The year 1080 is now coming to an end, but this is the beginning of the Venetian Empire’s plans for domination. Doge Domenico, the Faction Leader called a council to decided on the immediate plans. All the generals of the Empire attended including the great Cristiano Selvo who has become known as the greatest commander of the Faction. Domenico had only one thing on his mind, and that was to first conquer the cities that lined the East coast of the Adriatic Sea. All in attendance agreed. However, the first attack was not to be led by Cristiano Selvo, but another man…

Councillor Bartolomeo mobilised the troops he already had under his command, which he was using to guard the Northern Frontier and immediately moved to attack Zagreb. By 1081 the city fell, and the first stage of the plan had been completed. The rest of the year was a peaceful one.

The Holy Roman Empire up until this point had been fairly quiet, at first sending a diplomat to secure trade rights which was accepted by Domenico. However, their motivations were put under question when a spy of theirs was found in Venice. Perhaps they were planning for war. Domenico immediately ordered that all cities with a border to the Holy Roman Empire be garrisoned.

With the threat from the Holy Roman Empire increasing, Domenico decided that the time was ripe to strike at Durazzo to firm up the economy. Cristiano Selvo was ordered to mobilize a small army, and was sent north from Iraklion to conquer Durazzo. The city fell with ease, however the local inhabitants did not take to kindly to their new owners, and the city was put to the sword. The eastern coastline of the Adriatic had been secured. Small garrisons were left in the cities, and Selvo was ordered to mobilize an army to conquer Florence.

It would take 2 years for a sufficient army to be built from a struggling economy. Domenico sent diplomats to all neighbouring factions, selling trade rights to them in a bid to bolster the economy. An alliance was also struck with France, who could prove beneficial should a war be started with the Holy Roman Empire. Whilst all this was going on, Selvo was now laying siege to Florence with his army, and it would fall within the year. Another successful battle for Cristiano Selvo.

Over the next few years, the Venetian’s relations would once again decrease with the Holy Roman Empire. In 1086 they sent a diplomat to Venice, threatening to attack unless a fee was paid to them. Needless to say Domenico refused. They would send another spy to Venice in 1088. War surely cannot be far away.

It was not just with the Holy Roman Empire which relations would decrease. Milan had also begun to send agents to Venice, but these were captured and executed.

A plan has been hatched by Domenico. He has decided to rally his troops and attack the neighbouring city of Bologna, and kick the Germans out of Italy for good.