The Republic of Genoa. A community AAR

[Grauuu]

I've always wanted to do an AAR like this, but never really got around to actually get one started, until now that is.
Hopefully, I will be able to stay with this AAR till the end, but I can't guarantee anything. Also, I'm no a very good writer, but hopefully this won't be too bad.

Right, so on about the concept of this AAR.
I've always wanted to play a republic in CK. This is the closest I will get, and the system I'll use, will hopefully work alright.

So, to give an example how it works: It's election time again and Genoa has two vassals. The ruler of Genoa itself has a personal demense of 3 provinces. The candidates will then be put forward for all of you to vote on, and the winner of the election will be granted one more province and thus be first in the succesion line. I will then load up as the new ruler, use the 'die' command on the current ruler of Genoa and play on as a new guy.
You don't have to sign up to vote, you can jump in at any time!

Each character will have different goals, depending on his family and traits.
Say, the Guistianno family want to expand through Tunisia, so a member of that family will focus on that.
If the ruler has certain traits, I'll try to put that into use too. A selfish character will want to keep a larger demense himself, and if he has to give lands, he will grant them to some from his family, a Zealous character will be more focused on fighting muslims/pagans, and a just character will be more willing to grant power to other families and share the land.

I will be playing CK 1.05, normal/coward

Right then, that should pretty much sum it up, the first update will just be about the situation, the year is 1089, and it's time for the first election, so on with the AAR!
__________________________________________________


The Republic of Genoa is a small, but growing power, situated on the Italian peninsular. It has been part of the german kingdom for several years now, but that might change, should they grow powerful enough.
Since 1066, it has went on an offensive, conquering the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The fast conquest would ruin the reputation of the small republic, and for over twenty years, it has stayed passive.

The Kingdom of Germany had recently had problems, with many dukes and counts revolting against the rule of the Franken family. The Duchy of Tuscana was the first to revolt, and fall, and the Kingdom is mostly intact for now, and the king has taken advantage of this situation to get a large amount of land for himself. The count of Monferatto, Guiglielmo di Montferratto, has joined Genoa, and, along with two other nobles, is among the candidates for a new ruler.

Meanwhile, in Spain, the muslims has taken over, and the last kingdom standing, Navarra, has been reduced to a small part of the coast at Barcelona, and it's heartland at the border of France.

In Italy, the situation is looking like this:

(Note: Genoa is part of the Kingdom of Germany)
Light blue: Smaller, independent states.
Pink: Empire of Byzantium

As you can see, the Republic is of a decent size. It's main enemies in the area could be, depending on the next ruler, Pisa, Apulia, the arabians of Sicily or Spain, or even Germany itself.

It is now time to vote for the next ruler, starting from 1080, the one chosen will rule for 15 years, then a new will have to be voted in. After serving as ruler, one must step back from all positions of power(this explains the 'die' part).


So, the first candidates for the republic will be:



Pancrazio Guistiniano, son of the current ruler.

The Guistiniano's seek to expand southwards, towards Sicily and the North African coast. This will probadly mean conflict with the arabians, the duchy of Apulia and maybe even the Kingdom of Sweden, who holds a major part of the lands in Tunisia.
Pancrazio is a very pious ruler, and will avoid conflict with other Catholic nations if possible. He will do anything to smite the heathens, and may even join the crusade against the arabians in Egypt.
He is in support of having Germany as a protector of the republic.



Gerolamo de Sanseverino, son of a respected merchant(later count).

The de Sanseverino family is Italian by heart, and wishes to stay that way. This means that he will focus mainly on Italian lands, and expand around the capital. This will probadly cause conflicts with Germany, Pisa and the Duchy of Swabia. While Gerolamo is still a child, it will only be a year before he is ready to take control fully himself.
He is a just and forgiving person, willing to grant power to other families, and he does not hold grudges against other rulers.
He is against having Germany as a protector of the republic.



Guiglielmo di Montferratto, son of the former count of Monferrato.

His family seeks to expand power by going westward, towards Provence and the Spanish eastern coast. This will probadly cause conflict with Germany, France and the arabians of the Iberian continent (who are mostly united).
He is cowardly, thus not willing to go into battle himself, but let others do the dirty work for him. Should he end up in a battle, he might retreat even if winning is possible.
He is against having Germany as a protector of the republic, and will do anything to make Genoa fully indepent(meaning drastic measures).



The voting can begin now, may the best candidate win!

________________

Wow, that was one heck of a long post, hope it's not too boring, and it doesn't matter much if you don't read the whole post, but just the bit about the candidates, I need votes!

 

[IamWhoa]

Sounds like fun! I'll go with Pancrazio Guistiniano. Maybe since Germany is still cohesive, Genoa should keep out of trouble with it.

 

[Eöl]

I hope you'll cut out your own nation that isn't Italy, France or Germany and survive into EU3 so you can become a Grand Colonial power.
Good luck Genoa.

 

[Artell]

I like the idea, even though it seems like a bit of a hassle to have to change dynasties all the time.

However, since we're going this way, we definitely shouldn't try to create a dynasty by making the current ruler's son the next ruler! That'd be monarchism! We should go with experience and guile, and thus I support Giuglielmo di Montferratto. That and we'll be able to tear away from Germany and forge our own destiny!

 

[Klavo Hunter]

Trying to break with the Holy Roman Empire when it is still yet strong and stable is impossible. It is a worthy goal and a necessary one, but it is one that is best attained in Genoa's future, when we are much stronger, and the Empire much weaker!

For the moment, we should expand our domains upon the rich trade of the Mediterranean - Sicily is held by the heathen Muslim, yet Sicily is as Italian as we are - The peasants would gladly accept our rule. The Duchy of Apulia can be kicked out of their Sicilian foothold at the soonest suitable time, of course.

Therefore, I vote Pancrazio Guistiniano, and urge you all to do so as well!

We should also remind our friends the de Sanseverinos that they are not forgotten either, and we must also at the same time erect grand fortifications around our capital. We will expand in Italy one day, and we will remember how you supported us now, when it comes to vote you into power when the time is right.

Guiglielmo di Montferratto is a coward who brings shame to his family, and is not even worthy of my consideration.

 

[unmerged(81763)]

I concur with KlavoHunter, Pancrazio Guistiniano it must be!

 

[unmerged(137173)]

I really like the concept you have going here! Best of luck in the campaign.

Very sharp looking map as well

My vote goes to Pancrazio Guistiniano!

 

[Grauuu]

Thanks a lot for the support, hopefully I can keep this running and interestesting, but I somehow doubt it


I have spotted some mistakes made in the former update. The Duchy of Swabia should be named Duchy of Kärnten on the map, and the first election was in 1090, not 1080. That was all I spotted so far, there's probadly some more.o

Anyway, on with the next update!

___________________________________


On January the first, 1090, Pancrazio Giustiniano became the ruler of the Republic of Genoa. He had gained a large majority in the council, as most seemed to support him and his goal against Sicily. He promised to strike down on the Arabians as soon as he had the chance.

A year later, in March, Pancrazio declared war upon the Sheikdom of Trapani, and withing days, a large force had landed on the shores of Sicily. They easily crushed the tiny army of the Sheikdom and took over the city.

Two years later, Pancrazio moved onwards towards both Palermo and Agrigento, and in less than four months, both cities were declared a part of the Geonese Republic.

The last sheikdom of Sicily were conquered in 1098, when Pancrazio declared a personal crusade to free Sicily from any non-catholic power.
After a brief battle, the city was conquered, and Pancrazio now focused on converting the population of Sicily to catholicism.

In 1099, it was declared that the Sicilian population was now part of the Catholic world, and it was only their culture, that did not please Pancrazio. Except for Siracusa, which were largely Greek, Sicily had adopted the Arabian culture.

Pancrazio Guistiniano used his final five years as ruler, to improve the economy, with a large shipyard being built in Genoa.

The Republic and it's surroundings before the election.(I'll make a new map for the next update, I promise!)
(Light blue: Smaller indepent states)

Germany has remained largely intact since the large election, only losing Tirol.
At the same time, the Germans have seized a small amount of Egypt, during the recent crusade, where the French took over Jerusalem, still holding it to this day.

Spain has been lost to the muslims, but they are splintered between several factions, the Emirate of Granada being the largest.

While France has been successful in the recent Crusade, they have been attacked on the home front by muslims, arriving in southern France via Spain.
It remains mostly intact, having lost only a few major cities.



Now that the year was 1105, it it time for another election, and five candidates has decided to run for this election, each with their own goals. The big topic this year is the amount of power the church should have.


Candido Giustiniano, the bastard brother of the current ruler, Pancrazio.

Being part of the Giustiniano family, he wishes to proceed in the same way as Pancrazio has. He is known to be a brutal, selfish ruler, who would like to keep the land for himself, or if he has to, his family. He is also known to be willing to use assassins to murder his rivals.
He will most likely have conflicts with Sweden, the Arabians of North Africa and Apulia.
He believes the church should have less power, than it does now(He wants Regal Supremacy).
He is in support of having Germany as a protector of the republic.


Corrado Giustiniano, the brother of the current ruler, Pancrazio.

Being part of the Giustiniano family, he wishes to proceed in the same way as Pancrazio has. He is a modest, honest person, making him look like a weak person, and as such, people respect him less.
He will most likely have conflicts with Sweden, the Arabians of North Africa and Apulia.
He believes the church should have a lot of power, as it does now(He wants Church Supremacy).
He is in support of having Germany as a protector of the republic.


Gerolamo de Sanseverino, son of a respected merchant(later count).

Despite losing the last election, Gerolamo is back, this time no longer a kid.
The de Sanseverino family is Italian by heart, and wishes to stay that way. This means that he will focus mainly on Italian lands, and expand around the capital. This will probadly cause conflicts with Germany, Pisa and the Duchy of Kärnten.
He is a just and forgiving person, willing to grant power to other families, and he does not hold grudges against other rulers.
He believes the church should hold a small amount of power(He wants Ecclesical Balance).
He is against having Germany as a protector of the republic.


Merigo del Carreto, a new rising power in politics.

The del Carreto family wants to liberate Spain from the Muslims. They are very economically focused, meaning many years of peace, where the republic will gain vast riches.
Merigo's personality involves being reckless and valorous, meaning he could make sudden decisions and charge head-first into a superior enemy.
He beliees the church should have slightly less power(He wants Monastic Supremacy).


Sebastiano di Montferratto, son of the former count of Montferrato.

Son of Guiglielmo from the last election.
His family seeks to expand power by going westward, towards Provence and the Spanish eastern coast. This will probadly cause conflict with Germany, France and the arabians of the Iberian continent.
He is wise and deceitful, meaning that he is able to know which targets he has a chance against, and who to murder, without causing a crisis.
He believes the church should hold a small amount of power(He wants Ecclesical Balance).
He is against having Germany as a protector of the republic, and will take drastic measures to ensure Genoa will be fully independent.


The candidates have been put forward, you may cast your votes!

 

[unmerged(81763)]

Gerolamo de Sanseverino!

Now that Sicily has been subdued I think we should focus on Italian lands.

Crush Pisa!

 

[Artell]

I will vote frivolously for Corrado Giustiniano, just because he might have conflicts with Sweden and I like the idea of a Genovese-Swedish war.

 

[Eöl]

Corrado! Down with Swedish Africa!

 

[unmerged(104088)]

Gerolama!

 

[Teep]

I think i'll go with Candido, a lot of intrigue could be very interesting.

 

[Klavo Hunter]

Candido Giustiniano is without a doubt the man of the hour - it is he who should lead Genoa through its next 15 years. He is no great friend of the Church, which is for the best - It is WE who should be the supreme power in Genoa, not the Pope.

North Africa is laid barer than ever against the might of Europe - with control of Sicily, and our new shipyard in our capital, we must strike while the iron is hot! Genoa's fleet shall be the pride of the Mediterranean, and with it, we will solidify our control over the area. Tripoli is a rich city, is it not? We should make it the capital of our North African possessions.

If the Duchy of Apulia stands in our way, Candido has the answer firmly in hand - his assassins can wreak such a bloody reign of terror throughout Apulia's nobility that the nation will collapse into endless revolts over succession, neutralizing them before we take the last land in Sicily by force.

We can wait to fight Sweden, until the time is right. After all, if we plug the Straits of Gibraltar with our mighty fleet, the Swedes should be helpless to reinforce Tunisia.


The loss of Tirol is merely but the first crack in mighty Germany - we will continue to smile to their faces, but when the day comes that Germany is riven apart by strife, it will be Genoa's turn to be mighty. But that day is still not yet, my dear de Sanseverino friends - but it is approaching!


Fighting to the West against the Muslims in Iberia is a worthy goal for all of Christendom, but we lack the sheer manpower to fight such a war of religious liberation. No, we should let France and Germany exhaust themselves on the heathen

 

[Grauuu]

Alright, the first one to get three votes will win this election, and I'll do an update!

Thanks for the support/votes!

And KlavoHunter, you should so win Fan of the Week! Awesome replies!

 

[stnylan]

I'll abstain, but will doubtless enjoy the show.

 

[Grauuu]

Since I'll have to leave soon, I'd like to update the AAR now (and it won't be updated for the next 5 days!)
So I decided to roll a dice to see who won, and it was... Corrado Giustiniano!
Sorry I had to do this, hopefully won't happen again!

Update on the way

 

[Grauuu]

Corrado Giustininano's reign started off with a clear target. Messina, the last province in Sicily, not yet controlled by Genoa.
And on March the third, Corrado, on behalf of the republic, declared war, pulling in the Duchy of Apulia and Germany.
After a brief siege, Messina was captured, and Corrado's army was to sail onwards to Reggio, on the Italian mainland.

However, as Corrado's army landed, a huge army of soldiers from Apulia was just about to reach Sicily, to retake Messina. The armies of the various vassals of Genoa were mobilised and sent off to Sicily, to try and hold back the Sicilian Normans. After losing both Messina and Siracusa to the advancing armies of Apulia, Corrado decided to march across southern Italy, to take out their capital in an attempt to gain peace without losing the vital island.
The first battle on Sicily was largely in Apulia's favour, but Genoa didn't seek victory, they only wanted to slow down Apulia, so Corrado could conquer Apulia itself.
The battle was short, with some injuries, but the army of the republic retreated, before it could lose too many men.

Corrado managed to conquer Apulia, and forced them to accept Genoa as rightful owners of Messina, however, this also led to Germany taking control of the rest of Apulia, effectivily making it a German vassal. Corrado's war had only strengthened Germany.


However, Corrado was not a great leader, when it came to finance, and the war had made Genoa bankrupt.
It took four years before the debt was paid off, and several major fisheries had to be sold in the process.


Corrado soon got his eyes on Tripolitania, a small indepent arabian state, and one of the riches cities in the area. At the same time, it was not too far away from Sicily, meaning a shorter voyage for the republic's army.
He mustered an army of sicillians and declared war. Sailing right past Malta, which were held by Sweden. That conflict could wait till later.

After a short battle, and even shorter siege, Tripolitania was officially a part of the Republic of Genoa.



In 1117, Genoa decided to join Germany in their war against the Emirate of Mallorca, and once again, Corrado would lead the men. It was decided that they would sail right past Menorca, to take out the more important island of Mallorca first. Only after completely taking control of Mallorca, and thus weaken the Emirate, could Menorca be taken.

Corrado Giustiniano's last project was the building of castles on Sicily. In both Siracusa and Agrigento, the defenses heavily improved, and were now on par with that of Genoa itself.


At the end of his reign, Germany had run into trouble. A Dutch revolt were growing in the north, and Arabians had arrived in Normandy and England.
Greece were mostly Turkish and Byzantium was no more. The situation in the middle east was simply chaos, with several European powers, and the Fatimids, trying to gain the upper hand, but none succeding. In Morroco, Algeria and Tunisia, the power was shared between several smaller emirates, Sweden, France and Germany. There Germany was definately the weakest of the powers, only holding a minor part of the Algerian coast.

The election of 1120 introduced two new families, the Loredano's and Malatesta's, while the same old, except for the Sanseverino's, still there.


The Giustiniano's
A powerful family seeking to expand through North Africa. Currently the most powerful family in the republic. Their goals will most likely cause conflicts with Sweden, the Emirate of Cyrenaica and the various smaller emirates of Algeria and Morroco.
They are in favour of having Germany as a protector of the republic


Geraldo Giustiniano, son of Pancrazio, former ruler of Genoa.

A very religious man, he is largely focused on the Arabians of Africa.
He is willing to forgive, and does not strike down harshly on rebellions and unrest in his territory.


Sinibaldo Giustiniano, son of Pancrazio, former ruler of Genoa.

He is a coward, often not willing to go to war, but rather solve things "behind the scenes"(he is fond of assassins).
He will trust other families, granting them a good deal of power.


The Loredano's
The Loredano's seek to expand through Greece and turkey, taking on the various smaller states there. This will most likely cause conflicts with the Seljuks, the various smaller Greek emirates and the remains of the now defunct Byzantium.
They are against having Germany as a protector of the republic.


Alcide Loredano, son of the former count of Corsica.

Not very clever, born with a deformed foot, and with bad health, Alcide is somewhat energetic, compared to his bad health.



The Malatesta's
The Malatesta's believes that Genoa shouldn't focus on any specific theatre, but instead expand all ways at once. This could cause conflicts with anyone, however, Germany and Sweden is clearly the most likely, being the closest neighbours of Genoa at the moment.
They are against having Germany as a protector of the republic.


Ausonio Malatesta, son of the former ruler of Nice.

Ausonio is very religious, but also willing to fight other Catholics. He is weak-willed and often needs advice from others before taking decisions, thus willing to grant more power to other families, as they can easily manipulate him.



The del Carreto's
The del Carreto family wants to liberate Spain from the Muslims. They are very economically focused, meaning many years of peace, where the republic will gain vast riches, and build up for a long war. Their goals will probadly mean conflicts with the many emirates and sheikdoms of Spain, the Emirate of Granada being the biggest.
They are against having Germany as a protector of the republic.


Landone del Carreto, son of the former count of Trapani.

He is just, giving every family it's share of the land. He is forgiving, not striking down on unrest harshly.


The di Montferratto's
The Montferratto's seek to expand power by going westward, towards Provence and the Spanish eastern coast. They will surely have conflicts with Germany, and, if successful in gaining independence, they most like have conflicts with the emirates of the Spanish eastern coast, one of them being the Emirate of Granada, the biggest power on the Iberian peninsula.
They are against having Germany as a protector of the republic, and will do anything to gain independence.


Giulio di Montferratto, son of the current count of Montferrato.

While not count yet, he believes he can rule Genoa wisely. He is vengeful, striking down on unrest harsly, he is also willing to loot the land. He will usually act before thinking, meaning assassinations and wars could happen frequently under his rule.




That is all the candidates, may the best one win!

 

[Eöl]

Hmm with the Dutch Rebellion maybe we should add fuel to the fire?
The Malatesta's.

 

[Grauuu]

Whoops, forgot to add how the families think about Germany, edit coming right up!o

EDIT: Oh, and please tell me if this new layout is better than the old one.