Kings of Italy, agressive and hungry.
Starting out, I wanted to chose a country that was not only in the middle of the mist. But also part of the HRE, in a heavily populated area, and in a place I could chose sides as I went.
The choice was obvious to me. It had to be somewhere in Italy.
Having played Tuscany in the demo. I set my eyes on Milan. Main reason why I chose that over Tuscany, or any of the others, was that I didn't like the large size of Venice and didn't mind the Republic in Tuscany, (less diplomatic options, for which I would have good use of later on in Milan)
Happy with my choice I start the game.
Milan would take it's first step into greatness. Although that had to wait right now.
The downside with Milan is this:
War whit Venice.
That I knew before starting so I had taken that into account. Better to start out with a war I figured. Holding the game for a while I needed to get a better look of the situation. Obviously they where stronger than me. They had 5.000 soldiers of who where 1.000 Knights right on my boarder. God knows what else in Venice.
My own army was 4.000 combined where 1.000 where knights. Fair enough I thought. I can work whit that. Quickly building one and hiring mercs for the other. I gained 2.000 inf more or less straight away. To my great luck Austria decced Venice to. Venice quickly moved their forces off my boarder and into Austria to gain the advantage.
Looking around the entire area looked a bit overwhelming. States in just about ever province.
Not standing about waiting for them to invade me. I moved my entire army into Brescia. Not bothering to wait for the inf that I was spawning. That had to wait.
Alongside starting the war I hired two painters. Those are a pain to get hold of later on so I hired them now. Leaving one slot open. I could always find a tech guy later. Diplomatic wise I made sure to make friends whit Savoy and Sicily. I know that would make it harder to take over later. But right now I didn't worry to much about that. It was long into the future.
While I was sieging Brescia I quickly set my goals to getting both Brescia and Verona. I could do that now as long as Austria was in the war. And I needed to get them quick. Moving step by step to Venice itself. I could hopefully gain a favorable peace settlement while Austria was still in the game.
My gamble payed off. Before long both Brescia and Verona was taken and I had already moved my forces to Venice. Already being 1451 I could now hire more infantry to help the sieging.
Before long Austria had kept Venice to busy to actually be able to stop me moving on Venice. As soon as the siege was over. I settled for Brescia and Verona + 50 gold. After a couple of tries I managed to get it.
The first step to greatness was complete. I won the war against Venice. And I now had no natural enemies.
What followed was a steady flow of diplomatic efforts and Merchant pain. Steadily building up my income and looking at ways to get my next two provinces. With Francesco's great diplomatic skills I managed to get great alliances whit Sicily and Savoy.
8 years of planning culminated into a break when Modena declared war on Mantua. Something I've been planning for and hoping for a long time now. Pays to be patient.
Having warned Modena prior to this. I was glad to learn that I could now declare war without to much of a penalty. Just had to wait until they Annexed Mantua first.
Before events could manage to take their course King Francesco died.
The sad year of 1459.
Laying the groundwork for an empire to be
Suddenly finding myself whit a new Monarch I baited out Modena. But having access trough their land and Tuscany I would be forced to cancel that before I did anything. Before I could manage to react I found myself called to war. Sicily was becoming more of a hassle than they where good for. Declaring war on Ancona. Having built up my army whit another 4.000 infantry along whit the 6.000 I already had. I quickly moved my main army over there. But Tuscany had beaten us to it and was already sieging. Quickly helping so the siege went quicker I found my way back home. Modena still sieging Mantua I waited the out. As soon as they annexed them. I hit Modena hard and forced em into submission, first canceling access. Sieging every province I quickly forced down the Vassalage on them. Alongside taking Mantua and Farrara for myself.
Obviusly the reputation was an issue, but I had previusly had curia and was feeling good about the hole situation.
Having eyeballed the Genoa Market province. I was looking for a way to hit them. But they being allied whit Venice didn't help at all.
I couldn't manage a two front war now.
Faced whit two allies I now had great relations with. I suddenly figured. I could try to vassal them. Already having Modena as one, I could diplo annex them after a while if I managed it. My Monarch having 8 diplomacy skills I was intrigued to try.
Luck is a strange thing indeed. Playing the vanilla game I didn't think I'd have to much luck whit this. But Both my allies I had royal marriage whit, great relations and they went for vassalage straight away. Luck indeed. Now it was all about keeping them that way.
Now. Having gained two large Vassals. I finally could start to think about how I could manage to unify Italy. I now decided I had enough provinces to attempt such an undertaking. Waiting for the reputation to increase again. I abide my time.
Tuscany was weak now. Only having Siena as allied. I could take them easy I decided. But having great relations I needed to get limit an aggressive war would have. Quickly warning them. Dropping them some. Then insulting them. I found myself belove +100. I was now set. I just needed to wait for the wardec. After waiting a few years. I now saw that they had a disagreement with the papacy. I quickly did what I needed to do. Hiring more infantry. I moved right on top of them. It didn't exactly work out as I hoped. Siena chickened out, (good call tbh) I was then left whit walking over Tuscany. Ancona then Firenze, and last Piza. But stubborn as they where. It took me close to 6 months to create the peace they accept. Vassalage it was none the less, whit Ancona for myself.
Having now 4 vassals. I needed to soon as possible diplo annex them.
Earliest possibility for that was 1476 whit Modena. It now being 1469 I decided I'd possession myself up for that. Building up my reputation again. Trying to get hold of the curia was hard. A couple of times I was lucky and held it for around a year each time. Enough to get it up enough.
I hoped to annex Sicily first. As they had the greatest city and that would help me greatly. Focusing on them and Savoy. I knew nobody would willingly go to war against me. No, I was becoming a power already. Austria was increasingly a worry however. Being the HRE. I couldn't help but wonder what lied next for me if they wared me. Just to be sure. I put effort into becoming allied whit Bavaria. They had grown to a sizable country now. Almost as large as I was. Along with my Vassals Austria wasn't any problem now. I almost hoped they would attack me. Just to make sure France didn't have any ideas, I allied whit Burgundy. At this point. I was sure I could unify Italy.
The Dream that was
Staying out of everything that had to do with colonies and merchants. I focused all my efforts into diplomacy. A great nation comes into existence trough quill and sword alike.
1477, great year for events, for sure.
Our tireless efforts into persuading Sicily to join the greater cause payed off. Savoy, Modena and Tuscany followed suit shortly as soon Sicily saw the light.
Italy wasn't anymore a distant dream. It was close to reality. The church was the greatest hurdle to overcome. They wouldn't willingly hand over Rome. That much was clear. Unsure if I could manage to force them into it. Was another matter entirely.
The situation wasn't good. They had provinces all over the place.
Taking them all would be hard. Genoa and Venice wouldn't be a problem. I could take them both at my current state. Alone if need be.
No, my worries laid in the Papacy. Siena now having aligned themselves whit the papacy I found useful. I could use them to get at the church.
Italy would be unified again. Church or no church. It had to go. Taking over Venice or Genoa had to wait.
Now to set it all up. I would obviously use Siena as the trap for this.
But looking how the Papacy have provinces in Avignon, Utrecht, Trier and Barrois.
Most of the access I needed, I could get from Provance and Burgundy. Now having both the army and the casus belli to actually do it was another thing. But while I was waiting for a boarder dispute I was shocked to learn I now had to take over another three provinces. Wurttemberg, Baden, and Elsass. The church had been busy I see.
Well. Can't be helped. I needed Rome. Not those other provinces.
If I needed to take them. I wasn't going to sit around waiting for them to hand over annexation of Rome. That clearly wasn't going to happen, not being able to arrange royal marriage with the Papacy I'm forced into this approach.
And not only that. I now discover that the Swiss is also in alliance whit them.
Not having lost a war so far. I wasn't about to lose another one. Beside. I had the army to do it. Now I had several armies whit 1.000 knights, 4.000 or 5.000 infantry each. On total I would say I have 4-5 of these at any given time. One in Naples, One in Verona, One in Firenze and then One in Lombardi. Depending on if I'm going to war or not I have one in reserve.
When the event came. A few years later. I leaped into action. By decing Siena I avoided the entire Swiss problem. Letting Burgundy take Utrecht, Trier and Barrois. I took Siena right away, annexing them. Moving on Rome and taking Avignon more or less straight after that. Bavaria taking Wuttemberg, and Baden before I could move my army up there. And I took Elsass for last. Not bothering whit anything but Vassalage for Peace offer. Rome accepted right away. Right after that I allied whit them as they now where alone and all to willing to do so.
The king is dead. Long live the... Council???
Under Filippo Maria, Milan had now grown to be a strong Lombardi country. Building up from 4 provinces to around 19 provinces. It would give me the manpower and the leverage to take make Italy happen.
Leaving to sort out the peace. I focused my efforts on building the country and my keeping my vassals happy.
Already having Smithsonian National Idea. As quickly as I got the second Idea I chose the inflation one. I found it to be a lifesaver. Having struggled with high inflation rates of 0.2-0.3 each year. I was forced to adapt a more inflation friendly attitude towards my army. Stripping the reserve army. I could always hire more if I needed it. I had the income to do it. It was by far more important to keep the inflation down at this current time. Having it already at 5.3 I couldn't continue down this road for much longer.
Only having Bavaria attack Bohemia under this reign I abide my time and build myself up for the push for Italian Unification. I only had to wait for Papacy to become +200 and 10 years to pass before I could attempt to get Rome and Unify the Country into it's rightful Name.
Getting around 40 gold a year I was looking forward to get core provinces in Naples and Firenze. That would surely boost my income a great deal. Around this time I just had core provinces in Bresia and Verona and that boosted me whit a massive 8 gold at the time. Already having core in Modena I got that one straight away from annex. Another reason for why I wanted to wait for a boarder dispute event against Rome.
Slowly and steadily building up my economy focusing on production instead of trade, I gained a sizable income, which I spend on building several workshops. Something that would be a onetime investment that I could reap the rewards form continuously as I went.
At this point I saw Romanga having a slight revolt risk I decided to support that. Sending a spy there to support the effort. Doing this to my own vassal just indicate how much I wanted to secure Italy. Being a core province from the boarder dispute, I just leaned back and let the event unfold. It wasn't long before the province was in uproar. After a couple of years whit the province being inactive. It joined my cause. From out of nowhere. I was hoping they would split whit papacy so I could just dec them and get it all over whit. But this was even better.
Year 1490. The king of Austria died. Having both Bavaria, and Burgundy as electors and at +190. I found myself in the chair of the Holy Roman Empire. Unexpected to say the least. I didn't plan for this at all. But a turn of events to the better. I now felt even more strongly about my position.
Slowly getting fed up of constant wars against Bohemia, I finally decided that this was it when the 4th war came. A country was going to die for sure. Moving 3/4th of my army up there. Instead of letting Bavaria handle it whit a bit of support from my knights. I now made sure Bavaria laid the first siege on their cities. I then filled it up whit infantry and slowly and steadily we took the cities over.
Though Massimiliano's reign was short and ended surprisingly. More than anything his reign probably saw events that was needed to create Italy, although I didn't know it yet.
Gaining the throne in the middle of this war. I still had control of the HRE. The war was in reality all but over. Bavaria forcing on them a favorable peace. Leaving us whit Erfurth, a province that Bavaria have rejected to take over at all, annoying me greatly. Taken just about all of Bohemia's provinces, accept the capitol Bohemia and Erfurth. Bavaria was now nearly as strong as me. And I now had a great allied in my quest for Italy.
Austria took over Bohemia a few years later. And that was the end of that problem.
Being left whit Erfurth was a problem though. I didn't have any provinces anywhere close to it. I was left in the mist on what to do about it. I tried to sell it to Bavaria but they wasn't interested at all. After a few months of deliberation on what to do about it. I finally decided to release them.
A stroke of genius in the making. Having quickly vassaled it to Saxony I allied whit it. Little did I know that this was going to become the reason why I could make an empire later on. For all your planning, it's sometime the most minute events that can have a great impact on your realm. You don't understand whats so great about it. But they went straight into the electors chair of HRE along whit my own country. I now had complete control of the HRE. Because of my positive standings and alliance whit them all. I was now in reality a superpower. Much without knowing it.
When a boarder dispute event finally came. Already having one against Liguria I now was wondering how to go about with this. I was all focused on the Italian cause, I hadn't really focused to much on Genoa and Venice. I could use this for my advantage as always though. Venice already having taken Corsica from Genoa in an earlier war. I was now inclined to really go after them. I Venice having lost most of their ships in a second war against Austria, and not long before that against Crimea. Them only having a very few provinces left. I now saw an opportunity to take them. Looking as my reputation was back to honorable. I could really get going.
Quickly building up my fleet to carry much more men. I hoped that the minute fleet I already had could keep the Venician fleet busy in the gulf of Venice. When the time came. So I could move my men to Crete, Corfu and Corsica. Whit my transports.
Already having secured access trough Austria for the Bohemian wars. I now felt very secure I could take Venice. Venice only had support from Ragusa. And they had a war against Crimea still.
What had been 20 years of slow growth province wise. Was about to culminate into new events.
Ones the transport where being built I moved all my men into position.
Having got a large sum of money at the turn of the last two years. Having cores in Naples, Firenze and those other provinces I annexed, made a huge difference in my income each year. Which was up to 50 gold at this stage. I could build myself 6 transports. Enough to transport a sizable fleet over the seas.
Not the Spanish armada by any standard but enough to get the job done.
As soon as they where build I moved into action. Declared war against them, Moved 3.000 troops to Corfu and Corsica first. Then moved my main army into Venice. Quickly taking that over. Then when the armies where in place in Corfu and Corsica, I moved my transport to Calabria and from there loaded my new infantry up to go to Crete. Quickly taking my main army from Venice to Istria leaving only 1.000 knights as guards. After sieging Crete and Istria for a few months it fell quickly. Only Corfu and Corsica took longer. But it was all a foregone conclution. Ones they fell. I took all but Venice and forced them into Vassalage. However. It took me two years to force them into it. And it was by no account an easy event. Although it might sound like it. Although the events might sound easy to do. The hardest part is often to force them into accepting the peace.
Watching the situation whit Genoa was now more interesting. They had lost a province in Crimea, and was left whit only one. And, best of all. They where at war again whit Crimea.
I suddenly saw a new opportunity. Getting a marketplace province directly. Again having boarder dispute against Genoa made this a lot easier.
The real problem was to increase the reputation and the stability back up.
While I baited Crimea out. I was just holding and waiting until they had taken over entire Crimea peninsula. Ones they made peace. I sticked em hard.
Taking the province with nearly everything I had. Taking it over in a short time. Leaving me to annex them straight away. But again, baiting out Crimea took a couple of years. However. I now had complete control of the entire Italian peninsula. And got a marketplace. Milan was going places!
Italy. Was within my grasp. Slowly getting Papacy up to +200 and building alliance whit Venice was now on the agenda. Just holding on and waiting to annex Rome.
Now focusing on getting my Reputation up again. I was severely hit by the Venice and Genoa events. Annexing Papacy surely would hit me hard. No, I needed it way up to get Italy. So it was only one way to go. There would be no Italy without Rome.
Liege tried to assault us. But papacy only took Gelre from them.
Under Sforza's reign, Milan created the economic power it needed to take on it's next objective. Now that the Italian peninsula was secured. Gaining a new Idea that took focus onto Diplomacy and Science. I choice the science reduction Idea. Gaining Curia in this Reign I never lost it again. I still have it a 100 year later.
The king dies. But I keep on building up my realm. Focusing on science mostly while keeping my Army at a decent level.
Long Live the King.
Focusing everything on annexing Papacy. However. The Ottomans where forced to release Croatia just month before Gian became ruler. Between that and Liege having strained my relationship with Burgundy and Saxony. I no longer had control of HRE. I was determined to get it back though.
Shortly after this screen.
I managed to annex Rome.
I was extatic.
Finally! There was nothing between us and Italy no more. Gaining Avignon, Trier and those other German states.
I thought it was plain sailing from here.
Man was I wrong.
Getting spammed straight away whit free Papacy events. Annoying as hell. But it reduced my badboys. But having core in Rome I wasn't about to let it go anytime soon. Instead I built up my country now. I released Netherlands as Vassal and allied whit them as soon as I could. (the release papacy event is bugged. But I feel vindicated for using it more, I'll explain later. But I changed it to spawn every 16 months instead of every (2 months <- thats ridiculous))
The King of Hungary died at 1508, Leaving me with the provinces of Szolnok and Mazovia. Both far away from my own realm. I quickly released Mazovia as a Vassal. But unsure if I wanted to spawn Hungary again or not. I decided to keep it for now. Maybe use it against the ottomans.
Looking at the Ottomans now. I wondered if I could take them on. I had the income for it. But I needed HRE for the manpower and the army. Getting stuck whit 20k manpower I didn't think where enough to take them. No I needed to wait for HRE again. Building up relations whit my vassals and my allies I soon where next in line for HRE.
Croatia just needed to die first.
I was annoyed beyond words when Liege attacked Burgundy. Why on earth would any country do that? Attacking such a strong enemy. They where doomed from the start. This put every effort I was making against the Ottomans up in arms.
Moving my army up there to quickly subdue them. I settled peace as soon as they offered it.
Giving Venice, Freisland in the process. Leaving a small army up in Trier. The Ottoman Empire was now at war whit Croatia. It all happened so fast now. Quickly moving close to everyone down from Burgundy and Liege. I needed to get into possession. Using much of my large income that was now over 100 gold every year. Having built up my fleet from 1500ed I had created a large navy. Whit close to 10 transports and 20 war vessels. 4 of which was Carraks. Building 20.000 men in two bulks. Of which was nearly 10.000 knights. Knights I would need to stand against the Ottoman's massive army.
I sorted the Knights into two bulks of 5.000 quick movers. Each with their own general. And the infantry for themselves. Before I could manage to set things in motion I annexed Venice. Entire Italy was now fully my own provinces. Having core on Venice. I was quickly hit whit a massive boost in income.
Now having a close to 50.000 strong army against the infidels. I was ready to go.
Surprise hit me when I realized I could vassal Bavaria. Not even considering it earlier I was shocked to realize that they even accepted. Having a strong grip on the HRE now was a massive bonus.
Croatia fell soon.
I had ones again HRE, and it's manpower under my wings. Ottomans was in for a tough ride for sure.
I now had 40.000 men in reserve. But only a little money. I needed to wait until near year before I hit.
New Year came and money was in my treasury. a massive 150 gold.
Already having Casus Belli from Croatia province. I was all set. Just a few more months to get my ships into possession and the army loaded. Ones they where on board. I let it all louse.
Moving my knights to quickly cut off supplies of men whit holding down Serbia, Zeta and Bulgaria. My infantry along whit a few knights whit them slowly but steadily took each province in Hungary and Greece. Making sure I didn't get surprised behind I took care of the Ottoman Navy. I was by far stronger than them there. And soon found myself in control of the seas.
Making sure to always attack heavily outnumbering them. I wasn't going to let this end by chance. Piling on whit infantry as the years went by. Tiring out my own country. But I was bringing the ottomans to the brink of collapse. Forcing them into a selected few provinces. I even took control of Thrace. Hitting war tax as soon as it happened I got close to 250 gold ever year. Helping me greatly in the war effort.
Forcing them to a positive peace where I could get provinces was hard though. They didn't want to give up at all. Only giving in on rights to lands I didn't want anyway. After three years and an exhausted manpool. I was forced to limit my expanse. Taking only Sopron, Pech, Slovenia, Croatia and Dalmatia.
I was pleased though, even though I didn't get all the Hungarian provinces I wanted. But was horrified to see that my reputation had crashed and burned?
What in the name of all things holy?? I win a huge war against the Ottomans and I lose reputation? No way, this can't be happening. At this stage. I decide to keep the Papal event. Before this point I've only let it run and decrease my prestige. As I already had a great reputation I never really gained anything from it. But now. This was horrid. So I chose to keep it. Leaving it to run at 16 months intervals.
Letting events take it course I focused on building my nation again.
I didn't need this many troops anymore. So I dispanded much of my army. Leaving it whit around 15.000 men and 10.000 knight. Along whit around 3.000 cannons which I've recruited during the war to speed up sieging.
At this point I'm looking at joining up my entire realm. Taking these Hungarian provinces made me realize it was doable. I needed to take on two countries for that. Austria and Switzerland.
Mainz had alliance whit Switzerland. So focusing on Switzerland was natural.
Quickly arranging for war against them I took Bern and Schwyz quickly. Along whit Mainz. I accepted peace whit Switzerland not thinking I could annex Mainz. But at this point I had 15 reputation points and I wasn't about to waste my luck now. So I settled for Schwyz.
Austria had to wait. As I already had access trough there, I could move easily enough and it could wait for now.
An empire needs a colony program. I steadily building up in three colonies in upper todays Colombia.
The reign of Gian was a massive one. Growing the nation greatly.
Creating Italy shouldn't be to far off. Clearly an Empire in the making.
Controlling both HRE and Curia. From Gian's Reign, Our nation wouldn't lose it.
A reign that would see our nation into the history books.
*to be continued*
Apparently I can't create more screens in this post. So I'm forced to make a new one. I'll continue there.
*pay attention in the next post*
Starting out, I wanted to chose a country that was not only in the middle of the mist. But also part of the HRE, in a heavily populated area, and in a place I could chose sides as I went.
The choice was obvious to me. It had to be somewhere in Italy.
Having played Tuscany in the demo. I set my eyes on Milan. Main reason why I chose that over Tuscany, or any of the others, was that I didn't like the large size of Venice and didn't mind the Republic in Tuscany, (less diplomatic options, for which I would have good use of later on in Milan)
Happy with my choice I start the game.
Under the Rule of Francesco I Sforza.
Milan would take it's first step into greatness. Although that had to wait right now.
The downside with Milan is this:
War whit Venice.
That I knew before starting so I had taken that into account. Better to start out with a war I figured. Holding the game for a while I needed to get a better look of the situation. Obviously they where stronger than me. They had 5.000 soldiers of who where 1.000 Knights right on my boarder. God knows what else in Venice.
My own army was 4.000 combined where 1.000 where knights. Fair enough I thought. I can work whit that. Quickly building one and hiring mercs for the other. I gained 2.000 inf more or less straight away. To my great luck Austria decced Venice to. Venice quickly moved their forces off my boarder and into Austria to gain the advantage.
Looking around the entire area looked a bit overwhelming. States in just about ever province.
Not standing about waiting for them to invade me. I moved my entire army into Brescia. Not bothering to wait for the inf that I was spawning. That had to wait.
Alongside starting the war I hired two painters. Those are a pain to get hold of later on so I hired them now. Leaving one slot open. I could always find a tech guy later. Diplomatic wise I made sure to make friends whit Savoy and Sicily. I know that would make it harder to take over later. But right now I didn't worry to much about that. It was long into the future.
While I was sieging Brescia I quickly set my goals to getting both Brescia and Verona. I could do that now as long as Austria was in the war. And I needed to get them quick. Moving step by step to Venice itself. I could hopefully gain a favorable peace settlement while Austria was still in the game.
My gamble payed off. Before long both Brescia and Verona was taken and I had already moved my forces to Venice. Already being 1451 I could now hire more infantry to help the sieging.
Before long Austria had kept Venice to busy to actually be able to stop me moving on Venice. As soon as the siege was over. I settled for Brescia and Verona + 50 gold. After a couple of tries I managed to get it.
The first step to greatness was complete. I won the war against Venice. And I now had no natural enemies.
What followed was a steady flow of diplomatic efforts and Merchant pain. Steadily building up my income and looking at ways to get my next two provinces. With Francesco's great diplomatic skills I managed to get great alliances whit Sicily and Savoy.
8 years of planning culminated into a break when Modena declared war on Mantua. Something I've been planning for and hoping for a long time now. Pays to be patient.
Having warned Modena prior to this. I was glad to learn that I could now declare war without to much of a penalty. Just had to wait until they Annexed Mantua first.
Before events could manage to take their course King Francesco died.
The sad year of 1459.
Reign of Filippo Maria II, 30th of July 1459
Laying the groundwork for an empire to be
Suddenly finding myself whit a new Monarch I baited out Modena. But having access trough their land and Tuscany I would be forced to cancel that before I did anything. Before I could manage to react I found myself called to war. Sicily was becoming more of a hassle than they where good for. Declaring war on Ancona. Having built up my army whit another 4.000 infantry along whit the 6.000 I already had. I quickly moved my main army over there. But Tuscany had beaten us to it and was already sieging. Quickly helping so the siege went quicker I found my way back home. Modena still sieging Mantua I waited the out. As soon as they annexed them. I hit Modena hard and forced em into submission, first canceling access. Sieging every province I quickly forced down the Vassalage on them. Alongside taking Mantua and Farrara for myself.
Obviusly the reputation was an issue, but I had previusly had curia and was feeling good about the hole situation.
Having eyeballed the Genoa Market province. I was looking for a way to hit them. But they being allied whit Venice didn't help at all.
I couldn't manage a two front war now.
Faced whit two allies I now had great relations with. I suddenly figured. I could try to vassal them. Already having Modena as one, I could diplo annex them after a while if I managed it. My Monarch having 8 diplomacy skills I was intrigued to try.
Luck is a strange thing indeed. Playing the vanilla game I didn't think I'd have to much luck whit this. But Both my allies I had royal marriage whit, great relations and they went for vassalage straight away. Luck indeed. Now it was all about keeping them that way.
Now. Having gained two large Vassals. I finally could start to think about how I could manage to unify Italy. I now decided I had enough provinces to attempt such an undertaking. Waiting for the reputation to increase again. I abide my time.
Tuscany was weak now. Only having Siena as allied. I could take them easy I decided. But having great relations I needed to get limit an aggressive war would have. Quickly warning them. Dropping them some. Then insulting them. I found myself belove +100. I was now set. I just needed to wait for the wardec. After waiting a few years. I now saw that they had a disagreement with the papacy. I quickly did what I needed to do. Hiring more infantry. I moved right on top of them. It didn't exactly work out as I hoped. Siena chickened out, (good call tbh) I was then left whit walking over Tuscany. Ancona then Firenze, and last Piza. But stubborn as they where. It took me close to 6 months to create the peace they accept. Vassalage it was none the less, whit Ancona for myself.
Having now 4 vassals. I needed to soon as possible diplo annex them.
Earliest possibility for that was 1476 whit Modena. It now being 1469 I decided I'd possession myself up for that. Building up my reputation again. Trying to get hold of the curia was hard. A couple of times I was lucky and held it for around a year each time. Enough to get it up enough.
I hoped to annex Sicily first. As they had the greatest city and that would help me greatly. Focusing on them and Savoy. I knew nobody would willingly go to war against me. No, I was becoming a power already. Austria was increasingly a worry however. Being the HRE. I couldn't help but wonder what lied next for me if they wared me. Just to be sure. I put effort into becoming allied whit Bavaria. They had grown to a sizable country now. Almost as large as I was. Along with my Vassals Austria wasn't any problem now. I almost hoped they would attack me. Just to make sure France didn't have any ideas, I allied whit Burgundy. At this point. I was sure I could unify Italy.
The Dream that was
Staying out of everything that had to do with colonies and merchants. I focused all my efforts into diplomacy. A great nation comes into existence trough quill and sword alike.
1477, great year for events, for sure.
Our tireless efforts into persuading Sicily to join the greater cause payed off. Savoy, Modena and Tuscany followed suit shortly as soon Sicily saw the light.
Italy wasn't anymore a distant dream. It was close to reality. The church was the greatest hurdle to overcome. They wouldn't willingly hand over Rome. That much was clear. Unsure if I could manage to force them into it. Was another matter entirely.
The situation wasn't good. They had provinces all over the place.
Taking them all would be hard. Genoa and Venice wouldn't be a problem. I could take them both at my current state. Alone if need be.
No, my worries laid in the Papacy. Siena now having aligned themselves whit the papacy I found useful. I could use them to get at the church.
Italy would be unified again. Church or no church. It had to go. Taking over Venice or Genoa had to wait.
Now to set it all up. I would obviously use Siena as the trap for this.
But looking how the Papacy have provinces in Avignon, Utrecht, Trier and Barrois.
Most of the access I needed, I could get from Provance and Burgundy. Now having both the army and the casus belli to actually do it was another thing. But while I was waiting for a boarder dispute I was shocked to learn I now had to take over another three provinces. Wurttemberg, Baden, and Elsass. The church had been busy I see.
Well. Can't be helped. I needed Rome. Not those other provinces.
If I needed to take them. I wasn't going to sit around waiting for them to hand over annexation of Rome. That clearly wasn't going to happen, not being able to arrange royal marriage with the Papacy I'm forced into this approach.
And not only that. I now discover that the Swiss is also in alliance whit them.
Not having lost a war so far. I wasn't about to lose another one. Beside. I had the army to do it. Now I had several armies whit 1.000 knights, 4.000 or 5.000 infantry each. On total I would say I have 4-5 of these at any given time. One in Naples, One in Verona, One in Firenze and then One in Lombardi. Depending on if I'm going to war or not I have one in reserve.
When the event came. A few years later. I leaped into action. By decing Siena I avoided the entire Swiss problem. Letting Burgundy take Utrecht, Trier and Barrois. I took Siena right away, annexing them. Moving on Rome and taking Avignon more or less straight after that. Bavaria taking Wuttemberg, and Baden before I could move my army up there. And I took Elsass for last. Not bothering whit anything but Vassalage for Peace offer. Rome accepted right away. Right after that I allied whit them as they now where alone and all to willing to do so.
The king is dead. Long live the... Council???
Under Filippo Maria, Milan had now grown to be a strong Lombardi country. Building up from 4 provinces to around 19 provinces. It would give me the manpower and the leverage to take make Italy happen.
Regency Council , 16th of October 1482
Leaving to sort out the peace. I focused my efforts on building the country and my keeping my vassals happy.
Already having Smithsonian National Idea. As quickly as I got the second Idea I chose the inflation one. I found it to be a lifesaver. Having struggled with high inflation rates of 0.2-0.3 each year. I was forced to adapt a more inflation friendly attitude towards my army. Stripping the reserve army. I could always hire more if I needed it. I had the income to do it. It was by far more important to keep the inflation down at this current time. Having it already at 5.3 I couldn't continue down this road for much longer.
Only having Bavaria attack Bohemia under this reign I abide my time and build myself up for the push for Italian Unification. I only had to wait for Papacy to become +200 and 10 years to pass before I could attempt to get Rome and Unify the Country into it's rightful Name.
Massimiliano I, 22th of April 1488
Getting around 40 gold a year I was looking forward to get core provinces in Naples and Firenze. That would surely boost my income a great deal. Around this time I just had core provinces in Bresia and Verona and that boosted me whit a massive 8 gold at the time. Already having core in Modena I got that one straight away from annex. Another reason for why I wanted to wait for a boarder dispute event against Rome.
Slowly and steadily building up my economy focusing on production instead of trade, I gained a sizable income, which I spend on building several workshops. Something that would be a onetime investment that I could reap the rewards form continuously as I went.
At this point I saw Romanga having a slight revolt risk I decided to support that. Sending a spy there to support the effort. Doing this to my own vassal just indicate how much I wanted to secure Italy. Being a core province from the boarder dispute, I just leaned back and let the event unfold. It wasn't long before the province was in uproar. After a couple of years whit the province being inactive. It joined my cause. From out of nowhere. I was hoping they would split whit papacy so I could just dec them and get it all over whit. But this was even better.
Year 1490. The king of Austria died. Having both Bavaria, and Burgundy as electors and at +190. I found myself in the chair of the Holy Roman Empire. Unexpected to say the least. I didn't plan for this at all. But a turn of events to the better. I now felt even more strongly about my position.
Slowly getting fed up of constant wars against Bohemia, I finally decided that this was it when the 4th war came. A country was going to die for sure. Moving 3/4th of my army up there. Instead of letting Bavaria handle it whit a bit of support from my knights. I now made sure Bavaria laid the first siege on their cities. I then filled it up whit infantry and slowly and steadily we took the cities over.
Though Massimiliano's reign was short and ended surprisingly. More than anything his reign probably saw events that was needed to create Italy, although I didn't know it yet.
Sforza Maria I , 21th of March 1492
Gaining the throne in the middle of this war. I still had control of the HRE. The war was in reality all but over. Bavaria forcing on them a favorable peace. Leaving us whit Erfurth, a province that Bavaria have rejected to take over at all, annoying me greatly. Taken just about all of Bohemia's provinces, accept the capitol Bohemia and Erfurth. Bavaria was now nearly as strong as me. And I now had a great allied in my quest for Italy.
Austria took over Bohemia a few years later. And that was the end of that problem.
Being left whit Erfurth was a problem though. I didn't have any provinces anywhere close to it. I was left in the mist on what to do about it. I tried to sell it to Bavaria but they wasn't interested at all. After a few months of deliberation on what to do about it. I finally decided to release them.
A stroke of genius in the making. Having quickly vassaled it to Saxony I allied whit it. Little did I know that this was going to become the reason why I could make an empire later on. For all your planning, it's sometime the most minute events that can have a great impact on your realm. You don't understand whats so great about it. But they went straight into the electors chair of HRE along whit my own country. I now had complete control of the HRE. Because of my positive standings and alliance whit them all. I was now in reality a superpower. Much without knowing it.
When a boarder dispute event finally came. Already having one against Liguria I now was wondering how to go about with this. I was all focused on the Italian cause, I hadn't really focused to much on Genoa and Venice. I could use this for my advantage as always though. Venice already having taken Corsica from Genoa in an earlier war. I was now inclined to really go after them. I Venice having lost most of their ships in a second war against Austria, and not long before that against Crimea. Them only having a very few provinces left. I now saw an opportunity to take them. Looking as my reputation was back to honorable. I could really get going.
Quickly building up my fleet to carry much more men. I hoped that the minute fleet I already had could keep the Venician fleet busy in the gulf of Venice. When the time came. So I could move my men to Crete, Corfu and Corsica. Whit my transports.
Already having secured access trough Austria for the Bohemian wars. I now felt very secure I could take Venice. Venice only had support from Ragusa. And they had a war against Crimea still.
What had been 20 years of slow growth province wise. Was about to culminate into new events.
Ones the transport where being built I moved all my men into position.
Having got a large sum of money at the turn of the last two years. Having cores in Naples, Firenze and those other provinces I annexed, made a huge difference in my income each year. Which was up to 50 gold at this stage. I could build myself 6 transports. Enough to transport a sizable fleet over the seas.
Not the Spanish armada by any standard but enough to get the job done.
As soon as they where build I moved into action. Declared war against them, Moved 3.000 troops to Corfu and Corsica first. Then moved my main army into Venice. Quickly taking that over. Then when the armies where in place in Corfu and Corsica, I moved my transport to Calabria and from there loaded my new infantry up to go to Crete. Quickly taking my main army from Venice to Istria leaving only 1.000 knights as guards. After sieging Crete and Istria for a few months it fell quickly. Only Corfu and Corsica took longer. But it was all a foregone conclution. Ones they fell. I took all but Venice and forced them into Vassalage. However. It took me two years to force them into it. And it was by no account an easy event. Although it might sound like it. Although the events might sound easy to do. The hardest part is often to force them into accepting the peace.
Watching the situation whit Genoa was now more interesting. They had lost a province in Crimea, and was left whit only one. And, best of all. They where at war again whit Crimea.
I suddenly saw a new opportunity. Getting a marketplace province directly. Again having boarder dispute against Genoa made this a lot easier.
The real problem was to increase the reputation and the stability back up.
While I baited Crimea out. I was just holding and waiting until they had taken over entire Crimea peninsula. Ones they made peace. I sticked em hard.
Taking the province with nearly everything I had. Taking it over in a short time. Leaving me to annex them straight away. But again, baiting out Crimea took a couple of years. However. I now had complete control of the entire Italian peninsula. And got a marketplace. Milan was going places!
Italy. Was within my grasp. Slowly getting Papacy up to +200 and building alliance whit Venice was now on the agenda. Just holding on and waiting to annex Rome.
Now focusing on getting my Reputation up again. I was severely hit by the Venice and Genoa events. Annexing Papacy surely would hit me hard. No, I needed it way up to get Italy. So it was only one way to go. There would be no Italy without Rome.
Liege tried to assault us. But papacy only took Gelre from them.
Under Sforza's reign, Milan created the economic power it needed to take on it's next objective. Now that the Italian peninsula was secured. Gaining a new Idea that took focus onto Diplomacy and Science. I choice the science reduction Idea. Gaining Curia in this Reign I never lost it again. I still have it a 100 year later.
Regency Council, 14th of August 1503
The king dies. But I keep on building up my realm. Focusing on science mostly while keeping my Army at a decent level.
Gian Galeazzo II, 6th of Desember 1503
Long Live the King.
Focusing everything on annexing Papacy. However. The Ottomans where forced to release Croatia just month before Gian became ruler. Between that and Liege having strained my relationship with Burgundy and Saxony. I no longer had control of HRE. I was determined to get it back though.
Shortly after this screen.
I managed to annex Rome.
I was extatic.
Finally! There was nothing between us and Italy no more. Gaining Avignon, Trier and those other German states.
I thought it was plain sailing from here.
Man was I wrong.
Getting spammed straight away whit free Papacy events. Annoying as hell. But it reduced my badboys. But having core in Rome I wasn't about to let it go anytime soon. Instead I built up my country now. I released Netherlands as Vassal and allied whit them as soon as I could. (the release papacy event is bugged. But I feel vindicated for using it more, I'll explain later. But I changed it to spawn every 16 months instead of every (2 months <- thats ridiculous))
The King of Hungary died at 1508, Leaving me with the provinces of Szolnok and Mazovia. Both far away from my own realm. I quickly released Mazovia as a Vassal. But unsure if I wanted to spawn Hungary again or not. I decided to keep it for now. Maybe use it against the ottomans.
Looking at the Ottomans now. I wondered if I could take them on. I had the income for it. But I needed HRE for the manpower and the army. Getting stuck whit 20k manpower I didn't think where enough to take them. No I needed to wait for HRE again. Building up relations whit my vassals and my allies I soon where next in line for HRE.
Croatia just needed to die first.
I was annoyed beyond words when Liege attacked Burgundy. Why on earth would any country do that? Attacking such a strong enemy. They where doomed from the start. This put every effort I was making against the Ottomans up in arms.
Moving my army up there to quickly subdue them. I settled peace as soon as they offered it.
Giving Venice, Freisland in the process. Leaving a small army up in Trier. The Ottoman Empire was now at war whit Croatia. It all happened so fast now. Quickly moving close to everyone down from Burgundy and Liege. I needed to get into possession. Using much of my large income that was now over 100 gold every year. Having built up my fleet from 1500ed I had created a large navy. Whit close to 10 transports and 20 war vessels. 4 of which was Carraks. Building 20.000 men in two bulks. Of which was nearly 10.000 knights. Knights I would need to stand against the Ottoman's massive army.
I sorted the Knights into two bulks of 5.000 quick movers. Each with their own general. And the infantry for themselves. Before I could manage to set things in motion I annexed Venice. Entire Italy was now fully my own provinces. Having core on Venice. I was quickly hit whit a massive boost in income.
Now having a close to 50.000 strong army against the infidels. I was ready to go.
Surprise hit me when I realized I could vassal Bavaria. Not even considering it earlier I was shocked to realize that they even accepted. Having a strong grip on the HRE now was a massive bonus.
Croatia fell soon.
I had ones again HRE, and it's manpower under my wings. Ottomans was in for a tough ride for sure.
I now had 40.000 men in reserve. But only a little money. I needed to wait until near year before I hit.
New Year came and money was in my treasury. a massive 150 gold.
Already having Casus Belli from Croatia province. I was all set. Just a few more months to get my ships into possession and the army loaded. Ones they where on board. I let it all louse.
Moving my knights to quickly cut off supplies of men whit holding down Serbia, Zeta and Bulgaria. My infantry along whit a few knights whit them slowly but steadily took each province in Hungary and Greece. Making sure I didn't get surprised behind I took care of the Ottoman Navy. I was by far stronger than them there. And soon found myself in control of the seas.
Making sure to always attack heavily outnumbering them. I wasn't going to let this end by chance. Piling on whit infantry as the years went by. Tiring out my own country. But I was bringing the ottomans to the brink of collapse. Forcing them into a selected few provinces. I even took control of Thrace. Hitting war tax as soon as it happened I got close to 250 gold ever year. Helping me greatly in the war effort.
Forcing them to a positive peace where I could get provinces was hard though. They didn't want to give up at all. Only giving in on rights to lands I didn't want anyway. After three years and an exhausted manpool. I was forced to limit my expanse. Taking only Sopron, Pech, Slovenia, Croatia and Dalmatia.
I was pleased though, even though I didn't get all the Hungarian provinces I wanted. But was horrified to see that my reputation had crashed and burned?
What in the name of all things holy?? I win a huge war against the Ottomans and I lose reputation? No way, this can't be happening. At this stage. I decide to keep the Papal event. Before this point I've only let it run and decrease my prestige. As I already had a great reputation I never really gained anything from it. But now. This was horrid. So I chose to keep it. Leaving it to run at 16 months intervals.
Letting events take it course I focused on building my nation again.
I didn't need this many troops anymore. So I dispanded much of my army. Leaving it whit around 15.000 men and 10.000 knight. Along whit around 3.000 cannons which I've recruited during the war to speed up sieging.
At this point I'm looking at joining up my entire realm. Taking these Hungarian provinces made me realize it was doable. I needed to take on two countries for that. Austria and Switzerland.
Mainz had alliance whit Switzerland. So focusing on Switzerland was natural.
Quickly arranging for war against them I took Bern and Schwyz quickly. Along whit Mainz. I accepted peace whit Switzerland not thinking I could annex Mainz. But at this point I had 15 reputation points and I wasn't about to waste my luck now. So I settled for Schwyz.
Austria had to wait. As I already had access trough there, I could move easily enough and it could wait for now.
An empire needs a colony program. I steadily building up in three colonies in upper todays Colombia.
The reign of Gian was a massive one. Growing the nation greatly.
Creating Italy shouldn't be to far off. Clearly an Empire in the making.
Controlling both HRE and Curia. From Gian's Reign, Our nation wouldn't lose it.
Matteo III, 7th of June 1527
A reign that would see our nation into the history books.
*to be continued*
Apparently I can't create more screens in this post. So I'm forced to make a new one. I'll continue there.
*pay attention in the next post*
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