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Chapter IX

The Auvergne Alliance


By the year of Louis XII ascension to the throne of France many of the vassal states had given up their semi independence willingly to create a stronger and unified France. Some however would not give up their lands, such as the Duchy of Auvergne including the county of Poitou.
When Louis personally travels to Auvergne in the early spring of 1461 to convince the duke to let his realm be integrated into France the Duke flatly refuses.

Louis being merely 15 years old at the time can simply not fathom that this lowly Duke dares question his King. Louis threatens with military action against the small Vassal State unless the Duke complies within one month. Duke Guy III immediately contacts France’s enemies for aid. He strikes an alliance with Burgundy who promises its full support along with its ally Switzerland who is to bring large amounts of forces into the Franche-Comte and from there strike towards France in hopes of forcing it to withdraw its demand for Auvergne’s surrender.

The deadline for Louis ultimatum expires without a concession from Guy III and French forces instantly cross into Auvergne sweeping the feeble resistance aside without much difficulty. A few days later the declarations of war from burgundy and Switzerland arrives in Paris. Louis who expected a swift victory has in avertedly plunged France into another large scale conflict.

With the third consecutive war started by a young and inexperienced king now a fact the French military leadership must act fast to bring the war to an end and make it seem worth it to the French people. All evidence concerning Louis trip to and demand from Auvergne is swept under the rug and all remaining French forces are set to the task of once again defeating Burgundy.

With swiss forces entering into Franche-Comte and Burgundian troops moving to link up veteran commander Simon de La Porte attacks with his severely outnumbered army and scores a great victory sending the Swiss fleeing back to their Cantons

(The only major battle of the war)

After the battle of Comte The burgundian territories swiftly fall and by February 1463 the burgundian Duke is willing to discuss peace and on the 17th of that month Burgundy agrees to part with its last holding in the low countries, the city of Antwerp and Barrois, the former link between the Burgundian heartland and the burgundian lowcountries. Also the County of Nevers is Granted independence from Burgundy.

(The treaty of Dijon seals burgundy’s fate)

France has gone victorious out of yet another war but like with the previous two wars it has not done much to cement the popularity of the current Monarch. Nontheless France’s future is looking somewhat brighter with Burgundy effectively neutralized and Castille as a powerful continental ally and significant sea power.

France c. 1463

Louis XII de Valois ( ADM: 4 MIL: 6 DIP: 7)
Gratia Dei: Rex Francorum.

Treasury: 478
GDP: 52.5 Ducats/Year

Standing Army: 40000 Infantry, 20000 Cavalry
Navy: None
Reserves: 92000
Discipline: 127.80%
Tradition: Army 74.20 Navy 1.90

Prestige: 74
Reputation: 9.6
Legitimacy: 82
 
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Alright, ive finally caught up to where I am Ingame so the next update will be a while longer.
 
A great victory! The vassals will think longer next time before refusing the might of the French Kingdom!

Nice update. :)
 
Ah the veteran commander's bailing out young and inexperienced kings.
A dirty job but someone has to do it.:laugh:
 
A great victory! The vassals will think longer next time before refusing the might of the French Kingdom!

Nice update. :)

All who dare resist the will of France shall fall!!! Europe is Mine (Maniacal Laughter)

Ah the veteran commander's bailing out young and inexperienced kings.
A dirty job but someone has to do it.:laugh:

Yeah, lucky Louis. I wish I had veteran commanders to solve my personal probles aswell. That would be sweet.
 
Chapter X

Military reforms of Louis XII


In 1463 peace has once again descended upon France. Her borders are stable, her vassals scared into obedience by the example made out of Auvergne. And she has repeatedly humiliated and defeated Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire. As Louis reign goes on without trouble order and peace begins to return to France (Stability+1) Louis initiates talks with his military advisors regarding the status of the French Army. At present the bulk of the French army consists of the somewhat wealthy “middle class” and the less wealthy peasants/serfs fighting with mostly sword and spear and clad in Chainmail. These forces were certainly adequate during the many wars of previous years but Louis realizes that if France is to keep her place as the dominant force in Europe she will need to be on the cutting edge(
no pun intended) of military technology.

Louis would be the first king to introduce “Pike warfare” to Europe. Granted he found much inspiration in the early pike square employed by the Swiss mercenaries in the recent war with Burgundy. Louis embraced the pike square gladly and even improved upon it. The Square is extended so it more resembles a rectangle and Pikes are employed in a much more offensive capacity as the pike allows a soldier to kill his foe before he is even within reach of his opponent.

The French cavalry is however left as it is in terms of armament and organization. Light horsemen from the wealthier merchant classes act as scouts and skirmishers, The Pike formations advance and pins the enemy relentlessly, at this point the French heavy cavalry. (The Gendarmes, arguably the finest cavalry in the world at this point.) Smash into whatever is positioned on the wings of the enemy’s formation and break through.

After this the Gendarmes reform behind the enemy and deliver a single massive rear charge crushing the enemy between pikes and lances. This requires extreme discipline among the Gendarmes to keep them from simply chasing after routed foes in search of personal glory. To this end Louis drills his men mercilessly for his entire reign. Often Louis himself oversees and even takes part in military drills and exercises. For his implementation of the new strategy Louis earns the moniker (At least to those close to him) “The new Alexander” thou his military achievements never came close to those of Alexander).

Louis would also introduce proper field artillery to the French army during the late 1400 in the form of Culverins firing 17-20 pound shots capable of dealing great damage to both fortifications and men.

(Standard French 15th century Pikeman)

These Reforms would soon come into play as in 1467 a political conflict erupts near the France-Savoy border. Several Savoyard mercenaries make excursions into French lands and pillage several villages. IN return Louis demands that Savoy moves its borders back and surrender the Province of Savoie, the demand is naturally refused and French forces starts to move south towards the Border with Savoy. In November 1467 the war is a fact. French forces pour over the border and towards Torino where the Savoyard army is waiting.

(The war of Savoy)

]In command of the southern front is General Ambroise de la Tour d’Auvergne Count of Auvergne and the first French general to be properly educated in the new way of warfare. Louis himself will take no part in the actual fighting during the war.

France c. 1468

Louis XII de Valois (ADM: 4 MIL: 6 DIP: 7)
Gratia Dei: Rex Francorum.

Treasury: 678
GDP: 59.5 Ducats/Year

Standing Army: 40000 Pikemen, 20000 Cavalry 8000 Gunners
Navy: None
Reserves: 101 000
Discipline: 127.80%
Tradition: Army 74.20 Navy 1.90

Prestige: 3
Reputation: 1.1
Legitimacy: 94
 
yea more new troops, more manpower and more money.
Another war everything keeps geting better and better.!!
 
Very impressive! :)
 
yea more new troops, more manpower and more money.
Another war everything keeps geting better and better.!!

Yeah the 1400 has a lot of war as I got a bit carried away by my sucsses. Excpect the 1500 to be calmer atleast in terms of Wars against other Nations.

Very impressive! :)

Thanks a lot, I try my best. :)
 
Carve a fiefdom for yourself in Naples! Or whatever!

Loving the new entries!
 
Carve a fiefdom for yourself in Naples! Or whatever!

Loving the new entries!

Thanks a lot mate, I really appreciate it, especially comming from such a good writer as you. As for Naples, I don't think i want to mess with Italy to much yet so they get a free pass this time around.
 
Chapter XI

War of Savoy (1468-1470)


As French forces moved towards Torino under the command of General Ambroise the Savoyard army was preparing the defense of its lands. The Savoyard army was mostly composed of Heavy and Light Cavalry with a small infantry detachment as support. This makes the Savoyard army somewhat intimidating on the battlefield and very maneuverable. It does however also make it quite useless against the new French pike doctrine. Ambroise meets Carlo Emanuele I di Savoia on the 30th of December 1468 in the middle of a snowstorm. Neither commander can get any clear picture of what is going happening on the battle field and the battle ends with the Savoyard army withdrawing but French forces being unable to pursue due to the weather.

6 Days alter French forces enters Torino. After this the Savoyard army looses all morale and surrenders when Ambroise engages it again in Cuneo. With Emanuele killed in battle Savoy is annexed into the French Kingdom in May 1469. The French military leadership now starts to plan how to get Bohemia to withdraw from the war and accept Savoy as part of France.
By January 1470 the plans are done, French forces will advance through both Germany and Italy- Austria and Strike Bohemia from two sides. The full military might of France is dedicated to this task.


(The French Invasion Plan)

The French army was more or less unstoppable in its advance towards Bohemia. With the Bohemian armies scattered after a crushing defeat at the Battle of Antwerp (Forgot to take a pic again) the French army easily sweeps through Germany unopposed and captures Sudety, Leipzig, Oberlauitz, Nederlauitz, Erz and in the summer of 1470 French forces storm Prague.



The Only proper battle of the invasion stands on the 4th of July 1470 but not against a Bohemian force. The polish Lithuanian commonwealth, the most powerful nation in central and Eastern Europe has sent a force of almost 50000 men to halt the French advance. Against this stands the French general Jean-Antoine de La Glassonière with only 23000 men. To make things worse the Polish army is led by Krystian Sobieski, a long time veteran from the Poland’s many wars with the Steppe hordes. The Polish army has over 33000 cavalry compromising much of the Polish nobility at the time.
The Polish have however not counted on the French artillery and Pike infantry. A soon as the Polish line their cavalry up it comes under merciless bombardment by Glassonière’s cannons which prompts them into a premature charge that breaks easily on the French pikes. The casualties are horrendous and Antoine orders his own cavalry to charge. The Polish troops break into a full rout and flee back to Poland. Despite having a rather large number of troops still available Poland’s King Stanislaw VI is not willing to risk further humiliation by committing troops to a war that is not his.



The loss of his greatest ally and the occupation of large parts of his realm draw Bohemian King Jindrich II Fridrich to the negotiating table. In the following Treaty of Leipzig Jindrich agrees to recognize Savoy as part of the French Kingdom and no longer a territory in the Holy Roman Empire.
The kingdom of Naples had joined the war in defense of Savoy but ended up sending no forces and therefore when the treaty of Leipzig is negotiated the Neapolitan diplomat uses this fact to negotiate a clean withdrawal from the war with no repercussions.



With the Empire forced to cede Savoy to France Louis realizes something: His army is the most modern, best trained and best equipped in all of Europe. Finally an old score can be settled.




France c. 1471
Louis XII de Valois (ADM: 4 MIL: 6 DIP: 7)
Gratia Dei: Rex Francorum.

Treasury: 405
GDP: 59.5 Ducats/Year

Standing Army: 40000 Pikemen, 20000 Cavalry 8000 Gunners
Navy: None
Reserves: 103 000
Discipline: 127.80%
Tradition: Army 74.20 Navy 1.90

Prestige: 22
Reputation: 10.9
Legitimacy: 97
 
Chapter XII

War of Aquitaine


The war of Aquitaine came from Louis newfound confidence in his new army’s capabilities due to their excellent performance in the War of Savoy. The majority of Louis councilors lobbied for war with England to regain the Duchy of Aquitaine and maybe even Calais. Before the war can be undertaken however there are matters of state to handle.

After being unable to keep Savoy in the Empire by military means holy roman emperor Jindrich II resorts to subterfuge and several attempts are made to get France so cede Savoy on Legal grounds. Some Savoyard nobles still remain loyal to the Empire, especially the remnants of the former ruling family who constantly interfere with French attempts to integrate Savoy. Realizing his initiative is slipping Louis issues a decree from Lyon stating Savoy will from the 1st of September 1471 have the status of a semi independent Vassal of France. Its ruler is to be titled “Duke of Savoy”.



With the Savoy issue solved, at least for the short term Louis turn his forces towards Aquitaine and Calais. The official declaration of war arrives in London on the 20th of July 1473, by then French forces are already bombarding Calais and crossing into Gascogne. Calais had net been prepared at all for the ferocity of the French assault and fall within a few days.



In the Aquitaine the English forces stationed there are under the command of Count Jeremy Hastings, a total of 19000 men. Against this General d’Auvergne, veteran from the War of Savoy has 17000 men. The English cavalry heavy army encounters trouble in its attempt to charge the French pike line. As the cavalry withdraws Hastings sends his infantry forwards but they come under heavy bombardment from the French artillery, yet another battlefield innovation not yet employed by the English.

The English infantry quickly looses morale and a retreat, seeing this d’Auvergne sends his heavy cavalry forwards and the English retreat turn into a full rout and with that the English holdings in Europe come under French occupation for the second time. The Portuguese attempts a landing in Labourd in late September but their cavalry heavy army is repulsed by French pikes much like the English were.



On the 2nd of January 1471 the English parliament sends a diplomat without permission from king Henry VII to negotiate a peace with Louis. The Parliament sees that England can by no means match France on land and that the conquered provinces will inevitably fall to France regardless. Therefore in the Second Treaty of Calais England cedes all its continental holdings to France and Louis even manages to turn the captured English nobles into a bargaining chip. He successfully forces England to renounce their suzerainty over Scotland. Robert IV Scott is crowned king of Scotland. The old Auld Alliance is revived and peace settles on France once again.



With two wars concluded rather swiftly Louis gains the favor of the French people, noble and peasant alike is very content and Louis is hailed as a great hero, he has secured France’s border with Italy and driven the hated English from the continent. Louis is now 28 years old. Unmarried and his 2 year younger brother Louis XIII is the Dauphin of France.

France c. 1474
Louis XII de Valois (ADM: 4 MIL: 6 DIP: 7)
Gratia Dei: Rex Francorum.

Treasury: 240
GDP: 69.5 Ducats/Year

Standing Army: 40000 Pikemen, 20000 Cavalry 8000 Gunners
Navy: None
Reserves: 113 000
Discipline: 127.80%
Tradition: Army 58.20 Navy 1.90

Prestige: 49
Reputation: 9.9
Legitimacy: 100
 
Another fine update. I think I read too much but I cann't help myself.:laugh:
 
A truly spectacular victory for the French! The English have been humbled and driven from the continent. Very impressive considering when you started!
 
Just one more direct enemy remains. Then I can finally lay low for a few decades.
 
Chapter XIII

Late Reign of Louis XII

The Wallonian Revolt

The Wallonian revolt erupted in the French province of Valenciennes. Being a province with mainly a Wallonian population who still resisted French rule, this resistance erupted in Revolt in February 1478. While the rebels can muster a total of 10000 men to their cause they are mostly untrained pesants armed with little more than farming equipment turned into makeshift weapons of war. By contrast the superbly drilled and organized French army consists of professional soldiers with top notch equipment.

Nedless to say the revolt is very short lived as the Armeé des Flandres 17000 strong sweeps into Valenciennes and scatters the rebels. The leader of the rebellion, a Wallonian nobleman by the name of Georges Lemaître manages to flee to the coast and from there to England. He would never be heard of again.

The Luxemburg issue

The Kingdom of Aragon had long been a rival of France, having fought in many wars with France and always walked away empty handed. By 1478 however relations between Aragon and France has warmed up some. Trade between the nations had been resumed and King Ferran IV of Aragon had even offered his daughters hand in marriage too Louis. Louis however politely declines as he has already named his two year younger brother as hair to the throne and he does not wish to risk plunging France into civil war over conflicting claims to the throne.

Instead Ferran’s Daughter marries the aging duke of Luxemburg who dies just a few months later leaving his realm to his new family.



Ever the English

The King of England Henry VI was not a happy man. Having lost all his continental holdings due to the cowardly action of a pacifist parliament he tries to convince parliament to resume hostilities towards France and press to English claim to the French throne once more. Parliament however refuses, perhaps out of fear of the French army. In the War of Aquitaine the British blockade of France had mostly been for naught as France merely started to ship goods the land route instead.

Failing to convince the parliament to wage war on France Henry seeks higher authority and finds it in the Pope. Using France’s support for the Avingonese papacy Henry manages to convince his Holiness to Excommunicate Louis and condemn him as a heretic. Louis however remains calm. No nation dares to directly confront France after her victories in the War of Savoy and Aquitaine and should French be challenged she has the backing of the kingdom of Castille.



In 1490 the King of Aragon dies without a legal heir. This sparks a revolt in Luxemburg against the Aragonese rulers. With Aragon being leaderless it’s an easy thing for Louis to send agents with money to fund the rebellion. By 1492 Luxemburg and Arlon instead of declaring independence join with the Archbishopric of Liege. Louis however takes it in stride, Liege is one of the few nations in the Holy Roman Empire that does not hate France and he even considers Liege to be a possible future ally.

Louis lives out his last days in peace. He dies on the 22nd of April 1496 at the age of 50, taking his excommunication with him. His brother is soon afterwards crowned Louis XIII de Valois King of France at the age of 48. His younger brother Henri is in turn named Dauphin of France.



France c. 1496
Louis XIII de Valois (ADM: 8 MIL: 3 DIP: 3)
Gratia Dei: Rex Francorum.
Treasury: 1121
GDP: 78.5 Ducats/Year

Standing Army: 40000 Pikemen, 20000 Cavalry 8000 Gunners
Navy: None
Reserves: 113 000
Discipline: 127.80%
Tradition: Army 58.20 Navy 1.90

Prestige: 49
Reputation: 9.9
Legitimacy: 100
 
Is their a reason for no navy?

Why spend money on something I do not need. In D&T England gets an absurd naval force limit, at present she has something like 144 big ships. The navy issue will be attended to however and rest assured France will have a navy soon.