Milan AAR - A life's work
Settings - Version
EU 1.08
IGC 2.0
Tax base normal
No major tags
Diff-Aggr: 3/3
Independent Brittany
CoT in Anglia
Balkanization on
Check http://www.geocities.com/eu_aar
Prologue - A History Lesson
Aaaah, the proud city of Milan... A city with a noble history. The city was originally founded in 502 B.C. by a immigrated Celtic tribe. About three hundred years later, the city and its surrounding lands came into Roman hands, after having withstand the Roman attacks for 5 years. In 46 B.C. Milan acquired Roman citizenship. This citizenship was the ultimate honor for a city within the Roman borders. It stated that the city and its occupants held the same rights as every other 'real Roman', since the people in the North of Italy weren't considered real Romans.
In the end of the 3rd century A.D., the city became the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and it was also the place where Emperor Constantine in 313 declared the Edict of Milan, granting Christians the freedom to worship.
In the decline of the Roman empire, in 374 A.D., the famous Ambrogio (Ambrose) was appointed bishop of Milan. He did many a good thing to improve the city... Milan became a Capital of Christianity so to speak.
Atilla the Hun sacked the proud city in 452 and the Goths did that again some 100 years later. However, the city didn't totally perish from these invasions and under the reign of the Carolingians (Charlemagne occupied the region in 774), Milan flourished once more
In 1045, following some conflicts, Milan declared itself a 'commune' and thus totally independent.
In 1162, the city fell into the hands of the Holy Roman Emperor: Frederick 'Redbeard' Barbarossa. The crowd was never happy with this suppressor, and in 1176, the Milanese, together with its ally, the Lombard League, drove out Federico and his armies in the battle of Legagno. Milan was free of any rule once again.
It was in 1395 that the famous Gian Galeazzo Visconti, rose to power in Milan. It was under his rule that the famous and fabulous Duomo was build, a cathedral in late-Gothic style. Also, the title 'viscount' is taken from his last name.
So, its 1492 now, and the city is under the most able rule of one of his grandson, Giovannia Galeazzo II
Introduction - A lawyer bound for court
I'm nervous when leave my house in the center of Milano. Very nervous. In a matter of fact, this is the most important day of my life. Since the day, a month ago now, the royal messenger brought me the letter, my life has never been the same again. The city of Milan is in trouble, constantly being threatened as it is by the French crown and the Venetian republic.
Looking for some fresh yet promising advisors, our beloved king Giovanni Galeazzo II, has somehow turned to me. How? I dunno, it's still a ridle to me. Fact is that I am bound for court and I will play an important role there immediately. Or so, at least, it was stated in the letter.
I am lead to the king's private quarters upon arrival in the palace. I enter his room, make a deep bow and greet our noble leader in the most honest way. The Royal Guard closes the door and I am all alone with the king, face-to-face with nobody in the neighbourhoud. Immediately I am being confronted with the plain facts:
I am appointed my the king and, as is my function, should advise him in the coming years. Our country state is an ally of the Spanish king and the English crown, and thus we are also allied with our fellow countrymen of Napoli. This alliance look like an excellent tool to silence the French in the west, since they have been threatening both Spain and Milan over the past few decades. The last thing we want is an old vendeta between two major countries spreading to our country.
To aid our goal to preserve our country, there is 5000 men infantry and 5000 cavalry at my disposal, under the able command of our best general Luca Sforza.
Milan itself has some 90000 inhabitants and is the leading cloth producer in Italy.
Our treasury holds but a mere 198 ducats, a pittyful sum when we compare it to the gigantic treasury our ally Spain holds. Also, the merchants of Genoa, to our south, have just recently agreed to the vassalage offered by us.
This is the starting position, my king has asked me to take good care of our nation.
AAR part I: 1492-1500
January 1492
I return home after this meeting, and am expected back in court the next day.
Upon arrival, the king immediately asks for advise on how to enlarge our finances. I tell him that a tax collector could be a nice option. It has to be said, our king isn't the most bright person alive
So, a bailiff is being put in charge over our capital. Naturally the peasantry won't like the plus in taxes, but we are confident they will eventually calm down...
I also suggest the training of more recruits, just to make sure that an eventual war with France doesn't turn into a fiasco. The king agrees and we command the city holders to recruit 10000 young men in the region to add to our army.
On the 4rd, two messengers arrive in court. Both are sent by the German kingdoms of Saxony and Hessen. Their leaders offer the king's daughters a marriage with their sons. I kindly tell Giovanni that we can't have enough friends in this cruel world and thus the Royal Marriages are agreed.
The rest of my first month at court flows by nicely and is being used to install myself in my office in the palace. Only minor decisions are being taken, like the sending of a merchant to Genoa.
February 1492
My second month, and on the first a Spanish royal messenger arrives in court, informing us of the fact that their vassals in Naples have kindly contributed to our alliance. This only makes our bounds stronger. France beware.
When I go to the bank on the 20th or so, I hear a pilgrim speaking on the market. He brings tale of a distant war. As far as I can hear the old man through all the noice, I can make up that the Russian tzar Ivan III, together with his allies in Crimea, Ryzan and Pskov has declared war upon their neighbours Kazan. I go to the bank, do some paperwork, walk back to the royal palace and inform the king. He takes note of the situation in the east.
March 1492
All on its own, Ferdinand I has begun a war with his enemies in Granada. The reconquista has begun. I send him best wishes with the reconquering of Europe upon the Moslem heathens. We pray to Our Lord that our beloved Spanish friend succeeds in his mission.
April 1492
I tell the king that it is time to expand our view on the globe, since Portugal, Spain and England seem to know an awful lot about the world, whilst we know shite. I send messengers to Granada, Russia, the Golden Horde, Persia, the Hedjaz, Oman, Denmark, England and Portugal, in that order. All leaders agree and maps are exchanged. Meanwhile, a Bohemian messenger has arrived in court, inviting us to yet another royal marriage. Once again, we agree, for the same reasons as before, you can't have enough friends. I suggest the king to tighten our relations with Spain further and tell him it's a good time to offer Ferdinand a royal marriage. He accepts, the next queen of Spain will be an Italian one. Of course Ferdinand informs his son Carlos of the news.
June 1492
Europe has been a peaceful place this far, but... no longer. A report from our traders in Venice lands on my desk, informing me, and the king of course, that Venice has gone at warwith the small state of Ragusa. In the same report is also stated that the Moslem hordes of Turkey are fighting with the Mameluks. My stumach just turns round when reading the tales on the Moslems... May Islam burn.
July 1492
Another royal marriage is concluded. The king calls me to his office and states he wants to secure our back in Italy and thus wants a royal marriage with the state of Modena, to our south. A messenger is sent and a marriage concluded.
Then some months pass peacefully, only minor stuff are done.
October 1492
Since the beginning of the war between Russia and Kazan, reports on the war have been stacking up on my desk. This month, another file lands there. It seems that the tzar has found another ally. Denmark apparently has signed a military alliance with the Russians. I inform the king, who thinks this alliance could be quite powerful in Northern Europe. Sometimes, he do is bright
November 1492
Of course, Spain and we have numerous spies in France, just to keep track of what the French king, Charles, is up to. So far, not a single worrying report. But in November, I am informed that France has added their historical friends in Navarra to their alliance. Although this is worrying, I am not surprised a single bit. I remember the evil Johanna of Navarra, who was French queen, during the uprisings in Flandres, almost two centuries ago. This, however, enlarges the French alliance, which now consist of France, Savoy, the Papal States, Brittany and Navarra. Although France is the only really big adversary, this alliance seems powerful, not in the least because both the Papal States and Savoy are in our immediate surroundings.
On the 27th, the same Spanish messenger I spoke with a few months earlier storms into my office, bringing me news of the annexation of Granada by hos overlord, Ferdinand. Spain has completed his reconquista, the Iberian peninsula is clean again, free of the Islam. I also found out the messenger's name is Julio.
January 1493
This far, Milan has had a peaceful time, but nevertheless, we have still two big enemies. One of them is the inevitable France. The other one, is the trading nation of Venice. Since we want no trouble with them, I kindly 'force' the king to organise a royal wedding with Venice. Another royal marriage is signed with the Habsburgian prince in the north.
February 1493
Julio enters my office again on the 5th. He tells me the cold war between Spain and France still continues. Ferdinand has added the kingdom of Lorraine to our alliance. Well, I'm not complaining.
March 1493
A fresh report from Venice reaches my desk. I immediately grab it and rush to the king's thronechamber. There I open the file and read the included letter to Giovanni.
Mylord
I, Massimo di Carnivale, your chief merchant in Venice, am worried a little bit. I hereby include the news that the Dogue has signed a military alliance with the German states of Pommerania and Holstein, and traders of the Hanseatic League. I am confident you will take notic of this fact.
Sincerely
di Carnivale, Massimo
The king takes note, but assures me the royal marriage we have with Venice will keep our backs secured.
May 1493
Again, with the king's kind permission, we tighten our relationships within the Italian penninsula, arranging a royal marriage with a princess from Florence. Following this arrangement, our relations with Tuscany have improved greatly.
On the 20th, I notice the file named 'Ottoman-Mameluks conflict' on my desk. I open it and read the report of how the war between the two Moslem states fares. Apparently, the Turkish emperor, Bayezid, has signed a peace agreement with the Mameluks. Turkey appears as the winner, taking the Israelian provinces of Judea and Lebanon from the Mameluks. The Al Kansur has also been forced to pay the remainder of his treasury, 51 ducats, to Turkey.
June 1493: The First Spanish-French war breaks out
History is about to be written. This is the feeling I got when I got out of bed on the 1st and looked out of the window. The sky was yellow with a few stains of firery red. My feeling is confirmed when later that day my friend Julio storms into my office, trips over the carpet, lands uncomfy on his face and hands me a letter sealed with the royal seal of Ferdinand. I open the letter...
My face turns white when I read the contains. Calmly, yet nervous, I march towards the king's master bedroom, wake him up and hand him the letter... The king's eyes shoot fire and lightning.
Already later that day, our armies based in the region are mobilised. Spain has declared war upon their archenemies France and its allies Savoy, Brittany, Navarra and the Papal States, dragging me, Naples and Lorraine in the conflict. It is vital that we survive this war, Milan WILL stay independant, of that I swear. And just maybe, we might get a chance of expanding out territory. With this mission in mind, conscriptors move through the city and two days later, our military forces are strenghtened with 10000 fresh recruits. 3 days later, Julio rushes in my office again, doesn't trip over the carpet and hands me a declaration that the Scottish king James IV has agreed to enter our alliance.
July 1493
Although we are at war, we stand our ground, defending the city and its surrounding lands.
Another file is brought to court, stating that the English crown has entered the alliance with the northern
empires of Prussia and the Teutonic Order.
August 1493
On august 1st, 10 'o clock in the morning, I march to the king full of confidence. I make a bow and afterwards I state clearly and plain that the best course of defence is the attack. The king isn't really confident of my advices and tells me he will think about it. Two days later he gives me a go to do whatever is necessary to end this war. The same day, Luca Sforza is commanded to invade Savoy with his 30000 men army. The brave general thanks me for the orders and marches away to prepare everything. A week later, we see the last Milanese soldier leave the city walls.
In the third week of this month, Julio is there again to tell me that the kingdom of Navarra has fallen and was added to the possession of the Spanish crown. I sent my greetings to Ferdinand and congratulate him with his newest annexation.
A report reaches me on the 30th that Torino, the capital of Savoy is under siege by our armies. Another 10000 infantrists are also trained in Milan to aid our most noble cause.
October 1493
Reports reach me from the south, warning me that the Papal general D'Este is on his way to our capital with about 5000 men. Our newest recruitments are sent soutwards to counter the offensive of the Pope. The two armies clash a week or so later in the fields around Bologna. D'Este is sent in the direction he came from and after a few swift charges, his army is decimated. D'Este flees back to the south with the remainder of his forces.
November 1493
Quite a busy month for an unexperienced advisor. Most of the action this month takes place on the diplomatic front as tons of alliances are forged throughout Europe. On the 1st, I get news that the German state of Wurtemberg has entered an alliance with the powerful Austrian empire, Bohemoa and Hungary. A few days later, the proud Netherlands enter the previouslly created alliance between England, Prussia and the Teutonic Knights. Also, the Trader-Alliance between Pommerania, Holstein, Venice and the Hanseatic League is expanded with the adding of Portugal to the pact. This is reported to our king, as Portugal could be a dangerous opponent when we would end up in a war with the Venetians. The German city states of Kleves and Cologne forge an alliance to withstand the pressure from my overlord Spain in the south, and the Netherlands in the north. A heathen alliance is created between the Moslem dogs of Turkey and Algiers. I spit on their pact. Of course, we don't appreciate the spreading of the Turkish influence in the Mediterranean. The last change in the alliance-month: the Swiss republic, Helvetia, enters the French alliance. This is also stated to our king. Helvetia will pay for this when the time is ripe.
December 1493
The war still rages, but as reports reach me, it seems that the walls of Torino are giving in to our siege. To aid mister Sforza in his attack, 10 cannons are build in Milan. They will be send to his aid as soon they are finished.
January 1494
Tragedy strikes our nation... On top of the war, our beloved monarch Giovanni Galeazzo is found dead in his bedroom this morning. The country mourns. A time of trouble was about to set off, if not there was a strong new leader waiting to take over our nation. A few days after the unanticapited death of our king, the new king rises to power: Ludovico I. Nicknamed 'the Moor'. Like stated before, this man was the ideal person to take over in such a troublesome situation, a strong man, who was about to lead Milan to unexpected glory.
New reports reach me about the situation in Savoie. Torino is almost down for the count. According to Sforza it could only be matter of a few months, at maximum.
Our informants in Vienna have also reported that the small nation of Bavaria has taken up arms against the Austrian monarch and his allies. We wish our Austrian ally bestest of luck against their agressors.
Yes, we are at war, but somehow, two months pass without anything happening, apart from some minor accomplishments in the city itself.
April 1494
April 1: Aaaargh, my head. Damn! What happened last night? I remember nothing but wine, loads of wine. A major headache takes control of me. As a result, my mood isn't exactly what I would call 'sunny'. I manage to make myself presentable and enter my office. A letter lies in the middle of my, now organised, desk. It bears the sign of Luca Sforza. I manage to smile. I open the letter and, all of a sudden, I am superhappy. As the letter says, Torino has fallen and Sforza has marched into the proud city. I immediately write an answer and call for a messenger. Luca's new orders are send.
May 1494
Another letter from the front reaches me. Following my orders, Sforza has initiated siege on the city of Nice. I wish the noble man good luck in the attack. In the meantime, my force in the Papal province of Emilia has defeaten another army of the Pope in the field. Maybe it is time to make peace with His Holiness. I take this matter on to my master Ludovico, and he says he will look into the matter.
August 1494
After three months, our noble monarch Ludovico signs a white peace with His Holiness Bonifacius IX. The king states in public that he doesn't want to take up arms against the Church. Of course, the one true reason of the peace treaty is that we just can't fight two wars simultaneously. With the Papal threat eliminited, we can now concentrate ourselfs fully on the attacks of France.
Another letter is alse received from Massimo di Carnivale in Venice, telling me that Venice has annexed the nation of Ragusa. This conquest gives them another nice naval base in the area.
Meanwhile, the war versus France continues, and even though the Pope has signed a peace agreement with us, his nation is still under heavy attack from Spain and Naples.
September 1494
On the 1st, a messenger reaches me, sent by the Austrian court. It seems that the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian, king of Austria, has signed peace with the agressors from Bavaria. Bavaria has paid the Emperor 94 ducats to end the war.
October 1494
The war in Nice is still going on, meanwhile our army there has withstood a combined attack of armies from France and Brittany. But, in general, it is a quiet month. One more alliance is formed between Persia and Nubia, but that's about it.
January 1495
News reaches us from Rome... After the Pope has gotten his most sacred but kicked by Naples, His Holiness has agreed to a peace proposition made by Naples. The Church pays 91 ducats in indemnities to the Spanish king, overlord of Naples and cedes the province of Romagna to Naples.
Earlier this month, Naples lost their capital province to an invasion of Savoy. Naples signs a peace agreement with Savoy, paying them 208 ducats. I highly suspect the Savoian armies will now return home, to retake their home provinces. I thus send a messenger to my general Sforza, who is still besieging Nice.
February 1495
On the very 1st of this month, my friend walks into my office again with news from the Spanish court. Julio hands me a letter in which Ferdinand states that he regrets leaving the war, but that the French king has made him an offer he just couldn't refuse. Spain has received 116 ducats from the French treasury, and has also gained control over Bourgogne and Lyonnais. I immediately rush to the king, hand him the letter and wait for his reaction. Ludovico turns white and red simultaneously, then gets into wild rage. He yells at me that, no matter the odds, Milan WILL withstand the now fully unleashed French fury. Milan WILL stand and WILL appear victorious. Even though I am confident of our armies capabilities, I am not quite sure the whole war will turn out good without our biggest ally.
March 1495
Maximilian I of Austria seems to be enlarging his diplomatic influence in Europe, since news has reached me from the Austrian court that he has made the nation of Hungary a vassal. I congratulate the noble man on his newest diplomatic move.
The rest of the year passes without any major problems, despite the war. France didn't even make an attempt to invade Milan, nor has Savoy tried to retake Torino.
September 1496
After more than a year without any major event (not that we mind, no of course not, despite the war our economy is thriving), one of the most talented pupils of the Milano Military Academy graduates. The young Stefano Garibaldi immediately succeeds in taking some 1000 inhabitants of the city underhis command. Then, the young conquistador turns to the court and requests a private meeting with the king. The king grants the request, but despite the young man's capabilities, the king just hasn't got any orders for the man now. However, I send Stefano to Nice, together with a letter for Luca Sforza, ordering him to take Garibaldi under his protection and to educate the young conquistador in the arts of siege and battlefield tactics. One learns by practice...
A messenger from Savoy has also reached our capital, begging for a white peace. We send him home...
October 1496
After quite a long siege, slowed by bad suply possibilities in Nice, the walls of the city finally show some signs of giving in to our sieges. The city walls crackle and in the west, holes are already appearing in the city's defenses.
April 1497
The siege in Nice is taking to long, reports have reached me that Charles VIII has send a large French army to liberate Savoy and that they have already departed from Paris. Quick decisions are needed. With the king's most kind permission, a messenger leaves for Nice. Sforza receives the letter on the 20th. The contains: Initiate an assault on the city, IMMEDIATELY. No further slowdowns are accepted. Your king, Ludovico I.
Four days later, a messenger arrives in Milan with the confirmation Nice has fallen into our hands.
The man is immediately send back to Nice with new orders. Luca Sforza is to invade Provence and besiege Marseille when he and his armies are ready for it.
After this, I pack my bags and depart for Nice, to negotiate peace with Savoy
August 1497
After some three months of negotiation, Savoy at last agrees to be annexed by us. The confirmation and the withdrawal of all Savoian presence in the area is signed on August 12 1497 A.D.
Our king is extremely happy with the recent set of events. The Milanese territory has just more than doubled.
http://www.geocities.com/eu_aar/Milan/Annexedsavoy.htm
September 1497
The necessary suplies and preparations are taken and Luca Sforza invades Provence, surrounds Marseille and initiates siege on the city. When the king asks me for a temporary summary of the war, I tell him our armies fight with a great morale, motivated to kick some French butt. I also tell him that it is quite weird that, up till now, France hasn't done one major attack to stop our armies. However, this maybe has a good reason since France is still fighting with Naples in the south of Italy, or so state the reports.
December 1497
Not much to report this month... The one colonist our nation held, one of the followers of conquistador Garibaldi, died during the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. He never arrived in Puerto Rico, where he was intended to go
February 1498
A report lands on my deks, stating that the siege of Marseille is going better than expected and the walls had already shown signs of giving in to us. On the 19th another letter of Luca Sforza is received, bringing the good news Marseille has fallen and is now under our complete control. The city magistrates were banished from the city and send to Paris with a peace proposition for the French king, in which we asked for peace, demanding Provence. No answer was received from Charles VII, so we presume that the French king wasn't entirely up to the proposition. I send Sforza some new orders, he is to invade Dauphine and its capital Grénoble. Dauphiné is quite a mountainious province, but I am sure our troops are up for the task at hand. Taking Dauphiné would give us another advantage when it would come to negotiations
April 1498
As it seems, Grenoble is already under attack by our armies. No troubles were encountered along the way, only one report reached me. Sforza has beaten a 7000 men strong French infantry army under the command of Field Judge Foix, a most able commander. But nevertheless our army appeared victorious.
June 1498
To shorten the siege, I send new orders to Grenoble, commanding an assault. This should get the city in our hands. A few days later, a messenger reaches me, telling Grenoble has fallen, due to the lack of a big garrison and the bad morale of the inhabitants. Before going to the negotiation table, I believe it is vital to take one more province from France, I send Sforza orders to attack Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc. To aid him, 5000 infantrists are recruited in our new province of Savoie. Of course, nothing of all this was done without king's most kind permission.
July 1498
Montpellier is under siege, and already after two weeks of siege, the city is giving in to our attacks. Sforza writes me he expects the city to fall within two months. That would be ideal. I bring to joyious news to Ludovico who is very pleased to hear this.
September 1498
It seems that Sforza's guesses were correct all the way, as Montpellier has fallen and a Milanese garrison was established in the city hall. A French letter arrives in court, in which Charles asks for peace and is willing to give us the provinces of Dauphiné and Languedoc. Of course, our king declines, with a little bit of help from my side. Taking Languedoc without having Provence would make that province locked. No, on the same day, I am prepared for a trip, a trip that would end in Paris.
One week later, my escorte and I arrive in Compiègne, residence of the French king.
The peace negotiations were short but hard. Of course France couldn't demand much. One day later already I was on my way back to Milan, having with me an agreement in which France cedes Provence and Dauphiné to us. Victory!!!
When I arrive back in Milan and the king hears what I have accomplished, big festivities are held. The city celebrates for a whole week. Milan had withstood France and had shown it was a power not to be messed with.
Following my accomplishments, our kind king Ludovico the Moor, decides to promote me to the rank of Viscount, a title of importance in Milan when you know the title Viscount was named after the famous Visconti family, an utterly respected family in Milan. I will bear the title with honour and dignity.
http://www.geocities.com/eu_aar/Milan/1498.htm
I, however, am not allowed to rest as the days pass by. The now dawned period of peace is being used to improve our relations in Europe somewhat. Royal Marriages are agreed with Scotland, Helvetia, Lorraine, the Netherlands and king Manuel I of Portugal.
November 1498
A quiet month, luckily. However, two alliance were forged in Europe. One consisting of Hannover and Brandenburg. An alliance that we don't find very important. The other however is an alliance not to be ignored in the future. The German nations of Hessen, Kleves, Cologne and the Palatinat sign a military alliance, trying to unite Germany once more and to bring peace to the warring nations. A strong German alliance is formed.
January 1499
To enlarge our income, a bailiff is appointed in Provence, a province with quite a big population. If we are to withstand France in the future, we will need money, loads of it.
Almost half a year passes by without any major problem
July 1499
Our recently conquered territories have been quiet this far, but no longer. The city magistrates in Marseille has sent me a letter, bringing me news that the regions has revolted. I Garibaldi with 6000 recruits to suppress the revolt. A week later, the province is at peace again.
September 1499
Our merchants in Thrace have sent me a letter, telling Turkey and its ally Algiers have begun war against the Mamelukes again. Not very bad, in my oppinion. As long as the Moslems keep murdering eachother, they can't turn towards Europe.
November 1499
Savioe has just revolted. Grr, that isn't the most pleasant news to hear when getting out of bed. However, the local garrison was more than ready and had already ended the revolt. Orders, bearing the royal sign, are sent to our other French possessions, commanding the recruitment of new men in all provinces.
It has been a while, but on the 17th, Julio appears again. Well, am I happy to see him. I hand him a glass of wine before taking the letter he hands me. It says Spain has signed peace with the Papal States. His Holiness has ceded Emilia to Spain. I immediately write a letter to Ferdinand, with my upmost congratulations. The Pope now only holds on to Rome.
February 1500
I am at home, reading a book and drinking a nice glass of wine when someone knocks on my door. Grrmbl... I walk through the hall and open the door...
Julio... Grrrmbl... Political matters now chase me into my private life. Even though I don't like the thought, the news the kind messenger has for me demands my attention. The population in the Spanish province Bourgogne has declared its independance from the Spanish crown, forming the nation of Burgundy. We decided to help our noble ally and the garrison in Savoie, 8000 men strong is sent to Bourgogne.
March 1500
Our spies in France have sent a report that the traiters in Lorraine have joined the French after a secret meating. Bah, that the Devil gets their foolish souls. However, Scotland has joined our alliance.
December 1500
On the very 1st, Ludovico declares in public that he will launch a major fortification effort in our realm and to make an example he had already paid a fortification increase in Milan itself. More fortifications are being build in our French possessions
Meanwhile Bourgogne has fallen to our attack. I send a negotiator the Burgundy. He arrives back in Milan a week later with a cool 482 ducats with him.
Settings - Version
EU 1.08
IGC 2.0
Tax base normal
No major tags
Diff-Aggr: 3/3
Independent Brittany
CoT in Anglia
Balkanization on
Check http://www.geocities.com/eu_aar
Prologue - A History Lesson
Aaaah, the proud city of Milan... A city with a noble history. The city was originally founded in 502 B.C. by a immigrated Celtic tribe. About three hundred years later, the city and its surrounding lands came into Roman hands, after having withstand the Roman attacks for 5 years. In 46 B.C. Milan acquired Roman citizenship. This citizenship was the ultimate honor for a city within the Roman borders. It stated that the city and its occupants held the same rights as every other 'real Roman', since the people in the North of Italy weren't considered real Romans.
In the end of the 3rd century A.D., the city became the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and it was also the place where Emperor Constantine in 313 declared the Edict of Milan, granting Christians the freedom to worship.
In the decline of the Roman empire, in 374 A.D., the famous Ambrogio (Ambrose) was appointed bishop of Milan. He did many a good thing to improve the city... Milan became a Capital of Christianity so to speak.
Atilla the Hun sacked the proud city in 452 and the Goths did that again some 100 years later. However, the city didn't totally perish from these invasions and under the reign of the Carolingians (Charlemagne occupied the region in 774), Milan flourished once more
In 1045, following some conflicts, Milan declared itself a 'commune' and thus totally independent.
In 1162, the city fell into the hands of the Holy Roman Emperor: Frederick 'Redbeard' Barbarossa. The crowd was never happy with this suppressor, and in 1176, the Milanese, together with its ally, the Lombard League, drove out Federico and his armies in the battle of Legagno. Milan was free of any rule once again.
It was in 1395 that the famous Gian Galeazzo Visconti, rose to power in Milan. It was under his rule that the famous and fabulous Duomo was build, a cathedral in late-Gothic style. Also, the title 'viscount' is taken from his last name.
So, its 1492 now, and the city is under the most able rule of one of his grandson, Giovannia Galeazzo II
Introduction - A lawyer bound for court
I'm nervous when leave my house in the center of Milano. Very nervous. In a matter of fact, this is the most important day of my life. Since the day, a month ago now, the royal messenger brought me the letter, my life has never been the same again. The city of Milan is in trouble, constantly being threatened as it is by the French crown and the Venetian republic.
Looking for some fresh yet promising advisors, our beloved king Giovanni Galeazzo II, has somehow turned to me. How? I dunno, it's still a ridle to me. Fact is that I am bound for court and I will play an important role there immediately. Or so, at least, it was stated in the letter.
I am lead to the king's private quarters upon arrival in the palace. I enter his room, make a deep bow and greet our noble leader in the most honest way. The Royal Guard closes the door and I am all alone with the king, face-to-face with nobody in the neighbourhoud. Immediately I am being confronted with the plain facts:
I am appointed my the king and, as is my function, should advise him in the coming years. Our country state is an ally of the Spanish king and the English crown, and thus we are also allied with our fellow countrymen of Napoli. This alliance look like an excellent tool to silence the French in the west, since they have been threatening both Spain and Milan over the past few decades. The last thing we want is an old vendeta between two major countries spreading to our country.
To aid our goal to preserve our country, there is 5000 men infantry and 5000 cavalry at my disposal, under the able command of our best general Luca Sforza.
Milan itself has some 90000 inhabitants and is the leading cloth producer in Italy.
Our treasury holds but a mere 198 ducats, a pittyful sum when we compare it to the gigantic treasury our ally Spain holds. Also, the merchants of Genoa, to our south, have just recently agreed to the vassalage offered by us.
This is the starting position, my king has asked me to take good care of our nation.
AAR part I: 1492-1500
January 1492
I return home after this meeting, and am expected back in court the next day.
Upon arrival, the king immediately asks for advise on how to enlarge our finances. I tell him that a tax collector could be a nice option. It has to be said, our king isn't the most bright person alive
So, a bailiff is being put in charge over our capital. Naturally the peasantry won't like the plus in taxes, but we are confident they will eventually calm down...
I also suggest the training of more recruits, just to make sure that an eventual war with France doesn't turn into a fiasco. The king agrees and we command the city holders to recruit 10000 young men in the region to add to our army.
On the 4rd, two messengers arrive in court. Both are sent by the German kingdoms of Saxony and Hessen. Their leaders offer the king's daughters a marriage with their sons. I kindly tell Giovanni that we can't have enough friends in this cruel world and thus the Royal Marriages are agreed.
The rest of my first month at court flows by nicely and is being used to install myself in my office in the palace. Only minor decisions are being taken, like the sending of a merchant to Genoa.
February 1492
My second month, and on the first a Spanish royal messenger arrives in court, informing us of the fact that their vassals in Naples have kindly contributed to our alliance. This only makes our bounds stronger. France beware.
When I go to the bank on the 20th or so, I hear a pilgrim speaking on the market. He brings tale of a distant war. As far as I can hear the old man through all the noice, I can make up that the Russian tzar Ivan III, together with his allies in Crimea, Ryzan and Pskov has declared war upon their neighbours Kazan. I go to the bank, do some paperwork, walk back to the royal palace and inform the king. He takes note of the situation in the east.
March 1492
All on its own, Ferdinand I has begun a war with his enemies in Granada. The reconquista has begun. I send him best wishes with the reconquering of Europe upon the Moslem heathens. We pray to Our Lord that our beloved Spanish friend succeeds in his mission.
April 1492
I tell the king that it is time to expand our view on the globe, since Portugal, Spain and England seem to know an awful lot about the world, whilst we know shite. I send messengers to Granada, Russia, the Golden Horde, Persia, the Hedjaz, Oman, Denmark, England and Portugal, in that order. All leaders agree and maps are exchanged. Meanwhile, a Bohemian messenger has arrived in court, inviting us to yet another royal marriage. Once again, we agree, for the same reasons as before, you can't have enough friends. I suggest the king to tighten our relations with Spain further and tell him it's a good time to offer Ferdinand a royal marriage. He accepts, the next queen of Spain will be an Italian one. Of course Ferdinand informs his son Carlos of the news.
June 1492
Europe has been a peaceful place this far, but... no longer. A report from our traders in Venice lands on my desk, informing me, and the king of course, that Venice has gone at warwith the small state of Ragusa. In the same report is also stated that the Moslem hordes of Turkey are fighting with the Mameluks. My stumach just turns round when reading the tales on the Moslems... May Islam burn.
July 1492
Another royal marriage is concluded. The king calls me to his office and states he wants to secure our back in Italy and thus wants a royal marriage with the state of Modena, to our south. A messenger is sent and a marriage concluded.
Then some months pass peacefully, only minor stuff are done.
October 1492
Since the beginning of the war between Russia and Kazan, reports on the war have been stacking up on my desk. This month, another file lands there. It seems that the tzar has found another ally. Denmark apparently has signed a military alliance with the Russians. I inform the king, who thinks this alliance could be quite powerful in Northern Europe. Sometimes, he do is bright
November 1492
Of course, Spain and we have numerous spies in France, just to keep track of what the French king, Charles, is up to. So far, not a single worrying report. But in November, I am informed that France has added their historical friends in Navarra to their alliance. Although this is worrying, I am not surprised a single bit. I remember the evil Johanna of Navarra, who was French queen, during the uprisings in Flandres, almost two centuries ago. This, however, enlarges the French alliance, which now consist of France, Savoy, the Papal States, Brittany and Navarra. Although France is the only really big adversary, this alliance seems powerful, not in the least because both the Papal States and Savoy are in our immediate surroundings.
On the 27th, the same Spanish messenger I spoke with a few months earlier storms into my office, bringing me news of the annexation of Granada by hos overlord, Ferdinand. Spain has completed his reconquista, the Iberian peninsula is clean again, free of the Islam. I also found out the messenger's name is Julio.
January 1493
This far, Milan has had a peaceful time, but nevertheless, we have still two big enemies. One of them is the inevitable France. The other one, is the trading nation of Venice. Since we want no trouble with them, I kindly 'force' the king to organise a royal wedding with Venice. Another royal marriage is signed with the Habsburgian prince in the north.
February 1493
Julio enters my office again on the 5th. He tells me the cold war between Spain and France still continues. Ferdinand has added the kingdom of Lorraine to our alliance. Well, I'm not complaining.
March 1493
A fresh report from Venice reaches my desk. I immediately grab it and rush to the king's thronechamber. There I open the file and read the included letter to Giovanni.
Mylord
I, Massimo di Carnivale, your chief merchant in Venice, am worried a little bit. I hereby include the news that the Dogue has signed a military alliance with the German states of Pommerania and Holstein, and traders of the Hanseatic League. I am confident you will take notic of this fact.
Sincerely
di Carnivale, Massimo
The king takes note, but assures me the royal marriage we have with Venice will keep our backs secured.
May 1493
Again, with the king's kind permission, we tighten our relationships within the Italian penninsula, arranging a royal marriage with a princess from Florence. Following this arrangement, our relations with Tuscany have improved greatly.
On the 20th, I notice the file named 'Ottoman-Mameluks conflict' on my desk. I open it and read the report of how the war between the two Moslem states fares. Apparently, the Turkish emperor, Bayezid, has signed a peace agreement with the Mameluks. Turkey appears as the winner, taking the Israelian provinces of Judea and Lebanon from the Mameluks. The Al Kansur has also been forced to pay the remainder of his treasury, 51 ducats, to Turkey.
June 1493: The First Spanish-French war breaks out
History is about to be written. This is the feeling I got when I got out of bed on the 1st and looked out of the window. The sky was yellow with a few stains of firery red. My feeling is confirmed when later that day my friend Julio storms into my office, trips over the carpet, lands uncomfy on his face and hands me a letter sealed with the royal seal of Ferdinand. I open the letter...
My face turns white when I read the contains. Calmly, yet nervous, I march towards the king's master bedroom, wake him up and hand him the letter... The king's eyes shoot fire and lightning.
Already later that day, our armies based in the region are mobilised. Spain has declared war upon their archenemies France and its allies Savoy, Brittany, Navarra and the Papal States, dragging me, Naples and Lorraine in the conflict. It is vital that we survive this war, Milan WILL stay independant, of that I swear. And just maybe, we might get a chance of expanding out territory. With this mission in mind, conscriptors move through the city and two days later, our military forces are strenghtened with 10000 fresh recruits. 3 days later, Julio rushes in my office again, doesn't trip over the carpet and hands me a declaration that the Scottish king James IV has agreed to enter our alliance.
July 1493
Although we are at war, we stand our ground, defending the city and its surrounding lands.
Another file is brought to court, stating that the English crown has entered the alliance with the northern
empires of Prussia and the Teutonic Order.
August 1493
On august 1st, 10 'o clock in the morning, I march to the king full of confidence. I make a bow and afterwards I state clearly and plain that the best course of defence is the attack. The king isn't really confident of my advices and tells me he will think about it. Two days later he gives me a go to do whatever is necessary to end this war. The same day, Luca Sforza is commanded to invade Savoy with his 30000 men army. The brave general thanks me for the orders and marches away to prepare everything. A week later, we see the last Milanese soldier leave the city walls.
In the third week of this month, Julio is there again to tell me that the kingdom of Navarra has fallen and was added to the possession of the Spanish crown. I sent my greetings to Ferdinand and congratulate him with his newest annexation.
A report reaches me on the 30th that Torino, the capital of Savoy is under siege by our armies. Another 10000 infantrists are also trained in Milan to aid our most noble cause.
October 1493
Reports reach me from the south, warning me that the Papal general D'Este is on his way to our capital with about 5000 men. Our newest recruitments are sent soutwards to counter the offensive of the Pope. The two armies clash a week or so later in the fields around Bologna. D'Este is sent in the direction he came from and after a few swift charges, his army is decimated. D'Este flees back to the south with the remainder of his forces.
November 1493
Quite a busy month for an unexperienced advisor. Most of the action this month takes place on the diplomatic front as tons of alliances are forged throughout Europe. On the 1st, I get news that the German state of Wurtemberg has entered an alliance with the powerful Austrian empire, Bohemoa and Hungary. A few days later, the proud Netherlands enter the previouslly created alliance between England, Prussia and the Teutonic Knights. Also, the Trader-Alliance between Pommerania, Holstein, Venice and the Hanseatic League is expanded with the adding of Portugal to the pact. This is reported to our king, as Portugal could be a dangerous opponent when we would end up in a war with the Venetians. The German city states of Kleves and Cologne forge an alliance to withstand the pressure from my overlord Spain in the south, and the Netherlands in the north. A heathen alliance is created between the Moslem dogs of Turkey and Algiers. I spit on their pact. Of course, we don't appreciate the spreading of the Turkish influence in the Mediterranean. The last change in the alliance-month: the Swiss republic, Helvetia, enters the French alliance. This is also stated to our king. Helvetia will pay for this when the time is ripe.
December 1493
The war still rages, but as reports reach me, it seems that the walls of Torino are giving in to our siege. To aid mister Sforza in his attack, 10 cannons are build in Milan. They will be send to his aid as soon they are finished.
January 1494
Tragedy strikes our nation... On top of the war, our beloved monarch Giovanni Galeazzo is found dead in his bedroom this morning. The country mourns. A time of trouble was about to set off, if not there was a strong new leader waiting to take over our nation. A few days after the unanticapited death of our king, the new king rises to power: Ludovico I. Nicknamed 'the Moor'. Like stated before, this man was the ideal person to take over in such a troublesome situation, a strong man, who was about to lead Milan to unexpected glory.
New reports reach me about the situation in Savoie. Torino is almost down for the count. According to Sforza it could only be matter of a few months, at maximum.
Our informants in Vienna have also reported that the small nation of Bavaria has taken up arms against the Austrian monarch and his allies. We wish our Austrian ally bestest of luck against their agressors.
Yes, we are at war, but somehow, two months pass without anything happening, apart from some minor accomplishments in the city itself.
April 1494
April 1: Aaaargh, my head. Damn! What happened last night? I remember nothing but wine, loads of wine. A major headache takes control of me. As a result, my mood isn't exactly what I would call 'sunny'. I manage to make myself presentable and enter my office. A letter lies in the middle of my, now organised, desk. It bears the sign of Luca Sforza. I manage to smile. I open the letter and, all of a sudden, I am superhappy. As the letter says, Torino has fallen and Sforza has marched into the proud city. I immediately write an answer and call for a messenger. Luca's new orders are send.
May 1494
Another letter from the front reaches me. Following my orders, Sforza has initiated siege on the city of Nice. I wish the noble man good luck in the attack. In the meantime, my force in the Papal province of Emilia has defeaten another army of the Pope in the field. Maybe it is time to make peace with His Holiness. I take this matter on to my master Ludovico, and he says he will look into the matter.
August 1494
After three months, our noble monarch Ludovico signs a white peace with His Holiness Bonifacius IX. The king states in public that he doesn't want to take up arms against the Church. Of course, the one true reason of the peace treaty is that we just can't fight two wars simultaneously. With the Papal threat eliminited, we can now concentrate ourselfs fully on the attacks of France.
Another letter is alse received from Massimo di Carnivale in Venice, telling me that Venice has annexed the nation of Ragusa. This conquest gives them another nice naval base in the area.
Meanwhile, the war versus France continues, and even though the Pope has signed a peace agreement with us, his nation is still under heavy attack from Spain and Naples.
September 1494
On the 1st, a messenger reaches me, sent by the Austrian court. It seems that the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian, king of Austria, has signed peace with the agressors from Bavaria. Bavaria has paid the Emperor 94 ducats to end the war.
October 1494
The war in Nice is still going on, meanwhile our army there has withstood a combined attack of armies from France and Brittany. But, in general, it is a quiet month. One more alliance is formed between Persia and Nubia, but that's about it.
January 1495
News reaches us from Rome... After the Pope has gotten his most sacred but kicked by Naples, His Holiness has agreed to a peace proposition made by Naples. The Church pays 91 ducats in indemnities to the Spanish king, overlord of Naples and cedes the province of Romagna to Naples.
Earlier this month, Naples lost their capital province to an invasion of Savoy. Naples signs a peace agreement with Savoy, paying them 208 ducats. I highly suspect the Savoian armies will now return home, to retake their home provinces. I thus send a messenger to my general Sforza, who is still besieging Nice.
February 1495
On the very 1st of this month, my friend walks into my office again with news from the Spanish court. Julio hands me a letter in which Ferdinand states that he regrets leaving the war, but that the French king has made him an offer he just couldn't refuse. Spain has received 116 ducats from the French treasury, and has also gained control over Bourgogne and Lyonnais. I immediately rush to the king, hand him the letter and wait for his reaction. Ludovico turns white and red simultaneously, then gets into wild rage. He yells at me that, no matter the odds, Milan WILL withstand the now fully unleashed French fury. Milan WILL stand and WILL appear victorious. Even though I am confident of our armies capabilities, I am not quite sure the whole war will turn out good without our biggest ally.
March 1495
Maximilian I of Austria seems to be enlarging his diplomatic influence in Europe, since news has reached me from the Austrian court that he has made the nation of Hungary a vassal. I congratulate the noble man on his newest diplomatic move.
The rest of the year passes without any major problems, despite the war. France didn't even make an attempt to invade Milan, nor has Savoy tried to retake Torino.
September 1496
After more than a year without any major event (not that we mind, no of course not, despite the war our economy is thriving), one of the most talented pupils of the Milano Military Academy graduates. The young Stefano Garibaldi immediately succeeds in taking some 1000 inhabitants of the city underhis command. Then, the young conquistador turns to the court and requests a private meeting with the king. The king grants the request, but despite the young man's capabilities, the king just hasn't got any orders for the man now. However, I send Stefano to Nice, together with a letter for Luca Sforza, ordering him to take Garibaldi under his protection and to educate the young conquistador in the arts of siege and battlefield tactics. One learns by practice...
A messenger from Savoy has also reached our capital, begging for a white peace. We send him home...
October 1496
After quite a long siege, slowed by bad suply possibilities in Nice, the walls of the city finally show some signs of giving in to our sieges. The city walls crackle and in the west, holes are already appearing in the city's defenses.
April 1497
The siege in Nice is taking to long, reports have reached me that Charles VIII has send a large French army to liberate Savoy and that they have already departed from Paris. Quick decisions are needed. With the king's most kind permission, a messenger leaves for Nice. Sforza receives the letter on the 20th. The contains: Initiate an assault on the city, IMMEDIATELY. No further slowdowns are accepted. Your king, Ludovico I.
Four days later, a messenger arrives in Milan with the confirmation Nice has fallen into our hands.
The man is immediately send back to Nice with new orders. Luca Sforza is to invade Provence and besiege Marseille when he and his armies are ready for it.
After this, I pack my bags and depart for Nice, to negotiate peace with Savoy
August 1497
After some three months of negotiation, Savoy at last agrees to be annexed by us. The confirmation and the withdrawal of all Savoian presence in the area is signed on August 12 1497 A.D.
Our king is extremely happy with the recent set of events. The Milanese territory has just more than doubled.
http://www.geocities.com/eu_aar/Milan/Annexedsavoy.htm
September 1497
The necessary suplies and preparations are taken and Luca Sforza invades Provence, surrounds Marseille and initiates siege on the city. When the king asks me for a temporary summary of the war, I tell him our armies fight with a great morale, motivated to kick some French butt. I also tell him that it is quite weird that, up till now, France hasn't done one major attack to stop our armies. However, this maybe has a good reason since France is still fighting with Naples in the south of Italy, or so state the reports.
December 1497
Not much to report this month... The one colonist our nation held, one of the followers of conquistador Garibaldi, died during the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. He never arrived in Puerto Rico, where he was intended to go
February 1498
A report lands on my deks, stating that the siege of Marseille is going better than expected and the walls had already shown signs of giving in to us. On the 19th another letter of Luca Sforza is received, bringing the good news Marseille has fallen and is now under our complete control. The city magistrates were banished from the city and send to Paris with a peace proposition for the French king, in which we asked for peace, demanding Provence. No answer was received from Charles VII, so we presume that the French king wasn't entirely up to the proposition. I send Sforza some new orders, he is to invade Dauphine and its capital Grénoble. Dauphiné is quite a mountainious province, but I am sure our troops are up for the task at hand. Taking Dauphiné would give us another advantage when it would come to negotiations
April 1498
As it seems, Grenoble is already under attack by our armies. No troubles were encountered along the way, only one report reached me. Sforza has beaten a 7000 men strong French infantry army under the command of Field Judge Foix, a most able commander. But nevertheless our army appeared victorious.
June 1498
To shorten the siege, I send new orders to Grenoble, commanding an assault. This should get the city in our hands. A few days later, a messenger reaches me, telling Grenoble has fallen, due to the lack of a big garrison and the bad morale of the inhabitants. Before going to the negotiation table, I believe it is vital to take one more province from France, I send Sforza orders to attack Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc. To aid him, 5000 infantrists are recruited in our new province of Savoie. Of course, nothing of all this was done without king's most kind permission.
July 1498
Montpellier is under siege, and already after two weeks of siege, the city is giving in to our attacks. Sforza writes me he expects the city to fall within two months. That would be ideal. I bring to joyious news to Ludovico who is very pleased to hear this.
September 1498
It seems that Sforza's guesses were correct all the way, as Montpellier has fallen and a Milanese garrison was established in the city hall. A French letter arrives in court, in which Charles asks for peace and is willing to give us the provinces of Dauphiné and Languedoc. Of course, our king declines, with a little bit of help from my side. Taking Languedoc without having Provence would make that province locked. No, on the same day, I am prepared for a trip, a trip that would end in Paris.
One week later, my escorte and I arrive in Compiègne, residence of the French king.
The peace negotiations were short but hard. Of course France couldn't demand much. One day later already I was on my way back to Milan, having with me an agreement in which France cedes Provence and Dauphiné to us. Victory!!!
When I arrive back in Milan and the king hears what I have accomplished, big festivities are held. The city celebrates for a whole week. Milan had withstood France and had shown it was a power not to be messed with.
Following my accomplishments, our kind king Ludovico the Moor, decides to promote me to the rank of Viscount, a title of importance in Milan when you know the title Viscount was named after the famous Visconti family, an utterly respected family in Milan. I will bear the title with honour and dignity.
http://www.geocities.com/eu_aar/Milan/1498.htm
I, however, am not allowed to rest as the days pass by. The now dawned period of peace is being used to improve our relations in Europe somewhat. Royal Marriages are agreed with Scotland, Helvetia, Lorraine, the Netherlands and king Manuel I of Portugal.
November 1498
A quiet month, luckily. However, two alliance were forged in Europe. One consisting of Hannover and Brandenburg. An alliance that we don't find very important. The other however is an alliance not to be ignored in the future. The German nations of Hessen, Kleves, Cologne and the Palatinat sign a military alliance, trying to unite Germany once more and to bring peace to the warring nations. A strong German alliance is formed.
January 1499
To enlarge our income, a bailiff is appointed in Provence, a province with quite a big population. If we are to withstand France in the future, we will need money, loads of it.
Almost half a year passes by without any major problem
July 1499
Our recently conquered territories have been quiet this far, but no longer. The city magistrates in Marseille has sent me a letter, bringing me news that the regions has revolted. I Garibaldi with 6000 recruits to suppress the revolt. A week later, the province is at peace again.
September 1499
Our merchants in Thrace have sent me a letter, telling Turkey and its ally Algiers have begun war against the Mamelukes again. Not very bad, in my oppinion. As long as the Moslems keep murdering eachother, they can't turn towards Europe.
November 1499
Savioe has just revolted. Grr, that isn't the most pleasant news to hear when getting out of bed. However, the local garrison was more than ready and had already ended the revolt. Orders, bearing the royal sign, are sent to our other French possessions, commanding the recruitment of new men in all provinces.
It has been a while, but on the 17th, Julio appears again. Well, am I happy to see him. I hand him a glass of wine before taking the letter he hands me. It says Spain has signed peace with the Papal States. His Holiness has ceded Emilia to Spain. I immediately write a letter to Ferdinand, with my upmost congratulations. The Pope now only holds on to Rome.
February 1500
I am at home, reading a book and drinking a nice glass of wine when someone knocks on my door. Grrmbl... I walk through the hall and open the door...
Julio... Grrrmbl... Political matters now chase me into my private life. Even though I don't like the thought, the news the kind messenger has for me demands my attention. The population in the Spanish province Bourgogne has declared its independance from the Spanish crown, forming the nation of Burgundy. We decided to help our noble ally and the garrison in Savoie, 8000 men strong is sent to Bourgogne.
March 1500
Our spies in France have sent a report that the traiters in Lorraine have joined the French after a secret meating. Bah, that the Devil gets their foolish souls. However, Scotland has joined our alliance.
December 1500
On the very 1st, Ludovico declares in public that he will launch a major fortification effort in our realm and to make an example he had already paid a fortification increase in Milan itself. More fortifications are being build in our French possessions
Meanwhile Bourgogne has fallen to our attack. I send a negotiator the Burgundy. He arrives back in Milan a week later with a cool 482 ducats with him.
Last edited:
