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Valencia Orange

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Valencia, 07 April 1507​

I​

Alasia, the Duchess of Savoy: ‘Ok, so, as for the peace treaty with Aragon, I take it we’re in agreement on Valencia? We have Her Most Catholic Majesty, your mother’s acceptance.’
Isabela, the Princess and Heiress-Presumptive of Castile and Leon: ‘Er, well, just a minute, wouldn’t it be a good idea to talk the conditions of the continuation of our alliance before we go any further?’
Alasia: ‘Yes, of course. But in principle you’ll have to accept the city and its surroundings belong to the House of Savoy, right?’
Isabela: ‘Er, well, in principle, yes, Valencia is under Savoyard occupation…’
Alasia: ‘Whatever you call it, that’s settled than.’
Isabela: ‘…But, look, getting back to the alliance issue, so far it has served both of our Houses well, and I take you’re willing to prolong it?’
Alasia: ‘It served splendidly, why don’t we prolong it on the same terms? Shall we settle it then and move on?’
Isabela: ‘But, look, getting back to the alliance terms. The question of Valencia actually has a lot to do with that. And I’m afraid we are not thrilled at all at the prospect of the region going to you. As mediators in these peace talks we urge you to concede and settle for Catalonia. Valencia has been in our sphere of interest since the advent of reconquista, that’s why I believe you should cross it out from your list of demands.’
Alasia: ‘I can see your point of view, but… Never.’
Isabela: ‘But aren’t the drafted peace terms generous enough?’
Alasia: ‘And what did you or, for the matter, your mother, Queen Juana I, do to exert her pressure to control the region? Nothing. Save, two-facedly, marrying into the Aragonese Royal House and raising their false hopes. While we’ve been maintaining peace and order there for over a decade.’
Isabela: ‘Having started the war and brought famine and poverty there first. Listen, there seems to have been a slight misunderstanding. What made you think that the Crown of Castile and Leon would accept slipping Kingdom of Valencia out of its grasp into the greedy hands of your House, which, this can’t be emphasised strong enough, has no legal or historical rights to the title.’
Alasia: ‘What! Don’t you start on that! You wouldn’t like to dwell on the issue of legitimacy, would you? As with your mother’s aunt and your namesake…’
Isabela: ‘Don’t you dare!’
Alasia: ‘Calm down. Our claims to Valencia and Majorca, unlike yours, are justified and date back to Isabela, Queen of Majorca and even further to James II.’
Isabela: ‘You may have some vague and uncertain claims to Majorca, true. But the claim to Valencia is all but falsified!’
Alasia: ‘Oh! But remember it wasn’t Savoy, it was Aragon that started the war. Valencia has never been under your control and effectively the city voluntarily…’
Isabela: ‘Voluntarily?!’
Alasia: ‘Yes. Voluntarily pledged to the House of Savoy years ago. Your Highness, I’m sure we’ll find some middle ground. Aren’t we allies after all?’
Isabela: ‘For now, yes. But, you also dare to insist on your claim to the Kingdom of Majorca. This is both ridiculous and unacceptable!’
Alasia: ‘Is this meant to be some kind of joke or something? These very claims made my ancestors persevere with this war for so many years. By the time we’ve finally been recognised as rightful Princes of Catalonia, you realise, we could have settled for Sardinia and Navarre many a time. It’s the Aragonese Crown’s stubbornness, and it’s the Peoples’ of Aragon free choice, and it’s the bucketloads of blood spilt over the area which entitle the House of Savoy to the lands and title of Valencia. What am I supposed to tell my people who spent years fighting for and holding onto these lands? What am I supposed to tell the Valencians who welcomed our rule hoping for peace?’
Isabela: ‘You’ve gone too far now. With all due respect, my dear Duchess, Castile and Leon are ancient kingdoms with God-given rights to free the peninsula from infidels and your House, of obscure origin and dubious claims, depends on the Emperor’s whims and, there’s no denying, you and your husband are just greedy for a kingship. Hoping such title will legitimise your questionable, shaky reign. Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes. We’ve seen through your game!’
Alasia: ‘Your Highness, to be honest, there’s no way we’ll give back our hard-fought gains. I’m afraid there really is no compromise here. It was Savoyard and not Castilian blood, first sacrificed in defence of Navarre’s and Sardinia’s freedom, than spilt to secure peace and order in the lands of Aragon. It was our and not your House, Foralists turned to for help and offered the crown of the Prince of Catalonia. You haven’t even lifted a finger. And now you demand the spoils?’
Isabela: ‘Do you really want to jeopardise our alliance?’
Alasia: ‘I’m afraid there’s no compromise about Valencia.’

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National pride (which is not working: no +1 prestige boost)


Valencia, 09 April 1507​

II​

Louise, the Countess of Angoulême: ‘Let’s try again, shall we?’
Isabela: ‘OK, I tell you what. We’ll prolong our alliance treaty with Savoy. And I’ll accept your punishingly hard terms you want to impose on Sanç II. If you ease up on Valencia, we can agree on you incorporating the whole Catalonia, up north to the Pyrenees and we’ll throw in Roussillon too. Now, with recognising your grandmother’s Sardinian claims, dear Duchess Alasia… by the way how is she? I hope the fresh air and tranquillity on her cloister garth walks serve her well. But getting back to what I was saying, so we are ready to recognise your grandmother’s claim to Sardinia as well. I can’t say fairer than that, now can I? Of course, that’s only if you relinquish your claims to Valencia and return the province to Aragon.
Alasia: Well, we appreciate your commitment and your efforts, Princess Isabela, but to be honest with you, what we’d really like to see on your part is admitting the facts. Valencia is ours. With or without your blessing. However, we are ready to renew our alliance and help you fight the infidels and conclude the reconquista.’
Isabela: ‘Oh, come on! You’ll have to do a lot better than that, Duchess Alasia. Savoy is not the only, hmm… medium-power around we might be willing to ally.’
Louise: ‘Hold on, Your Highness. Let’s go over your issues slowly once again.’
Alasia: ‘Frankly, I think we’re wasting each other’s time here.’
Louise: ‘Now, wait a minute, wait a minute. Isabela, my dear Princess, Alasia, my beloved sister-in-law; surely, we can sort something out here. I’m sure you two can meet somehow halfway.’
Isabela: ‘How do you mean?’
Louise: ‘May I call a short time-out? Look. Can you see these, nomen omen, Valencia oranges? Ripe, juicy and sweet. Take one. Supposing, both of you want it, what would be the best way to divide it?’
Isabela: ‘Into two halves…? Ah, obviously…’
Alasia: ‘If you’re suggesting splitting the Valencian territory, this is a big no-no.’
Louise: ‘My dear Ladies, why don’t you ask the vital question, before we divide the orange. That is, why do you want it? Or, what do you need it for?’
Isabela: ‘I don’t quite get what you’re getting at.’
Louise: ‘If you want to drink some juice, you’ll do with just the inside, the core of the orange. But if you want to make marmalade, what you need is the rind, isn’t it? So actually, it’s possible to get what you want anyway, and to get more than in case of half-half division. By the way, have you tried that delicious Portuguese marmalade they serve here? If not, I invite you for refreshments after this parley. You won’t be disappointed.’
Alasia: ‘A nice metaphor, Madame, but what it has to do with our current situation? I see no similarities, no connection.’
Louise: ‘On the contrary; this is the classic orange situation. Let’s look at the Valencia issue this way. Savoy has been holding on the land and wants to keep it. Castile feels entitled to the kingship title. A compromise could be: Savoy keeps the land and forfeits the title, Castile accepts the forfeiture of the title and a new one, for example the Kingdom of Murcia, or better still, after the conquest of Granada, the Kingdom of Andalusia could be created. I believe the renewal of your alliance would bode well for Christian Iberia and the future of this new title. The Pope is bound to support such a righteous cause. And even my king, Louis XII, might be persuaded to join such a God-inspired alliance.’
Alasia: ‘Well, we might be in position to forget about our ancestors’ heritage: the Kingdom of Valencia, if Castile promised never to bring back the question of the said kingdom. Technically, we might incorporate its present lands into the Principality of Catalonia and, so as not to offend the local people shift the Bishop’s seat from Segorbe to Valencia.’
Isabela: ‘The Kingdom of Andalusia you say, Madame. Hmm, we might be able to reconsider this proposal, but we’d need to see more flexibility on the other worrying issue, that is Savoyard claims to the Kingdom of Majorca.’
Alasia: ‘Madame, don’t look at me like that. I suppose there may be some room for manoeuvre there, but I’d need to consult with my husband and the lords of my realms.’
Louise: ‘There’s one more question still.’
Alasia: ‘I know, you mean Navarre. I side with you, Madame. After all this was the reason why Savoy had gone to war. And it was my family who protected and provided shelter for Blanca, the unfortunate Queen of Navarre.’
Isabela: ‘And I hear Blanca and Jean’s son aspires to marry your daughter, Madame.’
Louise: ‘That is true. Remember, Aragon’s hold on Navarre was the devious act that initiated this war. This question has to be put right.’
Alasia: ‘I’m afraid, Sanç II still clings to his Navarrese title. All I can promise is to bring this matter up in the next week session of these peace talks when the Aragonese delegation with the King’s authorisation and the royal seal returns here. We also hope this will be the last round of talks.’

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They will accept the peace offer​


Valencia, 16 April 1507​

III​

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What are the real French diplomacy interests?​

‘Antoinette, Are you sure Justine reached the young pretender’s headquarters in Pamplona? I’m sick and tired of pretending we want this war to be over,’ whispered Louise to her loyal confidante, surveying the room, and sending lukewarm polite smiles here and there. Amidst the murmur of small talk, the delegations had grouped in clusters: the Castilians envoys on one side, Alasia with her advisors by the long table and her own ladies gathered around her. Only the Aragonese representation, as it was undermanned to the point it was just the Bishop of Tereul, could not confer. Everybody was nervously waiting for the envoys of Sanç II. The final stage of the peace talks was about to commence. ‘We’ve been receiving most encouraging reports recently, Madame. Patience. I dare say, we can expect a courier any time soon,’ answered Antoinette.

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Or maybe they won't accept the peace offer after all​

As if to illustrate her words the door opened and a group of men burst in. ‘Ildefons d’Aragó,’ one of them introduced himself, bowing courteously, ‘on behalf of King Alfons VI I’m here to inform all the parties concerned that the new King of Aragon will never accept the humiliating conditions his father had preliminarily conceded to. The kingdom hasn’t fallen yet.’ With these words he approached Lady Alasia, the Duchess of Savoy and handed her in a scroll of parchment; sealed with the royal seal of Aragon. The Aragonese party stormed out of the room. In the silence that filled it instantly an observant eye might spot a flicker of relief on Madame’s face. The Castilian delegation didn’t even try to hide its consternation and confusion; Alfons was Isabela’s brother-in-law after all.

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Successful coup of the young pretender (barricaded in Navarre, the only province not occupied by his enemies; ironic, isn't it?)​

***​


France may be suffering from Times of Troubles; it can still humiliatingly beat the Emperor. Genoa wiggled out unscathed. But as you can see, someone else is making the most of the long wait strategy:
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The event-driven Reconquista did fire again in 1508. Savoy proved the only ally to stick to Castile, the French were to busy somewhere else. Due to Malta issue Castile is unable to pull it off again. Sigh. As you can see it’s 1510 now and Granada had already (early 1509 I think) peaced out of the conflict; so we’re at war with half a dozen of Muslim states, as a result the piracy scare is on the increase again. I don’t know if it’s because I’m not the alliance leader but I can’t see any battles fought in this war(?); well, I didn’t fight any.
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One good thing which happened amongst this is this alliance offer from Portugal. Gladly accepted.
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A few interesting oddities.
Look at Georgia in 1507:

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I was startled to see Sweden as the alliance leader, and actually sending its men all the way down there to help Georgia fight infidels! By 1510 Georgia had lost Astrakhan and Lugansk to… Golden Horde. Don’t ask me how, but for sure Lugansk in 1507 was taken by nomad warriors, so pbly the prov(s) simply defected?!

The Balkans look interesting now that Poland annexed its vassal. Polish Wallachia is not maybe strange per se (I mean historically) as Poland tried to exert its power there. But I wonder what will happen there now with this new Polish-Ottoman border established. Also, with its Balkan interests Poland is almost bound to ignore TO altogether.
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Finally, this little curiosity needs no comment I think. Armenia:
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Quiz time:
Picking up on the oddities: Guess who Venice is allied to?
 
What?! No peace with Aragon yet?! Shall I remind you the wise words of Ubik-orleone: "if the duchess overreaches, the game will punish her" :p

Quiz time:
Picking up on the oddities: Guess who Venice is allied to?

If Poland is allied to Russia, could Venice be allied to Austria? :eek:
 
aldriq:
What?! No peace with Aragon yet?!

If Poland is allied to Russia, could Venice be allied to Austria? :eek:
Well, i of course long-waited to get Valencia and the peace terms (despite 'they will accept the offer' writing) were refused; admittedly the war score fell to around 70% instantly. Now, the Aragonese capitol relocated to Barcelona - which i want so badly...
...'If the player overreaches, the game will punish him' - i remember :eek::p

Venice's 3 allies are imo even less plausible/ more exotic
 
Judas Maccabeus: now that i think about it again i admit OE or Austria would be stranger allies for Venice than what la Serenissima picked in my game, that is: Sweden, Ragusa and Persia; yet this is not the end of strangeness here

and it's not Aragon that is stubborn, it's me ;) although i'd prefer the word: persistent :cool:

i'm afraid the dish in the upcoming update might be less mouth-watering...
 
Which is more stubborn, a pig-headed aristocrat or a Paradox AI? I'm starting to think that (like some of your characters), Aragon now regards endless war as the natural order of things.

And Persia allied to Venice is plenty weird. You'd think they'd at least choose Yemen or Oman or someone with a naval tradition.
 
Rates de Marjal

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I​

Forest, north of Barcelona, 15 June 1513​

Remei kept yelling, ‘Aren’t you pleased to see us? You thought you’d just go and leave us to rot? I was good enough to warm your bed, stuff your bottomless stomach and clean after you. Huh!? Right! But I’m not as easy to dispose of as you think,’ she raised her voice even higher, ‘And the boy is yours. Look, you won’t deny it. You’ll take us wherever you’ll go. Married or not, I’m your woman and we’re your responsibility.’ A teenage girl and a boy of six-odd were meekly standing to Remei’s side, their eyes on the ground. ‘How did you find me, woman?’ quartermaster Baffin asked, red in the face, as his soldiers, clearly fascinated by the scene, had dropped whatever they were doing and started watching them with amusement as if this was a kind of travelling show. ‘I have my ways,’ Remei replied simply and shoved the boy towards Jeremy, ‘Go to your daddy, Ricard, give him a hug.’ Muffled laughter could be heard here and there. ‘I’m on the job here, woman,’ Baffin protested. ‘I’m a quartermaster and I’m in charge of this convoy; I can’t take you with me. We’re at war here, remember?’ ‘Last time you were on the job I had to seek you out and it took me half a year; and don’t make me remind you where I finally found you. No, we aren’t leaving.’ Remei sounded firm and determined.

‘Listen, when it comes to the safe arrival of this caravan, it’s my head on the line. This is a convoy of special significance,’ protested the quartermaster.
‘But, Sir. We have no categorical intstructions on this matter,’ butted in his second, Paolo Catarella. Remei just shifted her glance from one to the other.
‘Oh, shut up, you oaf! I’m responsible for the convoy’s safe arrival. And for its timely arrival. Caring for a woman, a girl and a brat will slow down the march,’ retorted Baffin.
‘Your brat,’ hissed Remei.
‘But we’re ahead of schedule on the route,’ someone shouted from the group of onlookers. ‘Yes, we’re ahead of time, Sir, we won’t miss the deadline,’ assured Paolo measuring up and down the younger woman’s appetising shapes.
‘That’s reckless and could jeopardise our safety. Duke Carlo empowered me to…’
'I'm...,' Remei didn’t let him finish, ‘...I’m pretty skilled at treating ailments, tending wounds and mixing up medicines; and my daughter, Beatriu’s learned a lot from me too. We might turn out useful. So,’ she looked around, ‘the matter’s settled. What are you looking at boys? Get a move on! We’re setting off right away, so as not to be late. And you, my dear,’ she turned to Baffin, ‘will take us aboard your wagon. I need to have my eyes on you.’

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The roads are plagued with bandids and highwaymen​

II​

On the route to Roussillion, 25 June 1513​

The convoy was in flames. From thickets, flaming arrows flew towards the wagons, perforating the canvas and digging into the boards. Rates de Marjal attacked with war-cries and yells. Paolo Catarella, leaning back and bracing his legs against the board, was trying to hold on to the harnessed horses. They neighed wildly, stamped their hooves and yanked at the shaft in fear of the fire devouring the canvas. ‘Paolo! Honza! Dušan! A circle; form a circle!’ shouted Baffin. Most of the wagons and carts, were being hastily assembled in a form of a circle so as to create a makeshift barricade. Meanwhile the convoy escort started fighting the attackers, who now were pressing the madly combating Jeremy Baffin. The quartermaster spun like crazy and agilely deflected the blows directed against him. Behind him, hidden and protected by the board, Remei, Beatriu and Ricard, embracing each other, could hear curses, grunts and the whining clang of metal. Suddenly, a group of horses at the back went mad and rushed towards them, dragging smoke and scattering burning rags. The wagon-man hung inertly from the box. The horses, galloping straight at them, drove into the group, forcing the fighting men to part and scatter, swerved just in front of the barricade and headed for where the band had come from. Thus gained respite enabled the defenders to tighten their ranks and cool down. The moment of surprise, the advantage Rates de Marjal had obtained initially, was lost. What fallowed was another barrage of arrows and shortly after another frontal attack on the convoy. Remei and Beatriu didn’t have time to see what was going, there had already been wounded dragged into the illusive safety of the inner circle within the carts whom they were tending to.

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Jeremy Baffin's seasoned soldiers proved that tactics beats the numbers​

For the women reality returned just as suddenly as it had disappeared. Through the monotonous, dull hum which filled their ears they began to hear voices. Through the subsiding smoke and dust they began to see the living and the dead. Amidst the smoke from the last wagons, burning out, they could make out chests and barrels lying all over the place. Some of them were shattered and the contents scattered. Broken barrels of wine, ells of fine fabrics, fragments of furniture, exotic foodstuffs; also chalices, crosses and even ornamental robes. But neither money, nor weapon. Remei and Beatriu exchanged glances. ‘Secret and exceptionally important cargo. A convoy of special significance!’ Remei ground her teeth and spat. ‘Come child, there are wounded who need help,’ she added matter-of-factly.

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Gift from Catalan towns or loot - does it really matter when the grandeur of the Castle in Chamberry is at stake?​

Jeremy Baffin was lying; he was breathing rhythmically, combating pain. Remei surveyed his thigh, pulled out two arrows protruding from it and poured water mixed with some herbs over the wounds. ‘Beatriu will bathe it again and dress it,’ she said to him. ‘You’ll be fine. I have more seriously wounded to treat.’ As soon as Remei moved on Ricard crept closer to his father. ‘Mama says, I’ll be fine,’ mumbled Baffin, trying to reassure the child. ‘Who are these Rates de Marjal; bandits, marauders?’ asked Beatriu. Jeremy Baffn gave a deep sigh. ‘Rates de Marjal, that’s what they call themselves in Catalan, stands for marsh rats.’
‘Are they men of Alfons VI?’
‘Yes and no. We’re not sure, in fact. They say to be fighting for freedom; but what they mean by freedom, I don’t know. They’re mostly young, very young men; minor nobles’ or influential burghers’ offspring. They know only war, don’t remember peace, you know. They’re plentiful like rats, and like rats smart and well-organised. They infest these lands. But I think they’re just snotheads who don’t understand that they’re being egged on, that someone’s taking advantage of their childish stupidity by feeding them slogans about freedom, and providing them with weapons, good modern weapons: Castilian swords… and French armours.’

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The war with Aragon turned into a war with Rates de Marjal​


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III​

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Symbolically, Carlo I took residence in the Palace of the Kings of Majorca​

Paris, 29 March 1516​

‘Read it Jeane,’ Louise waved her hand absent-mindedly. Jean cleared her throat and started:

Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Perpignan, 22 March 1516

Madame,

My beloved sister. Let me and my House most cordially congratulate on your son’s, His Royal Majesty Nicolas I Henri accession to the throne of France. Our nephew’s elevation fills our heart with joy and hope. Unfortunately, I am writing these words from the field of battle as the lands of Aragon are still far from peaceful. Hence as much as I wish I cannot rush to witness your son’s, our dear nephew’s coronation. Nevertheless, I find this joyous moment an opportunity as good as any other to point out to you, Madame, that the infamous Rates de Marjal have become a serious problem not only for Savoy but also for your son’s realm. They notoriously harass not only towns and villages under Savoyard control, their vile acts spilt over the border to regions of Bearn and Toulouse. I believe we have to coordinate our efforts to get…’

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Now that she is the mother of the King...​

‘That’ll do, Jeane. I get the gist. My brother’s right. Something must be done about Rates de Marjal. The things have slipped out of control there,’ contemplated Louise. ‘Hmm, now that we appear to have gained what we wanted in Low Lands, we no longer need this war in the south; and as we don’t need the war in the south… Yes, Jeane, I’ll write back to my brother first thing in the morning. But now, take a quill, I’m going to dictate letters to His, ehm ehm, Holiness and the Emperor. These are far graver matters to handle.’

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This time both France and Castile, both engaged in other conflicts, pressed hard for cease fire​

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Peace at last, after 36 years of conflict​

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And Queen Blanca can get back to Pamplona​


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IV​

A village on the coast of Albufera, 03 April 1517​

Olive and orange twigs were crackling merrily in the fire under the shallow circular pan. Chopped onions and butter beans were simmering gently in the olive oil. The women sitting in Remei’s orchard were teaching her how to prepare the local dish. The younger women kept chatting incessantly. Remei, who as a newcomer felt honoured by the visit, listened intently but didn’t join in; somehow she felt she was being observed Observed and judged by her oldest guest, Eulàlia. So she copied not only the agile movements of the old woman’s hands and fingers, but also her quietness. ‘He’s got no heart for fishing, that man of yours,’ said Llora. ‘Our men on the Lake see him sulking and not even trying to learn.’ Remei didn’t want to talk about that. She knew it was true, the same as it was with farming the land, or rather the patch of marsh, Jeremy’d been rewarded for his service during the war. ‘Where’s he originally from, by the way? He’s not Italian,’ Llora carried on. Eulàlia, quieted Llora with a mere raise of an eyebrow.

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Is the countryside really that peaceful? The black banners stand for provinces where Rates de Marjal still enjoy local support​

‘Hold your knife like that,’ Eulàlia instructed Remei. They were all skinning rates de marjal. The snails were already seasoned and ready. Rates, the primary ingredient of the dish, took more work to dress. A gentle breeze wafted the smell of cooking across the orchard, down towards the Lake. ‘This would be better with some eel,’ said Mireia stirring the stew. The women exchanged glances. Remei knew perfectly well what Mireia was hinting at. ‘How long have you been here?’ went on Mireia. ‘A few months, yes? And your man still hasn’t…’ Llora looked up from the bowl with spices, mostly saffron, she was mixing, ‘Oh, don’t worry, he’ll adjust,’ she tried to reassure Remei. ‘Men don’t adjust,’ stated Eulàlia, her voice coldly firm.

The women had taken the food to the shore, to their men. Remei and Jeremy sat aside. ‘Tuck in,’ she said. Without a word, not looking at her, he started evenly putting the spoonfuls into his mouth. He ate slowly. He gathered the leftovers with a thick slice of bread. Burped. Spat. And then looked into Remei’s eyes. ‘I know what’s in it,’ he said. ‘Rates. They haunt me or what?’ ‘It’s only meat, that’s what they eat here,’ spoke softly Remei. ‘Listen, woman. I can’t go on like that any longer. I’m a soldier, not a farmer or fishermen. I’m a quartermaster. A good, experienced one. There’s war in the Empire. I can hear it calling me. I’m leaving.’

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Anyone's looking for a job?​

***​


Sorry for such a mass of pics. But come on, the 36-year-war is over! What a relief! I peaced out with Morrocco instantly too. As of April 1516 my bb is 3.83/28: my land-grab was gradual & over some time and for a while i had a 1-star diplomat. the game ranks me #11. War exhaustion is under 2 (2 land NIs + Jeremy Baffin helped a lot). Inflation: 4.4. Sadly, neighbour bonuses to research range from 3.8 (trade) to 10!!! (naval and land). Production income at 46% shows a -(minus!) 0.7 figure. And i'm stuck with 'Create a proper fleet' mission - no, at least not yet, thank you. I'm still a small nation, but as i played along i can tell you soon my status will go up to a medium one. Whoopie! My income... don't mention it. Next time i might show you a pic from the ledger. and finally i can use my 5k men sitting on Sardinia!

Internationally, French-Austrian war has been of course the most historically significant conflict at that time. It may seem, France got all it could have dreamed of. But... i tagged FRA & HAB; and check & compare these:
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The Curia must be angry for the Siena trick​

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Remember that France is still going through Time of Troubles, too​

So there's a price. That's understandable. But one might think that the Habsburgs would suffer from such a prolonged war as well; especially as they got involved in some other conflicts too. But somehow Austria seems to be we issues-immune:
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IMO so many years with over 20 we should have hurt them, especially as they seem to be running out of manpower​

At least there's no longer 200% bonus to tax income; on second thoughts maybe this extra income gave Austria AI illusion it could continue the war and get Low Lands back? I understand the Empire needs crutches, but do they really work as designed? Austria lost this war and should have admitted it earlier, for like 2-3 provs. But it can persevere as war, ulike in real life, DOESN'T hurt them economically/internally! (As for MM design, I have tha same doubts with free troops in North Africa when as a Muslim country fighting non-Europeans.) Anyway, why doesn't Castile learn from France and wait-long Granada? Also, as France long-waited Low Lands (funnily enough, Vlaanderen was the last one to flip) i no longer feel guilty about my tactics.

Why Denmark, around 1513, started its 3rd war of aggression? Don't ask me. It's not surprisingly loosing: Bremen controls Gotland and Finnmark(?), Sweden is in Skane and northern Norway.

OE is in its 3rd Ottoman-Mameluk war and winning.

Venice attakced again (3rd war of aggression, i think it was Mantua). It's allies - remember: Sweden, Ragusa and Persia - abandoned la Serenissima, yet it soon found a new ally: Iraq(?). Venice is for now holding against Austria and a host of Italian states with Tuscany being the AL.

Georgian succession War puhed brave little Moldavia into a conflict with Austria, Hungary, Georgia, Genoa and Scotland. One might seem Moldavia is done. But remember years back OE relesaed Transylvania, which now blocks the overland way to Moldavia and neither Austria nor Hungary have military access through Transylvania. Huh!

Out of other little things: Bremen created a new CoT. Castile converted Gibraltar. Thrace is still orthodox! (How come i haven't spotted it earlier?). Urbino has long been part of HRE. France cored Franche Comte and Holstein - Slesvig.

The Quiz: What dish Remei and local women prepared for their men? What tactics did Jeremy Baffin copy to defend the convoy?
 
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What tactics did Jeremy Baffin copy to defend the convoy?

The tabor, from the sound of it.

Glad to see Savoy finally at peace again! Hopefully the place will calm down... ah, who am I kidding. :p
 
Congratulations, you finished this ridiculously long, protracted war! Finally!!! So Savoy is now a de facto crown of Aragon, without Zaragoza :p Which is fine, and I'm even willing to forgive your war tactics as long as you keep it real from now: the only way the Catalan foralists would have/will support the Savoyard duke is if he respects and preserves the decentralized nature of the crown lands, their different laws and customs. So behave...;)

The Quiz: What dish Remei and local women prepared for their men?

Is it some king of rat paella? (but with butter beans instead of rice?!) I prefer rabbit, to be honest, but I guess in those days you couldn't be fussy :rolleyes:
 
I see the end of the war isn't to everyone's taste... (and all those rebel flags remind me of a definition of peace in the ancient world: "A time of unorganised rather than organised violence.")

But congratulations on out-stubborning the AI! So what's the next objective - Genoa? Provence? Aragon again? Or revive some of those old claims in the East?
 
Judas Maccabeus: well done! the pic and Czech names might have helped, wheather it's an anachronism i don't know;
and i do crave for peace!

aldriq: to my defence let me once again state i only did what AI France did ;) i find long-waiting a fantastic addition in MM,
anyway, the lengthy war really crippled my economy (and pbly France's war did the same to them); the problem is i'm not sure AI knows how and when to use this tactics
it is my intention to satisfy Foralists' demands; i've already reached more or less the position of sliders i want: no drastic changes here means the Duke accepts their laws

and you goddit right! it's paella in its early form, don't the ingredients sound appetising? enjoy your meal :)

merrick: oh, rebels have been an issue for some time, but now that i can use my 5k men from Sardinia mopping up should be easier (on a side note, in both vanilla and MM, the way rebels operate is neither historically plausible nor gameplay-wise enjoyable)
the claims in the East will have to pbly remain titular, remember it's OE we're talking about; i really need some respite at present and try to do a few things: >catch up in the tech race >shift focus towards the sea (i sense more pirates coming) >maybe find some funds to build something from MM chains of buildings >prepare for inevitable religious turmoil
so i hope for a spell of peace

all: i've had a bit of writer's block; and started playing a more casual Venice game (i'd somehow never played it before and it's just great! pity, i'm not aaring this as there were some interesting twists and i seem to have found a trick to deal with the OE); now i have the concept for the next update in my mind but somehow, due to rl stuff, can't find the time to write it/edit the pics
so if you're following this, be patient, it's not dead, but the next update might take some time
 
... so if you're following this, be patient, it's not dead, but the next update might take some time

We are very patient :) And slow update pace seems to be back in fashion anyway... which is good because I struggle to catch up sometimes :rolleyes:
 
The Good Bishop

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Segorbe, 23 September 1513​

The dire news from Valencian coast about a pirate attack on Beniarjó made him sit and think. Beniarjó was a place he remembered all too well. He was just a scribe then. Young, so young and so reckless. He closed his eyes and suddenly saw the pueblo again; the blueness of the sea stunned him as well as the freshness of the girl’s smile. He could even smell the fragrances of these few intense months: salty sea breeze, earthy scent of sun-scorched sand and stupefying sweat of their young bodies. But momentarily this idyllic picture blurred in his mind and even though he opened his eyes the awareness of what he was just about to see made him sit still.

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Will these measures stop piracy?​

Beniarjó, 16 July, 1470​

It was the feast of Mare de Déu del Carmel, the patroness of the pueblo. The procession had already wound through the streets and was heading towards the shore. Local people from the surrounding area, dressed festively, flowers in their hands, lined the route. The statue of Madonna, known as Our Lady Star of the Sea, dressed in its finest wardrobe, was being carried towards the sea by six young man, relatives of important local officials as it was a high honour to be entrusted with this task. The atmosphere of solemnity was on and off broken by cheerful laughter and merry songs being rehearsed, since the whole town was edgy in anticipation for dances and feasting which would follow the official part.

The six men slowly walked into the sea. Bringing Our Lady Star of the Sea to the town’s fishing wharf was an annual act of asking Her intercession to God and conciliating him, appeasing his wrath so that the sea would be gentle and welcoming for sailors. As the men were marching further into the sea, the water reaching now their waists, one of them stumbled, the statue wobbled, the man went under the water. It took the other men a few seconds to steady their burden, than they quickly rearranged in such a way that to keep the balance only four were needed to hold the statue; the fifth dived in search of the one that had gone under.

And soon heads emerged above the surface but instead of two there were three of them. The third clearly belonged to a woman, her long her floated on the waves. The Madonna wobbled again dangerously as one of the man gave a heartrending scream and made for the drowned body. The other three failed to hold onto the plank, which supported the statue, and Our Lady Star of the Sea, with a crushing noise, fell into the water. Despite the commotion the people on the shore were quick to realise what had happened, so was the mother of the drowned girl. With a sream, she rushed towards the sea. ‘No,’ thought the young scribe Arnau, ‘Beniarjó won’t be celebrating tonight.’

Segorbe, 23 September 1513​

‘What was she counting on?’ bishop Arnau asked himself a thousandth time. ‘Coming to me like that and saying she was with a child. Was it hope or threat he could read then in her eyes. Was she really in love? To hope he’d run away with her or something. Anyway, he’d already had calculated it before. He’d planned he had to get rid of her this way or another. Well, she knew Ildefons d’Aragó had offered him his patronage and promised to send him to Padua to study. Did she really think he’d forsake his career? Women. Yes. This, this had to be done.’


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Pamplona, 06 January 1518​

‘Antoinette, where’s Justine?’ asked Madame surveying the room. The newlyweds: her daughter, Marguerite and Henri d’Albert, the her-presumptive of Navarre, had already been seen off to their private chambers, amidst laughter and cheerful yet lewd banter, to enjoy their wedding night. The reception was way past its peak but still many of the guests were there, dancing, chatting, eating. In fact, the formalities over the best part of the party was about to begin. ‘She’s over there. Talking to Her Majesty and that old lute player who performed tonight,’ Antoinette spotted Justine. ‘Bright gal, that Justine,’ remarked Madame. ‘She seems to know how to win confidence of practically anyone, doesn’t she? Installing her here those ten years ago proved invaluable. I’ll regret to lose such reliable source of information.’

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Neither Savoy nor France were really peaceful even though their respective wars were over​

‘Justine,’ started Madame as soon as the three of them found a secluded place, ‘how do you find it here?’
‘I’m very happy to serve Queen Blanca, Madame. And I’ll be very happy to serve your daughter now, as I presume this will be my duty from now on,’ said Justine, curtsying.
‘Hmm, that’s actually not what I expect from you. You see due to the Catalan revolt and earlier promises made to the Valencians, my brother, the Duke of Savoy is planning to establish a new Archbishopric in Valencia and the current bishop of Segorbe, known as the good bishop Arnau, is the most likely candidate to get the post. The talks with the Curia are underway. It’s a question of months, a year at most now. The thing is, unlike my brother, I don’t trust the good bishop. And as my son needs me, the after-war situation in France is far from peaceful, I need you somewhere else. In Navarre I’ll have my daughter now.’

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'...not fit to become a nun' from Augustine Le Conte's letter​

‘My Lady, but you told me…’ Justine broke off seeing her patroness’ face.
‘Justine, I know how loyal you are to my family. But I need you to go to Valencia, wait for the bishop to relocate there and write to me and tell me what he thinks, and where he goes, and who he meets.’
Justine blinked, ‘Spy on him?’
Madame hesitated, ‘Befriend him.’
‘Spy on him. Exactly,’ Antoinette said brusquely.
‘Will you do this for me? Madame asked. ‘It would be a very great service to me.’
‘Will I be in danger?’ Justine asked back.
‘I hope not. But thread lightly. He’s a man of many secrets. Responsible for Segorbe tragedy, colluded with Rates de Marjal, his loyalties unclear, exchanges letters with Beatrice of Arborea and yet he has always managed to hold his head above the water.’
‘How do I get close to him?’
‘You’ll go there as an abbess, you had some religious training in Saint Pontius Monastery in Nice, didn’t you? Queen Blanca will finance the foundation of a new Benedictine cloister in Valencia, ostensibly to express her thanks to my brother for liberating her kingdom.’
‘She agreed all too willingly. We thought you’d know about that,’ said Antoinette.
‘I didn’t think it’d have anything to do with me. What must I do?’
‘Watch the good bishop and report to me. Every detail.’ Madame was very serious. ‘These are exciting times; the new thought on religion is on the rise, any seemingly insignificant occurrences might be of importance; suspicious leanings, contacts with disloyal nobles…’
New thought on religion, you say…’

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The Pope and the Curia were quick to react​

‘One false step, my dear Justine, and the bishop might hear the knock of Inquisition on the heavy wooden door of his new Episcopal Palace and the trample of their feet on his threshold.’
‘When do I have to go?’
‘Within a few days. Officially, you’ll operate as the housekeeper of the Episcopal Palace. Prepare everything for his coming. Practically, you’ll run the house and supervise the servants. Choose them wisely.’

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The good bishop Arnau​

***​


I feel really stupid as my (historical) François I turned out to be named Nicolas I Henri. Or is it another scheme on Madame’s part!? In Europe as you see the reformation started, it’s June 1520 and so far only Denmark and Sweden turned protestant. Not a single country in HRE. Not even Prussia, though it, as TO, turned into Prussia supposedly following Luther. Funnily, England, the Pope Controller, has just gone with ‘There’s merit in their demands’ in Protestant Reformation event. Ironically, this was the decision of Mary I. We shall see how this is going to play out.

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Surprisingly, Venice turned out triumphant from its war, at least for now, and grabbed Mantua. Still, it’s in two separate wars with Naples and Tuscany. Plus in a weird war against Prussia and LIV (which had attacked Riga, and are losing!). Why LIV stuck up with Prussia when it apparently turned its back to the Pope, I dunno.

The war over Oldenburg – no comment here. Austrian instant attack on Balkan minors is my pet hate. I’ll get back to it later. Other wars in Europe: Georgia and Russia against Armenia and Persia; Munster-Clevian war; Munster backed by Utrecht, Cleve by Austria and a bunch of German minors. Castile, having run up high war exhaustion and duly rr (around 10% in its original provs) in March 1520 white peaced with Morrocco. The grim fate of Aragon was easy to predict, but what I don’t get is they’ve never been a vassal of Portugal. (?!)

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Colonisation started some time ago and is going in earnest. While loading I can see that Portugal got to Brazil, it also holds: Little Karroo and Goa on its spice route. England is in the future New England, France (which had got Naval Provisioning) in Canada, Castile reached the shores of Mexico. The latter two are slow at colonising, pbly due to wars and the fact that Spain hasn’t been united yet (although it has now a 6-star pioneer who might help with colonies). The Caribbean is a mosaic of yellow, red and blue.

The French –Austrian war has been the biggest clash on the continent so far. It ended with white peace, which means France retained its hold on Low Countries. The Question: will it benefit from it or will it ruin the Blue Blob?

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By contrast Austria who lost the war felt vigorous enough to momentarily attack the Balkan minors (AGAIN!); these stood no chance this time. I find it unfair that while both France and Austria have abysmal reputation and terrible we, it’s France that suffers, while Austria can happily go to yet another war and not worry about internal strife. Compare the revolt risk. Anyway irl I’d expect the OE to try to ‘protect’ the Balkan minors as its sphere of influence or even take advantage of Austria’s weakness and back stab it. What I find irritating too is that due to PU with Hungary lands which Hungarian troops take are occupied by Austria and it’s Austria who takes them in peace deals later. (It works much better in 1458 start with mathias Corvinus as independent hungarian king). One might say that England or Castile should take advantage of Frances weakness too. But Castile has just ended its own war and suffers its own rr issues. Whereas England logically is simply happy to hold on its continental holdings (Would have lost them anyway, winning or losing, due to the long-wait mechanism).

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Post-war France​

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Austria is undestructible​

Quiz: What do Queen Blanca, the old lute player (that’s Gaston) and Justine have in common?
 
Liked the update, but I've lost track of the characters again!

It'll be interesting to see how the Magna Mundi Reformation plays out.
 
Austria is undestructible

OK, those boni might be a bit too much long-term. I wonder if the latest MM updates have changed them now that HttT has a weaker France...

Quiz: What do Queen Blanca, the old lute player (that’s Gaston) and Justine have in common?

Have you thought of building an index of characters along with the table of contents? :D Let me see, Justine has been Queen Blanca's lady-in-waiting for a while, and Gaston did errands for Queen Blanca during the Aragonese war... In fact, isn't Gian Maria (Gaston's lover at some point) Blanca's brother? All Savoyards outside Savoy?


By the way, I was in Mallorca over Easter and I had a most delicious paella in Port de Sóller; the paella didn't have rat meat, but it did have some beans, so I'll have to believe your story now :rolleyes: I took a few photos in Palma and Sóller, if you need any for a future chapter let me know - maybe "Aragon's revenge on Savoy"? ;)
 
Judas Maccabeus: i'm planning to stay (historically) catholic; this does not mean the Reformation won't play any part in the history of Savoy and Savoyards

merrick: read aldriq's comment? gave me a thought...

aldriq: haven't tried HttT yet; from what i read there are some features not quite to my liking in it and MM is not as plausible whith it as it is with IN

Blanca is hardly a Savoyard, Gaston's background is sort of unclear either and Justine had a French mother... ok index of characters seems to be needed

dunno if the story will take us to the Baleares, they're still in Aragonese hands and to get them i'd have to use a similar trick to the one i exploited getting Sardinia, and i don't feel like spending money on improving relations with Aragon to get mil access
 
Dear Granny

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Saint Pontius Monastery, Nice, 05 June 1501​

Dear Granny,
I hate it in here. Food awful. Nuns bully me. Please take me home.
Love, Alasia

Chambèry, 21 June 1501​

Dear Alasia,

Nonsense!
Use the library. Go for walks in the garth. Chin up.
Grandma

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this means...​


Saint Pontius Monastery, Nice, 05 June 1522​

Dear Granddaughter,

I hate it in here. Food awful. Nuns treat me like a child. Fetch me home immediately.
Your loving Grandmother, Beatrice.

Chambèry, 21 June 1522​

Dear Grandma,
Nonsense! Chin up.
Alasia

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Rights to the kingship passed on to Alasia and Carlo​

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This strengthened the dynasty​

***​

So this is it. Beatrice is gone. Say a prayer.
And Savoy is a kingdom! Rejoice! With three allies: Castile, Portugal and Navarre. I still have no advisors, no one interesting showed up and i have to count every penny. My army is now 10k strong due to Swiss mercenary event.


On a war front Venice miraculously pulled it off and grabbed Pisa. I’m glad because in most other games sb frees opm Pisa which than sticks around there until the end of the game. Was Pisa really an independent entity in the timeframe? Still i dunno how Venice did it.

New war: Bohemia attacked Hungary. You can see how Ad Infinitum (i guess) does it:
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So it’s Bohemia and Silesia against Hungary and Austria and for the time being it’s a draw. Georgia swallowed Armenia but Persia is moving up north and Russia seems uninterested in that conflict.

The Reformation is sort of slow, Swedish and Danish provs slowly turn protestant, on the continent only prov of Moravia (Boh) is protestant. No other country defied the Pope. Prussia remained catholic and is a Duchy with 3 religious NIs. :confused: Mary I as the Pope controller apparently decided to stick to the Mother Church despite having seen merit in the reform.

The Emperorship has been non-stop Austrian. Even now when since 1519 we have Empress (?!) Maria Theresia I (ADM9 DIP6 MIL5). The electors are divided 3 support her, 3 Bavaria and one: Saxony votes for its PU senior partner Thuringia. This leads to a deadlock situation and sort of cancels the great ‘electors’ voting’ system Helius has implemented. Anyway, a female Emperor?

On quiz issues:
As for what Blanca, Gaston and Justine have in common. This pic might be of help.
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Finally quiz: It’ll be easy for English-as-a-second-lg learners. Where did i plagiarise this episode from?
 
index of characters

Female
Male
as one of the main character
First Name: short info; if ruling house, dates
Titles of updates


Alasia of Savoy: (1487-) younger daughter of Joanna of Savoy and Amadeo of Montferrat, after successful coup against her grandmother the Duchess of Savoy, married to Carlo I
My Son Shall Be the Duke; Valencia Orange; Dear Granny

Amadeo Palaiologo: (1461-1504) Margrave of Montferrat (since 1464), Duke of Savoy (since 1480), pretender and than (since 1502) Prince of Catalonia
Dirt & Stench; Arte de Ajedrez; I, the Duchess; Severance; Save Thy Peeople; My Son Shall Be the Duke

(Father) Anselmo: Dean of Nice Cathedral, later the abbot of St Pontius Monastery
Santa Reparata; Church Steps

Antoinette de Polignac: chatelaine of Cognac castle, Madame’s lady-in-waiting and confidante, earlier one of Madame’s husband’s lovers
House of Women; Valencia Orange, The Good Bishop

(Bishop) Arnau: a man of cloth, scribe, Bishop of Segorbe, Archbishop of Valencia
Save Thy People; The Good Bishop

Artale de Alagon: Sardinian noble, young Beatrice of Arborea’s suitor, one of the leaders of anti-Aragonese faction on Sardinia, supporter of Phillip, Count of Geneva, the Regent, main character in Yolande di Sardegna’s Artale Innamorato
A Falcon Chick; Consignments; Arte de Ajedrez; Artale Innamorato

Augustine Le Conte: soeur, abbess of Saint Pontius Monastery near Nice, Jeane’s sister
Church Steps; My Son Shall Be the Duke

Beatrice of Arborea: (1446-1522) finally recognised Giudicessa of Arborea; the claimant to the title of the Kingdom of Sardinia
A Falcon Chick; Riders; Arte de Ajedrez; I, the Duchess; Severance; Church Steps; Save Thy People; My Son Shall Be the Duke; Valencia Orange; The Good Bishop; Dear Granny

Blanca of Navarre: (1467-) (a refugee mostly) Queen of Navarre (since 1476, ruling since 1516), brought up by Cateline di Challant in Verres where she found refuge
Riders; Consignments; Arte de Ajedrez; Severance; Artale Innamorato; House of Women; Save Thy People; Valencia Orange; The Good Bishop

Catalina di Challant: a Savoyard noble woman; Lady on Verres and other castles
Consignments; Arte de Ajedrez; Severance; Artale Innamorato; Church Steps (family feud mentioned)

Charlotte de Lusignan: (1444-1487) titular Queen of Cyprus, married to Filiberto I, mother of Joanna of Savoy
Arte de Ajedrez; I, the Duchess

Christine de Pizan: a learned woman, writer; possibly Lady Yolande’s and Catalina di Challant’s tutor/idol
Consignments; House of Women

Claudine di Bresse: (1450-1513) second wife of Phillip of Geneva, mother of Duke Carlo I of Savoy
My Son Shall Be the Duke

Filiberto I: (1436-1476) Duke of Savoy (1469-1476), married to Charlotte of Cyprus, Joanna’s father
Dirt & Stench; Santa Reparata;

Gaston: a noble of unclear origin; Gian Maria’s personal friend, taken in, lived together with Catalina di Challant and Blanca of Navarre in Verres, later travelled as a lute player
Consignments; Severance; Artale Innamorato; My Son Shall Be the Duke; The Good Bishop

Gian Maria Gioberti: Cataline di Challant’s son, Savoyard noble/knight
Santa Reparata; Riders; Consignments; Arte de Ajedrez; Severance; Save Thy People; My Son Shall Be the Duke

Idir: not her real name, a Berber run-away girl
Dirt & Stench; Santa Reparata (?); I, the Duchess (?)

Ildefons d’Aragó: a Catalan noble; supporter of Alfons VI, one of leaders of Rates de Marjal
Valencia Orange; Rates de Marjal; The Good Bishop

Isabel/Ysabel of Siena: Lady of Villa Franca, lost her son in a pirate raid, her story – confabulated – initiated French-Sienese war
Church Steps; House of Women

Isabela of Castile: (1482-) Juana I’s daughter, heir-presumptive to the Kingdom of Castile
Valencia Orange

Jeane Le Conte: Madame’s lady-in-waiting and confidante, earlier one of Madame’s husband’s lovers
Church Steps; House of Women; Rates de Marjal

Jeremy Baffin: an English (?) mercenary quartermaster in service of Savoyard Dukes, Remei’s man
Severance; Save Thy People; Rates de Marjal

Joanna of Savoy: (1463-) Duchess of Savoy, married to Amadeo of Montferrat
Arte de Ajedrez; I, the Duchess; House of Women; My Son Shall Be the Duke

Juana I: (1462-) Queen of Castile
Artale Innamorato

Justine: Mariette’s daughter, a girl from a fishermen’s village, pirate raid survivor, spent three years in St Pontius Monastery, later in Madame’s service
Church Steps; House of Women; Valencia Orange; The Good Bishop

(Donna) Marina: the proprietor of a bawdy house in Nice
Santa Reparata

Marguerite de Bourbon: (1438-1483) a French noble woman, married to Phillip of Geneva, mother of Louise of Savoy
Arte de Ajedrez; House of Women

Mariette: one of Donna Marina’s girls, then a fisherman’s wife, Justine’s mother
Santa Reparata; Church Steps

Louise of Savoy, later known as Madame: (1476-) daughter of Marguerite de Bourbon and Phillip of Geneva, married to (and soon widowed by) Charles de Angoulême
Arte de Ajedrez; Church Steps; House of Women; My Son Shall Be the Duke; Valencia Orange; Rates de Marjal; The Good Bishop

Luba: one of Donna Marina’s girls, then a beggar
Santa Reparata; Church Steps

Phillip/Philip of Savoy: (1438-1497) Count of Geneva(1469-1497), the Regent (1476-1480)
Dirt & Stench; Riders; Consignments; Arte de Ajedrez; I, the Duchess

Remei: a Catalan common woman, the survivor of a stampede tragedy in Segorbe
Save Thy People; Rates de Marjal

(Lady) Yolanda/Yolande (di Sardegna): teacher and writer, young Beatrice of Arborea’s mentor, Catelina di Challant’s friend, possibly Christine de Pizan’s student
A Falcon Chick; Consignments; Severance; Artale Innamorato


hope this helps :)
i guess i'll have to update it from time to time
 
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