Part III: 1511-1520
January 1511
A new year dawns and the city of Milan is prospering. In the last twenty years, we have become a small power in Italy and Southern France. We even managed to gain lands from the dreaded French. So far, so good...
As a new year's gift, the king of Austria offered Wurtemberg to join the alliance he has with Baden en Thuringen.
April 1511
Villiers d'Isle Adam himself, the ruling visier of the Knighst of St-John, was received in court today. The noble knight wanted to negotiate peace, since his only ally, Genoa, has fallen under our attacks. Ludovico states clearly that he absolutely hasn't any intention of continuing war with the sacred Order. A white peace is signed with the Knights... Villiers returns home a happy man.
More diplomatic moves are done this month. One messenger is sent to the very North of Europe, to the country belonging to that other knight order, the Teutonic Knights, near the Baltic Sea. The noble knights agree with the royal marriage offered.
August 1511
The dreaded Turk once again goes at war against Christendom. In his unstoppable hunt for power, the Ottoman sultan has found a suitable prey in Moldavia. Bogdan III, the ruling monarch of Moldavia is not intending to give up his lands without fighting. He calls for his allies in Poland and Lithuania. the Polish armies have set march towards Moldavia.
We hope that the Moldovans can withstand the attacks of the Turkey-Algiers-Hedjaz-Morocco combo.
Yet another letter is received from the court of the tzar in Russia. Vasili tales of the fact that he has declared war upon the Golden Horde, the last stain of what was once the mighty empire of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun. The nomads drag their allies in Astrakhan into the war, whilst Mother Russia calls for Denmark, Pskov, Ryazan and Crimea.
September 1511
Aha, Christianity has taken its first steps in suppressing the Moslem aggression. As Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand I, king of Austria and my noble friend, found it was his duty to defend the Balkan against the Turks. The brave man thus send a messenger to sultan Bayezid, bearing the declaration of war. It was later I got news from my informants in Istanbul on how the Turkish ruler executed the messenger to make an example... Europe was on the edge of the First Turkish War.
Meanwhile, the Austrian allies in Baden, Thuringen and Wurtemberg all confirmed to Ferdinand that they would aid him in his journey. Of course, Bayezid had already gathered his fellow Moslem friends around him.
Ooooh, if only Christendom could prevail.
November 1511
Yet another war braks out. The year 1511 A.D. would henceforth be known as the Year of Trouble.
And once again, the Turks are involved in the war.
The republic of Venice together with its allies of the Hanseatic League, Pommerania, Brandenburg and, of course, Portugal has declared war on Turkey. They probably felt they could gain some lands while the Turk was fighting two other wars at the same time. However, this time Turkey only got help from the Hedjaz and Morocco. Algiers felt that it just couldn't handle all those wars and decided not to aid the Ottomans.
January 1512
The city of Genoa has revolted. 43000 citizens and peasants have stormed the city hall and the local army encampment in the early morning of January 3rd. All magistrates and soldiers were at sleep. They had no chance. Half of the local regiment was slaughtered, whilst the other half was confined.
The mayor and his magistrates however suffered a more terrible faith. They were all hung on the city walls, to show that Genoa was not to be considered Milanese no more. Every travelling merchant could now see the magistrates hang there.
The news of this event fills me with rage. The insulence... They will pay for this, they will...
In the name of God and Milan, those rebels will be punished in the bloodiest way imaginable.
May God forgive us for our deeds.
A huge 21000 men strong army is trained in Milan. It consists of infantry as well as cavalry and cannons. The garrisons in Savoy and Nice are also prepared.
March 1512
The tzar has signed a peace agreement with the Golden Horde. The Horde has payed 36 ducats to Russian emperor to cease his attacks.
April 1512
The revolt in Genoa City is still raging. The rebels have locked themselves inside the city walls.
We initiated a blockade to the city, so it will run out of food supplies very soon. Reports from inside the city have reached me that the first victims of the lack of food have already fallen. A reasonable amount of people have already fallen sick, and diseases are spreading though the city. Haha, these insulent Genoesew will die by their own hands... Attrition takes its toll.
Halfway through the month, Julio pays me a visit once more... It isn't a pleasant one however. Apparently, the king of Portugal, Manuel I, together with his allies in Venice, Pommerania, Brandenburg and within the Merchant League of the Hansa, has declares war upon me thrusted ally Spain. The aging Ferdinand has called for me and our ally James IV Scotland. We oth decide to honor our alliance and help the Spanish king.
Immediately afterwards 3000 fresh recruits are trained in Nice & 6000 infantrists together with 20 cannons are built in Provence to stop any possible naval attack. In Milan itself 12000 men sign up for the army and 30 cannons are built.
August 1512
After a lot of preparations, our army moves into Genoa and initiates siege. The rebels, unskilled in military tactics and defense, are quickly beaten. After a swift assault the city is ours again. As promised our wrath was terrible. The leaders of the different guilds, leaders of the uprising, are all racked and then beheaded. Some other citizens, mostly brave men and/or informants of the rebels are hung on the square in front of the city hall.
The revolt is thus suppressed just in time. Now we can turn towards Venice, Portugal and the others.
A small detachment of the army is left in Genoa, the other part is sent back to Milan to strenghten our invasion army there. Venice is about to be attacked.
October 1512
Our armies have invade the province of Mantua and have lain siege upon the city. Reports reach my colonels that more support armies, sent by Spain mostly, are on their way. In November new Spanish troops, under the able command of el Gràn Capitàn arrive in Mantua and set up camp to aid us in the siege.
January 1512
A New Year dawns and Mantua is still under heave siege from the combined Milan-Spain armies.
The city is close to falling. Another two months normally, and the city should give in to our attacks.
May 1512
Well, the siege lasted a little bit longer then expected ut at last Mantua falls. It is Spain however that claims the city as theirs, basing theirselves upon the higher rank their commander has. Well, I am not going to fight that decision. Other plans dawn... Venice itself, trading capital of Europe, is the next target... The Dogue will pay for his stupidity.
Meanwhile, our monarch Ludovico has decided to set up a trade embargo with all other European nations. The embargo should finish within 33 months. We can however use this opportunity to gain a monopoly in our CoT of Genoa.
Sad news reaches me later that month. The armies of Moldavia were beaten on the battlefield by the Turkish hordes and their capital of Chisinau has fallen to the Moslem guns. Moldavia, is henceforth being knowing as Turkish territory. The rising of Islam continues.
June 1512
Massimiliano Sforza has reached Venice with the remainder of our troops, 7000 men strong. The proud city is under siege.
The city walls are strong however and have shown no sign of crackling this far.
October 1512
Another war breaks out. Moslems are fighting eachother as Persia declares war upon Turkey and its allies of the Hedjaz and Morocco. As mentioned before, as long as they are slaughtering eachother, I don't mind in the least.
Then a quiet time passes...Only to be ended brutally in September 1513
September 1513
A messenger comes reeling into my office with a letter, bearing the sign of the Venetian dogue.
Why would the man write me a letter? I am one of his archenemies...
To Massimo Penen, advisor of Ludovico the Moor
Dear Mister. With regret we saw your country expand and stand up against the French suppression. We don't have a single problem with that. But, the Venetian Republic feels worried that your aggression will ultimately lead to our destruction and that we can not allow. We can not allow Milan to threaten our borders by fortifying your fortresses there and steging huge armies in the region.
I, Leonardo Loredano, Dogue of the Republic of Venice, in the name of my people, declare war upon Milan and its citizens.
That the best may win, milord.
Signed,
Leonardo Loredano
What? AAAH DAMMIT! Imputent lout!
The insulence... I am filled with rage and immediately want to send our armies to Venice, but when I calm down I realize that Venice is a big threat. It is a strong seaborn nation and has numerous islands scattered in the Mediterranean. These islands are, for the moment, almost impossible to take for us, due to a lack of navy.
I command the trainig of more recruits in Milan and call back troops from our French possessions to fortify Milan. We are not ready for this war... Yet!
In the comming months troops are trained in Milan, Genoa, Marseille, Nice and on Corsica. We want to able to counter any amphibious attack that may occur.
January 1514
Our armies are still strenghtening and troops are being gathered from everywhere. The departure will be due next month...
Meanwhile... The Polish king has signed peace with the Turkish sultan. I am pleased to hear that the noble Christian king Jagiello was able to push the Moslem threat back. Poland adds Moldavia to its possessions.
Good,... I hope that the reconquista in the Balkan has begun.
February 1514
The big departure is there... after half a year of preparing and recruiting our army is ready. I command Sforza to Mantua with the bulk of our army. A small detachment is left in Milan to defend the city against possible attacks.
I hope that we are able to show Venice its place in United Italy... BEHIND Milan that is.
March 1514
Out troops have arrived and have lain siege on Mantua. The city's fortifications don't seem all that strong after my generals in the area. They highly suspect the city will be in our hands in autumn. I entirely hope they are correct.
September 1514
AHA! Victory... My commanders were right. After one blitz assault Mantua gave in... The Milanese flag now flies high on the city walls. Next target... Venice itself! The Milanese armies set march towards Venice.
October 1514
Our army has arrived in the surroundings of Venice and beaten a Venetian army on the field. Our cannons are being positioned around the city and siege is initiated. The Venetian fort however is a lot stronger than the previous one in Mantua. This siege just could turn out to be a long one.
November 1514
Blasted! A Venetian army has launched an amphibious attack on Mantua and has initiated siege. Apparently the city won't hold long. 35000 Venetian have set up camp outside the province's capital.
February 1515
Venice has retaken Mantua and have set march to Venice to kick out our forces. The two armies clash outside the metropole... The fighting is harsh. The Milanese army fights fiercely. Heroic deeds are done, and many a man dies for his mother nation. Despite all efforts and braveness, the Legion of Rightiousness, defenders of Milan, has to flee from the battlefield, strongly outnumbered. The Venetian army doesn't show any sign of pursuing our army.
Marhc 1515
The remains of our army gathers outside Mantua and once again starts a siege on the city. We are getting exhausted. Yet, the reserve armies in Milan hold their ground.
April 1515
It is a sunny morning when I get out of bed on the 1st. A beautiful day!
My mood is superb. I greet my two sons on my way to the badroom and give my wife a warm morning kiss. Life can be so good!
Although we are still at war with Venice, the situation seems to cool down. Mantua is under siege and Venice is busy fighting our Spanish allies elsewhere. Spain is attacking Illyria in great numbers. I have also heard from a Spanish invasion force, under the command of Colonna, a most able general, preparing an assault on Venice itself in the plains outside the city.
My office looks nice as ever. When I look at it, it is designed with a sense for taste. The flour is made out of real marble of Carrara. I despise the amounts of gold and silver other courts spend on their palaces. The sight of the French court makes me disgusted.
In the middle of the office stands my desk. A nice piece of furniture made out of good oak from the north. Numerous figures are cut in the wood, but all very tasteful, not too much.
Then I noticed the letter in the middle of my desk. The envelope is decorated with lily's... Sign of the French royal family. I am filled with a sudden fear when I open the envelope...
The Second French War
The next thing I know is that I stand in the king's throne chamber, dictating him the letter.
The letter states clearly that the new French king, François I, in order to gain the thrust from his people, has declared war upon the infidels of Milan. We are once again at war with the dreaded French...
This declarance of war is highly unexpected and we are not prepared in the least.
However... We are not planning on being eaten by France, no, we will try to take some possessions of theirs as quickly as possible and then sign peace.
The reserve army in Milan, originally prepared for the war with Venice is sent reeling to Grenoble to defend against the possible French attack.
Messengers are send to Madrid, Naples and Edinburgh. Spain, Naples and Scotland all join in the war.
The old Ferdinand even sends me a letter he is eager to show the French their rightful place in Europe.
We are now facing a combined force consisting of France, the Papal States, Helvetia, Lorraine and Modena. This war could well steer our future. We will have to survive this war to claim our place in Europe.
After the departure of the reserve army, 10000 more recruits are signed up and 40 cannons are built.
Reports have already reached me that an army from Modena has set off to our capital. The army appears to be some 12000 men strong, all infantry however.
May 1515
The agressors from the south have reached our city walls and have commenced a siege. The city walls however seem able to withstand the siege for a long time, long enough to call armies back from the rest of our possessions to liberate the city. Two messengers are sent in different directions. One leaves for our Sforza's army in Mantua, the other drives off in the direction of Genoa, to call for the help of our garrison there.
A few days later, both messenger are back in court, they each have the same news. The local commanders will come to aid us asap, when their armies are ready.
June 1515
In the east, the Turkish sultan Selim signs peace with the Persian ruler Ismael, after having endured some huge losses by Persian hands. Persia appears victorious and grabs the roch province of Trabzon from the Turks. Same remark: Moslem wars... I don't mind a single bit.
The siege on Milan continues but the city walls haven't shown any sign of giving in yet... The countryside surrounding the city have well felt the effects of war. A lot of farms have been raided for food, farmers were slaughterd, women and children raped... It is time that we strike back...
January 1516
Tragedic news reaches me from Mantua. The old Sforza has passed away cuz of age... The body is to be returned to Milan for a state funeral. His son however, the brave Fabrizzio Sforza has taken over command of his fathers troops. The youngster has been a help of his father already for five years and has commanded many attacks this far. The man excels at tactics and keeping up moral. Later that month, the first report from Fabrizzio is also received. Our armies have retaken Mantua from Venice and are already on their way back to Milan. Apparently, the Genoese regiment are also on their way.
March 1516
The Legion and the Genoese regiment clash with the Modena Army outside Milan. The battle is decided quickly... The tactician Sforza sent our small cavalry round to attack the Modenese artillery from the side. Meanwhile, the bulk of our forces clashed with the outnumbered Modenese in the middle. Our artillery detechments provided cover fire. The Modenese general and a handful of his mates were able to flee back to their home province. Fabrizzio Sforza immediately starts the pursuit, taking the Genoese regiment with him.
In France itself, Spain is rampaging through Lorraine and Helvetia at the moment.
May 1516
Sforza has well reached Modena by now and has lain siege on the city. Meanwhile the king of Lorraine Antoine has paid the new Spanish king Carlos 250 ducats to end the war. The noble Spanish king Ferdinand I has passed out last winter and was succeeded by his son.
July 1516
For the first time in a long, I receive word from Father Benedict again. The monk reports that Vasili, tzar of all Russians, has annexed his vassals in Ryazan lately, expanding his influence on the Russian plains further.
September 1516
The fresh recruits in Milan are sent to Provence to defende the port of Marseille against possible naval attacks... Meanwhile, France seems to be busy fighting off Spain in the North and in the surroundings of Dijon (Franch Comté).
March 1517
The time of revenge is nigh!... Our armies gathered in Marseille are sent to Languedoc to defeat the French there. However, one day after their departure from Marseille, I am forced to send a messenger to call them back to Milan. They arrive in Milan a few weeks later, just in time to defend the city against forces sent by the Pope. The Papal forces are beaten outside Milan and pursued.
April 1517
Carlos, king of Spain, has signed a peace treaty with the Dogue in Venice. After some fierce battles in the Adriatic, Spain gains control over the province of Istria.
I immediately send a messenger to Venice also, to negotiate peace with the Dogue. Two weeks later, he is back in court, bearing with him the declaration of the white peace.
May 1517
I have worked well for the cause of Milan untill now, and to repay me for my work, our king Ludovico has decided to promote me again. I am now to be adressed as Marquis Massimiliano Penen... HAHA
August 1517
Spain is doing well in this war this far. The untakeble province of Helvetia has fallen to the SPanish attacks, and the Helvetian republic was annexed by the Spanish crown. Good for them... I send my congrats to Madrid
November 1517
The Milanese army once again fights a battle with the Papal armies, once again, we are victorious. Apparently, God turns our side when it really comes to it. The victorious armies are sent further into Papal territory and set off for Rome itself, capital of Christianity and capital of the ancient Roman Empire. Ohhh, if only we could add that pearl to our crown.
January 1518
After long siege, Fabrizzio Sforza sends me a letter that the city of Modena has given in to our attacks and that our armies have already marched into the city. I immediately ride my horse to Modena to negotiate peace with the defeated Alfonso, king of Modena. The king agrees to cede his possessions to our rule. The Milanese territory is further expanded and Modena is added to our possessions.
Immediately afterwards, the fortress in Modena is expanded.
More troops are trained in our French possessions since we still have to face France for the very first time this war.
Meanwhile we have signed a white peace with Lorraine.
On the 10th, I get news that Rome has come under siege of our army. The army of Sforza is commanded to France for future use. The walls of Rome seem to be weak. After two weeks already, a lot of holes have appeared in the city's defenses.
February 1518
February 25, a glorious day. Rome falls into the hands of the Milanese army. The colonel commanding our army, Gaspaccio, immediately signs a peace treaty with His Holiness. The Pope declares that his lands are to be considered Milanese and that he from now will never claim any wordly possessions no more.
Immediately afterwards, I command the people of Rome to expand the fortress of the city. Rome is a city we will hold on to. A city showing the power of Milan. Rome is back where it belongs... Under firm Christian rule, not corrupted by the Pope's influence.
http://www.geocities.com/eu_aar/Milan/annexedpope.htm
On the same day, Julio is there again to hand me a letter. The letter bears bad news however. Despite the force of the Spanish armies, Spain can't fight two big wars simultaneously. Busy defending their borders against France, they let Portugal sneak in unnoticed. The Portuguese took Andalusia, Sierra Nevada, Leon, Gibraltar and Madrid itself, without much resistance. Carlos I is forced to cede Andalusia, Sierra Nevada and Leon to Portugal.
This is an uppercut for Spain. THey just lost their biggest shipyard and suffered the insult of losing their capital to foreigners.
March 1518
Tragedy! Spain and France have concluded peace...
France has struck back fiercely and regained control over their previously lost provinces of Bourgogne and Lyonnais. That leaves us isolated once again!
we will try our best. It seems however, that the French treasury is depleted and that they are short on troops.
June 1518
A small French detachment of 5000 infantrists has attacked Grenoble. The poor soldiers were all shot down by our garrison, high up in the city. The bodies of the French now feed the crows in the fields outside the city.
August 1518
The second attempt of retaliation is there. Our armies gathered in Provence, Dauphiné and Nice all set off for Languedoc. Our scouts have reported that the fortress of Montpellier, isn't all that strong and we should be able to break through it fairly easy.
Also, a legal counsil is promoted in Genoa to make sure the population doesn't revolt.
October 1518
A letter from Massimo di Carnivale in Venice again. Aha, I am eager to now what the kind men has to tell me now. Apparently, the Dogue has lost the battle against Islam and has ceded the Cyclades to the Turkish agression. When is this Turkish agression going to stop dammit!
14000 fresh recruits are trained in Milan itself to aid to our conquest in France.
December 1518
As expected, the Turks just can't stop warring. Selim has sent a declaration of war to the noble Knights of St.John, based on Rhodes. The Knights demand for the support of their Greek allies. The Turk however drags in the Hedjaz, Wallachia and Nubia.
I send my support to the Knights, but expect that they will perish soon enough.
March 1519
Meanwhile, our armies in Savoie and Milan have been expanding nicely and now is the time to strike France again. I send 22000 recruits and 50 cannons of to Lyon, a rich city which France will defend fiercely. If we could take that province, I am sure the French king would be reasonable when it comes to negotiations. I am determined not to lose.
May 1519
The war in the Balkan turns into a Turkish victory all the way. After just 5 months of war, Greece has to cease its attacks and is annexed by the Turks. The Turkish empire gets bigger still.
I swear to God that Milan will one day be powerful enough to stand up against the Turks. We will one day!
June 1519
The fortresses of Montpellier have given in to our siege and Languedoc falls into our hands. Meanwhile, Lyon is also giving in to our siege.
A French messenger arrives in Milan later that month, taling that François offers us Languedoc in exchange of peace. I greedily jump at the proposal...
Milan is tired, out of money and in need of peace. I am happy that we have survived these troublesome times.
Our territory has expanded nicely during this war. We have taken a total of 3 provinces: Modena, Roma and Languedoc. All reasonable rich provinces, with a nice population.
It is time to calm down now and to cure our wounds.
September 1519
Europe cools down and it is time to go diplomatic again. The German nations of Saxony, Bohemia & Hannover sign a military alliance, forging a German alliance of reasonable strenght.
November 1519
One more alliance is forged. The Russian tzar offers the Knights of St John a helping hand and takes them under his wings and into his alliance. Meanwhile, the Hanseatic League expands its influcne and makes Pommerania a vassal. Last, we conclude a royal marriage with the Balkan state of Serbia.
December 1519
I am promoted to Duke! Wooopeeee!
January 1520
Tragedy strikes our nation again. Our noble king Ludovico has passed away this morning, taking his bath. The old man died without a heir, and since I am not qualified to take over regency, the Milan City Counsil is appointed ruler of our thriving nation. The Republic of Milan is born!
The first real European democracy is established.
The first decision of the Counsil is the appointment of a legal counsil in Modena
March 1520
The German Alliance of Saxony expands further, taking the strong nation of Hessen in.
August 1520
Further reorganising of our empire this month. A counsil is appointed in Montpellier - Languedoc
Also, the City Counsil funds the expanding of our fortress in Milan, taking the fortress to a nice lvl 3.
October 1520
Yes, further reorganising.... Legal Counsil in Rome.
