The Endless Onslaught: A Capua Narrative AAR

[unmerged(400705)]

Prologue
December 26th, Venice, 1066

Abenzio Romano sat in his boat with his mistress Ada, rowing down the great canals of Venice. It was certainly cold in winter, even though it was milder than up north. The greatest time of year was when the cool breezes blew from the Adriatic Sea and the sun was always present. Summers were beautiful, but winters also had a unique aspect to them.
Snow piled onto the grounds of the adjacent sidewalk, and snowflakes fluttered about. It was clear, from what Abenzio could see of the sun from under the clouds that it was almost sundown. Shades of yellow, orange, red, and even a bit of royal purple squeezed through the clouds in beams of shining light that illuminated the sidewalk and reflected off the water in the canals.
"Is it always this beautiful in Venice?" Ada managed to disturb Abenzio from his almost-slumber.
Ada was a young and beautiful thing; golden blonde hair draped to her waist, and she had bright blue eyes with a sense of naivety to them. This was her first time in Venice; Abenzio was too old to travel around managing his business with her. She was a captain's daughter, her father living in German-controlled Ancona, and Abenzio had taking an liking to her. On the morrow he was supposed to go back to Venice after that quick trip across the Adriatic, he took her with him.
"Well, not really, at least in some of the... poorer corners. Trust me dear, it's only beautiful if you can see it from here. When you've lived in the city itself for a couple of years, you know better."
Ada put on a pout. Not knowing what to do exactly, Abenzio gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
"Don't worry, my dear. As long as you are with me I'll keep you safe. The game of politics, especially here, is no place for such a thing as you."
He gave her one more kiss before he realized what had just happened. He had but one more second before he collapsed on the floor, his last sight being the smiling figure of Ada... with a bloodstained dagger in hand...

________________________________________________________________________

Hello members of the Paradox Forums. If you didn't look to see what my name was, its SunTzu72. Now, I've been an accountless lurker for years, but a couple of weeks ago I caved in and became a lurker with an account. Which also means this is my very first post in the Paradox Forums ever. As for a small explanation of this AAR, I will be playing as the County of Capua in the 1066 scenario. It will be a narrative, with no in-game screenshots (unless there are requests, but I still won't put them in the actual narrative.) Though it starts off in Venice, you will soon see how Abenzio's story ties in with the Norman Dynasty of Capua. Also, expect to see me abandoning this AAR when CK2 comes out, but I might restart it there.

 

[unmerged(400705)]

Chapter One: The Count of Capua
January 3rd, Capua, 1067

Richard of Aversa sat on his wooden throne as his advisors filed into the chamber.
He was a tall and lanky man, with slightly graying blond hair and a pointy goatee. He had always been rather handsome, but due to his impoverished circumstances he looked like a common serf. His clothing was made of tough but low quality leather, and he was covered in dirt and grime. Because of increasing stress, he had visible lines under his eyes and wrinkles, despite being only thirty-five.
"Alright, Fressende, please start out with are internal status."
His wife, Fressende de Hauteville, stepped forward with several papers.
"Here in Capua we have almost no infrastructure whatsoever, besides this building and peasant huts. We also have a rather low population, which limits our tax income. We currently make a meager 0.40 of a coin per month, which amounts to 4.8 a year. My suggestion is that we grow a forestry, as there is much hunting which can be done and we can tax those who hunt there."
Fressende stepped down, leaving Richard with the papers.
"Okay, Clemenza, your turn with our political situation."
Clemenza stepped up with maps, presumably to show the many nations that could crush Capua like a bug.
"To our northwest, we have German North Italy and his holiness Anslem. Germany is currently preoccupied as its king, Heinrich, has yet to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor. To our south are the Komes of Napoli and the Count of Salerno, both of which can easily beat us. To the southeast is the de Hauteville Duchy of Apulia, ruled by Robert Guiscard and aspiring to conquer Sicily. I believe it's best to gain favor with his holiness to help protect ourselves."
Clemenza pointed out a few more noteworthy places before sitting down.
"Very well, Clemenza, good analysis. Son, I think you're the only one left."
Richard's son, the warrior-trained Jordan of Aversa stood and talked to his father.
"Well, as you can see here, we can raise 190 men in total, 19 Knights, 38 Light Cavalry, 19 Pikemen, 57 Heavy Infantry, 19 Archers, and 38 Light Infantry. Although I understand the economy is important, I believe we should build a barracks for our men after the forestry, and then maybe a road network for easier patrolling."
"Well, I have all your thoughts, so it's time for the adventure of survival itself!"
Richard laughed an insane laugh before settling back on his throne.
***
Meanwhile, In Someone's Dreams...
"Know this: Satan does not like to be cheated. You will see much blood in your future."
The Demon dispersed right as Abenzio woke up.

________________________________________________________________________

I consider this to be the first "real" update because it actually has the main character in it. Who it is may surprise you. In fact, I can tell you now no one will ever guess who in this update is acutually the main character. Its not any of the viewpoint characters, so that leaves out Richard and Abenzio. I'll give you a hint: it's a she. PM me your guesses if you like.

 

[unmerged(400705)]

Alright, to any lurkers out there,we have a problem. While I was taking some notes, my computer crashed, and no savegame yet as it was still 1067 (I have autosaves every january). I will hopefully be starting a new one,and I do agree that it sucks that i have to end an AAR literaly the day after I start it.

 

[Tufto]

Ah, always a problem. But it's an good AAR so far, and luckily you aren't too far into it that it will cause too many issues.