The realm rejoices as Paradox Interactive announces the launch of Crusader Kings III, the latest entry in the publisher’s grand strategy role-playing game franchise. Advisors may now jockey for positions of influence and adversaries should save their schemes for another day, because on this day Crusader Kings III can be purchased on Steam, the Paradox Store, and other major online retailers.
(( I hate to bother, but what nobles would be able to do?
Possibly something to do with levies despite us moving past that system? Maybe something so do with nearby counties? ))
((At the start, they determine who gets what provinces. After the war begins, players can attempt whatever they feel is logical. I'm leaving it up to the players to attempt things to gain resources, support, etc. I'll just do the rolls. So for example, since you mentioned levies, a noble could attempt to rally support from their home provinces to boost manpower. I'm thinking of letting each player be able to attempt one action per turn, with a chance of success based on what the action is. Of course this should wait until after the war starts since I've just finished setting up the initial stage and having to adjust things again will be a nuisance.))
((I assume you mean Enlightened Despotism because Bureaucratic Despotism is a republican government.))
I thank you, Marshal, for securing Castile. I was worried my more distant family there would be harmed. I pray we shall be able to hold the region. I shall ensure you are properly rewarded when this whole mess is over.
I also concur with you both. A balance must be found. We need a government that both has the power to act but also fairly represents the people of Hispania. I would prefer a constitution of sorts to solidify the balance of powers, but really any reform will do that at least provides the people with better representation. Perhaps some sort of advisory body for the people to present ideas and legislation to the Crown with its members selected by the people rather than relying solely on the court as has been done for centuries. It is clear that any such changes to the government must be done carefully, for we must ensure it is done right.
- His Imperial Highness, Alfons IX de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, & Protector of the Greeks
((I'm willing to change our government to enlightened despotism at the end of the war, even though it's probably a decade or two before it unlocks in-game. I mean I technically allowed revolutionary governments to be a possibility in 1700, so why not.))
((The government map would have helped before I mistakenly spoke to the Swedish king. At least he's neutral.
Keeping the save file would be the way to go IMHO. What CB would you use? I think 'Enforce PU' or any other that has the wargoal to control the capital would be best suited. Not because I hold it (), but because the conflict should be firmly centered in Iberia.
And I can only agree with 05.))
Montségur read the responses to his requests, slightly disappointed. ((curse my luck.)) Catholics were even more hopeless than he thought. He had made a deal with the Austrian devil, Sweden remained neutral, and France? The court was intrigued - now he had to force their hand. Though certainly not through his wife as intermediary, returning to reside in Bourbon for the duration of the civil war. What he would propose will hardly be trusted should a Valois propose it. Before preparing his letter, he decided to have that Deist philosopher fool executed as soon as they got hold of him. What did he expect, having elections held during the damned war, when strong leadership was a determining factor deciding of success and failure?
He once again publicly declared that the title of Lord Dictator would be forfeited as soon as Hispania was pacified and united under one strong government, a government that would be constitutional in its form, elections among both the common people and the nobility determining the leadership of the nation, with only the decision about declarations of war being in the hands of the military, as well as a veto against anything threatening Hispania's fundamental principles of tolerance, free thought and, then, constitutionalism.
Anyone declaring him an usurper who wishes to seize all power himself should look at Byzantium. Mandromenos was doing that, yet nobody cared. He wasn't doing that. It was only a way of the Imperials to justify their own power.
Most esteemed Court of the French Empire, you have the fortune to enjoy a constitution guaranteeing your rights, your influence, and standing in the way of abuse of power. France had the wisdom to see that the empire cannot be reigned against the opposition of its people, and with the nation's history of rebellions, knew that reforms had to be made. For this, I can only envy the progressive France, for Hispania has slept through any modernization of its government, two centuries unchanged, any proposals of a constitution strangled as soon as they were formed.
Before it becomes worse, I had to act. Phoenix stands for the future, hence its name. Yet Hispania's ancient government will do all possible to enforce its will. In the end, it only is a danger for you, shall Hispania win. His Imperial Highness Charles VIII has made it clear that he views the civil war with discontent. That it can sever the ties between Hispania and France - stay assured that it can do exactly the contrary. The French Constitution is a shining example for the world, one that we can and will forge our own on. But about the ties, there are three possible scenarios I can imagine:
France stays neutral. Shall the Imperials win, they will view you with distrust for your non-intervention. Shall Phoenix win, our ties will strengthen due to us following your example.
France intervenes on Phoenix' side. The ties between our people shall never break.
France intervenes for the Imperials. Seeing constitutionalism squashed, Charles VIII can use Hispania's might to his advantage, and abolish your rights, tear apart the constitution limiting him.
As I see it, there is one scenario that has few risks, but can end both positive and negative. One scenario that has purely beneficial effects. And one that can cause the end of all you have achieved. I trust that you make the right choice, and use all your powers to put France on the right course.
Lord Dictator Alexandre César de Montségur of Phoenix
LETTER TO THE IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLDAs Your Majesty is most certainly aware, the rise of the Fenixists may represent the darkest excesses of the "traditional society" which has become a proudly espoused element of the Royal Court. They are a faction of vile men whose sole goal is the attainment of only greater wealth and power - even if it comes at the expense of others, particularly the free peoples of Hispania. It has become evident, therefore, that steps must be taken in order to reject and defeat these forces of evil, and in the interests of attaining those ends, I present Your Majesty with a proposal to bolster popular support for the rightful government against the dangerous men who threaten not only the fabric of our nation's society, but above all, its people.
((Private))
_____________________________________
Thus, I humbly suggest that Your Majesty takes the course of immediacy and takes this opportunity to achieve both pinnacles of rulership - purity of spirit, as well as effective leadership - and publishes a decree offering a simple, fair, and righteous bargain for those lowly men who comprise this fair nation: that all who volunteer to join with those forces in service to the Crown shall be granted complete and inviolable freedom from serfdom.
Deus está connosco,
![]()
((A Private Letter to KIng Aleksandr I))
Your Majesty, certainly, you have heard of war in the southern realms, a conflict threateing to engulf all of Europe in the flames of war. It is in such a dry climate like this in Europe, that could allow such possibilities, that I offer you advice. The Austrians are engaged in war in their southern parts, fighting the Byzantines and ourselfs in battle. Their forces are, well, quite certain to thin in the north to supply more troop to more southern fronts. I know that the Poles are not all that friendly to us and of the people of Danube as well. Yet opportunity should not be ignored due to grudges of the past. Revenge against Austrians can come, and friendship, maybe, can come. I hope you recognize the opportunity you have, and not let it slip through your gasp.
Chancellor Von Politz
Spoiler: Private letter to Chancellor Von Politz We shall do what we believe best, regardless of what Hispania or its people desire us to do, for we are servants to no one.
- His Majesty, King Aleksander I Karol von Wettin of Poland
Alea iacta est. What a solemn act this should have been. But Montségur had far too much to do to, far too many variables to consider, was far too concerned with the future of Phoenix' actions to contemplate this. Hispania was burning. And the French court had given in to Charles as they heard of his deal with Austria. The balance in North Italy - it wasn't threatened. They had let themselves be fooled. He had to give the court a chance to redeem themselves.
Most esteemed Court of France, would you want to seal your own end? For a mere shift in the Italian balance, and I clearly speak of shift here, not of break. Italy is mostly split, into a part trading mainly through Genoa and a part trading mostly though Venice. Understandably, the current situation of the Italian lands has been a source of tension between our nations, ever since the alliance had been perfected. A similar conflict of interests has never existed between France and Hispania, or between France and Austria, which is why the alliances are so long-lived and have been so fruitful. I have used the opportunity to remove this source of distrust, of conflict. It will only be beneficial for the future, even for the balance of power Hispania clearly dominated. Court of France, don't be fooled. The peace in Europe, our cooperation, our ideals are at stake.
Intervene before it is too late. Or not only you will regret it. But all of Europe, no, the entire world will.
Lord Dictator Alexandre César de Montségur of Phoenix
Montségur would await an answer. Then, if he had to, plan how to counteract the French.
((So the positive roll was utterly useless?![]()
Austria will most likely be busy with Byzantine rebels most of the time, so it is not like they will be a great help, while France can and will focus on the wargoal. Scratch that, as long as Byzantine forts block the way at least. We all know the AI's priorities.))
"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our country, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.
- When General Gilbert de Saint-Pierre arrived in Naples, in order to to recieve orders and plan the course of action of the loyalist forces, he gave out a speech in front of the Imperial court and Exercit Naples, also ordering for it to be written down to be read out to the loyal troops across the Empire, in hopes of boosting the moral
At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of the people and the nation.
The Hispanian Empire and the French Empire, linked together in their cause and in their centuries old bond, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.
Even though large tracts of our Empire have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Phoenixes and all the odious apparatus of de Montsegur rule, we shall not flag or fail.
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Iberia,
we shall fight on the seas and oceans,
we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in Italy and Africa, we shall defend our home, whatever the cost may be,
we shall fight on the beaches,
we shall fight in the hills;
we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, Mediterranean or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the Hispanian Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."
(( Editing thos famous speeches in order to fit the scenario somehow is actually pretty fun xD ))
EDIT: (( If possible this will be Gilbert's action for this turn. Trying to raise morale of Loyalist troops with an inspirational speech. ))
Raise war taxes for the Imperials and make full use of the treasury to combat this menace that is the Phoenixes!
As Chamberlain, I also implore my fellow nobles to rally to the Imperial banner and resist the Phoenixes, I also implore my fellow citizens in Sardinia and Corsica to support the Imperial cause in any way possible.
Nicolás de Alvaro, Duke of Sardinia and Corsica, Imperial Treasurer and Chamberlain of the Cortz
The troops are inspired to fight for Hispania and the Emperor. They seem a bit more eager to fight, although nervousness still fills the ranks. Hopefully it will hold out.
((You managed to get a morale boost, but it's small and won't last for long.))
(( That's all I was hoping for, to be fully honest. ))
(( Constantin François II de Saint-Pierre ))
The margrave rallied his troop before ordering them down south. He knew he wouldn't be able to defeat Exercit Valencia, or the separatists from Exercit Madrid, but he could make their conditions worse, by raiding the supply convoys, and engaging the enemy in guerrilla warfare, focusing on hit and run tactics.
(( This is going to be the action for my noble character. Trying to disturb Exercit Valencia and splinters of Exercit Madrid in any way possible. ))
(( And finally, time for Rémi to be of any use, and for him to pick a side. ))
The eldest son of Alexis was furious! The assassin slipped through their fingers, and they got denied access, so they couldn't chase the culprit. But he wouldn't stay safe for long! The Emperor would hear about this, and surely he would act on it. The Saint-Pierre boarded a ship and sailed back to Valencia, oh if only he knew what happened in the time he was gone. However before he visited the Imperial palace he decided to stop by the TATC HQ. He was quite shocked to see some of destrucion that could still be spotted in the city. But that didn't stop him. He entered the building, throwing the doors open and shouting
"Can someone explain to me what in the world has happened and where is everyone?!"
He was greeted with eerie silence.
He sighed in annoyance before marching to the council chamber, to find the few remaining men nervously discuss few things. When they saw Rémi, they appeared to be overjoyed, offering wine and all kinds of luxurious food to the head of the company, however Rémi just denied it all
"Please tell me what dreadful event has happened to leave our capital in such a state!"
The councilmen retreated, whispering something between eachother before the leader of them explained everything. This left the head of the company in a state of shock.
It took a while for him to regain his senses and speak again
"And you fools dared to side with a traitor! To go against our ruler? I am disgusted by all of you! What would Maxime de Saint-Pierre think if he saw what his company become! If you have any honor left, you will do what's right and pull all the strings you have in order to help our ruler!"
With shame on their face most of them agreed, deciding to leave Valencia. However one of them, the head of the council protested and stayed in the building, saying that the Phoenix is the future of Hispania, and that the old monarchy will perish.
Rémi only shot him a glare of disgust and left the building with the rest, leaving for Neapoli.
(( Well, Mike rolled for my character's influance on those guys, and it turned out extreamly well. 4/5 council members switched sides, so you can expect a lot of trouble in Africa @alscon
And I guess this would be my character's action for this turn. ))