I
Poland began her year in 1492 in financial destitute. The military expenses were crushing the treasury. A 30 thousand support limit was responsible for an armed forces 3 times its size. So it was made priority and cut appropriately. The infantry and cavalry were once again below the supported limit. Next, the monthly maintenance expense of the army was halved.
Continuing with reform, four tax collectors were hired for north provinces. This drained the treasury for the year. It was at 47 ducats. No further expenditures were made, but even so, none could have been made.
More focus was applied to the army. Land doctrine was embraced. But this made a few unhappy. Poland became increasingly unstable. Due, in addition, to previous instability from 1491. Every single bit of resource was put to correcting this problem.
Poland's monthly income came to +16 ducats.
In the middle of 1492, son of Casimir Jagiellonian, took throne. His name was Jan I Olbracht (John Albert). He was a mediocre king in many regards. His brother, Alexander, governed Lithuania. Lithuania was vassal and ally to Poland, and declared war on the Prussian - Teutonic Alliance in 1494.
The alliance made Poland part of the war. But that wasn't what she really wanted. Lithuania's forces rushed into Prussia one after another. But Poland stayed put. John Albert had bigger fishes to fry.
"Turks. They are what I'm after. Do you see?" John Albert said to his military aid.
The aid was ancient. He had deep creases on his face. His head was inclined.
"But, sire. Lithuania is our ally--and Alexander, your own brother. Their fate is closely linked to ours. This decision cannot be made upon lightly, sire."
"Who said it was made lightly?" John Albert looked at his aid with disgust. There was no reply. He continued: "Just because I don't want to send our brave men to die over a trifle? Is that it? Just because my decision does not suite your taste? Are you forgetting who you are questioning? Answer me!"
"Sire! I've never intended anything for you than my fullest loyalty. I am old, sire. I've served under your father when he drove off invaders, and expanded boundaries in the south. Do you remember when I used to dangle you in my one arm when you came to visit the camp with your mother?"
"Yes, yes. You are old. And stupid. One more quirk like that and you won't be here. Gone. You hear me? And I don't care how many times you've dangled me in your arm."
The elderly aid said nothing. His head was still inclined when a person gracefully glided into the room.
It was a chilly night. The room was lonely expect for John Albert and the aid. The station guards allowed the person passage when John Albert had finished berating the elderly aid.
"Lovely night, your highness." an imperious voice said,
"Violetta, you surprise me. How is it that a beautiful woman like you could even be alive? Much less be in my room?"
"By the wishes of God, my lord. For only by his saying could things be--things such as all things under the marvelous sky. Take hints from Him in everyday occurrences, your highness. Great things must no doubt come to whom is blessed already."
"Violetta. Are you hinting at your king being the instrument of God? Is that your meaning?" said, John Albert.
"What is written since the beginning of time cannot be disproved nor altered by my mortal utterances, my lord."
"Yes. And I should know it in my heart that what you say is true. Thou which is more fair and beautiful than the goddess of a mystic world. Oh, Violetta, Violetta, are you my muse sent to me by the heavenly kings? Or by the foul tempters of the underworld? By all that I am, I care not. For at this moment your sulfurous black eyes looking through mine examines my soul at your pleasure. Oh, muse, come another day, and I shall grant thee all thy wishes in my capacity."
"Gracious lord, I am only but a weak woman. And your divine words weigh heavily on my shoulders. I will do as you bid. And offer you no further concern. Fare-well, my lord." and she departed the room as quietly as she had entered it.
No order came from John Albert. And the two standing armies of Poland stood as they were.
Peace with the Baltic states came with Lithuania having to pay 34 ducats. Half of which came from Poland. John Albert was not happy about this. But he had no choice.
The years rolled on. Every province in Poland eventually got its own tax-collector. The stability rose greatly and stayed there. Resources were diverted to researching Infrastructure Two. It soon was finished. And no further diversion of resources was made.
In 1499, out of the blue, Pommern, Holstein and Prussia agreed to wage war on Poland.
Any way, on with the show. And hope you guys enjoy this aar. I'm sure I will. 
