Chapter 5
Castille, with revolts erupting all over the south after the damage it took in the war with Aragon, presents an easy target for the moors, eager to step back in Iberia.
Back in Italy, the churches in Umbria are in disrepair. With the treasury just barely sufficing for diplomatic endeavours of the past few years, Joan refuses to lend aid to the church, and the grander of the constructions are, unfortunately, lost.
After many decades, the French and the English finally sign a peace treaty. Tens of thousands of lives lost, all for nothing. The only change is that England's influence on the Breton peninsula dwindled, and other than a small enclave the local lords pledge allegiance to Antoine Phillipe of the house of Blois, who in turn is loyal to the French crown.
The French immediately take advantage of the peace and switch their focus to administrative matters. The King forces the count of Anjou to give up much of the authority he has, and Anjou is placed entirely under the rule of Jean II. The only thing different from the rest of the land of the French crown is support for the king, which has completely evaporated after all the wars.
Epirus, having lost the province of Thessalia to the Roman Empire a couple of years ago, looks to make up for its losses by declaring war on the once-mighty Serbian Empire, now a mere principality, as it is embroiled in war with its other neighbours. This brings it in conflict with the Napolitan ally, the duchy of Neopatria.
Not about to watch her ally be annexed like that, Joan declares war on Epirus in support of Neopatria.
Fortunately most of the states who respond in defence to Epirus cannot quite reach it.
Seven regiments land on Magnesia, already under siege by Epirote forces, and drive them away. Pushing them to the northern border, they eventually succeed in dispersing them and the Epirote army is no more.
It could have ended as simply as that, but the Romans are quick to take advantage of the situation, and declare war on the duchy, still rebuilding their Empire. Grudgingly, Joan finds her kingdom in war with the Romans.
Fortunately the main bulk of the Roman army is in Serbia, and the force sent to lay siege to Magnesia is small. The other half of the Napolitan army is mobilised and easily defeats the besiegers.
The Roman fleet engages the small Neopatrian and Albanian fleets in the Aegean Sea, but the Napolitan ships in the Magnesian ports rush to the aid of their allies and combined manage to land a small but not insignificant blow to the Roman naval effort.
Serbia manages to get Epirus to cede its northern strip of land in exchange for an end to hostilities, but Naples stays in the war.
Andronikos, Roman Emperor and a brilliant mind, sees that the war is pointless and will only lead to disaster, and agrees to step out of it returning to pre-war conditions.
The war experience and innovations leaking in through the borders lead to significant advances in army tactics and equipment. Though all the real fighting is over by now, even without testing it is obvious that the new regiments are much more effective.
Finally, Epirus concedes to the Napolitan demands. To ensure peace and stability in the region, the monarch, queen Helene, who is still underage, swears loyal to the Napolitan crown. They also give up their claim to Thessalia, which so becomes indisputably Roman.
The events of the past year have shown to the Neopatrian populace that in its situation they cannot defend themselves, so when Joan offers his duchy protection in exchange for his loyalty, Nero II is quick to accept.
On the other side of the Mediterranean, Castille is in a hopeless situation. In a constant state of rebellion, and with Moorish armies landing on its shores, even Granada manages to win a peace much towards their favour. The reconquista is far from over after all.
Joan is ecstatic. Things are going overwhelmingly in her favour. Filled with enthusiasm, she calls on her advisors to assemble in her office. It is time for the Third Council of Naples.
A. The first option Joan puts on the table is, just like in the previous Council, further
centralisation of the state, which will generally improve the economy.
B. Also returning from the Second Council is the rescinding of the more mercantile laws of Naples. Only
trading in Venice right now, it is imperative to let go of some restrictions, if Napolitan merchants are to trade outside the Venetian league.
C. Finally, Joan proposes to restructure the military and end the slight favouring of the navy over the
land army. The latter has seen much more action than the former, and it is a shame that the more important part of the Napolitan military is the one where inefficient spending is concentrated.
The advisors cast their votes.