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Marshal Carlos de Leon

My lord, I write in hopes of finding a place within the Aragonese army whereby my talents can best be put to service. I am unknown to you but hopefully this letter, and the contents herewithin, may speak to my abilities. I first started my services with the Company of the Olive, when I was 18. While of noble birth, I chose not to live apart from the men who I would eventually come to call brothers. I was raised in the Italian school of warfare in Lucca by my father, Baron Serrigo Torarella and his master of arms. I was taught both the bolt and the sword, the latter of which I became highly proficient. I can wield both the sabre and the longsword with equal skill. My time in the Company saw employ both in Venice and fighting against the Ottomans. Through my three years with the company I was raised to the position of Armsman, what one in the regular military might refer to as Sergeant at Arms. I have come to your blessed kingdom in order to seek employ with the royal army with a commission commiserate of my experience. Martial talk throughout court speaks mostly of the recently commenced war against the Moors. A muslim is a muslim no matter their place of birth, I know how to kill these heathens and would very much like to receive a response at your earliest.

Your most humble servant,
Edward Torarella

Edward brushed the final sand off the parchment and rolled it into a thin tube. He then handed the missive to the very diligent clerk who stood by while he wrote his missive. "Grazie. Do you know of the best nearby whorehouse?"
 
Carlos received a thin tube from one of his servants. Opening it, he found a letter inside, which he read. He quickly penned a response.


((private Edward Torarella @Italianajt))

Dear Edward Torarella,

I appreciate your letter to me. You indeed have the skills necessary to smite the Moors and the Turks in the name of the Lord Almighty and would serve the Crown and the Cross well when we inevitably resume the Reconquista against the Granadans. However, currently I am not a field general, and as such I do not lead armies into battle, instead presiding over logistics and strategy. You are welcome to join the armies of Aragon under my permission, but I recommend that you send a letter to the King as well, as he has the final say on this matter and would like to know who is fighting for him and where he comes from. I believe that he will likely grant you an appropriate position in the army, given your talent and the skills you stated.

Deus vult,
Carlos de Leon, Marshal of the Realm
 
His Royal Highness, Joan II de Trastámara, King of Aragon, Naples, and Navarra​

I come prostrate before you, a man of noble birth but third in line, looking to serve you in whatever matter you deem fit regarding my prior experience. I have enclosed a copy of the introductory letter I wrote that was sent to your Royal Marshal Carlos de Leon. He has advised me that all appointments must come from the crown, something I was unaware of due to my time in the Company of the Olive. I am well acquainted with Aragonese military might, having participated alongside your men during the august war against the Ottomans. I seek only an appointment commiserate with my experience, not to step out beyond myself and not to be buried in the ranks serving under a freshly trained young man who doesn't know when to strike for the spine or when to simply cleave a man's leg off. If, however, you find my experience would best be served within the palace, trusting in the faith of the Almighty that I am worthy of such a role, I also inquire as to positions within the Guardia Real. I have seen war constantly these past three years, while I am not adverse to such things, a duty as noble as protecting your most dignified person would be agreeable.
I can be reached at the House of Madam Bojora, on the Travetine Way (until more suitable quarters can be located).

Edward Torarella

((If chosen to go onto the battlefield my character should have a focus on shock))

Marshal Carlos de Leon

My lord, I write in hopes of finding a place within the Aragonese army whereby my talents can best be put to service. I am unknown to you but hopefully this letter, and the contents herewithin, may speak to my abilities. I first started my services with the Company of the Olive, when I was 18. While of noble birth, I chose not to live apart from the men who I would eventually come to call brothers. I was raised in the Italian school of warfare in Lucca by my father, Baron Serrigo Torarella and his master of arms. I was taught both the bolt and the sword, the latter of which I became highly proficient. I can wield both the sabre and the longsword with equal skill. My time in the Company saw employ both in Venice and fighting against the Ottomans. Through my three years with the company I was raised to the position of Armsman, what one in the regular military might refer to as Sergeant at Arms. I have come to your blessed kingdom in order to seek employ with the royal army with a commission commiserate of my experience. Martial talk throughout court speaks mostly of the recently commenced war against the Moors. A muslim is a muslim no matter their place of birth, I know how to kill these heathens and would very much like to receive a response at your earliest.

Your most humble servant,
Edward Torarella
 
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Juan Corojes looked up from his bible to find a monk standing in his doorway.
'Gracias Jofré'
The monk handed him a piece of parchment and he placed it on the table, moving a candle closer so he could better see. He dipped his quill in black ink and started scratching a letter.

'Your Majesty,
I am writing to you in matter of grave concern, I am a deeply pious and thoughtful man and through my many deliberations and sorrows I have come to the conclusion that violence is sinful and Lucifer's way of agitating the mind. I implore you to avoid acts of cruelty and malice that your other advisers may encourage. Treating people with kindness is the only path forward to an enlightened and civilized nation and traveling around, painfully sending men to their Lord through blade and mace is leading this nation to Lucifer's grip, from which we shall never be able to return. I implore you, as a man of the clergy, stop this violence against good men of the faith! So that the Lord may look upon you with all the good in his heart!

However, those of other faiths like the islamic swine, if they spurn the will of Christ, must be reminded of the one true god through no less than letting us seize their property and joining their 'brothers' in Mecca, or joining Christ where they must await judgement.

My leige, do not bring this nation to it's knees!

Deus Vult!

Juan Corojes Lone, Your humble Servant.
 
His Royal Highness, Joan II de Trastámara, King of Aragon, Naples, and Navarra​

I come prostrate before you, a man of noble birth but third in line, looking to serve you in whatever matter you deem fit regarding my prior experience. I have enclosed a copy of the introductory letter I wrote that was sent to your Royal Marshal Carlos de Leon. He has advised me that all appointments must come from the crown, something I was unaware of due to my time in the Company of the Olive. I am well acquainted with Aragonese military might, having participated alongside your men during the august war against the Ottomans. I seek only an appointment commiserate with my experience, not to step out beyond myself and not to be buried in the ranks serving under a freshly trained young man who doesn't know when to strike for the spine or when to simply cleave a man's leg off. If, however, you find my experience would best be served within the palace, trusting in the faith of the Almighty that I am worthy of such a role, I also inquire as to positions within the Guardia Real. I have seen war constantly these past three years, while I am not adverse to such things, a duty as noble as protecting your most dignified purpose would be agreeable.
I can be reached at the House of Madam Bojora, on the Travetine Way (until more suitable quarters can be located).

Edward Torarella

((If chosen to go onto the battlefield my character should have a focus on shock))

vvEKLhO.png

Unfortunately, we do not have need for another general, with so many brave Aragonese having offered their service already. ((Mainly we only have 3 player generals at a time and those positions are all filled.)) We would be honoured if your served in the Guardia Real instead.

- His Majesty, Joan II de Trastámara, King of Aragon, Naples, and Navarra
 
Alfons walked through the palace, which was unusually silent. No nobles or courtiers were around, and what servants he saw were scurrying around like the building was on fire. They were carrying all kinds of decorations and food. One portly woman hurried past him with a cake. What was going on?

After wandering through the palace without finding an answer, Alfons entered the throne room. He stopped and nearly tripped over his own feet as he entered. Dozens of courtiers and nobles were seated in chairs facing the throne, with his father and Bishop Alejandro Sastre standing in front of the throne. The bishop held the Bible as though he were ready to give a sermon. Was this some impromptu religious ceremony. When Joan noticed his son, he clapped his hands together and said, "It is about time you arrive. Don't want to be late for your own wedding."

If Alfons's jaw had not been attached to his face, it would have hit the floor. He nervously walked up to the front, trying his best not to look at all the guests staring at him. When he was next to his father, he angrily whispered, "What do you mean I'm getting married? I was not told about this."

Joan gave a light-hearted laugh and smiled. "My son, this marriage was arranged while you were away from court. There was no opportunity to inform you."

Alfons forced a fake smile for the crowd, baring his teeth as pleasantly as he could. Instead he looked as though he were about to strangle someone. The people in the front seats shuffled nervously.


Before Alfons could say another word, several men with trumpets started blaring a few notes. The doors swept open and a young woman stood in the doorway. She appeared to be roughly five years Alfons's senior and was thin and frail. Her gauntness made it look as though she had been sickly as a child and had overcome it at a great cost. As she walked down the aisle in her white wedding dress, she made eye contact with him. Alfons couldn't help but blush. He'd never spent much time around women, both as a child and an adult. Having a woman pay him any attention, let alone one who happened to be his soon-to-be wife, made him feel uncomfortable. He didn't know the first thing about how to treat a woman.

Joan must have noticed Alfons's reaction because he chuckled.
"Don't be ashamed to be nervous. It's not every day that a man marries a French princess."

When the woman finally reached the altar, Bishop Alejandro Sastre started reading from the Bible. Alfons kept trying to look at his new bride, but every time she caught him staring he blushed and looked away. She wasn't exactly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but she had a sort of homeliness that appealed to him. Despite having never met him before, she kept giving him a sweet smile. He couldn't help but smile back.

Soon the bishop was addressing them directly. "Do you, Princess Catherine de Valois, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do," said the Princess, her voice almost a gentle whisper.

"Do you, Prince Alfons de Trastámara, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Alfons gulped nervously. He hadn't exactly expected to get married today, or rather any day soon for that matter. He looked over at his father, who nodded. This was how royal marriages worked after all. Alfons cleared his throat and said, "I do."

The bishop smiled and said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Catherine leaned forward, her lips pursed and eyes closed. Alfons did the same until their lips touched. It was a chaste kiss, for they had just met, but his body tingled at the touch. Everything after that was a blur as he was caught up in the celebration following the wedding. He was now a married man.
 
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Congratulations on your marriage, my Prince. I wish you and Lady Catherine a wonderful life together in the name of the Holy Trinity. Long live the Crown of Aragon!

From yours truly,
Jaume Cristofor, Count of Barcelona
 
First time doing something like this, but here it goes.

Name: Juan Corojes Lone 'el italiano'
Date of birth: 12th of June 1420
Class: Clergy
Religion: Catholic
Bio: Juan Corojes Lone was a young priest born and raised in Napoli in Italy. When he was 15 his father (a military man) moved to Valencia in Aragon to make better money and sent his troublesome son to a church to get rid of him. In 1442 his father was sent with the army as a knight in the war with Naples, his home country. Naturally he was seen as a traitor by the people of the city and an angry mob forcibly ended his role as judge of Napoli high court (and his life). Now fatherless, the young Juan was determined to protest against violence wherever he saw it and soon left Valencia to seek a more peaceful life further inland. He set up a parish church in Teruel in 1448 and became priest of the 'Iglesia de San Juan de la gente' or People's church of Saint John. He was seen to be an important spiritual advisor and became a sought after man in the sleepy town, gaining a good reputation with the town's mayor. He however wants to become of more importance, to further spread his nonviolent agenda...
((I would like to be granted the Province of Teruel))

((Yay, new clergy!))

Cardinal de Vascona smiles now that God has answered his prayers.

Alfons walked through the palace, which was unusually silent. No nobles or courtiers were around, and what servants he saw were scurrying around like the building was on fire. They were carrying all kinds of decorations and food. One portly woman hurried past him with a cake. What was going on?

After wandering through the palace without finding an answer, Alfons entered the throne room. He stopped and nearly tripped over his own feet as he entered. Dozens of courtiers and nobles were seated in chairs facing the throne, with his father and Bishop Alejandro Sastre standing in front of the throne. The bishop held the Bible as though he were ready to give a sermon. Was this some impromptu religious ceremony. When Joan noticed his son, he clapped his hands together and said, "It is about time you arrive. Don't want to be late for your own wedding."

If Alfons's jaw had not been attached to his face, it would have hit the floor. He nervously walked up to the front, trying his best not to look at all the guests staring at him. When he was next to his father, he angrily whispered, "What do you mean I'm getting married? I was not told about this."

Joan gave a light-hearted laugh and smiled. "My son, this marriage was arranged while you were away from court. There was no opportunity to inform you."

Alfons forced a fake smile for the crowd, baring his teeth as pleasantly as he could. Instead he looked as though he were about to strangle someone. The people in the front seats shuffled nervously.


Before Alfons could say another word, several men with trumpets started blaring a few notes. The doors swept open and a young woman stood in the doorway. She appeared to be roughly five years Alfons's senior and was thin and frail. Her gauntness made it look as though she had been sickly as a child and had overcome it at a great cost. As she walked down the aisle in her white wedding dress, she made eye contact with him. Alfons couldn't help but blush. He'd never spent much time around women, both as a child and an adult. Having a woman pay him any attention, let alone one who happened to be his soon-to-be wife, made him feel uncomfortable. He didn't know the first thing about how to treat a woman.

Joan must have noticed Alfons's reaction because he chuckled.
"Don't be ashamed to be nervous. It's not every day that a man marries a French princess."

When the woman finally reached the altar, Bishop Alejandro Sastre started reading from the Bible. Alfons kept trying to look at his new bride, but every time she caught him staring he blushed and looked away. She wasn't exactly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but she had a sort of homeliness that appealed to him. Despite having never met him before, she kept giving him a sweet smile. He couldn't help but smile back.

Soon the bishop was addressing them directly. "Do you, Princess Catherine de Valois, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do," said the Princess, her voice almost a gentle whisper.

"Do you, Prince Alfons de Trastámara, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Alfons gulped nervously. He hadn't exactly expected to get married today, or rather any day soon for that matter. He looked over at his father, who nodded. This was how royal marriages worked after all. Alfons cleared his throat and said, "I do."

The bishop smiled and said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Catherine leaned forward, her lips pursed and eyes closed. Alfons did the same until their lips touched. It was a chaste kiss, for they had just met, but his body tingled at the touch. Everything after that was a blur as he was caught up in the celebration following the wedding. He was now a married man.


To Prince Alfons,

Congratulations on your marriage, Prince Alfons. May the Lord bless your new union with happiness and fertility!

Your humble servant,

Cardinal Fernando de Vascona
Bishop of Pirineo
 
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My Prince,
I feel very happy for you, and your bride. Sadly I was not able to make it to your wedding, but sadly a terrible illness has fallen on me. I'm sure that Princess Catherine couldn't have gotten a better husband than you. I would also like to send a small gift of gold for you because of this occasion. On more important matter to the country I believe I was able to catch a Castilian spy. If possible I would like to send him to the capital under escort as soon as possible.
Your future vassal,
Arturo de Valencia, count of Zaragoza
 
jgJpX4h.png
My Prince,
I feel very happy for you, and your bride. Sadly I was not able to make it to your wedding, but sadly a terrible illness has fallen on me. I'm sure that Princess Catherine couldn't have gotten a better husband than you. I would also like to send a small gift of gold for you because of this occasion. On more important matter to the country I believe I was able to catch a Castilian spy. If possible I would like to send him to the capital under escort as soon as possible.
Your future vassal,
Arturo de Valencia, count of Zaragoza

A Castilian spy, you say? Send him here at once! I'll get to the bottom of this.

- Alfons de Trastámara

((As cute as I found it, I doubt Sastre would smile))

((He smiles when his king wants him to. :D))
 
WEDDING OF CONDE LINO ADRIÀ MARÍA DE AGRAMUNT AND LEONORA DE CABRERA
~Cathedral of Santa Maria, Valencia~

CcAlFVY.jpg
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Don Ferran arrived in Valencia only a short while after his wedding; his (habitually) ailing mother and sister had already organised the greater portion of the wedding, and with the wealth he brought back, it was all quickly paid for. With the finishing touches in place, the wedding took place on Sunday, the twenty-ninth of July. Leonor rode to the Catedral de Santa Maria in the City of Valencia.

Meanwhile, de Agramunt made his way toward the Cathedral. His steps felt heavy upon the marble floor as he prepared for the ceremony. His elderly mother- the last close relative of his -was there to accompany him. He anticipated meeting his bride-to-be, although his elation was difficult to see behind his war-hardened exterior. He cringed as he walked, every step marred by his limp. He prepared the ring which was to be bestowed upon his bride and handed it off to his servant to give to the Bishop. He said a silent prayer to himself.

“You have the rings, boy?” Bishop Sastre asked the altar boy. The boy, who was helping the old priest get robed impulsively felt for the hard metal before answering “Yes, Father." Sastre adjusted his robes, crossed himself, muttered a prayer to Our Lady before leaving the Vestry.

Leonor got off her horse, just as she entered into the church’s plaza, Almoiza Square. She was flush with a sort of excitement- although she did not truly know her soon-to-be husband more than she knew the nearest neighbor. She breathed in anticipation of what was to come.

Madame de Agramunt brought her son alongside Leonor and Don Ferran, her slow, boney movements were matched by the Count's limp- although he still had energy in him, somehow. After bringing Lino up, as if on cue, both representatives of the two families left and returned to their place among the crowd.

Sastre left the basilica and addressed the gathering. “Your Majesty, My Lords and Ladies, today we come before God to join these two illustrious persons in holy matrimony. Should any present know of previous commitment, heretofore undisclosed relation between the couple, or any other just and legal impediment to this union speak now.”

*There is silence*

“As the Lord is your witness do you pledge yourselves to one another as ordained by his most holy church?” The Bishop asked the couple.

"I, Lino Adrià María de Agramunt, Conde de Alicante, Virrey de Navarra y General de Exércit, give my body to you, Leonor, in loyal matrimony." The Count said.

"And I receive it." Leonor responded. "I, Leonor de Cabrera, give my body to Senyor de Agramunt, in loyal matrimony.

"And I receive it." He answered back.

Sastre took the rings from the altar boy. “Heavenly Father, bless this gold and this silver and grant that those who wear it may remain faithful to one another and your holy will." He continued, "May they live together in in the light and favour of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen."

The rings are then received by Lino and Leonora, who put them on their respective right hands. They were now, by the good grace of God, married. A veil was draped over the couple, and the Bishop said a blessing over them.

“What God has joined together," Bishop Sastre finished, blessing the couple, "let not man cut asunder.”

The procession then moved inside the Cathedral to celebrate the Feast of St. Martha. It was a bright and sunny day, hopefully signalling a happy future for both the Count and the new Countess de Agramunt.


((Thanks to Revan and Keinwyn for working together on this IC!))
 
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My prince,

May God bless your marriage and may you both live a happy life. May many strong and healthy princes be born from this union.

Your loyal servant,

Felipé de Alvaro

((Another letter is sent to general de Agramunt))

My general,

I congratulate you on your wedding. It is a joyous time indeed with all the weddings that is happening. May God bless your marriage and keep you both happy and healthy.

Your fellow former general,

Felipé de Alvaro
 
My Dear Prince Alfons VI, and Don Ferran,
I as well as most are very happy with your new marriage, I would have attended but I am already back into the sea. I only had a few days vacation with my family in Pescara, Abruzzi. May God have blessing on your relationship.

~Leonardo de Abruzzi, Grand Admiral of the Realm
 
1455-1458 – Holy War (Part II)

The war against the Ottomans was just the first of Aragon’s wars against the heathens of this world. The day that peace was signed with the Ottomans, a call-to-arms arrived from Portugal asking Aragon to come to their aid in a war against Morocco, Granada, and Mzab. The court supported this war, since it was another chance to knock the heathens down a notch. There was also talk about Granada’s involvement in the war and how it could be used for Aragon to take the sultanate before Castile could. Such a thing would require fast action, for Castile had also joined their ally Portugal in the war. All of Iberia was united in the cause against the heathens of North Africa.

After Aragon had ended their war with the Ottomans, the Venetians felt it was best to end theirs before the tide turned against them. They were bitter that Aragon had left the war early, but in the end they were able to claim Albania as planned.



Action had to be taken immediately if Aragon wanted any chance of denying Castile Granada, or better yet claiming it for itself. Two armies of roughly 15,000 men in total moved out under the command of Lino Adrià María de Agramunt and Sebastián de Loarre from Valencia at the breakout of war. It was said that de Agramunt frowned the whole way through Murcia, bitter that the province could not be taken during the Castilian War. Over in the newly conquered Epirus, the army there was split in half with 6,000 men ready to be transported back to Iberia.

The mad rush for Granada didn’t go off as planned, since Portugal reached the capital first, engaging the enemy army. De Agramunt marched over to assist, while de Loarre remained behind in Marriya to siege. Casualties were quite high for the Portuguese, although de Agramunt only lost a hundred men. Knowing that the Portuguese now led the siege against Granada’s capital, de Agramunt ordered pursuit of the enemy army to Jabal Tariq. Eliminating Granada’s army was a priority, but de Agramunt also knew the importance of beating the Castilians to the enemy province. The Castilians could not be allowed to take any of the provinces or they would try to take them in a peace.

Marriya did not hold out long, freeing up de Loarre to aid the Portuguese in the siege of Garnatah. De Agramunt caught the enemy army in Jabal Tariq and showed them no mercy. The heathens suffered a catastrophic defeat that day. Yet as Aragon brought down another heathen bit by bit, another threat rose far in the east. The Mamluks continued to spread their might and influence beyond their borders. They had already vassalized two countries, and now they had taken a province from Dulkadir.



With Aragon holding a province in Greece, King Joan II began to reconsider Ioannes Kontostephanos’s proposal to reclaim Athens for his family. He assigned Diplomat Joseph von Thun to work with the Greek to attempt to re-establish ties with the population of Athens. With their support, Aragon would have an easier time taking the province.

Jabal Tariq fell easily enough and Portugal soon took Granada’s capital. Joan II crossed his fingers for a favourable peace. What Portugal forced upon Granada was not the best peace, but it wasn’t the worst either. All Portugal had done was drain their treasury and leave them without allies. This did open them up for a future attack. The one big benefit of this was that now Castile had a truce with Granada for another decade. While Aragon could not claim the sultanate, neither could Castile.

The passing of the Temple Act a ways back had started to make Joan II start considering the construction of temples throughout Aragon. At the moment it could not be afforded, but he did hire some architects to draw up some designs for some potential temples.



At the end of May of 1456, Grandmaster Erik Inge came before the King asking for a large investment for several Aragonese trade companies to help them compete with their foreign counterparts. King Joan II fully endorsed the trade practices of the nation and spared no expense to aid them.

With Granada out of the war, the focus shifted to Morocco. The heathen country had already taken Ceuta from Portugal. Two armies of 4,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry each under the leadership of Sebastián de Loarre and Jaume Cristòfor crossed over the Gulf of Almeria into Tlemcen. The hope was that by landing in neutral territory, the Moroccans would be unable to stop the crossing. Instead it turned out better than expected when the armies landed and spotted Mzab’s army heading towards Morocco. The enemy was intercepted and eliminated.

Meanwhile, de Agramunt and the remaining army in Granada were ordered back home to Valencia. Joan II did not want the home front left empty, and he made certain his best general stayed in Aragon. Despite fighting alongside the Castilians, the King still feared that Castile would make a move against Aragon if the kingdom was left undefended.



The Portuguese made a bold attempt to retake Ceuta, but the Moroccan army intervened with three times the numbers. The Portuguese were forced to retreat, but the two armies under de Loarre’s and Cristòfor’s command reached Ceuta before the Moroccan army could escape. Having already fought a bloody battle with the Portuguese, the Moroccans were in no condition to fend off the much superior Aragonese forces. Only the sheer numbers of the Moroccan army kept them from being wiped out entirely. Instead they were able to retreat farther south. Unable to pursue with forts blocking the way, the Aragonese army moved into Fez to attempt to take the capital.

Joseph von Thun returned from Athens with Ioannes Kontostephanos, successful in their mission. They had gathered the support of several prominent figures in the province and the support of some locals. If Aragon moved against Athens, they would have a much easier time about it now. With the mission done, von Thun was sent on to Byzantium to smooth relations with the ancient empire.

Elsewhere in Europe, France was making a grab for Normandy, having been denied it by Scotland when they set the tiny country free. Sweden also decided to declare independence yet again. Joan II wondered if this was just another ploy to get more land from Norway rather than to actually obtain independence.



General de Loarre feared that without access to the sea, the army could get caught off. He thus sent one regiment of infantry north to take Melilla to ensure a supply route from the sea. When the province was taken, the Moroccan fleet hidden along the coast was forced out into the open. The Aragonese navy was waiting. Admiral Leonardo de Abruzzi sent the enemy fleet to the bottom of the sea with only a single galley lost. This loss was insignificant compared to the carrack that the admiral captured during the battle. The captured Moroccan ship became the first heavy ship in the Aragonese navy.



The Moroccan army reappeared, with half stopping in Meknes while the other half circled up through Tlemcen. General de Loarre feared they were being encircled, but the enemy abandoned their strategy as they marched west instead, most likely to eliminate the small Portuguese army taking their coastline. That plan backfired when they engaged the Portuguese, only to have the Castilians arrive in force to tip the odds. Morocco was having a hard time competing with the Iberians.

Joan II was caught off guard in June of 1457 when news reached him that Genoa had declared war on Granada. The King did not see how Genoa could have any interests in Granada, nor did he care what those reasons were. To have the Italian rival so boldly make a move on Iberia was not something he could appreciate. If Genoa did take any land, action might need to be taken.

A man of many talents, Antonio Beccadelli, offered his services to the Crown, which Joan II eagerly accepted. He’d bring skill and prestige to the Aragonese administration.



At the end of September, Fez fell. With the Moroccan capital under Aragon’s control, Morocco would really start feeling the heat. The two armies in the Moroccan capital were immediately sent off to Gharb and Meknes. Capturing the provinces was a simple task with Fez taken already. These victories weren’t surprising, unlike the Genoans actually landing in Granada and capturing Marriya. The Aragonese armies then marched on Tangiers to capture the fort there, decimating the enemy regiment in the province.



Further south, Castile was taking the effort to prevent Morocco from retaking Dukkala from Portugal. Reinforcements from Portugal gave them the clear advantage, letting the Iberians take the day.

It was clear by this point that Portugal had things well in hand. After having been denied a piece of Granada, Joan II felt that it was best to get out of the war while Aragon could take something of value. A peace was arranged with Morocco, forcing them to hand over the port of Melilla between Portuguese Ceuta and Tlemcen Oujda. They were also forced to pay a hefty war indemnity to help add some funds to the fluctuating amount of ducats in the treasury.



The victory against Morocco was lauded as a great accomplishment for the nation. In celebration for the victory against two heathen nations, Joan II ordered the construction of a temple in Valencia. God had granted them this great victory and thus He should be honoured as He deserved.

As the people of Aragon celebrated, Joan II was already preparing for a potential future campaign. A spy was working in Oujda to forge a claim that Joan II might be able to use to attack the sultanate. Admittedly, he still worried about the dangers of many wars, but surely the heathens were too weak to resist. He just wanted as many options as possible.

With peace established, General Cristòfor and his army sailed to Barcelona, while General de Loarre remained behind to protect Melilla from any potential threat. Now Aragon could focus inwards, or perhaps start planning their next conquest.



((Now for the picture spam of info for advisors and those interested.))






Presenting His Majesty, Joan II de Trastámara, King of Aragon, Naples, and Navarra.

When we defeated the Ottomans, we were frankly surprised. They were one of the strongest Muslims empires in the world, and yet we defeated them with the aid of the Venetians, something that crusades involving most of Europe had failed to do before. But we did not falter. When Portugal called for aid, we answered and we sailed west to fight the heathens of Morocco. Our performance against the Moroccans surpassed that of our troops against the Ottomans. We have shown the heathens of this world that God is on our side. Let us rejoice in our faith, for we are righteous.

((All ministers have until Saturday at 9am PST to propose their plans, unless they presented a plan prior to the war with Portugal and they want to keep using those ones. Remember that now all plans will be considered automatically passed 24-48 hours after they’re posted if no one openly objects to them, so if you don’t like them say so. I don’t really have anything for us to vote on, so if no one objects to the plans, I’ll go ahead and play this weekend.))
 
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The wedding was spectacular, from what Edward could see and hear from the outer hallway. Nothing so much as a floral design misarranged or a tapestry out of place. Well, he couldn't be sure of those things, he had only been recently accepted into La Guardia Real. Yet, after being dressed in the royal colors and having his plate armour measurements taken (he was giving a loose fitting generic plate in the meantime), he was attached to a grizzled sergeant who cared little for Edward's Italian nose nor his English name. For two weeks he walked the palace grounds with Sergeant de la Joya, learning whom the various royal family members were, the Aragonese dignitaries, the currently present foreign dignitaries, Aragonese nobles currently at court...the list was long. Not that he had to remember names, just faces and rank. He only had to remember faces and ranks.

He was tasked with guarding the entryway into the throne room when the ceremony was going on and he and his squad were moved to the prince's quarters during the festivities and throughout the night. While the prince and princess were enthusiastically brought to their rooms, it was Torarella and the rest of the guard who were the first audible witnesses to the consummation of the marriage. It was nothing special. No angels came down from heaven to witness a royal consummation, much to Edward's disappointment. The night was dull and Torarella was given the second watch. While he was not out running through Moors, he had a roof over his head, warm food for his meals, and whores close by. Nothing too shabby for a former mercenary.
 
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To His Royal Majesty and the Court,
Once again, the Lord has showered our kingdom with blessings! Truly you are the wisest of kings leading the holiest nations. In the Vatican our kingdom's name increases in esteem each day. Many of the clergy in the Holy See look upon my person with favor thanks to your efforts. May the heathens and heretics tremble in fear at our might!

Despite all our martial successes, however, I would advise that we prepare for a period of peace and allow the army to rebuild, if you would permit me to do so. Let our men return to their fields and families. Let our coffers refill so that we may build new churches in every province. Let us focus on internal matters and convincing the peoples of our new provinces to adopt the faith of Rome, the only righteous path. Let us root out the treacherous heathens who live among us and steal the blood of Christian children.

I am sure that God will show you the way so that the kingdom of Aragon may prosper and Christendom may follow your example. God bless you and your son and may he have a happy marriage.

Your humble servant,

Cardinal Fernando de Vascona
Bishop of Pirineo
 
Carlos returned to his secondary residence in Valencia late at night. He was tired, and his armor was stained with the blood of infidels.
He put away his armor and sword and sat down at his desk. Quill in hand, he penned a draft for a peacetime military plan:

Military Recovery and Replenishment Plan:
-The forts in Messina and Rousillon will continue to be mothballed in peace. Should a crisis arise and the kingdom finds itself at war with either France or an Italian state, the forts will be maintained with as many funds as necessary, with funds for the Valencia fort being temporarily diverted to appropriate forts.
-As in the previous two plans, the fort in Valencia is to be maintained with as many funds as necessary at all times.
-It is recommended that the Army be given at least one or two years to recover from the strain put on it by the Wars against the Turks and Moors. In this time period, war is advised against unless absolutely necessary or if the Army is proven to be capable of defeating the kingdom's enemy.
-If the Treasury is incapable of sustaining the current army size, regiments will be disbanded as necessary.
-Any spare regiments not needed for the defense of Sicily-Naples or mainland Aragon and are not slated for dismissal from the above clause will be sent to guard the newly acquired territories in Northern Africa and Epirus to aid in incorporating the local populations into the kingdom (as well as suppress uprisings until then).

~Carlos de Leon, Marshal of the Realm
 
My Liege,

My son has reached the age of 10, and I would like to show him the court. If he would be able to see what I do I would be glad. Also I am glad we have won against another heathen, Cardinal de Vascana must be gaining a lot of influence in Rome with us winning against so many heathens. May I support us in our Navy for another decade and a half but after that I may start growing feeble.

~Leonardo de Abruzzi, Grand Master of the Realm
 
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To his most royal excellency,

The Divine Favor Plan

1. Issue a diplomat to attempt to gain the popes blessing for further conquests in Africa.
2. Create claims on more provinces in northern Africa.
3. Save our christian brethren in the Balkans from Ottoman oppression.

Your Humble servant,

Juan Corojes Lone, Preist of el Iglisia de San Juan de la Gente

((also what tech are we on))​