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This AAR is a continuation of The French Struggle: House Galimani of Orleans, my somewhat popular CKII AAR of the one-county Orleans start with the Galimani Family. I ended the AAR in the early 14th century to give enough of a back story to tell the tale of the changed political landscape in EUIV. This AAR will focus on the Kingdom of Andalusia, which the Galimani's won and established, with the Pope's blessing, after the 13th Century Andalusian Crusade against the Mahmudid Sultanate. A Galimani also sits on the Imperial Throne and rules the Kingdom of Burgundy. The Galimani also rule the Kingdom of Aquitaine (which, spoiler, has been much reduced). So come and join along in this AAR. I do not know in what state Andalusia will survive, but we'll try to hold our own in Europe and the New World.
I first want to thank @RedTemplar for his help in understanding code and mod features. I also want to thank him for being the inspiration of creating a great custom world to continue the AAR through his example in the Long(er) Lasting Lombards AAR.
I am hoping to have this game continue to Vicky 2 and hopefully HOI4 (though that is getting VERY ambitious). I have read through the EUIV to Vic2 converter process many times and just hope I'll be able to do it correctly. But first, I must survive this playthrough.
Mod Features
I used the Paradox CK2 to EU4 converter for the save file. This, of course, posed many problems, most notably:
All "lesser" European powers (the Alpine Duchies and Eastern Europe mostly) were converted as Muslim tech and the Muslim nations were converted as Western or Indian tech.
Cultures and religions did not also line up with some Eastern European countries
Below is a list of other significant mod features:
Customized Andalusian government type (based off of elective monarchy) containing a parliament
Prime Minister events (I THINK I created a prime minister effect, at least)
Custom Andalusian ideas
Other Andalusian Flavor events
Extensive Province Adjustments (will learn about in the AAR)
I am pretty happy with the mod as it stands. I am looking to add some minor tweaks. Also, I would very much like to have anyone more skilled than I am take a look at the prime minister code and help me flesh it out to work as a standalone mod, if interested, let me know through PM.
North African domination - focus on solidifying my hold of the former Mahmudid Sultanate in North Africa
Iberian Domination (?) - we'll call this an "optional" goal. Aquitaine has most of its land in Northeastern Spain and the Kingdom of Burgundy has a toehold on the peninsula with the duchy of Galicia. Kicking them out may be tough.
So, stay tuned, Watch this thread if you please, and buckle up. I have done some moderate playthroughs (though not to 1822) of the mod and can tell you that it's a roller coaster ride.
Europe through the Late 14th and Early 15th Century: Revolution and Nationalism
European nations and duchies in 1350
Independent European realms in 1350
Europe in the mid-14th century was dominated politically by the Holy Roman Empire, which held sway over its client states for just over four centuries by 1350. The largest client states in the HRE were the kingdoms of France, Italy, Andalusia, and Burgundy. The Holy Roman Empire was opposed in Europe both by the Kingdom of Aquitaine and Frisia and by an encroaching Byzantine Empire. While all nobles and almost the entire population of Europe at this time spoke French, a sense of local control began to take hold of the populaces. While France ruled (de jure or de facto) the most land in Europe, their realm was so fragmented and disjoined, there were popular uprising for self-rule throughout Eastern France. The first people to break away from France were the people of Ulm who created an independent duchy in the North Alps. This independence was followed shortly by the Alemannian Uprising of 1373. Situated along the tumultuous border of France and Aquitaine, the people, who spoke a Dutch/French hybrid language, managed to replace local French rulers with their own supporters throughout the 1360s. With France embroiled in subjugating the Duchy of Valois, they declared themselves independent in 1373. The French crown recognized their independence with the stipulation they help prosecute the wars for Valois and Vermandois. The Duke of Luxembourg, Griges d’Lante, negotiated the purchase of the provinces of Liege and Namur from France to help retire French war debts in 1379.
Throughout these decades of turmoil, France was able to retain its provinces in the Southern Alps and on the Italian Peninsula, as the Italians were busy repelling Byzantine advances with the help of Germany. The Italia-Germania Detente was brief, lasting from 1375-1390, but they were able to drive the Greek forces out of St. Gallen, situated in the Alps, and pushed them back from the Bavarian homelands. The two countries also successfully repelled another Greek incursion into Rome. The incursion would have long lasting effects, though, as both nations publically declared Rome as part of their patrimony. The Papacy was still strong, maintaining Rome and the Duchy of Murica on the southern Mediterranean coast of Andalusia. But Papal Authority was already starting to decline.
The most serious uprising occurred in the Kingdom of Frisia during the early 1400s. Learning from the revolutions of the 1300s, including the Kingdom of Aquitaine’s own war of independence from the Holy Roman Empire, minor local nobles in the Low Countries, staged a series of revolts, skirmishes, and political coups over a twenty year period. The counties in the former Duchy of Flanders rallied behind a veteran soldier named Jean-Luc d’Picardie [1] and successfully established the Duchy of Picardy in 1421. To the west, a Dutch Renaissance began around 1400s with Dutch wares and artwork becoming en vogue among European elite. This artistic revival soon gave way to nationalistic calls for self-rule. After bitter fighting and political accusations of interference from France and Burgundy (who would benefit from a reduced Aquitaine), the Dutch won their independence on September 3, 1428 at the Battle of Utrecht. Being a fairly young nation by the mid-15th century, the Dutch had a hard time maintaining independence and finding a strong government.
Another uprising took place along the German, Danish, and Bohemian border. Germany sought to widen its sphere of influence and gain valuable coastline to the north (being landlocked). Initial attempts to negotiate the sale of provinces from Danmark failed in 1380, so the Germans began to flood Osnabruck with their “undesirables,” criminals, political dissidents, heretics. These rabble-rousers eventually coalesced with the League of the Red Lion (a militant organization) and began to burn down houses of Danish leaders. According to Danish sources, the household members were usually bound inside while the house burned down around them, though there is no corroborating evidence. Eventually, the violence spilled into Bohemia, who quickly sought to placate the revolutionaries with gold. The infamous Grand Negotiation was a black mark on Bohemian politics, as the militants used the gold to hire mercenaries and lay siege to key cities throughout Danmark and Bohemia. Germany, in 1385, sought the role of peacemaker (of its own design) between the parties and was able to negotiate a peace and independence for Brunswick. Most contemporary sources saw Germany’s meddling for what it was, a way to gain an ally whom they could treat like a vassal to finally access the North Sea.
Throughout this entire time period, the Holy Roman Empire began to lose more and more influence. The Galimanian emperors sought a very distanced approach to ruling the Empire. At no time did they seek to aid in the pacification of these uprisings. Indeed, it was beneficial for the Empire to let their large kingdoms become reduced in power. In doing so, they helped create smaller nations which would, in times of dire need, look to the HRE for succor and help. The HRE could also play the smaller duchies off of each other or hold the spectre of a coalition of European duchies as a deterrent to overly aggressive monarchs ruling under the emperor. The Galimani’s began to lift each of these duchies up in official and private corresponding, calling their dukes “princes” and treating them as equals among the monarchs at state ceremonies. This eventually led to imperial reforms spearheaded by France whereby the succession laws were reverted to elective succession and where only kingdoms could vote. Emperor Lucas Galimani agreed to most terms but stipulated one duchy had to be represented among the electors, the honor of which he gave to Upper Burgundy, whose duchess, some theorized, might have been the emperor’s mistress. Even after the Champagne Accords of 1405, the Galimani’s continued to retain the Imperial Throne, against mounting French pressure.
European Duchies and Kingdoms 1444
The Iberian Peninsula remained relatively calm from 1350 to 1444. However, there was still turmoil present. Fearing mounting pressure from Constantinople, Andalusia waged a successful campaign to remove Greek rule from the peninsula. They negotiated an ad hoc military alliance with the surrounding duchies of Tangiers, Algarve, and Portucale, along with the Republic of Barcelona when word reached Iberia of the growing success of the Italians and Germans in defeating the Byzantines. In 1380, the Catholic realms managed to “push the Greeks to the sea” and out of Iberia. The Byzantine Empire still maintained their holdings on the Islands of Mallorca and Sardinia but were effectively “contained.” Andalusia rode this success and goodwill to an annexation of the Duchy of Tangiers, which they had actually created in the early 14th century.
Nationalism erupted in the Duchy of Valladolid as the local Andalucian population had become marginalized and exploited by the French crown. The Valladolid Revolt of 1384-1385 saw the Knights Hospitaller and the Duke of Valladolid work together to overthrow French rule. The Knights Hospitaller took part in this uprising to try to dispel rumours of corruption and greed permeating their Holy Order levied at them by the Duchy of Portucale, which had begun to gain credence with the Holy See. By seeking to support the oppressed Andalucian Catholics, the Knights sought restore faith and support of their order. Irregardless of whether this “pious” act was successful in a spiritual sense, the French nobles were removed from offices and Valladolid declared itself independent in the summer of 1385.
Member States of the Holy Roman Empire 1444 (in green)
The Bhreatish Isles saw very little change in their political atmosphere during this time period. Quite notable was the reclamation of holdings by the East Anglican duke Tronged af Skar. Andalusia was having a tough rule of the County of Essex since it was usurped in the early 14th century. These troubles increased so much, Queen Stephanie Galimani offered Essex back to Duke Tronged for a pittance, “to be gone with the foul Norse people,” is what most contemporaries heard the queen declare during negotiations. The Irish still rule the islands though, between the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Bhreatain Bheag, there was almost no noble or region which saw itself as Anglo-Saxon by 1444.
Next chapter….the Muslim World
----------------------
And so the struggle goes into the "modern era" I have to admit i'm a little disappointed by the lack of faith these small independents have in the emperor's power but whose is to argue. However that byzantine empire is going to absorb everyone if you don't do something about it for it is beyond critical mass at this point.
I don't quite know what you mean by "stick with the HRE's default?" I did not change any mechanics of the HRE since I had no reason to. This leads into KingJerka's comment...
And so the struggle goes into the "modern era" I have to admit i'm a little disappointed by the lack of faith these small independents have in the emperor's power but whose is to argue. However that byzantine empire is going to absorb everyone if you don't do something about it for it is beyond critical mass at this point.
I had to figure out a way from the all-powerful HRE of my CK2 playthrough to become the all-administrative HRE that it is in EU4. Admittedly, I've never played as the HRE emperor in EU4 so I don't know all of the functionality, but historically, the HRE became an imperial figurehead with less and less real power and territory. Along this same line, the large kingdoms in my CK2 playthrough had successfully reduced the empire's power through revolts to lower crown authority by the time the Galimani's took the throne and I ended the AAR. So much of the power the HRE held in the 10th through 12th century was reduced already.
[I know this is not what was teased on the last post. I’ve tried to do write-ups for each region and they come out like bland templates. Please enjoy the maps. I did very little province switching for the following areas, mostly just tech group and culture fixes.]
The Orthodox Empires: Byzantium and the Golden Horde
The Byzantine Empire became stagnate in terms of territorial gains from 1350-1444. While the empire lost holdings in Southern Europe, much of the empire’s history at this time was the internal struggles of integrating peoples from a vast area into one national identity. From Greco-Romans on the Italian Peninsula, Eastern European people groups in the former Kingdom of Bavaria and on the Northern Black Sea, Anatolians around Constantinople, and Berbers and Bedouins in the eastern empire, Byzantium was a melting pot of the late Middle Ages. The Anatolian Crusade success in the early 14th century brought the Knights of Calatrava to staggering heights. They forsook their granted lands in Andalusia to the Galimani’s and focused exclusively on maintaining control and Catholic rule of Anatolia from both the Muslims and the Orthodox empires. Byzantine has the bulk of the Pannonian kingdom (which is territorially divided) to its north along with the rapidly expanding Venetian Republic along the Black Sea (though still administered from Venice).
Having settled most internal strifes and political issues to forge a strong nation, the Byzantines will look to strike Italy or northwards into the embroiled stew that is Eastern Europe
The Orthodox Mongol Empire or still referred to during this time as the Golden Horde, saw itself, at the dawn of the Renaissance, in a unique position to spread East, West, and South as a conqueror. The only question was: could it?
Eastern Europe: Old Gods and Catholicism
The Catholic Kingdoms of Bohemia, Poland, and massive Pannonia dominated the political landscape during the early 15th century in Eastern Europe. Pannonia, a divided realm, became adept at playing the small Catholic duchies off of each other while containing the small Suomenusko duchies further north towards Scandinavia.
Scandinavia: Searching for Unity
By the mid-15th Century the various Scandinavian nations, mostly small kingdoms or large duchies, were feeling the strain of the lack of resources in the arctic lands (Jemtland, Lappland, Pomerania) as well as religious tension from the south (Golden Horde - Orthodox, Suomi - Suomenusko). The kingdoms of Norge and Danmark would decide the fate of the entire region.
The Muslim World: Religious Alliances or National Infighting?
North Africa continued to deal with the European foothold in Tangiers. While a loose peace held on the national level between the Mahmudid Empire and Tangiers/Andalusia, local fighting continued along the borders. The Mahmudid’s also had to fear Samirid designs on their land by the turn of the 15th century.
Arabia, or the Middle East, was dominated by the outlying provinces of the Samirid Empire, the powerful Mesopotamian empire of Iraq, and the Egyptian empire of the Jibrilids. These large empires could help shape a true Muslim identity by the 15th century but also had smaller realms fit for conquering which would occupy their thoughts and plans. On the Southern Arabian Peninsula the Abd Al-Qayss Empire had found itself as the trade partner to the Indian Subcontinent and West African tribes, which they helped convert to Islam through trade.
Indian Subcontinent: Palas Universalis
The 15th century saw the might of the Palatian Kingdom begin to wield itself. Far stronger than any other kingdom on the subcontinent, Palatian affairs were directed more towards finding suitable allies in which to annex and unwitting nations to conquer. The Xi people to the East were beginning to find their own feel in the world at this time. Could Palas rule land and sea to dominate the area?
Sunni, all of them. In my brief testing playthroughs Samirid strikes early at Mahmudid. One time their North African holdings were overrun by Cyraenicea (small one province nation to their east in North Africa). Writing the update I didn't realize how big the Samirid Empire was. Massive. Massive empires abound.
Back to the more exciting historical stuff I say! This might sound like a veiled criticism but I do find that AARs lose something of their excitement when they switch to EU...I think it's a reflection of what the 2 respective games provide
Back to the more exciting historical stuff I say! This might sound like a veiled criticism but I do find that AARs lose something of their excitement when they switch to EU...I think it's a reflection of what the 2 respective games provide
I agree. Trying to find the right narrative for EU4 is hard since we don't have thousands of individual characters to choose from. I'll try my best however. I'm not looking for a straight "history book" approach however. There should be enough in-game characters (monarchs, advisors, generals, merchants, missionaries, explorers, colonists) for a good narrative story though.
To tease what has happened so far (to whet the appetite of anyone), France got big......got big quick. Damn French.
“My King-Elect Amaury, I have all of the necessary documents you requested.” The advisor breathed heavily just inside the door catching his breath after running through the castle. He shifted the majority of the documents into his left arm to laid them on the writing table. His aging king gave him a hearty smile.
“Wonderful Friednand, thank you.”
“What is your majesty’s need for all of these documents?” the advisor inquired.
Amaury gave a deep sigh. “Tis the ministers of parliament again. Requesting greater knowledge of our bureaucracy at this time. Looking for a way to gain more power, no doubt. Why my cousin Marcus let those nobles form…” the king’s thoughts trailed off as he perused the documents.
-----------------------------------------------
Starting Ideas:
Global Tax Modifier: 25%
The Galimani’s have always been good at finding money or making money. People still talk of young King Alphonse Galimani II and his deft discovery of the embezzlement of 5700 gold.
Infantry Power: 10%
The footsoldier, whether a bowman, light infantry, or heavy infantry, have helped turn many a battle in the Galimani history. Famous were their battles during the reign of King Roland Galimani. (See Battles of Yarmouk, Nizza, and Antibes)
Bonus:
Inflation Reduction: 0.50
Andalusian Ideas:
Muster the Andalusians (Reinforce Speed 15%):
The Andalusian people have come to see our rule as right and just after two centuries. They now come to join our rank and file in great numbers, helping to speed reinforcement.
Christus Africanus (Global Missionary Strength 2%):
We are uniquely poised to convert the wayward Muslims and heathen tribes in Africa, with the crozier in one hand and a sword in the other, we shall convert great numbers to Christ.
Legacy of “The Dragon” (Army Tradition 15%):
The military legacy of King Valeran “The Dragon” Galimani has been taught to our officers and instilled in our military, they fight with a ferocious spirit and with tactical superiority.
Writings of Queen Alix Discovered (Idea Cost -10%):
A monk traveling through Orleans has recovered valuable scientific writings purportedly by Queen Alix Galimani I. These writings, truly far ahead of her time, have helped our advisors gain a profound understanding of the burgeoning scientific revolution.
Gateway to the Atlantic...and Beyond (Global Trade Power 15%):
Our nation straddles the Straits of Gibraltar, giving us unparalleled control over the flow of goods into and out of the Mediterranean. We are now using our influence to ensure our goods are given preference.
Heathens Tolerated (Tolerance Heathen 2%):[1]
Interacting with the New World peoples and faiths have shown us that other religions can be accepted into the Andalusian nation.
The Lion and the Dragon (Stability Cost Modifier -15%):
The Andalusian and French peoples of our nation have come to live in peace with each other, forming a strong and proud national identity, offering greater stability now and for the foreseeable future.
-------------------------------------------------
Rank 2 Modifiers: Legitimacy 1.35; Vassal Income 70%; Global Unrest -1; Global Autonomy -10%
Rank 3 Modifiers: Legitimacy 1.65; Vassal Income 70%; Global Unrest -1.25; Global Autonomy -10%
Royal Marriages with Duchy of Algarve, Duchy of Valladolid, Kingdom of Italy, Kingdom of Germany
---------------------------------------------------
Friednand cleared his throat. “My lord?”
“Hmmm?” Amaury replied without looking up.
“May I go my lord?”
Amaury looked at the hour glass on the table. “Oh, it seems I’ve kept you for over thirty minutes. I actually want you to take word to parliament that I wish to speak with them.”
“Of course my king,” Friednand answered as he bowed.
Walking through the palace corridors to reach the old yellow building the ministers of parliament used for their sessions, Friednand happened across General Alphonse de Richemont and a serving wench nestled in an alcove. The young man was strikingly handsome and had risen through the ranks quickly and now answered only to Lord General Niallgus Mélisande and the king. While Friednand was trained in combat, he was by no means a battlefield commander, men spoke of de Richemont as a superior general and tactician, but had no real knowledge if that was true.
Friednand cleared his throat and the girl gave a sharp cry. Though that might not have been from being discovered as Friednand soon realized de Richemont’s trousers were around his ankles. Friednand cleared his throat again, louder.[2]
“Yes, I heard you, you slugg--” de Richemont turned his head to see who had interrupted his fun. “Lord Sifflaed, I didn’t realize it was you.”
“And yet you still don’t stop your indulgence.”
“She’s just so damn...willingly, m’lord.” de Richemont gave a sigh and almost dropped the girl onto the floor. “Still, I suppose another time, if his majesty is available?” The general gave Friednand a questioning look as he composed himself and his clothes.
“His majesty is occupied at the moment. Was there anything you needed?”
“Orders, Lord Sifflaed. My men are still in Valence with nothing to do but…” his eyes trailed with the silence to the girl, who was trying to gather herself off the stone floor.
“You best see the Lord General about your situation. I am off to parliament.”
“Oh Lord. Mind if I walk with you?”
“Yes, very well.” Friednand turned to continue down the corridor while he heard the general speaking in hushed tones to the girl and some very flirtatious giggles reply to his every word. “Now, if you please, general.”
The men walked in silence for a little time. “Self-assured today, Lord Sifflaed?”
“Self assured? I’m just determined to heed the King-Elect’s orders and go back to my voluminous amounts of business.”
“What would that be?”
“As you know, the king has not yet appointed a noble to handle his foreign affairs. So I must both manage the administration as well as handle diplomatic matters, heralds and such. Right now I’m trying to figure out why Germany would offer the hand of their young princess to one of our King-Elect’s cousins when I also hear they are allying themselves with the French crown. Most peculiar. I think they are trying to keep both nations at bay to continue meddling in Eastern affairs.”
“Good ground for fighting out that way. And the Germans have been known to ‘meddle,’ as you put it, in the affairs of the Holy Roman Princes. It may be, as you said, they are trying to protect themselves. Yet without a formal alliance they will undoubtedly side with the cursed French crown when the arrows are loosed. I do not relish such a prospect as facing France and Germany combined on the field of battle.”
“Ahh, perhaps they hope to keep us in good relations to ward off any interference along the Seine? I have been pleading with the king to leave the Empire and let fate kill that beast once and for all. ‘Le sorte’ is all he replies. The entire dynasty believes they will perish within a generation at all times so they ally themselves to each other as much as possible. Though they rule kingdoms, and the empire, all they think about is the one bad seed that will produce no heirs and no one to continue le maison. Andalusian interests are best served with the Emperor dealing with everything and every nation north of the mountains.”
“Such a fright has kept them in power for a very long time, shrewd politically, almost as if each monarch saw their life as a battlefield. Though they may concede some, in this case remaining in the Empire, they strike at weak targets. Are there any weak targets?”
“The aged duke of Valladolid has no heir and reports have come back that the king’s niece is either not sleeping with the duke or she is barren. But here we are,” Friednand proclaimed as they approached the courtyard of parliament. “Thank you for the walk. I hope you find your quarry again.”
The general laughed. “You mean the serving girl following behind us, wishing for a secluded area? You would make a poor general, one must always know what is before him,” de Richemont slipped his arm around the girls waist as he walked away, “and what is behind him.”
Friednand shook his head and approached the building’s door, already he could hear muffled shouting, as if he was entering a tavern and not an extension of the Andalusian government. When he pulled the door open, the volume reached a crescendo before Edouard bin-Haziz, the minister from Badajoz, noticed his entrance. He smiled and cocked his head, inviting the advisor in. The room was not too large and the ministers all sat around small writing desks with their own clerks. The conversation died down as each minister noticed Lord Sifflaed.
“Greetings, ministers. King-Elect Amaury wishes to see all of you.”
“About time,” answered Christophe Welenti, the minister from Valence. The ministers gathered cloaks about them and went off in pairs or individually.
The ministers were shown to the Council Chambers, where they seated themselves in a semicircle facing a raised dais upon which sat a modest throne. They began small talk as they waited for the king-elect to arrive and Friednand quietly positioned himself off to the side, but at the forefront, of the ministers.
A crier suddenly appeared at the side of door of the room and loudly announced the king-elect’s arrival. Amaury, regal in his old age, strode forth and sat himself on his throne. He made a small motion for the ministers to sit and, once that was completed, two clerks came meekly into the room and set up their portable writing stand and ink in the corner.
“Nobles, welcome. I have reviewed the documents requested and I am agreeing to release them for your own needs. While I’m not entirely sure what you are to gain from court and council minutes, I need not remind you that you are to help advise the crown with affairs but not to rule over them.” This illicited some muted grumbling from the ministers. “The documents will be given to the parliamentary clerk after our time here is finished. I also have a matter to bring to your attention for debate, which I hope that you will each see the benefit of passing.”
“Do the noblemen have questions for their liege?” rang out Friednand, as circumstance demanded at these meetings. Each of the six men jumped out of their seats clamoring for recognition, Friednand recognized Christophe Welenti to ask a question.
“My majesty, from whom shall such land be appropriated in my province? You cannot think a baron or, daresay, a count, shall be deprived of ancestral lands to fuel the state’s greed?” An uproar broke out again from the small gathering as half the nobles agreed with Welenti and the others tried to drown them out in denunciations.
“Peace!” The king roared over the din, next came an admonishment from the throne. “Act like nobles. Lord Welenti, the land the state wishes to appropriate is located along the inland waterways to help facilitate the transportation of goods. While I am asking for prime land, I believe a repurposing may help bring more gold into the national treasury. Ten years hence, the original owners will be able to reclaim the land and any improvements to said land.”
After two more questions, the room settled and the king excused himself. The ministers went back to their building and Friednand was left alone to take the clerk’s notes for his own archives.
As he went to his quarters, which sadly also served as his office in a very cramped way, he found a herald waiting for him just outside his door. A young handsome man possibly 5 years Friednand’s junior. “Looking to spy?” Friednand asked, startling the man. The livery the man wore marked him from the empire.
“No. I was sent from the Imperial Court with a proclamation.”
“Aren’t those usually read in the town squares?”
“I was ordered to see Lord Sifflaed, do you know of his whereabouts?”
The man was striking, Friednand thought as he looked into the man’s eyes. He snapped out of his haze when he realized the man wasn’t speaking. “Oh yes, I am he. Come in, come in. News you say…”
“I must be off soon to Algarve, Lord Sifflaed. Tis war. Emperor Valeran ordered his cousin should be notified and I was told you had the king’s ear, so I came to see you.”
“The road to Algarve is long a dusty, you have come from Navarre yes? From Aquitaine?” The man nodded. “You look worn out, please, come rest in my quar- offices. I’ll fetch some wine, grapes, and cheese.”
Strikingly beautiful.
===============
[1]Yes, I know it’s the opposite of the ‘Christus Africanus’ National Idea, but I see it as an in-game progression of Enlightenment and culture.
[2]Sorry, I don’t know articles of clothing from the late middle ages. At least I didn’t say “pants,” though pantaloons might be more historical.
I agree. Trying to find the right narrative for EU4 is hard since we don't have thousands of individual characters to choose from. I'll try my best however. I'm not looking for a straight "history book" approach however. There should be enough in-game characters (monarchs, advisors, generals, merchants, missionaries, explorers, colonists) for a good narrative story though.
To tease what has happened so far (to whet the appetite of anyone), France got big......got big quick. Damn French.
Thank you Idhrendur! You should read the CK2 portion, lots of great twists and turns. I also hope your converter is ready when this is done to move the Galimani's into the modern era in Vicky 2.
Valeran Galimani, third of his name as Holy Roman Emperor, second of his name as King of Burgundy, gripped the reins tighter on his charger. He was glad the rain had stopped. Spring was such wonderful time to conduct your campaign. Especially one as simple as this, the recovery of lands that should rightfully belong to his demense. The sun shone down on the retinue as the fighting was just beginning to get underway on the plain below him. The horizon was flat except for the towers of Lyonnais, rising up to lay claim and dominance to the land, towers that were to be his by the end of the day. He was surrounded by an impressive array of nobles. Not just Imperial subjects, but also noblemen from his alliances. Close to him on his right were his Imperial Princes, the dukes of Toulouse and Alemannia, on his left were the dukes of Holland and Picardy and the High Commander from the Kingdom of Scotland, a brash Irishman who spoke his mind freely.
Valeran smiled, he was glad that the power of the Empire can be projected in this way. A visual reminder, not just to the nobles and armies of Dauphine and Lower Lorraine, but also to his various imperial vassals, that he could command many men to the imperial banner. His horse loudly snorted and pawed at the ground. Valeran patted the horse’s neck through the battle armour it wore. We’ll engage soon enough, the emperor thought. He focused on the scene below him as the combined armies, with six large banners close to the front and centering each nation’s infantry, swayed and bobbed as if on a small lake. They could hear the yells and screams but nothing definitive. A pleasant view but one that would not win him any praise.
“Nobles!” Valeran called out as he unsheathed his sword. “Let us break this resistance!” With that he called out and spurred his horse down the hill. He could hear his sergeant at arms call out “To the Emperor!” with anxiety in his voice before he slammed his helmet’s visor down to afford some protection from the halberd’s these Alpine dukes loved to use. Soon he could both feel and see men close around him on their horses. The last sensible thing Valeran remembered was smashing into the Dauphinian line on the flank and trampling five men.
The wind was beginning to blow in stormclouds as Valeran waited in his pavilion for word from his lieutenants on where the Dauphine army had scattered. He was also finalizing plans for besieging Lyonnais. His squire was hovering just inside the tent, ready to heed his call. The wine in his goblet swirled incessantly, a habit he picked up from his father. Valeran studied the diagram of the castle once again. He had to make sure Lyonnais fell so he did not have its garrison at his back. He had lost 12 men already when they ventured too far into the countryside from light infantry assaults sweeping after them from the castle. He could hear the faint creaking of wheels and commotion of refugees from Lyonnais in the distance. Those not protected by the castle walls were wisely deciding to leave with most of their possessions. Of course, many would remain, to pillage, rape, and cause general dissension for the innocents who would not leave.
“My emperor,” his squire announced as a herald walked into the tent.
“Oui?” Valeran answered disinterestedly, studying the diagram.
There was silence for a short time before the squire cleared his throat and whispered something to the herald.
“Emperor Valeran, my liege, I have reports from Orleans the Imperial Chancellor found most concerning, he has asked that the information contained within these reports be given your attention at once.” The herald took a packet of letters out of his tunic and offered them to Valeran with an outstretched hand.
“Thank you herald, place them on the table and be gone.” The herald did as he was told and backed away, bent at the waist.
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“The new regiments have been called up from the surrounding counties to bolster the Garde Royale,” Lord General Niallgus Mélisande informed the king. “The Andalucians are still hesitant to join the military and my provincial officers are not impressing them into service, as was your command when you were elected to the throne.”
The king sat on a bench overlooking the capital city bustling below. The peacefulness of the garden always gave him a delightful contrast to the bustling streets and alleyways below him. He could make out some individuals, but nothing definitive. They looked like ripples in a stream, or ants. More likely ants, with their erratic movements.
“Very good. Thank you Lord General. And what do you have for me, Lord Sifflaed?”
“The empire seems to be in the gripes of martial madness. The Emperor persecutes his war against Dauphine and Lower Lorraine but now the duke of Upper Burgundy is assailing the Lorrainians for the County of Grisons. Lower Lorraine has also seen her northern counties under occupation from the King of Germany regarding a trade dispute.”
The king sighed. “What incompetence. Christendom had almost a century of merely dealing with internal issues and now we come back to killing each other for land. The Mahotmens will retaliate, you’ll see.”
“I do hope that doesn’t come to pass,” Sifflaed replied with a shudder.
“They’ll use us as their gateway, even with the Strait passable only by cog boats.” Mélisande added. The king merely nodded.
“I do have a question, my king-elect.” Sifflaed stated.
“As you always do,” the king answered.
“I have found that Christophe Welenti and Yurid al-Sudar have begun to argue in favor of your land appropriation. They were very vocal in finding ways to keep the debate going against you in parliament.”
“al-Sudar had some trade issues with the Barcelonian families which were taken care of in Gibraltar and the Lord General here was open to letting Minister Welenti’s step-nephew...I believe...be assigned to a regiment of cavalry as an officer.”
“So our esteemed ministers of parliament still can be swayed by bribery?”
“Would you have thought any different?” Amaury replied.
“My liege, you would believe, from their own words, that they were the epitome of chivalry and the only men who still uphold everything that word entails.” Sifflaed answered with a short laugh.
“Lord Sifflaed, how do your agents fare in their tasks?” King Amaury asked with a grandfatherly smile.
Friednand Sifflaed began to fidget with his chaperon.[2] “I am sorry to say that my man in Portucale was found out. He still continues his work regarding Beira but needless to say, the duke has been most vocal about his displeasure of such an act.”
The king nodded again. “And the other?”
“Very well, actually, we now hold rightful claim to the County and stronghold of Fez. The Mahmudid’s never suspected what my man was going about down there.”
“Terrific!” Exclaimed Lord General Mélisande. “Shall I begin to move the Armee de Valence to the coast?”
“No, we’ll let that be,” the king answered, rising from the bench. “I have heard reports of tensions between the peoples of Soria and Teruel.[3] Maybe you could see fit to bolster our peasants with reports of atrocities they might experience in Teruel and the like?”
“Of course, your majesty,” Mélisande answered with a short bow.
“Thank you. I shall be off.” With those words, the king swept his robes behind him and walked into the castle.
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Leinsbourg, Dauphine - March 1446
“This is terrible and most troubling!” Valeran lamented to Fregus de Búrca, the King’s Commander of Scotland.
“Yer damn right, yer majesty. But the buggers done run off when the heralds arrived earlier this morning.”
“What are our available forces?”
“My men will stay, aye, I believe the Picards will stay and fight as well. The damned Dutch have yet to decide, citing growing concerns at home about supporting you.” The Irishman took a long draught from his copper cup.
“So we still outnumber the duke of Dauphine?”
“Aye.”
Valeran gave a long sigh. “I’ll burn in hell before these results shall stand. Mark my words! Now ready your troops. I have anger to let loose.”
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[1] You’ll find the gardens mentioned in the second portion of the post.
[2] Headwear that looks like a loose turban. Think Professor Quill from the first Harry Potter movie.
[3] Soria is part of the Kingdom of Andalusia, Teruel is part of the Kingdom of Aquitaine.
What is this blasphemy? France the holy roman emperor? It seems that you're moving right along with your preparations of conquest, that is good. However what is our good friend the bzzyies up too? Honestly I can't see you not getting pounced on by those fellows eventually.
