Some have all the luck...
1520
Turkey and Mameluks are still at war. In the beginning of they year, i summon a war council, wondering if we should intervene and take Naples back. A huge debate occurs, about the same number supporting peace and about the same number suggesting war. Finally- we came to a decision. No war for now. First, we must try to gain upper hand in Italy and strengthen our economy. Besides- or main weapon, Ferdinand, is buried in cathedral of Palermo, and i suspect that assault couldn't be our main weapon anymore. To wage war, we probably need more cannons, we need to make siege armies instead of battle armies. And we just can't afford enough cannons right now.
In February, a envoy arrives from Kabylia, telling news of famile all over North-Africa. It seems that Kabylia was the only province with successful harvest, and the price of grain has risen through the roof. We get 540 ducats from taxes. Wow, that's more money then Sicily has ever had. I did put it to good use: i gave our allies Milan, Tuscany and Genoa each 100 ducats state gift. We had close relations before, but now we are even closer. As a matter of fact, we are probably the best friends in the whole universe. Looke like time if right for some vassalization to be done...
Also, Turkey abandones siege of Istria this February. Turkish armies start moving eastwards.
In march, i finally recive some updates of our trading expeditions sent to North-America. Our attempts to trade with natives are succesful in Manhattan, Delaware and Carolina, but natives in Roanoke had great time torturing our traders to death. Nevertheless, i order another trading expedition to be sent to Roanoke. Besides, i have alrady started liking this new habit- smoking. Much more serious is our first colonization attempt. We send 100 Sicilian man and woman to Manhattan, with orders to establish a small hamlet there and try to make the city grow.
From 11th of April, Tuscany is a vassal of Sicily. It took some time to convince them, but finally they saw the light.
Glad to see my success, Charles has nominated me Duke of Tuscany. Naturally, we kept it a secret, as it would probably take another 10 years before i can take my holdings, but i'm patient.
In may, antoher Turkish army started siege of Istria. Looks like it's mostly infantry, with no cannons. I'm positive that Istria will hold out for another 12 month or so.
In June, we officially propose vassalization to City Council of Milan. Despite of the obvious benefits, they dare to decline. I'm furious, but they are stubborn. Well, i just have to wait. They'll accept sooner or later.
Genoa, on the other hand, sees the light. They accept our proposition of vassalization immideately, and from 17th august, Genoa is a vassal of Sicily.
France has started siege of Navarra, currently owned by Portugal, this July. In August, Crimea regains Kouban form Persia.
In september, we gain a new infrastructure level (3). This allows us to promote chief judges, thus improving efficiency of the law system and also gaining extra money. Shamefully, Sicily just doesn't have the money to do it.
In October, friendly relations with Russia and our nation are finally sealed with royal marriage. We send a beautiful princess Anna, cousin of Charles, to be married with Ivan, son of Vassily. Brrr, that girl needs a new set of fur coats. And a lot of them.
In 29th of November, Ryazan ceaces to exist as a nation- their leaders accept Russian king Vassily III as their righful ruler and all Ryazan lands are Russian now. I'm glad- strong Russia may help to keep Turkey at bay.
In the beginning of december, France captures Navarra from Portugal. Next day, a peace is signed, where Portugal gives up all demands to Navarra and that province is now part of the French empire.
Our first colonists failed. Travel over Atlantic has claimed over 2/3 of 100 that were sent, and rest of them were diseased. Shame.
In 13th december, Turkey takes Syria from Mameluks
1521
I start this year with small grants to Milan, and they think well of us agian.
A quiet year. In february, traders sent to Roanoke fail again, and again i send another expedition. In 23th Feb, Persia gain control of Georgia, Nubia takes Jordan from Hedjaz in March.
In 10th of April, Milan once again declines our vassalization proposal. Bastardos. But all hope is not lost, and i will definetly try again soon.
In May, Mameluks regain Syria. In june, our traders are even more efficient- trade level 3.
In August, Poland and Scotland make white peace, because there hasn't been single shot fired for 36 month.
In october, i exhancge maps with Venice. We gain new information about Arabian peninsula and seas aroud a new land called India. Shamefully, Venetians have no maps of Indian shores, just seas. Oh, well.
In november, our traders in Roanoke are finally successful. Instead of torturing them to death, Indians are busily trading glass pearls and other rubbish to valuable tobacco.
As our old Royal marriage of Venice has ended due to unexpected death of our princess extactly 25 years after marriage is signed, we arrange a new one. One could say that everyone in Italy likes us, with the expection of Pope naturally.
1522
Bad news come from Germany- a small state called Wurtenberg, the same where Martin "Hammer-man" Luther nailed his diabolic work, has declared a new state religion, something they call protestant. Ahhh, heathens in the centre of Europe and so far away from Spanish inquisition.
In january, i send another party of colonists to Manhattan. This time they are better-equipped and have enough supplies. I hope that they are successful. Shamefully, preparations have leave our treasury practically empty.
War between Mameluks and Turkey goes on as usual. There are no clear winners and clear losers. In April, poor Kouban once again changes owner, this time to Mameluks. In may, Turkey once again captures Syria. Yawn. But then, in May, Mameluks suddenly make peace with Turkey, giving Lebannon to Turkey. For the first time, some land was gained in Mameluk wars (Venice doesn't count).
In july, Russia declares war on Sibir.
In 21th October, our colonists, all live and well, arrive in Manhattan and start a new settlement there. They name it New Sicily. Natives are reported to be a bit suspicious, but still friendly.
Same day, news of Pope's another devious trick reach Europe. Seems like the Pope has divided whole new world between Spain and Portugal. Maybe i shouldn't have let Papal States to continue it's existance. To my luck, scribes of Papal States didnt' probably know about newest discoveries in North America, so they are left out. But our trading post in Barahona is now officially Spanish territory. I will get the pope for that.
In 1st of November, emissary of Milan requested an urgent audience with Charles. It seems like the city council has decided to name Charles new duke of Milan. I can't belive my luck. And their change of mind- they were fighting vassalization, but suddenly decided to lose independence and become a province of Sicily. It was a bit later when i heard that France was planning a war against Milan, and they thought it would be safer to be part of our empire. Yes, these rumours might be true, as French ambassador treated be very coldly in the following weeks.
Milan is a rich province, city of Milan having over 116 000 people. Province has both tax collector and chief judge, and brings total 22 ducats per year as census taxes. City is protected by small fortress and also we gained Milan's army: 5000 infantry, 5000 cavalry.
While browsing thorugh papers, i noticed that alliance between Modena and Knights is about to end in about three years, in 1526. I decided to send one very freidly letter to Modena each year, to make sure they will join our alliance when the old one ends.
1523
Finally, someone in Pommerania has came to he's senses: a white peace is signed between them and Algiers. Guess they just gave up hope of Pommeranian North-Africa.
In February, i exhance maps with English. I gain information about some new sea zones and a few islands in the Carribean. Next day, another exhancge is made, this time with France. Also some new sea zones, and a province named Chesapeak in North-America. I send trading expedition there.
In may, we renew our royal marriage with Modena.
In 25th june, Turkey takes Naples back from the rebels.
After one year of fighting, Russians capture capital of Sibir. Peace is made and Russians gain 43 ducats.
In october, our trades arrive in Chesapeake and estabish contacts with local indians. They are once again successful.
In november, another royal marriage is arranged, this time with Portugal
1524
In january, i send another party of colonist to Manhattan, once again depleating our trasury to make neccessary preparations.
In may, Napoli rebels agains Turkish forces once again. Leader of rebellion, a local peasant, sends me a note, asking for support. I don't even bother to answer. First, i'm not ready to fight Turkey, and second, no matter what, i shall not support rebels. They might get some strange ideas if some great power openy supports them.
In 4h of june, Bavaria declares a war on Wurtenberg, first (and hopefully last) protestant country in Europe. Wurtenberg stands alone, while Palatinat, Austria, Spain and Baden come to help Bavaria. I have no dounbts about the outcome of this war and i hope this will end this protestant craze.
In 28th of June, forces of Protugal gained Morbihan from Brittany. One day later, a peace is signed, with Portugal new proud owned or Morbihan. Brittany is down to one province, Bretagne, and it's impossible for France to diploannex them- no more common border.
In july, our alliance with Genoa and Tuscany ends. New alliance is signed the next day.
In august, Charles named me a regent of Sicily. This is as high as a man can go. At the end of August, i recive another good news: our colonists in Manhattan were once again successful. Now over 200 sicilians live on the other side of the ocean.
In the end of November, Wurtenberg falls to Austrian troops, who settle with 165 ducats. Same time, white peace with Palatinat is made. Bavarian army starts another siege.
1525
A quiet year. Bad news in the beginning: another 2 small German countries declare themselves protestant: Hannover and Prussia. Also, white 36-month peace is made between Poland-Lihtiania, Brittany, Scotland and Hanse.
In august, Russia attempts to annex Pskov, but the local Partiacrh declines, and to make thins even worse, cancelles Pskov's vassalization as well.
1526
In the beginning of the year, i find out that our dear neighbours from Savoy know a lot of the new world. I prepare exhange of maps, and we gain about 40 news maps from different parts of the world. It seems that Savoians have gained maps (or explored, i don't know) a lot of territories around Southern America. We don't get much of land maps, but we do know sea lanes now.
Same day, i exhancge these newly gained maps with France. In return, i get new maps of North-America, mostly of the territory called "Canada" for some strange reason. 2 trading posts are set up in Uncava and Torngat.
In May, i discover that Modena has some maps as well. I arrange the exchange and to my great suprise, they now some inland provinces in central America. Wonder how did they get their hands on these?
In 2nd July, Modena enters our alliance with Tuscany and Genoa. Savoy is still part of French alliance, and Venice is helping out Mameluks. I hope to get them sooner or later as well.
In September, Knights enter alliance with Russia, Pskov and Denmark. Strange, defencers of the Holy Land in same bed with orthodox heathens and potentially protestant country. Oh, well, we live in strange times.
In october, our traders arrive in their destination. One excpedition sent to Ungava, is successful, while another one, destined to Torngat, fails. We send another one
In 23th of November, Bavaria finally captures Wurtenberg, and 2 days later Wurtenberg is nothing but a province of Bavaria anymore.
1527
Another quiet year, nothing much happens in Europe. Only later this year, news start coming in. First, our traders fail again.
Second, Russia declares war on Teutonic order in 2nd November. Sweden, not looking for a fight with Russia, dishonours, while England joins Teutons. All Russian alliance joins as well.
Far more important news: in 22th November, Turkey once again declares war on Mameluks. It's a start of the Fifth Mameluk war. Some things are different though: Persia, who has so far been a trustworthy ally of Mameluks, suddenly dishonours. So does Moldovia on Turkish side, but who cares about them?
1528
First news this year: Helvetia joins these heather states, as they declare themselves Protestant. And right next to our border...
Looks like i'm doing a great job. Good goverment policies: 400 ducats invested in both trade and infrastructure. Also, we get trade level 4.
In 9th of January, the secret of Persia's behaviour is revealed, as they join an alliance with Turkey. Thouse scum. I would have wished Venetians would have dishonoured instead.
In february, we also get level 4 infrastructure.
In april, Turkey once again pulls his troops out of Naples. Some militarists propose immidiate attack, but i want to wait and see how the war goes. Turkey has at least won diplomatically, with gaining support from Persia.
And i was right. In 9th of March, Turkey conquers Syria, and heads for Aleppo- fallns on 5th of April.
Also, in 15th April, Russia conqueres Dorpat from the Teutonic Order. Wonder if it is their end?
In may, our traders have failed once again. I'm tired of this and order new ones to be sent to Saguenay instead. Fur is a fur, what's the difference?
In 20th June, Turkey concquers Judea. After that Turkish troops move to Samaria and start the siege there, but abandon it soon and move forward to Egypt.
Meanwhile, Russia takes Riga from Teutons in 9th August, one day later peace is signed, Russia gaining Kurland and 152 ducats.
In 1st of October, a white peace is signed between Poland-Lithuania, Scotland and Spain.
In 10th November, Turkish armies capture Egypt. Their generals order another march through Sinai desert, probably to get Samaria this time. But in 23th of December, Mameluks give up, and Turkey gains Aleppo and Syria, not to mention 129 ducats.
1529
First bigger nation has joined Protesnant movement: Sweden. Also, Thuringen and Hessen convert. The plague get's even worse.
To my joy, Sweden has dishonoured their alliance with England, and English, as good catholics should do, declare war on Sweden in 7th February.
Our traders fail in Saguenay as well.
In may, an emissary from Oman, a small nation in Arabic peninsula, has agreed to exchange maps with us. This way we get information about areas around Arabic peninsula and a bit of Africa. To my great suprise, we found another nation there. They call themselves Ethiopians, and they are christians. More like orthodox Christians, but to find followers of the true faith so far from civilized world is a good news.
I order another trading expedition to be sent to Mombasa, in Africa. This province is knows for it's spice and we could get a good price of it in Europe. They fail again.
1530
Hansa turned protestant this year. Oh, well, i give up. No point in argueing with them, especially when they feel the same way about pope as i do. Still, i grant no religious freedom to them.
Sweden's chances of survival decreace when Russia also declares war on them, in 28th January. Sweden is about to lose a province or two.
Good news from home: in 20th April, i have come to agreement with Alessandro di Medici, ruler of Tuscany. He will give all Tuscany's lands to Sicily's control, while i grant him position of Sicily's viceroy in North-Africa. This way, Sicily gains two provinces: Florece, with city of Florence (population about 62000), producing 15 ducats in census taxes and more important: city with Fine Arts Academy. And Luca, with Pisa as main city (about 38 000 citizens), 11 in census taxes.
Genoa seems to be a bit concered, but in may, i give gift of 100 ducats to Genoa, rising our relation to 200 again.
In august, i offer Genoa a part in Sicily, but they decline. They seem to be offended of me even making that decision, and our relations drop to +150
In October, rumours of vast riches in the New World have made population of Sicily even more inrested in colonization, and 3 new colonists come to our docks. They will stay there for a while as well, for i'm too busy with Italian politics to mess with colonization right now.
In november, Sweden gets Ingermaland from Denmark.
In december, Spain declares war on Aztec empire. I don't know where this empire is located, but rumours of it's vast riches have reached even my ears. Hope the Spanish are not successful, or they might grow too strong.
1531
For the first time, our census taxed have reached over 100- we gained 110 this year. 100 of them goes to Genoa, to improve our relations once again.
And if 12th February, Genoa finally accepts their destiny, and they join growing kindom of Sicily. Genoa (pop 100 000) is a good gain, for they have a CoT of their own, giving me another 60 ducats per year for almoust nothing. Also, 10 in census taxes per year isn't bad as well. Another Genoan province, Corsica, with capitol of Bastia
(pop 7000) is a different matter. Poor province, giving only 5 ducats per year. Oh, well, i guess it's better then nothing. Also, we gain 28 of Genoese warships and 5 transports ladden with 10 000 troops. Genoan admiral Andrea Doria seems to be a bit disappointed, and said some very nasty things about Sicilians. I'm not a cruel man, i didn't order him dead. Instead, i decided that he needs a bit of exercise and now he is happily rowing one of our galleons with the rest of it's jolly crew. My favourite galleon, and i go to joyride with it at least once a week. And i like speed. So Doria will have a lot of muscles very soon. Like a Thigh-Master of 16th century.
In march, Luca rebels. Our garrison there joins the rebellion and i lost control of the city. Also, my troops lost a battle against the rebels. I decided it's time to increace their upkeep once again, for these rebellions are getting concerning.
Our relations with Modena had steadily increaced to 140, but due to recent annexations they have dropped to 50 again. I guess i have to spend some of my yearly incomes to make them happy again.
In june, our forces beat the rebels, and start sieging Pisa. Shamefully, i have no cannons left. But rebels, foolish as they are, forgot to take some supplies with them, so they die like flies inside the city. Seeing the success, i order troops to begin regular siege, not assault.
In July, another rebellion breaks loose in Naples. Since there are no Turkish forces there, they happily start sieging the city. Rebel leader once again sends me a letter, asking for support, and once again i choose not to answer. Soon, i recive another one, saying that once they are finished in Naples, i'm next on the menu. Peasants.
In September, more people join Naples's rebellion against Turkey, now totally 41 000 rebels siege the city.
In december, Genoa rebels. With my garrison once again.
In 12 december, Denmark gets Gotland from Sweden, English and Russia's troops were there to help as well.
1532
So-called defender of the faight, England, has turned protestant today. I heard the pope got heart-attack when he heard the news. Good job, English, i'd say. Also, Palatinat is protestant.
In 2nd of January, rebels get Naples from Turkey. Looks like their leader really meant it when he said that we are next on the menu, as rebels troops start maching towards Apulia. We have an army waiting for them, so i'm not worried at all.
In 14th of January, i once again empty our coffers to give 100 ducats to Modena. To my suprise, they are very thrilled about it, as our relations rise to maximum. Also, i noticed that Modena starts building manufactory. Good, i really could use one.
In February, our forces regain Luca and head to Genoa.
In 14th of March, Modena accepts vassalization. Sicily now controls most of the boot.
Also, in march rebels from Naples arrive in Apulia. My army crushes them and we capture the rebel leader. First, i force him to eat his letters. Then he dies... slowly. Maybe that will show them a lesson.
In april, a new type of weapons, smaller guns called pistols are now standard equipment of Sicily's armed troops.
In june, Turkey's alliance take a huge hit, when Nubia declares war on Ethiopia. Probably because no-one know where Ethipia is, only Turkey remians loyal, while all other nations dishonour.
Soon, Crimena joins the alliance of Russia, while Algiers joins alliance with Aden and Oman.
In 30th june, England captures Västergötland from Sweden, and just 2 weeks later Russia gets Bergslagen-.
In december, Turkey once again took Naples back.
But an island empire... i will need a great navy to defend this, but the upkeep would be killing me... Sicily isn't the richest country in the world, gaining about 50 ducats census taxes right now and about 10 ductas monthly income (most of thanks to my CoT).
