Free Sicily (finished)
First, thanks for ErrantOne for making that scenario.
Sicily, hard, aggressive.
In october 1492, a rebellion started against Spanish supremacy in Sicily. The leader of rebellion was Fernando of Palermo. Ferdinand and Isabella, being occupied with finising the reconquista, did not worry about it and ordered their vassal, Naples, to deal with us. Naples was not successful, and in July 1st, 1494, city of Messina fell. There we crowned Fernando of Palermo as our king, named Ferdinand II. Me, your loyal servant, was named cheif advisor to our beloved king. Still, Naples is determined to corrent his mistake and gain favour of Spanish crown once again...
Shamefully, Ferdinand was exellent as military leader, but below average as king. Diplomacy, economy, tax collection... in the matter of fact everything else but hunting, waging war and womenizing, is permanent terra incognita to our Ferdinand. So we made an agreement: all these boring goverment businesses are left for me to deal with, while Ferdinand stays with the army.
Sicily is actually two provinces: Sicily and Messina. Sicily is our capital. We have a small CoT there, dealing with 4 provinces. It's annual value is just 40, and without Tripolitania- province exporting ivory- it would be even less. Still, we have a monopoly there and it helps to have some extra income. Sicily also has a shipyard.
Besides island of Sicily, we also like to think Sardinia as our rightful land. At current, it is in Spanish hands.
Officially Ferdinand II is declared king in July 21th. Same day he announces me as his advisor. Situation is suprisingi stable, after 2 years of revolution and war, people seem to have calmed down (stab +2). We have a 10k army in Sicily, leaded by Ferdinand himself (1/3/3). Since we are at war with Naples, dealing with it would be our first problem.
Ferdinand heads for Messina, and i order reinforcements of 3000 men to be built there. Army of Ferdinand is mostly peasants, with 500 knights and 7 cannons. After Ferdinand reaches Messina, he decides to stay there for a while, training new troops.
In August 24, Naples is again accepted to military alliance with Spain (England, Milan). This is a great concern to be, because Sicily is alone and has no chance to fight if Spanish decide to attack us with full strenght. Luckily, Spain is still finishing Granada, though the city is under siege alrady.
During September, Spanish launch multiple assaults on Granada, and on sept 17, Granada falls. About a month later, on 9th oct, Granada officially surrenders to Spain and announces Spain as their master. Same day, Ferdinand starts moving his troops to Apulia.
November 13. Today, a small note caught my attention: emissary of king James IV announced that Scotland is now at alliance with France, Brittany, Savoy, Poland-Lithuania and Papal States. Next day, i went to French embassy and proposed royal marriage between niece of Ferdinand and cousin of king Charles. French ambassador was pleasantly suprides, because he was planning the same proposal. We signed a treaty and after a month, our bride started her journey to France. A bit embarrasing journey, because we had no fleet to escort her and we had to ask Venice to lend us a couple of ships. Luckily they agreed.
In november 23, Ferdinand reach Apulia. Small skirmishes with forces of Naples started, and in 3 december two armies finally met in field. We started our attack with cannon-fire, hoping to scare troops of Naples. Then Ferdinand, leading our knights, started our assault, infantry following closeby. Ferdinand broke through Naple's centre and soon enemy begun to scatter. Losing only few hundred men, we managed to kill or seriously wound about 2000 enemies, another 2000 seems to have deserted.
At december 7, we begun our siege. Preparations for assault lasted for about a month, and in 9th january, 1495, forces of Sicily begun to storm the fortress. We had about 9000 infantry, supported by 6 cannons. Garrison was 10 000 men. Still, we won. Looks like cannons did help a little, and also bravery of our troops. Ferdinand sent a message for me, telling about victory and claiming that he lost only 2000 men and 3 cannons. Also, he asked for reinforcements.
I didn't want to tell Ferdinand, but it was a Phyrric victory. When we collect our yearly census taxes, it is about enough to build 1000 infantry, so it would take 2 years to recover losses. Not to mention the cannons. Instead, i told Ferdinand that we are afraid of Spanish intervention and we like to keep as many soldiers in Sicily as possible. Ferdinand saw wisdom in my words, and decided that he still can take Naples with his current troops. In 10th february, our army started to move to Naples.
In the meanwhile, i have been busy with other matters. Since our royal marriage with France, i have spent a lot of time with French ambassador. As a result, in 1st February, Sicily officially joins the alliance with France, Savoy, Papal States, Brittany, Scotland and Poland-Lithuania. I feel a bit more secure about us now- Spain will probably think twice before attacking us. Still, relations with our allies could be better... at least France joins us, but Savoy doesn't seem to like us much. I plan to chance that sometimes in the future, but now the truth is that Sicily can't afford much diplomacy.
Ferdinand arrives to Naples in 1st of March. Forces of Naples try to avoid the battle, but in 19th of March, our troops finally meet, right next to gates of Naples. This time we have superiority: 7 652 infantry, 300 knights and 3 cannons versus 4470 infantry and 494 knights. Again, Ferdinand assaulted the Naple's centre, broke thorugh and infantry finished the job. We lost another 1000 troops. Our soldiers, drunk about victory, started storming the city. Garrison of Naples was actually smaller, only 5000 troops, and fortress was older. Besides, garrison had a chance to see our victory, and that probably wasn't good for their morale. We took the city the same day, but a small garrison of 500 troops in the inner fortress managed to withstand our armies for another 10 days. Finally, in 30th March, the Naples was under our control. After counting our losses, we were suprised to find out that we lost only 90 men.
1st of April, 1495, the lands of Naples were added to our kingdom. Former king of Naples, Best part was naturally Naples itself, a city with 120 000 residents and tax value of 12. Spain officially protested our annexation, reminding us that Naples was their vassal. Also, ambassador of Spain said that Spanish will not forget this, and Isabella and Ferdinand are furious. I thank God that i had entered an alliance as strong as French, so the Spain probably doesn't dare to attack us right away. Suprisingly, Modena took annexation of Naples also very badly. Maybe the fact that former monarch of Naples asked shelter of Modena has something to do with it... The rest of the catholic world seems to be more vary of us, but generally we are still liked all over Europe.
On 1st of May, Turkey starts their crusade against Shiite country Mameluks. I don't care much, though i'm afraid Turks will get too strong and will become a real threat to us as well.
On 6th of May, ambassador of France askes for audience. Naturally i accept. He informes me that France as declared war on dutchy of Lorraine and would ask for our help. Without hesitation, i tell him that we will join. But i also have to explain him that we have no fleet and therefore we cannot transport any troops to help them. He seemed a bit dissapointed, but i had a plan. I asked him to wait for a moment and went to see Ferdinand. I explained him the situation and told him of my plan. Ferdinand was thirilled, because after one month of peace life was already getting too boring for him. And French ambassador also seemed to like my plan: to send Ferdinand and small escort of knights as advisors and watchers to support the French campaign. After a few days, Ferdinand enters another ship lended from Venice and sets sail for France.
On 8th of June, Mameluks and Turks fight a major battle in Aleppo (40k vs 20k). Mameluks gain total victory- every single Turk is slaughtered.
In the meanwhile, France starts it's siege of Lorraine, with Ferdinand as one of the leaders (he is in charge of the right wing of French army). Also, troops of Savoy and Brittany are approaching. Army of Lorraine, feeling that they cannot possibly win, have fleed and are currently looting province of Champagne. On 3Oth of June, Lorraine falls to French hands. Without further ado, French troops are sent to Champagne.
War between Turkey and Mameluks isn't going well for Turkey. They lose another battle in Aleppo in 19th of July, and once again Mameluks hunt down and kill every single Turk. The next day, peace is signed between Turkey and Mameluks, with Turkey paying 77 ducats.
French army arrives in Champagne in the middle of July. At first, they hunt down looting bands that burn villages and kill citizens, but in 23 July starts a battle between French and Lorraine's main armies. Ferdinand shows again his supreme leadership, and in co-operation with able French commanders, Lorraine's army is annihilated. After a week, in 28 july, Lorraine is joined to French kingdom.
At the beginning of August, a small group of citizens come to my audience, asking for permission to leave Sicily and establish a tnew colony for the greater glory of our nations. Shamefully, i have no idea where to send them, because our knowledge of the world map is very limited. They agree to wait.
I have planned a royal marriage with Poland for a while now. Poland is another membmer of our alliance, and also one of the strongest countries in Europe, so closer relations would be extactly the thing we need. With Polish ambassador, we have made arrangements for month. Ferdinand's cousin, Rudolfo, is to marry daughter of Mikolaj Radziwill, Maria. Also we have agreed that young couple will live in Lithuania, where Maria has quite large lands. I was glad to get rid of Rudolfo, because he is a troublemaker, always looking for a fight. But... i don't know who, but someone showed Rudolfo a map of Europe. After discovering where Lithuania really is, and hearing stories of endless winters, he just refused to leave. Several month of work all for nothing, and Polish ambassador seemed very upset about cancelling the wedding. I'll have to work overtime just to get the Poles back friendly again. Rudolfo was found next morning by a couple of fisherman, lying dead on a beach, and a stiletto in his heart. As God is my witness, i didn't order this murder. But the Polish ambassador seemed a bit happier... Still, i don't dare to offer another marriage to them anytime soon.
Rest of the year was a quiet one, only news was that Palatinat joined an alliance with Spain, England and Milan.
At the beginning of 1496, we recived 20 ducats for census taxes. I spent 16 of them next day, sending 2 merchants to Venice. Also, i arrenged royal marriage with Savoy, hoping that it will help relations between our nations (still -30). To my suprise, everything went smoothly... maybe Rudolfo's death was a good thing after all.
In February, Helvetia joins Spanish alliance. Same month, our merchants open their businesses in Venice. Shamefully, one of them gets involved in a bar fight and is stabbed to death. 8 ducats lost. Still, another one brings us 10 ducats per year.
In may, we form a royal marriage with Austria.
On 10th of May, king of Baden has probably gone crazy: he declares war on Palatinat. Baden has no allies and gets the whole Spanish alliance as a small bonus. With only 10 000 troops, while Helvetia has over 20 000 and Palatinat over 15 000, he has no hope.
As i predicted, Helvetia's troops meet Baden in battle, and in 17th June, gain total victory. Helvetia starts the siege and in 20th june, Palatinat joins them. They storm the fortress after 3 days and within a month, Helvetia has total control of Baden. Still, Helvetians show some mercy and instead of annexing Baden, they settle with their treasury (81 ducats). Forces of Palatinat start another siege.
Since our treasury is always empty, there is't much we can do... in august, we arrange another royal marriage, this time with Tuscany. In December, Venice also accepts our proposal for RM.
Meanwhile, in september, Cologne also joins Spanish alliance. That gets me a bit concerned, since Spain is growing a bit too strong...
1497.
In the beginning of the year, i send another merchant to Venice. Shamefully, i never hear from him again. I don't even know wheater he was killed and robbed or just took the money and run. 1/3 of your treasury used for nothing...
Our relations with Modena have raised a bit, and i thought it would be perfect time to arrange royal marriage with them. Well, it would improve relations and also make former king of Naples, still living in Modena, angry. Suprisingly, this arrangement was also successful and we had no problems. In April, my 19-years old niece Lucrecia was married to a 56-years old count Frederico of Something. Everyone expected Lucrecia to become a widow quickly, but to our suprise old goat (err, count), lived for another 20 years. And it was a happy marriage, with 6 sons and 4 daugthers to prove it.
On 22 of April, the whole world was shocked. Russia declared vassalization of Kazan null and void and also declared war on them. Imagine that... they have sworn to protect Kazan, but instead they try to take it by force... where will the world go this way? Russia's stability hits the bottom (-3).
On 1st of May, we have our first rebellion. 7000 unhappy peasants in Apulia decide that Sicily is no ruler for them. Ferdinand, who's army is in Naples, send orders to wait for his arrival and prepare to march. He steps on a ship and within a few days lands in Naples, where he takes once again command of the army. Our army arrives in Apulia on 17th june, and starts fighting small rebel bands. After 8 days, rebellion is suppressed and order restored. Still, rebels did much damage to the province, looting the houses of our supporters. We captured organizers of rebellion and put their heads on a pike, for a warning.
War is not going well for Russia. Kazan's troops won a battle against Russia's allies in Ryazan, and started sieging the city. Russians send a relief force, but they loose the battle as well. Instead of further helping their allies, Russians concentrate on siegeing Kazan instead. In September, about 100 000 Russains and Pskovians siege the city. Naturally, the province coulnd't possible feed such a large army, and Russia's forces slowly die of diseases and hunger. About 10 000 troops die every month... and then comes the winter. Despite of reinforcements arriving all the time, only 61 000 troops live to see the new year.
In 16th of November, we form another royal marriage- this time with Milan. Now we have royal marriages with all ruling families of Italy, with the exeption of Pope (celibacy) and Genoa (vassal of Milan)
1498.
After reciving this year's taxes, i decided that something must be done to create extra income. Finally, i decided to appoint a tax collector in Naples. To my suprise, it would take a whole year before the collector will begin working, but it has to be done. We need the money.
On 5th of January, war between Baden and Palatinat is finally over, with Baden paying 43 ducats for peace. Poor bastards, they got of easy.
Today i have made an intresting discovey: our CoT is gaining popularity. I saw a merchant from Portugal and another one from Georgia. Good. We probaly collect more money from trade tarriffs then from trade itself. After a few days, merchant from Georiga asked for audience. I was suprised, but i accepted. He had a letter from king of Georgia, asking for a royal marriage between our nations. Naturally i was suprised, but decided to accept.
Pimping seems to be a proper job for me, for in may, i arranged another royal marriage, this time with Hungary. If i keep up the pace, i will run out of proper candidates with no time...
After about a year of sieging, Ryazan falls to Kazan's troops. As expected, Ryazan makes a seperate peace with Kazan, paying 75. Russian troops, cut down to 34 000 men, still continue siege. Kazan's troops try to fight them, but are defeated. About 4000 surviving troops retreat to Vladimir and lay siege of the province.
In august, we heard of Mameluks making alliance with Persia and Hedjaz. We don't know where the two latest countries are, but we suspect they are somewhere near Turkish border... this seems to be defencive alliance against Turkey and if the rumours are true, Persia is a strong country.
In November, we form another RM- this time with Portugal. In december, it's time for England to recive a royal princess of Sicily. Our nation is already gaining a reputation of Europe's supplier of princes and princesses.
1499
Update on Russia's war: 19 000 soldiers are sieging Kazan, Kazan's 4000 soldiers have given up the siege and are happy just to loot poor peasants of Vladimir.
When i visited our CoT today, i noticed another foreign merchant there. This time an Englisman decided to open his store here. Good.
Beginning of the year is quiet, and i take a small vacation. Ferdinand is getting restless... he feels a bit bored.
I decide to go to Nice for a nice spring break. To my great suprise, advisors and prime ministers of all other members of our alliance are there as well. What a coincidence. Also, emissarys from Spain, Cologne, Palatinat, Helvetia and Milan just happen to drop by. After all, Nice is beautiful this time of year.
On April 4th, French ambassador comes to my office and informes me that France has declared war on England. He also reminds me that France wants us to help them. Naturally we join, on same therms as the previous war. Ferdinand and his escort is already onboard a ship and in about halfway to France. Everyone else in our alliance joins as well, but for soem strange reason, every country decides to leave England by itself. Spain, Cologne, Palatinat, Helvetia and Milan dishounour the alliance and England is all alone.
Later this month i send brother of Rudolfo to Denmark as our two countries are joined in royal marriage. To do me a personal favour, Danish king has granted your couple a lot of land in Narvik. Hope they will be happy there.
Battles with England start this May. First, Scots try to trap Englis. They make a brilliant plan- to lure English main army into Lothian, where king James IV personally waits with his main army, while a second Scottish army moves to Marches, to trap the English. A perfect plan, but with one small problem: despite of our expectations, Scots are not such good warriors as we expected and James looses the battle, even though he had almoust twice the manpower of English. English start siege of Birmingham, while Scots move their forces to Marches.
In 18th of May, France starts siege of Calais with 40 000 soldiers. After few days of preparation, they lauch a full assault on fortress. Again, the tides of war seem to be against us. In 9th of June, England manages to break the blocade and bring in 5000 fresh troops. French are caught literally on the ladders. Soon, the French break and start running away. Siege of Calais is abandoned and French troops flee to Picardie. English troops follow them and in 29th of June, France suffers another defeat, while English start siege of Picardie.
Meanwhile, news have reached that Pskov has conquered Kazan, and accepts 225 ducats for their trouble. Poor Russians, they have lost over 100 000 troops in this war and still without any result. Now there is 9000 Russian soldiers left, and they start the siege again.
On 1st of August, fresh French troops, backed up by Savoy, and Ferdinand and one of their generals, wipe the English from Picardie. Looks like 2 of their victories left English over-confident and that payd dearly- no Englishman left the battle alive. Allied forces move on to siege Calais once again. On the same day, England allied himself with Teutonic Order and Prussia. Good, next time we go to war, Poland has something to do as well.
We agreed to royal marriage with Navarra this month as well.
In the 1st of September, Ferdinand gave me a rank of Viscount! I'm satisfied.
On 19th of September, Venice decided to declare war on Ragusa. Their only ally, Hungary dishonours the alliance. Next month, another shock comes to whole western world: Venice has joined an alliance with Mameluks, Persia and Hedjaz. All muslims. I actually understand them and would have done the same thing: now Turkey faces a three-front war if he attacks one of them, and that's a good thing.
In december, Spain and Baden enter alliance with Austria, Bohemia and Würtenberg. It seems Spain has found himself another strong alliance, but this time i'm not worried: all these countries are landlocked and can't do much to help the Spanish if a war breaks out between us.
On 20th december, England finally captures Edinburgh and forces Scotland to sign a separate peace treaty. Scots pay English 24 ducats.
1500
In the beginning of Janary, we finally started building our own fleet. A small one: only 3 transports, but it's a start. And i have a cunning plan how to use them. If it works, we get another 3, or maybe even 4 provinces. Including Sardinia. I told about this plan to Ferdinand and well, and he was thrilled. Still, it's top secret now.
Also, we exchange maps with Georgia. They lacked the information about western part of Europe, while i wanted to know a little bit more about Near East. And we have a new set of Persian maps now, including information about their promising CoT.
In 27th of January, Calais finally surrenders. But alas! comandant of the garrison decided that he will give keys of the castle to Savoy instead of France. Ferdinand, who was overseer of cannons for that siege, was furious, as well were the French. Several fights broke loose between Savoians and French. I bet comandant of Brittish garrison had that in mind when he surrendered to Savoy. Bastardo.
Of other wars: Russia is still besieging Kazan, without much of success. Ragusa and Venice have small skirmishes, but no major battles.
On 27th of May, a panic breaks loose in Sicily. 41 English ships were spotted in Straits of Messina. We don't know what ships there are, as our fisherman don't dare to go close enough to find out and our fleet is still being built. Still, English seem to sail forward... we are afraid of Brittish invasion in either Apulia or Naples.
In June, Hungary joins Austria's alliance (the one with Spanish). Still, most of them are harmless to us, but Turkey should watch out know.
On 10th of June, English fleet arrives to Gulf of Taranto. Still, they are making no plans for invastion, and seem to be sailing forward. We are afraid that Naples will be their target and decide to pull our army positioned there back to Sicily. Also i send a letter to Ferdinand, asking him to return home.
On 2th of July, our fleet is finally ready. I toy with the idea of sending them to scout the English fleet, but then remind myself that these 3 ships costed each our yearly income. Naturally i drop the idea.
In 6th of July, Enlgish fleet enters Ionian sea. We are getting desperate, assuming that there may be even 41 000 troops on board that fleet. I try to convince English to accept whit peace, but they laught at my face, thus making me even more worried. I only hope they decide to invade territories of Papal states.
In the mean time, our army marches through Apulia. We tryed to keep it a secret, since we didn't want anyone to know that Naples is virtually defenceless. But encouraged by rumours of coming English invasion force, peasant of Apulia decide to start another rebellion. To their great suprise they are beaten within a day. As usual, we execute their leaders.
In the 1st of August, English fleet makes it to Straits of Otranto. In 18th August they finally make to Adriatic sea. We are afraid of the worst. 9 ships of Papal States bravely engage English, but they lose. English guard Adriatic sea for over a month... then suddenly they turn back. By october they already reach Straits of Otranto and keep on moving.
A meeting with the French ambassador explains this strange behaviour: while English were busy on their Mediterrainian cruise, French lauched an invasion to Kent and besieged Dover. Naturally, English gathered all their forced to defend their homeland. A lucky strike on our part.
In december, last of the English fleet passes Straights of Messina and heads towards England. I hope they will be caught by a storm and reach England too late. Seems like we are finally in position to win this war, and then i can execute my cunning plan.
First, thanks for ErrantOne for making that scenario.
Sicily, hard, aggressive.
In october 1492, a rebellion started against Spanish supremacy in Sicily. The leader of rebellion was Fernando of Palermo. Ferdinand and Isabella, being occupied with finising the reconquista, did not worry about it and ordered their vassal, Naples, to deal with us. Naples was not successful, and in July 1st, 1494, city of Messina fell. There we crowned Fernando of Palermo as our king, named Ferdinand II. Me, your loyal servant, was named cheif advisor to our beloved king. Still, Naples is determined to corrent his mistake and gain favour of Spanish crown once again...
Shamefully, Ferdinand was exellent as military leader, but below average as king. Diplomacy, economy, tax collection... in the matter of fact everything else but hunting, waging war and womenizing, is permanent terra incognita to our Ferdinand. So we made an agreement: all these boring goverment businesses are left for me to deal with, while Ferdinand stays with the army.
Sicily is actually two provinces: Sicily and Messina. Sicily is our capital. We have a small CoT there, dealing with 4 provinces. It's annual value is just 40, and without Tripolitania- province exporting ivory- it would be even less. Still, we have a monopoly there and it helps to have some extra income. Sicily also has a shipyard.
Besides island of Sicily, we also like to think Sardinia as our rightful land. At current, it is in Spanish hands.
Officially Ferdinand II is declared king in July 21th. Same day he announces me as his advisor. Situation is suprisingi stable, after 2 years of revolution and war, people seem to have calmed down (stab +2). We have a 10k army in Sicily, leaded by Ferdinand himself (1/3/3). Since we are at war with Naples, dealing with it would be our first problem.
Ferdinand heads for Messina, and i order reinforcements of 3000 men to be built there. Army of Ferdinand is mostly peasants, with 500 knights and 7 cannons. After Ferdinand reaches Messina, he decides to stay there for a while, training new troops.
In August 24, Naples is again accepted to military alliance with Spain (England, Milan). This is a great concern to be, because Sicily is alone and has no chance to fight if Spanish decide to attack us with full strenght. Luckily, Spain is still finishing Granada, though the city is under siege alrady.
During September, Spanish launch multiple assaults on Granada, and on sept 17, Granada falls. About a month later, on 9th oct, Granada officially surrenders to Spain and announces Spain as their master. Same day, Ferdinand starts moving his troops to Apulia.
November 13. Today, a small note caught my attention: emissary of king James IV announced that Scotland is now at alliance with France, Brittany, Savoy, Poland-Lithuania and Papal States. Next day, i went to French embassy and proposed royal marriage between niece of Ferdinand and cousin of king Charles. French ambassador was pleasantly suprides, because he was planning the same proposal. We signed a treaty and after a month, our bride started her journey to France. A bit embarrasing journey, because we had no fleet to escort her and we had to ask Venice to lend us a couple of ships. Luckily they agreed.
In november 23, Ferdinand reach Apulia. Small skirmishes with forces of Naples started, and in 3 december two armies finally met in field. We started our attack with cannon-fire, hoping to scare troops of Naples. Then Ferdinand, leading our knights, started our assault, infantry following closeby. Ferdinand broke through Naple's centre and soon enemy begun to scatter. Losing only few hundred men, we managed to kill or seriously wound about 2000 enemies, another 2000 seems to have deserted.
At december 7, we begun our siege. Preparations for assault lasted for about a month, and in 9th january, 1495, forces of Sicily begun to storm the fortress. We had about 9000 infantry, supported by 6 cannons. Garrison was 10 000 men. Still, we won. Looks like cannons did help a little, and also bravery of our troops. Ferdinand sent a message for me, telling about victory and claiming that he lost only 2000 men and 3 cannons. Also, he asked for reinforcements.
I didn't want to tell Ferdinand, but it was a Phyrric victory. When we collect our yearly census taxes, it is about enough to build 1000 infantry, so it would take 2 years to recover losses. Not to mention the cannons. Instead, i told Ferdinand that we are afraid of Spanish intervention and we like to keep as many soldiers in Sicily as possible. Ferdinand saw wisdom in my words, and decided that he still can take Naples with his current troops. In 10th february, our army started to move to Naples.
In the meanwhile, i have been busy with other matters. Since our royal marriage with France, i have spent a lot of time with French ambassador. As a result, in 1st February, Sicily officially joins the alliance with France, Savoy, Papal States, Brittany, Scotland and Poland-Lithuania. I feel a bit more secure about us now- Spain will probably think twice before attacking us. Still, relations with our allies could be better... at least France joins us, but Savoy doesn't seem to like us much. I plan to chance that sometimes in the future, but now the truth is that Sicily can't afford much diplomacy.
Ferdinand arrives to Naples in 1st of March. Forces of Naples try to avoid the battle, but in 19th of March, our troops finally meet, right next to gates of Naples. This time we have superiority: 7 652 infantry, 300 knights and 3 cannons versus 4470 infantry and 494 knights. Again, Ferdinand assaulted the Naple's centre, broke thorugh and infantry finished the job. We lost another 1000 troops. Our soldiers, drunk about victory, started storming the city. Garrison of Naples was actually smaller, only 5000 troops, and fortress was older. Besides, garrison had a chance to see our victory, and that probably wasn't good for their morale. We took the city the same day, but a small garrison of 500 troops in the inner fortress managed to withstand our armies for another 10 days. Finally, in 30th March, the Naples was under our control. After counting our losses, we were suprised to find out that we lost only 90 men.
1st of April, 1495, the lands of Naples were added to our kingdom. Former king of Naples, Best part was naturally Naples itself, a city with 120 000 residents and tax value of 12. Spain officially protested our annexation, reminding us that Naples was their vassal. Also, ambassador of Spain said that Spanish will not forget this, and Isabella and Ferdinand are furious. I thank God that i had entered an alliance as strong as French, so the Spain probably doesn't dare to attack us right away. Suprisingly, Modena took annexation of Naples also very badly. Maybe the fact that former monarch of Naples asked shelter of Modena has something to do with it... The rest of the catholic world seems to be more vary of us, but generally we are still liked all over Europe.
On 1st of May, Turkey starts their crusade against Shiite country Mameluks. I don't care much, though i'm afraid Turks will get too strong and will become a real threat to us as well.
On 6th of May, ambassador of France askes for audience. Naturally i accept. He informes me that France as declared war on dutchy of Lorraine and would ask for our help. Without hesitation, i tell him that we will join. But i also have to explain him that we have no fleet and therefore we cannot transport any troops to help them. He seemed a bit dissapointed, but i had a plan. I asked him to wait for a moment and went to see Ferdinand. I explained him the situation and told him of my plan. Ferdinand was thirilled, because after one month of peace life was already getting too boring for him. And French ambassador also seemed to like my plan: to send Ferdinand and small escort of knights as advisors and watchers to support the French campaign. After a few days, Ferdinand enters another ship lended from Venice and sets sail for France.
On 8th of June, Mameluks and Turks fight a major battle in Aleppo (40k vs 20k). Mameluks gain total victory- every single Turk is slaughtered.
In the meanwhile, France starts it's siege of Lorraine, with Ferdinand as one of the leaders (he is in charge of the right wing of French army). Also, troops of Savoy and Brittany are approaching. Army of Lorraine, feeling that they cannot possibly win, have fleed and are currently looting province of Champagne. On 3Oth of June, Lorraine falls to French hands. Without further ado, French troops are sent to Champagne.
War between Turkey and Mameluks isn't going well for Turkey. They lose another battle in Aleppo in 19th of July, and once again Mameluks hunt down and kill every single Turk. The next day, peace is signed between Turkey and Mameluks, with Turkey paying 77 ducats.
French army arrives in Champagne in the middle of July. At first, they hunt down looting bands that burn villages and kill citizens, but in 23 July starts a battle between French and Lorraine's main armies. Ferdinand shows again his supreme leadership, and in co-operation with able French commanders, Lorraine's army is annihilated. After a week, in 28 july, Lorraine is joined to French kingdom.
At the beginning of August, a small group of citizens come to my audience, asking for permission to leave Sicily and establish a tnew colony for the greater glory of our nations. Shamefully, i have no idea where to send them, because our knowledge of the world map is very limited. They agree to wait.
I have planned a royal marriage with Poland for a while now. Poland is another membmer of our alliance, and also one of the strongest countries in Europe, so closer relations would be extactly the thing we need. With Polish ambassador, we have made arrangements for month. Ferdinand's cousin, Rudolfo, is to marry daughter of Mikolaj Radziwill, Maria. Also we have agreed that young couple will live in Lithuania, where Maria has quite large lands. I was glad to get rid of Rudolfo, because he is a troublemaker, always looking for a fight. But... i don't know who, but someone showed Rudolfo a map of Europe. After discovering where Lithuania really is, and hearing stories of endless winters, he just refused to leave. Several month of work all for nothing, and Polish ambassador seemed very upset about cancelling the wedding. I'll have to work overtime just to get the Poles back friendly again. Rudolfo was found next morning by a couple of fisherman, lying dead on a beach, and a stiletto in his heart. As God is my witness, i didn't order this murder. But the Polish ambassador seemed a bit happier... Still, i don't dare to offer another marriage to them anytime soon.
Rest of the year was a quiet one, only news was that Palatinat joined an alliance with Spain, England and Milan.
At the beginning of 1496, we recived 20 ducats for census taxes. I spent 16 of them next day, sending 2 merchants to Venice. Also, i arrenged royal marriage with Savoy, hoping that it will help relations between our nations (still -30). To my suprise, everything went smoothly... maybe Rudolfo's death was a good thing after all.
In February, Helvetia joins Spanish alliance. Same month, our merchants open their businesses in Venice. Shamefully, one of them gets involved in a bar fight and is stabbed to death. 8 ducats lost. Still, another one brings us 10 ducats per year.
In may, we form a royal marriage with Austria.
On 10th of May, king of Baden has probably gone crazy: he declares war on Palatinat. Baden has no allies and gets the whole Spanish alliance as a small bonus. With only 10 000 troops, while Helvetia has over 20 000 and Palatinat over 15 000, he has no hope.
As i predicted, Helvetia's troops meet Baden in battle, and in 17th June, gain total victory. Helvetia starts the siege and in 20th june, Palatinat joins them. They storm the fortress after 3 days and within a month, Helvetia has total control of Baden. Still, Helvetians show some mercy and instead of annexing Baden, they settle with their treasury (81 ducats). Forces of Palatinat start another siege.
Since our treasury is always empty, there is't much we can do... in august, we arrange another royal marriage, this time with Tuscany. In December, Venice also accepts our proposal for RM.
Meanwhile, in september, Cologne also joins Spanish alliance. That gets me a bit concerned, since Spain is growing a bit too strong...
1497.
In the beginning of the year, i send another merchant to Venice. Shamefully, i never hear from him again. I don't even know wheater he was killed and robbed or just took the money and run. 1/3 of your treasury used for nothing...
Our relations with Modena have raised a bit, and i thought it would be perfect time to arrange royal marriage with them. Well, it would improve relations and also make former king of Naples, still living in Modena, angry. Suprisingly, this arrangement was also successful and we had no problems. In April, my 19-years old niece Lucrecia was married to a 56-years old count Frederico of Something. Everyone expected Lucrecia to become a widow quickly, but to our suprise old goat (err, count), lived for another 20 years. And it was a happy marriage, with 6 sons and 4 daugthers to prove it.
On 22 of April, the whole world was shocked. Russia declared vassalization of Kazan null and void and also declared war on them. Imagine that... they have sworn to protect Kazan, but instead they try to take it by force... where will the world go this way? Russia's stability hits the bottom (-3).
On 1st of May, we have our first rebellion. 7000 unhappy peasants in Apulia decide that Sicily is no ruler for them. Ferdinand, who's army is in Naples, send orders to wait for his arrival and prepare to march. He steps on a ship and within a few days lands in Naples, where he takes once again command of the army. Our army arrives in Apulia on 17th june, and starts fighting small rebel bands. After 8 days, rebellion is suppressed and order restored. Still, rebels did much damage to the province, looting the houses of our supporters. We captured organizers of rebellion and put their heads on a pike, for a warning.
War is not going well for Russia. Kazan's troops won a battle against Russia's allies in Ryazan, and started sieging the city. Russians send a relief force, but they loose the battle as well. Instead of further helping their allies, Russians concentrate on siegeing Kazan instead. In September, about 100 000 Russains and Pskovians siege the city. Naturally, the province coulnd't possible feed such a large army, and Russia's forces slowly die of diseases and hunger. About 10 000 troops die every month... and then comes the winter. Despite of reinforcements arriving all the time, only 61 000 troops live to see the new year.
In 16th of November, we form another royal marriage- this time with Milan. Now we have royal marriages with all ruling families of Italy, with the exeption of Pope (celibacy) and Genoa (vassal of Milan)
1498.
After reciving this year's taxes, i decided that something must be done to create extra income. Finally, i decided to appoint a tax collector in Naples. To my suprise, it would take a whole year before the collector will begin working, but it has to be done. We need the money.
On 5th of January, war between Baden and Palatinat is finally over, with Baden paying 43 ducats for peace. Poor bastards, they got of easy.
Today i have made an intresting discovey: our CoT is gaining popularity. I saw a merchant from Portugal and another one from Georgia. Good. We probaly collect more money from trade tarriffs then from trade itself. After a few days, merchant from Georiga asked for audience. I was suprised, but i accepted. He had a letter from king of Georgia, asking for a royal marriage between our nations. Naturally i was suprised, but decided to accept.
Pimping seems to be a proper job for me, for in may, i arranged another royal marriage, this time with Hungary. If i keep up the pace, i will run out of proper candidates with no time...
After about a year of sieging, Ryazan falls to Kazan's troops. As expected, Ryazan makes a seperate peace with Kazan, paying 75. Russian troops, cut down to 34 000 men, still continue siege. Kazan's troops try to fight them, but are defeated. About 4000 surviving troops retreat to Vladimir and lay siege of the province.
In august, we heard of Mameluks making alliance with Persia and Hedjaz. We don't know where the two latest countries are, but we suspect they are somewhere near Turkish border... this seems to be defencive alliance against Turkey and if the rumours are true, Persia is a strong country.
In November, we form another RM- this time with Portugal. In december, it's time for England to recive a royal princess of Sicily. Our nation is already gaining a reputation of Europe's supplier of princes and princesses.
1499
Update on Russia's war: 19 000 soldiers are sieging Kazan, Kazan's 4000 soldiers have given up the siege and are happy just to loot poor peasants of Vladimir.
When i visited our CoT today, i noticed another foreign merchant there. This time an Englisman decided to open his store here. Good.
Beginning of the year is quiet, and i take a small vacation. Ferdinand is getting restless... he feels a bit bored.
I decide to go to Nice for a nice spring break. To my great suprise, advisors and prime ministers of all other members of our alliance are there as well. What a coincidence. Also, emissarys from Spain, Cologne, Palatinat, Helvetia and Milan just happen to drop by. After all, Nice is beautiful this time of year.
On April 4th, French ambassador comes to my office and informes me that France has declared war on England. He also reminds me that France wants us to help them. Naturally we join, on same therms as the previous war. Ferdinand and his escort is already onboard a ship and in about halfway to France. Everyone else in our alliance joins as well, but for soem strange reason, every country decides to leave England by itself. Spain, Cologne, Palatinat, Helvetia and Milan dishounour the alliance and England is all alone.
Later this month i send brother of Rudolfo to Denmark as our two countries are joined in royal marriage. To do me a personal favour, Danish king has granted your couple a lot of land in Narvik. Hope they will be happy there.
Battles with England start this May. First, Scots try to trap Englis. They make a brilliant plan- to lure English main army into Lothian, where king James IV personally waits with his main army, while a second Scottish army moves to Marches, to trap the English. A perfect plan, but with one small problem: despite of our expectations, Scots are not such good warriors as we expected and James looses the battle, even though he had almoust twice the manpower of English. English start siege of Birmingham, while Scots move their forces to Marches.
In 18th of May, France starts siege of Calais with 40 000 soldiers. After few days of preparation, they lauch a full assault on fortress. Again, the tides of war seem to be against us. In 9th of June, England manages to break the blocade and bring in 5000 fresh troops. French are caught literally on the ladders. Soon, the French break and start running away. Siege of Calais is abandoned and French troops flee to Picardie. English troops follow them and in 29th of June, France suffers another defeat, while English start siege of Picardie.
Meanwhile, news have reached that Pskov has conquered Kazan, and accepts 225 ducats for their trouble. Poor Russians, they have lost over 100 000 troops in this war and still without any result. Now there is 9000 Russian soldiers left, and they start the siege again.
On 1st of August, fresh French troops, backed up by Savoy, and Ferdinand and one of their generals, wipe the English from Picardie. Looks like 2 of their victories left English over-confident and that payd dearly- no Englishman left the battle alive. Allied forces move on to siege Calais once again. On the same day, England allied himself with Teutonic Order and Prussia. Good, next time we go to war, Poland has something to do as well.
We agreed to royal marriage with Navarra this month as well.
In the 1st of September, Ferdinand gave me a rank of Viscount! I'm satisfied.
On 19th of September, Venice decided to declare war on Ragusa. Their only ally, Hungary dishonours the alliance. Next month, another shock comes to whole western world: Venice has joined an alliance with Mameluks, Persia and Hedjaz. All muslims. I actually understand them and would have done the same thing: now Turkey faces a three-front war if he attacks one of them, and that's a good thing.
In december, Spain and Baden enter alliance with Austria, Bohemia and Würtenberg. It seems Spain has found himself another strong alliance, but this time i'm not worried: all these countries are landlocked and can't do much to help the Spanish if a war breaks out between us.
On 20th december, England finally captures Edinburgh and forces Scotland to sign a separate peace treaty. Scots pay English 24 ducats.
1500
In the beginning of Janary, we finally started building our own fleet. A small one: only 3 transports, but it's a start. And i have a cunning plan how to use them. If it works, we get another 3, or maybe even 4 provinces. Including Sardinia. I told about this plan to Ferdinand and well, and he was thrilled. Still, it's top secret now.
Also, we exchange maps with Georgia. They lacked the information about western part of Europe, while i wanted to know a little bit more about Near East. And we have a new set of Persian maps now, including information about their promising CoT.
In 27th of January, Calais finally surrenders. But alas! comandant of the garrison decided that he will give keys of the castle to Savoy instead of France. Ferdinand, who was overseer of cannons for that siege, was furious, as well were the French. Several fights broke loose between Savoians and French. I bet comandant of Brittish garrison had that in mind when he surrendered to Savoy. Bastardo.
Of other wars: Russia is still besieging Kazan, without much of success. Ragusa and Venice have small skirmishes, but no major battles.
On 27th of May, a panic breaks loose in Sicily. 41 English ships were spotted in Straits of Messina. We don't know what ships there are, as our fisherman don't dare to go close enough to find out and our fleet is still being built. Still, English seem to sail forward... we are afraid of Brittish invasion in either Apulia or Naples.
In June, Hungary joins Austria's alliance (the one with Spanish). Still, most of them are harmless to us, but Turkey should watch out know.
On 10th of June, English fleet arrives to Gulf of Taranto. Still, they are making no plans for invastion, and seem to be sailing forward. We are afraid that Naples will be their target and decide to pull our army positioned there back to Sicily. Also i send a letter to Ferdinand, asking him to return home.
On 2th of July, our fleet is finally ready. I toy with the idea of sending them to scout the English fleet, but then remind myself that these 3 ships costed each our yearly income. Naturally i drop the idea.
In 6th of July, Enlgish fleet enters Ionian sea. We are getting desperate, assuming that there may be even 41 000 troops on board that fleet. I try to convince English to accept whit peace, but they laught at my face, thus making me even more worried. I only hope they decide to invade territories of Papal states.
In the mean time, our army marches through Apulia. We tryed to keep it a secret, since we didn't want anyone to know that Naples is virtually defenceless. But encouraged by rumours of coming English invasion force, peasant of Apulia decide to start another rebellion. To their great suprise they are beaten within a day. As usual, we execute their leaders.
In the 1st of August, English fleet makes it to Straits of Otranto. In 18th August they finally make to Adriatic sea. We are afraid of the worst. 9 ships of Papal States bravely engage English, but they lose. English guard Adriatic sea for over a month... then suddenly they turn back. By october they already reach Straits of Otranto and keep on moving.
A meeting with the French ambassador explains this strange behaviour: while English were busy on their Mediterrainian cruise, French lauched an invasion to Kent and besieged Dover. Naturally, English gathered all their forced to defend their homeland. A lucky strike on our part.
In december, last of the English fleet passes Straights of Messina and heads towards England. I hope they will be caught by a storm and reach England too late. Seems like we are finally in position to win this war, and then i can execute my cunning plan.
Last edited:
Good luck and make offers that can't be refused 
