-
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.
Beyond Europe
Beyond Europe
The architecture was distinct. And different. Roundhuts at the edges of the city. Traditional, wooden posts, straw roofs. Mudbrick houses. Distinct brown tone that goes well with the surrounding area. Wooden beams that out from the wall face of larger buildings, giving them truly an unique look and providing scaffolding for the repairs at the same time.
This truly is unique architecture
“Tomás, i’ve a feeling we’re not in Lisboa anymore,” said Alfonso V, King of Portugal, to one of his sycophants as they stood on the shore, watching the fleet unload troops. The sea was filled with small rowboats. Alfonso was amongst the first to hit ashore, as is proper for the warrior king. Lead by example and all that. The opposition was minor though. Small garrison of the undefended city took a look at the invasion force and then decided they were needed elsewhere. Very urgently.
Small detachments took the docks, allowing ships to dock there. Soon, the first ones did, and the soldiers poured ashore. Within few hours, Mboul, the capital of Cayor, was Portuguese. The trade city of Dakar was just an hour of march away and before the locals could really understand what is going on, that fell as well.
The army rested for the day and then marched off, to inland. Towards Jowol, the capital of Jolof, in the province of Wolof, Or at least, in the general direction of it, because no Portuguese has visited there and no-one knows where it is. That is the joy of conquering new lands, where no European has been before. An adventure! An adventure that can lead to very unhappy end if you take the wrong turn though.
Still, Alfonso enjoyed himself. Like a brave knight, heading into the unknown. Fighting an enemy never seen before. Discovering (and looting) places never seen before. He was giddy with anticipation.
Sultan Leeyti Tyukuli Ndiaye of Jolof did not share that sentiment. It was three month after the start of the war when Moroccan emissary, ravaged from long journey through Timbuktu, arrived. Pleading for help and support. Leeyti knew full well that like hell he is going to send his forces on a march through mostly hostile lands, leaving his own kingdom defenceless against Mali invasion. So, he have the ambassador the usual assurances like “Yes, we will come, definitely, just takes some time. Allow us to prepare, recruit more troops, collect supplies for such a long and dangerous journey that will most certainly kill half our my men before we reach your borders”, and gave ambassador some baubles and sent him off. Kind of forgetting the whole affair about war with a strange country named Potrucal or whatever it was.
Until in December 1449 a strange fleet arrived on their shores. Leeyti had heard of rumours of the white man appearing on their shores a few years ago, but he had signed it off as myths. Apparently, they were totally not mythical and they carried very real iron swords and armor. And were apt at warfare. Suddenly, Leeyit faced doom at his gates. Literally, for the Portuguese arrived to Jowol in March 1450 and put the city under siege.
Smaller detachments took over the remaining coastal provinces. Jolofian army were nowhere to be seen. Perhaps, they were on their long march to Morocco? That again forced the Jolofian navies into the ocean, where Portugese, led by Diego Gomez, were waiting for them. In two battles, the Jolofian navy was no more, and Portuguese got themselves two captured cogs.
End of Jolofian navy
Meaning, Alfonso continued his siege uninterrupted. And the walls of Jowol.. Let us just say that they were nothing compared to walls of Tangiers. Or Fez. In 241 days, the city fell and the Jolof was at Portuguese mercy.
After the next two days or negotiating and looting, Portuguese and Jolofians reached an agreement. Jolof can keep Wolof. Everything else will be handed to Portuguese. Sultan Leeyti can keep his pants. Everything else goes to Portuguese. They weren’t were good pants anyway.
Portugal gained their first holdings in Sub-Saharan Africa. Three provinces, Traza, Cayor and Siine. Cayor being Senegal estuary and therefore being important trade province in yet undiscovered Gulf of Guinea trade node. Portugal had made their first step beyond Europe.
Other Matters
Urbino, a small one-province nation in Italy. Vassal of the Papal States. Home to one of the biggest changes in the world. The small duchy had become a gathering place of artists, thinkers, philosophers and like. From there, it spread around the world. But for now, Urbino was the place to be if you happen to be a free thinker, unshackled from the confines of church. Ironic that it was within de facto territory of the Papal States.
The renaissance man became man of the year in 1450
The conquest of Ceuta in 1419 had resulted in a small Moroccan migration to Lisboa. Enough that there actually was a Moroccan quarter. Small, but active one. With their own bazaars and even a mosque, with very very quiet muezzins. In 1450, there was suddenly a massive influx of Moroccans wanting a brand new start in Lisboa. Enough that it affected Gharb’s tax income. And enough to add to income of Lisboa.
Good for Lisboa, not so good for Ceuta
In August 1450, the foolish war between England and France ended. As expected, the English were unable to gain personal union with France and Charles VII remained securely in power. Instead, the English lost half their provinces in the mainland, including Labourd.
The end of Granada was expected. Castile took the fortress in Granada, the surrounding provinces too and with it, completed the reconquista. As a bonus, they also liberated Morocco from one ally and freed Portugal from threat of Granada’s army.
The Peace
Abdalhaqq II Marinid was a broken man. He knew he had lost everything. Extra humiliation, signing peace treaty in Tangiers, in a cell where Fernando o Infante Santo or Prince Fernando died, meant nothing for him. He knew that even if he signed peace with the Portuguese, his realm would be lost, his dynasty would end and he would be the last of his dynasty that had lasted for over 200 years.
He felt he should hate the Portuguese for it, but he was just too damn tired to care anymore. Even though the Portuguese were those who caused it, ceding Tangiers was unimportant to Abdalhaqq II. Or rather, least of his worries.
He just signed the treaty, bowed to Earl of Avaranches, signing the peace on behalf of Alfonso, who was still in Jolof, and left the room. Leaving behind one very ecstatic party of Portuguese and several huge sacks of money.
This is the sound of success
Jolof is a good stepping stone. Especially if you want the The Navigator achievement. This way, you can save a decade because you do not have to colonize Cabo Verde first and can get it done by 1480-ies or so. Depends a little.
Anyway, this is a good start. Moroccan money will help a bit in the long run. And Tangiers adds a bit to Seville node. Overall, things are good for Portugal.
Do not underestimate the loss of carrack in the early game! These cost bloody 50 gold per ship. That is few years of income down to the bottom of the ocean.
But yes, things could be much-much-much worse
Hey, useful info that. Didn't know, though i think i have kind of always referred to ships as female. Glad i got it right
Just let us not forget that during the last war, it were Portuguese who were the aggressive party. Or something even worse- an inept aggressive party! You might say they got what they deserved.
To be fair, i have no interest in Moroccan lands. Yes, i should take the coastal provinces of all three Berber nations eventually, because of the bloody raiders and that the only permanent way to stop them is to remove their access to the coast. But the inland provinces- not really worth the coring malus and not really worth the time.
Anyway, this is a good start. Moroccan money will help a bit in the long run. And Tangiers adds a bit to Seville node. Overall, things are good for Portugal.
Do not underestimate the loss of carrack in the early game! These cost bloody 50 gold per ship. That is few years of income down to the bottom of the ocean.
But yes, things could be much-much-much worse
Hey, useful info that. Didn't know, though i think i have kind of always referred to ships as female. Glad i got it right
Just let us not forget that during the last war, it were Portuguese who were the aggressive party. Or something even worse- an inept aggressive party!
You might say they got what they deserved. Those rebels are strong, and taking rightful Portugese land.
To be fair, i have no interest in Moroccan lands. Yes, i should take the coastal provinces of all three Berber nations eventually, because of the bloody raiders and that the only permanent way to stop them is to remove their access to the coast. But the inland provinces- not really worth the coring malus and not really worth the time.
Oh I am sure you can find 50 ducats among those three hundred from Morocco to rebuild your Carrack
Nice idea taking Jolof. My Portuguese runs usually are more sedentary.
Nice idea taking Jolof. My Portuguese runs usually are more sedentary.
Home in the Unknown
Home in the Unknown
The Things Happening
Amongst the first things done after the war was cementing the alliance between the French and the Portuguese. Both Charles VII de Valois and Alfonso V de Avis wowed to love and respect and aid each other in good times and bad times until the end of days. With France, Agaron and Tlemcen in alliance, the borders of Portugal were more or less secure. In about a year, Castile decided to declare France as one of her rivals. Adding more mortar to the alliance, but accomplishing little else.
Please, meet Charles VII of France, the newest ally of Portugal
Also, the castle in Tangiers was dismantled. It the one in Ceuta was deemed enough to hold the two provinces. Of course, because financial matters, the fort was still left dangerously unmaintained. Still, the conquest of Tangiers filled hearts and minds of the Portuguese with joy. People were working harder, loving their king a bit more and this resulted in some fine rewards a king can reap. Plus, a permanent casus belli on Morocco.
Conquest of Tangiers benefited Portugal in more ways then one
The leftover of rewards, after the coring of Tangiers, was enough that Portugal advanced in administrative technology. Basically, it seemed like a good idea to mate tax collectors and churches. Incidentally, Alfonso ordered construction of two churches with the tax collectors add-on. One in Lisboa, one in Porto. To celebrate the victory over the Moroccans and to give God his personal thanks. Incidentally, this also helped to boost income from the two richest provinces in Portugal, but that is just purely a coincidence. Quite a good deal of money gained from Morocco went to that project though.
First technology
In 1452, Alfonso could finally afford three advisors. Mostly thanks to Sebastião Cabral, who from the goodness of his heart demanded only half the usual monthly salary from Alfonso. Joaquim de Vilhlena, the trader, managed to earn back at least of of his costs and Nasir Haida, a Moroccan commander, was just good with army and having him nearby boosted the morale of the army. Nasir fought against the Portuguese in Moroccan war, but in the end, watching his country crumble around him, decided to rather take his family and flee to greener pastures then watch everyone he loved to be butchered. Basically, he was smart, pragmatic and realist. All good qualities in advisor.
Advisors and court. Apparently, Jeanne got herself a bit of cruel streak, while Pedro got some nice things.
Incidentally, it was in June 1453 when Morocco did collapse. The Marinid dynasty, managing to rule the area for over 200 years, was overthrown and Muhammad ibn Yahya Wattasid took the throne of Morocco as Sultan Muhammad I Wattasid. The fate of Abdalhaqq II Marinid was unknown. It seems that he managed to escape, but what really happened to him is shrouded in mystery. And of course, that gave every future rebel of Morocco a chance to claim to be son or grandson or whatever of the good Sultan Abdalhaqq, for people of Morocco discovered soon that while Muhammad was a capable ruler, he wasn’t much capable of mercy.
The Portuguese crushed the Morocco so badly that after a few years, the Marinid dynasty came to an abrupt end
Ferrara was a small Italian duchy, ruled by the d’Este family. Current Duke, Leonello D’Este was not the greatest man around. The two-province Duchy provided Portugal no strategic value, but in very long-term plans, could province a key to Portuguese expansion to Italy. After all, who does not want to expand to Italy? The rich provinces, the small easily targetable nations, the food, the woman! Plenty of reasons to grab few thousand friends and go have some fun in Italian countryside. That was for the future though.
Ferrara, in the green there. One of the few aristocratic states in Italy
And Leonello D'Este, her ruler
It was 21st December 1454. Two days before Christmas Eve. The Ottomans started their final assault on the crumbling city walls of Constantinople. The defenders tried their best, but against such an overwhelming force, they had little hope. The City of Man’s desire, once heart of the powerful Empire, controlling the entire Eastern Mediterranean, had fallen. Roman Empire was no more, even though the eastern part of the empire outlived the western part by almost a 1000 years. This was an end of the era, and cries of shock were heard throughout Europe.
The Fall of the Roman Empire. Outlasting the other Roman Empire by nearly a 1000 years.
In March 1456, Portuguese advanced military technology. Pike square, meaning sturdy men with sturdier pikes, who are able to withstand something that was thought impossible- the charge of heavy knights. Train the peasants a bit, give them pikes and before you know it, you will have a field full of golden spurs, as the Flemish did over 150 years ago. Portugal adopted the same tactics, making infantry more important as the knights. That did not stop the Portuguese from holding a last jousting tournament a year later. Well, to be fair, no-one suspected it would be the last one, but just, after this one, not a soul seemed to care enough to organize a new one. Or rather, to pay expenses for the new one. This tournament was a talk of the nation for at least two decades though.
The last tournament and the pike squads
Alfonso V might be a good ruler. Not bad, certainly. But over the time, he developed some nasty habits. Like tendency to babble. And during the babbling, to give away some important state secrets. And when kings babble, foreign spies listen.
Alfonso is not quite perfect
To the Unknown
In March 1457, everything coincided. First, the provinces of Siine and Cayor became proper cores of Portugal. The, the Portuguese administrative technology was increased to level 5. Meaning, the Portuguese can now adopt their first idea. I’m pretty sure not a soul is surprised that this happened to be exploration ideas group. Now, Portugal had saved enough diplomatic power that first two ideas could be unlocked immediately. Resulting in Colonial Ventures and Quest of the New World.
Starting the Portuguese push to the unknown
The stage was set.
Few days later, a ship left Lisboa. Old merchant ship, bought cheaply and leaking a bit. Carrying on board first 100 colonists. All hopeful to find better life in the new, untamed wilderness. Some single males, some families. All were promised land of their own and exemption from taxes, enough supplies to live through monsoon season, enough supplies to live on and enough seeds to start farming.
The journey wasn’t that long. Just a few month. The wet season was about to end, so the weather was good. Food was plentiful. Coast was nearby. It was a pleasant journey. Halfway there, the Portuguese fleet, moving much faster then the old ship, raced past them. Mostly transports, heavily laden with soldiers. The soldiers cheered, waving to the colonists, and raced on.
To Grain Coast . Where the colonists were headed. The name was quite a giveaway. Rich soil, just waiting for some Portuguese farmers to come over and do their magic. But, the province had some issues, like hostile natives. The Portuguese army sailed there, to rectify the problem. Making this also the most distant point the Europeans have ever sent their military to. And while the locals put up a good fight, they did not have a chance against the organized, professional army of Portugal. The survivors picked up their belongings and families and escaped towards inland Africa, leaving the coastal lands to Portuguese settlers.
Clearing all the treats for future colonists
They arrived in July 1457. The ship unloaded them, the supplies, the tools. Then, headed back, leaving them to their fate. Soon after, the soldiers left as well. Portugal had now the first colony in mainland Africa.
As the ships moved beyond horizon, the colonists started the basics. Building shelters, preparing the soil for tilling. They knew they would be alone for a while, before the same old ship comes back with fresh load of supplies.
Little did they know that the dawn of the new era started from small mainland settlement in Africa.
As i am building up against Castile, the Portugal keeps doing what she does best- expands to the unknown. First colony. Just in perfect time, coinciding with the coring of Jolofian provinces.
Perhaps the smart thing to do would be to wait for the third idea, granting Portugal much longer range, but i think that taking just the furthest province works out as well.
I'm cheap! The ships are expensive!
And just you wait. From 50 years or so, Portugal really begins to spread her wings!
I'm not complaining either. Feeling mighty proud of myself, actually This is the toughest trashing i've given to Morocco yet- and as you can see from this episode, enough for the poor country to collapse.
Perhaps the smart thing to do would be to wait for the third idea, granting Portugal much longer range, but i think that taking just the furthest province works out as well.
Oh I am sure you can find 50 ducats among those three hundred from Morocco to rebuild your Carrack
Nice idea taking Jolof. My Portuguese runs usually are more sedentary.
I'm cheap! The ships are expensive!
And just you wait. From 50 years or so, Portugal really begins to spread her wings!
I'm not complaining either. Feeling mighty proud of myself, actually
This is the toughest trashing i've given to Morocco yet- and as you can see from this episode, enough for the poor country to collapse.
Discovery of America
Discovery of America
Further South
In March 1457, Diego Gomes and his small fleet set out to sail once again.
The lands were mostly jungle. Tropical, wet, easy to get several interesting diseases. Again, hostile tribes mostly. Some good natural locations for harbors. And then, at the point where Africa turns south again, a massive river. Guessing it would be the Ni-Ger, the supposed river covered by ancient cartography, gathered by the Byzantines in Ravenna, they called it Niger. They might be correct, and might be not, but with calling the river Niger, they made it so.
Of course, according to Ravenna maps, the Africa was about to end soon and Diego would reach Arabian peninsula, where there is but a small trip to India. Instead, the continent curved south, with no passage eastwards. It seems like all the dreams of easy access to the rich subcontinent were shattered by the devious geography. It seemed like the road to mysterious riches would be way longer then originally predicted.
Africa, according to Ravenna cartography
Instead, the expedition crossed the equator. North Star disappeared from horizon, replaced with Southern Cross. That can be scary- being under a totally alien sky. This made the crew uneasy. Going to nowhere, they mumbled. They are all gonna die, they mumbled. In the end, Diego decided to turn the ships around and head north. Or face mutiny. North seemed a better idea.
Africa, according to real life
Westwards!
Arriving to Lisboa back in December 1457, Diego Gomes arrived hot in a middle of a debate. According to some renaissance men, the size of the Earth was about 20 000 km in circumference. And they had calculations to prove it. According to others, it was around 40 000 km. And they also had calculations to prove it. The debate got quite nasty, with logical arguments being already thrown a side and weight of mothers of the opponents taken into consideration. Loudly. Next step on a debate would be fists.
The practical application of this would be very simple. If small Earth supporters were right, it would be practical to reach India by sailing to the west. If big Earth supporters were right, the journey would be too long to be used for shipping lanes and it would be good idea to continue east and south. And if flat Earth supporters were right, we’d all fall off.
Diego Gomes, from experience of sailing further then anyone else, seemed to think that big Earth supporters were right. The Earth just seemed pretty darn big to him, much too big to count for the 20 000 km circumference. But, as a smart man, he saw that if the other party was right, then route to India across the Atlantic would be really convenient.
So, he proposed that for his next expedition, he would sail west. Alfonso, dead tired of the debate, gladly agreed and banned any talk about size and shape of the Earth until Diego Gomes returned.
He set sail in January 1458. His fleet sailed up to Cabo Verde Islands, near the coast of Africa. There, they resupplied, filled the barrels with fresh water and sailed westwards. It is not like the Portuguese had never gone to the open sea before. Azores, discovered a few decades back, were about 1400 kilometers from Portugal, separated by nothing but the seas of the Atlantic. This one was also no different. The sight of the land disappearing from the sight, leaving you nothing but blue sea and other ship was eerie, of course. But the Portuguese are rough people, used to the ocean.
The wind was steady, blowing the nao with an average 7 knots per hour. Meaning, the ship travelled around 250 kilometers per day. More or less. Of course, you were reliant on wind, but still, this was the fastest way of transport known to man. And after just 20 days of journey, the sailor in topmast cried out “Land”.
After the sailor called land, the Portuguese ended up in a place like this.
Just, the land was definitely not India. Quite the opposite. The lands, while rich and fertile, were sparsely populated. Jungle covered most of the land. There were no rich cities. Instead of powerful kingdoms, there were just small tribes. Not the friendliest kind as well, though not as hostile as the African ones.
Diego Gomes just barely touched the shoreline. It was obvious that the landmass was huge though. In the North, the land curved westwards, in the south, it moved steadily down south. Too big to be an island, was the conclusion. Meaning that Diego Gomes has discovered something totally different. A new continent!
Of course, when arriving back in Lisoboa in September, just 9 month after the start of his journey, he was received with praise. And disbelief. Some people even claiming that he and his crew spent the whole time in a tavern in Madeira, instead of sailing out. For the most part, he was believed though. Meaning, unfortunately, that the big earthers were most likely correct and the western route to India was not viable.
Hello, America!
DIego did another expedition to the new continent, mapping the shoreline and the coastal provinces. There were plenty of land, mostly empty, just waiting for some nice people to come and settle, but there were no signs of higher civilization. It only confirmed that this was not India. Meaning, the Portuguese put the exploration of western lands on hold for some time. India was a priority.
Hello again, America! This time, with a bit more detail
Elsewhere
The discovery of America, though yet widely debated, sparked the interest of rest of the Europe. The reputation of the fabulous Portuguese explorers created more splendor to the Empire.
This is going surprisingly well for Portugal
In April 1458, Alfonso V decided to curtail noble privileges, increasing the Portuguese income by a bit. And making the nobles a bit less powerful, signalling an end to the feudal times and movement towards more centralized, unified state.
This passed with surprisingly little opposition
As the Diego Gomes explored the unknown lands, Alfonso was busy with diplomacy. He cemented his alliances with Aragon and France and prepared for a war. It was time to change the power balance in the Iberian peninsula.
One thing Diego Gomes will always be remembered by is his discovery of America. No matter how much of a random chance it was.
Also, as Portugal, you should press the Golden Age button as soon as possible, for the benefits are more useful early on. I made a mistake saving it up for later.
Yes. The sooner one gets done, the sooner the Portuguese can move on. Just not holding my breath for +200 people events.
Sir! This is not that kind of AAR! Seriously, this sounds dirty!
Also, as Portugal, you should press the Golden Age button as soon as possible, for the benefits are more useful early on. I made a mistake saving it up for later.
Yes. The sooner one gets done, the sooner the Portuguese can move on. Just not holding my breath for +200 people events.
Sir! This is not that kind of AAR! Seriously, this sounds dirty!
Well at least the Portuguese Age ability will speed things up a bit.
New avenues are opening up.
New avenues are opening up.
Sir! This is not that kind of AAR! Seriously, this sounds dirty!
DURR HURR
This New World may seem disappointing now, but I imagine that the Portuguese attitude will be changing quite a bit when someone realizes that new, untouched lands mean access to new sources of useful and valuable resources -- including the much-prized spice trade.
Bringing Down Castile
Bringing Down Castile
It was 28th October, 1458. The Portuguese soldiers had just arrived back from their incursion to Grain Coast. The nation was ready. Coffers were more or less full. Allies were ready. Promises of land were given both to France and Aragon. The fortress in Evora, the sole defence of Portugal against Castile, was fully maintained. Everything was ready. It was time for Castile to fall. Thus, Portugal declared war on Castile, claiming Sevilla as their own. Their allies, the Austrians, joined the fray.
Here we go!
The Portuguese marched towards Seville, while Aragonese and Portuguese joint fleet attacked the Spanish main fleet in Straits of Gibraltar. This battle was victory of the Pyrrhic kind. Though in the end, the Spanish fled, they managed to deal heavy damage to the allied fleet. Luckily, it was Aragonese ships that took the beating, not Portuguese. At the same time, Portuguese intercepted a small Castilian army of 10 000 soldiers, marching to Portuguese homelands. These were defeated soundly. First land battle against Castile- success.
Start of the war. Not the best victory
After that, the situation in Iberian peninsula was the following- Castilian forces, in all their might, were besieging Valencia, Aragonese capital. The Portuguese troops were besieging Granada. No Aragonese or French soldiers in sight.
Portugal in Granada, Castile in Valencia
Meanwhile, Austrians had marched into Ile-de-France, taken several provinces in French heartland and were sieging Paris. French army of 17 000 had been turned away from Iberia and sent to deal with the situation in homeland. They soon attacked both armies and drove them off.
Austrians, keeping themselves busy in France
Smaller French army was besieging Wien. Marching all the way through Holy Roman Empire, they thought to hit the ally first. Well, cannot blame them, really, though Portugal could use some help in the Iberia as well.
French marching all the way through Holy Roman Empire
In summer of 1459, 2000 soldiers were detached from the force sieging Granada, given 2 transport ships and sailed south, where they took over Canary Islands, with almost no resistance from the locals. Then, they were sailed back, where they rejoined the siege of Granada.
Canary Isles, now Portuguese
In December 1459, an emissary from the Palatinate came, bearing gifts. Namely, 30 ducats to help with the Portuguese war effort against Austria. Alfonso was absolutely delighted, for the Portuguese really needed the gold. He graciously accepted and bagged the gold. This helped the country to stay afloat for a few month, without having to worry about taking another loan.
Well, it is a nice start
Even better relief came when Granada fell. In March 1460, the city fell after their walls had been crumbled. A small Portuguese assault force broke through, the defenders turned tail and run and then, a hell broke loose. Most of the Portuguese army poured through to the city. Looting, burning and pillaging as they went. Alfonso did not really even feel like stopping them, rather using Granada to make an example of what will happen when the enemy resists. After a few days, pretty much nothing was left of the city but smoldering ruins. Also, it is worth mentioning that Portuguese coffers also were filled from loot from Granada, making the total of Portuguese coffers for nearly 200 gold. Might be a good place to mention that the Portuguese had about 70 to begin with. This war was turning profitable.
Sack of Granada. Also, notice one Valencia, about to fall
Meanwhile, the war continued. Valencia fell soon after, in April. Shame, for the city was a good place to keep the the Castilians in one place. Instead, the Castilians turned their attention to Portugal.
They also divided up their troops. So, when in August 1460, Portuguese attacked Castilians besieging Evora, they did not hit the full might of Castilian army. Instead, they beat 8000 soldiers strong army, annihilating it completely.
This is a good success.
In November, the Portuguese caught rest of Castilian army in Cordoba, and bagged yet another victory. This time though, nothing the Castilian could not recover from, unfortunately. As the Castilians fled, Portuguese marched through their lands to Navarre, to put the province under siege- and to fulfill their obligation to France.
Unfortunately, this wasn't as successful
Also in November, Wien fell. The Austrian capital was in the hands of the French, and so were the surrounding provinces. Enough to make the Austrians accept a peace. Not just a peace though, a peace that would empty their coffers. To get back Wien safe and sound, Habsburgs were forced to pay 440 ducats. Of this, the Portuguese share was 189. More importantly, Castile was now on their own, with forces of Aragon, France and Portugal free on concentrating the main enemy.
Austria is out of the game, while the Portuguese coffers are full
The war was far from over though, for Castile had plenty of kick left.
Not Just the War
Though the war with Castile took much of the attention of Alfonso V, there were other changes in Portugal that were not war-related and in the end, may be even more important. In August 1459, the Portuguese adopted third idea of the Exploration branch. The experience from colonizing Grain Coast allowed Portuguese to draft an idea on how to establish settlements further from the other settlements and how to sustain them in the early years.
Finally, some colonial range!
Henrique the Navigator, an old man, but still alive and kicking, improved these ideas even more, expanding the range of Portuguese colonization even further, and also, managed to think up more incentives for men to leave the lives of landlubbers behind and to join the glorious Portuguese navy. This was the final contribution of the man, before he died the next year. He will always be remembered as one of the great men of Portugal.
In January 1460, there was an insensitive to colonize yet another province near the Grain Coast. Alfonso put a swift stop to it, for Portugal could not afford upkeep of yet another colony. But some brave colonists had already gathered, so they were shipped off to Grain Coast, to bolster the ranks there.
Nope, can't afford it
Incidentally, the colony had grown enough. Now about 400 colonists strong, it seems like the settlers had found the most profitable enterprise of the province. Despite the name, it appeared that it was not grain that sustained the province. It was fish, and the rich coastline of Guinea was a perfect spot to get ungodly loads of fish, then salt them up and send them to Lisboa for profit.
Yay! More fish!
Finally, in April 1460, Portuguese colonial growth got a new boost as more and more people were interested in moving to the colonies. Yet another 50 colonists per year added to the steady stream of colonists for the Empire, making it currently 120. Meaning that new colony will be built up in about 8 years or so.
The most useful of abilities for Portugal
Discovery of the Africa Continues
As the Portuguese geared for war, Diego Gomes geared for something else. Yet another expedition to the south. The route to India was waiting! Or at least, the discovery of coastline previously explored.
In the delta of the river Niger, there was a Kingdom. Called Benin. Though still mostly tribal, they had their King, their cities and were active in the slave trade. This was the heart of trade in Gulf of Guinea. Though the node wasn’t very rich, the Portuguese still soon started a small presence there, carrying valuable ivory to Europe. Slaves, not so much. More like excotic household items for the higher class, not workers on the fields. Plenty of serfs to cover the need for working force.
Further south, Diego also discovered yet another Kingdom, called Kongo. Tribal KIngdom, but with several small cities in the shoreline and apparently, a bigger city inland. Opening up some new trading opportunities and also, opening up something for the future conquest.
Followed by another expedition soon. This time, something different. Not just exploring the coastline of Africa, though perhaps the greatest achievement of Diego was the discovery of the tip of Africa. From there, it seemed to be free sailing eastwards.
This time, the priorities of Diego were different though. He did not pass eastwards. Instead, he mapped the seas of the Atlantic, giving Portugal valuable information about navigating the Southern Atlantic. He also discovered an island in the progress, deep in the middle of the Ocean. He returned to port in 1461. The Portuguese world map was becoming less and less filled with dragons.
Diego Gomes really outdid himself this time
Here we go! So far, so good. Castilian allies kicked out, while France and Aragon just might turn their attention to Iberia now. I seriously hope they do, for Castile is still outnumbering me a little.
Oh yes, the most useful ability ever. If you happen to be a Portuguese. Cutting down new colony times by 5 years...
Yes, i imagine this new continent being turned slowly into green hue. Just, the real money is eastwards. Colonies are there just to support with extra merchants and trade power.
Oh yes, the most useful ability ever. If you happen to be a Portuguese. Cutting down new colony times by 5 years...
DURR HURR
This New World may seem disappointing now, but I imagine that the Portuguese attitude will be changing quite a bit when someone realizes that new, untouched lands mean access to new sources of useful and valuable resources -- including the much-prized spice trade.
Yes, i imagine this new continent being turned slowly into green hue. Just, the real money is eastwards. Colonies are there just to support with extra merchants and trade power.
An excellent beginning to the war. With any fortune their end shall soon come. Will be interesting to see just what you end up taking off them.
And the spread south begins - and with Castile hopefully out of the colonisation game before it even gets started the opportunities seem almost boundless.
And the spread south begins - and with Castile hopefully out of the colonisation game before it even gets started the opportunities seem almost boundless.
War and exploration seem to be going well (unless you live in Granada or Austria, at least). I wonder how long it will be before Portugal really begins colonizing this New World, though of course finding a route to India seems to be the priority at the moment. Perhaps the next explorer employed by the Crown will have different ideas.
Subbed! I've been a huge fan of your Stellaris Norman AARs, and since I've gotten into EUIV myself recently I figured I might as well read this one.
Snagging the Canaries should certainly help Portugal preserve its head start in the New World -- and crippling their military and economy generally probably won't do them any favors, either
