Chapter 23: The Burgundy War: Resistance is Futile
The declaration of war had been given to the Burgundian king. Immediately, Papal troops that had amassed along the borders moved into Burgundian territory.
According to the Leo X Doctrine, battles would only be fought with superiority in at least three of the four battle-winning factors: numbers, technology, officers and terrain. Papal officers were battle-hardened veterans of the various Papal-French wars and had additional experience in fighting muslim and pagan armies. The Pope was confident his officers would at least be on par with the lucky Burgundian corps. Papal troops had a disadvantage in numbers, but only on paper. The Burgundian king had more regiments, but these were only at half-strength, depleted from the constant wars. Additionally, the Papal Army had far more cavalry regiments than the Burgundian king could even dream of. With the upgrading of the cavalry units to Latin Caracolle standard, the cavalry units were far superior to the Burgundian counterparts. Additionally, morale was high from being able to fight for the Pope. Terrain was the only critical aspect of this war. All troop movements had to go via the south of Burgundy, multiple attacks were not possible. Naval movement to the rich Dutch provinces needed time and an attrition-prone Atlantic passage. But once the ships were on the Dutch coast, military access with Great Britain meant that friendly harbours were present. Once the Papal troops had secured the southern (French) part of Burgundy, they were free to roam the rich provinces. Rich provinces also meant little attrition. Three and a half of the four aspects of war were satisfied and the war went well.
After winning the battle of Bourgogne, the armies were spread to follow the survivors and secure the southern holdings. Burgundian armies on Papal soil were located and a 2-to-1 cavalry detachment was sent to drive the Burgundians off.
You lose some battles...
And you win some battles. Devastatingly so!
Our teleporting conquistador Ovidio Chiogga was sent to drive the Burgundian king Charles III and his army off Papal land. Even though Charles III has nine regiments more than Chiogga, we have a numerical advantage.
Chiogga loses that battle, that's what happens if you let conquistadors do a general's job! He inflicted very high casualties, though. If we "lose" 3 or 4 more of battle like this one, we've won the war!
Sea battles are not noteworthy. Burgundy has only a few single-ship flotillas in the Mediterranean to blockade our ports. Our home fleets crushes them easily, even without admirals.
A new general is promoted from the prestigious Latsina family. He is the cream of the new Papal officer stock!
And he is sent immediately to fight the Burgundian king in Dauphiné. The last remaining foreign army on Papal soil.
Will Latsina win? His morale is rather low -- the troops do not trust him yet. Find out tomorrow, in the next update!