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1630-1637 – Instability

The execution of Empress Francesca certainly stirred things up at court, for surely the execution of any royal was bound to cause controversy. Emperor Francesc did his best to minimize these effects, not wanting his wife’s death to threaten his own reign. He would spend much time cementing his position and moving on from the loss of his wife.

Even as things were stirred up at home, a potential threat presented itself in the east. Poland took two provinces from Wallachia, including the small nation’s only fort. This extended the border of Poland with Byzantium, increasing the threat of a northern invasion if it came to war.

There was still the matter of Nova Hispania as well. Rebels still ran rampant, with Portuguese nobles who lived in the north threatening the colonies. Unfortunately, the empire did not possess the manpower to handle such a threat, especially with the rebel threat in Byzantium, the latest being Hussites of all people trying to carve out an enclave in Anatolia. With the aid of the Exercit Athens, the Greeks dealt with that threat, although it did nothing to help Hispania’s manpower troubles.

The actions of Empress Francesca also greatly disrupted the noble families of the realm. Conflict arose over the decision, and Emperor Francesc had to intervene to settle an issue between two outspoken families. To make matters worse, Charcan Separatists rose up against Cusco’s reign. Instability was wracking the empire and its subjects.



Despite rebellion in the colonies, gold still arrived from Nova Hispania, greatly benefitting the home country.

Tuscany’s ambitions had not ended with Switzerland. With Venice vulnerable, a chance to expand in Italy was taken. With the aid of Savoy, the two Italian nations ganged up on the weaker third. It seemed likely that Venice would be losing land soon, and Tuscany would be growing that much stronger. With Hispania the only other major presence in Italy, it seemed likely their holdings may well be threatened in the future.

Long ago the court had expressed an interest in the Spice Islands, but that goal had long since been forgotten as matters in Europe became more pressing. It seemed likely such a goal would not be pursued for quite some time, if at all.

Before Felipé de Alvaro had become prime minister, he had crafted a plan as steward to construct trade depots all across the empire. The finished touches were taken on the last ones in Italy in June of 1631. Plans were being drafted up for more along the coastline of Iberia and then further into the interior. Within a decade or two, it was hoped that trade depots would exist in nearly every province in Iberia.

The Greeks tackled the rebel threat in Anatolia, handling the Ottoman Separatists in Kayseri. The Exercit Athens went to assist, but the rebels were scattered before the army arrived. Anatolia was calm once more, if for only awhile.

The Tunisians continued to meddle in Hispania’s Mediterranean provinces, sending spies to the Baleares with the hopes of eventually claiming the islands. The heathens were only stirring the hornets nest.

Despite the change in emperor, the plan put in place to persuade the Catalan people to adopt the Aragonese language and customs continued under Emperor Francesc. The late Emperor Pere had seemed adamant about the program, so Francesc felt it best to let it continue on in his name. Some argued that this was a blatant attempt at assimilation, but others pointed to the fact that the Catalan people had practically threatened the emperor with rebellion years ago.



Hawaii, the final resting place of two of Hispania’s most famous explorers, saw a steady intake of colonists, enough so that Colonist Eduard Villanova could consider his project a success and move on to other business. The Saint-Pierre family had expressed an interest in the island of Diego Garcia, so away the colonist went.

France had decided that its tolerance of Bar’s existence had come to an end. The French declared war on the tiny nation within their borders. Bar was not alone, and dragged in several small states seemingly to their doom. The utter defeat of Bar’s army within the first month of the war set the mood for what was to come. What did come as a surprise was France sending a call-to-arms to Hispania. Emperor Francesc felt that the French had things well in hands and did not require Hispania’s aid, but it seemed a simple gesture to accept and please their ally. Thus Hispania entered the war alongside the French, sealing the fate of all those who opposed the two juggernauts.

Right away Emperor Francesc expressed a desire for Hispania’s involvement to be only token at best. The manpower issue was still a problem, so getting engaged in any battles would not help the empire. The Exercits Valencia and Provence were sent north to besiege Bar to allow the French free reign to focus on wiping out any enemy forces. The Hispanian fleet was stationed out in the Straits of Gibraltar to keep the Mediterranean free of threats, although the enemy possessed little in the way of naval forces. Other than that, no other involvement was required.



The French went to work quickly taking out an enemy force in Luxemburg. They struck quickly, scattering the enemy force and devastating their cavalry. King Louis XVI de Valois led his forces into battle himself.

Across the seas, Cusco continued to deal with separatist movements, but the native nation had been provided with the resources necessary to put down such revolts thanks to their overlord. Nearby, Nueva Granada had a significant military presence. Thus Chancellor Petros Mandromenos, using a plan drafted up by the co-chancellors during Pere’s reign, initiated a war with Quito, what remained of the coalition opposed to Cusco. Nueva Granada and Cusco were given explicit instructions to handle the threat themselves, with the land going to the colony. It was time to test the might of the colonies.

Mainz was becoming a bigger player in imperial politics as they took a province from Trier and expanded their domain. Of course they seemed a small fry next to France, who crushed another enemy army without mercy.



The rebellions in Nova Hispania were becoming worse and worse, to the point that they could not be ignored. General Almudena Hashem was given command of the Exercit Africa and sent overseas, charged with crushing the rebellions before the colonial nation could succumb.

The Trans-Atlantic Trading Company was having trouble with trade in West Africa. The region had stagnated, for Hispania had not expanded or focused on the area for some time. This wasn’t a problem for the Crown though, so the trading company was left to solve its own problems.

The French were having little difficult dispatching enemy armies in the region. Some of the enemies suspected that Hispanian support was the key, despite no Hispanian troops in the battle. It was a clear sign that Hispania’s army was renowned for its quality.

After Tver’s surprising victory against Muscovy, Lithuania took an opportunity to pounce on the small nation before they could recover. In an act of aggression, they annexed the state and extended Lithuania’s holdings well into the north. Lithuania was becoming a large threat that overshadowed its neighbours, and it seemed likely a conflict with the equally large Sweden would occur some time soon.



Several influential figures from Palermo approached the emperor with concerns about their lord, Duke Louis François de Montségur. It was well known that the duke was actively encouraging the Protestant faith in his lands, something permitted by the law, but this was negatively affecting the Catholic population. Many Catholic merchants found their Protestant competitors receiving favoured treatment and the whole Catholic community was being pushed to the sidelines. They wanted something done about the duke’s behaviour, preferably some measures taken to protect and even strengthen the Catholic presence in Sicily. This plea fell on deaf ears. Emperor Francesc stated that the duke was well within his rights to follow his faith and encourage others to do so as well. This decision did not please many of the Catholics of Palermo, with many of them moving to Naples or Sardinia. The emperor did not let the duke get away completely unscathed from the matter though, requesting that recruits from Sicily be drafted for the army at Duke Montségur’s discretion to solve the manpower issue.

The defeat of an earlier law to allow only nobles to serve as generals emboldened the common soldier to aspire to leadership, believing that with hard work they could rise in the ranks and lead Hispania’s armies. Hispania did have a tradition of letting those without noble titles lead men in battle, and perhaps this innovative idea favoured the empire. This also extended to the administration, where those not of noble blood were able to find positions working for the Crown. If properly educated, they could do just as well as nobles, and usually were willing to work for less pay too, an added bonus.

In August of 1632, General Almudena Hashem landed in Nova Hispania and worked his way south along the coastline, retaking provinces from the rebels as he went.

The first peace of the war against Bar was settled, with Flanders forced to pay an indemnity to France. Hispania only received a minor share, but their contribution had been minor so far anyway.

With more men filtering into the army’s ranks, the expansion of the army proposed by Emperor Pere before his passing could be carried out. Artillery regiments were recruited in the heart of Aragon, ready to be sent out in groups of 3k to bolster the existing armies. The effort was expected to take a few years, but at its end every Hispanian army would possess 6k artillery instead of 3k.

While the TATC faced difficulty in West Africa, they found much greater success in the east. The colonies in the Indian Ocean were serving well to filter trade in from India and beyond along the African coast.

In September, Bar fell to General Montségur’s army and the province was handed over to the French to deal with. The two Hispanian armies were ordered home, their job done in this war. France could handle everything else.



By the end of 1632, General Hashem had liberated most of Nova Hispania from rebel occupation, but the armies still remained. One bold group attempted to attack one of his forces while they were separated, but soon learned the folly of that decision. Once his army was reunited, he sought out the last remaining rebel army and eradicated that threat.

The end of 1632 also brought sad news from Byzantium. Empress Dowager Clara, who had returned to Greece to live out her life in peace after the attempt on her life, had passed away. A grand funeral was held, and much to the protest of the Greek royal family, Emperor Francesc had her body interred next to her brother in Valencia.

France settled yet another peace, this time annexing the small nation of Hainaut, one of three nations trapped within its borders. It was hoped that Bar would be annexed soon so that this war could be ended. This became even more pressing when a small army of Cleves’s, with Saxony’s assistance, managed to sneak through Savoy and take Albenga without notice. The Exercit Provence swooped in before they could escape and made them regret the decision to make a move on Hispania.

Alsace was the next to leave the war, renouncing their claims on Lothringen. A bit further north, Frankfurt asserted its dominance by taking land from Aachen and establishing itself as another potential power player in the small backyard of the Holy Roman Empire.



Nueva Granada and Cusco did a fine job dispatching Quito with little trouble. The colonies had proven their worth. Quito’s land was given to Nueva Granada, but not before their leader was forced to agree to renounce all claims on their former land held by Cusco.

In June of 1633, King Louis XVI passed away from wounds sustained while leading his troops against France’s enemies. His brother, also named Louis, ascended to the throne as Louis XVII. The new king’s first act was to force Cleves to pay France a hefty piece of their annual income.

In August of 1633, the last rebel stronghold was rooted out in Nova Hispania and General Hashem was set to go home. However, the moment he left port, a peasant revolt sparked in Mexico. The general landed and marched on the colonial capital, none to pleased at having to return so quickly. The peasants though lacked organization and were crushed fairly easily. Now the general could truly return home.

Back in Europe, King Louis XVII called an end to the war by completing what his brother started. Bar was annexed, removing one minor problem of the French.



Another royal death occurred in 1633 with the passing of Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria. The crown passed on to his son Georg, whose sister happened to be married to Crown Prince Ferran. King Louis XVII of France also produced an heir during the same year, securing succession and adding another Louis to the family.

The balance of power in the east continued to shift as Muscovy found itself practically dismantled at the hands of Kazan. The steppe nation conquered most of the Russian nation’s eastern lands, extending its territory from the Caspian to the White Sea. So many potential threats in the east to consider. This became even more pressing as the Swedish and Lithuanian behemoths went at each other, with Poland and Hungary going along for the ride. The very face of Eastern Europe could well change as a result of this.

The face of Italy though was to change first. Tuscany only took one province though, focusing on Milan. They also made Venice set Bosnia free, a tiny nation likely to be annexed by Hungary or Serbia soon. Tuscany was getting far too bold.

The colony in Kumeyaay reached completion, giving Hispania a more northern presence on the west coast of North America. Colonial efforts were shifted across the Pacific, with a colony established in Eora in the island called Australia.

In a bold move, the Irish nation of Tyrone declared war on the much bigger Great Britain, their goal clearly to unify Ireland. It seemed a foolish move to attack a much larger target, but not until their ally was considered. Tyrone had managed to call France to their aid, while Great Britain had Tuscany backing them up. It seemed likely that France would crush Tuscany if given the chance, but how they’d do against Great Britain was questionable. The British fleet might present a problem.



Granting the merchants free reign at times had a downside. Without proper protection, some merchants inevitably failed. The Crown saw this as unavoidable and expected its merchants to adapt.

Speaking of adapting, the military was in need of another reform. The Swedes had been utilizing a narrower and more rectangular formation in their war with Lithuania, one that allowed for greater musket fire. Designs of an even more impress fortification, the star fort, were devised as well. Adopting these new designs for the army would help greatly.

Reports came in from France. Tuscany had made a daring push into French land. While denied outside Savoie, a push into Lothringen actually managed to make ground due to the loss of the French general in battle. However, Tuscany pushed its luck and found itself hunted down and forced from France.

It was also around this time that the first major breakthroughs against the Catalans came to light. The people of the Baleares and Girona now mostly spoke Aragonese and had started adopting their ways. Urgell soon followed. More successes would be achieved over the next few years.



The colony in Carmen came to completion and colonial efforts were shifted south to focus on San Antonio as a Crown colony. It was hoped that soon a colonial administration could be established for the region.

With the protection of all Christian faiths, a new harmony was found as each sect built great cathedrals dedicated to God. However, this did not mean that religion took a strong position in government. There were those that believed another cardinal on the council would be of great benefit. After all, the last prime minister had been the pope and had been respected by all. Despite this sentiment, Emperor Francesc showed no inclination to allow any member of the Church on the council.

The French continued to make gains against the Tuscans as they pushed into northern Tuscany.

Innovations were made in the navy to keep up with the army. Galleons were redesigned with fewer decks to allow for greater manoeuvrability. Similar design adjustments were made to the frigates as well. Plans were also drafted for greater shipyards to construct these warships.



Emperor Francesc arranged a meeting with Emperor Konstantinos XII of Byzantium, his son-in-law, after the passing of the man’s brother and was surprised when the Greek suggested the two pray together. He dismissed that idea out of hand, wanting to get right down to business rather than getting distracted by such things.

Hispania’s support of intellectuals continued to pay off. The Crown’s economic and administrative advisor wrote about a concept known as the “invisible hand”, an idea related to laissez-faire economics, and one that aided the Crown’s economic efforts.

The Tuscan tried to force the French out of northern Italy, only to be rebuffed. The French could not be dismissed so easily. Truly, they were the only thing keeping the war going, for the British had already managed to occupy all of Tyrone.

Another nation ceased to exist as Brandenburg annexed Luneburg.

Colonists in some minor colony somewhere dumped some tea into the harbour, although few at court paid any attention to it.

Near the end of 1636, Emperor Francesc ordered all the galleons in the main fleet to be re-outfitted as war galleons. The trade fleets were still outdated, but this was the first step to improvement.

France’s efforts against Tuscany paid off as Tyrone forced to pay war reparations to get the French off their back. This had also conveniently weakened Tuscany, making them quite vulnerable to attack. Perhaps the time to strike was now.

















JpsioAG.png

Presenting His Imperial Highness, Francesc I de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, and Protector of the Greeks.

It seems that the instability of the last few years has finally started to come to an end. The rebellions against our subjects and colonies have been dealt with quite nicely. I also applaud our French allies for weakening the Tuscan threat that spreads throughout Italy with little holding them back. They have made our work that much easier.

I have also started looking eastward. India is an untapped market, and perhaps it would be wise for the Crown to establish a trade presence in the area. I am certain most of you will see the wisdom of expanding our trade presence there.


((Well that update went rather smoothly. Lots of royals dying everywhere. I’m just glad I was able to play more than a year. Anyway, ministers have until Monday at 12PM PST to post their plans. Players may also present laws or proposals in that time. We also can found the East India Trading Company. I’ll probably try to form it as a Crown company to give us another merchant position at court, but we’ll see. Also, if anyone still wants to IC their perspective of Francesca’s execution, feel free to do so as long as you label the post as having occurred in 1630.

Pensioners:
@Duke Dan "the Man"
@Robban204
@ThePatriotOfDreumel
@DaDerpyDude

))
 
((1630))

Felipé watched as the Empress was put on the headman's block. He watched as the executioner made himself ready. He watched as the executioner swinged his axe at the Empress' neck. And he watched as the Empress' head tumbled down from her body.
The Empress was now dead. Executed. It was something else about this execution. Perhaps because she was a royal. It did not matter now. She was as dead as any other noble or burgher or peasant.
It was true what they said. Death does not discriminate. And we are all equal before God.
 
Last edited:
((Here are a list of possible colonial provinces. We've reached the point where pretty much any empty coastal province can be reached. I'll probably not be updating this list that often anymore. If it's coastal and empty, we can colonize it.





























































))
 
colonies list

hirahammad - Bangka

Inactives (lowest priority):
Supergrej - Parabia
Firehound15 - Pamlico))

((I have listed St. Kitts for Mach Twelve and Pontianak for Raboude as well. Also we can probably remove those last two. I doubt they're coming back and there's no point in founding a colony somewhere that no one is interested in. I also suspect the latter has already been colonized by the British.))
 
Petros stood with sword in hand, facing his opponent. After his defeat in the tournament, he had trained hard to improve his fencing ability and he was at his old ability. His opponent, without caution charged him. Petros, in a display of skill, quickly disarmed his opponent and had the tip of his blade at his throat.

You are getting sloppy, Demetrios. But I do suppose that we have had enough practice for today. Rinse off and get into a change of clothes. Your tutor will be here soon.

Young Demetrios Mandromenos, aged 11, went to obey his fathers orders. He was a good lad, quick and skilled with a blade. Petros could not be prouder of his son and the way he was growing up. He put the practice blades away and went to review the latest reports from Tuscany and Savoy. To his surprise, the war proved to be more damaging to both of them than he wanted to believe. With some help, he could start the push to secure the Western Mediterranean much sooner than expected. It was insulting how much of the colonies trade income went to these pathetic Italians. Even more so was their desire to compete with the Great Powers. But they were about to pay the price for their audacity.

((Chancellor's Plan:
Prepare for War (Raise Army and Navy Maintenance to full)
Upon full Army Morale and the Galleons Repair, Declare War on Tuscany, Conquest (any province we have a claim on will do)
Call in Austria on the Tuscany Conquest War, no preference if we use favors or promise land
Declare war on Savoy for Conquest of Genoa
Take as much land in the Genoa Trade Node as possible))

And now he had one more thing to do.

To His Imperial Majesty, Long May He Reign

I believe that my continued efforts to strengthen Hispania and the loyalty to the Crown deserve to be awarded. I humbly request that I be granted the County of Asturias for my services.

Petros Mandromenos, Chancellor of Hispania
 
((New character, since we've passed 1632))

Name: Marti de Leon
Date of birth: 1610
Class: unlanded noble/general (focus: fire) ((if it is possible to become a general immediately))
Religion: Catholic
Bio: Marti de Leon is the grandson of the legendary explorer, general, and marshal Hernando Francisco de Leon. On his mother's side he claims descent from Prince Marti and thus the Trastamara family. This young man has been trained in the arts of war from his earliest days by his father and grandfather and wants to bring youthful energy and his talents to the military. Besides his talents in fencing (which he demonstrated at the last tournament), horse-riding, archery, and shooting, he is an able leader and inspiring speaker. When not practicing his fencing or training with troops, he takes the time to read the Bible, the latest (non-banned) philosophical works, and writing poetry and military treatises in multiple languages. Marti strongly wishes to be made a general in the Hispanian army to best serve his emperor. Only time will tell if he will continue the legacy of his grandfather...
 
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To His Imperial Majesty, Long May He Reign

I believe that my continued efforts to strengthen Hispania and the loyalty to the Crown deserve to be awarded. I humbly request that I be granted the County of Asturias for my services.

Petros Mandromenos, Chancellor of Hispania

JpsioAG.png

A bold request, but one I can grant. Your services to the Crown have indeed been great and should be rewarded. I do not know how the other nobles will react to a Greek being granted land in Iberia though, nor how the Greeks will react for one of their own to be given land here. If you truly desire Asturias, then you shall have it. Perhaps you would prefer Athens to be closer to your kinsmen, or even Mentese as the Greeks expand into Anatolia. Or I might just be assuming you wish to rule over your fellow Greeks. The choice is yours.

- His Imperial Highness, Francesc I de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, & Protector of the Greeks

* * * * *

As Francesc finished the one letter, he realized there was another deserving of a new title. He quickly wrote up another letter.

JpsioAG.png

You and your family have served the Crown faithfully for generations and your service to me as prime minister, and before that as both steward and treasurer to Emperor Pere, deserves recognition. As a man who has contributed so much to this empire, I believe it only fitting that you be elevated to the rank of duke and have bestowed upon you the title to the county of Cagliari, for the province has been without a lord for too long. I am certain all of Sardinia will prosper under your guidance.

- His Imperial Highness, Francesc I de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, & Protector of the Greeks

* * * * *

Class: unlanded noble/general (focus: fire) ((if it is possible to become a general immediately))

((You can become a general right away, although it's recommended you wait a turn. You just need the approval of the current marshal.))
 
JpsioAG.png

A bold request, but one I can grant. Your services to the Crown have indeed been great and should be rewarded. I do not know how the other nobles will react to a Greek being granted land in Iberia though, nor how the Greeks will react for one of their own to be given land here. If you truly desire Asturias, then you shall have it. Perhaps you would prefer Athens to be closer to your kinsmen, or even Mentese as the Greeks expand into Anatolia. Or I might just be assuming you wish to rule over your fellow Greeks. The choice is yours.

- His Imperial Highness, Francesc I de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, & Protector of the Greeks

Upon further consideration, I would like to claim the county of Athens instead. While I may have difficulties with some Houses in Byzantium, I believe that most Greeks will be pleased to have our second greatest city back in Greek hands. Be assured though, my loyalty is with Hispania first.

Count Petros Mandromenos of Athens, Chancellor of Hispania
 
((Given how few generals we have, Almudena the Marshal, who is going to die soon, will allow it within this turn))
 
((Given how few generals we have, Almudena the Marshal, who is going to die soon, will allow it within this turn))

((Really?. Then I feel obligated to do this.))

Athens COA.png

To Marshal Hashem,
As you may not know, my son Demetrios is desiring a career in the military. He is a bright, capable lad who recently turned 11. I wish to inquire about any military academy or other training method to have my son prepared for such a career when he has reached his sixteenth birthday. I would greatly appreciate it.

Count Petros Mandromenos of Athens, Chancellor of Hispania
 
((I forgot to mention this before, but I've decided to stick with Patch 1.15.1 for the rest of the iAAR. My experience during my tag-swap AAR taught me that updating to patches with significant map changes tends to cause numerous issues. The fact that Paradox says Patch 1.16 is not save-game compatible makes me hesitant to update. I'd prefer not to risk potentially breaking the save or causing unnecessary complications. I hope everyone is okay with that decision.))
 
Dear Count,

As our country is in a time where wise words are most powerful, many of our most promising young talent is going into other fields. I offer him an apprenticeship under myself. In an age where the gun is gaining prominence, those who spend their lives learning swordplay belong to an other era, an era perhaps a bit before yours as well. Thus I believe that while he should have some fencing training, most of his education should be in properly understanding the firearm and its tactics. I, while one from the era I have previously referred to, have adopted a proficiency in firearm usage and tactics. Therefore, I do suggest he be trained under my tutelage. Of course, the only problems is that, as a Marshal of such an empire as that of Hispania, I travel quite often, and the only way for young Demetrios to truly learn would be to come with me. Fortunately, I consider travel an important component of life, and I expect you do as well, but if it is a problem, perhaps I may not be the best mentor.

Regardless of your decision, I ask a favor from you. Do you believe you could assist me in further giving a secondary education to my son, Almaden? He is much older than yours, 28 ((whatever I may have said before on age is invalidated)), but he wishes to become a Crown diplomat. While he has received tutelage in debate and other requisites for a successful diplomatist, he has never been instructed by one in such high standing, or with such ability, as you, and I therefore ask that you allow him to learn under you. In my old age, he has helped me very much in these dreadful trials that have come up, and I do believe he is ready for more.

Sincerely,
General Almudena Hashem
((Trade, Military, Diplomacy, what's left?))
 
Dear Count,

As our country is in a time where wise words are most powerful, many of our most promising young talent is going into other fields. I offer him an apprenticeship under myself. In an age where the gun is gaining prominence, those who spend their lives learning swordplay belong to an other era, an era perhaps a bit before yours as well. Thus I believe that while he should have some fencing training, most of his education should be in properly understanding the firearm and its tactics. I, while one from the era I have previously referred to, have adopted a proficiency in firearm usage and tactics. Therefore, I do suggest he be trained under my tutelage. Of course, the only problems is that, as a Marshal of such an empire as that of Hispania, I travel quite often, and the only way for young Demetrios to truly learn would be to come with me. Fortunately, I consider travel an important component of life, and I expect you do as well, but if it is a problem, perhaps I may not be the best mentor.

Regardless of your decision, I ask a favor from you. Do you believe you could assist me in further giving a secondary education to my son, Almaden? He is much older than yours, 28 ((whatever I may have said before on age is invalidated)), but he wishes to become a Crown diplomat. While he has received tutelage in debate and other requisites for a successful diplomatist, he has never been instructed by one in such high standing, or with such ability, as you, and I therefore ask that you allow him to learn under you. In my old age, he has helped me very much in these dreadful trials that have come up, and I do believe he is ready for more.

Sincerely,
General Almudena Hashem
((Trade, Military, Diplomacy, what's left?))

Athens COA.png
To General Hashem,

I accept your proposals. I have been looking for such a person for a while now. The Prime Minister has requests that he receive an assistant for his diplomatic duties, and I will intend for your son to be that assistant. Duke Alvaro is a skilled diplomat more experienced that even myself, and I believe that your son will learn much. I am sure that he will be pleased with this.

Petros Mandromenos
 
sassari_prov_coa_n5059.gif

My imperial grace, Francesc I de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, & Protector of the Greeks,

I am honored beyond words for this recognition. Although I have not much life left, I will continue to serve Hispania to the best of my abilities.
The late Emperor made Hispania what it is today. And I am sure you will continue his great legacy, to elevate Hispania to even greater heights.

Your loyal servant,

Felipé de Alvaro, Duke of Sardinia, Prime Minister of Hispania
Lux Tenebris Vincet
 
The Grand Admiral announces his intent to rename Kumeyaay San Diego. ((because Historical FTW. :p))

((Also, any potential admirals are welcome. I'll just make myself one for now (focus on shock). ))
 
Anno 1630

It was done. The verdict had fallen and the outcome was death. Lúcia grew pale when the executioner brought forward an axe... Surely for an Empress, a sword could be used? She had given up fighting though. She still did not agree, for the simple matter that a lighter punishment was promised, but it was no use fighting for this. Especially since it could have been her on that spot, had the Empress had her way. A swing, a crack, and the Empress was no more. It would take time to heal this wound to the Royal Family. She prayed Francesc's children would be forgiving, for her part in this affair was too big to ignore.

--------

1630-1637

The later years brought slow healing. She had her hands full with keeping the Realm's peace, but the presence of Federica meant a great deal. Several plots for further rebellions in Hispania were quickly discovered and put out before an uprise could take place thanks to her talent for intrigue. Even the Catalans had not managed to organize a resistance, a feat of which she was particularly proud. On a personal level as well, things went good. In 1634, she gave birth to a third child and to her first daughter. She cherished this one, for in this house full of males, a women's touch would be welcome. She was called Inês Lúcia, to her grandmother and her mother.

Yet, to all good things come an end. Anno 1636, her second son had reached the age where he was to be sent to the de Soneta's, to be educated and raised as one of their own... A great sadness mastered her. How could she send her own child away like that... How stupid had she been, agreeing to a trade like that... She refused to see Jerome, her husband, for weeks. But then she accepted it. Her heart broke when she told the boys, together, that José was to be educated by his fathers family, and that they would not be seeing each other "for a while". The deal was done and went trough: José Isaque Simão was brought to Alejandro III de Soneta ((@ML8991 )).

To make João forget about it, she took his education to hand and made sure he had few spare time. Perhaps her harshness, together with the decision of sending his brother away, would be taken badly. But it was the price she had paid for her family. She took comfort in the fact the boy got on well with his father. She encouraged it, even if she was sometimes jealous on how well Joao and his father got along.

As for herself, soon she lost herself in work again. The Empire had need of her. Francesc had need of her. Hispania could not allow itself to bask in her glory. Progress needed to be made! They needed more bright minds to reinforce the bureaucracy, artists... A university would be a great addition to the capital. Also, while the sugar from the New World was good, in Madeira they had a much closer source. A plantation there would be quite profitable. Last but not least, the population of Hispania needed more attention. New churches and cathedrals, be it protestant or catholic, would appease the population. A development plan was setup as well, to increase the size of the Hispanian cities.


  • Construction, in order of priority and according to the financial state of the realm:
    • Build a University in Valencia
    • Build a Sugar plantation in Madeira
    • Build churches/cathedrals in any province where more than 0.2 monthly tax income can be generated
  • Develop provinces if Dip/Mil points above 400 and technology is ahead of time:
    • Focus production: Gold mines, Genua trade node provinces, +4 value trade goods
    • Focus manpower: Provinces with Grain, Fish or Wool production
  • In case of war, keep our exhaustion under 4.

Law proposal:

I hereby ask for a vote on the revocation of the Trade Act of 1606. According to my information, it has been created in 1606 to serve the needs of José Fulminante, but has been out of use ever since his treason and following disappearance, in 1624. Again, according to my information, for 13 years, no Grandmaster has made us of this act, and it has fallen -again - to the Steward to fulfill this duty. Given the Trade Act has not seen any practical use, I see no reason we should keep it.

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(( Question... How are policies treated? If I would want one enacted, do I setup a law proposal and call for a vote? Or is this the responsibility of one of the ministers? ))
 
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