The Glorious Masters of Italy PBEM

[The_Emperor]

Hi everybody.

The results are in and Italy is up next...

v2.01 (VI with patch)
Italy, Early, Expert
Glorious Achievement mode
writeups requested

I will manage the list of players.
The Savegame will be transferred via the PBEM filespare at the Org.

Org PBEM Uploader

Given the success and popularity of the French PBEM GA Campaign I have set a similar set of rules for this one...

1. GA Goals always come first
Now GA goals are the first priority of all our Rulers and we shall strive to meet as many as we can, this includes keeping our homelands defended, and re-conquering lost ones.

2. Wars of agression
Kings may declare war at will against any faction to re-take any lost homeland province. However we must obey the Pope while doing it, so if he warns you to stop, YOU STOP (Italy is the heart of Christendom so we have to try to behave ourselves), Defensive wars are ok. And no exploiting the Pope's bug of only being able to warn for one faction at a time.

Excommunicated Catholics, Muslim and Pagan Infidels (via small Crusades only) and Rebels are fair game for conquest... In a addition I will allow the sacking of Constantinople between 1200-1205 with a Crusade army to reflect what happened in history with the actions of the Fourth Crusade, just to add a little spice to things (Just as long as you can convince the Pope)

3. Helping Allies
I will allow us to aid our allies if they are having a spot of bother, given we ARE a Naval faction we should be able to break sieges to help out. However we can't go to town on a faction just because they are attacking our allies... And the Pope's warnings still have to be obeyed.

4. The Holy Guy Next Door
The Papacy can be a troubling neighbour with its own expansionist agenda in Italy. Should we come to blows with his holiness we can retaliate to take back our homelands... I would also allow us to take some of his lands from him in such a venture (to reunite the Italian peninsular), but we CANNOT wipe his faction off the map. Also we must sue for peace as soon as possible and shake Excommunication status, any kings who fail in this task will certainly be going to hell (and in an age of absolute Faith and Piety, it certainly is something to be avoided)

5. Role Play your king
Try to play your reign as close to your king's personality as you can. If he's merciless, kill all who oppose you. If he's a coward, shy away from battle and towards diplomacy. If he's Pious, Launch Crusades towards infidels, a Zealot invest effort in the Inquisition... etc

6. Write ups and Titles
As with most PBEMs, write-ups are required. I know you can all produce some very good ones, so don't be afraid to strut your stuff. Each king will also be assigned a title like in the French PBEM.

Thats it for the rules. You can wake up now

Ok thats it, place your name below if your interested. And above all else... Have Fun

[econ21]

Sounds good, Emperor - count me in
simon.appleton@nottingham.ac.uk

[Revenant69]

Quote[/b] ]Given the success and popularity of the French PBEM GA Campaign I have set a similar set of rules for this one...

Thx Emperor. What can I say, I learn from the best

Oh yes and please sign me up for this game. You have my email right?

Rev

PS I especially like the rule about Constntinople. Oh, another thing. Are you going to have a rule about helping our allies? I think it would make things much more interesting.

[The_Emperor]

Glad to have you both on here

Quote[/b] ]PS I especially like the rule about Constntinople. Oh, another thing. Are you going to have a rule about helping our allies? I think it would make things much more interesting.

Good idea, if our allies are besieged we shall be allowed to intervene by landing a releif army... But outright conquest should be limited to make for a long and enjoyable campaign. And of course we still have to watch for the Pope's warnings.

And in case I forgot to mention it, Excommunicated Catholics are fair game

[Revenant69]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Feb. 02 2004,11:35)]And in case I forgot to mention it, Excommunicated Catholics are fair game

With crusades I presume? Because otherwise it maybe just too easy to conquer excommed catholics. I dont know, you may want to add these rules to your top post to keep them in one place (just a suggestion LOL)

Cheers
Rev

[The_Emperor]

I have clarified the rules.

[The_Emperor]

Alright guys, The Year is 1104AD and Doge Vitale II is dead...

Long Live Doge Vitale III (The Great Warrior & Drinker)

I will upload the Savegame to the Org's PBEM Slot shortly. Sadly no new conquests to our name as everyone else beat me to it with the Rebels.

The Pope squashed the Rebels in Naples, and the Byzantine Emperor invaded Serbia the same time we did fortunately I had enough sense to call off the Attack rather than facing Kats and Byz Inf with Urban Militia

The_Emperor
Doge Vitale II (1087 - 1104) The Merchant King

Simon Appleton
Doge Vitale III (1104 - ? ) The Current Ruler of Italy

Revenant69

[Mount Suribachi]

I'm there mate

[Monk]

sign me up too

[Mysterium]

Hey there -

I'd like to sign up, but I reserve the right to back out if it looks like I'll totally embarrass myself. I'd love to try, but don't want to stall the whole game for everyone.

Love the write-ups I've read in the Throne Room, btw. Hoping I can be up to snuff.

Edit: add e-mail. REMOVEshumway@ureach.com

[Revenant69]

Great, looks like this campaign is gathering forward momentum

[Major^3]

i'll give it a shot

[The_Emperor]

Great to see the campaign taking off... With luck this should turn into an interesting campaign.

By the way expect my write-up tonight The Life and Times of Doge Vitale II, Trader, Builder and father of two Sons with drinking problems (evidentally too much alcohol was imported by the Traders)

The_Emperor
Doge Vitale II (1087 - 1104) The Merchant King

Simon Appleton
Doge Vitale III (1104 - ? ) The Current Ruler of Italy

Revenant69

Mount Suribachi

Monk

Mysterium

Major^3

[The_Emperor]

The rule of Doge Vitale II
An Analysis.

The rule of Doge Vitale II is difficult to study because of a lack of accurate historical evidence from the time, however fragmented documents from Rome regarding the upheaval of events in Italy have survived.

From what we can discern from the few clues, Italy was emerging slowly into the World in 1087. The Italian Peninsular was split in three during this time, with the Italian Doge in command of the north, the Papacy controlling Rome and the surrounding territories and Byzantium maintaining a foothold in Naples.

The Pope of the day Urban II called a great assembly, Doge Vitale II is said to have been present and swore to re-take the holy land, however there is no way to verify these claims as they are found in the archives of Italy, and are not without bias.

Sources from Constantinople are concerned mainly of the loss of Naples to fanatical Catholics and ignore most events but the Byzantine scholars did record that trade flourished during this time, Doge Vitale sent many ships to trade with the Empire in Greece and the surrounding area.

Most of the Italian trade however seemed to be with their sicillian allies to the south. It is known that the heavy taxes from trades did much to fund the construction of several buildings in Northern Italy, The most spectacular of which was said to be the Chapter House in Venice.

Doge Vitale had two sons in Prince Vitale and Prince Orso, and fragmented accounts point rumors that they were both heavy drinkers who personally enjoyed the extra abundance of goods from abroad.

Records also tell of a planned attack on Serbia which for reasons unknown never got underway. A Source in Constantinople has stated that the invasion was actually launched and that men in many small boats were seen off the Coast... However these facts have been regularly disputed as records from The Vatican and Italy do not mention the launch of any such ships or the gathering of such a large force.

One thing is certain though, Doge Vitale II did intend to Crusade towards the Holy Land and expended great effort towards such a goal, indeed all preparations were made, an army was assembled. It was even noted in Constantinople that an Alliance was sought with the Turks to possibly get safe passage towards the Holy Land... But such a deal is dismissed as unlikely.

Doge Vitale II died in 1104AD leaving his eldest son Vitale as Doge despite the whisperings and concerns about his drinking habits, and before he was able to finish his plans for a Crusade to the holy land.

Doge Vitale II would later be known as The Merchant King for his extensive efforts in promoting trade in his realm, we must also take into account of the heavy taxes that were placed upon merchants of the time and that much of the revenue passed back to the Doge to fund his preparations for the planned Crusade.

[econ21]

Doge Vitale III lurched into the throne room, surveying the alarmed courtiers with a glassy eye. The Chamberlain of the Major Council hurried over to his side, taking his arm and he leading him to his seat.

Everything is in order, Sire. We have retrieved all the maps, seals and other tools of state from your late father's estate.

Vitale looked at the Chamberlain with amused disinterest. The Chamberlain shifted uneasily.

The Council wishes you every success with the continuation of your father's policy of expanding trade links to the Levant.

Vitale's eyes narrowed and he rose angrily to his feet, drawing his sword. The Chamberlain stood back appalled, as the monarch swayed like Goliath just struck by David's slingshot.

My father ... my father was a fraud. He persuaded you good gentlemen to pay taxes to fund his fleet with the promise of profitable trade. ... He played you for fools. I ... I am not so subtle. I tell you now, those ships are for one purpose only: to take our armies to the Holy Land and drive the infidel from there, or die trying

After this outburst, Vitale looked forward into mid-air disbelievingly, as if seeing some garish vision, and then tottered back onto the throne. His sword clattered onto the stone floor.

The Chamberlain came forward, shaking his head head almost imperceptibly: where would this new Doge take the Kingdom?

[econ21]

They say that Doge Vitale III killed Lord Tankerville, my predecessor as Chamberlain of the Major Council. Lord Tankerville died in 1105, a year after the succession. Killed, not by the hand of the new Doge but by the strain of having to cope with such an intemperate and irresponsible master. For twenty years now, I have watched over Vitale, humouring him with offerings from our finest vineyards in Tuscany. I have had the pleasure of witnessing the procession of dubious Princes from his house – the perverts, the strange, the crack-brained and the chinless wonders.

In truth, the Doge himself was easy to deal with. For all his posturing about the Holy Land, he could never summon enough energy to lead a crusade – not even when the Holy Father twice excommunicated the perfidious Sicilians. He acted like a preposterous and indecent figurehead to the nation, whilst in the antechambers of his palace the real business of ruling the country was carried out by hard-headed, calculating Venetian merchants. These rational men have made the country rich, with Venice alone bringing in 2500 florins each year. They turned Corsica and Sardinia into islands of ship-builders, launching fleets to expand our lucrative trade routes.

But the petty-minded merchants did not foresee the price of their profits. Seeing only the expense, they limited our armies and allowed only Tuscany to be devoted to the training of soldiers. They thought riches could only be traded, not plundered by force of arms. Thus, as our treasury rose, our neighbours looked at our lands enviously and sharpened their swords.

Two years ago, in 1123, the inevitable happened. Our supposed allies, the Germans, having made peace with their enemies the French, turned their attention south and marched an army of a thousand men into Milan. Our garrison numbered scarcely over one hundred and was forced to take refuge in the keep. Our other irstwhile allies deserted us in droves, with only the Papacy, the Hungarians and the Poles remaining true.

For all his faults, Doge Vitale III was not a man to decline a fight and mustered an army to retake Milan. The Germans withdrew, denying him a chance to prove his valour, but the next year the Germans struck here, at Venice, the heart of our kingdom.

Unlike the luckless governor of Milan, I was ready for them. Even the penny-pinching merchants had seen the importance of defending our capitol and I could muster an army of a thousand men. The Germans attacked with twice that number but their leader, Lord der Bar, was a lacklustre nonentity who provided no inspiration to his men.




I deployed on the Venetian plain, waiting for the German army to march down from the mountain passes. The German army was composed mainly of spearmen and archers, so I decided to harry them with my Milanese mounted crossbowmen. The Germans marched stolidly on, ignoring the bolts flying from both flanks.



As they approached my lines, the enemy halted and deployed archers. We then engaged in a long duel, from which both sides suffered grievously. The centre of our lines, held by stout-hearted Feudal Sergeants from Tuscany, was mauled and more than half of the Sergeants slain.



When our archers had exhausted their supply of arrows, I was forced to attack. Two of Vitale’s Princes were ordered to reinforce the mounted crossbowmen and begin to envelop both flanks of the German line, while I ordered a general advance of our infantry. Across the plain, both Germans and Italians charged into a general melee.




Amidst the carnage of battle, our Feudal Sergeants began to waver. Then I ordered in the cavalry positioned on both flanks. The mounted crossbowmen scattered the archers to the rear of the German line while the knights charged into the side of the enemy spearmen. The battle was decided - the German lines began to collapse from the flanks inward.



In the chaos, the German leader, Lord der Bar, fell - precipitating a mass rout, during which our horse captured over seven hundred men. Not wishing to go through a similar ordeal in the future at the hands of the same men, I ordered all the captives put to death.



News of my triumph was sent to Milan, but on arrival the messenger found the Doge dead, lying in a pool of his own vomit. The new Doge, Jacopo I, is proficient in the art of personal combat but a young man of questionable resolve. But with open warfare upon us, I have cast out the merchants from the palace. By my sword, I swear I, Lord de Medici, Duke of Corsica, Chamberlain of the Major Council, will add iron to the soul of our young leader. Together we shall make the Germans rue their treachery




[out of character: Savegame file, The Italians 1126 PBM, uploaded. Have fun, Revenant69]

[Revenant69]

Quote[/b] ]News of my triumph was sent to Milan, but on arrival the messenger found the Doge dead, lying in a pool of his own vomit. The new Doge, Jacopo I, is proficient in the art of personal combat but a young man of questionable resolve. But with open warfare upon us, I have cast out the merchants from the palace. By my sword, I swear I, Lord de Medici, Duke of Corsica, Chamberlain of the Major Council, will add iron to the soul of our young leader. Together we shall make the Germans rue their treachery

Hehehe, a fitting death for a drunkard isnt it? I LOVE the fact that de Medici family has been worked into the story. Hopefully I wont dissapoint you with my escapades involving them LOL Once again an awesome writeup Simon Appleton and Emperor

Well, I guess I better download the game and start playing then eh? Hmm, Great Warrior and Chinless Wonder - I think I have an idea on how to roleplay him. Too bad he is married already, otherwise I was going to marry him to one of his sisters (and the Pope doesnt give divorces )LOL

Cheers, gotta go play,
Rev

[Revenant69]

Err.....I have some news guys. It is Good news / Bad news scenario I'm afraid. I really didnt know what to think of it. So let me know your thoughts and how I should proceed.

Good news: Well the good news is that I started the campaign and played for about 7 years so far. There was so much going on that honestly I can fill a couple of posts already and from the looks of it I will have to. The kingdom that I inherited was threatened on many fronts: from the South by a massive Sycialian army next door to Venice; from the North by the ever eager hordes of German vikings and from the East by a menace of Hungarian invasion.

Well in the first year of my reign, in order to reduce the strain on our garrisons I managed to capture Provence. We were attacked by the Germans (during Simons rule) and so I felt that a little compensation was in order. With Provence ours I stopped further aggression against the Germans but they were reluctant to sign any treaties. Now, I didnt get any warnings or anything from the Pope (at least I cant remember getting one). All was good. I managed to please the Pope on a couple of occasion (details will follow in writeups - they are too juicy). Kingdom was looking on an up and up. To put it in short - the Kingdom was doing fantastic and I have accomplished a lot. And then...........




Bad news:
The Germans decided to be outright bastards. They had a massive 3000 army sitting in Burgundy menacing our borders. What do they do? Well, at the same time as sending their massive army against me they also declare a crusade to Antioch. Crusade was also located in Burgundy. Now the numbers of German bastards in Burgundy are swelling to 4000.

Mind you, Germany and us are still at war - although no hostilities happened for many years.

So, they decide to march WITH their 3000 strong army AND WITH their crusade into my province of Milan. So, at the very end of the turn and after seeing their massive invasion of MY territory, I get approached by a messenger asking the German crusade to pass. LOL WTF?

What insolence I couldnt believe they asked such a thing They ask their crusade to pass and at the same time they invade my province (with a crusade as well)??? Well, needless to say that the head of the messener was delivered to the Germans in a bloody basket.

I fight a very tough battle and manage to absolutely slaughter their army and majority of their special crusading units. Ragtag remnants of the German invaders flee back to Burgundy.

On the next turn the Pope himself says that he cannot tolerate this kind of aggression towards fellow catholics and...WHAM.....I am excomunicated.

I was so pissed. I didnt break any rules of the campaign (I think) played defensively after grabbing one of their provinces, was a model Christian. The only thing I did was to refuse their crusade to pass through my lands. Mind you, Germans and I were already at war and if I let the crusade pass then the 3000 strong army would occupy Milan and who knows where the Crusade will go next, maybe Venice.

Arrrrrrrggggggggg, I am so frustrated.
I dont know what to think right now. I am training some assassins so hopefully I can persuade the Pope to lift this horrible and unjust label. Unfortunately it will screw up my plans for the Sycilians.

I guess, it wil make for one hell of a writeup won't it?

Excommunicated Rev

PS. I guess if I wasnt at war with the Germans then none of this would've happened. Tricky bastards

[Mount Suribachi]

lol, refusing a crusade ain't a good idea when you're a Roman catholic

Still, clever tactic by the AI - you either lose Milan, or you get xcommed.........

BTW, congrats on 500 posts

*Hands Rev the keys to the executive bathroom*

[Revenant69]

Quote[/b] (Mount Suribachi @ Feb. 04 2004,02:42)]lol, refusing a crusade ain't a good idea when you're a Roman catholic

Still, clever tactic by the AI - you either lose Milan, or you get xcommed.........

I usually never refuse crusades, but in this instance it was either me keeping Milan or letting their crusade rampage through my territories. Moreover, we were at war already so I thought it was a good choice to stop their crusade cold.

Damnit, its going to come in again, I know it - because zeal in Burgundy is 78% and it has already gathered nearly a full bar of recruits.

So what do you think I should do? I stopped playing the game for a bit to get some output from you guys cuz I feel kind of bad for excomming my Doge LOL (even though the damn AI tricked me)

Quote[/b] ]BTW, congrats on 500 posts

*Hands Rev the keys to the executive bathroom*

Hehehe, thanks Mount
*hides the key in a very secure location*

[Brutal DLX]

Bad mistake. You could have let them take Milan and the retake it after the crusade has moved on. I thought excommunication was to be avoided by the rules of this campaign? And refusing trespassing rights is a 100% excommunication. Anyway, just a little comment..

I enjoy reading the excellent writeups, but I don't have talent for this myself and I don't know if my German MTW version would mess up the savegames if I participated.

[Revenant69]

But I was already at war with them Really, Italy would have folded like a house of cards if the crusade was allowed to rampage through our territory.

[Revenant69]

JACOPO
Tragedy,
a play written by an unknown author.

Main characters:


PROLOGUE

Venice on a nice spring day. People are buzzing everywhere, flowers line the streets and fanfares can be heard in a distance. The smell of expensive perfumes is in the air. Today is the coronation of Jacopo the First the new ruler of Italian kingdom. The streets are lined with people who want to take a look at a new Doge as his procession nears the Church of St. Polo. Common folk and wealthy people mingle together as such a rare occasion (Jacopo's coronation) will be talked about for many months after the event has passed.

The sound of hooves beating on cobblestone draws near...
Finally an open top carriage drawn by eight richly adorned horses emerges from around the corner. There, in all splendour and beauty of his youth, sits a young man adorned in very nice clothes and a jeweled breasplate displaying the family coat of arms. The high polish of silver and gold that adorns the breastplate shines like a bright light further lifting young man's image. On his head there is a laurel to symbolize his title as an Imperator of Rome, although nowadays its true meaning is perhaps lost to most people. Next to him sits his beautiful young wife.

The young man smiles affectionatly and waves his hand to greet the crowd. The crowd, supercharged by all the waiting and excitement, goes berserk and tries to break through the cordone of ceremonial guard in order to shake the young man's hand. The cacophony of their shouts and greetings is almsot disturbing to the ear.
The young man utters one phrase as excitement and cries of jubilation fill the air.

God Bless You

People, common folk and wealthy, merchant and soldier, fisherman and stonemason alike explode in a chorus of admiration and praise.

He spoke to us He spoke to us

The carriage, now bombarded with bouquet's of flowers, pulls away and proceeds down a straight stretch of road that leads to the Church of St. Polo.

Perhaps I should stop here and explain to you why our young soon to be ruler is so lovingly admired. Unlike his predecessors, Jacopo stands out as force of change. He is very young, just turned twenty this winter, very ambitious and has some good looks about him that set him aside from the rest of the portraits in the royal gallery. He is rumored to be unequaled in personal combat and this inspires his men to follow him into the Abyss and beyond. Such qualities are rare and yet they persist in him. Perhaps people need change and they believe that Jacopo can deliver it to them. Perhaps they think that he is capable of restoring public faith and order in the kingdom. Perhaps they are right...

The carriage zooms into the Church courtyard as neatly alighned trumpeteers sound Jacopo's arrival. At the footsteps leading to the Church of Saint Paul, or Polo as he is known here, stands a delegation of various state functionaries, royal family members and some foreign dignitaries. Trumpets sound again. The carriage slowly approaches the base of the Church and finally stops. Jacopo steps out holding his wife's hand and helping her get out of the carriage.

Hail mighty Jacopo
as they raise their spears high in the air and then slam them into the stone walkway, altogether creating an almost terrifying sound.

As Jacopo aproaches the stairs of the Church, holding his wife's hand, the two of them give a courteous bow to the assembly ahead. The bow is returned, but not by all. The Archbishop of Venice only bows to God Himself you see, and perhaps to the Pope as well. The Archbishop, an old man by the name Don Bernardo Paganelli is a good christian despite his surname. Noone dares tease him about his not so fortunate family name, although perhaps he was teased enough before he became Archbishop. Next to Archbishop Paganelli, on his right, stands a smiling lady in her early thirties. She is Jacopo's older sister Brunilde.

Ah, brother...You look splendid

Jacopo answered only with a wide smile. To Archbishop's left there stands a tall man. It is Lord de Medici, the Duke of Corsica and Chamberlain of the Major Council. He was a very powerful and important person in the government of Jacopo's father Vitale and, some say, will probably remain an important and influential figure in Jacopo's court. Behind the three of them there is a throng of other government beurocrats and foreign dignitaries.

Archbishop Paganelli motions to Jacopo to proceed inside the Church and everyone else follows.


.......................................
Hehehe, all the characters introduced so far actually started the game in Venice. Dont believe me? Check it out for yourself (download the game from the ORG)
PS. Simon Appleton, do you know the name of Jacopo's bride? It would be cool if you did Would help me develop a story (especially if she was a foreign princess).

[Brutal DLX]

Quote[/b] (Revenant69 @ Feb. 04 2004,10:10)]But I was already at war with them Really, Italy would have folded like a house of cards if the crusade was allowed to rampage through our territory.

I understood that part..But a crusade isn't really like an invasion army. They would have either headed for your port city or taken the land route, you just need to shift your troops around so they won't get sucked up too much by that crusade. Whether one is at war with a faction or not shouldn't have an influence on crusade business, unless you are excommunicated already, then you could do whatever you wish.

[Revenant69]

But they also sent a 3000 strong invasion army in support of the crusade - thats invasion LOL.

[Brutal DLX]

Yeah, and you retreat to your castle and on the next turn start the counter attack..where's the problem? Of course that's a clever move by the AI, but unless you are of very low influence, your empire shouldn't go into civil war by giving up one province temporarily.

[econ21]

Quote[/b] (Revenant69 @ Feb. 04 2004,04:16)]PS. Simon Appleton, do you know the name of Jacopo's bride? It would be cool if you did Would help me develop a story (especially if she was a foreign princess).

Sorry, Revenant - I don't recall. Your question reminds me of the end of a Simpsons episode where the children are shipwrecked on a desert island ... And the children were rescued by ... oh, I don't know ... let's say by Mo...

Checking my few savegames, Jacopo was already married at the tender age of 16. I suspect the bride was a Sicilian - with a large batch of Princes, I was often hunting brides, but usually fruitlessly. Must have been the crack-brains, strangeness, absence of chins etc. But the Sicilians said yes several times. They also wanted to form an alliance, although I always sided with the Pope.

On the issue of the crusade, you had a real dilemma. Given the circumstances - a simultaneous German invasion - I don't think your decision violated the role-playing spirit of the campaign. It sounds the likely outcome in real life (esp. with friendly fire etc).

In terms of gameplay if you could beat the crusade as you did, then your decision was probably wise. I know the kingdom was very fragile when I left it but it has the resources to grow strong if given time. I find retreated crusades usually stall, making abortive invasions that are no threat and so will actually bleed Burgundy dry. The excommunication will hurt our crusading GA in the short term, but if you concentrate on building up a formiddable army (probably required given the war with Germany), your successor may be able to successfully carry out the crusades in time.

PS: Good move taking Provence - that was on my to do list

[Revenant69]

Quote[/b] ]Sorry, Revenant - I don't recall. Your question reminds me of the end of a Simpsons episode where the children are shipwrecked on a desert island ... And the children were rescued by ... oh, I don't know ... let's say by Mo...

LOL So true...Well it would have added to the immersion of my writeup if i knew bride's name and origin. I guess the fact that she is probably Sicilian will have to do.

Oh, I aslo forgot to mention one important fact that led me to decide to stand fast and guard the Alps LOL See, my ruler was....uhhh...marooned...uhhh...this reminds me of a Simpsons episode.....
Fact is he was actually marooned (you will have to hear more from my writeups), and the loss of Milan would probably crumble my House of Cards that was Italy.

Whatever the case is, the decision was very tough one to make (for me at least). The other thing is I forgot that the Pope excomms you when you deny a crusade, its been a long time since I played a catholic and dealt with crusades (denying crusades as non-Catholic doesnt bear the same penalties).

Quote[/b] ]I know the kingdom was very fragile when I left it but it has the resources to grow strong if given time. I find retreated crusades usually stall, making abortive invasions that are no threat and so will actually bleed Burgundy dry

Yeah it was even more fragile 5 years after your reign ended LOL As I mentioned that Burgundian crusade is already gathering enough troops that it could hit again, with force. And 78% zeal in Burgundy will make it hard for the crusade to go away, thats for sure.

Quote[/b] ]PS: Good move taking Provence - that was on my to do list

Hehehe, glad to be of service

[econ21]

Quote[/b] (Revenant69 @ Feb. 04 2004,06:49)]As I mentioned that Burgundian crusade is already gathering enough troops that it could hit again, with force. And 78% zeal in Burgundy will make it hard for the crusade to go away, thats for sure.

If the chapter house that spawned the crusade is in Burgundy, I wonder what would happen if you did a slash and burn raid into the province? If you destroy the chapter house, the crusade may disappear. Sounds like something Lord de Medici would contemplate...

[Revenant69]

Quote[/b] (Simon Appleton @ Feb. 04 2004,08:36)]If the chapter house that spawned the crusade is in Burgundy, I wonder what would happen if you did a slash and burn raid into the province? If you destroy the chapter house, the crusade may disappear. Sounds like something Lord de Medici would contemplate...

Uhhhh, with what troops? I have enough to guard the Alps, not enough for a raid as majority of my armies are occupied elsewhere.....I really dont wanna give stuff away.

Anyway, back to the writeup. The next 3 pieces will be up in a few hours, pictures will follow shortly after that. Perhaps after I post them, the situation will be clarified somewhat LOL

PS Lord de Medici is contemplating many things right now ....