1186
Relations are improving with the Papacy and HRE in fact England is the largest faction this year.
Trade is increasing as merchants are recruited and practice there skills at home and abroad. The local merchants were successful in aquiring trade for the foreign Scottish merchants.
The diplomat Harrold continued east with success in Poland
Stephen returns to Wales to commission the building of a new church in Caernarvon
1190
A new alliance was developed by diplomat Russell
Scotland forms an alliance with Poland. Is the axis growing?
On the religious front sad news for England.
Hungary is excommunicated and the HRE is reconciled. This pleases King William II regarding his ally however there is no College seat and no voice on future Popes.
1192
Continuing on religious matters sad news from Rome
The English have no vote and the country that was excommunicated is able to have their represented elected.
The current sate of the College and the standing with the Pope.
All countries are reconciled with Pope Fillippus
For the Royal Family there was more exciting news.
Prince Stephen arrives in Ireland and accepts a new title. He is now Prince Stephen, Prince of Wales, King of Ireland and Lord of Dublin with the King's blessing.
John leaves London and will assist his uncle Robert, Duke of Normandy with the army in France.
The Itelligence newtwork is improving very slowly.
1194
Religion again dominates the news in Europe.
This happened quickly and caught everyone by surprise. The French were able to get their Cardinal elected. Seeing the predicament he could be in the King accepted the following proposal from France.
Robert was so inrigued with the French princesses he contcated the King.
The new Papal standing.
A title is bestowed upon John with his arrival in France.
The Crown's Council has been very quiet but suggest the following.
The Royal Family was concerned over the Danish incident and thought a possible expedition to Denmark led by the Duke of York. This would would be a good precursor.
1196
At the King's demand the naval facilities were upgraded in London allowing a new ship to be added to the fleet.
Maybe this will improve the Fleet's chances for victory.
Our two senior members of the Diplomatic Corps continue to work for the Crown.
In Rome.
African Sahara
Other diplomatic news.
1198
Concerns are raised in the Byzantium Empire.
King William concern towards his brother the Duke of York.
Henry is ready to fight and does not want to be on guard duty in York. Rather then a trip to Denmark they compromise and decide an attack on the Rebels in Inverness the Scots have not been able to take the settlement. The North Sea Fleet was assigned to transport the Duke of York with an army to the tip of Scotland. This could provide some balance with the Scots.
Henry's ill fated expedition
The Duke disembarks on the northshore and immediately besieges Inverness.
The English spy in the area Augustine was of little use to the Duke. Henry was deathly ill and did not want to sit out in the harsh winter conditions he ordered an attack and some equipment was build.
The armies.
Prepared and waiting for battle.
The turning point.
There was no other equipment to knock down the gates.
The Duke ordered his men over the top!
No hold could be taken.
The carnage.
It was classified a close defeat but the Duke of York was humilated.
The defences were woeful under estimated and there was no chance of victory.
Stuck on top of the world.
The Irish Sea Fleet was dispatched to rescue the Duke and his men.
The century did end on a high note and the King came up with an intriguing strategy.
1200
The Royal Family expands and Pricess Belle comes of age. Her role has not been defined by the King.
So intrigued was the King on hearing of the beauty of the French princess the diplomat Harrold was dispatched and offerred the following.
The terms of agreement were met. Would this be the set back of the Axis alliance and would the Pope be happy with this union. It also set peace amongst the nations.
The new priest from the Theologians Guild in London marries the Royal couple.
The Papal Standing.
The Duke's rescue.
Royal Family Tree
Year in report after 120 years.
1202
In the world of science to significant events develop at the start of the new century. The development of the wheelbarrel and the power of zero.
Merchant class grows.
However by the end of the year trouble was brewing on the Irish Coast.
1204
The following occurs and was not totally unexpected.
The Irish Sea Fleet returned from the rescue mission dropping the Duke of York off on Irish Shores. They immediately engage the Portuguese Fleet.
The Naval training is paying off. Admiral Michell as a +2 command.
TheDuke of York is in Ireland to defend Dublin. The Prince of Wales is in Caernarvon with his force but is not sure if he or just his army should go to Ireland.
The family tree is where I want it and the charm of the French Princess should bring forth some children. Unfortunately Rufus will kick off soon and then I don't know who will get the Faction Heir designation.
Hopefully it will be an older relative. Though my generals are short. I also found that the money is tight. I am usually better off financially starting in this time frame but that is the challenge. Will see how things fair with the Portuguese.
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