A Cross in a Green Sea - A Balearic AAR

[PEnglish82]

A Cross in a Green Sea
A History-Book AAR

An Introduction​

- Map as of January 867AD
​

To the east of the Emirate of Cordoba and south of mainland Aquitaine, in the warm waters of the western Mediterranean lies an archipelago of islands. The two largest of which are Majorque and Minorque.

These two, along with a number of smaller islands, are known as the Islas Baleres. Though this is their current name, the islands have been called many things, by many peoples throughout their lengthy history.

Majorque and Minorque together are frequently referred to as the Gymnesian Islands which derives from the Greek word for naked,‘gymnos’. The ancient Greeks referred to the islands as ‘The Gymnesiae’ for the inhabitants delight in spending the summer months entirely naked owing to the high temperatures.

Ancient Greek tradition holds that the islands were settled by colonists from Rhodes following the Trojan war. Greek colonies certainly stretched as far as Sardinia so it is not inconceivable that they settled the Islas Baleares. The presence of megaliths known as talaiots, dating from around 1000BC, on Majorque and Minorque are similar to those found on Sardinia, Corsica and Pantelleria potentially hint at a shared cultural history, and show the Talayotic people to be the first occupants of the islands.

- A selection of talaiots found on Majorque
​

The original inhabitants of the Baleares have a reputation of being odd characters they are described as living in hollow rocks and artificial caves as well as being particular lovers of women, they would think nothing of trading a number of men for one good women.

One thing they were well known, and respected for, was their formidable abilities with a sling. They were frequently employed as mercenaries, taking to battle lightly armed and usually carrying three slings. With the largest of these slings it was said that they could launch a projectile with the force of a catapult and they rarely missed their mark.

It is said that there were no precious metals found in the earth of Majorque, nor were any imported. Due to this the Balearic mercenaries took payment only in women and wine.

The name given to the inhabitants of the Gymnesian islands was from the Greek word ‘balearis’ meaning ‘to launch’ a tribute to their skill with a sling.

- A Balearic Slinger
​

In the 9th Century BC Phoenician colonies sprang up in the Western Mediterranean. Due to their perfect position for trading across the Mediterranean the Phoenicians established trading colonies on the islands.
Following the defeat of Carthage in the Second Punic War when they lost all of their overseas territories, the islands were left more or less to themselves in independent rule. That was until the covetous eye of Rome fell upon them.

Rome, whether correctly or incorrectly, believed the people of the Gymnesian islands to be engaging or assisting in piracy conquered the islands in 123BC. The pirates were destroyed and the islands taken by Consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus, who for his victory was awarded a triumph and the cognomen Balearicus.

Quintus then established on Majorque the colonies Palma and Pollentia settling them with 3000 Roman Iberians. While the newly settled Romans thrived through trade and agriculture, the native peoples found themselves conscripted into the Roman Army and sent to fight on the fringes of the Republic. The Islas Baleares remained a territory of Rome as the Republic became an Empire.

- Ruins at Pollentia
​

The prosperity of the islands started to fall from the Third Century AD as Roman might began to wane, and in around 250AD Pollentia was razed to the ground.

In 427AD the West Roman Empire was ousted and the islands were occupied by Gunderic, King of the Vandals and Visigoths. Pollentia was again burnt to the ground with the survivors heading inland and establishing Pollença.

Gunderic’s son Geiseric ‘the Lame’ then used Majorque as a base from which he launched raids to plunder the rich coastal cities of the Mediterranean.

There is a lack of history up until 534AD when the islands were occupied by Apollinaris and became part of the Byzantine Empire. Under the Byzantine rule Christianity flourished with old places of worship restored to their previous glories as well as the building of newer basilica.

The distance between the islands and Constantinople meant protection of was difficult and there was sporadic raiding particularly by their Moorish neighbours.

In 707AD, following heavy looting by Abdullah son of Musa, the islands signed treaties with the Umayyad Caliphate and effectively became autonomous subjects to the African Moors. Despite the differences in religion the Balearic people were allowed to follow their own religions, though subject to higher taxes, and life carried on in relative harmony.

Incursions and invasions continued to harass the islands, so much so that they petitioned Charlemagne, Charles the Great who in 799 arrived to help defend them, adding the islands to his realm. Charlemagne being no stranger to the moors having come into contact with them following the conquest of Italy and his Hispanic battles.

- Harun al'Rashid receiving a delegation of Charlemagne in Baghdad (by Julius Knöckert 1864)
​

Following the death of Charlemagne, his son Louis ‘the Pious’ was forced to withdraw his fleet from Majorque and so Moorish raids resumed.

In Majorque 848 was raided by 300 ships led by Abd al-Rahman and forced then to pay for its future peace.
An uneasy truce settled over the islands until in 860AD an altogether different type of raider fell upon the Islands. Vikings.

The islands were heavily looted by Bjorn Ironside on his, unsuccessful, way to loot Rome.

Now in 867AD the Isles Baleares’ fate is no more certain nor its lands any more secure.

Falling within the realm of the recently crowned King of Aquitaine, Roi Louis II ‘the Stammerer’ and held by Comte Johan of Majorque the story of the Isle of Majorque will start anew.

 

[PEnglish82]

Afternoon everyone.

Despite not yet finishing my Imperator: Rome AAR (though it has been played to a satisfying conclusion, just the write up needed) I have started a brand new one in with a different game and a different style.

In the past I've started a number of CKII AARs, written up notes, taken screenshots but never had the confidence to post them publicly. Having taken the leap with Crete Balls of Fire I have slightly more confidence in my writing and also a greater experience with the amazingly positive and encouraging AARland community. (plus I've just picked up Prince in Splendor from the Folio Society sale and want to write up some authentically mad feasts).

So I decided to get cracking with a new AAR and picked CK2 as the setting, the main game details are as follows;

Expansions - All (but Aztec Invasion disabled)
Mods - HIP (default installation)
Everything is the most up to date version

Start Date - 867AD
Character - Comte Johan of Majorque
AAR Style - History Book (perhaps with narrative snippets)

It could be an awful run, what with being surrounded by Muslim Kingdoms, but it's unlikely to be boring and I have had a few amazing saves with this start.

Spent today writing up a history of the island, I didn't realise just how much it had, as an introduction which is in the post above.

Posts may be slow to start with, perhaps one per week/fortnight but should pick up as I finish my ImperatAAR write up.

EDIT - I've just realised my title is all but identical to an ongoing Jerusalem AAR. Probably best that I change mine to avoid confusion (and plagurism) - A CROSS IN A GREEN SEA

 

[stnylan]

Do you know you can edit the title of a thread you yourself have started if you wish to change the AAR name?

Though it would be from far the first AAR to have similar titles. Some such titles do tend to occur with some frequency

 

[PEnglish82]

1st January 867AD​

In 864 King Charles II ‘the Bald’, in reward for his loyalty during the civil war, appointed Bernard of Gothia lands in Auvergne and Autun. These lands only briefly did belong to Comte Bernard as in 865 they were taken for redistribution, with the strategically important counties Barcelona instead being awarded to him.

- King Charles II 'the Bald' (L) & Compte Bernard​

Comte Bernard ‘directly’ ruled the Isles Baleares for two years, marred by internecine raiding of the Moorish neighbours, though most of his time was spent on the mainland administering his more affluent lands. So it was that in January 867 Comte Bernard decided to trade the inconvenience of raiders for the inconvenience of feudal vassals and raised Johan of Majorque as ruler of the larger island (plus Ibice, the third island) and Petro of Minorque as ruler of the lesser. In doing so two new houses were established, both tied explicitly to the Baleraric Islands.

- Previous rulers of Majorque (L) and Comte Johan (R) who ruled from 867​

At this time the lands of Comte Barnard fell within the Kingdom of Aquitaine, ruled by King Louis II ‘the Stammerer’. Aquitaine was ruled under the illusion of independence but in fact was still under the regency of King Charles II. Despite his lack of powers King Louis agreed to Comte Bernard’s suggestion that two new houses be ennobled and in late 866 the seeds that would become the lines of Majorque and Minorque were cultivated in the county of Ventadour.

- King Louis II 'The Stammerer' of Aquitaine (Though he was King in title, he was not in power. The true ruler of Aquitaine was still his father Charles II 'the Bald')​

So it was that at the start of the year 867 Comte Johan, his wife Comtesse Agnes and their son Uerenguel took up residence at the Domum Palma, a walled enclosure outside of Palma. The economy of Majorque had been hit hard in recent years following its sacking at the hands of Bjorn Ironside and more recently the multiple, small, bleeding raids by the Muslims but Palma was still the most prosperous of the towns. As it had in previous years it was hoped that gold, akin to yellow blood, running from the Mediterranean and through the port of Palma, would revitalise the island as a whole.

- Major holdings on Majorque (as of 867AD)​

There was not a great population on the the Islas Baleares and it was remarked by Aquitainian society of the time that the new Comtes Johan and Petro was the best of the worst but no sleep was lost lamenting their ascension given the backwater nature of the lands they now ruled. The same lack of choice applied when Comte Johan chose his inaugural council, however records from the time suggest the men appointed, for the most part, were agreeably suited to their roles.

- The first council of Majorque, as appointed by Comte Johan​

The most notable member in the first council of Comte Johan was Bishop Folc of Palma who as well as being responsible for the Diocese of Majorque was appointed as court chaplain. He was described as a man prone to anger and beset with doubts of his own faith, in spite of this he was a strong, efficient and loud proponent of Christianity across the islands.

No place was there, however, for Renard Mayor of Sainte Ponse. Despite his knowledge of warfare and strategic mind, Comte Johan had appointed the highborn Radulfo de Barcelona as his Marshall. Radulfo’s father had been Conde Suniefredo of Barcelone, a title now held by Comte Bernard, though Radulfo still held a strong claim which could be pressed in war. Some consolation was found by Mayor Renard in being named High Almoner as well as a commander of the Majorquan forces.

- Beneath Compte Johan the two most powerful men of Majorque would be Bishop Folc of Parma (L) & Mayor Renard of Sainte Ponsc (R)​

At the beginning of his rule the new Comte decided the most pressing task was that of rebuilding the infrastructure of the island. Should Majorque find itself a victim of Moorish aggression, or drawn into a higher level war, he was able to call on around 1,000 men from his own holdings. The towns of Majorque could supply a further 150/200 if absolutely necessary and so would unlikely be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. As such the first law passed was that of Highly Tax Oriented Burgher Focus, the tax paid by the people of Majorque would increase but this would guarantee that freemen would not be called to arms. Further to this Comte Johan issued a decree that all taxes would be channeled back into efforts to increase the prosperity of the island to the benefit of all its peoples.

- Following his investiture, Comte Johan's first endeavour was to improve the lot of the historically harassed people of Majorque​

Though with the approval of the Majorquan council a small amount of gold was taken to be used to hire a sword instructor from the mainland. Compte Johan knew that waters never remained calm and so wished to be prepared for the undoubted violence that would be visited upon the islands.

Finally he set his tasks for the the council. Chancellor Folc was entrusted with traveling the island to inform the people of their new ruler. Connetable Radulfo was set to train the forces of Majorque such that they were prepared and confident to defend their lands from any incursion. Senechal Ponc would work closely with Comte Johan in raising funds and improving the prosperity of Majorque. Spymaster Alvar remained in Palma providing information to the council bringing to light any schemes or secrets. Finally Bishop Folc continued his work in spreading the word of God across the island.

No doubt after a hectic and draining first day of rule, Comte Johan returned weary to his new home and the tenderness of his wife. Did he find any symbolism when looking upon his newborn child did he see in that sleeping babe endless potential, or a frightening unknown?

Whatever his thoughts may have been, his ears would not have been deaf to the orchestral crashing of the sea, nor the tense rumblings from the west.

 

[PEnglish82]

Do you know you can edit the title of a thread you yourself have started if you wish to change the AAR name?

Though it would be from far the first AAR to have similar titles. Some such titles do tend to occur with some frequency

I wasn't aware I could amend the thread title itself. Given they are almost the same I'd prefer to amend it rather than cause any ongoing confusion.

 

[stnylan]

It is not an entirely pleasant location - twixt the Christian north and Moorish south.

I wasn't aware I could amend the thread title itself. Given they are almost the same I'd prefer to amend it rather than cause any ongoing confusion.

To do so find the Thread Tools button (top of the thread, on the right, next to the "Sort Posts by" field and above the "Show Dev Responses" and "Watch" buttons. Click on the thread tools button and you should get an option to edit title.

 

[streaker77]

Just saw the comment, and no need to change the name as my Jerusalem AAR will unfortunately be coming to an end very soon, its all yours if you want it .

 

[PEnglish82]

It is not an entirely pleasant location - twixt the Christian north and Moorish south.


To do so find the Thread Tools button (top of the thread, on the right, next to the "Sort Posts by" field and above the "Show Dev Responses" and "Watch" buttons. Click on the thread tools button and you should get an option to edit title.

Thanks stnylan, my initial thought was that it was editable only through contacting a mod so it's good to know the option is there (and one I've taken up in this instance)

Just saw the comment, and no need to change the name as my Jerusalem AAR will unfortunately be coming to an end very soon, its all yours if you want it .

When I thought I'd created the title of my own accord I was very proud of myself thinking it very clever. It looks like your title had seeped via osmosis into my mind, since the release of I:R all of my forum time has really been in the I:R categories I've only in the last few days started looking through the CK2 forums again.

While I thank you for you magnanimity and kind offer, in this case I've changed the name of the AAR. I think your AAR title is far too clever to be duplicated!!

On a side note I'll really have to start reading The Crescent and the Cross, I'm a massive fan of Rise of the Folkungs, read it all when I first found the AAR forums in my pre-active posting days.

 

[darkhaze9]

Great opening, I'll be following with interest!

 

[PEnglish82]

Comte Johan of Majorque 02/01/867 - 08/07/869
​

So it was that on the 2nd of January 867, Comte Johan officially began his role as Crown invested ruler of Majorque. His initial days though likely busy, were taken up with tours of the island and audiences with its prominent citizens. His position prior to elevation is unknown but we can perhaps assume a certain lack of knowledge in regards the inner workings of the Mallorcan government.

News of war reached Majorque in January 867 though not from Amir al-Mu’minin Muhammad of the al-Umawi Imara (Muhammad I of Cordoba) as had been feared. Instead the war was to the north with King Lothaire V of Lotharingen declaring a Lotharingi-Aquitainian Holy Roman Unification War against King Louis II ‘the Stammerer’ of Aquitaine.

- Roi Lothaire V of Lotharingen (Lothair II)​

Given that King Lothaire’s father Lothaire IV (Lothair I) had previously ruled over vast swathes of Europe (including Lotharingen and Lombardy) as the Holy Roman Emperor it is wholly natural that reunification of the Empire would be his goal. The only complication was that all the rulers of Europe from Aquitaine to Baiern, and the lands between, were born of the same line. Europe was a web of claims and Imperial desire, within days of the first war, King Charles II ‘the Bald’ declared on Lothaire V seeking himself the crown.

The disputes of the Carolingian Dynasty however were of no real import to the small Balearic Islands. Their only worry was that with their King distracted by a familial war, Cordoba may be encouraged to seize the islands chancing that troops may not be released to defend the islands.
In January sword-master Ffernfael ap Meurig arrived on the island to take up his role as an instructor to Comte Johan. Ffernfael was of noble birth and heir to the welsh county of Gwent, he had left the British Isles and traveled mainland Europe offering his services at various times as a mercenary, instructor and commander. His brother Brochfael, current Tywysog of Gwent, having sired no sons by the age of 31 (though being father of two girls) had banished Ffernfael from his lands for fear his heir take his inheritance into his own hands.

- ffernfael ap Meurig (Heir to the county of Gwent and sword instructor to the Comte)​

The Lotharingi-Aquitainian war continued on the mainland. An Aquitainian army of some 3500 men clashed with 4500 Lotharingi near Viennois on the Aquitain-Lotharingen border. The battle was fought in May 867 in the midst of unseasonal weather, heavy snow and temperatures well below freezing. The Aquitainian army was routed with losses of almost 2000, while the Lotharingi army, whose losses were less than one thousand, remained to siege the border counties.

- Prince-Bishop Bernoin (Aquitainian Commander) & Comte Eberhard (Lotharingi Commander)​

Peace reigned still on Majorque with neither threat nor raid from Iberia or Africa. Gold slowly grew in the Mallorcan treasury and while ground level infrastructure improved there were no significant building works undertaken.

In acknowledgment of his rule Comte Johan was named Grand Ecuyer (Master of the Horse) by his Liege Comte Bernard. While a minor title it did confer some measure of prestige to both the Compte and Majorque itself.

The Aquitainian defeat raised concerns in the Balearics as with almost half of the Kingdom’s standing army defeated the Kingdom’s ability to defend itself and its borders may be questioned. In a bid to foster good relations with their Muslim neighbours Comte Johan sent Chancelier Folc on a diplomatic mission to the court of Amir al-Mu’minin Muhammad in Qurtuba.

- Amir al-Mu’minin Muhammad (Muhammad I of the Caliphate of Cordoba​

The first recorded incident in which Comte Johan was required to exert his authority involved the crime of poaching. The island of Majorque had few species of indigenous wildlife, owing in part to the vegetation. As a consequence strict laws were in place limiting hunting of the rabbits and civet cats found across the island. A number of the farmers from the flat central plains of the island are recorded as petitioning the Comte following discovery of high number of butchered carcasses.

- Farmers petition the Comte with concerns of poaching​

The task of discovering the culprits was delegated to Spymaster Alvar and Marshall Radulfo who following a number of weeks of investigation successfully identified the men responsible. Fragments of the court records which remain suggest that the poachers would sell the meat to Menorcan merchants though this cannot be verified.

The sentence passed, however, is known and that was death by hanging. Comte Johan, preceding the sentence being actions is quoted as addressing the observers and stating the following;

- ‘The theft of a rabbit may seem to be a small thing, but is it a small thing to steal food from the mouth of your neigbour? The bible would say nay, and so therefore do the laws of Majorque. The punishment cannot be anything other than death.’​

- The poachers are found and sentenced to hang by Comte Johan, to the approval of Spymaster Alvar​

As the moved transitioned into 868 the Lotharingi-Aquitainian war rattled on lacking any decisive engagements. The two armies avoided each other entirely and continued to siege the border counties which did little to give either side the advantage.

February 868 yielded some changes to the Mallorcan Council. Though a just and efficient administrator Comte Johan seemingly lacked energy in his actions, this coupled with the year of peace being enjoyed on Majorque meant he had made no developments in his personal combat training.

Having found his time empty Ffernfael considered leaving the island and returning to the mainland, given the man’s skill and noble descent this was was undoubtedly a cause for concern on Majorque. A reshuffling ensued and Radulfo de Barcelona was removed as Connetable (though installed as a commander) and Ffernfael named the new Marshall.

Peace and, relative, prosperity thrived on Malorque and so with gold to spare Comte Johan sought to organise a summer fair in the capital of Palma. Across May and June much rejoicing ensued, at its heart was a celebration of nature and fertility. The Comte’s wife Agnes took an active part in the fair;

‘To thin branches of pine had the Comptesse tied, with green ribbon, sprigs of Rosemary which were given, freely, along with a smile to any of the desiring womenfolk’​

A full chronicle of the event was not recorded but it is believed that an Adoptionist preacher was expelled from Palma for stoking religious fears.

- Though enjoyed by all, the Summer Fair was not without it’s problems​

In June 868 concerns were raised at the lack of reports being sent from Chancelier Folc in Cordoba. From what we are able to discern Folc was enjoying the opulent decadence of the Cordoban Caliphate a little too much. Comte Johan sought a suitable replacement and following discussions with Connetable Ffernfael sent word to the Briton’s acquaintance Aethelgeard that he had a position in Majorque if he would sail to Cordoba and relieve Folc;

‘Goodman Aethelgeard, know that your faithful friend Ffernfeal has spoken highly of your skill with word and language. As Comte of Majorque I offer you employment as my Chancelier, should you accept this request sail with speed to Qurtuba in Cordoba and relive your predecessor. Ensconce yourself in the court of the Emir and speak to him of our desire for peace and trade, ever are we open to friendship. For all the praise Ffernfeal speaks of your sin, we are a land of God and so I pray you do not abse yourself of the flesh, as I am informed is your proclivity.’​

Comte Johan’s missive was successful as Aethelgeard prompty accepted the offer.

- Aethelgeard, the new Chancelier of Majorque​

At this point it is worth noting that the Lotharingi-Aquitainian war moved in favour of the defender. Harrassed by King Charles ‘the Bald’ on their norther borders the entire Lotharingi army moved north to support the forces there. This left the Aquitainian forces unharrassed and able to continue their border sieges.

With life on Majorque good, Comte Johan turned his attention to Comte Petro. Of the opinion that that unity between the islands could only be good he sailed to Minorque and in doing so met his Minorcan contemporary for the first time in July 868.

We are led to believe that he was less that impressed with the man he encountered;

‘Like a Pagan King does Petro live, wine and food in abundance in his home. Not a smile to be seen on the pinches faces of his ‘subjects’.’ ​

- Comte Petro of Minorque​

In August 868 Comptesse Agnes announced she was with child for the second time, news that was joyously met by the Comte and the people of Majorque. During the pregancy the devotion of Comte Johan was plain to see with his doing everything in his power to make his wife comfortable and happy.

- Comtesse Agnes wanted for nothing during her pregnancy, but would it lead to a happy and healthy child?​

Having heard nothing from Comte Petro since his visit to Minorque the previous July, In February 869 Comte Johan invited Petro to Majorque hoping to build a relationship and establish some kind of intra-island council.
Comte Petro arrived on 10th February 869, he walked onto Majorque like a peacock. He is described as ‘strutting like a prince’ and painted as an extremely demanding guest, making significant dents in the larder of Comte Johan’s kitchen.
Again the outcome was disastrous, so much so that Comte Johan felt moved to write the following to their Liege, Comte Bernard;
‘My Lord Bernard, may God be with you now and always. My Lord I entreat you to intervene and bring to task your vassal Comte Petro. A most despicable ruler I have not yet met. Minorque, with most humble deference, should be as happy and prosperous as mine own Majorque but for the Comte and his gluttonous desire. Again I beseech you to speak direct with the Comte and steer him towards God and noble rule. Ever am I your humble servant my Lord. May God, the greatest, be with you.’

- Comte Petro of Minorque did not have many admirers on Majorque​

Following the visit Comte Johan threw himself into his work and in March 869 organised a full census of his lands and instituted a full accounting of the treasury.

- One of the key factors for the continuing prosperity of Majorque were the administrative skills of its Comte​

While Aquitaine continually feared an Islamic influence on the Balearic Islands it was a Christian Heresy which had taken root in the Mallorcan society. Adoptionism was being embraced by the lower classes, though did not seem to have claimed any of the citizens of note. The Comte acted quickly and with the aid of Court Chaplain Folc increased services begun in the hope of returning the coverts to the flock.

- Adoptionism rears its head in Majorque​

On 13 June 869 the Comte & Comtesse welcomed their daughter Sybilia, a healthy and by all accounts robust child.

- Sybilia de Majorque​

Following a summons from Comte Bernard, Comte Johan arrived in Barcelone for an audience with his Liege.

The main reason for the summons was that Comte Bernard had made the decision to offer that Sybilia de Majorque be betrothed to his son, and heir, Guillaume Gellones. This was an opportunity not to be missed by Comte Johan, the prestige and security which would be bestowed upon his house would be tremendous. Though his house was still young there would not be many that could argue with the decision, the star of Majorque was certainly rising. Its treasury continued to grow and good relationships had been fostered with the Caliphate of Cordoba, these successes could be firmly ascribed to Comte Johan.

- A betrothal was agreed between the Houses of Gellones & Majorque​

A fragment of a letter sent from Comte Bernard to Comte Johan following their meeting suggests that there was additional point of discussion;

‘… may be the lesser in size but should not be the lesser in honour. In respect of the bonds between our houses I ask that you deal with Petro as you see fit…’​

 

[PEnglish82]

Great opening, I'll be following with interest!

Thanks a lot, I hope you enjoy the next instalment
--

Apologies for any formatting issues or glaring errors, first time I've posted anything close to this size and never more than a couple of images.

 

[darkhaze9]

Another good update here, lots of narrative and flavour. I wonder if Johan will soon be extending his control to a certain nearby island...

Apologies for any formatting issues or glaring errors, first time I've posted anything close to this size and never more than a couple of images.

As far as formatting it all looks good on my end!

 

[Silverio90]

Maybe an introduction too long-winded but I enjoyed it. The AAR sat in the remotest places of the world are always interesting. I wait the next chapter.

 

[stnylan]

I won't be surprised to see a certain amount of conflict in the islands. Petro does not seem like an altogether agreeable neighbour.

 

[PEnglish82]

Another good update here, lots of narrative and flavour. I wonder if Johan will soon be extending his control to a certain nearby island...



As far as formatting it all looks good on my end!

I won't be surprised to see a certain amount of conflict in the islands. Petro does not seem like an altogether agreeable neighbour.

I think there’s every chance of expansion in the near future, the only issue being there’s no valid CB, but I believe I can go down the Ducal Conquest route. Just need Comte Johan to express his religious side and build some piety.

Maybe an introduction too long-winded but I enjoyed it. The AAR sat in the remotest places of the world are always interesting. I wait the next chapter.

Many thanks I glad you’ve enjoyed the first entries.

Yes there is a lot in the introduction but I discovered so much about the history of ‘Majorque’ I just had to put it all in!!

As ever, thanks for all the compliments and comments.

 

[PEnglish82]

Comte Johan of Majorque 09/07/869 - 28/11/869​

Compte Johan returned to Majorque following his audience with Comte Bernard unsure of his future action. While not explicit, Comte Bernard had given approval for Johan to claim Minorque should he desire, though to declare war on fellow Christians would not be a decision one could take lightly.

Aquitaine found itself again under attack in July 869, this time from Duke Aznat II ‘the Cruel’ of Aragoi who warred to push his claim on the Aquitainian county of Comminges. The Duke war itself may have had Muslim backers for the Duke was a vassal of Errege Gartzea of Nafarroa who was himself a tributary of Amir al-Mu’minin Muhammad of the al-’Umawi Imara.

- Duke Aznar, Errege Gartzea & Amir al-Mu’minin​

- Mainland Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. Arrows denote aggressors toward Aquitaine​

The thought of attacking Minorque must have weighed heavy on Comte Johan’s conscious for in August 869 Bishop Folc of Palma was sent to Rome as an envoy to Pope Leo V. The reason for this mission is likely to have been to obtain Papal approval before any military action.

- Bishop Folc of Palma & Pope Leo V​

The justification put to Pope Leo V is unknown but would have had to call into question his piety. Given the existing records depict Comte Petro as being a slovenly & gluttonous man it would have been fairly easy for Johan to paint himself as a more Godly ruler. It was at this time that Comte Petro began vocally lobbying, within the Court of Barcelone, for tax cuts at the expense of his people. Certainly this did little to endear himself to the church.

- Comte Petro starts a Glory Faction within the Court of Barcelone​

Bishop Folc returned to Majorque in early October of 869 with a letter bearing the Papal seal;

- Pope Leo V permits military action against Minorque, provided;​

‘Episcopus Servus Servorum Dei,
Faithful Johan Comte of Majorque, blessed servant of God, vassal of Roi Louis II.

It is right that men of this World be governed in solemn faith and humble duty. Comte Petro of Minorque labours not in a way Godly and therefore should be made to relinquish his duty.
As sayeth Romans 13:4 “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

Though to mete death is to sin, where for goodly aims a token of physical sacrifice would provide sufficient relief from the temporal punishment of God’​

A sacrifice of 40 Gold was enough to absolve Comte Johan of Sin, and allow him to wage war with a clean conscious.

So it was that on 15th October 869 that a declaration of war made its short journey from Majorque to Minorque.

- The Mallorcan-Menorcan War was called in October 869​

An army of 1221 men was raised and organised in Palma as a small fleet of some 14 boats were prepared to transport the force to depose Comte Petro. The arrayed Mallorcan army was led by commanders Radulfo and Renard, both men being skilled in war and possessing strategic minds.

- Commanders Radulfo & Renard​

With all necessary logistics in place the men boarded and sailed for Minorque and landed, in early November 869, on the western coast of the island. The Mallorcan men pushed east and engaged in a number of small scale skirmishes against the Menorcans whose forces numbered around 750.

The entire action was extremely efficient with the army under strict orders from Comte Johan to;

‘Visit no force upon the people of Minorque nor interact with buildings or settlements to their detriment…’​

As the army neared the major Menorcan town of Mahon on the east coast they engaged a large force, unexpectedly, led by the incumbent Comte. The action was brief with the Menorcans surrendering almost straight away. As the men yielded their weapons so they yielded the trussed Comte;

‘A guardsman of the name Joseph brought before me what I took to be a bound hog. As it was thrown to the ground the squeals did little to make me think otherwise but evident was it that the hog was the prior Comte. Overripe flesh spilling from beneath a gilded breastplate, an a ceremonial that would have shattered upon first clash.’
- Journal of Mayor Renard of Sainte Ponse​

Thus on 28th November 869 the conquest of Minorque was won with minimal violence and the island now came under the purview of Comte Johan.

- Comte Petro is captured leading to a Mallorcan victory​

 

[darkhaze9]

Congratulations on the swift conquest!

 

[stnylan]

I am sure the pride of having Petro in his power did a little to tarnish Johan's soul

 

[Alex Borhild]

I've recently been playing a game in Sardinia that began in 769, and after recent thinking about doing a Balearic AAR it's funny to see that someone else had the same idea! I'm sure you might finish this before I even get around to starting mine, though, haha.

Now that the Balearic islands have been united under one ruler, I suppose Comte Johan may have to look further afield for more glory.

 

[Tyler96]

Nice start. .

What's the deal with Lotharingian regnal numbering? Does HIP count the earlier Merovingian rulers of Austrasia (Chlothar/Clotaire) or something?