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Very good stuff. A pity Urbanus VIII passed away so quickly, as with many of the Popes throughout this AAR the most competent always seem to last for little time at all. I certainly think him highly competent at least in so dealing with Austria and then sorting out the bickering Italian nations. Shocking that Knights would prove such perfidious pillocks, they need be dealt with harshly. As your update ended it seems as if concerns in the west will become the focus for the Papacy, interesting.
 
Milites:
Also, good job on Austria. Do you have any idea whether or not the forced conversion will last? In my experience countries who changed faith through a peace deal pretty quickly get cold feet about the true religion being so true after all.
This is my exprerience too. We shall see. The next pope's reign's over (albeit short) and Austria remains Catholic.

Omen:
The Empire is looking weak. Does the Pope have more plans to consolidate his power in the Empire?
1) Papacy isn't strong enough. (Although has its Italian ambitions ;)) 2) Weak Empire? Read the next post.

Athalcor:
Poor Bohemia :p - she got nothing from the war...
Nothing? Read the upcoming post. :)
Canossa...so the history IS repeating itself. And I wonder: How many Emperors will kneel before the gates in future?
The next one is unlikely to do so.
Btw, how about vassalising Karaman or Dulkadir?
Karaman is my province (and I keep asking myself whether holding on it is worth the hassle; but there seems to be no loyal power to donate it to :) but wait I might make it my vassal, hmmm...) Dulkadir? Let others deal with such nonentities. :)

aldriq:
And how about vassalising those unruly Knights? How dare they lift a hand against the Holy Father?!
That's a briliant idea! :D I'll just have to wait for the right opportunity.
And Moldavia? That was unexpected... Hungary might be already late to the party :eek:
There's Wallahia, which these two might get at their throats over. And there's still OE in Bulgaria.

Vandervecken:
. I loved the picture showing the duel between Pope and Emperor.
Ain't it great? And it's somehow so sensual. :confused:

morningSIDEr:
As your update ended it seems as if concerns in the west will become the focus for the Papacy, interesting.
Very much so.
 
Clemens VIII

24 May 1575 – 28 September 1577

PASTOR BONUS


Camerlengo

The Cyprus-born Cardinal Rivigo had been The Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church for over a decade and he quickly realised the advantage the Spanish party had been gaining in the Curia over the last months of Urbanus VIII’s reign. As it was his duty to administer the property and revenues of the Holy See during the sede vacante and prepare the conclave, Cardinal Rovigo decided to play his task to the ‘orphans’, that is his Greek party’s, best interests. His initial decision to postpone the conclave till March 1574 was actually well-received by all parties, the Spanish one including, since all of them needed time to consolidate and find a likely papabile. Considering the Papal jurisdiction stretched far to the East, it took significant time for many cardinals, especially the representatives of the Greek faction, to travel to Rome.

Cardinal Rovigo used this time, and money his position allowed, to further his own candidature and to win over indecisive cardinals. Successes in the Milanese war won him the popular support but estranged some Italian cardinals who represented the interests of the Dukes of the North, especially Milan-related Cardinal Borromeo. Despite the wealth his position guaranteed and undisputed leadership of the Greek faction, Cardinal Rovigo was not likely to be accepted by the Romans, led by Cardinal Morone either; and of course he was unthinkable for the Spanish faction. The fact that prior to becoming Camerlengo he entered the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and was the grand prior of Cyprus made his chances slimmer, especially in the view of the recent clash with the Knights of Rhodes. (Parma first fell to Mantua (and me) -> peace and then I had to besiege its walls again (no logic here, did the walls get rebuilt in an instant? But that’s EU); luckily the townsfolk chose to let me in rather than starve, again)

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By March only twenty of sixty-five living cardinals had made it to Rome; the war in the North or the perils of a sea journey were the most common excuses. Realising that opening the conclave now would not secure the rejection of a Spanish candidate, Cardinal Rovigo proclaimed the conclave would start in September. This was too much for Queen Ana; within a few weeks a group of eight Spanish cardinals, heavily escorted, arrived in Rome. This show of power being enough of an argument, Cardinal Rovigo in 29 June commenced the conclave. This was not well received in the City; the fear the Spaniards could push their weight around brought the other factions closer together. Ana of Spain had earlier tried to apply her political leverage on the broken Ferdinad II to advance her son’s chances to the Crown of Austria. The Emperor, did not even try to hide his resentment towards the Curia; a possible rapprochement between Spain and Austria would jeopardise the Papal States’ position in Italy.

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All the anti-Spanish parties united had enough votes to reject a Spain-supported candidate, Cardinal de Rojas. For all of them retaining the Papal States’ independence from any temporal ruler was the ultimate goal. However, they were unable to agree on one counter-candidate acceptable for everyone. With the peace in the North finally signed, it seemed that slowly but steadily Cardinal Rovigo’s chances were increasing as with each voting he got a vote or two more. Most cardinals were ready to chose him if only to gat out of their prolonged, and my no means comfortable, confinement. In January 1575 when Cardinal Rovigo lacked just three votes, quite unexpectedly he died of, it is believed, a stroke. All the factions had to rethink their strategies. (the oddity of the peace with Milan is that I didn’t get these 25d as on the same day Milan agreed to peace out with Savoy; I realise peace negotiations must be one of the most difficult things to design in a game like this, and of course I can live without 25d but there’s too much quirkiness to peace deals in EU on the whole; e.g. I believe if I had sent my peace offer a day later Milan wouldn’t have accepted and I’d have to besiege the province once again, from scratch – remember, their city walls would have been rebuilt overnight)

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Let Us Out!

With the new Greek candidate Cardinal Isonzo’s chances negligible, the scrutinies became a monotonous swing of the pendulum between Cardinals Morone and de Rojas. De Rojas being not only Queen Ana’s candidate and the Spanish Grand Inquisitor, but also known for having condemned the ‘Pharos’ policy on many occasions, there was not the slightest chance of him being elected. Several weeks went by and from the electoral point of view matters were at a standstill; the only thing that made steady progress was the enmity between the two leaders. Their attitude towards each other became so hostile and discourteous as to cause embarrassment to their followers.

While the cardinal electors had been locked up for over half a year, the European politics did not halt in place. Quite on the contrary; a few momentous conflicts erupted which might change the composition of powers on the continent. With the conclave in progress and Camerlengo dead, the Holy See, even if expected to, could hardly react to them. Ferdinand II took advantage of the Papal temporary inattention and reformed the structure of the Empire, creating new administrative units: circuits. More worryingly, he gobbled up the bishopric of Liege while intervening in another set of wars in France. These were initiated by the Lancastrians’ almost medieval feud against the House of Orleans; which plunged all of France and half of western Europe into the conflict; ultimately resulting in the demise of the Lancastrian dynasty. Also, a war broke out between Ethiopia and the Muslim powers in Africa, the war which might be unimportant for western Europe, but whose outcome will surely affect the situation in Catholic North Africa and Levant. (I’m surprised Ferdinand managed to push forward the reform; Provence’s suicide is a common occurrence in the game and the ripples always seem to reach farther: here it’s the demise of Liege, and shaking up France, also my Avignon enclave is now completely surrounded by France (I do have an ancient military access though); I’m eyeing the thing Ethiopia started with utmost interest)

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Provence.gif


Ethiopia.gif

With extremely warm spring the heat was becoming terribly oppressive and the cardinals were growing weary of this long conclave. The unhygienic conditions seemed to be worsening by the day; many prelates got confined to their beds due to various ailments and were temporarily incapable of attending to their duties. The cubicles and the passages were in a condition of nauseating neglect; the atmosphere being laden with putrid miasmas and sickening smells of decaying victuals that the potent perfumes of the younger cardinals could not manage to disguise. To add to the general discomfort, fleas, always plentiful in Rome, appeared in such hordes that the tastiest among their victims were literally being devoured alive. Many cardinals, including Cardinal Isonzo came out in a nasty rash.

On May 2nd de Rojas had a sharp attack of fever and his Spanish party decided that time had come for action. After consulting with the smaller factions and Cardinal Borromeo, who was fretting to get back to his palace in Milan, a plan was agreed on to put forward a different Spanish candidate. Despite all the cardinals welcoming any means of escaping from the gehenna of the conclave, the coalition was not sufficiently strong to carry an election without Cardinals Morone's and Isonzo’s assent. The Spanish proposed the soft and withdrawn Cardinal Elcano, already in his seventies; Cardinal Morone relented; but Cardinal Isonzo, would not. The Greek party, however, started to split as the prospect of indefinitely protracted conclave had grown unbearable. Finally, enough of the ‘orphans’ agreed to the compromise and the frail Cardinal Elcano was elected the Pontiff assuming the name of Clemens VIII. Cardianls de Rojas and Isonzo recovered; but several other cardinals died from the effects of that poisonous claustration, Clemens VIII himself being so ill that his enthronement had to be postponed for a couple of weeks. (is he my first pious Pope? don’t remember; well, he’s better than a deadlock conclave and the alliance with Spain maybe is not the worst thing to happen)

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Not Time for Convalescence

Clemens VIII was a deeply religious man; far from fanaticism and always ready to engage in charitable acts. However, he was neither a politician nor a diplomat. His numerous ailments kept him away from effectively running the country and his dependence on Spanish favours made him biased in judgement. On the day of his election a serious conflict broke out between France and Portugal over the control of the county of Armagnac; the French Crown claimed the territory was its ancestral lands, the Portuguese ruling House invoked their dynasty links with the underage countess. As Ana of Spain chose to stay neutral, so did His Holliness. (France attacked just after grabbing Provence the province, the well-known from-war-to-war syndrome)

Armagnac.gif

The death of Ferdinand II barely several days after Clemens VIII’s election upset the balance of power within the Empire completely. The Most Catholic King of Bohemia Karel V Ludvik Vrestovsky, from the cadet Flacky line, became the Emperor; whereas the Archduchy of Austria was ruled by a regency council on behalf of a toddler, born to the late Ferdinand II by his third, Spanish wife. Clemens VIII, prodded by de Rojas, the Spanish Grand Inquisitor, gently advised the regents to rid of the Protestants and his humble suggestion was obeyed; the precarious situation Austria had found itself in would not allow any other response. It seemed Ana of Spain could easily pull strings in Rome and Vienna alike.

However, her influence did not reach Prague. The new Emperor started his administrating of the Holy Empire by sending a token of good will to Rome. The alliance between the two parties was duly renewed, despite some differences on the matter of control in the northern Italy. Clearly however, the Emperor was now the dominant partner. Thus never did Clemens VIII oppose Karel V Ludvik’s supercilious, at times heavy-handed, decisions as to the future of various Imperial territories, as long as they were not Italian ones. And the Bohemian King did shuffle the composition of the Imperial fiefs quite a bit, at times reverting the lands to the legal owners, more often turning them into his demesne. (this is huge; Austria doesn’t get into PU with Spain, instead gets a one-year-old toddler as a ruler, again, sigh; history repeats itself; ‘Heretics Emigrate’ thing – it’s the first time I’ve seen it, Austria has now 4 Catholic provs, will it remain Catholic?; Bohemia’s on the rise; the Dutch have no luck with the new Emperor; you’ll see Bohemia will force Denmark and Trier to relinquish their conquests in the HRE; the annexation of Brandenburg might actually turn out a bad move, shall see; new elector: Saxony is Protestant; btw I wonder how Athalcor likes the new Bohemian dynasty’s name)

Austria-2.gif


BohemiaI.gif


Nonno

Clemens VIII was a good-natured and amiable person; he easily won the love of the people of Rome, who called him Nonno, that is grandpa. The acquisition of land in the East by the former popes as well as the rejection to convoke a new council resulted in many Catholics all over Europe question the infallibility of the Papal spiritual guidance. There were accusations of corruption and self-indulgence, accusations which mirrored the ones voiced by the early Protestants a few decades back. Through the example of his life, and with the Spanish support, Clemens VIII easily proved these allegations false and to celebrate the unity of the Catholic Church a festive Jubilee was held in Rome at Christmas of 1575. How much of it was just putting a brave face or pulling wool over the dissenters’ eyes is hard to estimate; Clemens VIII did not get much time to prove himself. Meanwhile other powers tried to revive their pretences to greatness: Saxony diplomatically vying with Spain over the influence in the court in Vienna and thus over the Austrian inheritance and the Ottoman Empire attempting to expand its sphere of influence to North Africa. (I think Spain and Genoa remaining faithful is part of the schism threat process, so I’m happy with the outcome so far; the Jubilee brought me back to +3 stability; I was startled at Saxony’s and OE’s antics; btw, can an underage ruler actually die and lead to PU/inheritance?)

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Clemens VIII was not an intellectual or schemer, but he had the support of Queen Ana, and the Spanish gold, so it appeared he managed to normalise the relationships with Austria. Despite being ordered about from Madrid he did not put at risk the old Papal Italian alliance. Through his charitable donations and making Ana of Spain believe the indirect control will suffice, he made sure Genoa, probably the weakest member of the alliance, remained faithful to Rome and did not seek direct links with Madrid. He addressed the ‘Pharos’ policy and the growing Greek dominance in the East by favouring the non-Greek easterners and forcing conversion of Muslims. A few Spanish inquisitors made it as far as Alexandria and Aleppo; the impact of their dealings still uncertain at the time of Clemens VIII’s death.

When His Holiness died, after barely two years on the throne, the mourning in Rome and all the parts of Catholic world was genuine. The Pope’s conciliatory and amiable personality earned him no enemies. Few ecclesiastics of the time were so successful at retaining the love of the common folk and the respect of the ruling houses. He might have been a dogsbody, but he had not been one long enough to earn mockery and disrespect. (I’m not sure as to the effectiveness of the ‘Convert the population’ province decision but I decided to have a go at it; also I chose the more expensive option (whatever it brings) in the ‘Church building program’ event, after all I had a pious pope; the map of Europe shows how the Emperor has so far gone about HRE; my relations with HRE are horrendous, so I worry a bit about the future; I have 5 vassals now North of Rome (all in the Imperial territory): Milan, Modena, Ferrara, Tuscany and Siena; one might say that with my alliance and guarantees I’d built a HRE-like structure of Italy)

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Europe at the death of Clemens VIII​


Treasury / yearly income: 912d / 63,47
Merchants: 6 in Thrace: 65.55/397.04 and 1 in Alexandria: 10.95/405.12 (issues with keeping my merchants in my CoTs)
Fleet: 5: 5 cogs
Army: 24k Reformed tercio; 7k Gallop cavalry
Manpower / discipline: 23.976 / 114.4%
Army / navy tradition: 55.20% / 0.00%
Prestige: 94
Stability: +3
Infamy: 6.17/22.50
War exhaustion: 1.91/14
 
Wow, that is huge Bohemia!

Oh, I have been mentioned in the update itself - I feel flattered:). (OTOH, I probably look like the biggest Paradoxplaza's Bohemian nationalist:p)

It is difficult to judge whether the name of Bohemian dynasty is plausible or not (we had only one 'native' ruling dynasty in our history:D) but the Flackys were simply ridiculous. Vrestovsky was a lesser Hussite noble in the earlier 15th century that became a Land ?Warden? so probably with a bunch of butterflies his heir could become the Most Catholic King and reach the imperial throne 150 years later:D (but IMHO there had to be a massive ASB's raid).

Otherwise it is rather sad that the break-aways from France will just be annexed because France retained her cores. Is Palatinate a French vassal?
 
The description of the conclave's deteriorating accomodation was very vivid; made me feel like I needed to go outside and get some fresh air while reading it. :D Loved the political wrangling, too. The rise of Spain—especially as a nominal ally!—seems like an incredible opportunity begging to be taken advantage of.

Uh oh. Ravenous Bohemia must be contained. :eek: Maybe the next Bishop of Rome could convince Her Most Catholic Majesty Ana Trastámara to do something about it?

Speaking of Ana I could not help but root for her; it's nice to see an AI 9/9/9 monarch have some in-game consequence. Too bad about the non-inheritance of Austria, though.

Shame about the Lancasters, too. Did they rule Brittany, or were you hinting at England's destruction via Scotland/France/rebels?

Wicked update, all in all.
 
loki100:
whow, that was one busy set of events, with all sorts of long term implications, Austria potentially falling apart, the HRE going more and more Protestant and you had to put up with a pious pope (who was also an utter numpty)
True: quiet pope, busy Europe. :D But HRE is more Catholic actually now, Bohemian Emperor is Catholic and so is Austria.

Athalcor:
Wow, that is huge Bohemia! (OTOH, I probably look like the biggest Paradoxplaza's Bohemian nationalist:p)
That's alright. I'm a Bohemia-phile! :D
Vrestovsky was a lesser Hussite noble in the earlier 15th century that became a Land ?Warden? so probably with a bunch of butterflies his heir could become the Most Catholic King and reach the imperial throne 150 years later:D (but IMHO there had to be a massive ASB's raid).
What an interesting story this would make!
Otherwise it is rather sad that the break-aways from France will just be annexed because France retained her cores. Is Palatinate a French vassal?
There'll be some surprises as regards France. No, Palatinate is independent but Protestant so votes France. Btw I got it wrong, Thuringia is Catholic too, so as for electors: 5 Catholic 2 Protestant (Palatinate and Saxony now)

Chris Taylor:
The rise of Spain—especially as a nominal ally!—seems like an incredible opportunity begging to be taken advantage of.
Opportunity you say...

Uh oh. Ravenous Bohemia must be contained. :eek: Maybe the next Bishop of Rome could convince Her Most Catholic Majesty Ana Trastámara to do something about it?
the Bishop of Rome has to balance Bohemian Emperor, Spain and Eastern ambitions.

Speaking of Ana I could not help but root for her; it's nice to see an AI 9/9/9 monarch have some in-game consequence. Too bad about the non-inheritance of Austria, though.
I dunno if the game makes sure countries like Austria (read: lucky nations) don't get inherited? :confused: It's the second time the heir has been spawned just in time.

Shame about the Lancasters, too. Did they rule Brittany, or were you hinting at England's destruction via Scotland/France/rebels?
They had been ruling Provence for some time. Made a temporary come back to England (bringing Protestantism along). Were made to pack for riviera by (temporary Catholic) Yorks. Lost province (Barrois) to Lorraine back then and now committed sepuku, their three provs were taken by France (Provence), Brittany (Anjou) and Orlean (Blois).
 
Holy Bohemian Behemoth, Batman! Then again, if Spain ends up inheriting Austria that should be fun too! :eek: Although as you say, it's likely that Austria is protected by the 'lucky' star and may yet stage a comeback...

Another great update, you manage to weave the narrative with the game play really well!
 
I do greatly enjoy reading about the various machinations from the Papal parties when it comes to voting for a new Pope, always great stuff and this time was no different. Interesting developments in Europe too, Bohemia's great rise has to be considering worrying, especially due to the lands you hold. Whilst Austria's further decline is perhaps also slightly worrying but I cannot help but smile at it. Very good stuff.
 
Those are some deep rifts in the College of Cardinals. Glad to see they were able to pick someone, but what it took to get to that point makes me think there's some real soul-searching the Church has to do.

I'd love to see the Orphans win big and continue the push East - Damascus is in heathen hands, the Ottomans are sitting on some Bulgars who undoubtedly deserve the bliss of Union, the Mameluks are falling to Prester John(!), the Hospitalliers still deserve a comeuppance, and I think the Ottomans still have some territory in lower Anatolia, next to your Syrian province... many possibilities for a less pacific pope.
 
aldriq:
Then again, if Spain ends up inheriting Austria that should be fun too! :eek:
Possible? Not expert on HttH, but now when Austria has its 1-year-old Archduke Franz II... (btw coincidence or conspiracy? the previous 1-year-old toddler-duke of Austria was... Franz I :confused::cool:)

morningSIDEr:
Interesting developments in Europe too, Bohemia's great rise has to be considering worrying, especially due to the lands you hold. Whilst Austria's further decline is perhaps also slightly worrying but I cannot help but smile at it. Very good stuff.
As long as Bohemia is my ally, I'm fine. Pays off having supported them in wars against Bavaria and Silesia. There are some conflicting areas with - now Bohemian - Emperor though. 'Lucky' Austria has a tendency to play a phenix.

Kroisistan:
I'd love to see the Orphans win big and continue the push East - Damascus is in heathen hands, the Ottomans are sitting on some Bulgars who undoubtedly deserve the bliss of Union,
Hmm... This will have to wait as the Papacy is busy elswhere...
the Mameluks are falling to Prester John(!),
Indeed! The fact I made sure the Mameluk lands are split in two seems to be helping them a lot. :)
the Hospitalliers still deserve a comeuppance,
They've grown a nuisance, haven't they?
 
Iulius II

25 October 1577 – 24 June 1579

EX NIMIO ADIPE SUFFOCATUS


Spanish Influences

After Clemens VIII’s death, weary and taught by the example of the previous conclave, Ana of Spain decided to save time and not to leave anything to chances. Within a couple of weeks Cardinal de Rojas, accompanied by Prince Felipe with a sizeable army arrived in Rome. The Spanish arrogance knew no bounds, the collection of either bribed or intimidated cardinals hastily elected Cardinal de Rojas the next pope, even before many Eastern cardinals had a chance to make it to the conclave. There were hardly any cheers or festivities to mark the occasion, not that the stern de Rojas planned, or to be more precise, allowed any; the Spanish regiments remained in the City for the duration of his pontificate.

Cardinal de Rojas took the name of Julius II, seemingly after the 4th century pope; but to the citizens of Rome it was obvious he hinted at Julius Caesar and was going to try to rule the Papal States as an autocratic Emperor. There was very little gain for the Papal States in this turn of events. True, the mighty Spanish Kingdom recognised the new Pontiff immediately and silenced any voices questioning the ecclesiastical corruption or requesting a synod to be convoked. However, instead of a military treaty what Queen Ana offered were merely words of eternal friendship. The Papal States no longer a partner in Spanish schemes got degraded to a role of a satellite state. (no alliance with Spain (Savoy has one though) as our relations drop was too big at the death of Clemens VIII, at least the danger of synod has been averted)

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The Spanish Inquisition

To say Cardinal de Rojas was unpopular in Italy would be an understatement. In the past he had been a Spanish envoy to Rome and the governor of the Spanish-administered territories in the Italian peninsula, that is Sicily and a few pockets on the peninsula; and as such opposed the Italian policy of the former popes. More importantly, he had long been the Grand Inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition. One might think the third Grand Inquisitor to be elected the Pope, Iulius II’s elevation was in accordance with the already set trend. In fact the Papal and Spanish Inquisitions had nothing in common but the name.

The Papal one’s aim was to encourage conversion rather than punish heretics. The penalties were limited to stigmatization, confiscations and exiles. So as to avoid creating martyrs dangerous political opponents were disposed of by other means. Burnings had been few, far and between, the large-scale ones had been unheard of since the infamous ‘New Jerusalem’ episode half a century ago. The Jewish lived in Rome and a few other Papal towns in relative peace; the banishment of their Alexandria commune in 1498 the last meaningful anti-Semitic act in the Papal States. Effectively, in the East converted or immigrant Catholics coexisted with various minorities. Admittedly, the Muslim populations suffered discrimination as long as they resisted conversion. In fact, ‘more carrot, less stick’ practice was in line with the Pharos policy, which offered converts a chance for a better life, opening up prospects for career either in military or bureaucracy.

The Spanish Inquisition meanwhile, and its abusive practices, with burnings and detrimental zealous hysteria, had long been at variance with the pastoral cautions from Rome, such as the one issued in the bull of Leo X’s

many true and faithful Christians, because of the testimony of enemies, rivals, slaves (…)without tests of any kind, have been locked up in secular prisons, tortured and condemned like relapsed heretics, deprived of their goods and properties, and given over to the secular arm to be executed, at great danger to their souls, giving a pernicious example and causing scandal to many​

As early as in 1540s Leo X attempted to allow appeals to Rome against the Spanish Inquisition, but Enrique V decreed death and confiscation for anyone trying to make use of such procedures without royal permission. With this, the Inquisition became the only institution that held authority across all the realms of the Spanish monarchy, and, in all of them, a useful mechanism at the service of the crown; the service, if need be, ready to appropriate land and money either for the Crown or for the Ecclesia.

Barely months before he was elected to the Papacy Cardinal de Rojas’s men discovered an apparently important group of Crypto-Jews in Quintanar de la Orden, a pueblo in La Mancha. De Rojas presided over the swift trial, notorious for the excessive use of cruel torture, which resulted in the whole group being publicly burned. (As the village is located just nine kilometres from El Toboso, some claim that the windmills, Don Quixote fights in the masterpiece by Miguel de Cervantes, are the metaphor for the inquisitors of Quintanar de la Orden.) The people of Rome had what to fear of and they did not have to wait long. Following the anti-Muslim hysteria (inspired by the Pope, and encouraged by the Spanish Crown seeking advancement in its forays to North-West Africa, where it held control over a few ports), the first auto-da-fé was held in the City on 25 November 1578; those burnt were accused of Islamic sympathies. Inexperienced in the matters of the East, Iulius II obviously exaggerated the threat the once mighty Ottoman Empire posed; there was no one however, foolhardy enough to directly oppose him, or the Spanish garrisoned in Rome, or Queen Ana. (OE still dreams of its might; Sunnis once more forced to convert, I could do the same to the Orthodox, but as I role-play a bit I decided against it; ‘Advancement of Religion’ portrays Iulius II well: only experts (clergy and nobles) know what’s right and wrong; it also gives a minor bonus to revolt risk, which has grown to be an issue; as for the Quintanar de la Orden bit, sorry I couldn’t resist but I spent some happy time there a long time ago)

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The heresy-hunt of Iulius II and the Spanish meddling led to a backlash. The people of the Papal States grew mutinous; comparing and contrasting their grim present day with the good old times of previous popes. The more rigorously Iulius II suppressed the free-thinkers and academic circles, the more cultural activity, matured now with decades of Renaissance, poured into the streets. Commedia dell’arte developed as a response to the growing political crisis, and became the voice of the dissentious. This form of theatre was performed outdoors in temporary venues; actors played crude ‘types’ and wore masks with grossly exaggerated features. At about that time troupes started employing female actresses; a standard by the end of the century on the Italian stage. Ironically, Iulius II’s austerity contributed a lot to commedia dell’arte’s popularity, and its coarseness. While a Papal document read,

the actress is purely a kind of courtesan, whose scanty attire, and promiscuous lifestyle corrupt young men, infusing them with carnal desires​

performers entertained the enthusiastic audiences with songs, dances, well-rehearsed jokes and physical gags.

Since the productions were improvised, dialogue and actions could easily be changed to satirize local scandals, current events, and certain people. With each month of 1578-1579 il Capitano’s masks more and more resembled the caricatured face of Iulius II. Il Capitano, traditionally a foreigner in commedia dell’arte, was canonically portrayed with excessive show of manliness to hide his true cowardly nature. The popular gag showed him a Spaniard, opportunistic and greedy, hired to fight the Turks. He would bluster about fighting them to his last drop of blood, but when the Turks came and seemed to be winning, he would join them. When they were driven off, he would change sides again and boast about his loyalty and bravery. (I took this cultural decision because 1) I can and it’s a rarity in MM :) 2) -2 revolt risk for four years seemed worth 64d, anyway I hired two 1-star advisors for 10 cultural tradition points and sold them on the international market, so I got my discount; of course with the ‘Faithless flock’ event the game laughed me in the face :()

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The Spanish Bankruptcy

Ana of Spain seemed to have won the political game. Yet, the time for rejoicing in Madrid was short-lived. Even before Spanish Inquisitors got down to mending errors of the Papal, too lenient, tribunals a string of calamities befell the ever-expanding Trastámara Empire. Securing tiara for Cardinal de Rojas proved a too expensive venture for the crown treasury to handle; especially when combined with the necessity to maintain garrisons in Italy (Rome, Romagna, Sicily, Savoy), and partake in financing the voyages of discovery to the New World. The government was in enormous debt; faced with the bills from her occupation army on Sicily and her massive fleet that was needed to contain the Berber piracy and secure control over the scattered Spanish bridgeheads on North-West African coast, Queen Ana declared bankruptcy.

Her ambitions were beyond her country's ability to pay for them, although silver from new colonies compensated somewhat. As a result the dissent grew in many parts of the realm. Some saw the state bankruptcy as a sign of weakness and tried to exploit it. Ana Trastámara lost the struggle over regency in Austria to Saxony; it was decided the young Franz II will be brought up by Protestant tutors under the guardianship of the Elector of Saxony. Also, Brittany’s ruling house, for decades dependant on Spanish help, had grown hostile and the regency there adopted Protestantism as the state religion. These conversions enraged Iulius II but also undermined his position as the value of the Spanish bias got questioned.
(is it in every game that Spain goes bankrupt? how historical! what triggered it anyway I wonder, Trastámara’s is not as massive as the historical Habsburg Spain; the stability hit must have hurt; btw Spain does not hold any North African provs; Austria is protestant again, sigh)

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The Portuguese Regent or la Belle Marguerite

Marguerite of Armagnac had long left her county and found safe haven in the Portuguese court of her brother-in-law, João III. The idea to seek rapprochement with the Emperor must have been born there; whether it was Marguerite’s or João’s is debatable. When the beautiful countess reached Prague, she dazzled Karel V Ludvik, still a teenager. Whatever he was promised in return, the Emperor signed an alliance with Portugal. One might question the benefits Bohemia had from this treaty, but apparently Marguerite explained to the young Emperor, the Portuguese fleet would secure the coast of Low Lands against piracy, the regular one as well as the bands of rebel Dutch privateers known as the watergeuzen ‘Sea Beggars’, who have grown to become a nuisance. (there is little chance the Dutch will get their independence, the rebels hardly ever seem to succeed; still maybe their lot is not that bad, Bohemia has Ecumenism, and the Empire tolerates all Christian confessions…; the unlikely Portuguese-Bohemian alliance will have far-reaching consequences)

Back in Lisbon Marguerite had to take the reigns of the country as King João had died fighting the French; with his wife unstable, Marguerite became the regent and the guardian of the three-year-old King Sebastião. Her lands occupied by the French, her position in Lisbon uncertain, she pleaded help from her ally the Emperor, and her protectress Queen Ana. Both consented to assist her providing the Pope would do so too; this required Marguerite to convert. The Curia was divided about the prospect of war with France. Avignon, the Papal enclave, would surely be besieged and many cardinals recommended caution. The moral support was agreed upon and it was decided to wait and see how things would develop. (if you look at the pic the prospect of war with France doesn’t look that scary; the rebels in Auvergne have just left Avignon, so I even have some troops in place; and the numbers, well, it’s good to have the Emperor on your side :p)

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The Spanish Betrayal

Iulius II, fame-greedy, not waiting for guarantees form Madrid, assured the Curia Queen Ana would sent both money and men to fight the righteous Catholic cause against the heretic French king. Unprepared, in February the Papal States joined the conflict. The citizens of Avignon rebelled instantly and closed their gates from the advancing Papal regiments. The Knights of Saint John protested against the rashness of Iulius II’s decision and challenged his authority in the East, where the war was extremely unpopular and the rift between the East and the Italian holdings grew perilously deep. The Hospitallers, the ‘orphans’, Constantinople, even Cardinal Morone opposed Iulius II’s decision. The danger of schism loomed on the horizon.

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In February the French encroached on Avignon and the Papal regiments, which had negotiated their entry to the city barely a couple of weeks ago had to withdraw, running away from the much more potent foe. The embittered and disillusioned civilians once again closed their gates and prepared for a lengthy siege. There was no news from Madrid. The Papal delegation to Spain was met by lesser officials and promised nothing. It dawned on Iulius II Queen Ana was not going to tolerate any actions he, her puppet, did not consult with her. To make his situation worse, Karel V Ludvik generously financed the clothing and equipping of the Papal contingents. He hoped Papal forces would manage to bind the French in the South, thus letting him march unopposed from the Low Lands. (the 5k is marching from Rousillon on Béarn; together with 1k that scorched Avignon there’s another, attritioned, 5k besieging Provence; the 11k strong main army is marching from Rome; Avignon gets besieged by 6/6/0 French army)

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By March it was clear Queen Ana not only did not want to help, she simply could not. The political assassination of the leader of the Sicilian opposition and the increase in burnings on the island were expected to calm the turmoil on Sicily; they did not. The rebellion in Palermo turned into a war of independence. Shockingly for Iulius II, most cardinals, not only the ‘orphans’, unofficially rooted for the Sicilians, so did the King of Naples, Leopoldo I, who hoped the rebels would pledge to him. The Spanish, always unwelcome to Italy, started to feel the earth shake under their feet. Popular anti-Spanish riots broke out all over Italy. (it seems in every game I play Spain has trouble with holding on Sicily)

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The war with France wasn’t going well for the Catholics. Without Spanish support the planned Portuguese military operations through the Pyrenees passes were impossible to execute. In the North the Dutch rebelled against their Venetian and Bohemian overlords, a serious disruption to the Imperial offensive. In the Council of War, which the Curia forced on Iulius II, the associated states were brought round to promising help with the war effort in exchange for not being asked to engage militarily. Still, the southern front ground to a halt, which was advantageous to the French as they were making progress in the North: in April they took Valenciennes. (AI is clueless about attrition, Cambray is besieged by Bohemia and Műnster, 15/36/2 and 1/13/0 respectively; already attritioned to 12.4/29.8/1.6 and 0.5/7.2/0; this of course affects their war exhaustion)

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The hectic months of May and June various members of the Curia spent on deserting Iulius II and plotting against him. In fear for their own safety even the most of his adherents abandoned him, some left Rome and decided to keep a low profile, others joined the growing opposition. The informal inner circle, never really disbanded since its creation under del Monte Papacy, got down to the business of removing ‘the obstacle’; as Iulius II is called in few written records (correspondence or diaries) that survive. There is no doubt he was poisoned, there is no doubt it was done so that it looked like an accident. He choked to death while having a meal; many cardinals, high officials even foreign delegates present. There were enough witnesses to testify that Iulius II suffocated while having an overly excessive meal; another circumstance supposed to blemish his name. There is little chance European royal houses believed in the accident story, many however openly chose to.

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The West at the death of Iulius II​


Treasury / yearly income: 828d / 200,34 (war subsidies!)
Merchants: 4 in Thrace: 42.79/370.63 and 1 in Alexandria: 10.215/360.52 (issues with keeping my merchants in my CoTs continue)
Fleet: 5: 5 cogs
Army: 24k Reformed tercio; 7k Gallop cavalry
Manpower / discipline: 27.698 / 114.8%
Army / navy tradition: 50.60% / 0.00%
Prestige: 98
Stability: +3
Infamy: 4.67/22.50
War exhaustion: 1.12/27
 
well Julius II is certainly memorable ... really like the way you built his character into the game events. I think there was an English King (John? ... not sure) who died of a 'surfeit of lampreys' after a supposedly excessive bit of feasting.

overall it looks Europe is becoming even more and more fragmented on various lines driven by a still live France, religion and run of the mill rebellion. Any danger the Eastern bits of the Papal States will push the New Rome line and argue to leave Europe to barbarism and concentrate on the civilised east?
 
Very good stuff. I was chuckling to myself upon reading of the 'Faithless Flock' even firing at the same time as your 'Commedia dell'Arte' decision having been taken, truly unlucky. I do like how you explained both events though. Vexing that Austria has become Protestant once again, it seems to flip between both religions everytime a new Pope is elected! Spain becoming bankrupt has to be a bit of a worry, considering it is often a stronghold of Christianity, although once again you tied it in fantastically to Julius' reign.

Thus now the unpopular Pope has passed away whilst having left Europe in the grip of war. I rather think Julius succeeded in his quest to attain fame. Or rather, infamy!
 
Another great gabor AAR is out there in the forums and I just noticed this today!!!!!! I must watch the EU3 AAR forums more often.

In my opinion (or imo if you prefer), you should start to fragmentate France now that you are in a war. And bring France to the one true faith, for He is the only rightful one.
Bad luck with Austria. Such risky measures for nothing. Let this be a lesson to us all. Support every country that you convert the best way you can.
Also, there should be rebellions in catholic Wales. And with it, a Casus Belli prepared for you to support these oppressed people (A catholic England is a great achievement).
Lastly, are you thinking in supporting the catholic cause in Bohemian controlled territory the Low Lands and Northern Germany? Those Protestants couls be "wiped out of the map in 30 to 40 years time.
 
That's what I call a disposable Pope. Lots of little ironies in this chapter, the biggest being all the Spanish effort gone into making Rojas Pope leading to a lack of support during his papacy...

The Spanish bankruptcies are probably a little to do with inflation (as historically) but I wonder if the AI goes over the top with piracy defences and other expensive luxuries, on top of maintaining a large navy.
 
... Ana of Spain decided to save time and not to leave anything to chances. Within a couple of weeks Cardinal de Rojas, accompanied by Prince Felipe with a sizeable army arrived in Rome. The Spanish arrogance knew no bounds, the collection of either bribed or intimidated cardinals hastily elected Cardinal de Rojas the next pope, even before many Eastern cardinals had a chance to make it to the conclave.

As a certain general contractor on TV likes to say, "if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time." :D

As early as in 1540s Leo X attempted to allow appeals to Rome against the Spanish Inquisition, but Enrique V decreed death and confiscation for anyone trying to make use of such procedures without royal permission.

Perhaps La Ana can be persuaded to respect the church's traditional right to administer ecclesiastical jurisprudence. It would be a shame for the rash actions of the sovereign to result in ordinary Spaniards suffering the displeasure of the Holy Father and the See of Rome. If you know what I'm sayin'.

...the actress is purely a kind of courtesan, whose scanty attire, and promiscuous lifestyle corrupt young men, infusing them with carnal desires

I knew there was a reason I took drama classes in high school! Sadly the day-to-day reality didn't measure up to Julius' awesome sales pitch.

Loved the description of il capitano, by the way... Am now belatedly realising that commedia dell'arte shares much in common with, and is the forerunner of, my favourite type of opera—opera buffa.

The government was in enormous debt; faced with the bills from her occupation army on Sicily and her massive fleet that was needed to contain the Berber piracy and secure control over the scattered Spanish bridgeheads on North-West African coast, Queen Ana declared bankruptcy.

Here I was hoping that Spain would become the Uber Mecha Godzilla and stomp all over the Holy Protestant Empire—and instead it goes broke. :(

Are you tempted to prop them up with user savegame meddling? Maybe an inflation reduction?

... Marguerite became the regent and the guardian of the three-year-old King Sebastião. Her lands occupied by the French, her position in Lisbon uncertain, she pleaded help from her ally the Emperor, and her protectress Queen Ana. Both consented to assist her providing the Pope would do so too; this required Marguerite to convert.

The emperor made a poor friendless French girl part with the faith of her fathers, all for a small and probably useless detachment of troops? Karel, you cad. I know she's a former heretic and all, but you should smite him. Repeatedly.