I bet the Navarre people are kicking themselves for getting involved in that war now. 
Time to raise that slider and bring in the sweet ducats.
Time to raise that slider and bring in the sweet ducats.
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I bet the Navarre people are kicking themselves for getting involved in that war now.
Time to raise that slider and bring in the sweet ducats.
What do you mean? They love being part of Castille. They just regret they didn't do so sooner, lol.
The Insane Monarch
Chapter 37
Diego couldn't be happier when ducats could be spent on his army. He didn't see much point in the conversions in the south when the people there rarely caused any troubles. He, like Pedro I, saw the missionaries as a waste of precious resources made in the name of God. The general was a devout Catholic but he didn't always agree with the methodology the religious community utilized regarding heathens.
With another missionary's job done, more funding could be put in more worthwhile investments, not that he would make this known to the religious community or they might label him a heretic. In times when religion played a serious role in people's lives, Diego knew better than to anger powerful and influential people. He would prefer to go along with them and keep his opinion to himself.
Beatriz the Great
Chapter 38
Queen Beatriz entered the court with guards following behind her. She was grieving for the death of her father who passed away the day before. Even being insane, Beatriz still liked her father and spent whatever time she could with him. If anything, Pedro I seemed happier since he became insane. It was as though he was freed from his responsibilities and could proceed his life carefree and unburdened.
As soon as she sat down on her throne, a messenger arrived to inform her of the development regarding the plan she put in motion. When her father was very ill and medics claimed he was destined to die in a few months, Beatriz ordered her most trustworthy official to head to Sicily. The messenger confirmed that the official succeeded in the matter and, with the death of Pedro I, Trinacria became a part of Aragon which essentially meant Sicily would eventually be part of Castille as well.
Chapter 38
Queen Beatriz entered the court with guards following behind her. She was grieving for the death of her father who passed away the day before. Even being insane, Beatriz still liked her father and spent whatever time she could with him. If anything, Pedro I seemed happier since he became insane. It was as though he was freed from his responsibilities and could proceed his life carefree and unburdened.
As soon as she sat down on her throne, a messenger arrived to inform her of the development regarding the plan she put in motion. When her father was very ill and medics claimed he was destined to die in a few months, Beatriz ordered her most trustworthy official to head to Sicily. The messenger confirmed that the official succeeded in the matter and, with the death of Pedro I, Trinacria became a part of Aragon which essentially meant Sicily would eventually be part of Castille as well.
Big announcement: The section about the alternate timeline has been scrapped. It's just too boring and my old laptop makes it more painful. However, I will promise an AAR once I finish the Carthage AAR. I'm looking at a tag-swap with Death & Taxes with some changes I added in to "balance" the game more. People will be able to vote for the nations and, with the few people that actually follow me, you have a good chance of seeing your nation selected.
Meanwhile, I discovered that I deleted the screenshot for this chapter so bear with me. It's not that important either way.
Chapter 39
Beatriz inspected the new soldiers who were recruited from the various villages and towns. These were men who looked to start a better life and joining the army happened to pay more than the work they could find. The queen wasn't exactly impressed by these ragtag men but she understood training proper men took time. At the moment, general Diego looked to bolster the soldiers Castille had and the new source of ducats entering the treasury was making that a reality.
She understood that Diego had definitely bolster the nation's ranks to outnumber the soldiers Burgundy had. Whether or not these men were a match against Burgundian forces was another matter and one Beatriz hoped to avoid if possible. She would prefer to avoid conflict in the north as wars against France or Burgundy was bad enough. An alliance between those two nations could only spell disaster for Castille.
Meanwhile, I discovered that I deleted the screenshot for this chapter so bear with me. It's not that important either way.
Chapter 39
Beatriz inspected the new soldiers who were recruited from the various villages and towns. These were men who looked to start a better life and joining the army happened to pay more than the work they could find. The queen wasn't exactly impressed by these ragtag men but she understood training proper men took time. At the moment, general Diego looked to bolster the soldiers Castille had and the new source of ducats entering the treasury was making that a reality.
She understood that Diego had definitely bolster the nation's ranks to outnumber the soldiers Burgundy had. Whether or not these men were a match against Burgundian forces was another matter and one Beatriz hoped to avoid if possible. She would prefer to avoid conflict in the north as wars against France or Burgundy was bad enough. An alliance between those two nations could only spell disaster for Castille.
That was awfully nice of Aragon gathering more land through inheritance for you to take later.
That was awfully nice of Aragon gathering more land through inheritance for you to take later.
Everyone in Iberia working to create a stronger Spain.
Beatriz the Great
Chapter 40
With the threat of a combined France and Burgundy being very plausible, Beatriz knew that a large army alone wasn't enough. At least, the army Castille was capable of fielding wouldn't be enough to deal with the growing threat. This only made it more imperative for her to make valuable allies or, in this specific case, solidify relations with an existing ally so she could count on them to back her in future campaigns.
Portugal had been a valuable ally for many decades and Beatriz wanted to keep it that way. Portugal not only had a sizable army but her navy was also one of the largest in Europe. With a border shared with England, an ally with a strong navy would be necessary to counter the English threat. When Beatriz expressed her concern and made her suggestions, everyone in court agreed this was the best approach.
Subbed, I love me a bit of Castille every now and then and I love your creative stories, so I'll follow along.
The start looks good, it seems to be a matter of time before Iberia is unified.
The start looks good, it seems to be a matter of time before Iberia is unified.
Just caught up with the latest updates!
So Pedro I the Mad finally ended up dying? I wonder what events of the future will turn Beatriz in a great ruler. No worries for the alternate history section, do whatever you think is the best.
So Pedro I the Mad finally ended up dying? I wonder what events of the future will turn Beatriz in a great ruler. No worries for the alternate history section, do whatever you think is the best.
Welcome! I enjoy writing these short little updates as well. As for unifying Iberia, let's say Beatriz will play a major role.
He passed away insane which doesn't say much. Beatriz will accomplish quite a bit as you will eventually find out. There will be hints along the way.
Beatriz the Great
Chapter 41
To further improve the relations between Castille and Portugal, a royal marriage would be necessary. Beatriz was still young so she didn't have any children to speak of. She was, however, single so, for the future of Castille, she was willing to marry the Portuguese king to secure a stronger alliance between the two nations. There were naturally oppositions within the Castillian court but the queen was determined to go ahead with her plan.
A grand marriage took place between the Portuguese king and the Castillian queen. This marriage confirmed the belief that Iberia would remain united and brought about stability to Castille. The constant rumors of a French invasion had caused much fear but the marriage helped dispel this fear. What Beatriz didn't know was that her husband wasn't so innocent as she first perceived and she would need her wits to come out on top.
So are we having another Iberian wedding? Watch out you don't end up in a PU under Portugal.
So are we having another Iberian wedding? Watch out you don't end up in a PU under Portugal.
Iberian wedding is unavoidable in this particular game.
Beatriz the Great
Chapter 42
Beatriz gave the document back to her adviser so claims can be made on Sicily. Once Aragon was a part of Castille, she could legitimize her control over the region. As soon as the adviser left, her spymaster arrived with bad news. Beatriz listened and shook her head. She thought the marriage could aid Castille but, apparently, the Portuguese king had his own agenda. Beatriz was not about to be outdone by a man.
The Castillian queen carefully laid out her plans to her spymaster who nodded a number a times. Once Beatriz finished, the spymaster left to make the preparations. Beatriz then summoned Diego who was also needed for the plan. She was an ambitious woman so she was determined to come out on top. Her new husband would soon regret even plotting against her. Thinking about the best outcome, Beatriz couldn't help but smile.
Ahh, good old Italian Ambition, one of the most powerful missions available. Will you grab all of southern Italy as Spain held at one point in history, or go for a single juicy target like Milan?
I would prefer to have a casus belli to go with it.
I try to avoid expanding too much into Europe so I was content with just Sicily at the time. Beatriz the Great
Chapter 43
The Castillian queen should have felt joy upon hearing the defeat of France, a dangerous enemy in the north. Yet, she knew that France was the least of her problems at the time. The supposed ally of Castille proved to be a venomous snake she had to dispatch at once. The spymaster returned with new the preparations were made. All he needed was a word from Beatriz and the plan would be put in motion.
Beatriz hesitated briefly as she wondered if she was acting too rashly. She thought that she might have overlooked something and told her spymaster they would wait. A few day later, a Portuguese spy was captured and, with the spymaster doing the coercion, the spy spilled his mission about assassinating Beatriz. This bit of information finally gave Beatriz the resolve to go ahead with her plans. Her husband had to die.
France getting ripped up is not a bad thing. Whenever i play spain im always paranoid about them turning on me, which they do regardless of relations at some point. Now a carved up france on the other hand, that can be vassalised and used as a shield. And a good old family feud is always fun
France getting ripped up is not a bad thing. Whenever i play spain im always paranoid about them turning on me, which they do regardless of relations at some point. Now a carved up france on the other hand, that can be vassalised and used as a shield. And a good old family feud is always fun
I try to limit my expansion into Europe until late game. Let's just say there are plenty of opportunities elsewhere.
Beatriz the Great
Chapter 44
Beatriz knew she had won when France and Portugal agreed to a white peace. France was on the losing end so there shouldn't be a reason for Portugal to exit the war. Yet, she knew exactly what could force this peace treaty to happen. Her plot had succeeded and, while she hadn't gotten confirmation from her spymaster, she was almost entirely certain her recent husband had passed away.
Only the death of her husband could force Portugal to exit the war. The Castillian queen felt no remorse knowing her husband was attempting the same plot on her. The only difference was that her plot took place sooner and he hadn't expected it. The only worry on Beatriz's mind was whether her involvement would be discovered. She preferred if her involvement was kept hidden so the second stage of her plan could proceed smoothly with little resistance.
Beatriz the Great
Chapter 45
Beatriz was present at Lisbon to attend the funeral of her husband. When she was greeted by Portuguese nobles, she wept and apologized for her emotions. The nobles were truly touched by the bond that formed between their king and Beatriz despite how short the marriage was. They promised to find the assassin responsible for their king's death and Beatriz wished them the best of luck.
At the funeral, Beatriz spoke about the best qualities of her deceased husband and promised to rule justly in his place until a proper heir took over. There were many instances where she shed her tears during the speech with her excusing herself. In the eyes of the Portuguese people present, she was a grieving woman who had just lost her beloved husband and no one was any wiser about her involvements in her husband's death.
Chapter 45
Beatriz was present at Lisbon to attend the funeral of her husband. When she was greeted by Portuguese nobles, she wept and apologized for her emotions. The nobles were truly touched by the bond that formed between their king and Beatriz despite how short the marriage was. They promised to find the assassin responsible for their king's death and Beatriz wished them the best of luck.
At the funeral, Beatriz spoke about the best qualities of her deceased husband and promised to rule justly in his place until a proper heir took over. There were many instances where she shed her tears during the speech with her excusing herself. In the eyes of the Portuguese people present, she was a grieving woman who had just lost her beloved husband and no one was any wiser about her involvements in her husband's death.
I hope she has a son to inherit that throne or those same Portuguese nobles will be working against her soon enough. Nothing worse than having a foreigner on the throne.
And so Iberia ia all but unified, it is a matter of time now. Then Spain can really join the big boys on the block.
Just caught up with the latest updates!
Good to see that Iberia is united underneath the personal rule if Beatriz, who definitely deserves "the Great" already.
Good to see that Iberia is united underneath the personal rule if Beatriz, who definitely deserves "the Great" already.
I hope she has a son to inherit that throne or those same Portuguese nobles will be working against her soon enough. Nothing worse than having a foreigner on the throne.
Speaking of an heir,..
Not sure how you classify big boys. I could tell you now Europe will remain quite a mess.
True, she has created the foundation for Spain to be a great power in centuries to come.
Beatriz the Great
Chapter 46
Beatriz couldn't stop herself from smiling as she stared at the sleeping infant who was her son. Carlos was the product of her marriage with the Portuguese king but he would become something much greater. The Castillian queen knew that, once she passed away, her son would inherit the three Iberian kingdoms. He could make the nation even greater and his name would be remembered by generations to come.
As much as she wanted to spend time with her child, Beatriz had to commit to her duties as the queen of the three Iberian kingdoms. According to some reports, there were Portuguese nobles who accused her of the assassination. While they might have no proof, these were influential men who could create problems in Portugal. Beatriz wasn't about to let anyone stand in her way of unifying all of Iberia.
