Chapter 5 coming up is pretty intense. It's the toughest 10-years I've had to encounter in this AAR, and so many decisions were made that I'm feeling overwhelmed. It's definitely going to be interesting.
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Nice, but those prov's in Anatolia are sure a exposed position. Maybe you'd be better off selling them to the BE?
I'm about to post chapter 5 and then I'll follow-up on this. We think alike though..
Chapter Five:
My Lord would you like a sandwich?
.. We are the sandwich ..
Vittore Ermelli saw it coming before any of his advisors did. As a great diplomat it wasn't very difficult for him to see the intentions through the words of messengers. Perhaps it was their stance in portraying the messages that gave them away, or more notably, the lack of commitment in display before him. Nevertheless, while not a military minded man, Vittore knew he would have to prepare an army for war. It was just a matter of time, and preparation was for the best.
In March of 1475 an emissary from Savoy returned with grave news. Savoy had broken her alliance with us. Our friendships, our relations, even our embassies were not enough for her. Vittore knew that some political mechanism was in play either from Milan, Austria, or perhaps even Ferrara. He sent his spies southward to Ferrara in hopes of finding out what ill news would certainly surface. In doing so, he discovered that they were preparing an army in Romagna. Our spies pushed forth and fabricated claims to Ferrara to gain momentum should we be obliged to defend our landholdings.
Our spies discovery gave us little time to prepare. With several thousand regiments in place, our generals prepared them quickly, and Vittore declared war on Ferrara. In order to find a rat, you must rustle the Stanza dei Veleni, or the room of poisons, and see what stains should flow. Our nation was now at war with Finland, Austria, and Ferrara.
The following month our regiments had regained strength and began their sieges to the South. To the west we were quite disturbed, but not surprised, to find one of the rats scurrying quickly across our floor. Savoy declared war upon us.
Vittore could not handle the administration of war effectively. He stepped down from office in October of 1475 and the people voted a military commander into the Doge's position. Francesco Ruzzini, a veteran commander from the Ottoman excursions to the South, and famed for his battle defense against the Mamluks, took the reigns of office and began his subtle preparations for a long and exhausting war. Our Country opened up her coffers and began minting heavily.
Treviso, Verona, and Parma were being sieged heavily by Austria and Savoy. Finland was in a costly war with Denmark and Francesco knew it was a matter of time before she would exit the war. He concentrated on the sieges of Ferrara. He would have our armies take one enemy at a time and regroup with might in order to better humble our foes. The first to fall was Ferrara...
In the middle of winter of 1476, Parma fell to Savoy. We sent a force of 16,000 strong to push Savoy backwards while our remaining sieges of Romagna and Ancona were being completed. Antalya and Karaman became cores of our country, which was some good news, albeit trivial at best.
By the end of January, Finland exited the war.
In early February of 1476, Ancona fell and Romagna was almost taken. Our forces at Parma were highly successful in pushing back the armies of Savoy, and Parma was being retaken at a brisk pace.
By March, Romagna was in ruins and Ferrara had lost. Our forces felt victory in reach as one enemy was now gone. She ceded Ancona and Romagna and renounced her claims on Modena and Roma. With spring soon to come, Francesco gathered up his Generals and laid out a grand offensive plan. Hiring mercenaries and countrymen from Venezia, he gathered strength and continually pushed the Austrians out of Treviso.
Our main forces pushed westward into Liguria and Nice as our forces, victorious in Ferrara, began to retake Parma. Our countrymen, angry with Savoy, left no mercy to her armies. They brutally slaughtered them, chased them, and cut them down like trees amidst a strong gale.
Austria was becoming exhausted to the North as our armies continued to push her out of Treviso and Verona.
In April of 1477, The Austrians made a final push into Treviso and Verona. However, Savoy was close to losing, her army destroyed and crushed beneath our cavalry.
My Lord would you like a sandwich?
.. We are the sandwich ..
Vittore Ermelli saw it coming before any of his advisors did. As a great diplomat it wasn't very difficult for him to see the intentions through the words of messengers. Perhaps it was their stance in portraying the messages that gave them away, or more notably, the lack of commitment in display before him. Nevertheless, while not a military minded man, Vittore knew he would have to prepare an army for war. It was just a matter of time, and preparation was for the best.
In March of 1475 an emissary from Savoy returned with grave news. Savoy had broken her alliance with us. Our friendships, our relations, even our embassies were not enough for her. Vittore knew that some political mechanism was in play either from Milan, Austria, or perhaps even Ferrara. He sent his spies southward to Ferrara in hopes of finding out what ill news would certainly surface. In doing so, he discovered that they were preparing an army in Romagna. Our spies pushed forth and fabricated claims to Ferrara to gain momentum should we be obliged to defend our landholdings.
Our spies discovery gave us little time to prepare. With several thousand regiments in place, our generals prepared them quickly, and Vittore declared war on Ferrara. In order to find a rat, you must rustle the Stanza dei Veleni, or the room of poisons, and see what stains should flow. Our nation was now at war with Finland, Austria, and Ferrara.
The following month our regiments had regained strength and began their sieges to the South. To the west we were quite disturbed, but not surprised, to find one of the rats scurrying quickly across our floor. Savoy declared war upon us.
Vittore could not handle the administration of war effectively. He stepped down from office in October of 1475 and the people voted a military commander into the Doge's position. Francesco Ruzzini, a veteran commander from the Ottoman excursions to the South, and famed for his battle defense against the Mamluks, took the reigns of office and began his subtle preparations for a long and exhausting war. Our Country opened up her coffers and began minting heavily.
Treviso, Verona, and Parma were being sieged heavily by Austria and Savoy. Finland was in a costly war with Denmark and Francesco knew it was a matter of time before she would exit the war. He concentrated on the sieges of Ferrara. He would have our armies take one enemy at a time and regroup with might in order to better humble our foes. The first to fall was Ferrara...
In the middle of winter of 1476, Parma fell to Savoy. We sent a force of 16,000 strong to push Savoy backwards while our remaining sieges of Romagna and Ancona were being completed. Antalya and Karaman became cores of our country, which was some good news, albeit trivial at best.
By the end of January, Finland exited the war.
In early February of 1476, Ancona fell and Romagna was almost taken. Our forces at Parma were highly successful in pushing back the armies of Savoy, and Parma was being retaken at a brisk pace.
By March, Romagna was in ruins and Ferrara had lost. Our forces felt victory in reach as one enemy was now gone. She ceded Ancona and Romagna and renounced her claims on Modena and Roma. With spring soon to come, Francesco gathered up his Generals and laid out a grand offensive plan. Hiring mercenaries and countrymen from Venezia, he gathered strength and continually pushed the Austrians out of Treviso.
Our main forces pushed westward into Liguria and Nice as our forces, victorious in Ferrara, began to retake Parma. Our countrymen, angry with Savoy, left no mercy to her armies. They brutally slaughtered them, chased them, and cut them down like trees amidst a strong gale.
Austria was becoming exhausted to the North as our armies continued to push her out of Treviso and Verona.
In April of 1477, The Austrians made a final push into Treviso and Verona. However, Savoy was close to losing, her army destroyed and crushed beneath our cavalry.
Last edited:
My Lord, we have terrible news...
In July of 1477, over a morning military session with his Generals, Francesco turned around quickly, snapping into a battle ready stance as one of his most trusted messengers entered the war room. The ill news had come. England had declared war upon us...
Our country prepared her fleet and sent out signalers at all posts. We knew it would be a matter of time and hoped that the English were not as prepared for battle. We would know soon enough. In two months, no sails were in sight and we were very thankful. Women and children went to work while their husbands and fathers prepared for battle. In two months, we received great news. Savoy had fallen. She ceded Liguria to us and helped us finance our war with England...
The mist rises..
Beacons burned to the southeast as the early mist rose in February of 1478. Many sails were sighted along the coast of Roma. The English had arrived.
A long year passed. Our country was hopeful as we continued to push the English off of our shores. Austria, having lost much of her army in Treviso, as our cavalry runners scorched the earth around her and gobbled her up through attrition, finally succumbed in the winter of 1479. England was our last remaining foe.
Throughout the remaining year we fought. Every time the English stepped foot upon our soil, we rallied and destroyed her forces with disrespect. The English were brutalized by venetians, little did they know how strong we would fight. Our countrymen would not back down in fear, nor would they take a second glance to run away from the experienced military might of England's generals.
In the year of our lord, 1481, the English ran a fleet of 32 heavy ships into the Venetian harbor and struck a blow to our fleet. Our fleet lost only one ship and pushed her forces out. By the middle of August, the English focused on Antalya and Karaman and sieged both of our southeast provinces. Our countrymen fought hard but lost Antalya to the English. The Byzantine Empire marched a force of 14,000 strong into Antalya and vanquished the English before they could send for more help. By Febrary of the following year, the English had lost.
In July of 1477, over a morning military session with his Generals, Francesco turned around quickly, snapping into a battle ready stance as one of his most trusted messengers entered the war room. The ill news had come. England had declared war upon us...
Our country prepared her fleet and sent out signalers at all posts. We knew it would be a matter of time and hoped that the English were not as prepared for battle. We would know soon enough. In two months, no sails were in sight and we were very thankful. Women and children went to work while their husbands and fathers prepared for battle. In two months, we received great news. Savoy had fallen. She ceded Liguria to us and helped us finance our war with England...
The mist rises..
Beacons burned to the southeast as the early mist rose in February of 1478. Many sails were sighted along the coast of Roma. The English had arrived.
A long year passed. Our country was hopeful as we continued to push the English off of our shores. Austria, having lost much of her army in Treviso, as our cavalry runners scorched the earth around her and gobbled her up through attrition, finally succumbed in the winter of 1479. England was our last remaining foe.
Throughout the remaining year we fought. Every time the English stepped foot upon our soil, we rallied and destroyed her forces with disrespect. The English were brutalized by venetians, little did they know how strong we would fight. Our countrymen would not back down in fear, nor would they take a second glance to run away from the experienced military might of England's generals.
In the year of our lord, 1481, the English ran a fleet of 32 heavy ships into the Venetian harbor and struck a blow to our fleet. Our fleet lost only one ship and pushed her forces out. By the middle of August, the English focused on Antalya and Karaman and sieged both of our southeast provinces. Our countrymen fought hard but lost Antalya to the English. The Byzantine Empire marched a force of 14,000 strong into Antalya and vanquished the English before they could send for more help. By Febrary of the following year, the English had lost.
Last edited:
News of a printing press surfaced and our ruler embraced the idea with enthusiasm.
Our country was at peace and Francesco was receiving a great deal of adulation having won a great war versus five other countries and two major powers in Austria and England. He would not decrease our army numbers until our country was more stabilized, and while our inflation had risen during the 7 year long war, his popularity grew. But, Francesco was no great diplomat and did not care to strengthen the ties of those neighbors around us. Little more than three months after our defeat of England, her King angry and belligerent, imposed his will upon Francesco. He called for his excommunication! There was cause for great concern.
Fuming inwardly, Francesco pulled out his sword and with an agile downward thrust, cut the excommunication notice from his messenger in half. "How dare he!.." he screamed and yelled to the top of his lungs. "What impudence!" he shouted. Francesco was not a religious man and believed with an arrogant position, rightfully earned, that he was above the Pope, that he was in fact, ordained by God himself! He quickly gathered his best religious advisors and put together many documents. He met with learned scholars from Pisa and all manner of scientific interest in the matter of divine rule. After several weeks, he crafted a Restraint of Appeals, denouncing the Pope openly. It would create a stir and begin the downfall of one of Venice's greatest military rulers.
Francesco cared not what his advisors told him. He inwardly hated the Byzantine Empire. He felt strongly that one day they would turn their backs on us and he needed to have a country that would support Venice in her hour of need. He created a vassal out of Karaman and spit in the direction of Bursa.
With our country decentralized and needing money, Francesco began to establish a march in several provinces. He started to divide common lands into privately owned areas, giving much to the Aristocracy in hopes of padding his coffers. This upset the populace greatly.
In October of 1482, Modena became our core.
In October of 1483, Francesco was found poisoned in his room with an ornamental crucifix protruding out of his back. With his death, our excommunication was lifted, and our people nervously muttered about, not knowing what would happen next. Michele Bardolino was elected to office as our next ruler and while not very adept with administration and diplomacy, tried to bring our Country back into good graces.
In order to appease the religious turmoil surfacing within our nation, and to make amends with the Holy Roman Empire, Michele decided that it was in our Country's best interests to join the Holy Roman Empire.
To further our ends, he also decided that it would be in our greatest interest to ally with Finland, who once was our enemy, and whose country was the benefactor of holding the seat of the Pope.
With our country at peace, our religious turmoil at an end, one could wonder what Michele was truly doing for our nation. Was he ignorant? A puppet to the machinations of a deeper sect of advisors? Only through time we would know.
(Diplomatic Map - 1485)
End of Chapter 5.
Our country was at peace and Francesco was receiving a great deal of adulation having won a great war versus five other countries and two major powers in Austria and England. He would not decrease our army numbers until our country was more stabilized, and while our inflation had risen during the 7 year long war, his popularity grew. But, Francesco was no great diplomat and did not care to strengthen the ties of those neighbors around us. Little more than three months after our defeat of England, her King angry and belligerent, imposed his will upon Francesco. He called for his excommunication! There was cause for great concern.
Fuming inwardly, Francesco pulled out his sword and with an agile downward thrust, cut the excommunication notice from his messenger in half. "How dare he!.." he screamed and yelled to the top of his lungs. "What impudence!" he shouted. Francesco was not a religious man and believed with an arrogant position, rightfully earned, that he was above the Pope, that he was in fact, ordained by God himself! He quickly gathered his best religious advisors and put together many documents. He met with learned scholars from Pisa and all manner of scientific interest in the matter of divine rule. After several weeks, he crafted a Restraint of Appeals, denouncing the Pope openly. It would create a stir and begin the downfall of one of Venice's greatest military rulers.
Francesco cared not what his advisors told him. He inwardly hated the Byzantine Empire. He felt strongly that one day they would turn their backs on us and he needed to have a country that would support Venice in her hour of need. He created a vassal out of Karaman and spit in the direction of Bursa.
With our country decentralized and needing money, Francesco began to establish a march in several provinces. He started to divide common lands into privately owned areas, giving much to the Aristocracy in hopes of padding his coffers. This upset the populace greatly.
In October of 1482, Modena became our core.
In October of 1483, Francesco was found poisoned in his room with an ornamental crucifix protruding out of his back. With his death, our excommunication was lifted, and our people nervously muttered about, not knowing what would happen next. Michele Bardolino was elected to office as our next ruler and while not very adept with administration and diplomacy, tried to bring our Country back into good graces.
In order to appease the religious turmoil surfacing within our nation, and to make amends with the Holy Roman Empire, Michele decided that it was in our Country's best interests to join the Holy Roman Empire.
To further our ends, he also decided that it would be in our greatest interest to ally with Finland, who once was our enemy, and whose country was the benefactor of holding the seat of the Pope.
With our country at peace, our religious turmoil at an end, one could wonder what Michele was truly doing for our nation. Was he ignorant? A puppet to the machinations of a deeper sect of advisors? Only through time we would know.
(Diplomatic Map - 1485)
End of Chapter 5.
Last edited:
Chapter 5 is now completed. As you can see we fought a major 7-year war with Savoy, Austria, Finland, Ferrara, and England and were victorious. However, there's a lot of things that are not right. While we are closer to forming Italy, we are severely hated by Castille, France, England, Austria, and the neighboring world. Our reputation is really good but our diplomacy is not. We're also suffering from a 5 percent inflation and are starting to go behind in tech versus the major powers out there.
There's a lot that needs fixing here. Please remember that I started the game at a loss and have been trying to make that up ever since. Call it my handicap.
There's a lot that needs fixing here. Please remember that I started the game at a loss and have been trying to make that up ever since. Call it my handicap.
As you can see, I'm second in income, but I have a 5% inflation which I'm trying to reduce. However, France is one giant blue blob now and England is scratching at my heels, and will probably declare war on me again soon. Once they pick a target they don't stop.
France is inching closer to my borders and will probably start giving me issues at some point as well. I can control them with my borders and using scorching earth tactics if need be to reduce their large numbers.
However, again, I'm trying to play all of these rulers with different mindsets and different goals and agendas. It makes it a lot more fun for me this way and I never know what to expect. Sometimes I look at a scenario and I think why do that? And, I drift back to history and realize that sometimes rulers make mistakes, and usually due to emotions or pressure.
I have short term and long term goals but each ruler makes it more difficult to get there. I suppose that's why this AAR is intriguing to me, and hopefully to some of you too. I wanted it to be a real story.
I'm getting ready to start Chapter 6 and I have a lot of issues to bypass. One of them is that I only need Firenze and 50 more years to form Italy. Part of me wants to rush in and get it over with before France inches too close to me. But, I'm probably going to focus on reducing my army numbers, keeping one large central force of cavalry and start building a huge fleet while I concentrate on trade technology and government. The next idea I'll probably take National Conscripts. I do not have any passion for colonization in this AAR and will not be focusing on that. Historically, Portugal, Castille, and England cut off the colonization routes for Italy, and I'm holding true to that bit of history.
France is inching closer to my borders and will probably start giving me issues at some point as well. I can control them with my borders and using scorching earth tactics if need be to reduce their large numbers.
However, again, I'm trying to play all of these rulers with different mindsets and different goals and agendas. It makes it a lot more fun for me this way and I never know what to expect. Sometimes I look at a scenario and I think why do that? And, I drift back to history and realize that sometimes rulers make mistakes, and usually due to emotions or pressure.
I have short term and long term goals but each ruler makes it more difficult to get there. I suppose that's why this AAR is intriguing to me, and hopefully to some of you too. I wanted it to be a real story.
I'm getting ready to start Chapter 6 and I have a lot of issues to bypass. One of them is that I only need Firenze and 50 more years to form Italy. Part of me wants to rush in and get it over with before France inches too close to me. But, I'm probably going to focus on reducing my army numbers, keeping one large central force of cavalry and start building a huge fleet while I concentrate on trade technology and government. The next idea I'll probably take National Conscripts. I do not have any passion for colonization in this AAR and will not be focusing on that. Historically, Portugal, Castille, and England cut off the colonization routes for Italy, and I'm holding true to that bit of history.
I'm going to have to take a loan, go full minting, and probably work on building the world's largest fleet and reduce my numbers significantly on the armed front. If I get attacked via land, I'll build mercs and I can resist England from sea.
If anyone wants to offer some suggestions, I'm listening.
If anyone wants to offer some suggestions, I'm listening.
I'm getting ready to play Chapter 6 now. I have gone through many different ideas and feel I have a good one to get through this bad spot. I will be focusing on Minting, building ships so that I can hold off the english on the Western side of the coastline, focus on a mobile cavalry unit for removing rebellions, and working towards Government 11, Trading 11, and Production 9. I forsee an inflation value of somewhere between 9 and 12, depending on how much I have to mint. I know that England is going to continue to excommunicate me and since she is allied with Portugal and Austria now, I need the fleet and will have to push Austria off my lands in the next war.
France has two possibilities now and both I'm dreading. They can take Savoy or Switzerland and be right next to my provinces. If I'm excommunicated, it would be an easy war for her. So, I will have to take national conscripts so that I can match manpower with her.
Anyhoo, as you can see there's still a lot to do. I also need to take Firenze which is allied with Ferrara and Aquiliea. Wish me luck.
France has two possibilities now and both I'm dreading. They can take Savoy or Switzerland and be right next to my provinces. If I'm excommunicated, it would be an easy war for her. So, I will have to take national conscripts so that I can match manpower with her.
Anyhoo, as you can see there's still a lot to do. I also need to take Firenze which is allied with Ferrara and Aquiliea. Wish me luck.
Chapter 6 is finished. Because it's so late, I'll have to post it tomorrow. It's only been around 11 years, but it was a very big and important 11 years, since England has been chasing me. While I won't give anything away, what transpired in chapter 6 is giving me anxiety for chapter 7...
Chapter 6 will be up tomorrow. It's one for the history books...
Chapter 6 will be up tomorrow. It's one for the history books...
Chapter Six:
A mali estremi, estremi rimedi.
English translation: Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Michele Bardolino was not a man that was well respected by the Nobility. He was not a man who felt confident at court. While he had very little weaknesses, he also had very little strengths. Some might call him average. He was of average height and demeanor. His taste in wine and women were average. Even his closest advisors appeared, well, average. But it was the averages that Michele was weighing closely. In order to hold off England from our coastal shores in the near future, our fleet could not be average.
Our Nation was strong and he knew this, even though our people did not feel it. It was time to reach into our coffers and begin building something to be proud of. Our fleet would be the sight of the world!, he thought. And, so it began with a loan, and heavy minting.
Our fleet had enough transports to land on any distant shore. However, we lacked big ships and the firepower of their cannons. The workforce dismantled forests, and trees fell mightily to the ground. The chopping and sawing continued, even into the night.
We separated our fleet into two fleets, a transport fleet and a military fleet.
Our monthly and yearly gains made us wealthy, and while our investment in technology suffered, our fleet was being financed and its secrecy was successful.
Our military commanders impressed upon the urgency of removing the administration of Antalya. Her borders were difficult to defend and it would only mean more military diversion and separation. Michele agreed and our country sold her to our vassal in Karaman, as both provinces were of catholic influence.
In June of 1485, England excommunicated Michele. Our fleet was being built rapidly but he only hoped it would be in time. We had already funded the building of more than 24 ships and this number would increase as our monthly income came in.
In April of 1486 our first ships were being moved and reorganized with the Military fleet.
The building was starting to account for higher inflation.
In August, our naval technology advanced.
Our armies were consolidated into a mobile cavalry that could repel rebellions and meet the enemy head on, should she invade our shores.
Our fleet was progressing smoothly. In the summer of 1487, we had almost 20 Carracks in our military fleet.
In September, Corsimo Pignatelli arrived in Venice and Michele brought him on as a new advisor, in hopes that our reputation could continue to improve.
Our nation, fully over from the effects of Francesco's rule, sought a greater man to lead our nation. Antonio Giustiani was a solid administrator but an even better Military man. Given that England might declare war upon us at any time in the near future, we embraced him as a country and backed him completely. Antonio also believed that the construction of our fleet should continue, and he embraced this idea with passion.
Our mission to become the owner of the world's greatest fleet was coming to fruition. So, we stayed the course.
A mali estremi, estremi rimedi.
English translation: Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Michele Bardolino was not a man that was well respected by the Nobility. He was not a man who felt confident at court. While he had very little weaknesses, he also had very little strengths. Some might call him average. He was of average height and demeanor. His taste in wine and women were average. Even his closest advisors appeared, well, average. But it was the averages that Michele was weighing closely. In order to hold off England from our coastal shores in the near future, our fleet could not be average.
Our Nation was strong and he knew this, even though our people did not feel it. It was time to reach into our coffers and begin building something to be proud of. Our fleet would be the sight of the world!, he thought. And, so it began with a loan, and heavy minting.
Our fleet had enough transports to land on any distant shore. However, we lacked big ships and the firepower of their cannons. The workforce dismantled forests, and trees fell mightily to the ground. The chopping and sawing continued, even into the night.
We separated our fleet into two fleets, a transport fleet and a military fleet.
Our monthly and yearly gains made us wealthy, and while our investment in technology suffered, our fleet was being financed and its secrecy was successful.
Our military commanders impressed upon the urgency of removing the administration of Antalya. Her borders were difficult to defend and it would only mean more military diversion and separation. Michele agreed and our country sold her to our vassal in Karaman, as both provinces were of catholic influence.
In June of 1485, England excommunicated Michele. Our fleet was being built rapidly but he only hoped it would be in time. We had already funded the building of more than 24 ships and this number would increase as our monthly income came in.
In April of 1486 our first ships were being moved and reorganized with the Military fleet.
The building was starting to account for higher inflation.
In August, our naval technology advanced.
Our armies were consolidated into a mobile cavalry that could repel rebellions and meet the enemy head on, should she invade our shores.
Our fleet was progressing smoothly. In the summer of 1487, we had almost 20 Carracks in our military fleet.
In September, Corsimo Pignatelli arrived in Venice and Michele brought him on as a new advisor, in hopes that our reputation could continue to improve.
Our nation, fully over from the effects of Francesco's rule, sought a greater man to lead our nation. Antonio Giustiani was a solid administrator but an even better Military man. Given that England might declare war upon us at any time in the near future, we embraced him as a country and backed him completely. Antonio also believed that the construction of our fleet should continue, and he embraced this idea with passion.
Our mission to become the owner of the world's greatest fleet was coming to fruition. So, we stayed the course.
A caval donato non si guarda in bocca.
English translation: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
In June of 1488, a messenger stormed into my Doge's chamber completely out of breath. Antonio read the message with urgency, muttering under his breath. He looked up excitedly, stopping as he squeezed the news between his fingers with a firm grip. "War of Gelren Succession..." he exclaimed. England had gone to war with Austria.
With this news came an exciting new day. England could not afford another costly war with Venice at the same time. With Austria at her borders, Venice would post a sincere problem to England. No, this was a great time for our country, a chance for us to solidify our borders and perhaps one day, unite our nation. We would have to fabricate claims in Firenze.
By the end of June, we declared war on Tuscany. We now had the upper hand and would make our push to unite our Country.
Ferrara had not the stomach for war and knew she would be defeated easily. She quickly asked for peace and we obliged her. She was not our military target. Antonio would later regret this move.
In October of 1488, our forces overwhelmed the Aquileians in Friuli and Gorz.
By December, our military fleet was over 30 ships and we were closing on England.
In March of 1489, Friuli and Gorz both fell to our forces.
Aquileia quickly ceded Gorz and ended her part in the war.
By April, Firenze followed suit.
Our reputation was tarnished, but we had taken a gold province from Aquileia and united central Tuscany.
By January, 1490, our fleet was grand. Over 40 Carracks united! England had taken Savoy to the west and we cared not.
Finland, knew she could not stand against our might and quickly offered peace. Our centralization war was now over.
English translation: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
In June of 1488, a messenger stormed into my Doge's chamber completely out of breath. Antonio read the message with urgency, muttering under his breath. He looked up excitedly, stopping as he squeezed the news between his fingers with a firm grip. "War of Gelren Succession..." he exclaimed. England had gone to war with Austria.
With this news came an exciting new day. England could not afford another costly war with Venice at the same time. With Austria at her borders, Venice would post a sincere problem to England. No, this was a great time for our country, a chance for us to solidify our borders and perhaps one day, unite our nation. We would have to fabricate claims in Firenze.
By the end of June, we declared war on Tuscany. We now had the upper hand and would make our push to unite our Country.
Ferrara had not the stomach for war and knew she would be defeated easily. She quickly asked for peace and we obliged her. She was not our military target. Antonio would later regret this move.
In October of 1488, our forces overwhelmed the Aquileians in Friuli and Gorz.
By December, our military fleet was over 30 ships and we were closing on England.
In March of 1489, Friuli and Gorz both fell to our forces.
Aquileia quickly ceded Gorz and ended her part in the war.
By April, Firenze followed suit.
Our reputation was tarnished, but we had taken a gold province from Aquileia and united central Tuscany.
By January, 1490, our fleet was grand. Over 40 Carracks united! England had taken Savoy to the west and we cared not.
Finland, knew she could not stand against our might and quickly offered peace. Our centralization war was now over.
Last edited:
A chi dai il dito si prende anche il braccio.
English translation: Give them a finger and they'll take the arm.
Idiomatic meaning: Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
With war now over, it was time for Antonio to build stability and reduce inflation for our nation. Our fleet was almost finished and ready to sail and our nation's technology was suffering.
In July of 1490 we worked on our Trade technology. And by August we advanced rapidly.
In January of 1491, a great celebration ensued in Venice. Our nation rejoiced as our military fleet, consisting of 45 carracks, moved westward to patrol our coastal waters.
In March, we advanced our production.
Our Nation was now feared by many. Our fleet was perhaps the greatest in all of the world.
With war over, and our coastal waters defended from the English, Antonio stepped down to a chorus of cheers from the gracious people of our nation. He and Michele had completed a great thing and history would not forget them. Our nation needed a solid administrator. Urbano Polani was voted into office as our next Doge as he came from a very prestigious family with influences that stretched within many Noble houses.
However, Urbano was also a military man and had a private agenda. Long had he detested Milan and Ferrara. He looked down upon those nations with great disdain and utter lack of respect. He believed that our nation was not yet united because our borders were tainted by mixed blood. Before coming to office, he already had concocted a magnificent plan. If spies could infiltrate Milan and claims fabricated, Venice could rightfully go to war. She was allied with Mantua and her independence was guaranteed by Ferrara. By going to war, the other two nations would be goaded into fighting, and with that fighting, our nation would be firmly united from coast to coast. He sent his spies to do the work and began to mint heavily.
In May of 1492, Venice declared war on Milan. The Triumvirate War of United Fronts was underway.
Our armies marched on Lombardia.
Urbano moved our policies in favor of free subjects in order to remove some of the heavy inflation we were incurring as a nation. He was successful.
In December of 1492, our sieges were underway. However, France who had gone to war with Switzerland, had been successful and were now bordering Lombardia and Brescia. Perhaps Urbano had made a grave mistake.
In January of 1493, our government advanced and with that advancement came a new idea.
Urbano knew that one day we would have to match the French in manpower. We established the idea of National Conscripts to better that purpose.
In March, Ferrara fell. In April, Milan collapsed. By July, Mantua could not hold up against our military might. Urbano annexed them all. His master plan was successful. Our nation of Venice was united from coast to coast, with the exception of Friuli.
English translation: Give them a finger and they'll take the arm.
Idiomatic meaning: Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
With war now over, it was time for Antonio to build stability and reduce inflation for our nation. Our fleet was almost finished and ready to sail and our nation's technology was suffering.
In July of 1490 we worked on our Trade technology. And by August we advanced rapidly.
In January of 1491, a great celebration ensued in Venice. Our nation rejoiced as our military fleet, consisting of 45 carracks, moved westward to patrol our coastal waters.
In March, we advanced our production.
Our Nation was now feared by many. Our fleet was perhaps the greatest in all of the world.
With war over, and our coastal waters defended from the English, Antonio stepped down to a chorus of cheers from the gracious people of our nation. He and Michele had completed a great thing and history would not forget them. Our nation needed a solid administrator. Urbano Polani was voted into office as our next Doge as he came from a very prestigious family with influences that stretched within many Noble houses.
However, Urbano was also a military man and had a private agenda. Long had he detested Milan and Ferrara. He looked down upon those nations with great disdain and utter lack of respect. He believed that our nation was not yet united because our borders were tainted by mixed blood. Before coming to office, he already had concocted a magnificent plan. If spies could infiltrate Milan and claims fabricated, Venice could rightfully go to war. She was allied with Mantua and her independence was guaranteed by Ferrara. By going to war, the other two nations would be goaded into fighting, and with that fighting, our nation would be firmly united from coast to coast. He sent his spies to do the work and began to mint heavily.
In May of 1492, Venice declared war on Milan. The Triumvirate War of United Fronts was underway.
Our armies marched on Lombardia.
Urbano moved our policies in favor of free subjects in order to remove some of the heavy inflation we were incurring as a nation. He was successful.
In December of 1492, our sieges were underway. However, France who had gone to war with Switzerland, had been successful and were now bordering Lombardia and Brescia. Perhaps Urbano had made a grave mistake.
In January of 1493, our government advanced and with that advancement came a new idea.
Urbano knew that one day we would have to match the French in manpower. We established the idea of National Conscripts to better that purpose.
In March, Ferrara fell. In April, Milan collapsed. By July, Mantua could not hold up against our military might. Urbano annexed them all. His master plan was successful. Our nation of Venice was united from coast to coast, with the exception of Friuli.
Last edited:
A ogni uccello il suo nido è bello.
English translation: To every bird, his own nest is beautiful.
In July of 1493, workshops were already underway around our Kingdom.
Urbano, in his own mind, felt happy with the work he had accomplished. Our nation, united, would begin to feel a sense of prosperity. However, our reputation suffered. The nobles knew this. The people heard this. And, all eyes of the world focused their agendas upon us. We were still at war with Finland.
In October, 1493, Roma became a core.
Our inflation suffered.
In July, 1494, Finland relinquished to the war and offered peace with Venice.
Urbano worked on embracing our land technology advance.
France was a cause for concern...
In July of 1495, our nation was finally stable.
Urbano was not re-elected to office. Feeling pressure from the populace, our nation's reputation suffering, our people embraced another solid administrator and also a great military commander, Francesco Erizzo.
At a time when our nation needed diplomacy, we had none. Our diplomatic reaches were constrained within our own borders and we had no Latin allies.
Travellers abroad were wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. Many ambassadors and diplomats refused to visit our nation. To each, and all, we were dishonorable scum.
In November of 1496, our land advances came to fruition but our military was not as strong as those of our neighbors.
All eyes looked to the northwest, towards France. We were hated. We were getting stronger. But, France was larger and more dominant a military force. Deep inside our hearts we knew that danger was lurking nearby. An Armageddon was close to our homefront and it was a matter of time before the flames of war burned deep into our cities. We prepared for the worst.
END of chapter 6....
English translation: To every bird, his own nest is beautiful.
In July of 1493, workshops were already underway around our Kingdom.
Urbano, in his own mind, felt happy with the work he had accomplished. Our nation, united, would begin to feel a sense of prosperity. However, our reputation suffered. The nobles knew this. The people heard this. And, all eyes of the world focused their agendas upon us. We were still at war with Finland.
In October, 1493, Roma became a core.
Our inflation suffered.
In July, 1494, Finland relinquished to the war and offered peace with Venice.
Urbano worked on embracing our land technology advance.
France was a cause for concern...
In July of 1495, our nation was finally stable.
Urbano was not re-elected to office. Feeling pressure from the populace, our nation's reputation suffering, our people embraced another solid administrator and also a great military commander, Francesco Erizzo.
At a time when our nation needed diplomacy, we had none. Our diplomatic reaches were constrained within our own borders and we had no Latin allies.
Travellers abroad were wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. Many ambassadors and diplomats refused to visit our nation. To each, and all, we were dishonorable scum.
In November of 1496, our land advances came to fruition but our military was not as strong as those of our neighbors.
All eyes looked to the northwest, towards France. We were hated. We were getting stronger. But, France was larger and more dominant a military force. Deep inside our hearts we knew that danger was lurking nearby. An Armageddon was close to our homefront and it was a matter of time before the flames of war burned deep into our cities. We prepared for the worst.
END of chapter 6....
Last edited: