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Keep it coming!
I have been loathe to reply because I didn't wanted to disturb the flow of your narrative. Don't consider this lack of response as anything less than enthusiastic praise.
This AAR is every bit as good as Ariel's (high praise indeed ) although I probably like it for slightly different reasons. Keep up the exceptional effort.
I have been loathe to reply because I didn't wanted to disturb the flow of your narrative. Don't consider this lack of response as anything less than enthusiastic praise.
This AAR is every bit as good as Ariel's (high praise indeed ) although I probably like it for slightly different reasons. Keep up the exceptional effort.
A big thanks. Sometimes it's hard to gauge, especially when I'm not dealing with world conquest, but more of an alternate history of the world as reported by the loyal Papal historians. That being said, I have played quite a few years in advance and some interesting things do happen to the Papacy.
Misha: I know you like the historical embellishments and it's kind of given me an idea. I'll just have to work it in but I hope you and all might like it. I think you'll know what I'm talking about when it's posted.
Anyway, just a short one today.
Misha: I know you like the historical embellishments and it's kind of given me an idea. I'll just have to work it in but I hope you and all might like it. I think you'll know what I'm talking about when it's posted.
Anyway, just a short one today.
Calm Amidst the Storm - Prelude: 1525 - 1529
Jan 1525
Treasury: 245d. Prussia converted to the new heretical religion. Would there be no end to the madness?
A Legal Counsel was promoted in Naples.
In early January Portugal (Hanseatic, Pommerania) declared war on Prussia (Teutonic Order). Brandenburg dishonoured the Portuguese alliance and England dishonoured the Prussian alliance. Had to hand it to Portugal. They declared war, all puffed up and self-righteous, then let their allies, virtual neighbours to Prussia take the heat.
In March the Pope renewed RMs with Bavaria and Savoy. England rejoined the Prussian alliance and Brandenburg rejoined the Portuguese alliance.
From May 1 - 15 Rebel Scum revolted in Naples but were mercilessly put down, but not as mercilessly as the barbaric Spaniards would have put them down. No sir.
For reasons beyond me the Pope found some humour in this news. On November 1 England managed to land an army in Venice and lay siege to the capital, while across the sea Turkey marched relentlessly toward the Venetian provinces along the Aegean coast. Maybe he was just giddy with the news that war was on the proverbial Papal doorstep.
Jan 1526
Treasury: 182d. The Hanseatic League turned to the heretical faith. The Pope was clearly frustrated since his attempts to stem this tide of 'Reformed Christianity' appeared to be failing miserably. "It must be a German thing..." he kept muttering. A Legal Counsel was promoted in Apulia.
In March another revolt was put down in Apulia. A fellow Brother stated, "At least it keeps the men out of trouble". Another chimed in, "Yeah, they could be standing around priming their... flashpans." Couldn't argue the logic in that.
In October the merchants imposed trade restrictions to all countries for at least the next 38 months. I did not profess to know much about commerce, and I was not sure of the importance of '38 months'. Perhaps I would be enlightened one day.
On December 25 Pskov and Russia made peace, returning to Status Quo.
Jan 1527
Treasury: 113d. Thuringen and The Palatinat turned heretic. The Pope was getting good at rolling his eyes and wringing his hands. Ever watch someone wring their hands? It?s quite funny.
In June Georgia and Turkey signed a peace treaty with Georgia receiving Trabzon, while in July Hungary and Turkey reached an agreement with the Status Quo being restored.
Jan 1528
Treasury: 164d. A galley was commissioned in Naples.
Rebel Scum revolted in Apulia, again. They were defeated, again. 2000 infantry was recruited in Apulia to replace losses.
On June 13 Poland-Lithuania reached peace with Hungary. Poland-Lithuania received Carpathia.
Jan 1529
Treasury: 150d. Rome had finally placed a name on this heretical religion that began with Martin Luther. The name was Protestant, and it was apparently first used in the second imperial Diet of Speyer convened during the course of the year. I was told it derived from the term 'protestation' and over time came to be associated with these heretics. Ah well, a name to the enemy.
In June Poland-Lithuania and Russia reached a Status Quo peace, while in August improvements were made in the fields of trade and infrastructure. (IL-4, TL-4) The remainder of the year passed without incident...
Jan 1525
Treasury: 245d. Prussia converted to the new heretical religion. Would there be no end to the madness?
A Legal Counsel was promoted in Naples.
In early January Portugal (Hanseatic, Pommerania) declared war on Prussia (Teutonic Order). Brandenburg dishonoured the Portuguese alliance and England dishonoured the Prussian alliance. Had to hand it to Portugal. They declared war, all puffed up and self-righteous, then let their allies, virtual neighbours to Prussia take the heat.
In March the Pope renewed RMs with Bavaria and Savoy. England rejoined the Prussian alliance and Brandenburg rejoined the Portuguese alliance.
From May 1 - 15 Rebel Scum revolted in Naples but were mercilessly put down, but not as mercilessly as the barbaric Spaniards would have put them down. No sir.
For reasons beyond me the Pope found some humour in this news. On November 1 England managed to land an army in Venice and lay siege to the capital, while across the sea Turkey marched relentlessly toward the Venetian provinces along the Aegean coast. Maybe he was just giddy with the news that war was on the proverbial Papal doorstep.
Jan 1526
Treasury: 182d. The Hanseatic League turned to the heretical faith. The Pope was clearly frustrated since his attempts to stem this tide of 'Reformed Christianity' appeared to be failing miserably. "It must be a German thing..." he kept muttering. A Legal Counsel was promoted in Apulia.
In March another revolt was put down in Apulia. A fellow Brother stated, "At least it keeps the men out of trouble". Another chimed in, "Yeah, they could be standing around priming their... flashpans." Couldn't argue the logic in that.
In October the merchants imposed trade restrictions to all countries for at least the next 38 months. I did not profess to know much about commerce, and I was not sure of the importance of '38 months'. Perhaps I would be enlightened one day.
On December 25 Pskov and Russia made peace, returning to Status Quo.
Jan 1527
Treasury: 113d. Thuringen and The Palatinat turned heretic. The Pope was getting good at rolling his eyes and wringing his hands. Ever watch someone wring their hands? It?s quite funny.
In June Georgia and Turkey signed a peace treaty with Georgia receiving Trabzon, while in July Hungary and Turkey reached an agreement with the Status Quo being restored.
Jan 1528
Treasury: 164d. A galley was commissioned in Naples.
Rebel Scum revolted in Apulia, again. They were defeated, again. 2000 infantry was recruited in Apulia to replace losses.
On June 13 Poland-Lithuania reached peace with Hungary. Poland-Lithuania received Carpathia.
Jan 1529
Treasury: 150d. Rome had finally placed a name on this heretical religion that began with Martin Luther. The name was Protestant, and it was apparently first used in the second imperial Diet of Speyer convened during the course of the year. I was told it derived from the term 'protestation' and over time came to be associated with these heretics. Ah well, a name to the enemy.
In June Poland-Lithuania and Russia reached a Status Quo peace, while in August improvements were made in the fields of trade and infrastructure. (IL-4, TL-4) The remainder of the year passed without incident...
Calm Amidst the Storm - Opening Moves: The Fall of Rhodes: 1530 - 1534
Jan 1530
Treasury: 196d. First, let me introduce myself. I am Brother Gregory, one of God's most humble disciples and dear friend and confidant of my illustrious colleague, the author of this document to date. My friend was too ill to carry out these arduous duties, and so the deed fell to me. I am well aware of his duplicitous nature, for in the last few years I aided in the writing of these accounts. Being well versed in Papal politics I learned that what you wish to say and what they wish to hear were two different beasts altogether. So have no fear. I shall continue to write what I see. Firstly, as my protege was ailing, his account of events outside of the sphere of Papal lands tended to become sketchy. I hoped to rectify that and produce a better accounting of the events that surrounded us.
War continued with England besieging Venice with 12871 men. They must have been feeding well off the countryside, as they did not appear to be suffering much attrition. Another English army moved into Istria, pursing a broken Venetian force. A Russian army in Polotsk was forced to retreat from a large Teutonic army, but not after causing much damage to the province in way of looting and burning. As for the Portuguese (Hanseatic, Pommerania) coalition, they made very little effort prosecuting their war against Prussia and The Teutonic Order. I had reports concerning wars between the Spanish and a people called the Aztecs and another between the countries of Sibir and the Uzbeks. Except for the Spanish, those names were totally Greek to me.
It was reported the risk of revolt in Naples and Apulia had lessened. No doubt the peasants realized the Papacy was a far more benevolent master than the Spanish.
In March the Venetians failed in an attempt to relieve the siege of their capital, while the English force in Istria joined with the army in Venetia. However in April the English gave up their siege of Venice and marched into neighbouring Mantua where they swiftly defeated the token Venetian forces there and laid siege to that city instead. The Pope was somewhat concerned about the refugees pouring south into Emilia and ordered reinforcements to that province.
On May 19 the Teutonic Order and Russia reached a Status Quo peace settlement, effectively slamming the door on any English conquest in Venice. I found it quite hilarious the English would have a long journey home having gained nothing for their trouble except some trinkets and rampant cases of social disease.
In June this mysterious nation of Aztecs I had heard mentioned paid 250d to Spain to end the war, and in July Pskov become a vassal of Russia. No sooner had Spain ceased hostilities with one New World civilization, they declared war on another. A people called the Incas. Seriously dear reader, I do not make these names up.
Jan 1531
Treasury: 243d. The year began auspiciously. England turned to the Protestant faith and was expelled from the Teutonic (Prussia) Alliance. To make matters worse, the rocky land known as Wales revolted. My protege would have said it looked good on them, but I endeavor to be less critical. Nevertheless, it looked good on them. Thuringen formed an alliance with Saxony and Hessen.
By January 12 it was apparent Wales had no real desire to fight, and the revolt was over. Rome had apparently acquired a monopoly in Venice, though I imagined it would be short lived, as most past monopolies had been.
I was told that in March Portugal landed a small force in Prussia, which was promptly destroyed by a Prussian army numbering somewhere near 40000 men. Perhaps Portugal would stick to exploring.
In May a Prussian army defeated a Hanseatic force in East Prussia. My sources told me the Prussians had an army of about 40000 soldiers to the Hanseatic League's 9000. The following day Portugal signed a peace treaty and agreed to pay 168d in war reparations.
With the exception of war in the New World and another which I had heard rumours about in the far east, peace had fallen across Europe. Long live peace!
Peace was short lived however. On November 29 the heathen Turk (Hafsid Empire, Algiers) led by Suleyman I declared war on The Knights (Parma, Genoa). Tuscany refused to join Parma and Genoa on this decidedly suicidal war. The Pope gathered his advisers to discuss the situation as the act of war involving neighbours would bring the Infidel perilously close to Papal borders. After much discussion and a rousing speech about commitment, loyalty, a point by point comparison with charts between Satan and the Infidel, brotherly love and the need to take affirmative action, the Pope decided to sit back and be an observer.
Jan 1532
Treasury: 292d. A fleet under the great Genoese admiral Andrea Doria set sail from Genoa.
In late January a combined Hafsid/Algerian fleet defeated a Genoese squadron in Cape Bon off the coast of Tunisia, though losses were unknown. Similarly, the Knights defeated a Turkish naval force in The Dodocanese. By February the Genoese navy had defeated their Algerian counterpart in Cote-d'Azure off the coast of Florence, and word reached us that the Knights had landed in Anytola, defeating the local Turkish militia.
In March the allied Genoa/Parma navy crushed their Algerian counterpart in the Gulf of Cagliari. If anything, at least the heathens proved they were poor sailors. Unfortunately the Knight invasion force of 9000 in Anytola was completely annihilated by 46000 Turks.
May saw a Genoese army of 5000 land in Al-Djazair and lay siege to the city, while an Algerian army of 23000 marched towards them from Kabylia. May God help the Genoese, or at least the general who planned that campaign. Turkish ships were spotted off the coast of Apulia. As feared, the Genoese force in Al-Djazair was destroyed by the Algerians.
On June 25 Modena was invaded by the Hafsid Empire. Their paltry army of 5000 men defeated the Parmese army of 10000. What sacrilege! A massive flotilla of over 70 Turkish ships was spotted off the Papal coast moving north. The Hafsid army of invasion, weakened by the battle with Modena, boarded ship and took to sea.
In June the Pope invited Tuscany to join the Papal Alliance but they rudely declined. In a show of force he commissioned the following troops: Emilia (4000/0/0) Romagna (4000/0/0) and Rome (2000/0/0). The Knights defeated the Algerians in a small naval action in the Gulf of Sirte while Turkey defeated the Knights in the Bay of Alexandria.
On July 19 Genoa under Andrea Doria defeated the Turkish fleet of over 70 ships in the Bay of Naples. The Genoese performed this miracle with 14 galleys. It was a glorious victory for Christianity, forcing the Turkish fleet to retire. In August a combined Parmese/Genoese fleet defeated the Turks in the Ligurian Sea.
Early September Georgia was persuaded to join the Russian (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan) Coalition while the Turks and The Knights swapped minor victories in The Dodocanese. After suffering a defeat at the hands of the Algerian navy along the Barbery Coast, the remaining Genoese ships sailed into the Western Mediterranean where they linked up with reinforcements and in turn defeated the pursuing Algerians.
Over the course of 3 weeks in November the Knights inflicted three naval defeats on the Turks in the Dodocanese and Aegean Seas, while in December Sibir signed a peace treaty with the Uzbeks, claiming the province of Turgai as settlement. We all just stared blankly at the messenger. A country called Oman, somewhere to the east off our maps, declared war on Turkey (Hafsid Empire, Algiers). I really must brush up on my geography.
Jan 1533
Treasury: 227d
The beginning of the year had the Genoese defeat the Algerians in Cape Bon and the Gulf of Cagliari in separate naval actions. Once again they invaded Tunisia with 5000 troops, inflicting a defeat on the 10000 Hafsids stationed there. The Knights defeated yet another Turkish fleet in The Dodocanese, and from March 11 - 30 the Genoa/Parma navies continued to win victories in the Mediterranean. At this rate Infidel naval strength would be set back years.
The month of June saw Rhodes invaded by 5000 Hafsid soldiers and engaged by 3000 Knight defenders. The Hafsid?s were destroyed to a man. In July Algiers took the city of Oran in Orania from Morocco and continued into Morocco with 27000 men where they laid siege to Fez. In August the Turk flotilla of 70 ships managed a victory over the Genoese in the Ligurian Sea, though by all accounts the fleet had taken station there and did not advance any further.
In September this Incan Empire the Spanish diplomats had spoken about made peace, paying the Spanish 250d. The Parmese and Genoese navies defeated a smaller Hafsid fleet in the Gulf of Liguria, while a Moroccan army of 15000 defeated a smaller Algerian army in Atlas and marched on Morocco to lift the siege of Fez. On November 8 the Algerians defeated another Moroccan force in Orania. With Fez under siege by 33000 Turkish/Algerian troops it appeared Morocco would be out of the war before long.
Jan 1534
Treasury: 271d. On the eve of the new year came distressing news that Hannover had converted to the Protestant religion.
Sometime in early January the combined armies of Turkey, Algiers and Hafsid captured Fez in Morocco. The following day Morocco bought peace with Algiers, paying 99d and giving up ownership of Orani. Hannover joined the Hanseatic Alliance (Pommerania, Portugal, Brandenburg).
By March the Turkish/Hafsid forces had driven the Moroccans out of Morocco and down into Toubkal, where they managed to stand and defeat the lead elements of the pursuing Turkish army. After a couple of minor naval victories in The Dodocanese, the Turks landed an army of some 72000 men and laid siege to Rhodes. I feared that for all their gallantry the Knights would soon fall to the Infidel. The Pope put on a display of anguish over Papal inability to help his fellow Christians, but truth be told, this Pope did not have much spine.
May 29 was a sad day in Christendom. After a brutal siege and assault Rhodes had fallen to the Infidel. The heathen Suleyman immediately annexed the island and the venerable Knights were no more.
From June 28 - July 13 the Genoese fleet scored a series of victories in the Bay of Alexandria; while their siege of Tunis continued. The Pope commissioned a galley in Naples.
August saw Genoa victorious in The Ligurian Sea and the Bay of Alexandria, but defeated in the Gulf of Cagliari and Cape Bon. Furthermore, the Hafsids drove off the Genoese army that besieged Tunisia. Though they were evenly matched at 10000 men a side, the Genoese, exhausted from heat, dysentery and the long siege routed into uncharted territory. The Turks defeated the Moroccans in Toubkal and laid siege to Marrakech.
On September 27 Clemens VII died. While his rule marked one of peace and consolidation, his detractors pointed at the failure to aid his fellow Christian from the Infidel and the even graver danger of letting the Reformation gain the momentum that it had. I trust history would take some time to judge him properly in light of present day events, and ultimately would not be very kind.
His successor was an Italian noble and patron of the arts called Alessandro Farnese, known as a skilled diplomat who had worked behind the scenes with former Popes from Pius III to Clemens VII. On October 13, at the fine age of 67 he became Pope, taking the name Paulus III.
Elsewhere, October found Genoa continue with her string of naval successes, gaining victory in the Ionian Sea and the Ligurian Sea.
In November the Pope renewed the Papal Alliance with France, Savoy, Bavaria and Bohemia. An invitation extended to Baden was turned down. I had a few minutes with the Pope today and I asked him about our failure to come to the aid of our fellow Christians. He looked upon me like a father to child and said that it was God's will. We as a nation were just too weak to take on a power like Turkey. When I mentioned our allies like France and the others, he patiently explained they were too far away to be effective against the heathen, and our lands would bear the brunt of any invasion. I admit I had to see the logic in this. He finished his lecture with a cryptic 'Our day will come' and carried on with his business. As he walked away I cast my eyes to the heavens, reveling in the glory of God and muttered, "Yeah, right, and I'm a Nubian gladiator." Meanwhile I would have to content myself praying for the souls of the Parmese and the Genoese.
Jan 1530
Treasury: 196d. First, let me introduce myself. I am Brother Gregory, one of God's most humble disciples and dear friend and confidant of my illustrious colleague, the author of this document to date. My friend was too ill to carry out these arduous duties, and so the deed fell to me. I am well aware of his duplicitous nature, for in the last few years I aided in the writing of these accounts. Being well versed in Papal politics I learned that what you wish to say and what they wish to hear were two different beasts altogether. So have no fear. I shall continue to write what I see. Firstly, as my protege was ailing, his account of events outside of the sphere of Papal lands tended to become sketchy. I hoped to rectify that and produce a better accounting of the events that surrounded us.
War continued with England besieging Venice with 12871 men. They must have been feeding well off the countryside, as they did not appear to be suffering much attrition. Another English army moved into Istria, pursing a broken Venetian force. A Russian army in Polotsk was forced to retreat from a large Teutonic army, but not after causing much damage to the province in way of looting and burning. As for the Portuguese (Hanseatic, Pommerania) coalition, they made very little effort prosecuting their war against Prussia and The Teutonic Order. I had reports concerning wars between the Spanish and a people called the Aztecs and another between the countries of Sibir and the Uzbeks. Except for the Spanish, those names were totally Greek to me.
It was reported the risk of revolt in Naples and Apulia had lessened. No doubt the peasants realized the Papacy was a far more benevolent master than the Spanish.
In March the Venetians failed in an attempt to relieve the siege of their capital, while the English force in Istria joined with the army in Venetia. However in April the English gave up their siege of Venice and marched into neighbouring Mantua where they swiftly defeated the token Venetian forces there and laid siege to that city instead. The Pope was somewhat concerned about the refugees pouring south into Emilia and ordered reinforcements to that province.
On May 19 the Teutonic Order and Russia reached a Status Quo peace settlement, effectively slamming the door on any English conquest in Venice. I found it quite hilarious the English would have a long journey home having gained nothing for their trouble except some trinkets and rampant cases of social disease.
In June this mysterious nation of Aztecs I had heard mentioned paid 250d to Spain to end the war, and in July Pskov become a vassal of Russia. No sooner had Spain ceased hostilities with one New World civilization, they declared war on another. A people called the Incas. Seriously dear reader, I do not make these names up.
Jan 1531
Treasury: 243d. The year began auspiciously. England turned to the Protestant faith and was expelled from the Teutonic (Prussia) Alliance. To make matters worse, the rocky land known as Wales revolted. My protege would have said it looked good on them, but I endeavor to be less critical. Nevertheless, it looked good on them. Thuringen formed an alliance with Saxony and Hessen.
By January 12 it was apparent Wales had no real desire to fight, and the revolt was over. Rome had apparently acquired a monopoly in Venice, though I imagined it would be short lived, as most past monopolies had been.
I was told that in March Portugal landed a small force in Prussia, which was promptly destroyed by a Prussian army numbering somewhere near 40000 men. Perhaps Portugal would stick to exploring.
In May a Prussian army defeated a Hanseatic force in East Prussia. My sources told me the Prussians had an army of about 40000 soldiers to the Hanseatic League's 9000. The following day Portugal signed a peace treaty and agreed to pay 168d in war reparations.
With the exception of war in the New World and another which I had heard rumours about in the far east, peace had fallen across Europe. Long live peace!
Peace was short lived however. On November 29 the heathen Turk (Hafsid Empire, Algiers) led by Suleyman I declared war on The Knights (Parma, Genoa). Tuscany refused to join Parma and Genoa on this decidedly suicidal war. The Pope gathered his advisers to discuss the situation as the act of war involving neighbours would bring the Infidel perilously close to Papal borders. After much discussion and a rousing speech about commitment, loyalty, a point by point comparison with charts between Satan and the Infidel, brotherly love and the need to take affirmative action, the Pope decided to sit back and be an observer.
Jan 1532
Treasury: 292d. A fleet under the great Genoese admiral Andrea Doria set sail from Genoa.
In late January a combined Hafsid/Algerian fleet defeated a Genoese squadron in Cape Bon off the coast of Tunisia, though losses were unknown. Similarly, the Knights defeated a Turkish naval force in The Dodocanese. By February the Genoese navy had defeated their Algerian counterpart in Cote-d'Azure off the coast of Florence, and word reached us that the Knights had landed in Anytola, defeating the local Turkish militia.
In March the allied Genoa/Parma navy crushed their Algerian counterpart in the Gulf of Cagliari. If anything, at least the heathens proved they were poor sailors. Unfortunately the Knight invasion force of 9000 in Anytola was completely annihilated by 46000 Turks.
May saw a Genoese army of 5000 land in Al-Djazair and lay siege to the city, while an Algerian army of 23000 marched towards them from Kabylia. May God help the Genoese, or at least the general who planned that campaign. Turkish ships were spotted off the coast of Apulia. As feared, the Genoese force in Al-Djazair was destroyed by the Algerians.
On June 25 Modena was invaded by the Hafsid Empire. Their paltry army of 5000 men defeated the Parmese army of 10000. What sacrilege! A massive flotilla of over 70 Turkish ships was spotted off the Papal coast moving north. The Hafsid army of invasion, weakened by the battle with Modena, boarded ship and took to sea.
In June the Pope invited Tuscany to join the Papal Alliance but they rudely declined. In a show of force he commissioned the following troops: Emilia (4000/0/0) Romagna (4000/0/0) and Rome (2000/0/0). The Knights defeated the Algerians in a small naval action in the Gulf of Sirte while Turkey defeated the Knights in the Bay of Alexandria.
On July 19 Genoa under Andrea Doria defeated the Turkish fleet of over 70 ships in the Bay of Naples. The Genoese performed this miracle with 14 galleys. It was a glorious victory for Christianity, forcing the Turkish fleet to retire. In August a combined Parmese/Genoese fleet defeated the Turks in the Ligurian Sea.
Early September Georgia was persuaded to join the Russian (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan) Coalition while the Turks and The Knights swapped minor victories in The Dodocanese. After suffering a defeat at the hands of the Algerian navy along the Barbery Coast, the remaining Genoese ships sailed into the Western Mediterranean where they linked up with reinforcements and in turn defeated the pursuing Algerians.
Over the course of 3 weeks in November the Knights inflicted three naval defeats on the Turks in the Dodocanese and Aegean Seas, while in December Sibir signed a peace treaty with the Uzbeks, claiming the province of Turgai as settlement. We all just stared blankly at the messenger. A country called Oman, somewhere to the east off our maps, declared war on Turkey (Hafsid Empire, Algiers). I really must brush up on my geography.
Jan 1533
Treasury: 227d
The beginning of the year had the Genoese defeat the Algerians in Cape Bon and the Gulf of Cagliari in separate naval actions. Once again they invaded Tunisia with 5000 troops, inflicting a defeat on the 10000 Hafsids stationed there. The Knights defeated yet another Turkish fleet in The Dodocanese, and from March 11 - 30 the Genoa/Parma navies continued to win victories in the Mediterranean. At this rate Infidel naval strength would be set back years.
The month of June saw Rhodes invaded by 5000 Hafsid soldiers and engaged by 3000 Knight defenders. The Hafsid?s were destroyed to a man. In July Algiers took the city of Oran in Orania from Morocco and continued into Morocco with 27000 men where they laid siege to Fez. In August the Turk flotilla of 70 ships managed a victory over the Genoese in the Ligurian Sea, though by all accounts the fleet had taken station there and did not advance any further.
In September this Incan Empire the Spanish diplomats had spoken about made peace, paying the Spanish 250d. The Parmese and Genoese navies defeated a smaller Hafsid fleet in the Gulf of Liguria, while a Moroccan army of 15000 defeated a smaller Algerian army in Atlas and marched on Morocco to lift the siege of Fez. On November 8 the Algerians defeated another Moroccan force in Orania. With Fez under siege by 33000 Turkish/Algerian troops it appeared Morocco would be out of the war before long.
Jan 1534
Treasury: 271d. On the eve of the new year came distressing news that Hannover had converted to the Protestant religion.
Sometime in early January the combined armies of Turkey, Algiers and Hafsid captured Fez in Morocco. The following day Morocco bought peace with Algiers, paying 99d and giving up ownership of Orani. Hannover joined the Hanseatic Alliance (Pommerania, Portugal, Brandenburg).
By March the Turkish/Hafsid forces had driven the Moroccans out of Morocco and down into Toubkal, where they managed to stand and defeat the lead elements of the pursuing Turkish army. After a couple of minor naval victories in The Dodocanese, the Turks landed an army of some 72000 men and laid siege to Rhodes. I feared that for all their gallantry the Knights would soon fall to the Infidel. The Pope put on a display of anguish over Papal inability to help his fellow Christians, but truth be told, this Pope did not have much spine.
May 29 was a sad day in Christendom. After a brutal siege and assault Rhodes had fallen to the Infidel. The heathen Suleyman immediately annexed the island and the venerable Knights were no more.
From June 28 - July 13 the Genoese fleet scored a series of victories in the Bay of Alexandria; while their siege of Tunis continued. The Pope commissioned a galley in Naples.
August saw Genoa victorious in The Ligurian Sea and the Bay of Alexandria, but defeated in the Gulf of Cagliari and Cape Bon. Furthermore, the Hafsids drove off the Genoese army that besieged Tunisia. Though they were evenly matched at 10000 men a side, the Genoese, exhausted from heat, dysentery and the long siege routed into uncharted territory. The Turks defeated the Moroccans in Toubkal and laid siege to Marrakech.
On September 27 Clemens VII died. While his rule marked one of peace and consolidation, his detractors pointed at the failure to aid his fellow Christian from the Infidel and the even graver danger of letting the Reformation gain the momentum that it had. I trust history would take some time to judge him properly in light of present day events, and ultimately would not be very kind.
His successor was an Italian noble and patron of the arts called Alessandro Farnese, known as a skilled diplomat who had worked behind the scenes with former Popes from Pius III to Clemens VII. On October 13, at the fine age of 67 he became Pope, taking the name Paulus III.
Elsewhere, October found Genoa continue with her string of naval successes, gaining victory in the Ionian Sea and the Ligurian Sea.
In November the Pope renewed the Papal Alliance with France, Savoy, Bavaria and Bohemia. An invitation extended to Baden was turned down. I had a few minutes with the Pope today and I asked him about our failure to come to the aid of our fellow Christians. He looked upon me like a father to child and said that it was God's will. We as a nation were just too weak to take on a power like Turkey. When I mentioned our allies like France and the others, he patiently explained they were too far away to be effective against the heathen, and our lands would bear the brunt of any invasion. I admit I had to see the logic in this. He finished his lecture with a cryptic 'Our day will come' and carried on with his business. As he walked away I cast my eyes to the heavens, reveling in the glory of God and muttered, "Yeah, right, and I'm a Nubian gladiator." Meanwhile I would have to content myself praying for the souls of the Parmese and the Genoese.
Lord Durham pronounced
"He looked upon me like a father to child and said that it was God's will. We as a nation were just too weak to take on a power like Turkey. When I mentioned our allies like France and the others, he patiently explained they were too far away to be effective against the heathen, and our lands would bear the brunt of any invasion."
The pope is a wise man. I found the same thing out the hard way a few aars ago. I now make sure that wars are fought on the other guys territory. Enjoying the story.
Joe
"He looked upon me like a father to child and said that it was God's will. We as a nation were just too weak to take on a power like Turkey. When I mentioned our allies like France and the others, he patiently explained they were too far away to be effective against the heathen, and our lands would bear the brunt of any invasion."
The pope is a wise man. I found the same thing out the hard way a few aars ago. I now make sure that wars are fought on the other guys territory. Enjoying the story.
Joe
Thanks Storey. This Pope was wise. Several years down to road you'll meet one that was quite the bonehead
Calm Amidst the Storm - The Russian Ingrediant: 1535 - 1539
Jan 1535
Treasury: 263d. A peasant revolt in Naples was put down with minimum loss of life. I suppose that even with the benevolence we had shown these people, there were those that wished for the days of Spanish rule. Misguided sheep. They would come around.
In February Genoa defeated a Turkish fleet in the Straits of Taranto. The war had become a series of small naval conflicts with seemingly no end in sight. March had the Rebel Scum revolting in Naples once again. This revolt was better led and the garrison was saved only by the timely arrival of 2000 infantry from Romagna. My Brothers saw conspiracies from Spain to Turkey behind these uprisings though there was no proof of course. The Pope requested that 3000 infantry be raised in Naples to offset losses.
On June 27 Morocco sued for peace, paying Turkey 32d in indemnities. In September the Genoese continued to inflict minor defeats over the Infidel, winning 2 engagements in The Ligurian Sea and one along the Barbery Coast. In November Spain declared war on this Aztec Empire yet again. I heard stories from Spanish diplomats who claimed these savages conducted human sacrifice. It made me shudder. Perhaps they should be exterminated after all.
In December Russia (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan, Georgia) declared war on Kazan. Georgia declined to take part and stayed home. There would be little chance I would follow these events closely, as Kazan seemed like a fabled far away country to this author.
Jan 1536
Treasury: 277d. Again the year began auspiciously. Denmark, Kleves and Brandenburg all become Protestant. It was passing strange these countries and others would always choose the beginning of the year to proclaim their intentions. God worked mysteriously, or at least on a fixed timetable.
In February Georgia once again entered the Russian Coalition while in March Genoa won two small victories over the Turk in the Ligurian Sea. In a surprise development the Hafsid's managed to slip through the Genoese fleet and land a small army of 5000 in Genoa. This success was short lived however as they were caught and promptly spanked by a sizeable army of 42000 Genoese. Even more impressive, Parma had raised her land army to 73000. As insurance, the Pope entered a RM with Parma and sent a letter of encouragement to Tuscany (-1 to +6)
During May Spain annexed the Aztec Empire while Russia annexed Kazan.
On July 1 there was a scandal at court. As near as I could gather it involved some young men of the cloth, several Gypsies and a donkey. As God is my witness that is all I know. Honest. Suffice to say it would probably damage the Pope's diplomatic credibility. The following day, as if God had wished to divert attention from the Papacy, Poland-Lithuania (Persia) declared war on the Teutonic Order (Prussia).
By August I discovered I was much mistaken. Rome had become the centre of diplomatic activity instead of a pariah. Leaders from around the world came to visit. It is as if the incident had increased the Pope's popularity. (Sp.Event)
From August - September the Teutonic Order gained victory over Poland-Lithuania in Welikia and laid siege to Velikije Luki with 23000 men. Prussia defeated Poland-Lithuania in Danzig while losing a naval engagement in the Baltic Sea. The Order followed with another victory over Poland-Lithuania in Belarus. A Poland-Lithuanian force of 11000 laid siege to Konigsberg.
In October Prussia defeated a Polish-Lithuanian army in Posen and laid siege to the city with 43000 men, while the Order continued with their string of victories by defeating Poland-Lithuania again in both Belarus and Welikia. A Polish-Lithuanian relief force was crushed by the Prussians besieging Posen. I am sure Poland-Lithuania was beginning to regret their declaration of war.
In November the Russian Coalition (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan) declared war on Denmark. Talk about opportunistic. Georgia once again dishonoured the agreement with Russia. On December 11
Velikije Luki fell to the Teutonic Order.
Jan 1537
Treasury: 280d. There was one outstanding quality that I admired in Pope Paulus III. It was his determination. He realized the Church was in need of change and he had begun the groundwork almost as soon as he took office. As expected there was much opposition, but time would tell if he would come out on top.
In early January Russia defeated a Danish force in Ingermanland, but passed up a siege opportunity. The Order laid siege to Tula with 28000 men.
On February 1 Oman and Algiers signed a White Peace. To be honest, I had forgotten about that war. There had been enough local excitement to track. On the 3rd Tula fell to the Order. It appeared to this humble scribe that Poland-Lithuania had attempted to buy too many goats with too few ducats.
In March the Pope sent another letter of friendship to Tuscany (+7 - +12) while Denmark requested entrance to the Hanseatic Alliance (Pommerania, Portugal, Brandenburg, Hanover). Somehow I doubt these countries would aid Denmark in the current war. A Russian/Pskov force of 23000 men besieged Kexholm in Karelia.
Karelia fell to Russia on April 11 and 18000 Knights of the Teutonic Order besieged Belarus. Konigsberg was reinforced to 53000 Polish-Lithuanians as they continued their investment of that city. To date it was their only operation to show any success.
On June 16 16000 Russians laid siege to Olofsborg in Savolaks while the Danish provinces of Bergslagen and Vastergotland fell to Rebel Scum. Things were looking rotten for Denmark
During the month of August Prussia captured Posen then burned and looted their way through Mazovia before entering Lithuania. A flotilla of 92 Turkish ships was sighted in the Bay of Naples while the Russians defeated a Danish army in Nyland and laid siege to Viborg.
In September the Turkish fleet destroyed their Genoese counterpart in the Ligurian Sea. An invasion appeared certain. Pskov captured Vasa in Osterbotten from the Danes and The Prussians besieged Vilnius in Lithuania.
On October 16 Olofsborg in Savolaks fell to the Russians while the Turkish fleet unexpectedly turned about for home. In November Viborg in Nyland fell to the Russian juggernaut and in December Russia/Pskov invaded and captured Tavastehus. It appeared Danish resistance had vanished.
Jan 1538
Treasury: 307d. As had become customary on the first day of each new year another country converted to the Protestant religion. Hessen left the Catholic fold, while her allies, Saxony and Kleves, became former allies. It was hard to understand about Kleves, as they had turned Protestant themselves not too long ago. A warm letter of philosophical dialogue was well received by Cosimo I of Tuscany, greatly improving relations (+12 - +29). I believe the Pope would soon speak to them about a possible marriage arrangement to improve relations further.
In the month of January Russia began the siege of Abo in Finland while the Genoese fleet suffered a defeat on The Barbery Coast to a Turkish/Hafsid contingent. Belarus fell to the Teutonic Order and Poland-Lithuania finally sued for peace. The price for this peace was high as the Teutonic Order received both Belarus and Welikia in settlement. The less said about Poland-Lithuania's disastrous war effort the better.
It was the first of February and I could not truly believe this. I had the messenger repeat it three times. Russia and Denmark had made peace, with Russia receiving the province of Samara and 81d in largesse. Only one territory? The Russian juggernaut must have been into the cheap vodka. They had the Danes by the... nose. I must put that down in the category of 'What were they thinking?'
In May England joined the Hanseatic Alliance (Pommerania, Portugal, Brandenburg, Hanover, Denmark) while in August another Turkish fleet of some 57 ships was sighted in the Bay of Naples. A small Genoese fleet was sunk intercepting them. This led to the September invasion of Parma by a Turkish army of 25000 men. They were engaged by the Parmese army of 73000 and after nine days of maneuvers and skirmishing, the Turkish force was thrown back into the sea with heavy losses.
In November Spain declared war on the Incan Empire. I am not sure if these Incans practiced human sacrifice like the Aztecs. Perhaps the entire New World practiced human sacrifice. I know people who I wouldn't mind practicing human... Lord forgive these wicked thoughts of your humble servant. I must cross myself. The Turks landed another 12000 men on the beaches of Parma but were defeated by 55000 soldiers of the Parmese army. It appeared to this humble scribe that the Turkish commanders had definite trouble co-ordinating attacks.
Jan 1539
Treasury: 335d. A new year and Holy of Holys, no country had switched to the Protestant faith. Did I say faith? I meant heresy! I must erase this entry... His Holiness continued to curry favour with Tuscany (+29 - +43), while the Turkish war against our Italian compatriots had gone into its 8th year.
On January 16 Russia (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan) declared war on the Teutonic Order. Both Georgia and Prussia dishonoured their respective allies, and in February the Pope finally arranged a RM with Tuscany (+43 - +58)
In March Russia laid siege to Welikia with 19500 men and in June the Incan Empire settled with Spain, paying 250d and relinquishing control of Moqega, wherever the heck that was.
On September 27 Crimea (Astrakhan) declared war on Russia (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan). Once again Georgia dishonoured the treaty. If anything, at least they were consistent. In November 11000 soldiers of the Teutonic army laid siege to Pskov.
Eastern Europe circa 1538
http://members.home.net/mrbrucedurham/papal_graphics/1538_feb9.jpg
Jan 1535
Treasury: 263d. A peasant revolt in Naples was put down with minimum loss of life. I suppose that even with the benevolence we had shown these people, there were those that wished for the days of Spanish rule. Misguided sheep. They would come around.
In February Genoa defeated a Turkish fleet in the Straits of Taranto. The war had become a series of small naval conflicts with seemingly no end in sight. March had the Rebel Scum revolting in Naples once again. This revolt was better led and the garrison was saved only by the timely arrival of 2000 infantry from Romagna. My Brothers saw conspiracies from Spain to Turkey behind these uprisings though there was no proof of course. The Pope requested that 3000 infantry be raised in Naples to offset losses.
On June 27 Morocco sued for peace, paying Turkey 32d in indemnities. In September the Genoese continued to inflict minor defeats over the Infidel, winning 2 engagements in The Ligurian Sea and one along the Barbery Coast. In November Spain declared war on this Aztec Empire yet again. I heard stories from Spanish diplomats who claimed these savages conducted human sacrifice. It made me shudder. Perhaps they should be exterminated after all.
In December Russia (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan, Georgia) declared war on Kazan. Georgia declined to take part and stayed home. There would be little chance I would follow these events closely, as Kazan seemed like a fabled far away country to this author.
Jan 1536
Treasury: 277d. Again the year began auspiciously. Denmark, Kleves and Brandenburg all become Protestant. It was passing strange these countries and others would always choose the beginning of the year to proclaim their intentions. God worked mysteriously, or at least on a fixed timetable.
In February Georgia once again entered the Russian Coalition while in March Genoa won two small victories over the Turk in the Ligurian Sea. In a surprise development the Hafsid's managed to slip through the Genoese fleet and land a small army of 5000 in Genoa. This success was short lived however as they were caught and promptly spanked by a sizeable army of 42000 Genoese. Even more impressive, Parma had raised her land army to 73000. As insurance, the Pope entered a RM with Parma and sent a letter of encouragement to Tuscany (-1 to +6)
During May Spain annexed the Aztec Empire while Russia annexed Kazan.
On July 1 there was a scandal at court. As near as I could gather it involved some young men of the cloth, several Gypsies and a donkey. As God is my witness that is all I know. Honest. Suffice to say it would probably damage the Pope's diplomatic credibility. The following day, as if God had wished to divert attention from the Papacy, Poland-Lithuania (Persia) declared war on the Teutonic Order (Prussia).
By August I discovered I was much mistaken. Rome had become the centre of diplomatic activity instead of a pariah. Leaders from around the world came to visit. It is as if the incident had increased the Pope's popularity. (Sp.Event)
From August - September the Teutonic Order gained victory over Poland-Lithuania in Welikia and laid siege to Velikije Luki with 23000 men. Prussia defeated Poland-Lithuania in Danzig while losing a naval engagement in the Baltic Sea. The Order followed with another victory over Poland-Lithuania in Belarus. A Poland-Lithuanian force of 11000 laid siege to Konigsberg.
In October Prussia defeated a Polish-Lithuanian army in Posen and laid siege to the city with 43000 men, while the Order continued with their string of victories by defeating Poland-Lithuania again in both Belarus and Welikia. A Polish-Lithuanian relief force was crushed by the Prussians besieging Posen. I am sure Poland-Lithuania was beginning to regret their declaration of war.
In November the Russian Coalition (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan) declared war on Denmark. Talk about opportunistic. Georgia once again dishonoured the agreement with Russia. On December 11
Velikije Luki fell to the Teutonic Order.
Jan 1537
Treasury: 280d. There was one outstanding quality that I admired in Pope Paulus III. It was his determination. He realized the Church was in need of change and he had begun the groundwork almost as soon as he took office. As expected there was much opposition, but time would tell if he would come out on top.
In early January Russia defeated a Danish force in Ingermanland, but passed up a siege opportunity. The Order laid siege to Tula with 28000 men.
On February 1 Oman and Algiers signed a White Peace. To be honest, I had forgotten about that war. There had been enough local excitement to track. On the 3rd Tula fell to the Order. It appeared to this humble scribe that Poland-Lithuania had attempted to buy too many goats with too few ducats.
In March the Pope sent another letter of friendship to Tuscany (+7 - +12) while Denmark requested entrance to the Hanseatic Alliance (Pommerania, Portugal, Brandenburg, Hanover). Somehow I doubt these countries would aid Denmark in the current war. A Russian/Pskov force of 23000 men besieged Kexholm in Karelia.
Karelia fell to Russia on April 11 and 18000 Knights of the Teutonic Order besieged Belarus. Konigsberg was reinforced to 53000 Polish-Lithuanians as they continued their investment of that city. To date it was their only operation to show any success.
On June 16 16000 Russians laid siege to Olofsborg in Savolaks while the Danish provinces of Bergslagen and Vastergotland fell to Rebel Scum. Things were looking rotten for Denmark
During the month of August Prussia captured Posen then burned and looted their way through Mazovia before entering Lithuania. A flotilla of 92 Turkish ships was sighted in the Bay of Naples while the Russians defeated a Danish army in Nyland and laid siege to Viborg.
In September the Turkish fleet destroyed their Genoese counterpart in the Ligurian Sea. An invasion appeared certain. Pskov captured Vasa in Osterbotten from the Danes and The Prussians besieged Vilnius in Lithuania.
On October 16 Olofsborg in Savolaks fell to the Russians while the Turkish fleet unexpectedly turned about for home. In November Viborg in Nyland fell to the Russian juggernaut and in December Russia/Pskov invaded and captured Tavastehus. It appeared Danish resistance had vanished.
Jan 1538
Treasury: 307d. As had become customary on the first day of each new year another country converted to the Protestant religion. Hessen left the Catholic fold, while her allies, Saxony and Kleves, became former allies. It was hard to understand about Kleves, as they had turned Protestant themselves not too long ago. A warm letter of philosophical dialogue was well received by Cosimo I of Tuscany, greatly improving relations (+12 - +29). I believe the Pope would soon speak to them about a possible marriage arrangement to improve relations further.
In the month of January Russia began the siege of Abo in Finland while the Genoese fleet suffered a defeat on The Barbery Coast to a Turkish/Hafsid contingent. Belarus fell to the Teutonic Order and Poland-Lithuania finally sued for peace. The price for this peace was high as the Teutonic Order received both Belarus and Welikia in settlement. The less said about Poland-Lithuania's disastrous war effort the better.
It was the first of February and I could not truly believe this. I had the messenger repeat it three times. Russia and Denmark had made peace, with Russia receiving the province of Samara and 81d in largesse. Only one territory? The Russian juggernaut must have been into the cheap vodka. They had the Danes by the... nose. I must put that down in the category of 'What were they thinking?'
In May England joined the Hanseatic Alliance (Pommerania, Portugal, Brandenburg, Hanover, Denmark) while in August another Turkish fleet of some 57 ships was sighted in the Bay of Naples. A small Genoese fleet was sunk intercepting them. This led to the September invasion of Parma by a Turkish army of 25000 men. They were engaged by the Parmese army of 73000 and after nine days of maneuvers and skirmishing, the Turkish force was thrown back into the sea with heavy losses.
In November Spain declared war on the Incan Empire. I am not sure if these Incans practiced human sacrifice like the Aztecs. Perhaps the entire New World practiced human sacrifice. I know people who I wouldn't mind practicing human... Lord forgive these wicked thoughts of your humble servant. I must cross myself. The Turks landed another 12000 men on the beaches of Parma but were defeated by 55000 soldiers of the Parmese army. It appeared to this humble scribe that the Turkish commanders had definite trouble co-ordinating attacks.
Jan 1539
Treasury: 335d. A new year and Holy of Holys, no country had switched to the Protestant faith. Did I say faith? I meant heresy! I must erase this entry... His Holiness continued to curry favour with Tuscany (+29 - +43), while the Turkish war against our Italian compatriots had gone into its 8th year.
On January 16 Russia (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan) declared war on the Teutonic Order. Both Georgia and Prussia dishonoured their respective allies, and in February the Pope finally arranged a RM with Tuscany (+43 - +58)
In March Russia laid siege to Welikia with 19500 men and in June the Incan Empire settled with Spain, paying 250d and relinquishing control of Moqega, wherever the heck that was.
On September 27 Crimea (Astrakhan) declared war on Russia (Venice, Hungary, Pskov, Milan). Once again Georgia dishonoured the treaty. If anything, at least they were consistent. In November 11000 soldiers of the Teutonic army laid siege to Pskov.
Eastern Europe circa 1538
http://members.home.net/mrbrucedurham/papal_graphics/1538_feb9.jpg
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Nice AAR -- even if you should be, uhm... punished!
Nice handle too (even if it should be Durham jr.). You can take heart that the people of that county have stayed true to the faith... although HVIII is likely to pressure them into converting to the heresy...
Keep it up...
Cheers!
My apologies Lord D, I had forgotten to check in for a few days. The long weekend must have addled my brain. I've just spent a half hour catching up on the exploits of your various popes (they do get invested at an old age and then promptly die off don't they?), and am enjoying the AAR. Brother Gregory (introduced as the new narrator at the start of page 2) seems to have a more polished style than his predecessor, something that suggests that you are now taking notes...
A few comments:
I've noticed this AI defect as well...anyone else have their fingers hovering over the Pause button to start each new year and perform a flurry of activities?
Finally,
!!!!!!! Do I smell heresy in the Papal court? Can you have a Pope who isn't Catholic? That would be fun...
Keep it up Lord D,
Vimy.
A few comments:
Yes, I thought so too and am glad that I beat you, Simon M, and our other fellow Canadians (sorry Ariel, New Englanders) to it.
Nearly fell off my chair laughing at that one...can I use it in conversation?
AND
I've noticed this AI defect as well...anyone else have their fingers hovering over the Pause button to start each new year and perform a flurry of activities?
Finally,
!!!!!!!
Do I smell heresy in the Papal court? Can you have a Pope who isn't Catholic? That would be fun...Keep it up Lord D,
Vimy.
More good writing
Lord Durham,
After reading your contributions to the 'chamberpot' incident, I looked forward to this AAR... not a dissappointment at all. I like the reactive approach as opposed to powermongering.
Now, I just need to stop reading AARs and write my own!
Lord Durham,
After reading your contributions to the 'chamberpot' incident, I looked forward to this AAR... not a dissappointment at all.
I like the reactive approach as opposed to powermongering.Now, I just need to stop reading AARs and write my own!
Great stuff. I am enjoying it. Got to admit, I don't know if I have the patience to worry about all the historical tidbits, rather than just weave a tale using the game as it flows.
Woo - Hooo! Feedback. I live for feedback. Actually, I live for a few other things, but you know what I mean.
SimonM: Glad you like it. Punished? I live in a world of puns, sarcasm and groaners. Sorry, there's more to come As for Durham jr., watch your tongue, sirrah! I'll have you know I come from a long lineage that goes back to at least this morning.
Vimy: Welcome back. Do I call you Mr.Ridge? I have to say I'm impressed, you even dissected this sucker with the Doctor Dee dissection kit. Just for that you can use that particular line in question as often as you want. Actually, the line I am most proud of was a double-entendre on page 1 of the thread. As for Brother Gregory; you mentioned notes. Are we supposed to take notes?
GX-Rik: Thank you so much. If it takes the 'chamberpot' to bring people here to read this then so-be-it, I say. I'm glad you like the approach. Truth is, if I tried powermongering I'd probably be kicked all the way over to Hamilton... Canada. Not pretty
Forster: Glad you're enjoying this. I'm finding the 'historical embellishments' to be as much fun as the game. It gives me a chance to use some of the totally useless knowledge I've had bottled up inside me for years. That and a stack of military history books help out.
Speaking of historical tidbits, I'm close to adding a twist to the story-telling in the next couple of days. I'd be really interested to hear everybodies comments.
SimonM: Glad you like it. Punished? I live in a world of puns, sarcasm and groaners. Sorry, there's more to come
As for Durham jr., watch your tongue, sirrah! I'll have you know I come from a long lineage that goes back to at least this morning.Vimy: Welcome back. Do I call you Mr.Ridge? I have to say I'm impressed, you even dissected this sucker with the Doctor Dee dissection kit. Just for that you can use that particular line in question as often as you want. Actually, the line I am most proud of was a double-entendre on page 1 of the thread. As for Brother Gregory; you mentioned notes. Are we supposed to take notes?
GX-Rik: Thank you so much. If it takes the 'chamberpot' to bring people here to read this then so-be-it, I say. I'm glad you like the approach. Truth is, if I tried powermongering I'd probably be kicked all the way over to Hamilton... Canada. Not pretty
Forster: Glad you're enjoying this. I'm finding the 'historical embellishments' to be as much fun as the game. It gives me a chance to use some of the totally useless knowledge I've had bottled up inside me for years. That and a stack of military history books help out.
Speaking of historical tidbits, I'm close to adding a twist to the story-telling in the next couple of days. I'd be really interested to hear everybodies comments.
Calm Amidst the Storm - The Madness Spreads: 1540 - 1549
Jan 1540
Treasury: 365d. The exchange of letters with Tuscany continued (+58 - + 69). In September of this year Pope Paulus III approved the charter for a new religious order founded by one Ignatius of Loyola. Little did His Holiness realize how large and how important this Jesuit order would become.
From March to April the Teutonic Order won victories over Pskov in Livonia and Pskov. The siege of Pskov continued. On June 11 Crimea won a naval action in the Cyclades against a Venetian fleet.
On July 1 the Teutonic Order brought Pskov to her knees, forcing a peace and collecting 158d in indemnities. During the month of August a most strange piece of luck aided the Order. Peasants in Welikia revolted and were brutally put down by the Russian occupation force. Immediately after that the Teutonic Order marched in and defeated the weakened Russian army, effectively raising the siege of Welikia.
The final week of September saw the Russians suffer two humiliating defeats at the hands of the Order in Tver despite outnumbering their opponent 6-1. An army of 12000 Teutons laid siege to Narva in Ingermanland. In October 32000 Crimean/Astrakhani soldiers besieged Tambow, while a Pskov army of 6000 men besieged the Crimean city of Ufa in Kujbyschew.
On December 7 Tambow fell to the Crimeans who celebrated by defeating a Venetian navy in the Sea of Marmora. A day later Pskov and Crimea reached an agreement returning to Status Quo.
Jan 1541
Treasury: 392d. The conversion lull was over as Pommerania switched to the Protestant religion and found themselves immediately expelled by the Hanseatic Alliance. This was strange since the Hanseatics were also Protestant. I got a headache trying to figure out a trend here.
On March 30 Narva in Ingermanland was captured by the Teutonic Order and in April Crimea/Astrakhan laid siege to both Lipetsk and Kazan.
By May the Russian army had regrouped and driven the Order out of Ingermanland, assaulting Narva and retaking the city in a matter of days. The Crimeans defeated a Russian army in Vorones on June 26. Not to be deterred the Russians once again laid siege to Velikije Luki in Welikia.
In August Pommerania was readmitted to the Hanseatic Alliance and Georgia was back with the Russian Coalition.
Jan 1542
Treasury: 444d. Saxony turned Protestant and Mary rose to the throne of Scotland. No, these events were not related.
In January the Teutonic Order raised the siege of Velikije Luki by routing the Russian army and by February Lipetsk had fallen to Astrakhan. In March Russia defeated a Crimean army in Vorones and in turn was defeated by the Order in Moscow.
On June 4 the Pope renewed their RM with Genoa. In September the governors reported exceptional harvests which they predicted would double taxes for the next 12 months. (Special Event)
On October 2 Russia liberated Lipetsk from the Astrakhanis.
Jan 1543
Treasury: 501d. The war between Parma, Genoa and the Infidels continued with minor naval skirmishes and haphazard assaults by the Turks, Algerians and Hafsids on Christian soil. The landings had so far amounted to nothing more than mere annoyance to the Christians. One wondered when this senseless conflict would end. The Pope traveled to Paris to renew a RM with France.
In March a White Peace was signed between Turkey, the Hafsid Empire and Oman after 3 years of inactivity, thus closing the door on a war that saw little action.
Pope Paulus III made diplomatic overtures in April to the Teutonic Order about an alliance but was rejected. Later that month the Infidel appeared to change strategies when 10300 soldiers of the Hafsid Empire invaded Corsica and besieged the city of Bastia. By the end of the month Astrakhan had taken Samara from the Russians.
In July Tver fell to the Teutonic Order while the Hafsid's mysteriously abandoned their siege of Bastia. By August the Order had moved out of Tver, allowing the Russians to reoccupy and besiege the city once more. On November 29 Lipetsk fell to the combined armies of Crimea/Astrakhan.
Jan 1544
Treasury: 564d. January marked a break in the Long War with the Infidel. Genoa and the Hafsid Empire made peace with Genoa paying 250d in war indemnities. The Pope renewed RMs with Poland-Lithuania, Austria and Bohemia. Relations with the Christians in Europe were very good, though I suspect the heathen was not too fond of the Pope and his rant about destroying the Infidel.
On April 3 Poland-Lithuania (Prussia, Persia) declared war on Pskov (Venice, Hungary, Russia). Georgia and Milan stayed home. As a result of the war with Poland-Lithuania, Russia settled with Astrakhan, giving possession of Samara as part of the peace settlement. Now she could concentrate on one enemy at a time.
After a relatively long period of domestic peace, the month of June found Pope Paulus III dealing with peasant revolts in Apulia, which he put down with minimal bloodshed. On the whole it appeared Naples and Apulia were closer to accepting the benevolent Papal rule. Good sheep.
In July Hungary defeated a Polish-Lithuanian army and besieged the city of Kassa in Carpathia. The Venetians scored two victories against Poland-Lithuania in Moldavia. On October 14 Russia captured Lipetsk from Crimea and on November 8 the Pope renewed the Papal alliance with France, Savoy, Bohemia and Bavaria.
Jan 1545
Treasury: 616d. The Teutonic Order switched to the Protestant heresy. Pope Paulus III renewed a RM with Hungary.
On January 12 Poland-Lithuania made peace with Venice, paying the Venetians 115d in damages. February 26 saw Lorraine become a vassal of Spain and on March 23 Tula fell to Russian/Pskov forces. Crimea gave Vorones to Russia in a peace treaty signed April 18 and on May 23 Poland-Lithuania made peace with Pskov, paying 64d in indemnities.
The month of June brought on another peasant revolt in Naples that was put down by the Papal army. Losses were high, and the Pope commissioned 3000 infantry as replacements. Bad sheep.
On September 9 Velikije Luki fell to the Russians.
December 13 marked the opening of the Council of Trent. Pope Paulus III had begun his mission to clarify church doctrine and enact reform where necessary. Many of the old guard was not pleased.
Jan 1546
Treasury: 633d. Bohemia converted to the Protestant heresy! What blasphemy! The Pope, in righteous anger, expelled them from the Papal alliance, though two months later he would invite them back. Papal expediency I believe was the way he explained it.
In June the Pope was informed that once again harvests were better than normal and he should expect yet another exceptional year. (Sp.Event)
On August 17 Russia captured Minsk in Belarus from the Teutonic Order while a day after the Venetians defeated a Teutonic invasion of Corfu.
Russia and the Teutonic Order ceased hostilities on September 4, though it was costly to the Order. They had to give up Belarus and Welikia to the Russian bear.
Jan 1547
Treasury: 694d. The Pope renewed RMs with Navarra and Venice, but Spain refused a marriage arrangement. I was not overly surprised, since Papal expansion had been at the expense of Spanish territory. However a fellow Brother poignantly summed it up as 'sour grapes'. The beginning of the year saw a grand undertaking. Pope Paulus III, with backing of the merchant guilds had secured a loan and together with money from the Papal treasury authorised construction of a Refinery in Naples.
Jan 1, 1548
Treasury: 64d. A relatively new player on the religion front, who had been causing trouble in Geneva since 1534, was Jean Calvin. His 'Calvinism' would cause the Pope further headaches. Scotland converted to Protestantism, while the Spanish holdings of Flandres, Zeeland, The Hague, Freisen and Holland became Reformed Catholics. A man almost needed a scorecard to keep track of all these religious happenings.
By the beginning of February Spain was having nothing but trouble with the new religion as Zeeland, The Hague and Freisen revolted against King Carlos I.
On June 1 Russia (Venice, Hungary) declared war on Denmark, with Georgia declining as usual. After the Russian/Danish war of 1536-1538 it would be interesting to see if Russia had developed a 'killer instinct'. If anything, she certainly had a penchant for war.
At the start of July England declared war on Scotland (Teutonic Order) while the old Hanseatic Alliance completely disintegrated. The Hanseatic League joined Denmark and Pommerania joined the Teutonic Order (Scotland). Portugal formed an alliance with two unknown (to this author) powers: Mysore and Hyderabad. Hanover joined Hessen (Saxony, Thuringen, Brandenburg) and England remained independent. By the end of July the English had taken Lothian from the Scots and laid siege to Edinburgh.
On September 2 the Spanish controlled city of Groningen in Freisen fell to Rebel Scum. Russia defeated a Danish army in Karelia and besieged Kexholm, while the Danish began a siege of Narva in Ingermanland.
On October 24 the Scots beat an English army in The Marches and laid siege to Newcastle.
The month of November saw Narva fall to Denmark and the Rebel Scum defeat a Spanish army in Zeeland. Revolt in the Spanish possessions spread to Holland.
Jan 1549
Treasury: 119d. The Palatinat and England switched from Protestantism to Reformed Protestantism. The Refinery was completed in Naples. There was much joy among the merchant class, let alone the nobility and the middle-class. Rome would soon become a major player in the wine industry. 'Papal's Own. We Serve no Wine Before its Time.'
In January Edinburgh fell to England and by March pressure from the English armies had forced Scotland to raise their siege of Newcastle in the Marches and retreat to Strathclyde. On May 27 Scotland was forced to turn over Strathclyde to gain peace with the English. Spain annexed the Incan Empire.
In June the Pope renewed a RM with Portugal while trouble for the Spaniard continued as Flandres fell to Rebel Scum. On August 3 the Russians captured Narva in Ingermanland while the Danish besieged Kargopol in Onega.
Not surprisingly the Netherlands declared independence from Spain on September 1 and promptly went to war against their former masters. Lorraine sided with Spain, but Cologne, Navarra and The Palatinat declined to get involved. The Pope was forced to suspend the Council of Trent on Sept. 17 due to 'outside forces'. Nevertheless, much progress was achieved with the reform of the Church's teachings and discipline. Unfortunately, 'outside forces' proved to be of far more importance.
Jan 1540
Treasury: 365d. The exchange of letters with Tuscany continued (+58 - + 69). In September of this year Pope Paulus III approved the charter for a new religious order founded by one Ignatius of Loyola. Little did His Holiness realize how large and how important this Jesuit order would become.
From March to April the Teutonic Order won victories over Pskov in Livonia and Pskov. The siege of Pskov continued. On June 11 Crimea won a naval action in the Cyclades against a Venetian fleet.
On July 1 the Teutonic Order brought Pskov to her knees, forcing a peace and collecting 158d in indemnities. During the month of August a most strange piece of luck aided the Order. Peasants in Welikia revolted and were brutally put down by the Russian occupation force. Immediately after that the Teutonic Order marched in and defeated the weakened Russian army, effectively raising the siege of Welikia.
The final week of September saw the Russians suffer two humiliating defeats at the hands of the Order in Tver despite outnumbering their opponent 6-1. An army of 12000 Teutons laid siege to Narva in Ingermanland. In October 32000 Crimean/Astrakhani soldiers besieged Tambow, while a Pskov army of 6000 men besieged the Crimean city of Ufa in Kujbyschew.
On December 7 Tambow fell to the Crimeans who celebrated by defeating a Venetian navy in the Sea of Marmora. A day later Pskov and Crimea reached an agreement returning to Status Quo.
Jan 1541
Treasury: 392d. The conversion lull was over as Pommerania switched to the Protestant religion and found themselves immediately expelled by the Hanseatic Alliance. This was strange since the Hanseatics were also Protestant. I got a headache trying to figure out a trend here.
On March 30 Narva in Ingermanland was captured by the Teutonic Order and in April Crimea/Astrakhan laid siege to both Lipetsk and Kazan.
By May the Russian army had regrouped and driven the Order out of Ingermanland, assaulting Narva and retaking the city in a matter of days. The Crimeans defeated a Russian army in Vorones on June 26. Not to be deterred the Russians once again laid siege to Velikije Luki in Welikia.
In August Pommerania was readmitted to the Hanseatic Alliance and Georgia was back with the Russian Coalition.
Jan 1542
Treasury: 444d. Saxony turned Protestant and Mary rose to the throne of Scotland. No, these events were not related.
In January the Teutonic Order raised the siege of Velikije Luki by routing the Russian army and by February Lipetsk had fallen to Astrakhan. In March Russia defeated a Crimean army in Vorones and in turn was defeated by the Order in Moscow.
On June 4 the Pope renewed their RM with Genoa. In September the governors reported exceptional harvests which they predicted would double taxes for the next 12 months. (Special Event)
On October 2 Russia liberated Lipetsk from the Astrakhanis.
Jan 1543
Treasury: 501d. The war between Parma, Genoa and the Infidels continued with minor naval skirmishes and haphazard assaults by the Turks, Algerians and Hafsids on Christian soil. The landings had so far amounted to nothing more than mere annoyance to the Christians. One wondered when this senseless conflict would end. The Pope traveled to Paris to renew a RM with France.
In March a White Peace was signed between Turkey, the Hafsid Empire and Oman after 3 years of inactivity, thus closing the door on a war that saw little action.
Pope Paulus III made diplomatic overtures in April to the Teutonic Order about an alliance but was rejected. Later that month the Infidel appeared to change strategies when 10300 soldiers of the Hafsid Empire invaded Corsica and besieged the city of Bastia. By the end of the month Astrakhan had taken Samara from the Russians.
In July Tver fell to the Teutonic Order while the Hafsid's mysteriously abandoned their siege of Bastia. By August the Order had moved out of Tver, allowing the Russians to reoccupy and besiege the city once more. On November 29 Lipetsk fell to the combined armies of Crimea/Astrakhan.
Jan 1544
Treasury: 564d. January marked a break in the Long War with the Infidel. Genoa and the Hafsid Empire made peace with Genoa paying 250d in war indemnities. The Pope renewed RMs with Poland-Lithuania, Austria and Bohemia. Relations with the Christians in Europe were very good, though I suspect the heathen was not too fond of the Pope and his rant about destroying the Infidel.
On April 3 Poland-Lithuania (Prussia, Persia) declared war on Pskov (Venice, Hungary, Russia). Georgia and Milan stayed home. As a result of the war with Poland-Lithuania, Russia settled with Astrakhan, giving possession of Samara as part of the peace settlement. Now she could concentrate on one enemy at a time.
After a relatively long period of domestic peace, the month of June found Pope Paulus III dealing with peasant revolts in Apulia, which he put down with minimal bloodshed. On the whole it appeared Naples and Apulia were closer to accepting the benevolent Papal rule. Good sheep.
In July Hungary defeated a Polish-Lithuanian army and besieged the city of Kassa in Carpathia. The Venetians scored two victories against Poland-Lithuania in Moldavia. On October 14 Russia captured Lipetsk from Crimea and on November 8 the Pope renewed the Papal alliance with France, Savoy, Bohemia and Bavaria.
Jan 1545
Treasury: 616d. The Teutonic Order switched to the Protestant heresy. Pope Paulus III renewed a RM with Hungary.
On January 12 Poland-Lithuania made peace with Venice, paying the Venetians 115d in damages. February 26 saw Lorraine become a vassal of Spain and on March 23 Tula fell to Russian/Pskov forces. Crimea gave Vorones to Russia in a peace treaty signed April 18 and on May 23 Poland-Lithuania made peace with Pskov, paying 64d in indemnities.
The month of June brought on another peasant revolt in Naples that was put down by the Papal army. Losses were high, and the Pope commissioned 3000 infantry as replacements. Bad sheep.
On September 9 Velikije Luki fell to the Russians.
December 13 marked the opening of the Council of Trent. Pope Paulus III had begun his mission to clarify church doctrine and enact reform where necessary. Many of the old guard was not pleased.
Jan 1546
Treasury: 633d. Bohemia converted to the Protestant heresy! What blasphemy! The Pope, in righteous anger, expelled them from the Papal alliance, though two months later he would invite them back. Papal expediency I believe was the way he explained it.
In June the Pope was informed that once again harvests were better than normal and he should expect yet another exceptional year. (Sp.Event)
On August 17 Russia captured Minsk in Belarus from the Teutonic Order while a day after the Venetians defeated a Teutonic invasion of Corfu.
Russia and the Teutonic Order ceased hostilities on September 4, though it was costly to the Order. They had to give up Belarus and Welikia to the Russian bear.
Jan 1547
Treasury: 694d. The Pope renewed RMs with Navarra and Venice, but Spain refused a marriage arrangement. I was not overly surprised, since Papal expansion had been at the expense of Spanish territory. However a fellow Brother poignantly summed it up as 'sour grapes'. The beginning of the year saw a grand undertaking. Pope Paulus III, with backing of the merchant guilds had secured a loan and together with money from the Papal treasury authorised construction of a Refinery in Naples.
Jan 1, 1548
Treasury: 64d. A relatively new player on the religion front, who had been causing trouble in Geneva since 1534, was Jean Calvin. His 'Calvinism' would cause the Pope further headaches. Scotland converted to Protestantism, while the Spanish holdings of Flandres, Zeeland, The Hague, Freisen and Holland became Reformed Catholics. A man almost needed a scorecard to keep track of all these religious happenings.
By the beginning of February Spain was having nothing but trouble with the new religion as Zeeland, The Hague and Freisen revolted against King Carlos I.
On June 1 Russia (Venice, Hungary) declared war on Denmark, with Georgia declining as usual. After the Russian/Danish war of 1536-1538 it would be interesting to see if Russia had developed a 'killer instinct'. If anything, she certainly had a penchant for war.
At the start of July England declared war on Scotland (Teutonic Order) while the old Hanseatic Alliance completely disintegrated. The Hanseatic League joined Denmark and Pommerania joined the Teutonic Order (Scotland). Portugal formed an alliance with two unknown (to this author) powers: Mysore and Hyderabad. Hanover joined Hessen (Saxony, Thuringen, Brandenburg) and England remained independent. By the end of July the English had taken Lothian from the Scots and laid siege to Edinburgh.
On September 2 the Spanish controlled city of Groningen in Freisen fell to Rebel Scum. Russia defeated a Danish army in Karelia and besieged Kexholm, while the Danish began a siege of Narva in Ingermanland.
On October 24 the Scots beat an English army in The Marches and laid siege to Newcastle.
The month of November saw Narva fall to Denmark and the Rebel Scum defeat a Spanish army in Zeeland. Revolt in the Spanish possessions spread to Holland.
Jan 1549
Treasury: 119d. The Palatinat and England switched from Protestantism to Reformed Protestantism. The Refinery was completed in Naples. There was much joy among the merchant class, let alone the nobility and the middle-class. Rome would soon become a major player in the wine industry. 'Papal's Own. We Serve no Wine Before its Time.'
In January Edinburgh fell to England and by March pressure from the English armies had forced Scotland to raise their siege of Newcastle in the Marches and retreat to Strathclyde. On May 27 Scotland was forced to turn over Strathclyde to gain peace with the English. Spain annexed the Incan Empire.
In June the Pope renewed a RM with Portugal while trouble for the Spaniard continued as Flandres fell to Rebel Scum. On August 3 the Russians captured Narva in Ingermanland while the Danish besieged Kargopol in Onega.
Not surprisingly the Netherlands declared independence from Spain on September 1 and promptly went to war against their former masters. Lorraine sided with Spain, but Cologne, Navarra and The Palatinat declined to get involved. The Pope was forced to suspend the Council of Trent on Sept. 17 due to 'outside forces'. Nevertheless, much progress was achieved with the reform of the Church's teachings and discipline. Unfortunately, 'outside forces' proved to be of far more importance.
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Lord D: a nice quiet period for the Papacy, but I’m worried that you’re not expanding your territory a bit more. It would be nice to see a couple of screenshots if possible, just to get a better idea of what surrounds you. Now, some feedback:
Hmmm...this sounds promising...when can we expect an update?
Odd behaviour from the AI, a "bug" no doubt.
And on a personal note:
I'm not sure about that: it sounds vaguely disgusting, but I promise not to take offence if you do. For those of you who are wondering what the quote above means, it is related to an earlier comment (on page 1 of this thread) made by Lord D that Vimy was a nice handle and a good piece of Canadian pride. The short explanation is that a famous battle of WWI was fought at Vimy Ridge in France: it was the first time in history that Canadian troops fought together as a Canadian army (as opposed to being integrated into the British army). I won't go into the details here, but any of you who are interested in a bit of history you can check out this link: http://www.fylde.demon.co.uk/vimy.htm
Thanks all, and keep up the good work Lord D!
Vimy.
Hmmm...this sounds promising...when can we expect an update?
Odd behaviour from the AI, a "bug" no doubt.
And on a personal note:
I'm not sure about that: it sounds vaguely disgusting, but I promise not to take offence if you do. For those of you who are wondering what the quote above means, it is related to an earlier comment (on page 1 of this thread) made by Lord D that Vimy was a nice handle and a good piece of Canadian pride. The short explanation is that a famous battle of WWI was fought at Vimy Ridge in France: it was the first time in history that Canadian troops fought together as a Canadian army (as opposed to being integrated into the British army). I won't go into the details here, but any of you who are interested in a bit of history you can check out this link: http://www.fylde.demon.co.uk/vimy.htm
Thanks all, and keep up the good work Lord D!
Vimy.
Papal States?
I just bought EU and I cannot find any scenario that lets me play this country (or any other small country). What am I doing wrong?
I just bought EU and I cannot find any scenario that lets me play this country (or any other small country). What am I doing wrong?
Hawes: under scenarios (top of screen), on the right hand side, you will see some downloads. A couple of them refer to IGC and/or Improved Grand Campaign. Warning: a number of posts in the Support and FAQ sections report major problems running the IGC, so I would read up on before installing if I were you.
Vimy.
Vimy.
Re: Papal States?
Nothing - you need to
EITHER
(a) download the IGC (Improved Grand Campaign) from the scenario forum or depot- this has a configuration file that allows one to chop and change which countries other than the default ones are playable.
OR
(b) do it the hard way - instructions can be found in the FAQ forum (look for keywords like "Playing as a minor", "minors" etc.)
Write on one side of the paper only, calculators may be used.
Zagloba
(incidentally, His Lordship is using method A).
Nothing - you need to
EITHER
(a) download the IGC (Improved Grand Campaign) from the scenario forum or depot- this has a configuration file that allows one to chop and change which countries other than the default ones are playable.
OR
(b) do it the hard way - instructions can be found in the FAQ forum (look for keywords like "Playing as a minor", "minors" etc.)
Write on one side of the paper only, calculators may be used.
Zagloba
(incidentally, His Lordship is using method A).
This is wonderful fun
Having just purchased EU I have thrown myself into reading AARs because I feel it will help me get a better feel fro the game and I must say yours is one of the finest. Keep up the good work (especially the Historical Flourishes).
Having just purchased EU I have thrown myself into reading AARs because I feel it will help me get a better feel fro the game and I must say yours is one of the finest. Keep up the good work (especially the Historical Flourishes).