Pasai is about to get wrecked. Nuova Italia is western, and is much more powerful, even while weakened.
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There's also the Sunda army that the Hindu nation kindly offered to aid us.
Chapter 96
Inavat ordered his men to get into position. The loss of the one thousand cavalrymen was going to lessen their overall ability to deal damage but he felt confident in his men. The enemy was getting into position where their skirmishers got in range to open fire while the infantry core was right behind them to support against enemy charges. While the skirmishers were trading fire, Inavat scanned the enemy ranks discovering that his infantry core was likely outnumbered by twice the number. This made him curse his earlier decision more as the extra cavalry could be a deciding factor. Inavat had his cavalry wait at the flanks while he gauged the strength of his enemies.
The Pasai general did notice some disorganization within the enemy ranks while they got into formation. He was quite certain that he was faced against professional soldiers. Thus, he concluded that the one thousand cavalry did some serious disruption during their charge into enemy ranks. They at least died taking as many enemy soldiers with them so they would make him and Allah proud. Inavat wasn't so worried as earlier knowing that his side could still win this engagement. They had the higher ground which he intended on using to his full advantage. Defeating this enemy would deliver a serious morale blow to Nuova Italia and possibly win the war for Pasai.
Both sides were hesitant to initiate the battle as they were fine with skirmishers weakening the enemy bit by bit. Inavat, knowing that the enemy outnumbered his in infantry and, as a result, skirmishers, didn't want the skirmishing phase to drag on until his side was at a major disadvantage. His cavalry was ordered to charge down the enemy skirmishers who, upon seeing the Muslim cavalrymen bearing down on them, quickly withdrew. The enemy infantry did get between the Muslim cavalry and their skirmishers but they weren't prepared for the devastating charge. The Muslim cavalry pulled out after dealing serious casualties with the Muslim infantry replacing them.
There was no clear victor in the battle but the Muslim general could see the enemy using their numbers advantage to slowly encircle his men. If they succeeded, then it would only be a matter of time before his side lost. Inavat made a tough decision of calling for a withdraw against the enemy. He was in an unfavorable situation that could easily result in his army's complete annihilation if he wasn't careful. Inavat saw it more beneficial for them to withdraw and fight another day. His enemy might win this battle but the Pasai forces still held the advantage. The Muslim general made a vow of returning to Siak and take it the next time he arrived.
Victory! We must make this day a national holiday! Inavat is not as good as Gian. He will lose!
Let us hope this battle wins time for Nuova Italia to prepare itself as best it can as Inavat will surely return with a vengeance!
Victory! We must make this day a national holiday! Inavat is not as good as Gian. He will lose!
Our national holiday should be the day when Pasai bows before Nuova Italia.
The Muslim threat is very much real. Our soldiers cannot rest until they invaders are ousted.
Chapter 97
Inavat had thought his withdraw would be straightforward but the Sunda general, Girindrawardhana (or Giri for short), wasn't about to give Inavat the chance to regroup from the recent defeat. The Hindu general saw this as an opportunity to seriously cripple the military strength of the Pasai nation. Giri hadn't risen to the general position by simple accident or birthrights. He worked hard to earn the title and his officers, along with his soldiers, respected him for what he was capable of. The previous battle outside Siak was a good indication that the Muslim forces weren't to be underestimated. As a result, he saw the necessity of using the momentum to eliminate this threat once and for all.
The Nuova Italian mercenary army chose to tag along since they were given orders to repel the invaders. The fact that the Sunda soldiers were doing the bulk of the work suited them fine since they could appear as though they were working while not needing to risk their lives as much. Giri saw this display but tolerated it since he saw it more beneficial to have the mercenaries by his side. Even if the mercenaries weren't performing to their fullest, their numbers alone would have some negative impact on the enemy morale. The Sunda general was fine as long as the mercenaries didn't get in the way between him and his eventual victory over the Pasai soldiers.
The Muslim general thought he was safe when he returned back into Pasai territory. The province of Rokan was a good location for his men to regroup and prepare for another attack on the enemy. Inavat was definitely surprised to learn that the enemy forces followed him into Pasai and were preparing the siege of the town he was in. Inavat cursed his enemy's persistence and saw that he had no choice but to engage the enemy. The town didn't have enough food and supplies to support his men for long so a siege would only benefit the enemy. He wanted to, before encountering supply problems, rally his men to win a decisive battle.
Inavat was amazed how much of an impact the defeat had on his men. They enjoyed smooth sailing since they entered Nuova Italian territory with his soldiers boasting very high morale. Yet, the lone loss was enough to demoralize them greatly. They no longer had the confidence in themselves nor their general which worried Inavat greatly. The battle efficiency of his soldiers had dropped dramatically and Inavat feared the consequences of another defeat at the hands of his enemies. The spirit of his men would likely shatter as a result which would turn the tide for the enemy. His army was likely the main obstacle between the enemy and the nation of Pasai.
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Chapter 98
The Muslim general led his soldiers out of the town to fight the enemy waiting outside. He could see a difficult battle awaiting him and his men but he wasn't about to let his slight doubts show on his face. His men needed a strong leader if he hoped to acquire any sort of victory. The enemy still seemed numerous with them outnumbering his army by a fair margin. Still, he knew that numbers alone wouldn't decide the upcoming battle. He ordered his men to get into a new formation and prepared to engage the enemy without giving them a chance to organize their lines. Inavat wanted to strike quickly and hopefully take advantage of openings left by the enemy.
The Muslim cavalry force was allowed to mount a charge first but the Giri learned from his first battle. Therefore, Sunda cavalry responded by charging at the incoming Muslim cavalry. The two sides collided at the middle of the battlefield where they fought for a minute before returning back to their respective sides. The charge and the brief melee fight saw many cavalry killed but the Muslims seemed to have suffered more losses in the engagement. The infantry of the two sides then charged at one another with their shouts and screams filling the air. A long and gruesome battle was about to take place and neither side was backing away easily.
As the battle raged on, the Muslim soldiers were slowly getting pushed back. They were not only slightly outnumbered but their morale also took a significant hit in the last battle seeing them unable to hold their ground as effectively. Giri saw this as a chance for a cavalry charge into the enemy flanks. Inavat reacted and ordered his own cavalry to intercept but they were fewer in numbers so some of the Hindu cavalry reached their intended targets. The charge achieved the effect of shattering the spirit of some Muslim soldiers creating a mass rout. Inavat had no choice but lead his remaining army away fro Rokan to flee the pursuing enemy forces.
Giri knew that he had the enemy on the ropes. The Muslims might still have many soldiers at their disposal but low morale was their main weakness. He had to maintain the pressure until he completely annihilated the enemy. The Hindu general wanted the conclusion of this war since he understood the consequences of a prolonged war with Pasai. Just as Nuova Italia was attacked by Pasai by being occupied by the war with Kutai, Sunda could easily be engulfed in a war with Majapahit if she was too busy dealing with Pasai. It certainly benefited both nation if the war didn't drag on indefinitely. A strong Nuova Italia might actually help Sunda more in Southeast Asia.
The Muslim general led his soldiers out of the town to fight the enemy waiting outside. He could see a difficult battle awaiting him and his men but he wasn't about to let his slight doubts show on his face. His men needed a strong leader if he hoped to acquire any sort of victory. The enemy still seemed numerous with them outnumbering his army by a fair margin. Still, he knew that numbers alone wouldn't decide the upcoming battle. He ordered his men to get into a new formation and prepared to engage the enemy without giving them a chance to organize their lines. Inavat wanted to strike quickly and hopefully take advantage of openings left by the enemy.
The Muslim cavalry force was allowed to mount a charge first but the Giri learned from his first battle. Therefore, Sunda cavalry responded by charging at the incoming Muslim cavalry. The two sides collided at the middle of the battlefield where they fought for a minute before returning back to their respective sides. The charge and the brief melee fight saw many cavalry killed but the Muslims seemed to have suffered more losses in the engagement. The infantry of the two sides then charged at one another with their shouts and screams filling the air. A long and gruesome battle was about to take place and neither side was backing away easily.
As the battle raged on, the Muslim soldiers were slowly getting pushed back. They were not only slightly outnumbered but their morale also took a significant hit in the last battle seeing them unable to hold their ground as effectively. Giri saw this as a chance for a cavalry charge into the enemy flanks. Inavat reacted and ordered his own cavalry to intercept but they were fewer in numbers so some of the Hindu cavalry reached their intended targets. The charge achieved the effect of shattering the spirit of some Muslim soldiers creating a mass rout. Inavat had no choice but lead his remaining army away fro Rokan to flee the pursuing enemy forces.
Giri knew that he had the enemy on the ropes. The Muslims might still have many soldiers at their disposal but low morale was their main weakness. He had to maintain the pressure until he completely annihilated the enemy. The Hindu general wanted the conclusion of this war since he understood the consequences of a prolonged war with Pasai. Just as Nuova Italia was attacked by Pasai by being occupied by the war with Kutai, Sunda could easily be engulfed in a war with Majapahit if she was too busy dealing with Pasai. It certainly benefited both nation if the war didn't drag on indefinitely. A strong Nuova Italia might actually help Sunda more in Southeast Asia.
The Sunda forces may have been late, but they have been effective. I say the wait was worth it. Giri is such a bad ass.
Sunda so saved Nuova Italia there. Don't tell them that though. It'd damage national pride.
The Sunda forces may have been late, but they have been effective. I say the wait was worth it. Giri is such a bad ass.
The day when the AI saves the player and it wasn't the BBB.
Sunda so saved Nuova Italia there. Don't tell them that though. It'd damage national pride.
They had their own agenda to pursue with a strong Nuova Italia so I wouldn't say they are doing it from the kindness of their heart.
Chapter 99
Inayat thought he was very intelligent when he headed to Pariaman as opposed to deeper into Pasai territory. He thought his little plan would allow him to throw off his pursuers. Giri, however, took the precaution of posting scouts at various locations so there was no chance of the Muslim general fleeing without him knowing. As a result, the Sunda army and the Nuova Italian mercenary army arrived at the province at roughly the same time as the Muslim scattered forces. Somehow, the Muslim general was able to keep the bulk of his army intact seeing nearly fifteen thousand men under his command. The upcoming battle would still be a bloody one.
What the Muslim general didn't count on was resistance from the locals. There were many who opposed the Muslim invasion and, when given the chance, they fought against their Muslim occupiers. Thus, many of the cities and towns in the province were in a state of chaos as the locals were warring with the Muslim soldiers who tried to maintain order. Inavat's army could easily suppress the small pockets of resistance but they couldn't do so while they were pursued by an enemy force that was larger and, unfortunately for them, boasted better morale overall. Inavat soon realized that fleeing won't accomplish anything so he turned around to fight once again.
Giri was certainly impressed when he saw the Muslim army once again facing his army in an orderly fashion. Only the best general and well disciplined men could make such a display. He had his men prepare for another battle when a Nuova Italian messenger arrived. Apparently, the mercenaries were needed elsewhere and, since they were of no help in the upcoming battle, Giri allowed them to departure. However, he had them sneak quietly into nearby woods where they would deceive the enemy into thinking that they were there to ambush the enemy. Giri wanted the Muslim general to go extra cautious which suited him fine with his numerical advantage.
Inavat was indeed worried when he saw a contingent of enemy forces head into the woods. Giri took advantage by focusing heavily at the opposite flank gambling that Inavat would not dare to try the flank near the woods. His gamble paid off and, while the two sides suffered relatively same amount of casualties, the Muslims were defeated a third time. Such a defeat couldn't be good for their morale but the Muslim soldiers seemed stubborn when it came to shattering completely. Giri continued the pursuit against this dangerous foe as he didn't want to make the mistake of giving them a chance to one day defeat him in battle in the future.
With the next chapter being 100, I'll see if I could make it into a special. Ideally, it would be longer with more content. We'll see. Thank you everyone so far for tagging along for the ride. It has been a fun one.
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Chapter 100
Gian led the remnants of the First Army along with the mercenary army to the Pasai province. He was informed that the Hindu army and Muslim army were fighting another bloody battle that could decide the war itself. The general had the mercenary army recalled to aid him in retaking the occupied province of Pariaman, He was relieved to learn that the Sunda army was contributing this much to the war effort and hoped to get a chance to meet the general called Giri. He felt the two of them would have much to share in experience. They might have different faiths but the war helped create a bond between them as they fought for the same side.
The Nuova Italian general was also saddened to learn about the recent development in Borneo. Soon after Pariaman was liberated, a messenger arrived with news that Brunei had been completely occupied by Kutai shortly after his departure. The Brunei government eventually agreed to the terms of surrendering seeing the entire Muslim nation annexed by Kutai. The peace deal saw Kutai the undisputed power on Borneo which was quite terrifying. Kutai might not have the strength to invade elsewhere at the moment but their potential and options were endless. Gian could only hope that Nuova Italia wasn't on their list next.
Of course, the Catholic general didn't have time to worry about Borneo when the war with Pasai was still raging on. The two sides had been fighting with neither side getting a definite edge. Giri was winning battles after battles but the Muslim general was managing to keep his army more or less intact in withdraws. Until the Muslim army was delivered a mortal blow, the war with Pasai could still happen indefinitely as it might strike back if given a chance to regroup and replenish. Gian wanted to head to the front lines to aid his Hindu allies in finally crushing the Muslim forces and ending the war for good. Nuova Italia had suffered much from the war already.
With around four thousand men under his command, Gian headed to the last known location of the Muslim army. He knew Giri had the Muslims on the run but the Hindu general had failed to annihilate this stubborn enemy. The battles had been taking a significant toll on the Muslims whose army, once fourteen thousand men strong, had been reduced to eight thousand with horrendous morale. He and Giri only needed the maintain the pressure for a little bit longer before victory would be theirs. Some Pasai provinces were already occupied during the time so the end was finally within sight.
Gian sent scouts ahead and they returned with news that the Muslim army was spotted up ahead. The Muslim general happened to be leading his men towards Lamuri where Gian and his army was at. The Catholic general ordered his men to get into the nearby woods to ambush the incoming enemy. He knew the enemy still outnumbered his side but the element of surprise could even the playing field significantly. He just needed a devastating charge from his infantry to crush the morale of the remaining Muslim soldiers so they wouldn't stay and fight. He could ill-afford heavy casualties at this stage of the war.
The Nuova Italian soldiers and mercenaries waited patiently until the Muslim army was in view. Gian waited half a second more before springing his ambush. His men charged out of the woods with their war cries completely terrifying the Muslim soldiers who were unprepared for the upcoming engagement. Many Muslims fled at the sight of enemies which was the intended goal of the Catholic general but the most disciplined Muslim soldiers remained and fought the Nuova Italian soldiers. Even their most disciplined soldiers routed eventually when the Muslim army was finally shattered. Gian's army suffered acceptable losses as he could still pursue the enemy to deliver the final nail to the coffin of the Muslim army.
Gian didn't waste time chasing after the various remnants of the Muslim army. He gave chase to the Muslim general who was the glue that held the army together. His capture or death would end the main resistance of Pasai speeding up the end of the war. Gian heard that the Muslim general was wounded in the last battle but there was no actual confirmation. He just knew that he must give chase and confirm the rumor himself. The Nuova Italian army gave chase all the way back to the Pasai province where they caught up with their Muslim counterparts. Trapped in the corner, the Muslim army stood and fought for one last time.
There was no longer any sort of formation for the Muslims as they charged the Nuova Italian soldiers. Gian barely managed to give out orders so his men were rather disorganized in the free-for-all battle. He participated in the battle too seeing him cutting down Muslim soldiers left and right. He eventually found himself faced off against a Muslim whose clothing differentiated him from the others. Gian was almost certain that this man was the Muslim general so he charged right at the man. Inavat must have came to the same conclusion seeing him charge towards Gian. The two generals would be in a duel that would ultimately decide the outcome of the battle.
The two generals were no longer the cool and calm men who analyzed the battlefield. They allowed their killer instincts to take over and traded blow for blow. The duel could have lasted indefinitely had the Muslim general not been wounded in Lamuri. This was all the edge Gian needed to cut down his counterpart. The death of Inavat saw even the most disciplined Muslim soldiers shatter. The Nuova Italian soldiers didn't give chase knowing that they had defeated the Muslim army for good. Without their general, the fleeing Muslim soldiers were unlikely to be fighting Nuova Italian and Sunda soldiers. The bloody war was finally coming to a close.
The Pasai government agreed to negotiate a peace deal following the death of Inavat. By the time of the general's death, more than half of the Pasai nation was occupied while the remainder was under siege. It was only a matter of time before all of Pasai was occupied so the Muslim government wisely negotiated before they lost all of their bargaining chips. Gian and Giri were both present during the peace negotiation where they saw the Pasai government agreeing to give up three provinces: Rotak, Deli and Batak. Additionally, there was a large sum of ducats changing hands and the Pasai nation must pay reparation for ten years.
The map showed a later date but the borders remained unchanged since the peace deal with Pasai.
Gian led the remnants of the First Army along with the mercenary army to the Pasai province. He was informed that the Hindu army and Muslim army were fighting another bloody battle that could decide the war itself. The general had the mercenary army recalled to aid him in retaking the occupied province of Pariaman, He was relieved to learn that the Sunda army was contributing this much to the war effort and hoped to get a chance to meet the general called Giri. He felt the two of them would have much to share in experience. They might have different faiths but the war helped create a bond between them as they fought for the same side.
The Nuova Italian general was also saddened to learn about the recent development in Borneo. Soon after Pariaman was liberated, a messenger arrived with news that Brunei had been completely occupied by Kutai shortly after his departure. The Brunei government eventually agreed to the terms of surrendering seeing the entire Muslim nation annexed by Kutai. The peace deal saw Kutai the undisputed power on Borneo which was quite terrifying. Kutai might not have the strength to invade elsewhere at the moment but their potential and options were endless. Gian could only hope that Nuova Italia wasn't on their list next.
Of course, the Catholic general didn't have time to worry about Borneo when the war with Pasai was still raging on. The two sides had been fighting with neither side getting a definite edge. Giri was winning battles after battles but the Muslim general was managing to keep his army more or less intact in withdraws. Until the Muslim army was delivered a mortal blow, the war with Pasai could still happen indefinitely as it might strike back if given a chance to regroup and replenish. Gian wanted to head to the front lines to aid his Hindu allies in finally crushing the Muslim forces and ending the war for good. Nuova Italia had suffered much from the war already.
With around four thousand men under his command, Gian headed to the last known location of the Muslim army. He knew Giri had the Muslims on the run but the Hindu general had failed to annihilate this stubborn enemy. The battles had been taking a significant toll on the Muslims whose army, once fourteen thousand men strong, had been reduced to eight thousand with horrendous morale. He and Giri only needed the maintain the pressure for a little bit longer before victory would be theirs. Some Pasai provinces were already occupied during the time so the end was finally within sight.
Gian sent scouts ahead and they returned with news that the Muslim army was spotted up ahead. The Muslim general happened to be leading his men towards Lamuri where Gian and his army was at. The Catholic general ordered his men to get into the nearby woods to ambush the incoming enemy. He knew the enemy still outnumbered his side but the element of surprise could even the playing field significantly. He just needed a devastating charge from his infantry to crush the morale of the remaining Muslim soldiers so they wouldn't stay and fight. He could ill-afford heavy casualties at this stage of the war.
The Nuova Italian soldiers and mercenaries waited patiently until the Muslim army was in view. Gian waited half a second more before springing his ambush. His men charged out of the woods with their war cries completely terrifying the Muslim soldiers who were unprepared for the upcoming engagement. Many Muslims fled at the sight of enemies which was the intended goal of the Catholic general but the most disciplined Muslim soldiers remained and fought the Nuova Italian soldiers. Even their most disciplined soldiers routed eventually when the Muslim army was finally shattered. Gian's army suffered acceptable losses as he could still pursue the enemy to deliver the final nail to the coffin of the Muslim army.
Gian didn't waste time chasing after the various remnants of the Muslim army. He gave chase to the Muslim general who was the glue that held the army together. His capture or death would end the main resistance of Pasai speeding up the end of the war. Gian heard that the Muslim general was wounded in the last battle but there was no actual confirmation. He just knew that he must give chase and confirm the rumor himself. The Nuova Italian army gave chase all the way back to the Pasai province where they caught up with their Muslim counterparts. Trapped in the corner, the Muslim army stood and fought for one last time.
There was no longer any sort of formation for the Muslims as they charged the Nuova Italian soldiers. Gian barely managed to give out orders so his men were rather disorganized in the free-for-all battle. He participated in the battle too seeing him cutting down Muslim soldiers left and right. He eventually found himself faced off against a Muslim whose clothing differentiated him from the others. Gian was almost certain that this man was the Muslim general so he charged right at the man. Inavat must have came to the same conclusion seeing him charge towards Gian. The two generals would be in a duel that would ultimately decide the outcome of the battle.
The two generals were no longer the cool and calm men who analyzed the battlefield. They allowed their killer instincts to take over and traded blow for blow. The duel could have lasted indefinitely had the Muslim general not been wounded in Lamuri. This was all the edge Gian needed to cut down his counterpart. The death of Inavat saw even the most disciplined Muslim soldiers shatter. The Nuova Italian soldiers didn't give chase knowing that they had defeated the Muslim army for good. Without their general, the fleeing Muslim soldiers were unlikely to be fighting Nuova Italian and Sunda soldiers. The bloody war was finally coming to a close.
The Pasai government agreed to negotiate a peace deal following the death of Inavat. By the time of the general's death, more than half of the Pasai nation was occupied while the remainder was under siege. It was only a matter of time before all of Pasai was occupied so the Muslim government wisely negotiated before they lost all of their bargaining chips. Gian and Giri were both present during the peace negotiation where they saw the Pasai government agreeing to give up three provinces: Rotak, Deli and Batak. Additionally, there was a large sum of ducats changing hands and the Pasai nation must pay reparation for ten years.
The map showed a later date but the borders remained unchanged since the peace deal with Pasai.
Get wrecked, Pasai!
So much joy and sadness in one picture. RIP Brunei.
Let's not forget that Sunda did most of the work.
Yes, there's a reason why I picked that specific screenshot. It would be awhile before we have that war. There is still so much to cover.
Chapter 101
The war against Pasai might have ended but the effects of the war were still felt afterwards. Nuova Italia had to take a number of loans to rebuild her army to fight the Pasai forces. To many, the arrival of the Sunda army was likely the turning point of the war. The Catholic nation was unlikely to win the war without the aid of the Hindu nation. However, that was about to change when the officials of Nuova Italia learned the Sunda ruler dissolved the alliance between the two nations. The sudden diplomatic action shocked the Republic which thought the war should have strengthened their relations, not achieve the opposite.
Sesto learned later that intrigue within the Hindu nation caused this complication. Giri, despite his many victories in the war against Pasai, made dangerous enemies who wanted him dead. They used the opportunity of him being out of the nation to erode his overall support. They even spread lies that he wanted to serve Nuota Italia after the war in pursuit of land. Under pressure, the Sunda ruler was forced to agree to the demands of them resulting in Giri being denounced. The general was eventually sent into exile where he was later killed in an accident. Additionally, the lies also hurt the relations of the two nations causing the alliance to end prematurely.
Nuova Italia was suddenly in a dire situation following the two bloody wars. Despite getting more land from the war with Pasai, she lost two valuable allies that could help her during tough times. It was proven by Sunda reinforcements that making allies could make a difference between victory and defeat. The annexation of Brunei by Kutai and the dissolved alliance with Sunda put the Catholic nation in a dangerous position where she had yet to secure a solid foothold in Southeast Asia. At the very least, she needed to rule over the island of Sumatra to feel some sense of safety in the cruel region the nation was in.
The lost lives were hurting the nation the most. Rebuilding would take time, especially in regions ravaged by war. The Nuova Italian First Army was in a pitiful state where she was only a thousand men strong. The remaining mercenaries were still hired as they bolstered the military somewhat despite the fact that they were putting a huge strain on the Nuova Italian economy. The nation's production capabilities and foreign trade needed to be reestablished. A new fleet was required to protect the shipping lanes against possible pirates but such an endeavor require more funds which the Republic just happened to lack at the time. Overall, Nuova Italia needed time before she could fully recover.
Chapter 102
The conclusion of the war with Pasai also coincided with a new election. Sesto's entire term took place during the war seeing him work tirelessly for his nation. For a long time, Nuova Italia was in a terrible position which saw the top officials very nervous regarding the fate of their nation. The eventual victory was the best news these official hoped for but the experience convinced many of them that they had enough politics to satisfy a lifetime. Azelio, the most notable official who had been serving the Republic for a long time, finally stepped down from his position wanting a simpler lifestyle. Sesto felt that he should do the same after his grueling experience of serving as the Doge.
The other officials respected Sesto's decision so they held an election to determine the next Doge. The election had to be short since there were many matters to deal with. Loans had to be repaid while a portion of the nation needed to be rebuilt. An extended election would hurt the Republic more so the officials agreed to limiting the candidate and pick the next Doge within a few days. A few worried such a hasty approach might not see the best candidate chosen as the Doge but they still accepted whoever was selected. Few days later, the next Doge was selected and he was known as Alboino, a bureaucrat.
Alboino chose to tackle the loans first since he saw the interest rates the most harmful to Nuova Italia. Thus, he directed a large portion of the funds from the peace deal to pay off the loans the Republic owed. This would alleviate some of the debt the nation accrued over the duration of the war. Meanwhile, he also lessened the funding provided to both the military and colonization. He saw those as second importance given that so many other areas needed funds more desperately. The size of the depleted First Army made the lowered costs practical while the colony would require more time before it could become a small town.
The new Doge also put in effort to recruit new soldiers to replace the mercenaries since they were costing the Republic a large sum of ducats each month. The sooner he could replace them with a standing army that cost significantly less, the more funds he would have at his disposal to solve other issues. To the officials, they felt they made the right decision of making Alboino the new Doge. The man was like a workhorse who thrived for results and efficiency both in himself and those under him. Shortly after his rise to power, the new Doge already made a number of policy changes that were speeding up the Republic's recovery.
The conclusion of the war with Pasai also coincided with a new election. Sesto's entire term took place during the war seeing him work tirelessly for his nation. For a long time, Nuova Italia was in a terrible position which saw the top officials very nervous regarding the fate of their nation. The eventual victory was the best news these official hoped for but the experience convinced many of them that they had enough politics to satisfy a lifetime. Azelio, the most notable official who had been serving the Republic for a long time, finally stepped down from his position wanting a simpler lifestyle. Sesto felt that he should do the same after his grueling experience of serving as the Doge.
The other officials respected Sesto's decision so they held an election to determine the next Doge. The election had to be short since there were many matters to deal with. Loans had to be repaid while a portion of the nation needed to be rebuilt. An extended election would hurt the Republic more so the officials agreed to limiting the candidate and pick the next Doge within a few days. A few worried such a hasty approach might not see the best candidate chosen as the Doge but they still accepted whoever was selected. Few days later, the next Doge was selected and he was known as Alboino, a bureaucrat.
Alboino chose to tackle the loans first since he saw the interest rates the most harmful to Nuova Italia. Thus, he directed a large portion of the funds from the peace deal to pay off the loans the Republic owed. This would alleviate some of the debt the nation accrued over the duration of the war. Meanwhile, he also lessened the funding provided to both the military and colonization. He saw those as second importance given that so many other areas needed funds more desperately. The size of the depleted First Army made the lowered costs practical while the colony would require more time before it could become a small town.
The new Doge also put in effort to recruit new soldiers to replace the mercenaries since they were costing the Republic a large sum of ducats each month. The sooner he could replace them with a standing army that cost significantly less, the more funds he would have at his disposal to solve other issues. To the officials, they felt they made the right decision of making Alboino the new Doge. The man was like a workhorse who thrived for results and efficiency both in himself and those under him. Shortly after his rise to power, the new Doge already made a number of policy changes that were speeding up the Republic's recovery.
With the manpower depleted, we can start to replace the locals with proper Italians.
At first look Alboino seems the right person for the reconstruction of Nuova Italia. Lets hope no one gets any idea to invade when there is a transition between the mercenary army and the standing one
We can only do so if we can get Italians to immigrate. I don't think that is plausible at the moment. It will likely work the opposite where the Italians slowly merge with the local populace.
Alboino will have an interesting reign indeed. As for another war,...
Chapter 103
Alboino walked with his guards to the docks where he was asked to see the completion of four new barques. Being very vocal in the rebuilding of the Nuova Italian trade fleet, Alboino ensured that generous sums of ducats were directed to the proper authorities. The First Navy suffered horrendous losses during the war against Pasai seeing a lone transport, the one carrying Gian and his thousand soldiers, survive the war. Because of the unexpected declaration of war from Pasai, the First Navy was expanded to include the trade fleet to bolster its numbers. The war had ended but, without those ships, Nuova Italian merchants were risking a lot if they traveled unescorted.
The new Doge emphasized that the Republic needed a powerful trade fleet to not only protect its merchants and their interests but also provide support to the navy if another unfavorable war broke out. As long as Nuova Italia was surrounded by hostile nations, she would need to continue defending herself against possible threats that aimed to destroy the Republic. Their enemies feared the ideals that made the Republic strong so they reacted with aggression, the only response they had. Yet, Nuova Italia had proven time and time again that she cannot be defeated so easily. Still, no one could deny that the last war was close to being lost if Sunda hadn't sent reinforcements.
Despite many attempts, Alboino was unable to reestablish the alliance between Nuova Italia and Sunda. The Doge saw the benefits the alliance would bring but the damage was already done by the internal struggles within Sunda. The more influential Sunda officials wanted nothing to do with Nuova Italia. Some claimed that the Catholic nation took all the benefits while Sunda soldiers did all the work and lost their lives for it. Others outright called Nuova Italia a warmonger eager to grab land to strengthen itself. The alliance was merely a means to becoming even stronger. They didn't think the alliance would last long since the Catholic nation would eventually turn her sights on Java.
Regarding the nation's economy, the new policies, though minor, were clearly getting the results Alboino wanted. A recent development would also help the economy. Alboino learned that the colony of Belitung had finally become a small town. While still not impressive on any levels, the locals were finally able to be self sustaining requiring less aid from the nation. This alleviated more burden that was placed on the nation. The new Doge wanted to allocate the freed up funds elsewhere that could further speed up the nation's recovery. He, like so many others in Nuova Italia, was convinced that the victory over Pasai made the other Southeast Asian nations think twice before attacking.
Chapter 104
The rumors were quickly getting out of hand so the new Doge had to take action. He was pressured by the ordinary civilians who wanted the traitors punished for their betrayal to their nation.Alboino didn't want to take action until the investigations were finished. He needed to confirm that the rumors were indeed true or innocent people would be punished for crimes they never committed. Sadly, the people weren't to patient as they wanted actions taken immediately. With the crowd gathered outside the government building, Alboino could be facing a possible uprising if he didn't comply with the masses. The Doge hoped there was another option available to him.
At first, the rumors were harmless with some officials said to be working with foreign nations to undermine the Republic. Alboino saw the rumors as tools used by his enemies trying to weaken the nation as a whole. Nuova Italia had recently won a war which got the interest of many Southeast Asian nations. Those nations likely hoped for Nuova Italia to lose but that wasn't the final outcome. While Nuova Italia was recovering from the two wars, it certainly made sense for her enemies to spread rumors that could slow, it not halt, all progress the nation was making by creating fear and hysteria. Alboino only wished that he had taken the rumors more seriously at the time.
The new Doge never for a second believed the rumors. Those mentioned in the rumors were men he knew and trusted. They worked together and would have each other's back. Alboino made the mistake of believing that rumors would dissipate soon enough. In hindsight, he should have taken action immediately and crushwed them before they created the panic and chaos he had to deal with afterwards. The ordinary people, unlike Alboino, didn't know the men mentioned in the rumors. They believed every word of the rumors and those disagreeing with them were labeled as spies under the traitors. No one was safe if one had any associations with those believed to be traitors.
When the Doge didn't do anything about the rumors, new rumors were spreading saying that he was also involved in the foreign plot. It made sense that the traitors tried to infiltrate the top positions of the Republic to better undermine her. As a result, large crowds of people gathered outside the government building where they made demands. What the demands essentially boiled down to was the Doge either take action against the traitors or he step down to prove that he wasn't a traitor as well. The crowds gave indication that they were ready to use force if necessary to dethrone the Doge which made Alboino very nervous about his position and the future of Nuova Italia.
The rumors were quickly getting out of hand so the new Doge had to take action. He was pressured by the ordinary civilians who wanted the traitors punished for their betrayal to their nation.Alboino didn't want to take action until the investigations were finished. He needed to confirm that the rumors were indeed true or innocent people would be punished for crimes they never committed. Sadly, the people weren't to patient as they wanted actions taken immediately. With the crowd gathered outside the government building, Alboino could be facing a possible uprising if he didn't comply with the masses. The Doge hoped there was another option available to him.
At first, the rumors were harmless with some officials said to be working with foreign nations to undermine the Republic. Alboino saw the rumors as tools used by his enemies trying to weaken the nation as a whole. Nuova Italia had recently won a war which got the interest of many Southeast Asian nations. Those nations likely hoped for Nuova Italia to lose but that wasn't the final outcome. While Nuova Italia was recovering from the two wars, it certainly made sense for her enemies to spread rumors that could slow, it not halt, all progress the nation was making by creating fear and hysteria. Alboino only wished that he had taken the rumors more seriously at the time.
The new Doge never for a second believed the rumors. Those mentioned in the rumors were men he knew and trusted. They worked together and would have each other's back. Alboino made the mistake of believing that rumors would dissipate soon enough. In hindsight, he should have taken action immediately and crushwed them before they created the panic and chaos he had to deal with afterwards. The ordinary people, unlike Alboino, didn't know the men mentioned in the rumors. They believed every word of the rumors and those disagreeing with them were labeled as spies under the traitors. No one was safe if one had any associations with those believed to be traitors.
When the Doge didn't do anything about the rumors, new rumors were spreading saying that he was also involved in the foreign plot. It made sense that the traitors tried to infiltrate the top positions of the Republic to better undermine her. As a result, large crowds of people gathered outside the government building where they made demands. What the demands essentially boiled down to was the Doge either take action against the traitors or he step down to prove that he wasn't a traitor as well. The crowds gave indication that they were ready to use force if necessary to dethrone the Doge which made Alboino very nervous about his position and the future of Nuova Italia.
Now that Sunda has finally betrayed us, I can fully express my hatred towards them. Nuova Italia is surrounded by snakes and vipers that should have their heads cut off before they bite and spit acid in our eyes. The only nation that didn't stab us in the back, secretly hate us, or greedily eye up our land was Brunei and they're dead. I'll never forget you, Brunei!
I was wondering when Alboino Spinola would show up. He's the only Doge besides Michele that I can recognize his name.
I was wondering when Alboino Spinola would show up. He's the only Doge besides Michele that I can recognize his name.
All we have to do is put in favorable reproduction policies. Since it's safe to assume that all the Italians from the Lobo were male, we can't have pure Italians. What we do is allow first generation Italians to marry locals. Then we give them large incentives to reproduce quickly, even allowing polygamy. Half Italians then will not be able to marry locals, only other half Italians or pure Italians. They will also get incentives to reproduce quickly. The locals, however, will be restricted. More than one child will result in less privileges. More than two will be restricted by law.
After a few hundred years, after routes to Europe are established, we then give Italians large incentives to immigrate to Nuova Italia, however, in order to do so, they must marry half Italians and reproduce a lot. At this point, we begin restricting half Italian reproduction depending on the amount of Italian immigration. We can then put a policy into effect that declares anyone 85% Italian or more is a full Italian in terms of privileges received.