AAR: Wien and Dine on the Blue Danube

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Chapter Two : part four

The second half of the 1400s started with a focus on diplomacy and trade. There were gifts of all shapes and size, as well as letters full of flattery, flowing from Austria. Most of these went to Bavaria. This was the beginning of Ladislas Postumus truly going after his goal of winning over those nations to the northwest. He had every intention of annexing them with the most diplomatic of means. This, he also intended to do, before he died. The sense of urgency with which he suddenly began to work gives sign that he feared his death was coming soon.

In August of 1451, we entered a royal marriage with Bavaria. There was a large joyous celebration, as Postumus had arranged everything to honour Bavaria. He was laying the flattery on really thick, and it was working. In fact it was only one year later that Bavaria agreed to become our vassals.

Mantua had entered a military alliance, in 1422, with Venice. Through honouring this alliance, Mantua aided Venice in taking over Ragusa in 1433. In 1441, this alliance was joined by Orleans, who had recently separated themselves from Brittany. Milan soon joined them. Five years following, there was another marriage between Mantua and Venice, strengthening their bond. It was this wedding to which we sent a gift of cheeses that made the families break out in hives. And then, in 1451, Mantua broke off the marriage she had with us, which was fine with us, as this particular royal did little more than make us a social disgrace. This was part of Mantua's expression of dedication to Venice, as they soon became the vassals of Venice. The dislike of Austria continued in Venice, as they apparently brutally killed the merchants we had working in Veneto.

The next year saw a new center of trade open up in Thrace. We jumped on the opportunity quickly, and sent several merchants that way. They were all successful, and thus January 23 came to be named “Grand Market Day.” Not so much to celebrate a good day of trade, but rather to distract the citizens from the tragedy in Veneto. Whatever we can do to keep them quiet and working business as usual.

 

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due to recent game events and happenings, it is necessary that i play ahead a bit more in order to better write the report. I apologise for the delay between posts, however.. it is best to sacrifice frequency for quality at this time.

Thank you Sytass and Stnylan, your replies assure me that i'm doing here is working out. And thanks, of course, to Kurek who has provided such strong support.. and to LD and Holistic God as well, for encouraging me to continue.

 

[Kurek]

*waits impatiently for the next post*
Keep up the good work, I love the detail I'm a bit of a detail freak.

 

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Chapter Three: part one

Back in 1426, Brittany had declared war upon Provence. Among the nations joining Provence were France and Orleans. France lost the war, paying a mere 18 ducats to Brittany. In February of 1435, Provence paid Brittany 66 ducats for peace, and France quickly annexed Provence just one month following the signing of the peace treaty. Orleans lost the war as well, being annexed by Brittany. In 1441, Orleans declared independence from Brittany. We helped Orleans with a loan, and after a brief war, their independence was secured.

The Papal States formed a military alliance with Savoy in March of 1453. The Papal States had been at war with Savoy back in 1421, which ended with the Papal States becoming the vassals of Savoy. Savoy even had a royal marriage with Genoa, who had helped Milan take the provinces of Marche and Romagna from the Papal States just thirty years previously. However, it seems that since these events, Savoy had grown to be on the Papal States' good side.

The Papal States and Savoy were joined by Tuscany and Brittany, as 1453 continued. Tuscany. The very same Tuscany who had been fighting along side Savoy when Savoy forced the Papal States to become their vassals. Brittany, however, they were the oddballs in the alliance. That is to say, unlike Tuscany and Savoy, it was not inexplicable why they were in alliance with The Papal States.

France and The Palatinat formed their own military alliance in April of 1450. This put the Palatinat in the war between France and Scotland. In January of 1453, Friesland joined in on the alliance as well. Also, entering the war against Scotland. Then Genoa joined the group as well. Scotland now had the alliance of France, The Palatinat, Friesland, and Genoa against them.

It all came together on November 26 of 1453. France declared war on Brittany.

The Palatinat were the first to join in, taking the side of France against Brittany. The same Palatinat who had started a war against Burgundy in 1425, only to admit defeat a year later. Interestingly, though, Cologne had joined The Palatinat in this war, and continued it after The Palatinat dropped out. For four years during this, Savoy had their own war against Burgundy. In 1431, The Palatinat joined back in, brought Burgundy to its knees, getting 198 ducat and the province Lorraine out of the deal. This was no great feat, as Savoy and Cologne had already weakened Burgundy tremendously.

So France had The Palatinat on their side. They also gained the support of their allies Friesland.

Brittany had their allies as well. Savoy broke the royal marriages she had with France and Genoa to help Brittany. Also, helping Brittany, were the Papal States and Tuscany.

That is how this war began. In 1453, the conflict between the two unlikely alliances began. A war that pitted our neighbours in Savoy against France and Genoa, nations with whom they'd previously had royal marriages. A war, like all wars, that would strangely have its effects on our own story.

 

[stnylan]

Like Kurek I love the detail

Another good post.

 

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An History of Austria

Chapter Three : part two

Just after Friesland forced Hessen in full annexation, in 1454, Savoy paid France 24 ducats under the terms of their peace agreement. Savoy and France even had a royal marriage a year later.

Conflicts got stronger on January 9, 1455, when Siena declared war upon the Papal States. Siena was joined by Milan. Brittany took the side of the Papal States. Savoy joined their allies the Papal States, ending the royal marriage they had with Milan. On June 3, 1459, Savoy and Siena signed a peace treaty, and the Savoy province of Piemonte was given to Siena. Tuscany foolishly also helped the Papal States in this war, and lost to Siena, being fully annexed by them.

Tuscany accepted peace with Genoa, paying them 9 ducats. The agreement Tuscany reached with France was not quite so fortunate. They gave in to France on February 14, 1455, and agreed to vassalisation.

Friesland ran into a little distraction, when the County of Holland declared war upon them. It really did turn out to be a mistake on the County of Holland's part. This war in just three years when in 1460 the two signed a white peace agreement. Munster fought alongside the County of Holland. Friesland was helped by the alliance of The Palatinat, Genoa, and France. More interesting peace treaties were signed among the varies allies that joined in. The Palatinat made out with 7 ducat. Genoa gained the province of Zeeland, as well as made vassals out of the County of Holland. France did exceptionally well, gaining the County of Holland province Artois, as well annexing the whole of Munster.

During the France-Brittany war there existed some influential disputes between France and The Papal States. On April 27, 1456, the French took over the Papal States, claiming them as part of France. The Papal States declared independence from France after five years of dealing with French rule. The Palatinat dishonoured their alliance with France to enter an alliance with The Papal States. Friesland did the same thing. Despite all this help, the Papal States still failed to completely make their point to France. On September 2, 1461, the Papal States accepted peace with France under the condition that they become France's vassal.

The important thing to note about the Papal States breaking away from France, is that Friesland and The Palatinat left the alliance they had with France. Having done so, they no longer really cared about the war France had started with Brittany.

War waged on between France and Brittany and their various allies. On January 19, 1457, several of our nobles sighed in disappointment when Siena annexed Tuscany. Peace was later signed between Siena and Savoy in an agreement that gave Piemonte to Savoy in exchange for 96 ducats.

Louis XI rose to the throne in France on July 23, 1461. He really didn't care for this war with Brittany. He worked with Brittany constantly for over a year trying to find some sort of agreement where France benefited. He may not've liked the war, but he didn't want to leave it without getting something out of it. Finally on October 20, 1462, an agreement was reached.

France and Brittany drew up and signed a peace treaty. By this time, Brittany really had no choice. They knew that if they drew it out much longer, France would surely crush them. It did not come without its price, of course. Brittany paid 22 ducats, as well as gave up their provinces of Bretagne and Armor. Things didn't get much better, as Brittany were forced to become vassals of Genoa.

It was not a good time for Brittany. Not at all.

 

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Chapter Three : part three

We started 1454, in the same situation we'd been in for a while. Only 173 ducats in the treasury, with four merchants on hand, and six diplomats all sitting at home. The merchants were sent off to the center of trade in Thrace.

In the spring of this year, our monarch Ladislas Postumus met with the members of the council. It was suggested by the skinny guy that they make the power of the central government felt and recognised throughout Austria. He pointed out the ways that this would increase productivity and possibly lead to improvements in culture. While Ladislas didn't quite comprehend everything that was said to him, he agreed that increased productivity sounded like a good thing.

By fall, the peasants began to tire of the increased power they felt from Postumus Wein and Postumus. It was in October that the revolts started. Rebels became particularly troublesome in Wein and Steiermark. Within a week, however, our forces were able to stop the revolt in Steiermark. In Wein, however, the rebels proved to be more difficult. Yet, after a month of battle with the Austrian Bishops Guard, the rebels were quieted.

Ladislas Postumus filled the next three years with a campaign to improve relations with Hungary. He sent letter after letter, discussing how great their people were, as well as diplomatically discussing the war between Siena and the Papal States and even into how France had annexed the Papal States.

Unfortunately, it was at the beginning of 1456, when Ladislas was reading about how Tuscany had become under the rule of Siena, that he suffered a mild heartattack. It is difficult to discern whether or not this was due to the news, or the rather long lunch he'd had earlier that day. What is important and certain, is that it was the first of many attacks he would suffer that year. It is assumed that he had been having them for several years, though.

He managed to send one more letter to Hungary, and then passed away in June. It remained unknown to the general public that he had died. In fact, they knew nothing of it until a new ruler was appointed near the end of the year.

On November 25, 1457, Friedrich V took the position of our monarch. He was immediately named an emperor by the Holy Roman Empire. Friedrich knew very little about military affairs. In fact, he knew almost nothing at all. His administrative skills were average at best. It was his silver tongue that awarded him the throne. By the time he was done talking, he had the throne, as well as plum pudding.

Friedrich V made his goals quite clear from the beginning. Looking to the west, he intended to win smaller nations over to Austria. He stated that in annexing diplomatically, we gained a much friendly and loyal addition to our country. And these were his plans. He had every intent to gain a title of greatness by expanding Austria to the northwest.

 

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There is a sizable amount of work I am doing on the next installment.. so it may be a few more days.

Lots of combing over handwritten notes and the history log.

phew!

 

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woohoo! all the notes are organised and put together.. now, i just need to write. it's a nice series of wars involving several countries, thus all the preparation.

 

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An Autrian AAR...

My first (and only) AAR was an Austrian AAR. If you can read French, you can have a look.

Good luck !

 

[Kurek]

hehe, I know the feeling, I have so many notes its inreal, some very detailed notes and some skipping the minor things.
If the new post has taken days to write and prepare i cant wait I love the feel of your AAR, it feels like a good book the way u describe the details of your neigbours, but I'm glad you finally got back to writting about Austria

 

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Originally posted by Kort
An Austrian AAR...
My first (and only) AAR was an Austrian AAR. If you can read French, you can have a look.

ah.. if i could read French I would.
That, and.. I'm reading several AARs already. I have neither the time nor the mental capacity to take in any more at the moment.

I wish I could.

 

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to Kurek..

yes.. getting back to writing about Austria (myself) is a good feeling. When I write about the nieghbours, I try to stick to those events that either affect Austria now or later.. but it's not easy to keep that narrow focus. I get so tempted by so much to write about. Oh well.. I like the feel I have with this one too. I do know that my next AAR (whenever that day may come) I am going to try a more character-driven narrative. This, I think, will be more of a challenge, yet less work. Either way, I'm enjoying this AAR writing immensely. Thank you for your continuing interest. ANd I have been keeping up with the Chronicles of Athens, as well. I hope you adventures with the FC are fun too.

 

[Kurek]

I've decided against joining the FC right now, I just don't have the time, I would love to create a good character driven AAR one day, I add small bits of Character driven parts into mine now and then, but I resort back to what I know best

 

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Chapter Three : section four

Chapter Three: Section four : Bosnia declares war on the Ottoman Empire


Beginning his campaign to butter up our northwestern neighbours, Friedrich sent gifts to Baden and Wurtemberg, in the spring of 1458. Our relations with Baden were exceptionally friendly; Wurtemberg, however, at least they claimed that they thought we were alright.

On December 24, 1458, our allies Bosnia declared war upon the Ottoman Empire. What Bosnia had against the Ottoman Empire is something they never quite explained to us. No matter. They need not explain, as we had a problem with the way the Ottoman Empire had been forcefully snatching up land from other nations for years. We were glad they'd not come our way.

The Ottoman Empire had taken Konya from Karaman in 1420. In 1421, they began taking over Teke, which they annexed after nine years of war. Karaman foolishly joined Teke's side, and was annexed into the Ottoman Empire in 1429.

Byzantium initiated battle against the Ottoman Empire in 1421. This had something to do with a pretender to the Ottoman throne; we're not quite sure, as in Austria we only got vague reports of the matter. What we do know is that it cost Byzantium about 75 ducats, and the province of Morea. Byzantium had been defended by Duchy of Athens and Albania. Both nations lost the war to Ottoman Empire, and became fully annexed by the end of 1425.

The Ottoman Empire had formed a powerful alliance by this time, mostly made successful by their own mere size and military. They had Dulkadir and Candar, both not only allies, but also vassals of the Ottoman Empire. It is not an unfair assumption that they were just the Ottoman Empire's pawns.

In February of 1440, they ran, fighting, in Serbia. This proved to be one of the Ottoman Empire's few losses in war. Serbia was immediately joined by Hungary, and by Wallachia a year later. While the Ottoman Empire gained Wallachia as a vassal, they still had to pay about 200 ducats to Serbia. They would not go without trying again. In 1452, they entered war with Serbia again. Once again, Hungary joined with Serbia, but Wallachia stayed out of this one. Wallachia had been busy with some business regarding dragons. Serbia lost the war, and was forced to give the province of Kosovo to the Ottoman Empire.

Candar, deciding that they could do as their big brother was doing, declared war upon Trebizond. The Ottoman Empire saw the opportunity available, and joined in the war, fully annexing Trebizond in May of 1447. And Georgia, who had been assisting Trebizond, became vassals of the Ottoman Empire.

Byzantium received their invitation from the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of 1450, about a month after Bosnia entered the military alliance with Bavaria, Wurtemberg, and us. A year and thousands of dead later, Byzantium became part of the Ottoman Empire.

And most recently, in 1455, the Ottoman Empire declared war upon Ak Koyunlu. While they did not manage to gain more land from this war, the Ottoman Empire did take 150 ducats from the Mameluks, and an embarrassing 3 ducats from Ak Koyunlu.

And then, little Bosnia declared war on the Ottoman Empire. Little Bosnia, whose allies consisted of Austria, little Bavaria, and small Wurtemberg, openly and blatantly issued a declaration of war against the Ottoman Empire. On December 24, 1458, the war began. Of course, being the strong alliance that we were, we all three joined the war to help our friend Bosnia. And, as expected, the Ottoman Empire received continued loyalty from Candar and Dulkadir.

 

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Chapter Three: Section five : Austria joins Bosnia in the War agains the Ottoman Empire



Friedrich V received the call to war from the alliance on January 2 of 1459. He read it over. By this time, we'd already received some news of the war from traveling merchants and vagabonds. However, as he sat there in the empty hall, he couldn't help but wonder which was the best option, to honour the alliance and go to war, or avoid the conflict as much as possible. He called a meeting of his council. Or at least, he tried to, he was only able to get together two others, besides himself. There was the bearded fellow, and the enigmatic skinny guy.

Taking a seat at the head of the table, Friedrich V pushed the letter from Bosnia forward and spoke. “It seems we are in an alliance with Bosnia, Bavaria, and Wurtemberg. Though, it is a good idea to be on their side. They are taking up that area to the northwest that really needs to be a part of Austria. But refresh my memory, I'm not sure I remember signing an agreement to enter an alliance.”

Clearing his throat, the bearded fellow stroked the wiry red hairs the made up his facial hair. “I believe it was in 1449. It was right before the 'Summary of Austria in 1450' was drawn up for Ladislas Postumus. Anyway. It wasn't actually you that signed the alliance, that was Ladislas. I'm pretty sure that at the time we joined it was just Wurtemberg and Bavaria. Bosnia entered the alliance about a year after us.”

“That's all in the past though, there's a war between Bosnia and the Ottoman Empire today.” the skinny guy retorted. “The Ottoman Empire has been snatching up nations like roasted chestnuts for years now. I don't know what Bosnia was thinking, declaring war on the Ottomans, but they have. If we don't offer some sort of assistance, then surely the Ottomans will gain Bosnia.”

Friedrich V nodded. “What do you guys know about Bosnia? Are they really worth helping?”

“It's not so much Bosnia as it is the alliance as a whole. That and the prevention of the Ottoman Empire getting larger and stronger. If anything, we can back up Bosnia verbally, yet never actually send any armies over.” advised the Skinny Guy, scratching his head.

“Okay,” injected the Bearded Fellow, who had been waiting his turn impatiently. “I don't really know too much about Bosnia. I think they have friends in Poland, Brandenburg, and Tuscany. Damn Tuscany. Anyway.. I also thought that they were friendly with the Ottoman Empire, so I obviously could be wrong. Like I say, though. We really don't know much about Bosnia. They just sort of joined the alliance after we did.”

“He's right. We really don't know much. However, Bavaria and Wurtemberg are in that area that you plan on annexing diplomatically, it would be best to be on their good sides by honouring the alliance. That and slowing the Ottomans at the same time. I say honour it.” the Skinny Guy had spoken.

“I agree.”

Friedrich and the Austrian Mysterious Council agreed to join the war. Austria was now at war against the Ottoman Empire, Candar, and Dulkadir.

 

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III : vi

Chapter Three: Section six : Hungary declares war on Bosnia

It seemed like the war had only just begun. We hadn't really done anything, except sit here in Austria and declare we were fighting. Kleves and Orleans had already granted Bavaria military access. Orleans, we had helped them out financially once. Speaking of money, on April 2, 1459, the Ottoman Empire had to deal with the fiscal policies of Mehmed II, and decided that they needed the money.

Things became particularly interesting on April 8, 1459. Despite all of the letters that Ladislas had written them four years earlier, Hungary declared war upon our allies Bosnia. Bosnia was certainly in some trouble. The Ottoman Empire was big enough difficulty for them. Now, Hungary was attacking them as well.

Hungary gained the help of their allies Serbia, and Naples. While, Bosnia, once again, gained the support of Bavaria, Wurtemberg, and Austria.

 

[Lord Durham]

Continued good work, C444L. I poked around your website. I like what you did with the maps. They have a nice period look to them.

 

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thank you LD.. your word of support of course means a lot to me. I love doing the AAR and reading all the other AARs around here. It's nice to get a word of encouragement here and there though. Really does keep the drive to continue alive.

Thanks! And thanks to everybody else who reads my AAR, whether your comment or not.

 

[stnylan]

Thanks! And thanks to everybody else who reads my AAR, whether your comment or not.

Co-incidentally I was just about to pop my head around the door, so to speak, to say that I'm still reading even if I haven't posted for a bit.

Keep up the good work.