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Empire of the Mediterranean: An Interactive Aragon AAR

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Andre Massena said:
((So is @KF25 gonna be the pope?))
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((That is indeed the case. He agreed to the position in the IRC chat.))

* * * * *

Your Majesty, I will hold off on providing judgment on this issue of religion, but instead focus on matters of diplomacy. The Portuguese are vulnerable once again and I believe it is time to unify Iberia under our rule. Perhaps with them gone, there will be no more dispute over who has the right to colonize the region of Colombia. We may also wish to reconsider our alliance with the Tuscans. While they have been of great help to us over the years, it is quite clear that they do not take matters of faith seriously and our alliance will only continue to antagonize the Holy See. If we decide to spurn these heretics, it might be wise to end this alliance and look elsewhere.

- Prince Marti de Trastámara

* * * * *

Our kingdom continues to prosper, in part thanks to the extensive building projects carried out by each steward. I wish to add to that list.

Workshops shall be constructed in Abruzzi, Asturias, Vizcaya, and Palermo.
Shipyards shall be constructed in the Baleares and Corsica. This should have been done earlier as required by law, but must have been forgotten.
Temples shall be constructed in Provence, Messina, and Malta.
A naval equipment manufactory shall be constructed in Asturias.
A weapons manufactory shall be constructed in Vizcaya.
A textile manufactory shall be constructed in Madrid.

I also believe it is time that we give tribute to our roots. Long before we were known as Hispania, we were Aragon. This seems to be forgotten in the capital at times. Efforts should be taken to remember our cultural heritage. ((Culture convert Valencia to Aragonese. It bothers me that our capital doesn't have our primary culture. :p))

- Prince Pere de Trastámara
 
((Can we rename Aragonese culture to Hispanian? How much total development do we have? When can we upgrade to empire rank?))
 
zenphoenix said:
((Can we rename Aragonese culture to Hispanian? How much total development do we have? When can we upgrade to empire rank?))
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((I hope you don't mind me answering your questions:
1) I think we could vote on that
2) We have 910 dev as seen in the spam section of the updated
3) We can upgrade at 1000 dev
))

Your Majesty,
I have finally settled in my office in Sanchonia. I would wish to present my plan for my ministry.
Fist I believe we should take every oportunity to increase the tariffs until they reach 25%. I also believe that it is time to expan out colonies in this region. One good way would be to bring Christianity to savages living in the province of Maranhao. We should also consider linking the two halves of the colony.

I also wish to talk about a different matter. A matter of war to be exact. While I have no power to declare it I think the Crown should consider the Christianization of the province of Rio de la Plata. The natives need to hear about our saviour and the province hold an estuary of a very important river making it a good trade hub.

Henri de Saint-Pierre,
Head of TATC etc...
 
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zenphoenix said:
((Can we rename Aragonese culture to Hispanian? How much total development do we have? When can we upgrade to empire rank?))
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((I see 05 answered most of the questions already. In regards to development, he is right. We are very close to being able to become an empire. I was hoping we'd reach 1000 when we conquered all of Iberia, but we might just fall short. I imagine some time soon we'll be voting on becoming an empire.

As for renaming Aragonese to Hispanian, I don't think I'll do that. Hispanian is more of a reference to the people of Iberia or even everyone in the multicultural kingdom of Hispania. Even the people of 1444 Aragon weren't all Aragonese. Aragonese is just one cultural group in the huge cultural mix that makes up the Hispanian people. So to answer that, Hispanian is more of a nationality than a culture and it wouldn't really make sense to rename Aragonese to that.))
 
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Your Majesty,

First of all, I would like to commend the faith and courage of yourself and your predecessors, as it is thanks to the Kings of Aragon and Hispania that the Great Schism has been mended and that the Greeks have been brought into the fold.

However, the fight against heresy is far from over. Even now, as a titanic struggle between the pious and the "Protestant" apostates unfolds in the Holy Roman Empire, I cannot help but notice that the might of Hispania has thus far been absent.

I beg you, Your Majesty, to set aside secular conflicts, and to do what you can to defeat the forces of heresy, be it an armed intervention, or offering war subsidies to the faithful. The fate of every soul in Germany, perhaps even in all of Europe, depends on your actions.

Onto another matter, it has come to my attention that you are convening an assembly of the prominent persons of your realm, both the clergy and the laity, to discuss the matter of heresy. While I feel that the topic is best discussed by the learned men of the cloth, I am most concerned by your decree allowing Ferrante d'Este, a known heretic, attend this gathering freely. It is quite disgraceful, I feel, that you would allow this man to spread his apostasy in front of your court for all to hear, whilst his brethren slaughter the faithful by the thousands elsewhere.

However, if you are so intent on hearing his treacherous words, I would like to propose a minimally acceptable compromise:
  • D'Este will hand himself in to the Inquisition, and will remain in their custody for the duration of the assembly. He will not be harmed or tried.
  • D'Este will be allowed to speak only in direct response to questions approved by yourself or an ecclesiastical official.

Deus vult!

His Holiness Marcellus II, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, etc.
 
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My most noble king Ferran IV de Trastámara, King of Hispania & Galicia, and Protector of the Greeks & the Knights,

I speak to you in regards of the religious wars that plauge europe at this time.

Everyone speak of the protestants slaughtering true believers, but if we take time to look, is it really so?
It is not only protestants that kill catholics, but catholics kill protestants aswell, and both protestants and catholics kill reformists. Ioannes shakes his head. The mess goes on.
And it is not just catholics against protestants against reformists, but everyone kill everyone, catholics kill fellow catholics, protestants kill fellow protestants and so forth.
This is not a religious war, it is murder on humanity on a grand scale.

And this is an affront to God. The bible and the Ten Commandments, which all christians hold high, states "Thou shalt not kill."
But what are we doing? We cast aside the things we hold holy, to destroy ourselves and sin towards Him, for what?
This needs to stop. So I propose... nay...
Ioannes paused for a moment before he looked up again.
I demand we cast aside our past and unite for the betterment of our nation. If we can stand above all this, we can spread our power and influence far over the horizons and build a greater nation, for the betterment of all our people.

Your loyal servant,

Ioannes de Alvaro, count of Sassari
Lux Tenebris Vincet
 
Ferrante presents a list of the basic tenants of what it means to be a member of the Reformed Church to the populace in order to simplify what surely will be a esoteric theological debate to many.

To be a follower of The True Reformed religion means:

It means to affirm the great "Solas" of the Reformation.
Sola Fide, by faith alone.
Sola Scriptura, by Scripture alone.
Solus Christus, through Christ alone.
Sola Gratia, by grace alone.
Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone.
It means to affirm and promote a profoundly high view of the sovereignty of God.
It means to affirm the doctrines of grace. . . to see God as the author of salvation from beginning to end.
It means to be creedal. . . to affirm the great creeds of the historic, orthodox church. To conform with the ideas of the great councils of the Christian church. (Chalcedon, Nicene Creed)
It means to be confessional. . . to affirm one or more of the great confessions of the historic orthodox church. (The Lothian Confession, Heidleburg Catechism.)
It means to be covenantal. . . to affirm the great covenants of Scripture and see those covenants as the means by which God interacts with and accomplishes His purposes in His creation, with mankind.
It means to take seriously the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. . . to affirm the primacy of mission and understand that mission.
It means to have a distinctly Christian worldview that permeates all of life.

Thus are the pillars on which a true Reformed Christian lives their life.

-Prince Ferrante D'Este of Calabria
 
Your Majesty,
I write to you to express my opinion in the matter of religion.
I'm not a religious man by any means, but I can't stand idly by as good people are being slaughtered over that matter. While it is a sad day for the Church, the so called protestans and reformist are still followers of Jesus Christ. We have already proven that if we try hard enough we can show them the error of their way. We should look at Roman Empire. A mere century they still followed the Orthodox church. But we were able to amend the schism. We can't change peoples mind with fire and sword! If we do then what better are we then the muslims! We must preach our ways and greet them back like a mistaken child, like a lost sheep. My company attempted to establish trading relations with the Hanseatic League. People living in their cities follow the protestant movement, yet when we came to them with open arms the greeted us! What I'm trying to say is that Religion isn't a matter we should be FIGHTING over. If we want to seek a way to unite the Church we should use more peaceful ways.

Henri de Saint-Pierre
 
There were not many occasions upon which Marina resented being born a woman, but watching her young son trying and failing to focus on his task - practicing a speech - made her wish she could simply address the court in his stead.

The boy’s indolent apathy towards the world at least made him pliable; he had yet to express any displeasure at Marina’s management of the family. The only problem was when something was required of him directly.

As he yet again lost track of what he was saying he looked up and grinned apologetically at his mother. At least he was not devoid of charm…

A loud belch echoed around the room and Manuel sniggered at his younger triplet’s lack of decorum. For his part Alejo looked satisfied as he surveyed the crumbs that were all that remained of a plum pie and patted his stomach; a stomach that was far more expansive than any seventeen year old’s should be.

Marina closed her eyes and prayed for patience. Perhaps it was time to send Alejo to the church. With Manuel’s wife safely pregnant, the need for a spare heir was diminished.
 
It was a dark night and Henri was still in his office in Sanchonia. He was finishing his plan. A plan to murder Prince Marti... And now that the King has invited everyone to his palace to discuss the matters of religion he had a perfect oportunity to set it in motion. Soon Marti would know that a Saint-Pierre never forgets, and that Henri never forgives.

((Basically I'm going to attempt to murder Prince Marti))
 
KF25 said:
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Your Majesty,

First of all, I would like to commend the faith and courage of yourself and your predecessors, as it is thanks to the Kings of Aragon and Hispania that the Great Schism has been mended and that the Greeks have been brought into the fold.

However, the fight against heresy is far from over. Even now, as a titanic struggle between the pious and the "Protestant" apostates unfolds in the Holy Roman Empire, I cannot help but notice that the might of Hispania has thus far been absent.

I beg you, Your Majesty, to set aside secular conflicts, and to do what you can to defeat the forces of heresy, be it an armed intervention, or offering war subsidies to the faithful. The fate of every soul in Germany, perhaps even in all of Europe, depends on your actions.

Onto another matter, it has come to my attention that you are convening an assembly of the prominent persons of your realm, both the clergy and the laity, to discuss the matter of heresy. While I feel that the topic is best discussed by the learned men of the cloth, I am most concerned by your decree allowing Ferrante d'Este, a known heretic, attend this gathering freely. It is quite disgraceful, I feel, that you would allow this man to spread his apostasy in front of your court for all to hear, whilst his brethren slaughter the faithful by the thousands elsewhere.

However, if you are so intent on hearing his treacherous words, I would like to propose a minimally acceptable compromise:
  • D'Este will hand himself in to the Inquisition, and will remain in their custody for the duration of the assembly. He will not be harmed or tried.
  • D'Este will be allowed to speak only in direct response to questions approved by yourself or an ecclesiastical official.

Deus vult!

His Holiness Marcellus II, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, etc.
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JpsioAG.png

I agree that men of the cloth should be involved in such discussions, but seeing as it is the common people dying in the thousands in the Holy Roman Empire over this religious divide, I feel all must be included in this discussion.

I understand your concerns regarding D'Este. While I believe our faith to be true, the people are much more easily swayed. Still, while I do not believe we should accept his religious views, we still may learn of a way to better handle these heretics without resorting to bloodshed if we listen to his words. I shall grant your two requests, at least in part. D'Este shall be confined to the palace for the duration of the assembly, under the watch of the Inquisition. He will not be allowed to converse with the people or any guests of the palace, but shall be granted free speech while the assembly is actively discussing issues. Having him only able to respond to questions may well devolve into the other members of the assembly ignoring him and thus him never being addressed. I want these issues handled now before Hispania faces the same fate as the Holy Roman Empire.

- His Majesty, Ferran IV de Trastámara, King of Hispania and Protector of the Greeks & the Knights

((@Von Habsburg))
JpsioAG.png

The Papacy is concerned by your presence in Hispania and I have made arrangements to lessen their discomfort. For the duration of the assembly, you shall be confined to the palace and escorted at all times by a member of the Inquisition. You shall be allowed to speak freely during the assembly, but not when it is not in session. My protection of your person is still in place, so the Inquisition is not allowed to harm you in any way. The idea of an open heretic running about court admittedly disturbs some people, but I am a man of my word. I can only hope that these discussions lead to a solution that benefits all Christians.

- His Majesty, Ferran IV de Trastámara, King of Hispania and Protector of the Greeks & the Knights

05060403 said:
It was a dark night and Henri was still in his office in Sanchonia. He was finishing his plan. A plan to murder Prince Marti... And now that the King has invited everyone to his palace to discuss the matters of religion he had a perfect oportunity to set it in motion. Soon Marti would know that a Saint-Pierre never forgets, and that Henri never forgives.

((Basically I'm going to attempt to murder Prince Marti))
Click to expand...

((I've done the rolls. Your attempt to kill Marti failed by literally just one point on the roll, so we'll assume he was injured but not killed. Your involvement was not discovered. I'll write some IC in a bit about the attack on Marti.))
 
Prince Marti was sitting at his desk, nothing but a feeble candle lighting the room as he picked up his quill. He dipped it in the ink-pot and started writing up his plans for the war with Portugal. It wasn't going to be a lengthy document, for surely any war with Portugal could be won with ease. They were but a minor power now with no allies. If everything went according to plan, all of Iberia would belong to Hispania.

The prince supposed he could have been working on something for the religious debate going on within the palace for the next week or so. He was not overly concerned with such matters. His brother Carles had been the religious one, or at least the one of the brothers forced into the Church. It was strange to think that his brother had been dead for almost two decades now. He had even outlived his own daughter Estrella, God bless her soul. As everyone around him passed on, Marti remained the survivor.

A cold breeze blew against Marti's skin and the prince put down his quill. Hadn't he closed that window? He rose from his seat and crossed the room. He almost didn't notice the figure hiding in the shadows until it was too late. A blade bit into his side as Marti attempted to side-step the blow. If he had been any less aware, it would have found his neck instead. Blood flowed from the open wound on his side, but Marti did not let that stop him. The prince grabbed the closest object he could find, a vase, and smashed it over his assailant's head. The man, or at least he assumed it was a man, stumbled back but retained his grip on his knife. The attacker's face was completely covered, so Marti could not identify him.

Before the assassin could attack again, the door to Marti's office opened and a guard poked his head in. "Is everything all right, Your Highness?"

The palace guards were clearly sleeping on the job if this man couldn't recognize the trouble going on within this room. Marti returned his gaze to his attacked, only to watch as the man dove out the open window and disappeared into the night. It was then that the reality of his wound hit him. The prince doubled over and sunk to his knees. He clamped his hand over the wound, trying to staunch the bleeding. His head was getting dizzy and his vision blurred. He was losing too much blood.

"Someone send help!" the palace guard yelled. "Prince Marti is injured." The guard rushed into the room and tried to assist the prince. Others arrived soon after, but Marti had already lost consciousness. He would survive, but his recovery would take time.
 
Michaelangelo said:
JpsioAG.png

I agree that men of the cloth should be involved in such discussions, but seeing as it is the common people dying in the thousands in the Holy Roman Empire over this religious divide, I feel all must be included in this discussion.

I understand your concerns regarding D'Este. While I believe our faith to be true, the people are much more easily swayed. Still, while I do not believe we should accept his religious views, we still may learn of a way to better handle these heretics without resorting to bloodshed if we listen to his words. I shall grant your two requests, at least in part. D'Este shall be confined to the palace for the duration of the assembly, under the watch of the Inquisition. He will not be allowed to converse with the people or any guests of the palace, but shall be granted free speech while the assembly is actively discussing issues. Having him only able to respond to questions may well devolve into the other members of the assembly ignoring him and thus him never being addressed. I want these issues handled now before Hispania faces the same fate as the Holy Roman Empire.

- His Majesty, Ferran IV de Trastámara, King of Hispania and Protector of the Greeks & the Knights
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Your Majesty,

I thank you for your understanding on the subject of the apostate "Prince" d'Este. As this task is of the utmost importance, I shall ensure that the most competent and trusted inquisitors are dispatched.

I would like to notify you of my plans to personally visit Valencia for the duration of your assembly on heresy. While I do not intend to take a leading role in the proceedings, I hope that this will allow us to discuss in greater detail Hispania's role in the present religious conflicts unfolding elsewhere.

Deus vult!

His Holiness Marcellus II, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, etc.

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My dear friend,

I am deeply humbled by your support in the recent conclave. As a young man studying theology, it was your writings that inspired me to devote my life to the Lord, and as the Archbishop of Athens, it was your teachings that formed the basis for my own. Were it not for your advanced age, you would certainly be more fit for my present position than myself.

I would thus like to offer you the office of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, so that you may continue to serve the Church, and advise me in my tenure as Holy Father.

Deus vult!

Your Brother of the Faith,

Marcellus II

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Your Eminence,

I would like to offer you the position of Papal Legate to Hispania. While I will be attending the upcoming assembly on heresy convened by Ferran IV, you have a better knowledge of the intricacies of his court than myself. Thus, I do not intend to take a leading role in the proceedings, and it will fall upon you to be the primary prosecutor of the "Protestant" and "Reformed" heresies.

Deus vult!

His Holiness Marcellus II, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, etc.
 
((private))

Santoros heard of Prince Marti's near-assassination ((i'm assuming this is public knowledge)).

The Prince? Who would try to assassinate him? What had he done? War against Portugal, no one could be against that. However, Marti had made a very controversial decision recently. The monopoly vote. A man had almost died for it, and what had I got? Who could it be? Obvious. Oh, death. Marti had escaped it, and he was still outliving his family. But what if he had died? For what reason does a man kill, and for what reasons do men die? Oh, Henri. Everyone dies, what difference will a few years make? So why kill him? Why not? Hmm. Why not kill a man, if he is to die anyways? Obvious. Yet, so clouded. What if it had been me? That would have been bad. No, it wouldn't have. MYysons, son, is self-sufficient. His other son, is at rest. As to my wife, Almudena would help her. So, why not die? Why, not not? I will go to his funeral, or maybe, he will go to mine. What difference does it make? What matters in life?

The religious debate. This is what matters, religion. The truth in the universe. I'll go. Maybe, I'll come up with a good argument for tolerance. Probably not, but I'll still watch. If Hispania can learn to accept heretics, maybe, one day, they will accept heathens.
 
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Your Majesty,

I will agree to these terms. However, I will need the aide of my Chaplain Kristoffel of Ravensburg for I am not a cleric by trade. And, if I may be so bold, if any harm comes to his or my personage, I will see it that my relatives in France are aware of the treatment of their kin. My cousin is already disconcerted by your denial of his betrothal offer and any more familial problems might cause a diplomatic crisis.

As I have stated, the conflict in Germany is mainly a war between Catholics and Protestants, both which persecute Reformed Christains at least to a small degree. Yes there are Reformed Governments involved in the war but their religion will never be recognized by the other participants.((The HRE League war mechanic prevents Reformed from being a accepted Religion.)) I urge you to accept these Reformed refugees into Hispania for surely they will contribute greatly to the technological advances and trade of the kingdom.

In conclusion, I understand the church's concerns and have no incentive to start a fight I cannot win. You must realize that these differences, though complicated by politics and the petty arguments of man, are most doctrinal. If the persecution of The Reformed Church ceases in Hispania, then the threat of religious violence does as well.

In respect and loyalty,

Prince Ferrante D'Este y Medici, Prince of Squillace and Cantazaro, Count of Calabria
 
To his Majesty King Ferran,
You have wisely opened the way for religious debate. I have fought in the Holy Roman Empire in my youth, and I have fought and killed heretics while serving in your armies. It is not possible to eliminate all heretics, persecuting them would only make enemies of them. There are hundreds of thousands of heretics, that's too many enemies if you ask me. Tolerance is the right way. Yet, I would not give them unlimited rights, the most important titles in the realm, the duchies or the council positions for example, should be made inaccessible to heretics and heathens. Tolerate them, but do not let them hinder Hispania or tarnish its prestige and piety in the eyes of god.
Lorenzo da Lusari, humble servant of Hispania
 
((Time for this very important vote. We'll be voting on the Crown's recognition of both the Protestant and Reformed faiths. For those wondering about Lucrezianism, it seems like it's not being modded in so just lump it in with Protestantism. This vote is tied into the event we're currently having. I will use the result of this vote to determine the position of the court in regards to either remaining strong with the Church or pursuing tolerance. Your IC is still very important. If the results of this vote are not highly in favour of either side, it will come down to the IC to decide things. The goal here is for both sides to reach a compromise. Either the Church or Catholics must find a way to appease the Protestants/Reformed or the Protestants/Reformed must be willing to concede something to the Church. If neither side can gain the upper hand and an agreement is not reached, very bad things will happen. Be warned.

Crown Recognition of Protestantism: Yes/No/Abstain
Crown Recognition of Reformed: Yes/No/Abstain

Everyone will have until Tuesday at 12pm PST to vote. I may extend it if the event picks up speed and we need more time for that. Please bold your votes and include your character's name and class.

This is a good time to spread the word that the 2015 Year-Enders have started. There are several awards in many different categories focusing on the various genres and Paradox games. At the moment they are taking nominations, so support your favourite author and give them a nomination. The turnout is never as good as it should be, so make sure to participate. :)))


Von Habsburg said:
Your Majesty,

I will agree to these terms. However, I will need the aide of my Chaplain Kristoffel of Ravensburg for I am not a cleric by trade. And, if I may be so bold, if any harm comes to his or my personage, I will see it that my relatives in France are aware of the treatment of their kin. My cousin is already disconcerted by your denial of his betrothal offer and any more familial problems might cause a diplomatic crisis.

As I have stated, the conflict in Germany is mainly a war between Catholics and Protestants, both which persecute Reformed Christains at least to a small degree. Yes there are Reformed Governments involved in the war but their religion will never be recognized by the other participants.((The HRE League war mechanic prevents Reformed from being a accepted Religion.)) I urge you to accept these Reformed refugees into Hispania for surely they will contribute greatly to the technological advances and trade of the kingdom.

In conclusion, I understand the church's concerns and have no incentive to start a fight I cannot win. You must realize that these differences, though complicated by politics and the petty arguments of man, are most doctrinal. If the persecution of The Reformed Church ceases in Hispania, then the threat of religious violence does as well.

In respect and loyalty,

Prince Ferrante D'Este y Medici, Prince of Squillace and Cantazaro, Count of Calabria
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Chaplain Kristoffel shall be offered the same protection as you, as will anyone who has denounced the Church, at least for the duration of the assembly. I wish this to be an opportunity for dialogue for us all to find a solution to this religious division.

- His Majesty, Ferran IV de Trastámara, King of Hispania and Protector of the Greeks & the Knights
 
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