A Tuscan Adventure

[Duke of Wellington]

The goal is easy to take but keeping it is going to be hard against a foe such as Milan.

 

[stnylan]

Well, Modena was good for practice I suppose. As for Milan, the prizes are surely worth the struggle.

 

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MILAN



“Reports arrived of a major force marching on Mantua from Lombardia, comprising 7000 hardened men of Milan, 2000 cavalry and 5000 infantry. No time could be wasted the Doge marched from Parma with the entire 1st and 2nd army at his back. In addition orders were sent to Modena the siege was abandoned and the soldiers of the 3 rd army marched day and night to reach Mantua before battle was met.

Diarys of War, chapter 6, p 243 Laurencio de Resigno​

If it wasn’t for later events the battle of Mantua would have gone down in history as the defining moment of the 2nd Tuscan war of aggression. The Tuscan army amounted to 5500 men, Milan 7000. Outnumbered and having fought for months, even the Doge was unsure of the outcome. The battle lasted for two weeks, slaughter does not even begin to describe what happened there.

Slaughter at Mantua ​

Two new regiments of recruits were raised in Firenze and Siena during the month of April, their training complete in late May they took to the field and marched to Modena to lay siege to the province.

Firenza and Siena regiments on the march ​

The siege of Modena which started on the 7th of June almost ended before it began with a counteroffensive by the remaining troops of Modena on the 9th of June. 2 regiments of Infantry and 1 of cavalry, 3000 men, fought for Tuscany. 500 for Modena, soon reduced to half that after 5 days and yet still they fought. Battle raged for almost a month before the final regiment and hope of Modena was to end.

“200 valiant men from Modena, they came so close to winning that battle, but unknown to them they had already lost the war”

Diarys of War, chapter 6, p 254 Laurencio de Resigno​

A number of battles followed in quick succession, Parma in the 2nd week of July, Lombardia on the 30th, and Parma once more in the middle of August. The manpower pools of Tuscany were not unlimited after less than a year of war almost all the young men of Tuscany had been depleted it would seem a generation would be needed before war could be called again.

It was at the start of September, with the armies of Modena and Milan more than decimated, that the Genoese dogs, looking to take advantage of the situation, declared war on Milan and Modena. Meanwhile the penultimate battle of the war occurred in Mantua. the few remaining forces of both Milan and Modena combining in a desperate defence. Routed once more they retreated to Lombardia and that fateful day.

The battle of Mantua and the declaration of war by Genoa​

23 rd September 1464, That infamous day in Lombardia. Leading a charge of cavalry, from the front, on the final day of battle against only a few hundred foe, as he was wont to do. The Doge was seen to sway in his saddle and then suddenly fall, never to rise again. Rumours abounded as to what had occurred, it was assumed at first an arrow had pierced his side but non could be found. The life of a ruler so gifted cut short before he had barely started, a black day indeed.

“There can be no Heaven in a world this cruel”

Remark attributed to Contessina de‘Bardi wife to the late Doge Cosimo de Medici

What is often forgotten or overlooked during the short reign of Pasquale Tonelli is that he was not just a man of action, while he had no interest in administration, subterfuge was another matter. Since the great betrayal by Genoa a decade earlier Tuscany had become a less trusting nation. This was the third step in the rise of Tuscany and the downfall of Genoa, a new type of man was arising within the Nation of Tuscany, more cynical, with less faith in his comrades and perhaps most importantly a man who new what his future held before it occurred. The footsteps on the journey no longer mattered to this type of man, only the arrival.


In the future one man would arise who perhaps in the whole of history sums up this worldview best, but this was not yet his time.

 

[Duke of Wellington]

You did very well in that battle. But this war is threatening.

 

[coz1]

Yes, little manpower is certainly a limitation. I imagine you might want to make good friends of the HRE electors.

 

[stnylan]

A bloody business to be sure. But he's done his country well.

 

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Duke/stynlan: thanks i think cavalry is definetely overpowered at the moment though, not that i'm complaining

Coz1, i wish, unfortunately the electors don't like me very much for some reason

I had been planning on writing this as 1 entry for each Doge, as it turns out by 1471 i'd had 8 Doge's so i won't be sticking to that now. Should have the next update done today though.

 

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THE DOOM OF GENOA


Lord here our prayers
May the almighty protect the flock as the Shepard does,
May we protect our vassal’s as you protect your’s,
May our allies stand firm in peace and war,
May your forgiveness fall, even unto those who betray us.
{For our forgiveness shall not}

Common prayer 1463, Rule of Doge Pasquale Tonelli,
Amendment during the reign of Doge Francesco Stefano di Medici.​

In this terrible time of confusion the people needed a new hero, who else could step into the footsteps of a man such as Doge Evangelista Lanzi except the grandson of the man who set Tuscany on its road to greatness. Francesco Stefano di Medici, now Doge Stefano.

It did not take long for the people of Tuscany, who loved their Doge, to place blame for his death at the feet of the Genoese dogs. The second betrayal by Genoa had re-stirred the embers of hatred from a decade earlier, this time there would be no going back. Taking a loan of 200 ducats, from his own Medici bank, the first steps of the new Doge were to hire two new regiments of Mercenary cavalry plus the services of a General Sergio Chigi. His second action upon looking at the state of affairs was to dispatch agents to the eastern Genoese lands of Kaffa and Azow to stir revolt.

It must be said that the Genoese had quickly realised the error of their ways at the start of the 2nd Tuscan war of aggression offering a new alliance proposal on the 13th of April 1464, but as General Chigi was heard to say on being recounted this tale,

“What use allies if they run as soon as trouble occurs, in fact what use a nation which will not fight “

General Sergio Chigi, October 1464​

The 23rd of October 1464 was the day the people received their desire of vengeance, war was declared on Genoa and the Republic rejoiced.

Our forces marched from Lombardia to Liguria and the Genoese moved to meet them, battle was met on the 6th Nov and ended on the 18th with the destruction of the Genoese militia.

Our mercenary cavalry was disbanded leaving us with 3 regiments of cavalry and 5 of infantry. Forces were dispatched to chase down the Genoese army to Liguria and then Parma where they were destroyed.

The war against Milan and Modena was coming to a close, no peace had been signed but the Modena province of Ferrara had fallen to our allies Mantua. With the last of the forces of Milan destroyed on the 8th Oct the provinces of Modena (26th Nov 64), Parma (3rd April 65) Lombardia (1st July 65) would follow. The war against Genoa had only begun, Liguria was laid under siege on the 29th Nov 1464.

On the 2nd of December 1464 our Carrack the Fillipo Brune was captured by the forces of Milan during the battle of the Ligurian sea, as it turned out the final battle between our forces. This was the greatest investment our nation had made yet, and its loss hurt. In order to invade Corsica, and bring the Genoese dogs to their knees we needed to remove the naval obstacle which the combined fleets of Milan, Modena and Genoa represented. So it was not long before the keel of a new Carrack was laid, in the province of Pisa.


In the meantime troops were shipped to Corsica, by night , avoiding the blockade and Corsica was laid under siege on the 25th March 1465. Not long after on the 30th march Liguria fell into our hands. November of that same year brought about the final surrender of both Modena and Milan. As terms of peace both states agreed to pay 50 ducats, Ferrara was ceded to Mantua and finally both nations were brought under our wings of protection and became vassal’s.

Corsica fell to our hands on the 14th Jan 1466, our fleet with the addition of the new carrack was back up to strength and troops were shipped through the straights of Ontranto to the Venetian province of Dalmatia. Our troops marched on Ragusa

Some say the death of his uncle, Doge Evangelista Lanzi, drove him mad. Other’s say he was tired of living in the shadow of his Grandfather, Doge Cosimo di Medici. Doge Francesco Stefano di Medici was a tortured soul, not cut out for warfare. The weight of expectations drove down on his shoulders, perhaps this is what lead him to his fateful decision to take a single regiment of cavalry into the wilderness of Dalmatia, during October of 1466. His men returned the Doge did not.



In the space of less than 2 years three Doge’s had died, had our lord and saviour turned upon this bountiful land of Tuscany, only the future would tell. For now the people of Tuscany desired peace above all else, Doge Matteo degli Albizzi saw this and took power, the time of Medici was over. It is ironic that shortly after his death the Doge’s dealing’s in subterfuge finally paid off and revolution occurred in Azow, which later defected to the Crimea.

Peace was finally reached in November of 1466, it was demanded that Genoa release the island of Corsica from the yoke of oppression, a people granted freedom once more. The loss of both Corsica and Azow greatly weakened the Republic of Genoa, unfortunately the people of Kaffa failed to follow Azow’s path of revolution, which meant the total subjugation of Genoa would have to wait.

War was over and peace had come.​

 

[Grundius]

Too bad about the doges. You can't get succession wars and regency councils, right?

 

[stnylan]

Yes, a time to rest, recover, recuperate, replenish, and rebuild is needed. Genoa will be there for another round another day.

 

[coz1]

They are weak and I suspect in five years time, ready for another go.

 

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Grundius: Your right none of those. Without royal marriages improving relations is turning out to be expensive.

Coz, stylan: All i really want from Genoa is the COT, i'd hoped to get revolts in both azow and kaffa then free corsica in a peace deal so the next round would be Genoa with only 1 province which i could annex. Didn't turn out that way

As they say though if at first you don't succeed try try again

 

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A Time of Peace and Plenty



After years of warfare our financial position had improved, though our relations had not

It seems the Germans don’t like us very much trade makes up a lot of income​

Under the leadership of Doge Matteo degli Albizzi the republic continued to advance. Trade, Trade and yet more Trade was the focus of 1468 both in the placements of merchants and technology, the stability of the republic continued to increase throughout the year. A slight shift in the emphasis of the Republics government occurred in May 1468 with a greater focus on our navies and overseas trade at the marginal expense of our land forces. Diplomatically our new vassals Milan and Modena had their freedoms guaranteed and then they were brought into our alliance along with Switzerland and Mantua.

In October of 1468 Genoa once more tried the patience of Tuscany. Did those scurrilous whelps not know the bounds of decency and honour. Having freed the people of Corsica Doge Matteo degli Albizzi felt honour bound to aid them. Though of course some claim that Corsica falling back into the hands of Genoa would simply make annexation that much harder.

Doge Matteo degli Albizzi, kicked the bucket on the 3 January 1469, quite literally. A few seconds later his headlong tumble, down a 2 story staircase, leading to his early retirement from power and life. So the son followed the Father, Pietro degli Albizzi rose to the pinnacle of power in Tuscany.

Ascension to power of Doge Pietro degli Albizzi after the descent of his Father​

Doge Pietro degli Albizzi continued the work of his father, furthering trade and improving our relations with our vassal states. Meanwhile Genoa weakened by its war with Corsica did not have the troops to recapture its province of Azow, which returned to the Muslim fold of the Crimea. The province of Romagne held many Christian refugees who had fled Azow in the time of troubles on hearing the news they were distraught.

Pietro degli Albizzi followed his father in more ways than one, meeting an early grave only 12 months into his reign.​

Doge Pasquale Bizzeli rose to power in the year 1470 A man well suited to the ruling of a peaceful nation. Pasquale did not have the force of arms that some of his predecessor had. What he did have though was the force of personality, which was needed. This was truly a time of tension between the Christian and Muslim worlds.

Religious and political strife in the East​

In this period he plotted Tuscany a steady course, expanding trade once more as the world sailed by, the same can not be said for Genoa. That nation having lost both Corsica and Azow was fearful of losing its remaining possession in the east, Kaffa. Doge Francesco Stefano di Medici, 5 years earlier, had planned and plotted for this moment. To watch Genoa fall to one province so Liguria, that rich centre of trade, could be annexed in one fell swoop. Many in power wondered if this could still come to pass as Genoa went to war.

Genoa declares war on the Crimea​

Both the Ottoman Empire and the forces of the Golden horde responded to the Crimea‘s call to arms, not unsurprisingly Genoa‘s call to its ally Ragusa apparently did not arrive. It was not long before, Giovanni Andrea della Rovere, the Doge of Genoa, soon started to question his own decision to wage war. It had taken the people of Genoa, far less time, to do the same.

“To call the man an ass would be to denigrate the donkeys of this world“

A comment on the declaration of war, heard in the marketplace of Liguria

From “The art of Folly“, A satire of Doge Giovanni Rovere 1471​

In the month of January in the year 1471 Venice declared war upon the nation of Hungary, her ally the Papal states followed suite, Tuscany did not.

Many still ask why it was our great nation betrayed our allies Venice, considering the fate of Genoa. One of Firenza’s most famous son’s gave answer to that in latter years.

“All cities that ever at any time have been ruled by an absolute prince, by aristocrats or by the people, have had for their protection force combined with prudence, because the latter is not enough alone, and the first either does not produce things, or when they are produced, does not maintain them. Force and prudence, then, are the might of all the governments that ever have been or will be in the world.”

Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli ​

So it came about, almost five years had passed since the signing of the treaty of Liguria. The stage seemed to be set, Kaffa in the hands of the Mongol cur, surely to be traded for peace. Leaving only undefended Liguria in the hand’s of the bowed legged sea dogs of Genoa. Mighty Venice and the soldiers of god, the Papal legions, at war to the East against the orthodox heretics. Surely now Genoa must fall, one single province against the might of Tuscany and her roll call of allies, Mantua, Modena, Milan and Switzerland, that black hour before the dawn had finally arrived for Genoa.

The Butterfly Effect​

Sometimes you must look back in order to look forward, the time of peace and plenty was about to end but to understand why we must understand that often, though not always, cause follows effect. November 1465, two proud neighbours, Milan and Modena brought to their knees. The future of these two country’s being decided, a Papal representative present to oversee that Gods will was done. At the same time war still continued against the old enemy Genoa. It is easy to understand how such a small, yet significant fact, could be overlooked by all sides concerned, in the year of our Lord 1471.

STATE OF THE NATION 1465 - 1471

Leaders

1466.07.22 Doge Matteo degli Albizzi : 7 Admin, D.I.P 4, Military 4
1469.01.03 Doge Pietro degli Albizzi : 4 Admin, D.I.P 4, Military 6
1470.03.21 Doge Pasquale Bizzelli : 8 Admin, D.I.P 8, Military 3

Advisors Triad of Trade
Army: 5 Infantry and 3 Cavalry
Navy: 1 Carrack and 4 Cogs

Techs: Gov 2, Prod 1, Trade 4, Stab 3

23 merchants placed.

 

[stnylan]

A very useful monarch for a little peaceful period. But it sounds as if that time of rest is fast coming to an end. Italy does sound rather consumed by war.

 

[coz1]

As they say though if at first you don't succeed try try again

Or as Daffy Duck was heard to say: "If at first you don't succeed...keep on suckin' until you DO succeed."

Looks as if Genoa's time on this earth is not long. I would have to say they did not realize quite the risk they were taking. Or perhaps it was one last ditch effort to keep from falling under. Regardless, they are a goner.

 

[Duke of Wellington]

A good monarch there but his military lacking seems costly at this time in the world.

 

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stynlan: theres been a bit of war and theres more to come but the iron crown will soo

coz1: well i'll try not to suck to hard until i succeed As always though the perfectly laid plans don't always work out and genoa proved to be an annoyance for a bit longer.

Duke: i was glad of his skills, funny thing after complaining about how quickly my monarchs die the next one refused to die no matter how many times i sent him into battle to be killed


hopefully have an update later today, just want to play the game a little bit more before i write, as i've been thinking every day for the last week

 

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WHEN RELIGION AND POLITICS RIDE IN THE SAME CART, THE WHIRLWIND IS SURE TO FOLLOW
Ancient saying of Desert tribes​

No other phrase could perhaps explain better the rule of Doge Bonaventura Orsini. A pious and holy man, disgusted by the corruption within the church of Rome. Did the people really understand who they had brought to power after the death of Doge Pasquale Bizzelli barely 13 months after his ascension. Perhaps they were hoping a man of God would live a long life and bring stability to the Republic.

In the first year of his rule a number of merchants resigned their posts in protest at the attempt to raise a new merchant tax. This was one of the few areas were the Doge listened to his advisors. He left the business of trade in control of the triad of trade now growing old in years. In all other areas the Doge, inspired by moral righteousness, strode the path that few before or since have dared to follow. There are rumours that the 95 theses of Martin Luther were inspired by the Doges footsteps, it is true that the spread of protestant conversions across Europe appeared during his rule.

“The doge was both a righteous and military man, the crusades came and went a few centuries to soon for him. However this did not stop him starting his own, on holy Rome herself”

“Unholy War, chapter 3, p214, Emberto Consigle”

For 20 years the Machiavellian manipulations of previous Doges had been building to this moment. Gradually whittling down the might of Genoa so that only Liguria would remain to conquer and possess. The stage surely was set, Kaffa had fallen, all that remained was for the Eastern devils to demand its release in trade for peace.

“Who can compete with the fickle whims of fate; Twice Sultan Mehmed II Fâtih, true founder of the Ottoman empire; Conqueror of Constantinople; Destroyer of the Byzantium empire. The man who claimed to be Rome reborn, death is not a challenge for such a man”

Inscription on tomb, Sultan Mehmed II Fâtih​

The death of Mehmed led to a war of succession between two allies, Crimea and the Ottomans. With forces and attentions diverted Kaffa became an inconsequential distraction. Genoa received its peace for a payment of a mere 5 ducats in Gold. Kaffa remained in their hands. With this the idea of a quick end to the war and the easy annexation of Liguria seemed to collapse.


It was the 16th of February, 1473, that the Doge declared war upon Genoa. What needs to be understood is that, for the Doge, this was not a simple war of vengeance or betrayal. To the Doge Genoa had consorted with the Godless devils of the eastern steppe, to him there was only one God and his name was not Allah. The fact no simple victory was possible did not deter him, for that had never been his purpose.

In the first few days of the war the Doge nearly bankrupted the republic. His aim was simple he saw clearly that God had put him here for a reason. This was to remove all corruption from the face of gods fair earth, be it the eastern devils or the church itself. The Doge did not stand alone, there were a few cardinals within the See of holy Rome who still understood the true teachings and were willing to spread God’s word, for a small fee. Almost 300 ducats were given to these cardinals and so the Doge took control of the Holy see and guided it, in Gods name.

It was not long after hearing the Doge’s message that the alliance of France, Norway and their vassals declared war on the Papal states and Venice. By then Liguria was already besieged by our forces and it did not take long for the city to fall.

"In retrospect the welcome of Doge Bonaventura Orsini should not be a surprise, some see him as a conqueror, in truth he was a liberator"

Diary‘s of War, Chapter 8, p 371 Laurencio de Resigno

France and her allies assaulted Avignon, the French seat of Papal power. As we had granted military access to the Papal states it was not long before the army’s of God were marching once more through our territory’s to Avignon.

Papal forces marching to Avignon​

Opportunities like this do not often arise. As soon as the Papal force’s entered Savoy our military access treaty with them was ended. The lands of Rome now stood devoid of troops. Understand this, the pope himself had led army’s in battle, he had brought misery and suffering to thousands, for his own glory not God‘s. The Doge was not a vain man, he was not driven by dreams of his own glory. And so a small and yet significant fact came into the light, Deus Vult !

Tuscany gained a core on Roma on the 6th Nov 1465​

It was the 13th of March 1474 when the Doge declared war on God, or so the Pope claimed. Once more our honourable allies, who had by now become blood kin to us in all, but name, stood tall. Surprisingly to some the enemy did not stand alone. Venice, Venice alone, allies of the forgotten past, followed the call to arms of the Pope, a decision they would rue. By the 15th the forces of ourselves and our allies were on the march. Our brave soldiers marched to Romagna and Venezia, the troops of Milan headed for Brescia and those of Mantua and the Swiss for Verona. Our fleets also put to sea to blockade the Ports of both Venice and the Papal states. Over the following two months a number of skirmishes occurred in Venezia, Verona, Brescia and Mantua, the Venetian forces finally retreating to Firuli in the North.

Although the Doge had no interest in the godless land’s of Kaffa the same could not be said of other members of his council. Certain party’s, Those who the Doge had stymied, still felt the Machiavellian goal could be reached. On the 1st April 1473 General Chigi, with 3 regiments of foot, had been ordered, to board ship in Pisa and head for Kaffa, arriving on the 10th of June. Where those orders came from is still unknown, it is suspected that General Chigi himself may have decided to have a brief holiday. When the Doge realised orders of recall were sent, they did not arrive. With no orders Chigi, happily, sat in Kaffa with 3 regiments leaving our forces at home outnumbered by Venice.

At the start of 1475 troops from Sicily arrived in Kaffa, they explained how they had joined the alliance of brave souls and were fighting the good fight. The leader of the Sicilian troops was a silver tongued salesman, he sold this dream of unity and it was believed. In fact on the 28th of May Savoy and Sicily had started a war of their own. Looking at easy trade expansion in the East while Genoa was distracted. Convinced of their unity of purpose Chigi took 2 regiments home to Pisa leaving the siege of Kaffa in the hands of Sicily and 1000 Tuscan men. Kaffa fell to Sicily on the 6th of May, on the 12th of May a bird arrived from the Capitol of Savoy to inform the Sicilian commander that a white peace between Savoy and Sicily had been arranged, the commander returned control of Kaffa to the Genoan commander. The Tuscan commander in Kaffa, hearing this news, refused to accept that the Doge would make peace so easily. The day the Sicilian troops left Kaffa the city was besieged and assaulted again. Our troops could not be stopped, Kaffa fell for the second time in 14 days. A few days later a message from the Doge arrived. Agent provocateurs were sent in and all troops withdrawn in the hope these worthless savages would follow the path of Azow.

High revolt risk in Kaffa, lets make it a bit higher and hope they take a hint​

The diversion of forces to combat the Venetians had allowed the Papal states time to raise more troops. over the following months the Doge led a lot of suicidal charges against superior Papal forces. Fighting battle after battle, he stubbornly refused to die, further proof that God was on his side. Unfortunately he was no longer by the side of Isaac Clinton. On the 1st of November 1474 a national day of morning was declared, Isaac Clinton, head of the triad of trade died.

Death of Isaac Clinton (trade +6) , hiring of Louis de la Bretonniere (merchants +0.4)​

The armies of both Venice and the Papal states had fallen, the city’s were to follow. The Swiss took Verona on the 1st July 1474, Brescia fell to Milan on the 1st Sept, Venezia and Anacona both fell in January 1475, Friuli was overrun by the Swiss on 1st March, Romagna to our brave troops on the 12th March, Dalmatia’s turn came on the 12th Aug, Roma on the 23 Nov and Finally Istria on the 27th of Dec.

Venice had retreated her armies to Salzburg, the Doge had decided to attack. News arrived that the French had signed a white peace with the Pope and Avignon was once more in the hands of Papal authority. Plans were changed and the long march began, on the 18th July 1475 the Doge marched with 3000 cavalry from that mountain fastness of Tirol, to Avignon. The city was placed under siege once more and the last bastion of Papal resistance fell at the end of May 1476. Diplomats were sent to the warring party’s. Genoa became a vassal; Venice ceded Brescia to Milan, Verona and Firuli to the Swiss; Romagna was ceded to Tuscany by the Pope. The Doge also demanded the Pope release all claims to Avignon that country was freed.

Peace

Peace finally came in the early months of 1476. To some it would seem ancient Rome was rising once more, the time of the Federation Italia was on the verge of being.​

 

[stnylan]

Tuscany is certainly keeping itself busy, mucking around in central Italy. With the Pope more or less where you want him, shorn of most of his power, and Venice and Genoa humbled, there is no doubt who is the true ruler of Italy.

 

[coz1]

You truly are laying claim to the the Lord of Italy. But the true question remains - what of Genoa? Nasty of the Sicilians not to help you out there.