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El Imperio Muerto: A PDM IAAR

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A Statement of the distribution of land and titles, or an attack against the claimed titles of Duque Pedro Tellez-Giron.

I am forced here-now to write this statement, due to the grevious misuse and blatant fraudulency expressed by this new, upstart, up and comer to our noble court. I hereby call the crown to formally strip Duque Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort of titles that are not his to bear. To the benefit of the Crown, I will recite these in this statement. I condemn this man for his use of lies, in attempts to improve his own standing in our circles. I demand an immediate apology, and rectification to the facts that the gentleman has thus far presented to the court.

An Addendum was founded on a secondary sheet of paper, listing the titles, and property, which the Duque has so greviously claimed was his.
  • The Palacio del Infantado, by all rights my, and my bloods, house and primary resistance in Iberia
  • Duque de la Infantado, a fact that should be clear, this title is one upon which is vested in my person, as before and with all subsequent claims were passed down to me by my father.
  • Duque de Estremera
  • Duque de Francavilla
Signed and written by Principe-Duque Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo de Soneta di Belmonte e Infantado,
  • Principe de Belmonte
  • 15th Duque de la Infantado,11th Duque de Pastrana,11th Duque de Estremera,12th Duque de Francavilla,12th Duque de Peñaranda de Duero, Duke de Acerenza,
  • 10th Marqués de Távara,Marqués de Santillana,Marqués del Cenete,Marqués de Almenara,Marqués de Cea,Marqués de Campoo,Marqués de Algecilla,Marqués de Argüeso,Marqués de Valderrábano,Marqués de Villanueva del Fresno y Barcarrota,Marqués de la Algaba,Marqués de la Bañeza,Marqués de Mirallo,Marqués de Valdunquillo,Marqués de Galatone, Marqués de Castellabate,
  • Conde de Saldañ,Conde de Villada,Conde del Real de Manzanares, Conde del Cid, Conde de Montijo, Conde de Miranda del Castañar,Conde de Fuentidueña,Conde de Casarrubios del Monte,Conde de San Esteban de Gormaz ,Conde de Copertino
  • Vizconde de Palacios de la Valduerna
  • Grandee First Class, Knight of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III,
  • Secretary of State and Chief of the Department of Truth and Honesty, Secretary of the State Council, Viceroy of Leon-Castilla and Acting Viceroy of Granada, Lord of the Bedchamber and Court Chamberlin
 
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((@BelisariustheGreat it's cool, I just wanted to have a bit of fun IC, to show how proud Pedro is of his titles and otherwise his nature as a person :p- I don't exactly help by having a massive bunch of them, hopefully that bulletpointed list will now simplify things a lot more for people- and you should have waited a bit- Pedro is likely to die soons XD))
 
Good Prince-Duque Pedro de Alcantra Alvarez de Toledo de Soneta di Belmonte e Infandtado,
i apologize for the mistakes i made when i claimed your titles and lands around Gudalajara. With this letter i want to make public that the whole Duchy of Infandtado is your and that i made a wrog decision. I hope you accept my apology.
Pedro de Alcantara Telléz-Girón y Beaufort
11th Duque de Osuna
16th Conde y 13th Duque of Benavente
14th Duque de Béjar y Plasencia
15thDuque de Gandia, Mandas y Villanueva
13th Duque de Acros
11th Duque de Lerma
13th Duque de Medina Rio Seco

Pedro sighed. This "Prince-Duque" seemed to be an very unsymphatic person. With all his titles listed... Pedro never would list all his princedoms he had all over Spain. It would be a list far too long.
 
Pedro was pleasantly surprised when his footman delivered the letter to him, but the letter posed a particular challenge to him now. Both his legs were almost always shaking now, and his hands were soon becoming useless, so he had to ask his footman to open the letter for him. His doctor said that when the shaking reached his core, his life would end. He could feel it getting closer by the day, but he resiliently pushed on, determined not to be weak.

He quickly scanned the contents, and seeing it to his satisfaction, he called for his scribe to compose an acceptance of the Duques apology.

My Lord Duque,
I thank you for your correspondence and your apology, and it gladdens me greatly that this matter didn't need to involve his most Catholic Majesty, a man I am sure you can imagine is often very busy, especially with the promise of war on the horizon. In sympathy to the confusion that has occurred, and any slights or qualms you may have, I enclose in the carriage that shall come with this letter the sum of 1,000 ducats.

May we have better correspondence in future,

HSH Principe-Duque Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo de Soneta di Belmonte e Infantado,
Prince de Belmonte
Reichfurst of the fallen Holy Roman Empire
Duque de la Infantado
 
A new Problem: Part 1
I sat in my office, reading the letter this "Prince-Duque" had written me, when one of my most trusted servants, Ignatios Pérez Garcia, stepped in. His livery looked perfect, as alway, not a dustgrain on the black suit, the coat of arms of my family on the left part of his chest. The Castle of Castile in the upper left, the lion of Leon on the upper right, below them the three red mountain tips on yellow Background. I looked on the salver,he hold it in his right hand, where a letter was lieing.

"A letter from your administrator in Béjar, Sire"
"Thank you Ignatios, tell the kitchen that i'll eat in two hours"

Ignatios put the salver on my table, bowed and closed the door behind him. I took the letter in both hands and looked at seal: My family Coat of Arms below the Coat of arms of the Sadoval family, crossing swords below. Everything fine.

Estemeed Duque of Osuna,
i sent you this letter to inform you that a young wowan came to your Palacio in Bejar and she announced that she is a lady born into your honorfull family and that she is the rightfull Duque of Osuna.
She already brought some trouble and now people are questioning your legitimacy. How should we react?
Enrique Alberto Fernandez y Sandoval

i remembered something my grandfather told me before he died...

Pedro stood in a dark corner of the room. The clouds were preventing the sun from shyning through the windows. Pedros grandfather lied in his bed, stretching his arms into the air, his weak voice calling for a servant. The servant came and Pedros sat in his bed. He looked towards Pedro.
"Pedro, come to your old grandfather"
Pedro took some steps
"what do you want."
"Never forget what a family is... a place for warmness, strenght... and intrigues."
"What do you mean"
"You'll see,you'll see"
After these words he died

The memorys were old and i had forgotten them, but now they came back. Now i knew what he ment. What if...

After some while searching in the family tree for forgotten members of the family i found Sergio Tellez Giron y Madorna y Toledo
His name was hidden behind some birds. On the first look you could think they were decorative objects but acloser look told you an other story.
 
The Spanish American War Pt.1: 1895-1896​

The Spanish American War began in earnest. Almost immediately after the declaration of war, the United States struck first. A unit of American gunboats assisted by Haitian steamers battered Puerto Rico, the base of operations for the Spanish Caribbean Colonial Army. The results were devastating. The poorly funded and equipped Spanish ships were decimated, and the colonial army was pounded to bits. This move prevented the Spanish from putting up immediate resistance to the American invasion of Cuba. In April of 1895, backed on by securing the seas around Cuba, American troops numbering around 45,000 landed on the shores of Havana. By the end of the month, Havana had been secured. By September of that year, American forces had secured the entire island. It wasnt half-way through the year and Spain had already lost contact with Cuba.

image002.gif

(Americans in Cuba)​

Spain though was suffering from political turmoil following the declaration of war. From Duke Roma and the Autonomists through the chain of command all the way up to First Minister Etxeto himself, the majority of the government openly stated that this war was a lost cause and that Felipe should just hand over Cuba to the Americans to prevent "unnecessary death". First Minister Etxeto was even quoted to have said that Cuba should have been sold to the Americans before it succumbed to war. Rumors even had that General Zumalacárregui was going to refuse to deploy the troops and himself to Cuba. The general statement of the political body was that this war was a pointless endeavor and that the King should have just given up Cuba when he had the chance. Only the Royalists wished to fight the war, with the Marquis of Pontevedra stating that this was a chance "to show the Great Devil to not pick fights with us". King Felipe agreed with their opinions, stating that he intended to "Not abandon Cuba to the Republicans (as in, supporters of a Republic)" and deployed 45,000 men and over 43 ships (a combo of old vessels and new ironclads) to Cuba. The "Iron Armada" slammed through coastal defenses around Cuba, and landed just a few miles off the shore of Havana. The American forces immediately responded by sending their armies against the Spanish. They engaged near the city of Matanzas, where the Spanish army flanked and outmaneuvered the American forces. In what is now considered one of the biggest military blunders in American history, the Americans lost over 20,000 men while Spain lost less than 5,000. An American observer said that "He did not expect such ferocity, and that the Spanish were underestimated". The Spanish chased the Americans back to Havana, where the defeated survivors promptly surrendered. The prisoners were escorted back to Spain when the transports returned. However, the situation in Cuba was not over yet. A young American captain by the name of Theodore Roosevelt began to call upon the Cubans to rise up against their Spanish oppressors. He and his "rough riders" garnered the support of Jose Marti, the most prominent Cuban nationalist. As the Americans began to withdraw, the Cubans struck out, and over 50,000 Cuban rebels assaulted Spanish holdings across the island. 36,000 of which would attack the Spanish force in a surprise attack. As of this moment, over 40,000 Spanish troops are holding their ground against rebels near Matanzas, with an additional 18,00 rebels besieged the eastern mountains.

rough-riders-AB.jpeg
war.gif
​
(Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders)​

The Americans though were not defeated just yet. Following the defeat in Cuba, the American forces tried a different tactic, by directly attacking the Spanish in their homeland. 30,000 American troops landed in Galicia, and promptly occupied the region. 90,000 Spanish troops led by Duke Mariano Enrique de Soutomaior e Andrade (A Galician himself) promptly marched against them. When they arrived though, the Americans were retreating from the field. They marched on and found Portuguese soldiers led by General Francisco Maria da Cunha and his band of over 60,000 Portuguese soldiers. After the recent revolts in Portugal, the Portuguese army was reinvigorated and turned into an effective fighting force. This proved their skill, and together with the Spanish, they chased the Americans out of Galicia. However, while on land Spain was clearly winning, at sea, it was a different story. The Spanish navy was one unit, it moved as one unit. The Americans moved in small squads, using hit and run tactics on the Spanish. Their mesoamerican allies adopted this strategy as well, and El Salvadorian raiders would move on the Balearic islands, laying waste to the countryside and occupying the estate of Duke Roma, a man who spoke out against the conflict itself.

USS_Olympia_art_NH_91881-KN_cropped.jpg

(US Skirmisher Squad)
​
The war soon dragged into a stalemate as America was unable to keep fighting on land and the Spanish being limited at sea. Good news for Spain though was in March of 1896, Germany, Russia, and France agreed to an armistice over the European War, meaning Spain can finally try to negotiate that they join their side in keeping Cuba. Whether or not they would is to be determined. Bad news though was that elections were to be held. King Felipe has expressed concern over elections being held in times of war, but perhaps he may let it slide. It wouldnt be his decision though, for the King had urgent business to attend to outside of the Capital. He left his son, Prince Carlos, and the Prince of Belmonte ((both played by the lovely @ML8991)) to manage this decision for him. The war still presses on, and many are unsure about who would win this election...
----------------------------
Player Actions Needed: It is a pre-election season! Since we do not have as many people in as many parties, pre-election stuff shall now only take two days instead of three.
 
Parties of the Election of 1890​

Partido Popular de España
Interventionism - Protectionism - Moralism - Anti-Military - Limited Citizenship

Leader: Don Francisco Pater de Valle
Ideology: Christian Democracy​

The Partido Popular de España is a centrist Christian Democratic party. Its ultimate goal is the establishment of a Spanish Christian community free from corrupt and nepotistic rulers, protected by democratic institutions and the Rule of Law and united under God and His Most Catholic Majesty. To achieve this, the People's Party shall seek to create an independent judiciary to uphold the laws of the Kingdom, to create a society in which all are judged equally before the Law. The People's Party will also seek to expand fair representation and enfranchisement, which has already been achieved in the People's Party-controlled regions of Valencia and Andalusia, to all of Spain. The People's Party will seek an end to the Occupation of Portugal, which is not a Spanish Struggle and does not service our national interests. Lastly, the People's Party shall seek to protect the Middle and Working classes from exploitation through the legalization of non-governmental trade unions, the establishment of a free press, independent from the office of censorship, and the end of gerrymandering by private interests. These Reforms are vital for a New Dawn for Spain, where democracy, peace and prosperity reign.

The Establishment of an Independent Judiciary
The People's Party will spearhead the creation of an independent Parliamentary Committee for Judicial Affairs, which shall oversee the appointments by the Secretary of Grace and Justice and veto them if the candidates are proven to be partisan, the committee will also investigate the actions by already appointed judges, whose non-partisanship is called into question due to indecent ties with extrajudicial organisations and people, and shall take the necessary steps to protect the Rule of Law and the independence of the judiciary.

The Enfranchisement of Communities
Currently, many regions still maintain the irrational disenfranchisement of thousands of honest, hard-working Spaniards, in favour of protecting private interest, private profit and private control. This broken system causes entire villages and communities of Spaniards to be disenfranchised, as in small farm villages, only the pater can vote for the entire community, and his vote is worth less than that of the plantation owners in the Spanish Overseas Colonies. This causes these villages to suffer under a system that does not care for them, while at the same time, their brothers in the ever expanding cities of Spain, the heartland of a new economy, are voiceless against the oppression by profit-seeking industrialists, as they cannot buy the land required to buy the right to vote. The People's Party does not believe a right to vote should be bought, it must be earned through hard-work, loyalty and contribution towards the community, and these traits are ingrained in the thousands of Spanish communities that form the strength of this Kingdom. The People's Party therefore proposes a Great Reform Act to expand the franchise to include these hard working, honest Spaniards.

The End of the Portuguese Occupation
The People's Party believes the Kingdom of Spain strays on the wrong side of history by supporting the oppressive and corrupt regime in Lisbon, to which the Portuguese people do not own their loyalty and which is must alike to the old French Regime in Spain. It is therefor that the People's Party proposes an immediate end to the persecutions and the military reprisals against innocent citizens in Portugal. The People's Party will encourage His Most Catholic Majesty's Government to serve as mediator in Portugal until a stable and democratic Kingdom of Portugal can be established, which enjoy the support of the Portuguese People. For if we do not end this struggle, we risk the lives of our brave soldiers, our fathers, brothers and sons, in a struggle that is not theirs for a cause that is not ours, and we risk to end decades of fruitful cooperation and mutual friendship between the Portuguese and Spanish Peoples and Kingdoms. Those are prices we are not willing to pay.

The Protection of the Weak and the Voiceless, Our Duty
The Works of Mercy, both spiritual and corporal, shall be the centerpiece of the People's Party in Government and in the Royal Audiencia. They form our guiding principles and must be ingrained in any Spanish Government. The People's Party shall introduce legislation in the Royal Audiencia to achieve the first four spiritual works of mercy - instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing sinners, and comforting the afflicted - in the Catholic Schools and Hospitals across the Kingdom, who shall be dutifully supported in these momentous tasks by the People's Party. The People's Party shall also seek to support the Roman Catholic Church in its mission to achieve the Corporal Works of Mercy - to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to harbor the harborless, to visit the sick, to ransom the captive, to bury the dead -, and it sees a pivotal role for the State in achieving them. It is therefor that the People's Party will seek to reform the State, from its current jingoistic and partisan form, to an institution which fulfills both its Christian, as described in the seven corporal Works of Merchy, and its historical, protecting the Spanish People and the King, tasks.

These are the duties and goals of the People's Party for the next Royal Assembly, and it is our earnest hope that the Spanish People support us both in this General Election and after that. For the People's Party makes no baseless promises. The future will not be easy. But this time peace, rather than war, must be won. The People's Party offers a New Dawn for Spain and a plan which will win Democracy, Peace and Prosperity for the People.


Partido Autonomista
Free Trade/State Capitalism/Pluralism/Full Citizenship/Anti-Military

Leader: The Duke of Menorca
Ideology: Regionalism, Monarchism, Liberal Conservatism, Mutualism, Proto-Libertarianism​

Formed out of the loose arrangements of the Movimiento Rojo, the Partido Autonomista was the culmination of Cesc Roma's gradual takeover of his uncle's political movement, which had moved the party away from the general apolitical positions of Eloi Roma, and towards the Proudhonian economics of the Duke of Menorca's mutualist explorations. As a result, when he made the decision to officially merge the most successful regional associations of Los Rojos, the Duke found himself overseeing the establishment of a political party which was a syncretic mixture of ideologies.

The most significant element of Las Autonomistas was that the new organization had a much more formal and rigid hierarchy and campaigning mechanism, although their pursuit of regionalism was not significantly dulled by this merger, and the Partido Autonomista continued to grant local chapters of the party a great deal of autonomy, particularly in regard to campaigning, which was still a decentralized process, although the new political infrastructure was intended to assist in achieving more widespread electoral successes.

Liga Realista
State Capitalism / Protectionism / Moralism / Jingoism / Limited Citizenship

Leader: The Marquis of Pontevedra
Ideology: Carlism, Royalism, Traditionalism, Archconservatism​

La Liga Realista was largely devised by the Duque de la Victoria, the Marquis de Pontevedra, and several other nobles, though it sought to establish itself as a broad-tent organization of people. Its overarching goal is the support of traditionalist and conservative views and its leadership and members are dedicated to defending the spirit and essence of the Carlist Spain. It reaches out to all classes of society - priests, nobles, rural landowners and conservative peasants, as well as officials, officers and other representatives of the conservative middle class. It advocates cohesion between all social classes, firmly stand in defence of the moral values and religion, as well as loyalty to the Throne. The League believes in a strong army and advocates for its active development, proactive colonial policies, maintenance of the Spanish overseas empire.


Los Amarillos
Laissez Faire | Free Trade | Moralism | Pro-War | Residency

"Leader": Luys Blas Ximon Hortun y Llorente Etxeto
Ideology: Economic Liberalism, Social Conservatism, Royalism​

Los Amarillos was a court faction set up by the Marquis de Riojo's grandfather, Dom Barros Etxeto. In the wake of the formation of national elections by the King, and the failure of the establishment of a suitable party, the Etxeto household (under the steady hand of the current Dom Etxeto) used it's influence to recreate the Yellows, which had been forgotten by the court and de facto defunct by 1864 and the passing of late Dom Barros Etxeto.

Although Dom Luys Etxeto has the powers of the Etxetos behind him, this is not expected to be a powerful counter to the likes of La Liga Realista.


El Movimiento Socialista
Free Trade - Planned Economy - Moralism - Pro Military - Full Citizenship

Leader: Salbatore Verdejo
Ideology: Moderate Socialism, Monarchism
​
The Movimiento Socialista, or the socialist movement, begun as a coalition of socialist groups across Spain's cities, and has come out in force for the 1879 elections. It is primarily focused in the middle class, with few nobles supporting its unorthodox platform. It has gotten a headquarters in Madrid, and with its Chairman, Salbatore Verdejo, it has begun to challenge the established parties, and will bring the idea of Marx and Engel to Spain, Under a more moderate and monarchist platform, of course.

The Socialist Movement is unlike any socialist party in the world, promoting a form of state socialism led by an enlightened monarchy supporting state regulation of the economy. It doesn't support an abrupt overthrow of the Social order, instead working within the bounds of a monarchy to further the interests of the worker.

----------------------------------------
Player Actions Needed: Please vote in the election. Please also remember that IC is important during these elections. Election ends Saturday at 9:00 PM EST or Sunday at 1:00 AM GMT

Party: PA//LR/LA
 
Party: LR
 
The Court machine did not show much originality and cooperated with their seasoned associates

Party: LR
 
(an IC between me and @Marschalk introducing the Crown Prince, and otherwise developing characters)
A Father and His son
​
By the age of forty Felipe VI, the King of Spain, had lost any remnants of the juvenile sentimentality he ever possessed. His facial features have hardened and his gaze was almost always grave and unflinching. If he has laughed in the past and attended masquerades, the hardships of the reign, especially the treacherous revolutionary attempt in 1891, has deprived him of this habit - if he did not execute his state duties, he usually read or hunted with falcons, the entertainment he truly loved.

Today however the monarch was doing neither. Sitting in his office, his big shape creating a long dark shadow along the wall, he was studying a multi coloured map, where various lines and schedules were depicting the events of the recent war with America. The war that has brought the Monarch so much concerns. Felipe has spent about two hours looking at these solemn pictures - and then, in an impulse moment, used a golden bell to summon one of his chamberlains. As the man walked in, bowing deeply, the King said "Call for my son." When he mentioned the Prince of Asturias, his expression lightened up a bit, it seemed to the Chamberlin as he departed Felipe's chambers, and made his way to retrieve the Prince.

Carlos, or the Prince of Asturias as he was correctly styled, hurried quickly to his father's study when the Chamberlin arrived at his chambers, telling him of his summons. It was a measured speed, as his father rarely called for his attendance, so Carlos assumed the matter to be one of importance, and so he made haste, but a prince must never run, so he was moderate. The Chamberlain struggled to keep up, but eventually he did and, as soon as Carlos assured the man that he was ready, did he rapped softly on the office's fine mahogany door.

"Come in, come in!" the King said, as he heard the rap on the door. When the Prince of Asturias walked in, together with the chamberlain, Felipe nodded to the latter. "Please leave us, Senor de Ribalones." When the courtier walked out, the King pointed at one of the high stools, telling his son to sit down. For a few seconds he stayed silent, just studying the face of Carlos, his youthful features and slender figure. His gaze may have looked strict, but there was fondness in it- for this boy was not only his beloved child, but also the future of the dynasty, the country, the monarchy. "So," Felipe finally began to speak. "How are you, my son? How did you studies go?"

Carlos's face screwed, temporarily maring his youthful visage, slightly in thought, and smoothly replied "They are going well father, Senor de Ambrezé has just finished introducing the topics of the East Indies, and the goods found there. Mathematics is still slow, but I fear it through my own failings, not the senors. But the sciences are really intriguing, did you know for example that the Greeks thought that the key to life was a balance of the humors, rather than good lifestyle and good eating? It quite fascinating. I am well also, although it is a shame that I haven't been able to see the people as much as could be desired, but I understand, seeing we have had some recent...complications with them."

A rare smile appeared upon the lips of the King, as his son answered. He liked the modesty in his reply, that he blamed himself and not the teacher for his failings in Mathematics. Felipe has always tried to teach his heir one thing, when you are in high position, one mandated by God, you should be especially careful not to hurt the weaker ones by your vices. "Yes, I have heard of the Greeks. And do you know that the people of Japan believe that the soul resides in the human belly? There are many peculiar beliefs in the world," Then the Monarch once again asked. "And how do you fare in Latin and Spanish history?" Then his intonations became warmer. "Your riding and fencing instructors have spoken well of you, my son. And it is good - each caballero should exercise in these knightly pursuits. "When the Prince of Asturias mentioned the passed problems, the King sighed. "The people of Spain are loyal to Our House and the Catholic Cross, Carlos. There is a bond between us, a bond made by Heavens, you understand? But there would always be ruffians, demagogues and traitors that would be seeking power and trying to break this bond. They come in many shapes and forms, and to detect them and defend Spain from them is one of the duties of the King," The Sovereign drummed his fingers on the table. "And one day you would be King, would carry the weight of responsibility I carry now. What do you think of it, eh?" It was one serious question - and Felipe waited for response with curiosity.

Carlos replied quickly to his father's first few points. "My Latin is progressing well, but the conditional tense is proving a challenge. Spanish history likewise is good, although I am having a challenge learning further in the past than the union of Ferdinand II and Isabella the Catholic." He paused then, trying to think of a way to phrase his question. "And what do I think of, your divine power, or the dissent presented by the lower levels of society?"

"What do you think of the times, when you would have to carry the burden God has set for our family." Felipe repeated, stroking his moustache. His eyes became inquisitive - it was hard for him to believe that this youth would have to experience what he has experienced. And yet - when Felipe has put on the Crown, he was a youth himself. "Does it frighten you?"

Carlos's face lit up with understanding, before furrowing in worry. "Father, I must be truthful, it does. The weight of responsibility to care for all our people, and to have the last say on any and all laws that affect so many of our subjects, it is a daunting prospect." Carlos's gaze drew down to his shoes, not wanting to look into his father's eyes, for fear of seeing anger or disappointment in them

The King listened to his son attentively. He did not express any criticism or make any comments for a few minutes - and then spoke up softly. "It is good that you understand how important this mission is, Carlos. What a great duty it is. But you should be strong - and will be strong, I am sure." Felipe grinned, for a moment becoming his old self - when he was still young and did not have so much on his mind. - "You know, when I was your age, I sometimes had hard time... Lessons or something else. But I thought of our ancestors, of what they did. Of Charlemagne and his great Christian empire. Of Louis the Saint, who has fought for our Savior in the Holy Land. Of your Grandfather, Carlos the Restorer," Felipe now was looking at the big portrait of the first of Carlist Kings hanging above his table. "It always gave me strength - and would give you strength. God guides Kings, my son, and He would not leave you. Never doubt God." Felipe crossed himself with true piety - and then returned to the more mundane topics. "In a few years your education would become more practical. You would start serving in one of the guards regiments, become friends with their officers. Then you would attend the sessions of the State Council, listen to the state affairs being discussed. I think you would like that."

Carlos lifted his head slowly and, upon seeing the smile upon his father's face, dropped all worries and doubts he had. "Of course father, I am looking forward to being able to directly help our great nation. Did you need me for anything else?"

"Yes. You do, of course, know, that Our Kingdom is now at war." angry wrinkles appeared upon the forehead of the King. "The treacherous enemy has attacked us over our rightful possessions in Cuba. I have decided to send a mission to France to seek the assistance of your uncle, King Philippe. It would be led by the Duke of Infantado." The Sovereign leaned towards his heir. "How would you like to visit the country of your mother, Carlos? You could accompany Infantado. Your first diplomatic ride - God knows you would experience many of these in the future!" The King once again smiled. 2Better get used to them now."

Carlos's eyes lit up, and he did a little jig, and it was clear that Carlos was still a child at heart. "I would love to father, but who is this Infantado, I haven't met him yet have I?'"

"The Duke of Infantado is one of my ministers. He is an agreeable person, so I think you would enjoy his company." the King patted the hand of his heir. Then took the bejeweled bell once again. "You better get acquainted with him." He rang, and the same chamberlain walked in. As the court official inclined his balding head, the Monarch ordered. "Senor, please find out, if the Duke of Infantado is now in town. If he is, please ask him to come to Us at first convenience.2 When the chamberlain left, the King changed the topic. Looking at his child, he suddenly felt a pang of guilt - sometimes he thought that too often he was a King-father - and too rarely a father as private person. But it was because he worried so much - worried that his son would inherit the Throne without necessary experience - and wanted to tutor him. - "So, how are your friends? What have you been up to?" Felipe asked, as they waited for Infantado. He arranged that a number of children of noble origin would serve in the castle as pages - and be playmates to his son. Who knows, one day they may be his advisors or lead his armies. "We could go hunting together next Sunday. Would you like that?"

Carlos was very eager to see this gentleman his father spoke so highly of, it was unusual to hear praises said by him, furthermore he eagerly nodded in acceptance over his desire to go on the hunt. "I would love to father, it would be a most interesting experience, and allow me to see the lands beyond the city once again. As for me, Juan and Andreas, we tried to do some roof climbing, but the tiles were a bit loose and Juan nearly fell off more than once, but you know how he is. Perhaps he needs to be taught some fencing, it certainly helped build up my core and balance."

The King and his son continued their discussions for a time, until a rather harried looking Duke of Infantado arrived at the chambers. He bowed, as best as he was able with his legs being so weak, to both his Catholic Majesty and the Crown Prince. The king reiterated what he said to Carlos, to assure Infantado that all was well for the trip. It came as a slight surprise to Pedro however that the young Prince of Asturias was to come with him on the travels up to France.

"Are you sure that that is wise my king? He is still quite young after all" stated Pedro carefully.

"I am sure you may handle him quite amiably my Prince, for you see he is a Prince of Belmonte as well as a Duke of Infantado my son." Felipe replied sharply.

"As you wish, my King" said Pedro, as he bowed again. "Should you like to come and walk with me, my prince, so as I can get better acquainted with yourself?" He addressed to Carlos.

The young prince gave a almost begging look to his father, who quickly dismissed him "Off you go now, don't be shy. I expect you back for dinner though. Why not dine with us tonight Infantado? I am sure Carlos would be most interested to hear of your tales in handling the recent rebel crisis."

Pedro smiled softly, and said it would be a great honour to dine with his Majesty, and so accepted his offer, bowed once more to Felipe, and led the young Crown Prince outside, where they discussed a great many things. Felipe looked out on them one final time, a soft smile gracing his hard features, before he returned with steel eyes towards the map on the wall, wondering the next move.




​
 
Election of 1896​

War-time elections are never enjoyable for any head of state. They threaten to change the balance of power in politics during a time when it may not be preferable to the powers that be. King Felipe was no exception. Some quote him saying that he would prefer not to have elections in a time of great crisis like war, but many of his advisors suggested to just let them happen, for the threat was minimal and the Americans posed no real harm for the time being. So during the next few months, campaigns would begin for the election. One major change in this current election was that there were three parties this time instead of five. With the suspension of the People's Party and the Socialist Party, only the Autonimsts, Los Amarillos, and Royalists were left running, and all three would turn southern Spain into a battleground.

In charge of the Royalist campaign in the south was the Prince of Belmonte. The Royalists had left the Prince of Belmonte in charge of managing the Royalist campaign with the sudden disappearance of the Marquis of Pontevedra from the public scene. Belmonte, less autocratic and hostile as his predecessor, was quick to move into the southern region and convince many aristocrats and citizens hurt by the revolutionaries to support the Royalist cause in the election. Of course, many citizens were former revolutions with the trauma of the starving of Seville still fresh in their minds. Belmonte though ignored these citizens and focused directly on those hurt by revolutionaries and not the government.

Los Amarillos moved to do the same. Duke Etexto appointed Fernando Armando Hernando Rolando Fernández to manage the campaign in the south. Fernando wasted no time in exploiting many in order to get their votes. Los Amarillos made it sound like they were the closest allies to the People's Party (which Don Francisco de Valle did claim constantly), and that a vote for them would be like voting for the People's Party. If that didn't work, well, money has a better way of talking than speeches or paper...

Surprisingly the press was not bombarded with censorship and other things that plagued previous elections. Most accredit the public disappearance of the Marquis of Pontevedra to be the reason for this. More editorials appeared, stating opinions on issues such as the war and capitalistic measures over mutualist efforts. Some have even stated opinions on the hostile relationship between Los Amarillos and the Autonomists in economic polices, between capitalism and mutualism. The press even managed to question if Europe would even come to the aide of Spain. Of course, decades of censorship managed to prevent certain things from being talked about, but overall, the press was much freer.

In the end, the election came down to one thing, control over former PP territory. Los Amarillos managed to score 45 of the 115 empty seats, the Autonomists scored 30, and the Royalists scored 40 seats. When the votes were tallied, it was clear that Los Amarillos had managed to keep its plurality, but with two possible opposition parties, what would become of that plurality? Would the Autonomists and Royalists coalition to prevent another five years of Los Amarillos?

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Royalists: 140
Los Amarillos: 160
Autonomists: 100​
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Player Actions Needed: Marschalk has designated ML8991, the crown prince, to act on his behalf in appointing the government.
 
Carlos stood nervously in front of these men, who so trusted his father to lead their country to greatness. But his father was too busy in war meetings and otherwise medial matters to be able to address his ministers. So the responsibility of appointing a new cabinet fell on his shoulders. How best to appease both these men, and his father, Carlos gulped. But the time came and so he drafted up a new cabinet, for even to the young mind of Carlos it was clear that things had to change. But first, to make his choices seem valid, at least to himself, he drafted a small speech to give to the council

A speech pertaining to the choices in the Council of 1896
To my councilmen, I thank you all for your attendance. I apologise on behalf of my father, His Majesty, but matters have called him away from this most critical of decisions. Thus he gave me the responsibility, I your Crown Prince. I hope you may accept this, and I assure you my father is well, there is no need to be alarmed. However, I come hear today to explain my choices, as I fear that some of you may not trust my judgement, or indeed the judgement of one so young.

I have adapted the leadership, to an extent, for although my father was wise at the time he made this cabinet, the dissenting comments of the Duque Etxeto against our war with America, causes me great concern. I thus promote the Duque de Menorca to his place, and given his position in handling the economy of our country, and war being so costly, I trust him to steer us from ruin. For their apparent lack of participation in the political system, I removed the forrmer leader of the Royalists from his posts, as it is apparent- for now- that the gentleman holds no interest any more in politics- to this i shall place the Duque Etxeto. I keep Don Fernández in his posts, for I see little reason to adjust this. But I do promote both the Prince of Belmonte, to chair the state council, and Don Zumalacárregui e Imaz to run Foreign Affairs. My father seems to trust the Prince, so I trust him, and Don Zumalacárregui e Imaz has lead our country through war successfully before, and I trust him to continue to do so, and with our leading foreign affairs matter being one of war, I see no reason to not see him to this post.

I hope you gentlemen may accept these changes, may God bless you all.
HRH Carlos, Prince Regent of Spain, Prince of Asturias, Prince of Girona, Prince of Viana Duke of Montblanc, Count of Cervera and Lord of Balaguer

Council of 1896

First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Treasury and Chief of the Department of Economic Affairs: Duque de Menorca ((Firehound))

Second Secretary of State and Secretary for the Interior: Marqués de Riojo (Dadarian)

Secretary of State for Grace and Justice and Chief of the Colonial Office: Fernando Armando Hernando Rolando Fernández ((Michaelangelo))

Secretary of State for War and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: Antonio Carlos de Zumalacárregui e Imaz (RR)

President of State Council, Secretary of State and Chief of the Department of Truth and Honesty: Duque de Infantado ((ML))
 
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