This is my first attempt at an AAR, and actually my first post on the forum as well, but I'll try to do a good job on this. So here I go.
Ivan III: The First Five Years
treasury: 200 ducats
I arrived at the council meeting ten minutes early, only to find that the debate had started without me. As I walked through the door, the Lord Admiral Raliminov and the commanding general of the army Striga-Obelenski were yelling, red faced, as was their usual procedure. The Grand Duke was seated at the table, low in his chair, annoyed by their conflict. It was he, after all, who needed to be convinced.
"Dmitri Makarov!" said the duke gleefully, "Finally, a sane man!" He stood up and came to greet me. As I shook his hand, the general and the admiral stopped bickering, and sat down. It was time to get to business.
"So I see we've begun discussing the issue of military funding already," I began. "We must decide if it is in our best interest to continue naval resear..."
"We cannot prevent ourselves from combating the enemy at sea," interupted the admiral.
"Men without coasts have no ships," chimed in General Striga-Obelinski.
The Grand Duke silenced them both. "There will be no funding for such research. Next topic for discussion."
I glanced at my notes, and, knowing another fight would break out, skipped expansion. The Lord Admiral had set his mind on gaining a seacoast on the Baltic, with the General greatly decided to move south, on Kazan. I myself favored both approaches, yet desired time alone with the Grand Duke to discuss a more global strategy. Thus, expansion would wait until the February council meeting. "Next up is internal improvement. Nabakov?"
A small man, who in the future would greatly change the realm, began to speak. "I believe that the tax systems should be greatly improved both around Moscow and Novgorod. Also, we need to secure Novgorod as our center of trade with great revenue improvements."
It was decided to abide by Nabakov's wise suggestions, and, in addition, to commision ten thousand additional infantrymen in Moscow. Foreign policy would be decided at the next meeting, or so I thought. The date of the meeting, February 2.
As prime minister, I have many duties, and on the day of February 1, I was in my office, reading the usual complaints about how we should do something about this "winter" that seems to arrive every year and kill a bunch of our soldiers, who never seem to be deployed in areas with good forage. It was on the bottom of my stack of papers that I found something that would cause me to storm into the palace of the Grand Duke, and give him a piece of my mind. It was a decry that simply read "Conquer Kazan."
Preparations had to be made for such an endeavor. Alliances to be formed. Troops to be built. Research to be done. Our forces were out of positions, and, as yet, none of that something called artillery was yet available in the realm. Yet, Ivan III did have his reasons, I suppose. And thus, although slightly miffed, I began to carry out a plan that would take us into a wild conflict, with a tiny nation that just would not die.
On April first, a man arrived at my door. He told me he was a merchant. Although I had little idea what he meant by this, he told me that if I gave him 4 ducats, he would go to Novgorod and get some more. This sounded like a fair deal, and sure enough, he did, sending news of trade increases on May 8.
I was begining to receive word of conflicts abroad at about the same time. On April 9, Spain annouced the annexation of the small Muslim state of Granada. Great, one heretic expands at the behest of another. The ambassador from the society known as the Mameluks arrived at my door on the 28, with information about a Turkish declaration of war. I told him to beg somewhere else, and set him back to Egypt immediate, not knowing that I would see him only once more, with news that would greatly disturb me. Yet, he reminded me that was necessary to have allies when at war, and on the first of May, the daughter of the Grand Duke was sent off to marry a young Danish prince, Piglet, Porklet, something like that. On May 16, a similar offer was received from Moldovia, betrothing a fair maiden to the Duke's annoying young nephew, Burporov. Yet, marriage is not enough of a tie. Something more concrete was needed. Thus, to my relief, on July 3, a pact of mutual protection was signed with Denmark. Relations were at a peak (144) and the Motherland was ready to turn and claim what was rightfully hers. On July 16, another marriage was concluded with Bohemia, as another of the Duke's daughters was sent off, this time to have a good life skiing in the mountains of Germany.
On July 24, another merchant came to me, wishing to go to Novgorod. I sent him with good wishes, and he indeed had some degree of success, putting out of business a Swedish meatball vendor. On August 7, I received disturbing word of a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. We do not desire a strengthened Poland on our border.
On October 2, yet a third merchant arrived, wanting to go to Novogrod. Nothing was heard from him again, so it is assumed he fled, taking the Duke's ducats with him. On the 22 of the same month, news arrived of a war between Brandenburg and Saxony. An additional nine thousand infantrymen were commisioned in Vladimir for the coming conflict. On December 12, the Bradenburger aggressors were forced to quit the conflict, paying 61 ducats in the process. I explained to the duke that this is the result of an unplanned war.
January 1, 1493
Treasury: 94 ducats
A merchant was sent to Novgorod today. There have been reports of a Kazan trade presence there. On January 21, it was reported that Kazan was building a new fortress in their capital. I saw the wisdom of the king's declaration, and was glad the attack was about to commence. As a final insult before the attack, the Kazan traders in Novgorod were driven out of business. Having hurt their economy, we decided it was nearly time to attack. A desparate courier arrived from the Teutonic order on the 14 of February. The war had ended. Poland took Estonia and 33 ducats from the poor German knights. Little did they know, I planned to take from them much, much more.
On March 2, 9,000 infantry were commisioned in Vladmir. The armies appeared ready. Little did I know how wrong I was.
On April 1, like any other April, a merchant was sent to Novgorod. Yet on that same day, war was declared. Kazan would be ours.
The Russo-Kazan War
The main forces of our armies was under Stringa-Obelenski in Moscow, 40,000 infantry and 25,000 cavalry. These were ordered into Ryzan, to draw the main army of Kazan into battle. An army under colonel Bodabo, of 41,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, lay in wait at Vladimir, to march on Kazan as the enemy army left, and the infantry was constructed. Reserves of 20,000 cavalry lay at Novgorod, and 8,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry were at Tver. A man claiming to be a prophet arrived at my office on the day of the declaration. He spoke of a man in the future named Clausewitz, who would say, "No plan survives contact with the enemy." How true.
On April 19, Striga-Obelinski beseiged Ryzan. However, patrols indicated that the army of Kazan was not in the area. They seemed to be marching north, toward Vladimir. On May 1, the 9,000 conscripts arrived, lower the army's moral. On the third, the army of Kazan was right behind them. Bodabo put up a fight, but not much of one. While at the same time 3,000 infantry were massacred in Ryzan, Bodabo was defeated on our own soil. Mother Russia was under seige.
Not all was lost, however. I still had the seige of Ryzan, and an assualt began on May 20. It ended on the 25, with 3,657 defenders remaining. With morale at a low ebb, my army settled in for a seige, just as an army of 5,000 Kazaners arrived. Shocked, my army of 43,000 was no match for such a huge force, and was routed.
Bodabo, reinforced with the cavalry reserves, took his force of 35,932 infantry and 18,223 cavalry and marched on the seige at Vladimir. He arrived to do battle on the 20th of June, and confronted the enemy. Inflicting heavy losses, he did not realize he was on the brink of victory, and on the 27th, he withdrew. Only 14,000 enemy cavalry remained, yet he retreated. The situation was very bleak, and the Lord Admiral began to make comments about an inability to move south. And a question weighed heavily on all our minds. Where were the Danes?
It was at this point, Stringa-Obelinski chose a new strategy. First, Bodabo was dressed in women's clothing and thrown into the Volga. Golystin, a much better leader, or so was thought, took his place. Second, the army that had now lay at Moscow would attack Kazan proper, cutting behind the enemy. Meanwhile, Golysin would attack the enemy at Vladimir. 29,586 infantry and 17,355 cavalry, all of the reserves, would attack. On August 22, the Third Battle of Vladimir was fought. For eight days the battle raged, but, yet again, Kazan was victorious. They offered peace for the contents of my treasury, 62 ducats. But any doubt in the council of our ability to win this war was soon erased, by the army from the north. The Danes had come.
An army of about eight thousand engaged Kazan at Vladimir on September 1. Golysin took his army to Moscow to winter there. At the same time, Stringa-Obelinski arrived at Kazan and began an assualt. Soldiers breached the wall and took the city before the new fortifications were completed. On September 10, Kazan was ours. The army was taken to Vladimir to winter there.
The Danes meanwhile concentrated their army in the seige of Lipetsk. An early assualt failed, and they were forced to winter there. Of 17,000 men, only 7,000 would survive the cold.
January 1, 1494
treasury: 121 ducats
Today, 3 merchants were sent to Novgorod. In the heat of battle, we often forget that it is our economies that are most important. They managed to put out of business traders from Austria and Courland, and expand our trade as well. In addition, 11,000 infantry were commissioned in Vladimir. Following that success, another merchant was sent in March, who to our delight expanded trade once more. On March 1, we received news that our reputation had greatly increased with the rest of the world. Apparently victories aren't as impressive as defeats.
In the same month, the army of Golysin marched on Ryzan, while Stringa-Obelinski marched on Tambow via Kazan, to destroy a small force that had beseiged the province. Even the Lord Admiral had to concede, victory seemed very much in hand. Even so, 3,000 additional soldiers were commissioned in Moscow, just in case. On the 20th of March, a marriage was concluded between the Grand Duke's least favorite daughter and Pskov. Four days later, the event was celbrated by slaughtering 1,000 men who took the field in a last ditch effort to prevent the seige of Ryzan. On April 2, Stringa-Obelinski was victorious at Kazan over a small force. The enemy had no army left. The fun began. On April 22, Ryzan was assualted. The first attack ended on May 10, with only 51 men left to man the wall. On the third of May, Stringa-Obelinski attacked Tambow. He stopped on May 17, with only 331 members of the garrison left.
On May 22, a merchant was sent to Novgorod. He then apparently skipped town. I hate money-grubbing scum. On June 3, Denmark finally captured Lipetsk. Their 5,000 soldiers then marched on Vorones. A rumor, probably started by the Lord Admiral, spread rapidly through Moscow. It was that Denmark would get more out of peace than we would. However, earlier July quieted many, as Ryzan fell on July 3, and Tambow on July 4. Stringa-Obelinski detached his cavalry and marched on Vorones with 15,000 men. All other forces were sent to Moscow. We looked quite powerful, and, on July 15 Pskov assented to our power and joined our alliance.
Great things happened in August. On the seventh, the General in all his glory arrived at Vorones. He attacked the city, supported by Danish troops, and on the 25th, the city fell. On August 26th, to a much needed celebration, in which the defeatist Lord Admiral was executed, we annexed Kazan, although Lipetsk went to Denmark, we did gain four other provinces. The day became a day of note, known as Stringa Day, after the general who from the jaws of defeat pulled victory. On the same day, Moldovia, entranced by our victory, joined our alliance.
The victory left 13,855 infantry trapped at Vorones, but no matter. The army at Moscow numbered an impressive 16,369 infantry and 31,225 cavalry. Besides, they are a lot more peasant infantrymen where those came from. The council was removed from its war footing, and began to try to improve the economy. Tax collectors were promoted in Kazan and Vladimir. On September 26th, a merchant venture to far away Venice reported that they had competed away some fish traders from Tunisia. Big deal. How about earning us some money? On November 25, any hope of an anti-Polish alliance was smashed as the King of Hungary refused any discussion on the topic of royal marriage. Darn.
January 1, 1495
treasury: 91 ducats
Today was a day filled with dismay. The ambassador from the Mameluks arrived with horrid news. The Turks controlled all of the country east of Egypt, and they could not be stopped. We could do nothing. I allowed the man to stay on my personal estate if he wished. Yet, his country was in danger, and he returned to it to take up arms. Brave men are hard to find.
Two merchants were sent to Venice, and a tax collector was promoted in Volgoda. 7,000 infantry were consripted in Tambow. Trade was expanded in Venice, to 3 ducats a year from one merchant. In Novgorod we received 7 ducats from five merchants. To be a Venician. February brought news of conflicts in new theatres. On the 13th, France (Savoy, Papal States, Poland, Helevia) declared war on England (Naples). I fear that England shall greatly regret this conflict.
On March 7, an additional 7,000 infantry were conscripted in Tambow. If war comes, we shall be ready. On the 25th, Turkey captured Egypt. My friend, the ambassador, was killed in the fighting. In war, no only bad men die. On May 5, we concluded a royal marriage with England. Thus, we got first hand accounts of the French conquest of Calais on June 7. On July 3, a merchant was sent to Venice. Trade was raised to a level where we gained 10 ducats a year.
Battle was joined in Italy, as on September 3 Naples fell to the Papal States. The English allies probably wished Spain had annexed them instead. On November 1, a merchant was sent to Venice. He put out of business a merchant a sauce merchant from Lorraine.
On November 12, a royal marriage was concluded with France. Now we viewed the conflict from both sides.
January 1, 1496
treasury: 102 ducats
We have a long border with Poland, and it is necessary to shore it up defensibly. The fortress in Moscow is therefore expanded. On the third, Turkey takes Quattra. The Mameluks are fading, trapped and indefinsible. The war is all but over.
On February 1, we take note of a new discovery, that of the metal canon ball. We decide that they are not of much use, since you cannot throw them very far, and stabbing kills people much more efficiently. I have heard rumors of long tubes that make these ball go very fast, but I have to see one before I can believe that.
In April, a merchant sent to Venice came back with news of more trade money, as his business took root. In the same month, the Nile Delta was captured by the Ottoman dogs. Alexandria fought on, versus the world (of Turks). On May 18, the Mameluks refused to share explorations with us. Obdurate until the end. June 10 saw a Royal Marriage with Portugal. On the anniversary of the fall of Tambow, a merchant was sent to Venice. He was never seen or heard from again. Rumors indicate that he was murdered by a famous Turkish assassin, Iya Stabyourbody, but this claim remains unsubstatiated. On July 24, the Turkish dogs captured Alexandria. All of the Mameluk empire was annexed. I pray that someone can stop the Turkish menace.
On August 15, English soil was invaded, as Savoy beseiged Wessex. On November 16, on the same day as one of our merchants competed away a trader from Helevia, Naples made peace with the Papal States for 36 ducats. They could have taken more.
In accordance with royal decree, I publish this summary of the progress our Duchy has made.
provinces gained: Kazan, Ryazan, Tambow, Vorones
trade: 5 Merchants in Novgorod, 7 ducats a year
3 merchants in Venice, 16 ducats a year
royal marriages: Denmark, Moldovia, Bohemia, Pskov, England,France, Portugal
alliance: Denmark, Pskov, Moldovia
And so the question is posed: north, to the sea, in quest of a port, or south, toward fresh land and hated enemies. Little did I, an prime minister know, that the decision would again be beyond my control, and instead in the hands of a peasant coal miner at the right place at the right time.
Ivan III: The First Five Years
treasury: 200 ducats
I arrived at the council meeting ten minutes early, only to find that the debate had started without me. As I walked through the door, the Lord Admiral Raliminov and the commanding general of the army Striga-Obelenski were yelling, red faced, as was their usual procedure. The Grand Duke was seated at the table, low in his chair, annoyed by their conflict. It was he, after all, who needed to be convinced.
"Dmitri Makarov!" said the duke gleefully, "Finally, a sane man!" He stood up and came to greet me. As I shook his hand, the general and the admiral stopped bickering, and sat down. It was time to get to business.
"So I see we've begun discussing the issue of military funding already," I began. "We must decide if it is in our best interest to continue naval resear..."
"We cannot prevent ourselves from combating the enemy at sea," interupted the admiral.
"Men without coasts have no ships," chimed in General Striga-Obelinski.
The Grand Duke silenced them both. "There will be no funding for such research. Next topic for discussion."
I glanced at my notes, and, knowing another fight would break out, skipped expansion. The Lord Admiral had set his mind on gaining a seacoast on the Baltic, with the General greatly decided to move south, on Kazan. I myself favored both approaches, yet desired time alone with the Grand Duke to discuss a more global strategy. Thus, expansion would wait until the February council meeting. "Next up is internal improvement. Nabakov?"
A small man, who in the future would greatly change the realm, began to speak. "I believe that the tax systems should be greatly improved both around Moscow and Novgorod. Also, we need to secure Novgorod as our center of trade with great revenue improvements."
It was decided to abide by Nabakov's wise suggestions, and, in addition, to commision ten thousand additional infantrymen in Moscow. Foreign policy would be decided at the next meeting, or so I thought. The date of the meeting, February 2.
As prime minister, I have many duties, and on the day of February 1, I was in my office, reading the usual complaints about how we should do something about this "winter" that seems to arrive every year and kill a bunch of our soldiers, who never seem to be deployed in areas with good forage. It was on the bottom of my stack of papers that I found something that would cause me to storm into the palace of the Grand Duke, and give him a piece of my mind. It was a decry that simply read "Conquer Kazan."
Preparations had to be made for such an endeavor. Alliances to be formed. Troops to be built. Research to be done. Our forces were out of positions, and, as yet, none of that something called artillery was yet available in the realm. Yet, Ivan III did have his reasons, I suppose. And thus, although slightly miffed, I began to carry out a plan that would take us into a wild conflict, with a tiny nation that just would not die.
On April first, a man arrived at my door. He told me he was a merchant. Although I had little idea what he meant by this, he told me that if I gave him 4 ducats, he would go to Novgorod and get some more. This sounded like a fair deal, and sure enough, he did, sending news of trade increases on May 8.
I was begining to receive word of conflicts abroad at about the same time. On April 9, Spain annouced the annexation of the small Muslim state of Granada. Great, one heretic expands at the behest of another. The ambassador from the society known as the Mameluks arrived at my door on the 28, with information about a Turkish declaration of war. I told him to beg somewhere else, and set him back to Egypt immediate, not knowing that I would see him only once more, with news that would greatly disturb me. Yet, he reminded me that was necessary to have allies when at war, and on the first of May, the daughter of the Grand Duke was sent off to marry a young Danish prince, Piglet, Porklet, something like that. On May 16, a similar offer was received from Moldovia, betrothing a fair maiden to the Duke's annoying young nephew, Burporov. Yet, marriage is not enough of a tie. Something more concrete was needed. Thus, to my relief, on July 3, a pact of mutual protection was signed with Denmark. Relations were at a peak (144) and the Motherland was ready to turn and claim what was rightfully hers. On July 16, another marriage was concluded with Bohemia, as another of the Duke's daughters was sent off, this time to have a good life skiing in the mountains of Germany.
On July 24, another merchant came to me, wishing to go to Novgorod. I sent him with good wishes, and he indeed had some degree of success, putting out of business a Swedish meatball vendor. On August 7, I received disturbing word of a war between Poland and the Teutonic Order. We do not desire a strengthened Poland on our border.
On October 2, yet a third merchant arrived, wanting to go to Novogrod. Nothing was heard from him again, so it is assumed he fled, taking the Duke's ducats with him. On the 22 of the same month, news arrived of a war between Brandenburg and Saxony. An additional nine thousand infantrymen were commisioned in Vladimir for the coming conflict. On December 12, the Bradenburger aggressors were forced to quit the conflict, paying 61 ducats in the process. I explained to the duke that this is the result of an unplanned war.
January 1, 1493
Treasury: 94 ducats
A merchant was sent to Novgorod today. There have been reports of a Kazan trade presence there. On January 21, it was reported that Kazan was building a new fortress in their capital. I saw the wisdom of the king's declaration, and was glad the attack was about to commence. As a final insult before the attack, the Kazan traders in Novgorod were driven out of business. Having hurt their economy, we decided it was nearly time to attack. A desparate courier arrived from the Teutonic order on the 14 of February. The war had ended. Poland took Estonia and 33 ducats from the poor German knights. Little did they know, I planned to take from them much, much more.
On March 2, 9,000 infantry were commisioned in Vladmir. The armies appeared ready. Little did I know how wrong I was.
On April 1, like any other April, a merchant was sent to Novgorod. Yet on that same day, war was declared. Kazan would be ours.
The Russo-Kazan War
The main forces of our armies was under Stringa-Obelenski in Moscow, 40,000 infantry and 25,000 cavalry. These were ordered into Ryzan, to draw the main army of Kazan into battle. An army under colonel Bodabo, of 41,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, lay in wait at Vladimir, to march on Kazan as the enemy army left, and the infantry was constructed. Reserves of 20,000 cavalry lay at Novgorod, and 8,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry were at Tver. A man claiming to be a prophet arrived at my office on the day of the declaration. He spoke of a man in the future named Clausewitz, who would say, "No plan survives contact with the enemy." How true.
On April 19, Striga-Obelinski beseiged Ryzan. However, patrols indicated that the army of Kazan was not in the area. They seemed to be marching north, toward Vladimir. On May 1, the 9,000 conscripts arrived, lower the army's moral. On the third, the army of Kazan was right behind them. Bodabo put up a fight, but not much of one. While at the same time 3,000 infantry were massacred in Ryzan, Bodabo was defeated on our own soil. Mother Russia was under seige.
Not all was lost, however. I still had the seige of Ryzan, and an assualt began on May 20. It ended on the 25, with 3,657 defenders remaining. With morale at a low ebb, my army settled in for a seige, just as an army of 5,000 Kazaners arrived. Shocked, my army of 43,000 was no match for such a huge force, and was routed.
Bodabo, reinforced with the cavalry reserves, took his force of 35,932 infantry and 18,223 cavalry and marched on the seige at Vladimir. He arrived to do battle on the 20th of June, and confronted the enemy. Inflicting heavy losses, he did not realize he was on the brink of victory, and on the 27th, he withdrew. Only 14,000 enemy cavalry remained, yet he retreated. The situation was very bleak, and the Lord Admiral began to make comments about an inability to move south. And a question weighed heavily on all our minds. Where were the Danes?
It was at this point, Stringa-Obelinski chose a new strategy. First, Bodabo was dressed in women's clothing and thrown into the Volga. Golystin, a much better leader, or so was thought, took his place. Second, the army that had now lay at Moscow would attack Kazan proper, cutting behind the enemy. Meanwhile, Golysin would attack the enemy at Vladimir. 29,586 infantry and 17,355 cavalry, all of the reserves, would attack. On August 22, the Third Battle of Vladimir was fought. For eight days the battle raged, but, yet again, Kazan was victorious. They offered peace for the contents of my treasury, 62 ducats. But any doubt in the council of our ability to win this war was soon erased, by the army from the north. The Danes had come.
An army of about eight thousand engaged Kazan at Vladimir on September 1. Golysin took his army to Moscow to winter there. At the same time, Stringa-Obelinski arrived at Kazan and began an assualt. Soldiers breached the wall and took the city before the new fortifications were completed. On September 10, Kazan was ours. The army was taken to Vladimir to winter there.
The Danes meanwhile concentrated their army in the seige of Lipetsk. An early assualt failed, and they were forced to winter there. Of 17,000 men, only 7,000 would survive the cold.
January 1, 1494
treasury: 121 ducats
Today, 3 merchants were sent to Novgorod. In the heat of battle, we often forget that it is our economies that are most important. They managed to put out of business traders from Austria and Courland, and expand our trade as well. In addition, 11,000 infantry were commissioned in Vladimir. Following that success, another merchant was sent in March, who to our delight expanded trade once more. On March 1, we received news that our reputation had greatly increased with the rest of the world. Apparently victories aren't as impressive as defeats.
In the same month, the army of Golysin marched on Ryzan, while Stringa-Obelinski marched on Tambow via Kazan, to destroy a small force that had beseiged the province. Even the Lord Admiral had to concede, victory seemed very much in hand. Even so, 3,000 additional soldiers were commissioned in Moscow, just in case. On the 20th of March, a marriage was concluded between the Grand Duke's least favorite daughter and Pskov. Four days later, the event was celbrated by slaughtering 1,000 men who took the field in a last ditch effort to prevent the seige of Ryzan. On April 2, Stringa-Obelinski was victorious at Kazan over a small force. The enemy had no army left. The fun began. On April 22, Ryzan was assualted. The first attack ended on May 10, with only 51 men left to man the wall. On the third of May, Stringa-Obelinski attacked Tambow. He stopped on May 17, with only 331 members of the garrison left.
On May 22, a merchant was sent to Novgorod. He then apparently skipped town. I hate money-grubbing scum. On June 3, Denmark finally captured Lipetsk. Their 5,000 soldiers then marched on Vorones. A rumor, probably started by the Lord Admiral, spread rapidly through Moscow. It was that Denmark would get more out of peace than we would. However, earlier July quieted many, as Ryzan fell on July 3, and Tambow on July 4. Stringa-Obelinski detached his cavalry and marched on Vorones with 15,000 men. All other forces were sent to Moscow. We looked quite powerful, and, on July 15 Pskov assented to our power and joined our alliance.
Great things happened in August. On the seventh, the General in all his glory arrived at Vorones. He attacked the city, supported by Danish troops, and on the 25th, the city fell. On August 26th, to a much needed celebration, in which the defeatist Lord Admiral was executed, we annexed Kazan, although Lipetsk went to Denmark, we did gain four other provinces. The day became a day of note, known as Stringa Day, after the general who from the jaws of defeat pulled victory. On the same day, Moldovia, entranced by our victory, joined our alliance.
The victory left 13,855 infantry trapped at Vorones, but no matter. The army at Moscow numbered an impressive 16,369 infantry and 31,225 cavalry. Besides, they are a lot more peasant infantrymen where those came from. The council was removed from its war footing, and began to try to improve the economy. Tax collectors were promoted in Kazan and Vladimir. On September 26th, a merchant venture to far away Venice reported that they had competed away some fish traders from Tunisia. Big deal. How about earning us some money? On November 25, any hope of an anti-Polish alliance was smashed as the King of Hungary refused any discussion on the topic of royal marriage. Darn.
January 1, 1495
treasury: 91 ducats
Today was a day filled with dismay. The ambassador from the Mameluks arrived with horrid news. The Turks controlled all of the country east of Egypt, and they could not be stopped. We could do nothing. I allowed the man to stay on my personal estate if he wished. Yet, his country was in danger, and he returned to it to take up arms. Brave men are hard to find.
Two merchants were sent to Venice, and a tax collector was promoted in Volgoda. 7,000 infantry were consripted in Tambow. Trade was expanded in Venice, to 3 ducats a year from one merchant. In Novgorod we received 7 ducats from five merchants. To be a Venician. February brought news of conflicts in new theatres. On the 13th, France (Savoy, Papal States, Poland, Helevia) declared war on England (Naples). I fear that England shall greatly regret this conflict.
On March 7, an additional 7,000 infantry were conscripted in Tambow. If war comes, we shall be ready. On the 25th, Turkey captured Egypt. My friend, the ambassador, was killed in the fighting. In war, no only bad men die. On May 5, we concluded a royal marriage with England. Thus, we got first hand accounts of the French conquest of Calais on June 7. On July 3, a merchant was sent to Venice. Trade was raised to a level where we gained 10 ducats a year.
Battle was joined in Italy, as on September 3 Naples fell to the Papal States. The English allies probably wished Spain had annexed them instead. On November 1, a merchant was sent to Venice. He put out of business a merchant a sauce merchant from Lorraine.
On November 12, a royal marriage was concluded with France. Now we viewed the conflict from both sides.
January 1, 1496
treasury: 102 ducats
We have a long border with Poland, and it is necessary to shore it up defensibly. The fortress in Moscow is therefore expanded. On the third, Turkey takes Quattra. The Mameluks are fading, trapped and indefinsible. The war is all but over.
On February 1, we take note of a new discovery, that of the metal canon ball. We decide that they are not of much use, since you cannot throw them very far, and stabbing kills people much more efficiently. I have heard rumors of long tubes that make these ball go very fast, but I have to see one before I can believe that.
In April, a merchant sent to Venice came back with news of more trade money, as his business took root. In the same month, the Nile Delta was captured by the Ottoman dogs. Alexandria fought on, versus the world (of Turks). On May 18, the Mameluks refused to share explorations with us. Obdurate until the end. June 10 saw a Royal Marriage with Portugal. On the anniversary of the fall of Tambow, a merchant was sent to Venice. He was never seen or heard from again. Rumors indicate that he was murdered by a famous Turkish assassin, Iya Stabyourbody, but this claim remains unsubstatiated. On July 24, the Turkish dogs captured Alexandria. All of the Mameluk empire was annexed. I pray that someone can stop the Turkish menace.
On August 15, English soil was invaded, as Savoy beseiged Wessex. On November 16, on the same day as one of our merchants competed away a trader from Helevia, Naples made peace with the Papal States for 36 ducats. They could have taken more.
In accordance with royal decree, I publish this summary of the progress our Duchy has made.
provinces gained: Kazan, Ryazan, Tambow, Vorones
trade: 5 Merchants in Novgorod, 7 ducats a year
3 merchants in Venice, 16 ducats a year
royal marriages: Denmark, Moldovia, Bohemia, Pskov, England,France, Portugal
alliance: Denmark, Pskov, Moldovia
And so the question is posed: north, to the sea, in quest of a port, or south, toward fresh land and hated enemies. Little did I, an prime minister know, that the decision would again be beyond my control, and instead in the hands of a peasant coal miner at the right place at the right time.
