to protect the invasion. The Herald reports that on August
29th, 1507 the Austrians offer peace to Bohemie with no conditions which
is accepted. The Sultan notes not one of the Knights allies have declared
thier support. So, alone they shall fall, however the Knights defended
the island most spiritedly, and the Prince after losing a third of his
army 10,000 odd men, barely suceeded in winning against the defenders
after a two week battle on the island. Now the fortifications are
invested and its fall is awaited. The Prince sends word, on November
20th his army breached the walls at Rhodes and carryed the sally to
the citadel, there some 1455 remaining defenders fought to a man. The
Island is conquered. Losses were extreme, the small siege train of
20 guns destroyed, and 15,000 men with the guns. On January 11th 1508
Rhodes is formally annexed into the empire and the Fleet of the Knights
some 14 galleys joins the empire, long live Bayezid II. The Herald
reports Polands declaration of war against Moldavia, and shortly there
after its annexation in Febuary 1508. Now the Sultan resolves to attack
Hungary and expand into Croatia and Serbia, perhaps more. Sweden forces
the Teutonic Knights to terms and gains two provinces, so the Herald
reports on April 13th, 1508. The Herald reports on July 3, 1508 England
ceeds Calais for peace with France. The Herald reports June 1509, Henry
VII accends the throne of England. October 11th,1509 the Sultans war
embassy arrives at the Hungarian Kings court and the war begins. Two
armys will attack Serbia and Croatia respectively. The invasion armys
numbers 30,000 men each. Austria enters the war on Hungarys side, and
engages the Croatian invasion army, the battle rages, in Serbia the
Prince unmollested begins to storm. Wonderous News!!! November 8th,
1509 the Prince reports Serbia fell, he now marches to Banat. Again
good news, the Croatian army suceeded in defeating the smaller Austrian
army and is besieging. News arrives, in Banat a 20,000 man Hungarian
army engages the Prince, and on the eighth of December is put to rout
after a one week battle. In Croatia another Austrian relief army of
6,000 men fight a spirited battle before bieng destroyed. They suceed
in inflicting some 4,000 casualitys. Yet another army raised in Croatia
by the Hungarian Crown takes the field and is destroyed in short order.
The siege continues. Grave News!!! On January 23rd, 1510 the Austrians
and Hungarians suceed in breaking the siege in Croatia. Good news finally
on Febuary 7th Banat falls. On March 1th the Prince suceeds in beating
a 20,000 man Hungarian army at Pest but is so reduced in strength, 17000
to 3,000 that he is forced to retreat to Banat. The reinforcements sent
to Croatia suceed in just barely defeating the combined Austrian
Hungarian army there, and catch the Austrian siege train in this battle
some 60 guns are lost. News arrives that a Hungarian army bypasses Banat
and attempts to retake Serbia, this army is defeated and the reinforcements
are sent to Banat. This army then is attacked and retreats back to
Serbia. A additional 20,000 man army from the Tracian reserve is thrown
into the fray and it suceeds in defeating this last Hungarian army. The
Herald reports on May 10th the Russians declare war on Kazan. Meanwhile
a reconstituted army led by the Prince now marches from Banat unopposed
to Pest, enroute Croatia finally falls. The Sultan deems the time right
to send a peace embassy. June 2nd, 1510 the Herald reports Spain declares
war on France, both Kingdoms have many allies, a huge war among the
infidel is in the making. Wonderous News!!! September 15th,1510 Pest
falls, the Hungarians themselves purpose peace and offer Serbia and
Croatia. The Sultan accepts and again the empire is at peace. This was
the toughest war to date the Sultan muses, the Hungarian and Austrians
either are well led or have weapons advantages from just how close the
battles went. Further they employed artillery and horse in fair numbers
while the Sultans armys were infantry heavy in the extreme. Now time
to consolidate and rebuild, reaching for a cup of wine the Sultan is
quite pleased with the end result. LAMENTATIONS!!! September 13th 1510
the Prince Ibrahim is dead, the Sultan is crushed, for there is now not
one leader of note in the empire except for Daoud and he is a admiral.
Ah muses the Sultan, he took Daoud for granted and what happens??? Daoud
is dead November 1510. Now there is truely no leaders of note in the
empire. Kazan agrees to peace and pays 143 Ducats along with one province
ceeded to Russia on March 30th, 1511. The herald reports that on July
14th 1511, Navarre, a French allie agrees to peace and annexation by
Spain. LAMENTATIONS...on January 1st, 1510 the Glorious reign of Bayezid II ends.
He died as he lived, cup in hand
his reign was marked by continual
warfare but the realm was also enlarged by 16 provinces. Almost doubling
the size of the empire, further the conquest of Armenia and the rich
islands of Crete and Cyprus saw the income of the realm go from 130
Ducats to 310 by the end of his rule. All the provinces were bailiffed
and a modest effort at fortifying the realm begun. The reign of Bayezid
was second only to Spain in its greatness(victory points-321,missions
off,Spain had 374). He will be well remembered by the Empire in the times to come.
Conclusions-The AI was able to keep me guessing, the fight with Venice
and Hungary/Austria the most suspenseful. With Venice I expected the
Venetian fleet to show up while the armys debarked and catch me with my
pants down, but I lucked out,the armys popping up in Egypt and in Corfu
caused me sufficent grief, especally the complete distruction of a 20000
man army at Corfu and the reappearance of the Venetian fleet forced me
to seek terms or be willing to spend considerable time and coin to beat
them. I had fully intended to attack them again after I mauled Hungary
and Austria, but Bayezid died as to the Austrians I examined the tech
levels and saw they had a considerable land warfare advantage in tech
they also homever employed some mixed armys of cannon and horse which
gave me my hardest fights, Ibrahims army was so reduced that in his last
battle at Pest I was forced to retreat him for fear of him getting wiped
out. And was only really sucessful in concluding the war with Croatias
fall, I had reached the danger level in reserves also. I had manitained
30 to 40000 men at all times in Thrace as a ace in the hole and half
this was commited to the fight in addition to another 140,000 men that
began the campaign. Had I not made the effort to build such a massive
force im sure I would have lost the war stay tuned, same bat channel
same bat time ;}
Reign of Bayezid II
The Sultan was in residence in the capitol of Istambul and ordered
his Pasha Sinan (4-2-3) to attend him for orders regarding the Sultans
proposed campaign against Persia. Having had enough of Persian
provocations and wishing the capture of various provinces which would
add greatly to the wealth of the nation the following campaign was
envisioned. Armenia, Azerbajan and Kurdistan were to be conquered and
annexed if Allah was with us, Sinan was to embark with 40,000 men and
be transported to Trabzon, Giray (3-1-1) with his 20,000 men was to hold his
position in Sivas until Sinan arrived in Trabzon. Once Sinan arrived
he was to attack Armenia and use his initative after it fell to secure
the remaining target provinces and force peace upon the Persians.
Sinan begins embarking and war is declared, 2 January 1492. The Sultan
also orders the assignment of 8 new Agas {bailiffs} in the richest
provinces as he is supremely confident of victory and only retains a
small portion of the treasury as a emergency fund. The Sultan orders
that inflation be kept as low as possible without losing coin from
the treasury and that traders be dispatched to Venice when able.
Grave News!!! from Trabzon, a Persian army of 24,000 men has besieged the
city and Sinan has not yet arrived, the citadel holds, Febuary 25.
More news arrives to the Sultans court, a small army of 6,000 men
recruited in Trabzon contests the Persian siege and is defeated, this
however buys Sinan more time and the Sultan smiles for the Persian
siege of Trabzon has been delayed. Giray with his 20,000 men in Sivas
is now ordered to invade Kurdistan. Word arrives that Sinan has finally
arrived at Trabzon and is engaging the Perisan army. Grave News!!!
Giray reports a Persian army of 52,000 men is spotted marching into
Kurdistan, he is ordered to stop his advance and hold position in Sivas
until Sinan can come to his aid. Wonderous News!!! Sinan was victorious
at Trabzon on March 24th, the Persian siege broken he and Giray now
attack Kurdistan hoping to catch the 52,000 man Persian army on the
march. The Herald Reports April 4th, the Sultan is informed Spain
annexes Granada. Grave News!!! The Persian main army arrives at Trabzon
before Giray and Sinan can reach Kurdistan and engages Sinan. A
huge battle now rages in the province, some 80,000 men on both sides.
The Persians now number 44,000 reduced by attrition, and Sinan some
33,000 men. Wonderous News April 24th, Giray has finally reached Kurdistan
and is ordered to storm the works in this province to secure it quickly.
Wonderous News!!! April 29th Sinan is victorious and defeats the Persian
main army at Trabzon, casualitys for the Persians was 20,000 Sinan loses
some 14,000 men. The Sultan orders Sinan to make haste for Armenia and
to persue the Persian army if it retreats to this province and crush it
if not to invest and storm the works in Armenia to secure it quickly.
Wonderous News!!! May 6th, Giray storms the last forts in Kurdistan
and is ordered to now march to Kars and invest the works in this
province, further he is not to storm but besiege and prevent additional
Persian reinforcements from interfering with Sinan and the destruction
of the remainder of the Persian main army which Sinan now persues into
Armenia. The Sultan thanks Allah again for keeping the christians from
attacking while the majority of his army in now in the east. Fortunatly
the Sultan declared war on Persia before she was able to secure any
allies. He is quite happy with events so far and orders the Palace Vizir
to bring him some new girls for his harem so he can celebrate.
Grave News May 15th!!! The Persians throw small armys at both Sinan
and Giray before they are able to reach thier objectives, thus buying
time for them. Wonderous News May 18th!!! Sinan easily defeats the
2,000 man Persian army and marches towards Armenia now finally in
persuit of the Persian main army retreating before him. Wonderous News
May 22nd!!! Giray suceeds in defeating the 9,000 man Persian army, he
is now ordered to storm the works in Kars before additional Persian
reinforcements arrive on the scene and begins marching there from
Kurdistan. Grave News June 15th!!!, Sinan reaches Armenia and engages
the Persian main army which he had persued from Trabzon. Giray reports
the arrival of his army at Kars, June 18th, and is ordered to storm.
6,000 men rasied as reinforcements are now dispatched from Sivas to Kars
to reinforce Giray, still no word from Sinan. Grave News!!! Sinan was
DEFEATED by the reminder of the Persian main army at Armenia, he retreats
to Trabzon and the reinforcements dispatched to Giray are now sent to
reinforce Sinan, a additional 6,000 men are raised at Trabzon to bolster
Sinan, though they will take some time to raise. The Sultans hopes for
a quick campaign are now smashed. Grave News, August 9th!!! The 9,000
horse that is all that remains of the Persian main army catches the 6,000
man reinforcements onroute from Kurdistan to Trabzon and causes casualitys
this army is ordered to retreat to Trabzon before it is destroyed. It
appears the Persian Pasha is now exacting a worthy price for his earlier
defeat at Sinans hands. Wonderous News, August 13th!!! Giray finally
suceeds in storming the remaining works in Kars, a new threat appears
however. Giray reports a new Persian army of 10,000 men marches towards
him from Tabriz, he is ordered to hold his position and prevent reinforcements
from arriving to aid the persian main army, now besieging Kurdistan. A
Persian embassy arrives and offers Kars and Kurdistan, the Sultan refuses,
his eyes are fixed on Armenia and its gold mines. Sinan sends word he
has finally regrouped and with 12,000 men now marches to conquer Armenia.
The Persian main army, now numbering only some 7000 horse lifts its
siege of Kurdistan and marches towards Kars, apparently intent on joining
forces with the other army Giray reported. This is grave news indeed.
If Giray can defeat each in detail the plan will suceed, if not the war
will cost much more in men and gold to win, this was not the Sultans
vision of the campaign. He curses a infidel named 'Murphy'. Wonderous
News, September 23rd!!! Girays asessment was correct, the two Persian
armys combined to attack him in Kars, and were defeated, though giray
now only has 6,000 men left. If we are to win Sinan must quickly take Armenia and
Azerbajan. The Sultan bites his nails anxiously. Sinan arrives at Armenia
on September 29th and begins to storm the fortresses. Wonderous News,
October 29th!!! Sinan reports the fall of the last forts in Armenia. He
further reports the Persians have raised some reinforcements in Azerbajan
and are on the march. Sinan is ordered to now conquer Azerbajan.
Wonderous News, October 24th!!! Sinan reaches Azerbajan, and defeats
the pitious remainder of the Persian army, now only 6,000 men, it retreats
towards Kurdistan. Sinan is ordered to storm the works at Azerbajan, for
the Sultan senses the war can now be won. The Herald reports that England
has declared war upon Scotland, and Milan and Naples come to the aid of
the English. The Sultan smiles and hopes more infidels fight each other.
Grave News, December 2nd!!! The Kurds revolt, and the Sultan orders the
religious tolerances adjusted by a new royal edict. The clerics hasten
to obey his will. fortunatly the retreating Persian army happened to arrive
at Kurdistan just as the rebels massed, and now fight one another. Giray
has been dispatched from Kars to Kurdistan to quell the rebellion. Sinan
still invests the works in Azerbajan. Wonderous News, December 27th!!!
Sinan finally takes the last forts in Azberjan, Giray has all but defeated
the rebels in Kurdistan and the Sultan deems the time right to send
a peace embassy to the Persian Kings court. Wonderous News, January 7th
1493!!! The Persian King ceeds Armenia and Kurdistan for peace. Sinan
is ordered to Thrace enbarking on ships from Trabzon, Giray is to secure
the eastern frontier. Both leaders are givin large fiefs as rewards and
are allowed to hang another horse tail from thier standards. The Sultan
now resolves to secure his borders by building forts, emplacing new Agas
(bailiffs) in the newly conquered provinces, and rebuilding the army.
The Hedschas send a marriage offer which the Sultan accepts wishing
to foster good relations with those of the True Faith, 27 January.
The Sultan orders that a allaince of embassy be sent Cyrenaica, which
accepts the Ottoman offer. The Sultan eyes his map and dreams of annexing
the Mamlukes, thereby controlling the eastern mediterranean. Of course
the Venetian islands of Crete and Cyprus will have to be taken to insure
this, but that would have to wait. A embassy from Tripoli offers a royal
marriage, the Sultan accepts, April 12th. The Herald reports that Russia
declares war against Kazan and that Denmark joins Russia, July 13th.
The Herald reports Kazan accepts peace by paying 43 Ducats, November 25th.
March 8, 1494 the Sultan dispatches a alliance embassy to Nubia which
they accept. The Sultan grins and thinks of the Mamlukes surrounded
by his allies. When war came they would be fighting on every front.
The herald reports that Austria declares war on Bohemie, August 30th,
1494. The war between Scotland and England along with its allies continues
unabated, and appears to be stalemated. The Herald reports that England
accepts peace with Scotland and ceeds the Marches, Febuary 14th, 1495.
The Sultan dispatches a Alliance embassy to Georgia, she accepts and
joins the Ottoman alliance on March 17th. The Sultan is disappointed
however to discover that the Hedschas have allied with the Mamelukes,
he had hoped to join them to his alliance also. The Herald reports that
Persia declares war on Iraq, April 17th. The Herald again reports, Iraq
is now assailed by the Mamlukes and thier allies the Hedschas. It now
appears poor Iraq is doomed. The Sultan dispatches a Alliance embassy to
Tripoli, she accepts on April 25,1496. The Herald reports Persia accepts
peace with Iraq with a return to peacetime borders, October 18th. A
marriage embassy arrives from Cyrenaica which the Sultan accepts, November
20th, 1496. The Herald reports that Hedschas have accepted peace and a
return to peacetime borders with Iraq. The Sultan admires the stout
fight that Iraq has givin her enemys, Bravo. The Sultan dispatches a
Alliance embassy March 27th, 1497 to Tunis, this offer is declined by
the Sultan of Tunis. The Herald reports that Hanse has declared war on
Brandenburg. And that England and its allies Milan and Naples have also
joined Hanse against Brandenburg, May 30th, 1497. The war between
Austria and Bohemie still rages. The herald reports that Denmark ends
its vassalization of Sweden, and then with its allie Russia declares war
November 27th, 1497. The herald reports that Louis XII has accended the
throne of France on April 9th, 1498. And that our embassy suceeded in
raising our relations. The Herald also reports that Sweden accepts
peace with Denmark and pays 7 Ducats along with ceeding Bergslagen.
The Sultan offers a royal marriage with Algiers, which accepts on
August 16th, 1498. The Herald reports Bohemie accepts peace with Austria
November 26th, 1498 and Austria ceeds Presburg to gain this peace.
The herald reports that the Golden Horde declares war on Astrakhan on
Febuary 3, 1499. The Sultan continues to place Agas(Bailiffs) rebuild
the army, and send merchants to the various trading centers of import.
The Herald reports that Oman declares war on Aden, June 22, 1499.
The Herald reports the Golden Horde accepts peace with Astrakhan, which
pays 98 Ducats and ceeds two provinces, August 30th, 1499. The Sultan
dispatches marriage embassys to Oman and Astrakhan, both of which accept
January 20th, 1500. the Herald reports that Brandenburg accepts peace
with Hanse and pays 246 Ducats along with ceeding Magdeburg, June 19th
1500. The herald reports that Denmark declared war on Sweden, the
Russians allied to Denmark also join, and the allies of Sweden also
enter the fray. France, Navarre, Savoy and Switzerland declare on the
side of Sweden, September 29th, the Sultan gloats, this is a massive war
among the Infidel. Perhaps now is the time to strike the Mamlukes he muses.
But the plan to rebuild the army is still one year away from its end.
The Mamlukes would have to wait a bit longer he decided.
The Herald reports that a new King has accended the Polish Lithunain
throne, Alaksander Jagiellonczyk is crowned on January 1st, 1501.
finally the Sultan summoned his Pashas. New men had risen to leadership
one was a admiral, Daoud(4-2-2) along with the Prince Ibrahim(3-2-3).
This gave the Sultan three able leaders to use in his attempt to conquer
and annex the Mamlukes. His plan was givin to the Pashas, and it was
ordered thus, the fleet was to be devided between Daoud and Karim, Daoud
was to embark Sinan and make way to the coast of Alexandra, the Prince
was to embark and make way to Adana, and the to Sivas to take command
of the 30,000 men awaiting him there. Both Sinan and the Prince were
then to attack Alexandra and Aleppo respectively. The fleet would blockade
the Mameluke ports and destroy any enemy fleets in the area. The Sultan
thus commanded his will, and the Pashas marched off to make it come to
pass.
June 30th, 1501 the Sultans embassy arrives before the Mamluke
Sultan and declares war, the Mamluke allie Hedschas joins the war against
the Ottomans. The Sultan now sends embassys to all his allies summoning
them to his aid. Of these Tripoli, Cyrenecia, and Georgia join, while
Nubia does not, what treachery muses the Sultan, but no matter the armys
march and news is awaited. Grave News!!! Daoud reports the fleet is attacked
while disembarking Sinan at Alexandria, the issue is in doubt. Ibrahim
sends word he has arrived at Aleppo and is ordered to storm the works on
July 16th 1501. Shortly thereafter Girays small army reports his arrival
at Nuysayybin and is also ordered to storm, no Mamluke armys garrison
these border provinces. On July 30th Sinan finally debarks and sends
word he is besieging Alexandria, he is also ordered to storm. Meanwhile
Daoud asks the other half of the fleet make haste and join him in the
sea battle still raging off the coast of Alexandria. Fortunatly a fleet
from Cyrenaica has joined the fray also and the Mamlukes have lost
four warships to a single galley, but the issue is still in doubt.
Wonderous News!!! August 9th, 1501 Sinan reports Alexandria captured.
He dispatches a small 2,000 man army to Cateract to secure this wasteland
and marches for the Delta where the Mamlukes are even now raising a
army. The Herald reports that Spain has declared war on the Aztecs,
August 15th, 1501. Wonderous News!!! The Prince reports the capture
of Aleppo, he is now marching to secure Lebanon, meanwhile the Mamlukes
send a peace embassy which is rejected. Wonderous News!!! August 19th,
1501, Daoud sends word the Mamluke fleet was completely distroyed, 14
warships lost to one galley. The Sultan smiled and ordered another
cup of wine. Of course at one point the Sultan and his allie had 50
masts against the reduced 10 masts of the enemy, surely only a most
brillant admiral could have suceeded against such odds, and the Mamlukes
appeared sorely lacking. Both fleets are ordered to port as they are
nearing thier limits having wasted some weeks embarking troops in Thrace
and traveling a considerable distance, to prevent attrition they would
have to return to port. The small 2,000 man army has reached Cataract
and secured the few rude settlements that were to be found then it marched
to the Nile on September 15,1501. The Prince also secures Lebanon and
marches for Syria. Wonderous News!!! The army sent to Nuyssaybin has
secured this province and also is ordered to march to Syria. The
Prince reports his arrival at Syria and that a army from Hedschas
numbering some 5,000 men was engaged and distroyed as they marched into
the province. The smaller army marching under Giray also has joined the
siege in Syria. October 14,1501 Sinan sends word he has reached the Delta
and has engaged and distroyed a 9,000 man army awaiting him there. He
also begs that reinforcements be sent in all due haste as a 31,000 man
army massed by the enemy is marching towards the Delta from Egypt and
he has but 17,000 men left. Grave News!!! The herald reports a political
crisis which reduced the realms stability by three, NOT NOW!!! Laments
the Sultan, he again curses Murphy. Wonderous News!!! November 12th,1501
the Prince reports the capture of Syria and begins the march to Judea.
Wonderous News!!! December 10th,1501 the Prince reports his arrival to
Judea and that he has crushed a small 3,000 man army there. He is ordered
to storm the works in Judea. Meanwhile Sinan reports the 31,000 man
enemy army has split up with 19,000 men marching to Alexandria. Wonderous
News!!! December 27th, 1501 the Prince reports the capture of Judea and
marches to Samaria, meanwhile the Hedschas allie of the Mameluks fight
a battle against the Sultans allie Cyrenica which still rages in Eygpt.
The Sultan orders Sinan to storm in the Delta as the threat of the big
enemy army seems to have disapated. Sinan reports the enemy has again
combined in Egypt and crushed the Cyrenican army, and now appears to march
towards the Delta, his effort to storm has been called off, and the
small army currently in the Nile is ordered to Egypt, this army will attempt
to engage the large enemy army and buy Sinan time as his armys morale
is very poor as a result of the storm attempts in the Delta. The Prince
sends word he has arrived at Samaria and is ordered to march across the
Sinai and make haste to aid Sinan. Grave News!!! Febuary 4th, 1502 the
Prince reports that 20,000 men of the enemy main army have marched north
and are now battling him in Sinai. Meanwhile the small army of 2,000 men
sent to Egypt from the Nile are fighting the remaining 10,000 men from
the enemy main army. Wonderous News!!! Febuary 13th, 1502 the Prince
reports the complete distruction of the Mameluk army in the Sinai and
now marches to Egypt. The small 2,000 man army sent to Egypt is however
crushed and wiped out to a man. There remains but 10,000 enemy against
some 38,000 men in two combined armys. The Sultan had another cup of wine
surely he was close to complete victory. Grave News!!! The Prince
reports his arrival in Egypt with but 17,000 men, the desert has taken
its toll in attrition. He is now engaging the 11,000 man enemy army that
remains, Sinan again is ordered to storm the Delta. Wonderous News!!!
April 4th, 1502 the Prince sends word the enemy army is destroyed and
that he now besieges the works in Egypt, he is ordered to storm. The
Sultan notes his Georgian allies are attempting to storm Samaria which
the Prince had bypassed to come to Sinans aid. Grave News!!! The Prince
reports a new enemy army recruited in Egypt has attacked while he was
attempting to storm the works in Egypt, May 7th,1502. The Prince sends
word that the enemy army is crushed in battle, and he is again attempting
to storm the works in Egypt and that he awaits Sinans arrival. The Herald
reports on May 11th, 1502 that Russia agrees to pay Sweden 218 Ducats
for peace. Wonderous News!!! June 13th the last forts in Egypt fall and
the Sultan offers annexation to the Mameluk Sultan, whom with bowed head
accepts, he is placed in a guilded cage and shipped to Istambul to
entertain the Sultan. The Mameluk allie Hedschas fought valiantly beside
thier allie, unlike the betrayal of Nubia, so the Sultan agreed to a
white peace offer by this foe. Again the realm was at peace. And now
it was time to consolidate the conquests of these past two years. The
Georgian allies of the Sultans managed quite nicely and maintained control
of Samaria, this was not altogether pleasing to the Sultan because if
cut Egypt and the surrounding provinces off from the rest of the Empire.
But the Sultan valued this allaince even if it was a Infidel kingdom.
The Herlad reports November 9th 1502 that Denmark agrees to peace with
Sweden and will pay 25 Ducats and ceed Bergslagen to secure it. Grave
News!!! Lebanon has revolted, and a small 5,000 man army was crushed
by the rebels attempting to regain this province. The Prince has embarked
at the Delta and makes way to Adana, there he will gather the men
now bieng recruited in Aleppo to supress the rebellion. The clerics
have again been commanded to adjust thier religious tolerance. The Sultan
sends a allaince embassy to Henschas and she agrees to join the Sultans
other allies, Nubia meanwhile rejects the allaince offer, the Sultan
is very displeased with the Nubians, first thier betrayal in the war
against the Mameluks, now thier refusal to join as allies. Perhaps they
should be conquered also muses the Sultan, but the Venetian Islands
pose a more pressing problem, they are ready bases in the heart of his
empire, and with most provinces largely unfortified presented a grave
threat in the event of a war. So now time to consolidate, reinforce the
army and make preparations for a war against Venice. But that would for
the time bieng have to wait, meanwhile three new Agas(bailiffs) were
installed to govern in old Mameluk lands. The Sultan also noted the
Venetians graciously built a brewery in Cyprus, making the prize even
more desirable. Wonderous News!!! March 17th, 1503 the Prince defeats
the rebels in Lebanon and secures the province which has NO
fortifications. Something that the Sultan will soon have to rectify.
The Herald reports that Poland has declared war on Kurland, and that Spain
and a few minor spanish allies have also joined the war on Polands side.
Surely poor Kurland is lost the Sultan muses. The Herald reports on
October 16th, 1503 Kurland agrees to be annexed by Poland. January 9th
1504 the Sultan orders the emplacement of four new Agas in captured
Mamekul lands, leaving but one province in all the empire unbailiffed.
The Herald reports that on August 28th, 1504 the Russians declare war
on Kazan, Denmark quickly declares on Russias side. Meanwhile Bulgaria
revolts and the rebels are now battling the garrisoning army. The local
garrison commander reports the distruction of the rebel army and the
recapture of Bulgaria, on October 27th. The herald reports that on January
1st, 1505, Vasilli III is crowned King of Russia. The Sultan emplaces
one last Aga, thereby bailiffing all empire provinces, and uses the
balance of the treasury to recruit more men for the army. The poor fleet
is just that, the Sultan has yet to allow the building of more ships, and
dislikes the thought of what it will cost to build a decent fleet of
warships. The 59 galleys, 3 warships, and 3 transports will have to do.
The Sultan did gain command of five warships when the Mameluks were annexed
but they are trapped in the red sea port with no way to navigate since
the Ottomans have no explorers. Perhaps disbanding would be better then
to maintain a fleet that cannot sail. The Sultan decides to keep these
ships, who knows maybe one day maps and a explorer will allow access
to the red sea but for now they rot at thier moorings. The Herald reports
Kazan accepts a white peace with Russia on January 5th,1505. The
Herald reports that on March 12th, 1505 France declared war upon England
and both sides bring a number of allies into the fray, this is a large
war in the making. The clerics report that the Shite province of
Nuyssaybin has converted to Sunni, this is most agreeable since it was
the only Shite province in the empire, and this tolerance can now be
applyed to other religions, thereby preventing any additional rebellions.
Yes time for another cup of wine surely!!! LAMENTATIONS!!! Sinan has
died September 18th,1505. Ah what sad news, now only two leaders of any
quality remain. The campaign against Venice, to win quickly will now
require the Prince to take Cyprus and Crete, while the garrisons
near Venetian lands around Bosnia and so on would take Ragusa and Illyria
to force a quick peace. What alliances did the Venetians have the Sultan
wondered. Wonderful, the Venetians were allied to England, now completely
embroiled in war with the France and thier allies, now was the perfect
time to strike the Sultan reasoned. Orders were givin to form two invasion
fleets, one to strike Cyprus the other Crete. The Herald reports on
November 15, 1505 the Duke of Milan agrees to be annexed by France, Milan
was a English allie, now no more. The Herald reports that on January 1,
1506 Zygmund I Stary was crowned King of Poland. March 29th, 1506 both
invasion fleets make ready to embark the armys. May 18th, 1506 the
Sultan dispatches a war embassy which delivers it to the Doge. The
allies of Venice join the fray, however the Sultan quickly offers peace
to England and Hanse, only Hanse accepts, the Sultan further declines
to summon his allies. The campaign unfolds so, the Prince Ibrahim with
some 30,000 men and half the fleet is invading Cyprus, another 30,000
man army with the balance of the fleet attacks Crete, both Ragusa and
Illyeria are also invaded by two armys of 65,000 men. The Sultan awaits
events. The Herald reports the Papuacy makes peace with Naples and pays
172 Ducats to secure it. The invasion army lands in Crete and defeats
a 6000 man garrison army, the Prince also lands at Cyprus, and the armys
tasked to invade Ragusa and Illyeria both arrived, all are now ordered
to storm. Wonderous News!!! August 12, 1506 the Prince reports the capture
of Cyprus. He is ordered to reembark and make way for Corfu. Wonderous
News!!! August 18th, the army sent to conquer Crete reports sucess. It
is to await the fleet, embark, and make haste to the balkans. Wonderous
News!!! on September 12th,1506 Ragusa was conquered. The army sent there
now marches north to aid the other army in Illyeria. Again good news,
Illyeria fell before the reinforcements were needed. There appears no need
to reinforce the northern campaign at all. The Venetians have but 6,000
men in Isteria. Surely the combined remainants of the two northern armys
can finish the task and force peace. The northern army defeats the
Venetians at Isteria. The reason for feeble resistance is clear, Venice is
besieged by some 74,000 Frenchmen and allies. The Sultan gloats, he can
now dictate terms, but first Corfu must fall. ARGGG!!! November 17th
1506 the Venetians agree to peace with France, paying 250 Ducats
and ceeding Mantua. The campaign must be finished quickly the Sultan
muses, lest the Venetian fleet appears and makes the entire issue costly.
Dire News, November 20th 1506 the Venetians land 5,000 men at Egypt.
Fortunatly the Delta garrison is ready to engage them and are dispatched
to meet this foe. News from Dauod, the Venetian fleet finally appears
with some 120 sail Daoud retreats before its attack leaving the Corfu
invasion army on its own. Grave News!!! the small Venetian army in Egypt
defeats the Delta garrison. New recruits are bieng raised in the Delta.
Dread News!!! A army recruited in Corfu by the Venetians suceeds in
defeating the invasion army and completely distroys it, since with it
goes the Sultans hope of securing Corfu also in the peace settlement
he now sends the Embassy. Excellent news arrives, the Venetians agree
to ceed Cyprus and Crete for peace. The eastern Mediteranean is now a
Turkish lake. The only remaining thorn is the Knights of St. John.
The Sultan muses about a quick campaign to remove this thorn. The
Herald reports that Austria along with allies Hungary declares war
on Bohemie April 10th, 1507. The Sultan now resolves to conquer Rhodes.
The Knights have few and meaningless allies. Only Genoa may have the
ability to influence events with thier fleet. But the Knights will have
to survive a 30,000 man invasion army and the Prince, not to mention
the entire fleet of 58 galleys and 3 warships. The army begain embarking
at Lebanon. July 24th, 1507 the war embassy arrives at Rhodes and gives
the Sultans message to the Grand Master of the Knights. July 25th, the
invasion army under the Prince begins disembarking. Daoud and the fleet
stand ready to protect the invasion. The Herald reports that on August
29th, 1507 the Austrians offer peace to Bohemie with no conditions which
is accepted. The Sultan notes not one of the Knights allies have declared
thier support. So, alone they shall fall, however the Knights defended
the island most spiritedly, and the Prince after losing a third of his
army 10,000 odd men, barely suceeded in winning against the defenders
after a two week battle on the island. Now the fortifications are
invested and its fall is awaited. The Prince sends word, on November
20th his army breached the walls at Rhodes and carryed the sally to
the citadel, there some 1455 remaining defenders fought to a man. The
Island is conquered. Losses were extreme, the small siege train of
20 guns destroyed, and 15,000 men with the guns. On January 11th 1508
Rhodes is formally annexed into the empire and the Fleet of the Knights
some 14 galleys joins the empire, long live Bayezid II. The Herald
reports Polands declaration of war against Moldavia, and shortly there
after its annexation in Febuary 1508. Now the Sultan resolves to attack
Hungary and expand into Croatia and Serbia, perhaps more. Sweden forces
the Teutonic Knights to terms and gains two provinces, so the Herald
reports on April 13th, 1508. The Herald reports on July 3, 1508 England
ceeds Calais for peace with France. The Herald reports June 1509, Henry
VII accends the throne of England. October 11th,1509 the Sultans war
embassy arrives at the Hungarian Kings court and the war begins. Two
armys will attack Serbia and Croatia respectively. The invasion armys
numbers 30,000 men each. Austria enters the war on Hungarys side, and
engages the Croatian invasion army, the battle rages, in Serbia the
Prince unmollested begins to storm. Wonderous News!!! November 8th,
1509 the Prince reports Serbia fell, he now marches to Banat. Again
good news, the Croatian army suceeded in defeating the smaller Austrian
army and is besieging. News arrives, in Banat a 20,000 man Hungarian
army engages the Prince, and on the eighth of December is put to rout
after a one week battle. In Croatia another Austrian relief army of
6,000 men fight a spirited battle before bieng destroyed. They suceed
in inflicting some 4,000 casualitys. Yet another army raised in Croatia
by the Hungarian Crown takes the field and is destroyed in short order.
The siege continues. Grave News!!! On January 23rd, 1510 the Austrians
and Hungarians suceed in breaking the siege in Croatia. Good news finally
on Febuary 7th Banat falls. On March 1th the Prince suceeds in beating
a 20,000 man Hungarian army at Pest but is so reduced in strength, 17000
to 3,000 that he is forced to retreat to Banat. The reinforcements sent
to Croatia suceed in just barely defeating the combined Austrian
Hungarian army there, and catch the Austrian siege train in this battle
some 60 guns are lost. News arrives that a Hungarian army bypasses Banat
and attempts to retake Serbia, this army is defeated and the reinforcements
are sent to Banat. This army then is attacked and retreats back to
Serbia. A additional 20,000 man army from the Tracian reserve is thrown
into the fray and it suceeds in defeating this last Hungarian army. The
Herald reports on May 10th the Russians declare war on Kazan. Meanwhile
a reconstituted army led by the Prince now marches from Banat unopposed
to Pest, enroute Croatia finally falls. The Sultan deems the time right
to send a peace embassy. June 2nd, 1510 the Herald reports Spain declares
war on France, both Kingdoms have many allies, a huge war among the
infidel is in the making. Wonderous News!!! September 15th,1510 Pest
falls, the Hungarians themselves purpose peace and offer Serbia and
Croatia. The Sultan accepts and again the empire is at peace. This was
the toughest war to date the Sultan muses, the Hungarian and Austrians
either are well led or have weapons advantages from just how close the
battles went. Further they employed artillery and horse in fair numbers
while the Sultans armys were infantry heavy in the extreme. Now time
to consolidate and rebuild, reaching for a cup of wine the Sultan is
quite pleased with the end result. LAMENTATIONS!!! September 13th 1510
the Prince Ibrahim is dead, the Sultan is crushed, for there is now not
one leader of note in the empire except for Daoud and he is a admiral.
Ah muses the Sultan, he took Daoud for granted and what happens??? Daoud
is dead November 1510. Now there is truely no leaders of note in the
empire. Kazan agrees to peace and pays 143 Ducats along with one province
ceeded to Russia on March 30th, 1511. The herald reports that on July
14th 1511, Navarre, a French allie agrees to peace and annexation by
Spain. LAMENTATIONS...on January 1st, 1510 the Glorious reign of Bayezid II ends.
He died as he lived, cup in hand
his reign was marked by continualwarfare but the realm was also enlarged by 16 provinces. Almost doubling
the size of the empire, further the conquest of Armenia and the rich
islands of Crete and Cyprus saw the income of the realm go from 130
Ducats to 310 by the end of his rule. All the provinces were bailiffed
and a modest effort at fortifying the realm begun. The reign of Bayezid
was second only to Spain in its greatness(victory points-321,missions
off,Spain had 374). He will be well remembered by the Empire in the times to come.
Conclusions-The AI was able to keep me guessing, the fight with Venice
and Hungary/Austria the most suspenseful. With Venice I expected the
Venetian fleet to show up while the armys debarked and catch me with my
pants down, but I lucked out,the armys popping up in Egypt and in Corfu
caused me sufficent grief, especally the complete distruction of a 20000
man army at Corfu and the reappearance of the Venetian fleet forced me
to seek terms or be willing to spend considerable time and coin to beat
them. I had fully intended to attack them again after I mauled Hungary
and Austria, but Bayezid died
as to the Austrians I examined the techlevels and saw they had a considerable land warfare advantage in tech
they also homever employed some mixed armys of cannon and horse which
gave me my hardest fights, Ibrahims army was so reduced that in his last
battle at Pest I was forced to retreat him for fear of him getting wiped
out. And was only really sucessful in concluding the war with Croatias
fall, I had reached the danger level in reserves also. I had manitained
30 to 40000 men at all times in Thrace as a ace in the hole and half
this was commited to the fight in addition to another 140,000 men that
began the campaign. Had I not made the effort to build such a massive
force im sure I would have lost the war
stay tuned, same bat channelsame bat time ;}
