Rise of the Illuminati - 1492-1792

[Dale]

Rise of the Illuminati!

This first post is a quick run-down of how the REAL Illuminati started out. I only use this as a historical text and in no way connected to the AAR. It's provided simply to show to the reader that how I'm treating the Illuminati in the AAR is in NO WAY how they actually acted in Europe. If you just want to read the AAR without having to wade through history lessons, conspiracy theories and general mish-mash, then skip this first post.

Forward: The ACTUAL history of the Illuminati IRL

Firstly I want to start out this AAR by explaining a few things:

In no way do I support or condone the philosophies of the Illuminati. In actual fact, I’m extremely neutral, just simply not caring. I also know that I’m bringing up the Illuminati 300 years before their time. The principle behind the Illuminati of One World Order fits my AAR, so I used them for my story. Also, the events in my AAR in no way reflect what actually happened in history. For information on the Illuminati and what actually happened, please see the links below. For interests sake, do not use the portrayal of the Illuminati from Tomb Raider as a basis for what they’re like. That’s simple Holly-I have wool over my eyes-wood fantasy.

Interesting reading/sources of information:
1. Internet home of The Illuminati
2. Prime Directives of the Modern Illuminati
3. An expose on The Illuminati and conspiracy theories
4. Catholic Encyclopaedia on The Illuminati

The Illuminati are/were a secret society that started in 1776 in Bavaria. The society was begun on the foundations of the Freemasons, and actually started with the name Illuminated Freemasonry. In the middle of the 18th century it became obvious that the Freemasons had lost a lot of their former power and influence. The dominance that the Freemasons and many other secret societies enjoyed during the Middle Ages and the Age of Exploration over Europe had effectively ended by the Age of Imperialism. Illuminated Freemasonry was begun on the principles of One World Order centred around the importance of self and planet, the rights of individual and world. The original founders of Illuminated Freemasonry found themselves at differences and often accused the others of being Jesuits. Illuminated Freemasonry was collapsing almost before it had settled in.

As it became more evident that this was happening, a new society called the Illuminati was born out of Illuminated Freemasonry on the simple principles that had enabled Illuminated Freemasonry to become popular. However this time, they concluded that whoever controls the money, controls the decisions. Thus the Illuminati gained wealth, and power.

The Illuminati gained incredible amounts of power, very quickly. Many conspiracy theories have sprung up around the Illuminati, including but not limited to:

- The Napoleonic wars were designed and funded by the Illuminati to destroy the power of the last remaining monarchies in Europe.
- World War I was designed and funded by the Illuminati to bring down the Tzarist regime in Russia, which threatened to become an isolationist super-power. By planting the seeds of Communism in Russia, and creating ill-feeling between Germany and England, it was planned that Russia would fall when Germany expanded east.
- World War II was designed and funded by the Illuminati to being down the power of Facism and end protestant-catholic aggravation in preparation for the final religious war.
- World War III has been planned and funded by the Illuminati (and it’s believed to be ready to go now) to bring down the final religious powerhouses, Islam and Israel.
- Once religious tension is eliminated, and the American led western world is finally fully united, the “One World Government” will be formed. This government will be designed, funded and run from the background, by The Illuminati!

 

[Dale]

5643rd Meeting of the Venice Freemasons, December 31st 1491.

The Master of the Venice Freemason Chapter taps his Rod of Office against the ground.

“Order, order! I call this 5643rd meeting of the Venice Freemason Chapter to order! Our first order of business is a report on our current State of Affairs from our secretary.

The secretary takes the front of the hall.

“Good evening all. I bring dire news about the state of our chapter. Quite simply, we are almost broke, and our popularity within the general populace is the weakest we’ve ever seen. People openly talk against us, blaming us for the Turk’s incursions into Bulgaria and Greece.”

A general explosion of angry voices all try shouting at the same time, causing the secretary to flinch visibly. The Master shouts over the din of voices, “Order, I SAID ORDER!!!” It takes him a few solid minutes to regain order and silence to ascend again.

“Thankyou secretary. Our next speaker is from one of Venice’s most influential merchant families. Though he is not one of us, I believe that what he has to say here is critical for all of us. Please welcome Fernando Algarve.”

A scattered round of applause is heard.

“Thankyou Master. Greetings Freemasons of Venice. I bring you a vision. A vision
of hope, peace, prosperity for all, and a vision of grand magnitude. Though the goal is not easy, it is attainable, and like in business, the biggest risks bring the biggest rewards.”

“My vision is the pinnacle of Humanity. Imagine, all of Humanity, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Pagans, all striving in harmony towards bettering all in the fields of science, commerce and environment. ‘A fantasy’ you say. ‘Nothing but a dream’ you say. But I say no.”

“You may be asking yourselves, ‘How do we achieve this?’ Quite simply by money. Where humanity used to rely on religion, labour and Monarchs, money stands in it’s place. The merchants of Venice control a large portion of the world’s money. The merchants of Venice are all behind me in this vision. The merchants of Venice are prepared to give themselves to this vision for you. The merchants of Venice are ready to guide and fund you in this new vision. Remember, in this modern society of ours, whoever controls the money, controls the decisions. That’s how we plan to bring forth our vision! By paying for the decisions of nations!”

“Picture yourselves, all part of a magnificent society standing above Humanity guiding the world in the directions that Our Lord originally placed us on this Earth for, the betterment of self, and the sanctity of Earth. Genesis talks of a Garden of Eden, well we can make the whole world a Garden of Eden! One World Order uniting Humanity. One World Order living in peace and harmony. One World Order knowledgeable in the sciences. One World Order caring for the planet so our children’s children may enjoy it. One World Order illuminated by the sanctity of life itself! One World Order, THE ILLUMINATI!”

Wild cheers break out and everyone simultaneously tries to approach the front of the hall. The Master gives up trying to bring order, and sits in the corner instead. Fernando Algarve is swamped by masons, carpenters, shipwrights and lumberjacks.

As the town clock tolls out midnight, a fresh wave of celebrations break out, as the newest members of the Illuminati welcome in the new era.

 

[Dale]

January 1492:

Fernando Algarve sits thinking in his gondola. Fernando Algarve, Chief of the Merchant’s Guild. Fernando Algarve, Illuminatus of the Illuminati. Quite possibly the most important and most powerful man in Venice, after the Doge. Fernando Algarve sits in his gondola thinking of the next step in his vision.

“I must gain audience to the Doge”, he says.

“I’m sorry sir?” asks his private secretary.

“Oh nothing, just talking to myself Andre.” Fernando mulls over his problem for a minute. “Actually Andre, send a message to the palace. I MUST see the Doge.”

“Yes sir.” Andre leaps off the gondola onto a nearby dock as Fernando’s gondola poles by.

‘A fantastic man. I would be broke without him.’ thinks Fernando. Andre had appeared on his doorstep at the tender age of 15, demanding a job only 3 years ago. Fernando had felt something in the young man, and hired him in the accounts department. Andre displayed a natural talent for figures, and is personally responsible for an untold figure of Fernando’s wealth. Fernando loved the boy like his own son, and one day planned for his daughter to marry Andre, and hand over the business to him. Fernando watched as Andre disappeared around the corner towards the palace, and then went back to his musings. What to tell the Doge.

A week later, a messenger in the Doge’s livery appeared to escort Fernando to the palace. In his most regal clothes, Fernando met the Doge.

“Ahh…… Fernando Algarve. A man responsible not only for cheating me out of many taxes, but also in causing the direct resignation of no less than 13 customs officials. To what do I owe this honour?”

Fernando bowed floridly to hide the devious little smile on his face.

“My Lord. I am but your humble servant.”

“HUMBLE? Hahahaha!” the Doge explodes into laughter. “My dear Fernando, if I knew you better I’d think you were trying to deceive me.”

“I could never think of deceiving you Augustino.”

Augustino steps down and hugs his old friend Fernando. The two had known each other since being cared for by the same nanny when they were kids.

“Augustino, I need to ask a favour from you.” Augustino eyes him suspiciously. “You know how Venice used to be the world power in the eastern Med, well we need to become that power once more.”

“How can I do that? The damn Turks are down there if you don’t remember. Also, how do I get rid of those same damn Turks with no money in the coffers!”

“No money, that’s always your excuse. Well, quite simply, how would you like it if I helped finance you, in return for small favours that I may need later.”

“You’re trying to gain favours off me? Come on Fernando! The Council would eat me alive if they found out.”

“They don’t need to know, do they now? Quite simply, I can help you financially to regain Venice’s eastern Med provinces, which in turn makes you popular with the populace, the Church and other Catholic nations like Spain.”

“That’s true. How does this benefit you?”

“Trade my dear friend. I get enormously rich from the spice trade, and you get enormously rich from the taxes I’ll be paying! This will allow me to give you more financial backing. Imagine, you could go down in the history books as the Doge who returned Venice to wealth, prosperity, and the forefront of world power!”

“Hmmm……….. keep talking Fernando, you’ve gained my ear now.”

Fernando knew he’d won. He knew that Augustino could not resist the thought of glory and fame. It was pathetic really, all Fernando needed was money. Augustino's pride needed that glory and fame.

Fernando and Augustino talked on and off for days. At the end, Fernando had an agreement with the Doge. Neither would talk of the agreement with anyone, and for the first time in Venice’s history, the Doge had a guarantor.

And for the Illuminati, the ball had started moving.

 

[Dale]

Sorry about this, but I stuffed up the Doge's name. It isn't Ferdinand, he was Naples. It's actually Augustino Barbarigo. I've edited the above post to reflect this.

So what's people think of this so far?

 

[Dale]

The Beginnings of a Plan:

Fernando and Andre poured over a map of Europe. They were discussing the strategic position of Europe, and Venice’s position within that, and the Illuminati’s approach for the future.

“Sir, I believe our strength lies in south-east Europe, you know, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary and Austria.”

“Somehow I don’t think the Hapsburgs will like that little theory of yours Andre,” chuckled Fernando. “But in essence, for the next 50 years I believe you are right. However, to take on the Turks we need a good friend in the area, a powerful friend, a friend who would have no qualms taking on the Turks.”

Andre placed his finger on the map and said, “What about them?”

A smile spread across Fernando’s face. “Good…… good. I see you truly are illuminated. I have a close cousin in the foreign department with the ear of his King. He should be able to persuade them to see it our way. So be it! Let that be our first course of action. But what about the Hapsburgs? They will not be happy about that.”

Andre looked at his employer, and the father of his love, “Let them come sir. It’s been too long since Venice taught the foul Austrians where their position is. The puppet position ‘Holy Roman Emperor’ has gone to their heads and fuddled their minds.”

“I like how you think Andre,” smiled Fernando. “Come, to the palace.”

That very same day, an illuminati messenger left Venice for Hungary, and Fernando and Andre met the Doge.

“My Lord, we all know to regain our previous lands we need a friend who hates the Turks as much as we,” Fernando began.

“But who Fernando? Who has the strength, the hatred of the Turks, and the sovereignty to step out of the powerhouse alliances and join us? I do believe we may have to undertake this by ourselves. And we all know we cannot match the Turks for numbers on the field.”

“Truthfully spoken my Lord, but I believe in err. Though we may not have strength of numbers, we have strength of technology and tactics. And surely many fine young men will undertake ‘Augustino’s Crusade’.”

“Of that I have no doubt, but who will join us? We cannot possibly think to take on the Turks by ourselves.”

“Hmm…… I see your point. We cannot ask the Austrians, as they will take all the spoils of war leaving us nothing. Poland-Lithuania is still weak from it’s recent union, and they currently have problems with the Teutonic Knights and the emergent Russia. The western powers are too far away, and the Italian nations are too small and hate each other too much. And the German states, they can’t even organise themselves, let alone a war, except for maybe between themselves. We cannot trust other Muslim nations against the Turks.”

“A problem then, pretty much the only nation big enough left in the region is Hungary,” muttered Augustino.

Fernando blinks, looks at Augustino with surprise, “Why did I not think of them before? They are currently un-allied at present, we maintain friendly relations with them, they can help very well with a conflict with the Turks as they share a border, and with Hungary we might be able to also pull in help from Moldavia and Ragusa! Fantastic idea my Lord.”

“Then let it be so. Bailiff, organise for an ambassador to leave for Hungary at once, to talk of alliance.”

And so at the end of January 1492, Venice and Hungary signed the ‘Muslim Wall Alliance’. Venice had found her friend.

 

[Dale]

“Fernando, we now need to talk logistics. Our expenses are high, our income low, and our military weak.”

Fernando thinks for a minute pacing up and down.

Andre takes a small step forward, “My Lord, may I suggest.”

“Go right ahead, because I can’t think of anything right now,” stammers Augustino.

“We have a massive navy, with 30 old galleys sitting in dry-dock. We pay maintenance on them, but they never leave the safety of the harbour as they leak like a sieve! Why pay for a useless asset? Let’s get them off the books. Why don’t we use the wood retrieved from these tubs to build new tax collection offices. With these offices your officials will be more efficient, and have a safe place to store the taxes. This decreases your expenses, and raises your tax income. Kill two birds with one stone.”

Augustino looks to Fernando with awe, “A rare gem you have found. You have taught him well. Andre, how about a position in the treasury? You keep working like that and Venice will be prosperous again.”

“Ahhh…. My Lord. Andre loves…. ummm…. enjoys his current surroundings a lot.”

A smile creeps across Augustino’s face, “Yes, you do have quite a fetching daughter, don’t you.”

Andre blushes.

“Yes I do my Lord, and Andre believes it too. How about I keep him with me, but we both make use of his abilities?”

“Yes, I think that can work. Andre?”

“With pleasure sirs. Thankyou for understanding,” Andre smiles.

“My Lord, I can however offer the services of the merchant guild to train the new tax collectors. I’ll need them for a whole year, and have them ready by January 1st 1495.”

“Thankyou Fernando. That’s good,” agreed Augustino. “Now, Fernando we need to look at the state of the military.”

“Easy my Lord. I will help fund the training of the troops, but you need to pay for their wages and upkeep. I can’t afford THAT much.”

“Okay good. I’d like to start with 10,000 infantry.”

“Excellent. I’ll have Andre draw up the required documents and organise for the transfer of funds.”

The next few years were busy for both Fernando and Andre. There was so much to organise. In February 1492, Andre’s plan to disband the 30 galleys and build tax collectors started. The Doge decided that Mantua, Venice, Istria and Illyria would be the first four provinces to be upgraded. Fernando took the new tax collectors under his wing, and in January 1493, they started work for the Doge. Unfortunately for the Doge, all 4 tax collectors were sympathetic to the Illuminati.

In March 1492, 10,000 infantry was recruited in Venice, a further 10,000 infantry in Venice in March 1494, and 7,000 in Istria in March 1495.

Politically, Venice was able to bring Moldavia into the alliance with Hungary. Unfortunately, Ragusa wouldn’t budge and opted to go it alone. Royal marriages were arranged with Hungary in July 1492 and Austria in January 1493.

Paid for by the Doge, but performed by Fernando’s men, research progressed strongly. In July 1492, Fernando’s men perfected the cannon (land 3). Immediately 50 cannons were commissioned and finished in November, and joined the main Venice army of 25,000 infantry in Illyria. Brewing (infra 2) was perfected in April 1495, and in June 1496 better cannon balls (land 4) were designed.

In June 1493, Augustino was able to root out the last of his corrupt bureaucrats (stab +3).

The rest of Europe was busy too. In June 1492 Russia declared war on Kazan, and was joined by Pskov, Denmark, Crimea and Ryazan. In May 1493, Ryazan paid off Kazan, but in September 1494 Russia finally annexed Kazan. July 1494 saw the Teutonic Knights invade Poland-Lithuania (Teutonic/Prussia vs PL/Spain/England/Milan/Naples/Cologne) with Prussia paying off Poland-Lithuania in October 1494, and Teutonic Order following suit in July 1495. October 1494 brought about the war that Fernando and Andre had been waiting for, Turkey and Algiers against the Mameluks. They had already planned to wait till Turkey was committed and broke before organising a Venetian invasion of Turkey. In a short war, the Golden Horde invaded Astrakhan, but got paid out in June 1496. March 1496 saw civil war in Persia, but since we didn’t have maps of Persia, we weren’t too interested.

June 1496 saw Venice with 25/0/50 in Illyria, 7/0/0 in Istria, and 10/3/0 in Venice. Turkey was over-extended in the Middle-East, broke, and had no troops in European-Turkey. The time was ripe for Venice to attack to gain back some of her lost lands in Bulgaria and Greece. Fernando sent a fast Illuminati messenger to his cousin in Hungary, warning him of what was going to happen, war with Turkey.

 

[Dale]

Rise of the Illuminati! AAR website

Okay folks, I've just finished setting up the website for the Rise of the Illuminati AAR. You can find it at:

http://www.crosswinds.net/~ctp2dale/eu/venice/venice.html

You'll find the whole story, graphics, pictures and EU screenshots. I'll be updating it as I create the story.

 

[unmerged(9191)]

Hi Dale.

I know you've worked hard but unless you know alot about this part of history it is kinda hard to understand at the begging.

 

[Morlac]

Your readers are out there...

Dale:

Don't be discouraged by the absence of responses so far. It seems to be a very low traffic period on the AAR board (I guess lots of folks are on vacation or busy, busy. Or maybe <gasp> spending their free time outdoors...)

I've been following your progress with great interest (of course, since Venice was my suggestion ) So far it seems you've been doing exactly what you needed to do. (Though it's a brave choice not allying with Austria. I think they have a CB on you that may come to haunt you...)

Don't forget that Turkey counts as a European power for purposes of accumulating CB when you DOW them...

Oh, and I checked out your web site (very nice). If I could make one small suggestion -- as the story gets longer and you add more screenies, you'll need to break it up so that it isn't all on one page. Downloading everything at once will get to be a bit much even for fast connections...

Keep it up, and don't forget that there are other secret societies out there...

 

[Morlac]

Originally posted by Imperial Army
Hi Dale.

I know you've worked hard but unless you know alot about this part of history it is kinda hard to understand at the begging.

IA -- Welcome Back!

I just reread the first few posts. IMHO the part that could be hard to understand is actually the "background text" explaining the history of the Illuminati, rather than the AAR itself. Is that the part you were thinking of?

If it is, my main suggestion to Dale would be to edit the first post down to a much simplified paragraph or two, and then post the rest of the info in a separate post further down in the thread. This way, a new reader won't be hit full force by the "What Is The Illuminati?" material, and can jump more or less right into the story. Once the story has gotten going, I think they'll be interested enough to keep reading and be able to work their way through the OOC historical discussion...

Just my 2 centi-ducats...

 

[unmerged(3464)]

Hey Dale, looks like an interesting tale so far. Morlac and all others, I read the AAR's often but rarely post. All of you other "closet AAR readers" post a small message to let us know you are here. Keep it coming Dale.

 

[Dale]

Thanks for the feedback.

Imperial Army:

I've changed the first post as suggested by Morlac. I didn't make it clear enough that the first post is an historical text history lesson, not part of the AAR. The AAR actually starts on post 2. I just wanted the reader to understand that how I'm portraying the Illuminati is fictional, and that they have a history of their own IRL. Basically, if it's just a story/AAR you want to read, forget post 1.

Morlac:

Yeah, Turkey is a BB nation, but the way I play EU is stack up a bit of BB, then let the other nations DOW me and take stability hits. Venice being Catholic and surrounded by Catholics (except Turkey), I don't want to take those -1 (with CB) or -3 (without CB) stability hits every couple of years. This way, they make the DOW's, gives me a good/hard/fun game and I keep stability high. Also, it's almost predictable when the BB wars are coming, and easy to make one start. So really, are you really THAT unprepared for it when it comes? BTW, note I changed the first post so if the reader doesn't want to have a IRL history lesson, they know to skip the first post. Is that clearer?

Robb:

Thanks, good to hear you're enjoying the story. I plan on introducing a lot more twists and turns of fate. Stay tuned.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

Nice story you have set up for yourself Dale. I hardly know anything about the Illuminati, but It will be a pleasure to see how they will manage to conquer and rule the world.

 

[Morlac]

Dale:

Keep that story coming!

About Turkey and BB -- I'm too spoiled by playing the major majors and trying to be extremely efficient about getting the most out of my BB points. (I like to consider them a resource just like money, time, or manpower.) I, too, use the BB wars as a cheap way of getting my enemies to take the DOW penalties. But I like to get the best possible territories in exchange for each BB point up until I'm ready to become "THE badboy" and start getting DOWd by everybody.

On the other hand, since I think your only CB is on Turkey, it's not like you have a lot of choices.... (Just be sure not to take back your cb shield province(s)!)

And yes, the first post is clearer now...

 

[Dale]

Morlac:

Thanks for the suggestion with the first post.

Yes, Venice gets a CB on Turkey for Morea (bottom of Greece), as well as Ragusa. Austria gets a CB on Venice for Mantua (from memory) or is it Istria? Anyways it's one of them.

And I've already planned not to take Morea from Turkey till the end. Don't want to give up Morea if I can. Actually, it'd be nice if one of the other majors like Poland or Spain could take Morea eh?

As for the story, I'm working on it. The first of many twists will make an appearance next.

 

[Dale]

Augustino’s Crusade:

My dear Sultan of Turkey,

I, Augustino Barbarigo, Doge of Venice, find Turkey’s occupation of the former Venetian lands of Bulgaria and Greece an insult to all Catholic Venetians, and therefore call upon the sacred Catholic rite of Crusade to regain what you so foully stole.

June 7th 1496
Augustino Barbarigo
Doge of Venice

The war against Turkey went quietly for the Illuminati, for two very separate issues. The first was that the Illuminati and Fernando weren’t powerful enough yet to provide influence and guidance. The second came in the third week of the war when a single ship sailed into Venice harbour flying the colours of the Knights of St John. At the first breath of the word “Crusade”, they had departed their little island en-route to Venice. It was their holy belief that any Crusades against the Muslims should be run by them. The Knights quickly gained the upper hand in the political squabbles behind the Doge, and within a month of their arrival had the Doge firmly in their hand.

This left the Illuminati as an outsider, nothing more than, “the fair merchants of Venice supporting the Knights holy Crusade against the Turk,” which in essence meant, “thanks for all the money.” As you can imagine, Fernando was furious at this loss of position. He had to get the Doge’s ear in order to influence the war to his means. But the Knights had their hands firmly clenching power, and any attempt was met with delays, apologies and tail-chasing. The Knights knew what they were doing. A veritable opponent. Fernando would let them have their glory now, as he knew his would come inevitably and stronger later.

When the declaration of war was received from Venice and her allies Hungary and Moldavia, Turkey immediately called in support from her ally Algiers.

The war started with C. Borgia and most of the Venetian army invading Bosnia in mid June. In a cruel twist of fate, the pathetic, pacifist general died of a heart-attack on the day his orders came through to invade Turkey. Maybe he couldn’t handle the prospect of meeting the Turk.

Another 7,000 infantry was immediately recruited in Illyria, and they were ready for deployment in August.

Our army under new direction was able to capture Bosnia in September, and moved onto Kosovo by November. In March 1497 Venice captured Kosovo and once again moved on till they were entrenched in Macedonia by April. In July Venice was able to capture Macedonia and moved on towards Thrace, and the Turk’s capital city. It would take 11 months to capture Thrace, and in the meantime, the Turk’s were able to recapture Macedonia and put Cyprus under siege. However, with the fall of Thrace in June 1498, the war swung our way. The Turk’s were definitely losing without the jewel of their empire, Constantinople.

By July the Turk’s had recaptured Kosovo, and Algiers captured Corfu in September. Venice struck back by regaining Macedonia in November, while Turkey sieged Thrace. By January 1499 Venice had regained control of Kosovo, and now the Venetian flag flew over the provinces of Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Thrace. The Algerian flag flew over Corfu, but Cyprus had held firm against the Turks.

A peace conference was held, and the beaten Turks gave up Bosnia, Kosovo and all the money in their treasury (about 100 ducats) to Venice. Algiers gave up their claim on Corfu, and peace rested on Venice once more.

For our allies, the war faired good and bad. Hungary was able to defend against a massive Turkish push into their lands, and turn it around into an occupation of Serbia by August 1497. In June 1498 Turkey handed over Serbia to Hungary. Moldavia faired a little worse. Though they were able to capture Bujak in July 1497, they had to pay Turkey off so as not to lose their capital in November 1497. So for the last two years of the war, Venice stood as a wall against the Turkish heathen’s and came out victor. The worst thing to come out of the war was the way the Knights of St John converted Venice’s victories against the Turks to their advantage. They persuaded the Doge that it was their management and leadership that enabled Venice to win. The Doge’s eyes no longer looked at the Illuminati, the Merchant Guild or Fernando. They looked towards the Knights.

In other news, the Illuminati researchers were able to improve naval techniques (naval 3) in October 1497. In that same month, the Mameluks handed over control of Allepo, Judea and Samaria to Turkey for peace. In June 1498 Spain declared war on Navarra (Spain/Milan/Naples/Poland-Lithuania/Cologne vs. France/Navarra/Savoy/Papel States/Brittany) and annexed them in January 1499.

As a gesture towards the Pope, missionaries were sent to the island of Cyclades on the Turkish border to establish the Catholic faith (sent a colonist). This was successful and the entire population converted from the Orthodox faith to Catholic.

By the start of 1500, Sir Percival of the Knights had totally secured the Doge’s ear. Fernando was obviously furious at this fact, and Andre worried that his employer might take to drastic measures. Fernando took to long periods locked behind his office door in meetings, and not all of the visitors were Venetian, or even European. The unmistakable Muslim moustache featured prominently, as did a couple of the Hapsburgs.

And then one morning in early February, Fernando met with Andre completely relaxed, happy, and even whistling a little jig to himself. Andre eyed Fernando suspiciously. Fernando grinned at him.

“What have you done old man? Come on, no surprises, no secrets! We’re in this together remember. I’m your son-in-law, you can’t hide it from me.”

Fernando burst out laughing, “The Doge and his so called St John pet are in for a massive surprise this morning.” Fernando leaned in closer to Andre’s ear and whispered, “Prepare for war with Austria.”

Andre gasped, “What have you DONE? This will destroy us you know!”

“Maybe, maybe not. Most importantly is the Knights cannot intervene in a Catholic-Catholic war.”

“I don’t think this will work. I can see Percival convincing Augustino to keep him on as a military aide, or even advisor. We’ll see. Oh, and I’m furious that you didn’t tell me about this!”

“Sorry Andre, but I knew you wouldn’t approve.”

And just as Fernando finished, the general alarm bells within the Palace, the Barracks and the Cathedral all started chiming at once. Austria had invaded!

 

[unmerged(9191)]

Nice turnout with the turks. You must have waited till they were battling the mameluks to DoW right, or they would have masacred you.

As Venice I never did have much luck vs Austria, I always want Styria but somehow there army always wins, no matter what. Maybe its just me though.

 

[Dale]

Originally posted by Imperial Army
Nice turnout with the turks. You must have waited till they were battling the mameluks to DoW right, or they would have masacred you.

Yeah, I waited for quite a while till the Turks were down in the heart of Egypt before DoWing. Also, the Turks were only making troops in their east provinces. There was nothing protecting the west.

As Venice I never did have much luck vs Austria, I always want Styria but somehow there army always wins, no matter what. Maybe its just me though.

I found as Venice, you need to catch up your land tech before thinking about Austria. As you'll see soon, I did extremely well against them. Of course, the story will treat the situation differently.

 

[Dale]

Fernando’s Gambit:

As predicted by Andre, at the first sound of war Sir Percival was invited to act as ‘Guest Military Advisor to the Doge’. This infuriated Fernando. Austria and her allies Bohemia, Lorraine, Wurtemburg and Bavaria had declared war on Venice and her allies Hungary and Moldavia in mid-February 1500.

What Fernando was hoping for, was a messenger appearing before the Merchant’s Guild in the Doge’s livery. Luckily for Fernando this occurred in March. The terms of the 200 ducat loan were harsh. Six percent interest over 5 years. The Doge seemed a bit taken back by the severity of the Merchant Guild, and met Fernando secretly to discuss the problem, and about the Knights.

“Dear Fernando, the burden you place on me is huge! I don’t know if Venice will be able to repay you in 5 years. What happened to our previous arrangement whereby I had access to the Guild’s money for favours?”

“Your favours stopped when you gained a growth on your backside by the name of Sir Percival. The Merchant Guild will have no dealings with those trickster Knights. Yes, they may hold some favour with the Pope, but they are nothing more than opportunists, conspirators and trouble makers. If you want your pet, then you pay interest.”

“What on earth are you talking about? Sir Percival has been nothing but a friend to Venice, he’s honourable, honest, ……”

“Honest!” interrupted Fernando. “The Knights of St John, if nothing else, have proven in the last 500 years that they are NOT honest OR honourable! Let me ask you, how many Knights are in the palace these days? How often have you received advise from a Venetian advisor or elder? How many laws has The Council been able to get approved these days? Let me tell you now, and only because we’re friends and I care for you am I being this open, but those Knights will be the downfall of Venice. And now look, they’ve bought the wrath of the Hapsburgs down upon us! I’ll loan you your money, but if you wish the Merchant Guild to help as in the old days, then you must get rid of the Knights, and NOW!”

A quiet step from around the corner, and Sir Percival appears from the gloom. “Ah there you are Augustino. Good evening merchant. Fernando is it? Yes, I’ve heard about you. Just don’t you worry my dear merchant, as the Knights have the situation completely in hand. The Austrian menace will be dispatched presently. Come Augustino, it’s late and you need your rest. You have a big day ahead tomorrow, don’t you?”

“Yes I do Percival. I have to dress and then meet Angus for a game of chess, don’t I? He’s a good player. Did I tell you how good Angus is Fernando? I’m sure he’s a match for even you. Good night Fernando, sleep well.”

Percival sneered at Fernando and led Augustino away. “As you can see, it’s all in hand. Why, even the Doge is not worried about the Hapsburgs.”

Fernando thought hard as he walked back to the office. He was not happy about the chat, or that Percival had suddenly appeared. Talking over it with Andre later that night, he got more and more frustrated.

“Fernando, from what you are describing, it sounds like Augustino was drugged. Think back, were his eyes quite big?”

“Yes, but that could have been from the darkness we met in. However, he slurred a bit, and drool seeped from his mouth. Oh, and I just remember, there was a faint smell of naphthalene in the air.”

Andre clicked his fingers, “He’s been drugged. That must be why he’s so complacent about everything. And also how Percival must be keeping control over him. From the sounds of it, the Knights are using mothballs, a very debilitating drug, and also toxic. If this goes on for too much longer, then Augustino will die from the toxins.”

“We must warn him.”

“And tell him what? Do you imagine that the Knights don’t hear everything he’s told? And that they don’t place his answers there before him? If we brought it up, he’s dead, and so are we.”

“Hmmm……. Maybe you’re right. Let me think on this for a while. I must check up on some things.”

And so the war progressed. Venice started sieges in Styria and Carnolia in August, and by September had captured Styria. The siege of Odenburg began in October and fell in January 1501. Two months earlier in November, Austria assembled a defense and sieged Styria. In February 1501, Venice began the siege of Austria, and in March finished the capture of Carnolia. In May, Austria was able to liberate Styria, and paid off Hungary for peace. Venice captured the Austrian capital in August and resumed the siege of Styria. It took until April 1502 before Styria fell the second time, and a war-weary Austria offered Styria, Odenburg and Carnolia for peace.

In a complete shock to Venice, and as predicted by Andre, our Doge Augustino Barbarigo died in January 1502. The palace never released what he died off, but the palace surgeon who was a friend to Fernando, confirmed it was toxins resulting from mothballs. Fernando obtained the signed surgeon’s report as to cause of death, and also managed to get his hands on the box of mothballs responsible for Augustino’s death. In his place, the Knights placed one of their puppets as Doge, Leonardo Loredano. Fernando vowed to Andre that the Illuminati would take revenge for Augustino’s death out on the Knights, one day!

Outside of Venice, Europe moved on uninterested in the internal political landscape of Venice. The Papel States were able to pay off Spain in their little war in October 1500. Spain accepted Bearn from France for peace in April 1501, while on the other side of Europe at the same time Denmark declared war on the Teutonic Knights (Denmark/Russia/Crimea/Pskov vs. Teutonic Order/Prussia). May 1501 saw Spain attack the Aztecs, and in October in clear opportunistic Polish style, Poland-Lithuania invaded the Teutonic Order (Poland-Lithuania/Spain/Milan/Naples/Cologne vs. Teutonic Order/Prussia). Teutonic Order annexed Pskov in November, and in February news rocked Europe that Brittany had thrown off the French yoke (cancelled vassalage). In March 1502, Western Europe exploded into war as France declared war on England (France/Brittany/Savoy/Papel States/Hafsid Empire/Helvetia vs. England/Scotland/Sweden). Teutonic Order paid off Poland-Lithuania in April 1503, and to complete the triangle of wars in the north, Poland-Lithuania invaded Russia in January 1504 (Poland-Lithuania/Spain/Milan/Naples/Cologne/Hessen vs. Russia/Denmark/Crimea/Ryazan).

Behind the backs of the Knights and the Doge Leonardo, The Council honoured Augustino’s loan of 1500 and paid back the Guild the whole 200 ducats in March 1505. During the war, Venetian scientists were able to invent better artillery (land 5), and the Merchant Guild issued instructions to upgrade all trade caravans (trade 4).

Fernando was completely cut-off from the Doge during this whole time, but received regular messages from The Council. They too were suspicious of the Knights, but didn’t know the full extent of their treachery. The Council also trusted the Merchant Guild, and Fernando.

“Time will tell Andre, I may be an old man now, but you will remember, won’t you?”

“Yes Fernando, I WILL remember what the Knights of St John have done to Venice. And mark my words that they will pay for this.”

And the day before Turkey declared war on Mameluks, Fernando Algarve died in his sleep. All in attendance at Fernando’s funeral were personally greeted by Andre and his wife, except for the Doge and the Knights. To them, he said nothing, silently remembering his employer’s, then father-in-law’s final wish, for Venice to be avenged.

RIP:
Augustino Barbarigo, Doge of Venice: died January 1502
Fernando Algarve, First Illuminatus, Chief of Venice Merchant Guild: died June 1505

 

[Dale]

Website updated with the new parts of the story and some more screenshots.

http://www.crosswinds.net/~ctp2dale/eu/venice/venice.html

I thought I'd throw in a few cross-plots. What's people think of this style of writing? I've never written a story like this before. Is it all fitting in together?