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Van Kasten

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May 2, 2018
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Hey, welcome back to another of my htreads about Italy. In the previous ones I talked about the Aristocratic Republic of Genoa and some desired changes to Venice. In this one, I will not be focusing on one nation only. This one thread is about DIVERSITY. Yes, diversity. Along with the HRE, the Italian Peninsula has been fractured through most of its history. Every one of this pieces of the puzzle, tiny or large, it's unique even if it's part of the same puzzle. It's nice to know that Milan was a land power, or that Venice was a successful trading republic. But what about the explosion of arts in Mantua or Ferrara? What about the wars between Savoy and Montferrat? What about the Duchies of Parma and Modena, which survived until the Italian Unification?

Very well, I'm here to bring you into the courts and histories of 5 italian minors: Mantua, Montferrat, Parma, Ferrara and Modena. Everyone has been given unique NI and (aside from Parma) unique DHE. Moreover, after this brief introduction and after the thread itself I will include very useful information tht could be added to really make the player feel the flavor. With this siggestion, a Mantuan player will have a different experience that a Ferrarese player, and so on.

-First of all: a plea to swap advisor bonuses


First of all, I would like to make a fast plea. In my ignorance, I think that the bonuses from the Artist Advisor and the Philosopher advisor should be swapped. I’m sorry, but the idea of prestige seems more connected with tangible artistic prowess than with metaphysic conjectures. A different thinking about our world and reality is, in my humble opinion, far from the international prestige of a nation. It’s not worth much, but its something that has made me thinking for some time now. If someone would be so kind to explain, I’ll be delighted.


-Some more dynasties for Latin Culture Group

There is a separate list for Ainu names and another one for Atlantean names, but the entire Latin Culture Group has only a common list of names. From the Southern tip of Italy to the Alps in the North, everyone can have the same name. It should be obviously split, but I’m not here to critize and do nothing else. I would like to suggest more family names to add to the list.

ROMAGNAN = "Abate", "Montecuccoli", "Sanvitale", "Scotti", "Barattieri", "Carracci", "Certani", "dal Verme", "da Sesso", "Galli da Bibbiena", "Malagodi", "Brandolini", "Zampeschi", "Baccarini", "Baldraccani", "Braschi", "Guidi di Bagno", "Garagnani", "Linari", "Merenda", "Romagnoli"

LOMBARD = "Vialardi", "Alione", "Acerbi", "Andreasi", "Arrivabene", "Beffa Negrini", "Capilupi", "Guerrieri Gonzaga", "Ippoliti", "Valenti Gonzaga" (this are only the Mantuan part of the Lombard advisor names, stay tuned for the rest of them)

PIEDMONTESE = "Faà di Bruno", "Thaon di Revel", "Banchieri", "Vialardi", "Valperga", "Avogadro", "Bolongaro", "Borio", "Broglia di Chieri", "Brunetta d'Usseaux", "Bruno di Tornaforte", "Buffa di Perrero", "Cagnoli", "Cais di Pierlas", "Cavassa", "Benso", "Gerbaix de Sonnaz", "Ongran", "Pascale", "Prasca", "Provana", "Ribotti", "Romagnano di Virle", "di Rovasenda", "Sallier de la Tour", "Viazzi", "Ghilini", "Trotti", "Roero", "Alfieri", "Alione", "Asinari", "Buneo", "Guttuario", "Isnardi di Caraglio", "Malabayla", "Natta", "Ponte", "Scarampi"

The "leader names" situation is not much different: all Italian tags have very very similar lists of dynasty names, with Naples having less than 10 of which one is repeated twice (Pignatelli). Every city-state, county, duchy, marquisate or kingdom in Italy had their own families and nobles. Since I'm here because I want to help, then here are some extra ruler dynasties for some Italian tags, to be added to the respective current lists.

MODENA = "Boschetti", "Carandini", "Castelvetri", "Tassoni", "Pico di Mirandola", "Rangoni", "Monesi", "da Fogliano", "Bevilacqua"

PARMA = "da Correggio", "Platoni", "Biondelli"

MANTUA = "Arrigoni", "Castiglione", "Cavriani", "D'Arco", "Ceresara", "Donesmondi"

FERRARA = "Bevilacqua"

SAVOY = “del Vasto”, “d'Acaja”, “Carignano”, "di Challant", "Cacherano"

MONTFERRAT = “d’Incisa”

MILAN = "Novati", "Capitaneo"

FLORENCE = "Pazzi", "Peruzzi", "Bardi"

SIENA = "Petrucci", "Marescotti"

NAPLES = “Principato”, “Martino”, “Paladini”

SICILY = “Crescimanno”, “de Martino”

These dynasty names can also be used for advisor generation (for that TAG, of course).

MANTUA
Mantova.png


Mantua is really an interesting country in Italy. Squeezed between Milan and Venice and ruled by the famous Gonzaga family, Mantua is a little nation with a great cutlure, and home to good military leader at the service of the Emperor or the one who pays the most.

All of the suggestions, event and NI will be in the Spoiler boxes, so that you can read only what you want ;)

Pisanello, Italian painter born in 1390 and one of the major exponents of the gothic art in Italy, was court painter in Mantua until his death in 1455. For this reason, I think there should be an extra level 2 Artist Advisor named “Pisanello” (54 years old, Tuscan culture) which is 50% cheaper for Mantua to employ at the game start.

This event will fire only once, MTTH 1 day (right at the start)

“Gianfrancesco I’s troubled succession”

“Gianfrancesco I Gonzaga, first Marquis of Mantua, had two sons, Ludovico and Carlo. In 1436 he chose his second-born son, Carlo, to be his heir, but, in 1444, changed his mind and chose Ludovico instead. With his father dead in the same year, Ludovico became the second Marquis of Mantua. Carlo was furious; altough he still inherited some peripheral lands to rule. The relationship between the two brothers became so tense that it eventually led to the confiscation of Carlo’s lands and his subsequent exile in 1444.”

· Option A: “Let Carlo Gonzaga be”

Lose 5 prestige
Lose 25 legitimacy


· Option B: “Confiscate his lands!”

Gain 0.25 of yearly income
Nobility Estate gets - 5 loyalty
Nobility Estate gets -10 influence for 10 years
Lose 10 Legitimacy
Set country flag carlo_exiled


This event will fire only once, between 1450 and 1455, MTTH 30 months, country has flag carlo_exiled, “Peace of Lodi” event has not occurred

“Carlo Gonzaga’s return”

“Carlo Gonzaga, after being exiled, did not stood by for long. He served under Francesco Sforza, future Duke of Milan, as a condottiere but in secret he wanted to get control of the duchy itself. After being discovered, he was captured and incarcerated. Freed by his brother Ludovico, Carlo fled to Venice and prepared for his next move: reclaiming Mantua. He raised an army and invaded the marquisate from Ostiglia. Beaten by an allied Milanese and Mantuan army in the battle of Castellaro, on June 14th 1453 near Villabona his army was finally crushed and he escaped to Ferrara, where he died three years later in exile.”

· Option A: “Crush him in battle!”

Spawn a 6 regiment pretender rebels in Mantua led by Carlo Gonzaga with the objective to install Carlo Gonzaga (3/0/4) as ruler.


· Option B: “Let’s negotiate”

Lose 50 ducats
Lose 15 legitimacy
Lose 5 prestige
Lose 30 diplomatic power

This event will fire only once, Age is Age of Discovery, MTTH 1 year

“The Jewish Community of Mantua”

(“The city of Mantua hosts a sizeable Jewish community. They may number more than 7% of the city’s population. They are known bankers and traders, and are gradually spreading into minor towns of our domains. Our tolerance towards them has proved profitable.)


· Option A: “Good”

Gain modifier “Thriving Jewish Community” (-0.5 yearly interests) for -1 days
(This modifier is lost if the province Mantua is lost or if Mantua converts to another faith)


This event will fire only once, Mantua has the “Thriving Jewish Community modifier”, Counter-Reformation is enabled, has not completed Humanist Ideas

“The fate of the Jewish Community of Mantua”

(“The Reformation has yet to be contained, and the new doctrines of the Counter-Reformation are spreading among the Catholic rulers. Pope [papalstates.ruler.name] has asked [ruler.title] [ruler.name] to embrace them as well. Among our doubts about how to reply there is the question of the fate of Mantua’s Jewish community. His Holiness wants them segregated in a Ghetto, and we fear that this will mark the decline of both the community and our ties with them. On the other hand, refusing can attract the ire of the Pope. What shall we do?”)


· Option A: “We will comply”

Lose modifier “Thriving Jewish Community”
Mantua embraces the Counter-Reformation


· Option A: “We will refuse”

Papal States gains -50 opinion of Mantua
Lose 50 Papal Influence

This event will fire only once, after 1460 and after Pisanello’s death (or before 1470)

“Andrea Mantegna”

“In the latter half of the XV century the Mantuan artistic scene was dominated entirely by Andrea Mantegna, court painter from 1460 to his death in 1506. He was chosen by Marquis Ludovico III Gonzaga and became one of the most innovative Italian painters of this period. His flinty, metallic landscapes and somewhat stony figures give evidence of a fundamentally sculptural approach to painting. One of his great aims was optical illusion, carried out by a mastery of perspective which attained an astonishing effect in those times and became his artistic legacy.”

· Option A: “Hire him!”

Gain 5 prestige
Gain 10 administrative points
Get a level 2 Artist Advisor named “Andrea Mantegna” (Venetian culture) which is 50% cheaper for Mantua to employ

This event will fire only once, year is at least 1470, Mantua has embraced Renaissance, MTTH 10 years

x0.5 if Mantua has an Artist advisor employed

“Renewal of the Basilica di Sant’Andrea”

“The Basilica di Sant’Andrea was constructed in 1046 to house the Blood of Christ. According to the legend, this relic was brought to Mantua by Longinus himself, and now is a popular destination for pilgrims. Sadly, the building is now old and old-fashioned. However, an architect in our court has submitted a project to rebuild it to fit our new ideas of beauty and proportions. Sponsoring this project will give us the chance to show our wealth and power over the city of Mantua, and will improve the prestige of our family. What shall we do?”

· Option A: “Rebuild the Basilica!”

Lose 50 ducats
Gain 10 prestige
Gain ruler modifier “Rebuilding the Basilica” (-1% prestige decay)

· Option B: “We have other priorities”

Lose 5 prestige

This event will fire only once, Mantua has a ruler without a consort, year is between 1475 and 1525, MTTH 1 day

“Isabella d’Este”

“Isabella d’Este was a daughter of the Duke of Ferrara, the Duchess and regent of Mantua, but is nonetheless remembered for being one of the major patrons of Renaissance. She married Francesco II Gonzaga at the age of 16 in 1490, and then she transformed the court of Mantua. During her life she wrote thousands of letters, and received even more. She was in contact with the major Italian artists, poets, composers, writers and scholars. She was also a fashion leader: she always gifted new perfumes and essences and her style was imitated in all of Italy and even in France. During her regency Mantua saw its cultural heritage grow beyond any estimate. She was truly a remarkable woman.”

· Option A: “A perfect spouse for our [monarch.title]!”

Gain 5 prestige
Gets consort:
Name is Isabella
Dinasty is D’Este
Age is 16
Culture is Romagnan
Skills (5/6/3)
Has personality trait “Well Connected”

· Option B: “Our [monarch.title] has other priorities”

Lose 5 prestige
Lose 10 Diplomatic power

This event will fire only once, year is at least 1520, Mantua owns Mantua province, MTTH 10 years

“The construction of Palazzo Te”

“Our capital is divided in three islands, with the smallest one being called Te. There, the terrain is swampy and a land reclamation is necessary. A brilliant architect in our court, Giulio Romano, has submitted a project to build a palace on that island. This new palace would be the best example of the maturity of our Renaissance and can be used both as a city palace and as a country villa. What should we respond?”

· Option A: “Build the most magnificent palace!”

Lose 0.5 years of income
Gain 15 prestige
Gain ruler modifier “Palazzo Te” (worth -1% prestige decay)

· Option B: “Build a grand palace!”

Lose 0.3 years of income
Gain 10 prestige

· Option C: “Build a regular palace.”

Lose 0.1 years of income
Gain 5 prestige

· Option D: “We do not have fund to spare.”

Lose 5 prestige

This event will fire only once, year is at least 1590, Mantua has embraced Renaissance, MTTH 10 years

x0.5 if Mantua has not a diplomatic advisor employed
x0.5 if Mantua has not an administrative advisor employed

“Annibale Chieppio”

“Annibale Chieppio, an intellectual and cultured man, came to the Mantuan court in 1587. Four years after, he was appointed Ducal Secretary and he was sent in diplomatic mission to Rome. In 1595 he became the Supreme Counsellor of State, effectively administering almost all of the internal and external affairs of the Duchy. He was highly regarded by both Duke Vincenzo I Gonzaga and the people. Being a shrewd diplomat and politician, he tried his best to limit the ambitions and the private expenses of the Duke without incurring in the ire of the latter. His plan of economic and financial improvements helped Vincenzo I’s successors. He retired in 1618 but still worked for the economic well-being of the Duchy.”

· Option A: “A most capable statesman in our ranks”

Gain 30 administrative points
Gain 30 diplomatic points
Gain a level 2 Statesman advisor named Annibale Chieppio which is 50% cheaper for Mantua to employ

· Option B: “Let him supervise the finances of the state”

Gain 50 administrative points
Gain a level 2 Master of Mint advisor named Annibale Chieppio which is 50% cheaper for Mantua to employ

· Option C: “Send him to foreign embassies”

Gain 50 diplomatic points
Gain a level 2 Diplomat advisor named Annibale Chieppio which is 50% cheaper for Mantua to employ

This event will fire only once, if Mantua is successfully sieged during the Religious League wars

“The sack of Mantua!”

“The Sack of Mantua is considered the darkest moment in the city’s history. Sieged by an imperial army of Landsknechts for 6 months and sieged again by the same army despite the plague until they stormed the walls by surprise, the city was then sacked by the German soldiers. The Duke fled the city and the Palazzo Ducale saw its paintings destroyed and stolen. The Ducal Library, one of the finest of Italy at the time, was horribly robbed. The citizens were robbed and killed or tortured, fires were started everywhere and the plague started ravaging the streets.”

· Option A: “Horrible! Our city and home!”

Province Mantua gets “Sack of Mantua” (-10% tax efficiency, -25% local trade power, -10% production efficiency, -10% goods produced modifier, -3 unrest, +25% development cost) for 5 years
Province Mantua gain “Spreading Plague” (+3 attrition) for 1 year

This event will fire only once, Mantua and Montferrat are independent monarchies not in a regency, Mantua has a male ruler, Montferrat has a female ruler, MTTH 15 years

x0.5 if Montferrat owns 5 provinces or less
x0.5 if Montferrat owns 3 provinces or less
x0.5 if Montferrat owns 1 province
x0.5 if both rulers have no consorts
x2 if Montferrat has more provinces than Mantua
x0.5 if Montferrat has less prestige than Mantua
x2 if Montferrat has more prestige than Mantua
x0.5 if Montferrat is threatened by one of Mantua’s rivals

“A marriage proposal”

“News have come to our ears that the late [Montferrat.monarch.title] of Montferrat has suddenly died, leaving his daughter [Montferrat.monarch.name] to rule his lands. Our family is highly respected and a marriage offer between [monarch.title] [monarch.name] and [Montferrat.monarch.title] [Montferrat.monarch.name] has been proposed. What shall we do?”

· Option A: “Send the offer. We will unite our domains”

Gain 5 prestige
Gain 5 legitimacy
Montferrat’s ruler becomes Mantua’s consort
Mantua gains a PU over Montferrat

· Option B: “Do not bother. A local girl is enough”

Lose 10 prestige
Lose 5 legitimacy
If Mantua has no consort, a random consort is spawned

-Mantuan Ideas

1) Tradition: National Tax Modifier +10%

(The Gonzaga family had a lot of lands and territories inside the Marquisate of Mantua. This made them very rich and enabled them to later become renowned patrons of arts and music.)

2) Tradition: Yearly Army Tradition +1

(Starting with Gianfrancesco Gonzaga, the Mantuan troops were usually used as mercenary armies during the wars between the major regional powers in Italy in exchange for territories and protection.)

3) Mantuan Renaissance

(The wealth of the Gonzaga family was first invested in culture when in 1423 the Ca’ Zoiosa was financed. It was the school of Vittorino da Feltre, humanist and private teacher of the marquis’ sons. From then on, the future upper classes were educated to understand Classic and Hellenic history, poetry and philosophy. Mathematics and Astrology were also taught there. )

Idea cost -10%

4) Profitable trade with Venice

(The grain trade with the rich Republic of Venice was a good source of income for Mantua, which then invested this money into the Venetian Lagoon itself.)

Trade efficiency +10%

5) Family of Nobles and Clergymen

(The Gonzaga family had strong ties with the Curia. During its history, 14 members of the family were appointed cardinals and other 13 became bishops. Even a saint can be found in the Gonzaga’s history. One of the cardinals, Ercole Gonzaga, during the conclave of 25th December 1559 lost by only 5 votes.)

Yearly papal influence +1
Tolerance of the true faith +0.5

6) The four lakes of Mantua

(In the XII century, in order to improve Mantua’s defenses, Alberto Pitentino created four lakes out of the Mincio river. This made Mantua effectively an island. The river kept transporting soil, and this created small swamps. We will dry them out and expand our marvelous city!)

-10% development cost
+10% Defensiveness

7) Patrons of Art and Music

(The Mantuan court was famous for attracting major Italian and European artists. The wealth of the Gonzaga family was used to acquire and commission art pieces and to construct new splendid buildings. From the beginning of the Renaissance to the end of the Gonzaga dynasty, Mantua was one of the major art and culture centers in Italy.)

+1 yearly prestige

8) A professional army

(We have always sought protection by stronger states in exchange for our troops. With the decline of the mercenary armies, it’s time to train our conscripts ourselves. This may not be the largest army in the world, but better troops can attract stronger allies and make our defenses stronger, so that we can rule our lands forever!)

Discipline +5%

9) Strategic marriages

(Thanks to a shrewd marriage policy, the Gonzaga family managed to become relatives of more powerful and prestigious dynasties of Italy and Europe, ranging from Spain to Austria, from Brandenburg to Naples.)

+ 1 diplomatic reputation

10) Ambition: Infantry cost -10%

PARMA
Parma.png

The Duchy of Parma (and Piacenza) has been a century-long battleground since the Comunal Period in Italy to the Italian Wars in the XVIth Century, with different families, factions, nations and empires wanting to control the fate of this territories. Since in 1444 it's not present on the map (it's releasable) I've decided to only formulate its NI. For now.

-Parmesan Ideas

1) Tradition: +15% improve relations

(Economic prosperity is key in recovering from a war. We have mastered the ability to pacify even the most bitter of rivals, in the name of mutual gains.)

2) Tradition: +50% prestige from land battles

(If there was a “Legitimacy from land battles” modifier, I would have used it. However, this should represent the many many battles fought for control over the city: form the rivalries between the strongest families, to the subjugation of Parma by the condottiero Ottobuono de’ Terzi, to the Milanese, Ferrarese, Mnatuan and Papal attempts to conquer and hold the city.)

3) Independent not only in name

(We have become an independent nation, yet there are various powers in the Italian peninsula that will always want to have control over our territories. We will show them that our position will be earned with diplomacy, and we will be respected by all.)

Diplomatic Reputation +1

4) Rebuild our infrastructure

(Roads and bridges are the arteries of our nation. Mills will feed the people. Schools will ennoble them, and our Palaces will show them to the world. If we want to become great, we have to build our nation by ourselves.)

Build cost -10%
Build time -10%

5) Tax Collection Improvements

(Revoking some of the tax exemptions that the nobles held for centuries will help us greatly. Our treasury must be on par with our greatness.)

National Tax modifier + 10%

6) Conduct a new census

(If we want to tax the people, we have to know how many of them live in our domains. If we want to draft them, we will know exactly where to find them. If some local prodigy is shining, we want his light in our court.)

+1 possible advisor
+5% manpower

7) Reorganize the Army

(For centuries we employed foreign mercenaries and levied peasants to fight our wars. With the rise of the National armies made of conscripts, we should standardize unit composition and equipment to avoid pointless wastes of our precious resources. )

-10% regiment cost

8) Patronize our musical tradition

(The art of music has been the jewel of our crown. If we want to make our music know to the entire world we have to subsidize musicians and reward them for their most beautiful compositions)

+1 yearly prestige

9) Expand the University of Parma

(Our esteemed university is in dire need for change. We will finance an expansion of the old buildings and we will attract foreign scholars, lawyers and doctors, in order to make our capital city the light of Europe!)

-10% administrative technology cost

10) Ambition: +1 diplomat

MONTFERRAT
Monferrato.png

Montferrat starts in a precarious postion. In the years before the game start, an alliance was formed by the Dukes of Milan and Savoy to take land from this little marquisate and to humiliate its ruler, guilty of having expansionist ambitions. The Duke of Saovy, Amedeo VIII, forced marquis Gian Giacomo to be his vassal and to pay tribute accordingly. However, when he died Montferrat became again independent, and free to pursue its agenda.

This event will fire only once, when starting ruler (Gian Giacomo Palaiologos) dies

“The death of marquis Gian Giacomo”

“The expansionist agenda the late marquis Gian Giacomo led to a Milanese-Savoyard alliance against him. In the following war he was forced to give up territories, to pay war reparations and to become vassal of the Duke of Savoy. However, only he was to be vassal of the Duke of Savoy. Now that he is dead, our lands will no longer be subjected to the House of Savoy.”

· Option A: “Good”

Montferrat becomes independent
Savoy receives an event giving them “Subjugation CB” on Montferrat lasting 100 years

This event will fire only once, Montferrat is a monarchy, year is at least 1500, MTTH 15 years

“Oddone d’Incisa’s plot”

“News have come to our ears. It seems that Oddone d’Incisa, one of our relatives, it plotting to crown himself [monarch.title]. That is unacceptable, and we must give a strong response. ”

· Option A: “Damned traitor. March on his lands!”

1 stack of preteneder rebels rise in Montferrat. If they enforce their demands, Oddone d’Incisa (3/3/1, aged 50) becomes ruler, with Badone d’Incisa (son) as an heir (random stats)

-Montferrat Ideas

1) Tradition: -1 unrest

(Montferrat’s minor nobles have always been unruly, but centuries of experience led to discover new ways to keep them in their place.)

2) Tradition: +5% morale recovery

(The story of the Marquisate is the story of numerous conflicts. Altough some were lost and some ended because of other powers’ interference, our army is always ready to strike back.)

3) Swift attacks of opportunity

(Through our history, we have come to siege almost all of the cities in our area, and we know when is best to capture them and when is best to pillage the countryside.)

Siege ability +5%
Looting speed +25%

4) Improve counterespionage tactics

(Many members of the ruling family were assassinated by vile plots of foreign nobles. This must end.)

Spy Defense +20%

5) Deterrent alliances

(No matter if we lose a war, the important thing is to be backed-up by a powerful nation. This way we can be assured of our everlasting dominion over these lands!)

+1 diplomatic reputation

6) Develop our infrastructures

(During peacetime, we must encourage prosperity in our Piedmontese territories.. New urban factories must be built and the state’s treasury must be filled once again to prepare for the next wars.)

Production efficiency +10%

7) Legacy of a thousand wars

(In our history have fought so many wars that the militaristic setting of our courts is embedded in our nation as well. Our rulers must be proficient in the art of war, and our people will always remember who protected them though the centuries!)

-1% army tradition decay

8) Attract trade

(We stand in a favorable position between the Duchy of Milan and the Duchy of Savoy. We must use this to gain more control over the trade routes passing through our domains.)

Caravan Power +20%

9) Call the Parlamenti

(The Parlamenti of Montferrat were assemblies of minor nobles which helped the ruling dynasty to better administer their realm. We should renovate this old institution.)

+ 1 free admin policy

10) Ambition: -10% development cost

FERRARA
Ferrara.png

The Duchy of Ferrara is not in a favorable position. Half of its domains (Ferrara) is land conceded by the Pope, and the other half (Modena and Reggio) is a de jure HRE duchy. Diplomacy is key for this little nation between the Empire and a consolidated Papal State. Moreover, in the North lies the Lion of St. Mark, the Serenissima which desires control over the Po delta and the Salt production it grants. If the Este dynasty would fall, the Pope will likely claim back his long-lost domains. If the Este survive, the nation will flourish with arts and culture.

This event will trigger only once between 1490 and 1510, MTTH 10 years

“Addizione Erculea”

“The Addizione was an urban expansion made between 1492 and 1510 to enlarge the city of Ferrara, and it is celebrated as the first example of renaissance urban planning. It was financed by duke Ercole I d’Este and it promoted Ferrara to one of the centers of art among the greatest in Italy. The Addizione more than doubled the size of the city walls and the town, including new buildings, private parks and public ones (that were not present in the medieval city) and also zones for cultivation within the walls. The walls of the city once spanned 13 km and are considered one of the most archaic example of Bastion fort or Trace Italienne.”

• Option A: “Let Ferrara be a majestic city!
Lose 1 year of income
Lose 1000 manpower
Ferrara province Gain a “Great expansion in progress” which grants:
- -5% tax
- +20% build cost
- +20% build time

• Option B: “Expand the city but budget’s tight
Lose 0,5 years of income
Ferrara province Gain “Small expansion in progress” which grants:
- +10% build cost
- +10% build time

• Option C “Ferrara is big enough!
Lose 5 prestige


Then, 10 years later, Ferrara gets this event:

“Expansion successful!”

“The expansion of Ferrara has come to an end. The new palaces and structures reflect the Renaissance style and make our citizen proud of living in such a prosperous city.”
If province Ferrara has the “Great expansion in progress” modifier
• “Wonderful indeed!
Gain 10 prestige
Ferrara province Gain +2 tax, +1 production, +1 manpower
Ferrara province Gain +10% defensiveness for 20 years
Ferrara province loses the “Great expansion in progress” modifier

If province Ferrara has the “Small expansion in progress” modifier
• “Very good!
Gain 5 prestige
Ferrara province Gain +1 tax and +1 manpower
Ferrara province loses the “Small expansion in progress” modifier


If Ferrara is conquered in this 10-year span:
Ferrara province loses whichever expansion modifier there is.
This event chain was devised together with @Funchi

This event will fire only once, between 1500 and 1525, if ruler’s military skill is at least 4, MTTH 1 year

“The Duca Artigliere”

“Alfonso I d’Este was a renowned expert in the fields of artillery, metallurgy and military fortifications. In 1509 he defeated a Venetian navy sent against him on the Po river with a land army. He knew very well the terrain, and he predicted a flooding of the river. The next day, when the water level rose, the Venetian ships were in line of the Ferrarese artillery, which destroyed them with deadly volleys. Alfonso then captured the remaining vessels. He also designed a new gunpowder production technique. During the siege of Padua in 1509 by Emperor Maximillian only the Ferrarese cannon breached the city walls. Alfonso I was also famous for melting a bronze statue of Pope Jiulius II to cast a special cannon for the rebelling city of Bologna.”

· Option A: “Truly a master of artillery!”

Gain 5 prestige
Gain 10 military points
Get modifier “Duca artigliere” (+1 leader fire) until ruler’s death

This event will fire only once, years is between 1500 and 1530, MTTH 15 years

“Ludovico Ariosto publishes the “Orlando Furioso””

“Ludovico Ariosto was an Italian poet. He was born in 1474 in Reggio Emilia and served at the court of the Duchy of Ferrara. In 1516 he published the Orlando Furioso, an epic poem set during the battles between the Franks of Charlemagne and the Saracens. In 1532 he published the final version, adding 6 cantos (to a total of 46). Ariosto invented and used the ‘ottava rima’ rhyme scheme, which became one of the major examples of poetry before the Illuminism. ”

· Option A: “Truly a masterwork!”

Gain 10 prestige

Brief description:
In 1597 Alfonso II d’Este died at the age of 63 without male heir and the city went back to papal control. Before death, he designated his cousin Cesare d’Este as his heir. While Emperor Rudolf II recognized him Pope Clement VIII did not, as he wanted Ferrara under his control because it was an artistic and cultural center with a flourishing court. However, under the Pope’s rule, Ferrara began a long and slow decadence, his past splendor never to be seen again.


This event chain can happen only once.

Ferrara:
controls Ferrara and Modena
is not at war with The Papal State
dinasty is d’Este
and either
• ruler is Infertile
• ruler is older than X and has no heir with at least average claim

Papal States:
exists
control Rome
borders Ferrara.

MTTH 1 month

"The end of the Este House"
“Our beloved [title] [monarch.name] has left us with no heir to succeed him. Before death, he designated his cousin, Cesare d’Este of the Montecchio branch of the family, to become [title]. But before that, the Pope must acknowledge his claim, since his grandfather’s marriage to Laura Dianti wasn’t recognized by the church. We must not forget that the Pope has also the right to claim the city of Ferrara himself!”


· “Horrible! What will happen now?

Ferrara:
Current ruler dies
Ferrara gets an Interregnum (0/0/0)


The Papal State receive “End of the Este rule in Ferrara”

The [title] of Ferrara, [name], has finally died with no heir to succeed him. Before death, he designated his cousin, Cesare d’Este of the Montecchio branch of the family, to become his successor. However, Cesare’s grandfather and grandmother were not officially married, and that is a fantastic opportunity for us. We have the right to reclaim the city of Ferrara under our control. Cesare has sent us an envoy to ask recognition for his grandparents’ marriage. What shall we do?”

· Option A: “Aknowledge Cesare’s claim

Lose 5 prestige

Triggers the “A valid candidate!” event for Ferrara


· Option B: “Fool! Now Ferrara is mine!

Lose 5 Devotion

Triggers the “Papal rule in Ferrara?” event for Ferrara


“A valid candidate!”

“Pope [name] has acknowledged Cesare’s claim. He is now marching to Ferrara to formally take the place of his predecessor.”

· “Long live [title] Cesare!

Gain 5 prestige

Cesare d'Este with 2/1/3 skills becomes ruler with strong claim


“Papal rule in Ferrara?”

“Pope [name] has not acknowledged Cesare’s claim. Without a valid heir, the Duchy of Ferrara has to return under the control of the Pope. What will the ferrarese people choose to do in this grave situation?”

· Option A - "The Este must rule Ferrara!"

Cesare d'Este with 2/1/3 skills becomes ruler with average claim
Lose 20 papal influence
The Papal States gains -50 opinion (outraged)
The Papal State gains a permanent claim on Ferrara
The Papal State gains a subjugation casus belli on Ferrara

· Option B - "We will not go against the Holy Father"

The Papal States gets +10 opinion (pleased)
Cesare d'Este with 2/1/3 skills becomes ruler with strong claim
Modena becomes capital
Country changes to Modena
The Papal State gains a core on Ferrara
Ferrara is ceded to The Papal State

· Option C - "We will ask his Holiness for further protection"

The Papal States gets +50 opinion (submitted to us)
Gain 10 papal influence
Receive a new ruler with random skills and Umbrian culture with a strong claim
Become a vassal of the Papal State

-Ferrarese Ideas

1) Tradition: + 2 papal influence

(In Ferrara the Este family had always been part of Guelph faction)

2) Tradition: Yearly Legitimacy +1

(The Este family ruled Ferrara for more than 300 years, and then ruled in Modena until the dynasty had no heirs)

3) Recognized by Popes and Emperors

(In 1452 the Borso d’Este was nominated by the Holy Roman Emperor Duke of Modena and Reggio, and in 1471 was nominated Duke of Ferrara by Pope Paul II. This cements our claims.)

Hostile core-creation cost on us + 25%

4) Ferrarese Mecenatism

(The Dukes of Ferrara were known for their patronage of Arts and Poetry. This led to a flourishing court and the establishment of a painting school called the School of Ferrara)

Possible Advisor +1
Advisor cost -10%

5) Esteemed University

(The University of Ferrara was founded in 1391 by the Marquis Albert V with the permission of Pope Boniface IX. Two of the most known students of this university were Copernicus and Paracelsus.)

-5% tech cost

6) Take over the Salt trade

(In the late XV century the Dukes of Ferrara started producing salt in Comacchio, which threatened the mainland commerce of salt of the Republic of Venice. This led to the War of Ferrara which lasted from 1482 to 1484 and marked the loss of the lands above the Po river.)

Provincial Trade Power modifier + 15%

7) Artilleries of Duke Alfonso

(Duke Alfonso I d’Este of Ferrara was known to be an expert in the fields of artillery, metallurgy and military fortifications. His cannons became famous around Europe and showed their value in the wars fought in the Italian peninsula in the early XVI century.”

Artillery Combat Ability +10%

8) Between the Pope and the Doge

(We have always been threatened by the Republic of Venice and the Papal States, and we know they are conspiring to acquire our lands. We must be ready and prepare our defenses while we can!)

Fort Defense +10%
Garrison Size +10%

9) Art of Diplomacy

(Will we stand with the Pope, the Emperor, the French or the Spanish? If we will be shrewd and try to stand with the most powerful, we can ensure our rule for centuries to come!”)

+ 1 diplomatic reputation

10) Ambition: Yearly prestige +1

MODENA
Modena.png

The Duchy of Modena (and Reggio) was ruled by the Este family when they were forced out of Ferrara by the Pope. The Este tried to maintain a high-level court and focused on the economy fo the little nation, relying on foreign alliances to defend it. Since in 1444 it's only releasable (and since it's difficult to see it in a game) I limited myself to one (important) event and National Ideas.

This event will fire only once, Modena is independent and owns Modena province, ruler is Cesare d’Este

“Textile boom in Modena”

“When Modena became the capital of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio in 1598, the textile manufactories were booming. The local Wool Corporation became soon predominant, with growth of Silk, Wine and Livestock sales. However, the grain situation was not so good. When the Este family lost authority of the Duchy of Ferrara, the food supplies became even lower. Food imports were needed and this caused inflation to raise.”

· Option A: “Good news and bad news altogether it seems”

Gain 1 production in Modena
Modena trade good change to Cloth
Gain 1 inflation
Gain “Low food supplies” (-10% manpower, -5% tax, +1 unrest) for 20 years
(In this 20 years span is desirable that only peasants rebel can rise in Modena province)

-Modenese Ideas

1) Tradition: stability cost -10%

(During the Middle Ages, the internal strives between Guelphs and Ghibellines in the Italian cities were almost predominant. This time is now over.)

2) Tradition: infantry cost -10%

(There have been lots of wars between the cities of Modena, Reggio and Mantua during the Middle Ages, and the ability to afford to muster troops was a relevant factor.)

3) Suppress the bandits

(The Ferrarese domains of Modena and Reggio were plagued by bands of robbers. Duke Ercole I d’Este tasked the governors of the area to eradicate the bandits form the local farmlands.)

Harsh Treatment Cost -25%

4) Revoke the Tax exemptions

(Duke Ercole I d’Este was remembered for his drastic increase of taxes on all the Modenese territories. Maybe we should learn from this.)

National Tax modifier +10%

5) Waterways to power the mills

(Modena was rich with canals and waterways which were used to power watermills in several productive sectors)

Production Efficiency +10%

6) Addizione Erculea

(After the brief Papal dominance of Modena, duke Ercole II d’Este rebuilt the walls of the city widening the general area)

Development cost -10%

7) Repel the invaders

(During its history, the Duchy of Modena and Reggio was repeatedly invaded by French, Austrian and Spanish forces. Since no alliance can take our enemies away, we have to be prepared to take back every town the enemy takes.)

Morale of Armies +10%

8) Baroque mecenatism

(Francesco II d’Este chose his cousin Ignazio to administrate his realm, while he financed artists, musicians and music printers. This made him famous for being a patron of arts and culture.)

+ 1 yearly prestige

9) Combat the inflation

(When Duke Rinaldo d’Este came to power, inflation was increasing and the price of grain was becoming too high. So he took the manner in his own hands, punished the nobles who were increasing the price of grain, and instructed measures to keep inflation under control.)

Yearly inflation reduction +0.1

10) Ambition: Maximum Absolutism +5

Some last words

This third thread is almost over. But not yet. Exploring the game files, I found out that the Latin dynamic province names consist of only 6 names. Since it's too little imho, I've made a list of other 213 dynamic province names for Latin culture ;) You can find it below.

Thank you for reading this, I hope to have made this five little nations more interesting and more attractive to you. See you on my next thread :D

EDIT: I'm thanking @Paland0 for his support for the revision of grammar.
I'm also tagging @neondt to please consider at least my NIs and my province names.
 

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It always destroys my mood, when I see that Italians don't have their own dynamical province names. I'd say yours should be implemented as fast as possible!

Otherwise, the thread is as great as expected.
 
Mantuan Ideas are God-tier for tall game. Paradox please implements them ;)

Thanks! Mantua is an important state in the Italian Renaissance and overall history. Given their difficult time to expand against stronger neighbors I gave the best set of ideas possible to reflect their history and convince the players this is not a random Italian state.

It always destroys my mood, when I see that Italians don't have their own dynamical province names. I'd say yours should be implemented as fast as possible!

Otherwise, the thread is as great as expected.

Thank you very much! :D
I was discourage too when I saw only 6 dynamic province names for Latin culture. Not even all provinces in Italy are written in Italian. Neither were any of the European capitals. But then I decided this would have to change, and made my list. I want it included in the game, I don’t care if it’s copy-pasted from my file or such. Players would notice that, and would care.
 
Very good thread. +1 agree.

Italy could be so much more interesting.

Thank you!
That is exactly my thought: making Italy more attractive for players who do not play there and make it more interesting to play. Of course, NI and province names could serve very well this purpose, but also the DHE and the cultural names will do their part ;)
 
Thank you!
That is exactly my thought: making Italy more attractive for players who do not play there and make it more interesting to play. Of course, NI and province names could serve very well this purpose, but also the DHE and the cultural names will do their part ;)

I like to play in Italy, but I feel handicapped when I pick anything other than Florence, Milan, Papal State, Genoa or Venice. And I dislike merchant republics due to them not having access to estates and having several annoying quirks.
I don't really feel like playing as the papal states, since this removes one of the interesting diplomatic interaction in Europe.

So that leaves Florence and Milan. Milan is fun, but doesn't exactly classify as an OPM (or a minor in general). Since I like to play OPM's and underdogs that means I mostly play Florence, which has an incredibly difficult starting situation, because there is little room for expansion and the pope rivals you more often than not.

I actually enjoyed playing Florence enough to get ''The Prince of Egypt'' achievement. So I am all for giving Italian OPM's their own idea sets and events.
 
I don't really feel like playing as the papal states, since this removes one of the interesting diplomatic interaction in Europe.

If you want to play a better, challenging and historical Papal States, you’ll better wait for my next thread, since it will revolve around a Papal States rework ;)
 
If you want to play a better, challenging and historical Papal States, you’ll better wait for my next thread, since it will revolve around a Papal States rework ;)

It isn't the lack of challenge. It has more to do with the fact you don't have to keep the pope happy and avoid excommunication, farm papal influence to control curia and stuff like that.

In Europe I consider 2 minor diplomatic ''games'', the HRE and the Curia. If you are playing as the Papal State then one of these diplomatic interactions just doesn't apply. Compare it too starting as Austria, but without the risk of losing your emperor status.
 
Wonderful suggestions as always :) . It's always nice to see minor powers receiving a bit more attention than usual!

If I were to offer a suggestion for an event or ruler, it would be Alfonso II d'Este of Ferrara. I read a poem not all that long ago (My Last Duchess written by Robert Browning in 1842) based around his marriage to Lucrezia de' Medici. Long story short, they had only been married for three years before he supposedly had her executed out of jealousy after seeing her interactions with those around her. It was never proven that he was the one at fault, but many suspected that the 17-year old Duchess had been poisoned by the Duke, who would later go on to marry the eighth daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor at the time, Ferdinand I.

I don't know if such a story would be significant enough to include as an event or an "Easter egg" so to speak, but I thought I'd still share it if you weren't aware of it already ;)

Again, fantastic work, and I look forward to your suggestions with regard to the Papacy! :D
 
In Europe I consider 2 minor diplomatic ''games'', the HRE and the Curia. If you are playing as the Papal State then one of these diplomatic interactions just doesn't apply. Compare it too starting as Austria, but without the risk of losing your emperor status.

I know how you feel, that why there will be a new kind of game for the Papal States, a very historical game. The consolidation game ;)
 
Wonderful suggestions as always :) . It's always nice to see minor powers receiving a bit more attention than usual!

Thank you very much! :D
I’ve seen that DDRJake rated my post, and it’a not that much effort to add this into the game, so I really look forward playing my Mantua!

If I were to offer a suggestion for an event or ruler, it would be Alfonso II d'Este of Ferrara. I read a poem not all that long ago (My Last Duchess written by Robert Browning in 1842) based around his marriage to Lucrezia de' Medici. Long story short, they had only been married for three years before he supposedly had her executed out of jealousy after seeing her interactions with those around her. It was never proven that he was the one at fault, but many suspected that the 17-year old Duchess had been poisoned by the Duke, who would later go on to marry the eighth daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor at the time, Ferdinand I.

I don't know if such a story would be significant enough to include as an event or an "Easter egg" so to speak, but I thought I'd still share it if you weren't aware of it already ;)

Again, fantastic work, and I look forward to your suggestions with regard to the Papacy! :D

It’s not sure he poisoned her, so I wouldn’t add an event on that specifically. There are enough Ferrarese event for now ;)

The Papacy thread is gonna take long though :D Maybe as a Christmas gift! :D
 
Wonderful suggestions as always :) . It's always nice to see minor powers receiving a bit more attention than usual!

If I were to offer a suggestion for an event or ruler, it would be Alfonso II d'Este of Ferrara. I read a poem not all that long ago (My Last Duchess written by Robert Browning in 1842) based around his marriage to Lucrezia de' Medici. Long story short, they had only been married for three years before he supposedly had her executed out of jealousy after seeing her interactions with those around her. It was never proven that he was the one at fault, but many suspected that the 17-year old Duchess had been poisoned by the Duke, who would later go on to marry the eighth daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor at the time, Ferdinand I.

I don't know if such a story would be significant enough to include as an event or an "Easter egg" so to speak, but I thought I'd still share it if you weren't aware of it already ;)

Again, fantastic work, and I look forward to your suggestions with regard to the Papacy! :D
This sounds more like an event for CK2:p

@Van Kasten Great job with this thread! and thank you for mentioning me on the Ferrare events

ARGH!! got to wait till Christmas for the Papal thread!!! ahahah oh well let's wait so we can add also my thread that goes with your thread and we give the comunity 2 presents! ;)
 
My dream is EU5 with Imperator Rome II sized provinces where republics of Noli and Cospaia are a thing :rolleyes:

Do not forget the Marquisates of Incisa and Guastalla, the Stato Pallavicino, the Duchy of Castro, the Lordships of Imola, Faenza, Forlì, Rimini, etc
The list would be very very long, as per the HRE ahaha
 
Really good stuff here, solid work! Always heart warming to see people invested.
 
Really good stuff here, solid work! Always heart warming to see people invested.

Thanks a lot!
I try to put every detail I can in my Suggestions, hoping that they will make it and be included in the game. It’s also very interesting to discover more about the history of my country. I hope to get attention by as more people as possible, because this game has so much to offer (in terms of flavor)!
 
Thanks a lot!
I try to put every detail I can in my Suggestions, hoping that they will make it and be included in the game. It’s also very interesting to discover more about the history of my country. I hope to get attention by as more people as possible, because this game has so much to offer (in terms of flavor)!
Of course. Have you thought about giving a look at Naples? I really like it but I feel it has few flavour. I realise it was mostly occupied by foreign powers during the eu4 timeframe but it still has a lot of interesting stuff to it, especially under the Spanish administration.
 
Of course. Have you thought about giving a look at Naples? I really like it but I feel it has few flavour. I realise it was mostly occupied by foreign powers during the eu4 timeframe but it still has a lot of interesting stuff to it, especially under the Spanish administration.
Speaking of Aragonese possessions in Italy, Sardinia looks like it could be interesting to explore in this time period. I might make my own thread on it eventually, but do you have anything in the works @Van Kasten?