While building some, very loose at best alliances, Hamburg has also managed to establish merchants in a few Centers of Trade (CoT), finished the training of Latin Knights, built up a small economy, and forged some new ideas on how the nation will continue forward..
You can hear the cheers from Hamburgians for miles..... they have also just achieved the maximum stability level (giving them 3 merchants per year), joined the Hanseatic League, and have continued to expand their trading empire. *applause*
Next, to the surprise of everyone, Brandenburg makes a proclamation guaranteeing Hamburgs' independence.
This is excellent news for the court of Hamburg. Hamburgians no longer live in fear from the murderous Burdungy or Denmark..... Well.... at least not as much. These alliances tempt Doge Der Senate into a more ambitious approach to trade, continuing their investments in trade tech, and using every available ducat to dispatch merchants.
(some time later...)
It seems Hamburgs "no nonsense" diplomacy is starting to pay off. Luneburg and Mecklenburg have offered them an alliance . Moral throughout the community is rising and the citizens of Hamburg rejoice.
Also due to growing threats around the realm, Doge Der Senate has continued to order the training of more regiments of Latin Knights, further securing their borders and quelling doubt that this tiny one province faction can survive.
Next, Der Senate gets news that the nations serfs have been properly exploited, furthering the nations wealth.
And then as his first vision for Hamburg is nearing fulfillment (create a great trading nation), Doge Der Senate finally passed at a ripe old age, leaving behind a growing faction, well organized and confident from his grand leadership.
A young lad by the name of Erwin Backer has risen to the throne; he and the nation of Hamburg have truly been blessed.