The Glory of Spain 1492 -1510
The Reign of Juan V (5/8/9) 1462-1503:
The year was 1492. Spain was perched on the edge of Europe. With the recent expulsion of the Moors and the unification of Iberia under the Catholic banner, Spain was set to expand it's power. To the uncharted West lay the land of Dragons, bird men, and Sea Monsters (as shown on the most recent map of this glorious flat earth). To the North lay mighty France, age old enemies of the Iberians. Eastward lay the prosperous cities of Italy and the Ottoman Empire. To the south were more of the Heathens and other magical uncharted lands.
King Juan V called the King's explorers to the court of Madrid. "These lands must be, um, explored!" he ordered them. Unfortuanately, in his dotage, he was addressing the gardening crew of the palace that his wise administrator (El Lifford) had assembled. (The real explorers would not show until 1520). The court politely applauded this regal order and the "explorers" went back to their duties. In his senility, King Juan was pleased.
The next order of business were those pesky Basques in Navarra that were a source of friction between France and Spain. King Juan declared that Navarra was one of his many ancestral lands and demanded that the Basque Kingdom hand it over. This was refused and war was declared.
After a couple key battles the Navarrans were defeated, their forts taken, and they were reduced to a Vassal state.
The nasty French were intrigued by this turn of events. Despite having all of Germany as their playground they demanded that Navarra and our Vassal state of Naples be turned over to the King of France. King Juan V, knocked his bowl of nice soft pudding (easier to gum down) to the floor.... El Lifford proclaimed that the King refused this outrageous demand and ordered Spain to prepare for war.
However, with much grumbling and threats, the French ambassador, twirled his moustache, flourished his cape, pointed his bony finger at El Lifford, and cried "You haven't seen the last of us!". He then swooped out of the great hall ....... El Lifford of course, seduced his wife.
King Juan V passed away in 1503. Spain mourned for their King.
The Reign of Carlos VI (6/3/9): 1503 - ?
Seven years have passed in the reign of Carlos VI. He has entrusted the administration of his kingdom to El Lifford. Bailiffs were placed in all provinces of the realm, the island provinces were fortified, the treasury grew fat, and the land and people of Spain prospered.
Carlos VI, after much waffling, (Moors or Italians?) put his considerable military talents to good use and warred in Italy. After a series of stunning naval defeats, and the Tuscans actually landing and beseiging Roussillon! Modena and Tuscany were vassalized, and Siena was added to the Kingdom of Spain.
A brave new leader arose from the conflict in Italy and was knighted by the King. The army and navy is in fine shape, and the treasury full.
Carlos VI ,King of Spain is pleased.
