I hope France doesn't leave us out to dry!
Part 2: The Reign of Emperor Albrecht III von Wittelsbach
The first thing Albrecht wants to do is increase taxes, so he recruits a treasurer advisor and pass the Liquor Act, which increases the tax rate by +3%. Albrecht also sends tithes to the Church, hoping to assuage the damage done by Bavaria in taking Christian lands. Some religious heretics see this as a time of weakness, and attempt to gain more privileges and acceptance of their religious views. Their army, however, is not large, and the Bavarian king elects to crush the new movement.
Finally, after years of no serious conflict and a forced white peace looming, Denmark offers 15 ducats to escape war. It is the best offer that will come, and the Bavarians have no desire to make another push north. Unfortunately, King Albrecht no longer has a reason to collect war taxes.
With peace, of course, comes unhappy citizens. The people of Koblenz push for lower taxes to ease the economic burden on themselves. With no desire to lower taxes, Albrecht sends his army to the western end of his realm to put down the 10,000 dissenters. Victory is costly, but the rebels have weak wills. During the battle, Hungary mobilizes for war, seeking to eradicate the once Christian nation of Moldavia.
But with war, of course, comes unhappy citizens. The peasants of Bavaria seek greater freedoms, and Albrecht must choose to either please them or make them suffer further. Emperor Albrecht takes the free slider move toward Free Subjects, and gains 2 years of reduced revolt risks as well.
With a new army being recruited to reinforce the Hungarian armies from an Ottoman horde, a desperate call arrives from our French ambassador. The vile Burgundians, our most hated rivals, seek to dig deeper into French territory. Bavarians everywhere rejoice at the chance to crush our bitter enemies.
Unsurprisingly, many other major powers wish to see the Burgundians taken out, even more so than the Ottomans. War subsidies pour in from Milan and England. All we need to do is win the war. A few months later, France also grants us war subsidies in an effort to take down the Magenta menace.
Bavaria’s 2 chief generals, the emperor himself and Gottfried G…something. History has lost his last name…
Though our armies are better disciplined and better trained than the Ottomans, defeat is imminent due to the size of the Ottoman armies, especially with mercenary forces taking heavy losses. Thankfully, after victories on our Western front, France makes peace with Burgundy, taking territory and forcing Burgundy to release Hainaut.
France’s peace is short lived. They wish to eliminate the state of Avignon, which they have completely surrounded. Unfortunately, good Bavarians are less inclined to support this war effort, and dislike our decision to support France’s claim, resulting in instability. Thankfully, Burgundy respects their truce, and does not make good on their guarantee to Avignon’s sovereignty.
A victory against the Ottomans. Bavaria would not have enough time to turn the tide of war, however.
Meanwhile, in September 1452, the Peasants’ war is finally over, and order is restored to the lands of Bavaria.
Hungarians, tired of war, cede two provinces to the interloping Ottomans. The 11,000 soldiers of Bavaria make the long march back home.
Finally, a slider move. Albrecht moves to reform the army to increase its training and discipline. Some men desert the local training camps, but their numbers are replaced in time.
Meanwhile, France has managed to annex Avignon, and now fights to keep it against Milanese forces. The Bavarians send their army south, hoping to capitalize on the war and make a profit from it.
On 18 May, 1454, Sweden declares war on Byzantium, hoping to seize Kola. They do, easily. England, with whom we now have a royal marriage, also attacks France, and we are called to arms yet again. Emperor Albrecht sees a good opportunity to keep collecting war taxes. Meanwhile, Bohemia somehow annexes Meissen. It must have been accomplished diplomatically.
The Bourgeoisie request privileges on March 21st, 1455, and Emperor Albrecht denies them, increasing the power of the aristocracy. (Usually, I would go plutocratic, but the slider was so far left it made sense to increase the benefits)
Then, white peace between France and Milan. Bavaria’s armies were too slow, and are recalled home once more. Once at home, more unrest falls across Europe. How can this war torn continent ever stabilize itself? This time, the Teutonic Order attacks Danzig, whom Bavaria must defend as the Holy Roman Emperor.
But Albrecht would be unable to act on his defense of Danzig, as he passed on a mere 3 months later, the stress of war had clearly taken its toll, and his brother, Philipp Wilhelm I of Bavaria succeeded to the Kingship of Bavaria and was elected as Holy Roman Emperor.
Well, that was definitely fun, and I wish the best of luck to Klorius, whom I have left with 2 wars...I look forward to see what happens to our great country of Bavaria!