- Location
- A pit
it's the two attacks then the school, you don't get much information on Sophia's work while working for Henry, and I forgot arnao let me roll that real quick
Last edited:
I, Borgia
- Thread starter Pitlord
- Start date
- Pronouns
- First/And/Last
And so our terrible luck in military rolls continues
1514, the walls of Pavia
- Location
- A pit
[Construction: stewardship, 4+20=24]
In the short time that Django had been away from the theater it would seem that it had become infested by the worst of all parasites, teenagers. The kids took over the worksite in the time he was gone and turned it into some sort of meetup point for parties or games. Now normally Django would be all for kids finding somewhere they could be free of expectations and prying eyes, but not when its where he's invested a lot of time and money into. He tries to negotiate with them, offering coin and favors, but the kids refuse to budge. Eventually he's forced to call in the guard to help clear them out, but it doesn't help clean up the place, nor does it remove the haunting realization of Django's that he's put down the very thing he would've been part of in his youth.
---
[Trade: Stewardship, 66+20+15+10=111]
Setting up a new trade deal with England goes far smoother than last time. No assassin plots or tricks get in the way of the new deal, though just to be safe checks are placed both on the ships when they are sent off and when they arrive for any signs of assassin boarders. From England Romagna will receive fine wool, mined tin, and a variety of quality naval supplies, while from Romagna England shall receive guns, blades, rubies, and in the future hopefully silks and spices once the war in the east is over.
+30 fl/turn
---
[Schools? : Learning, 58+20+18=96]
Belotti is confused by your suggestion of expanding the university's and opening them to the public. "Might I ask why you would want this? Most of these kids are learning their parents trade or being put to work, I doubt the commoners would appreciate it, and neither would the kids. I already have had enough trouble teaching the children sent by their parents to the university, I can't imagine these kids would enjoy it any more." "I merely want some basic knowledge of mathematics and letters to be spread among the populace to improve their day to day works. I can't imagine that they'd protest too hard against something like that." Belotti gives a surprised look before saying "commoners will protest anything that complicates their lives, and this would be one. If you really want to educate them it needs to come from people they trust, their elders, the church, not a group associated with you, no offense." "Then we could approach the ones they trust, ask the local clergy to set up schools at the church. The people are already zealous so they'd likely accept a divine teaching." "i…fine, ill see what I can set up, but if people react negatively to this don't blame me."
In the next few months the churches of Romagna either start or expand limited schooling for the children of their members, a large amount of it being part of learning the teachings of the bible, being taught the modern Tuscan language, and very basic mathematics, simple addition and subtraction. It does give the church more influence, and even then, many parents don't want their kids being pulled away from their daily duties.
---
[Elections: Diplomacy, 89+20=109]
Getting cardinals to support Adrien isn't all that hard. The mans already taken up quite a leadership position amongst the remnants of the non Spaniard and Avignon papacys. They just needed a little extra push to fall in behind him. The Hungarian began to put his supporters, little as they may be, behind Adrien as well as he believed him to be a more likely calm faction amongst the candidates. The Medici on the other hand is far more ideological supposedly, and not in the way you would want. Apparently, he went to meet Cesare's pope to figure out his competition and instead came out his greatest supporter, claiming that the man was a kindly and pious man more deserving of it then his cardinalship bought by his family's money. Whether he's been paid off, frightened, or is a true believer is irrelevant, as his endorsement has given the Spanish pope some legitimacy in peoples eyes.
This has led to something of a three way tie between the remaining popes, as each vie for influence amongst what cardinals are still undecided or not tied to their choices as tensions continue to rise, largely stemming from the Avignon pope. He seems to judge any and all amongst the church who wont support him as being corrupted by fear or greed, letting earthly desires pull them away from gods will, which just so happens to be his reign as pope, go figure. The Spanish pope and Adrien at least are cordial, though where Adrien advocates for a calm return to tradition, the Spaniard says that's exactly what led to the situation they are in right now. Men who sought to use the church and its power as a means of self enrichment or pursuing their own goals rather then the divine position it is. It needs to be remade so that these men cannot either rise to the position or cannot abuse their power, and that will never happen under the status quo.
Two of the candidates are out of the conclave, three remain.
---
[STEAM! : Learning, 14+35=49]
Leos work on the steam devices continues at a lethargic pace. Even for all his genius it does little for his progress as the device continues to elude functionality. Sometimes he doesn't have the energy to work on it, old as he's getting, devoting more of his time to send letters to friends and loved ones.
(675/1000 progress on steam engine)
---
[Repairs: Stewardship, 39+15=64]
It's been some time since the collapse in the mountains but some work does still need to be done. Most of the fallen stone and dirt has been cleared away, leaving the repair of the paths that were destroyed as well as the rebuilding of the buildings destroyed in the collapse. There's little to salvage from the homes, flattened as they were, meaning that it will be almost entirely starting from scratch to repair them. The gold does help with getting in the materials for rebuilding however.
---
[Persuasion: Diplomacy, 99+20+15+20=154]
If anyone would have the force necessary to take on the French assassins it would be your brother, but you need to be careful with your letter. He only needs to know about the shroud, the apple can stay secret for now, but you need to be sure that nobody else would have access to or be able to intercept the letter. Unfortunately he has left Rome and returned to castile so its not as simple as sending a courier to the holy see, so it must be sent by ship. Despite now being enemies technically in this war you still have trade with Spain, and following that trade are crows. It takes some time to be sure which are actually crows but once they are found you approach them with the letter, telling them it must come into the hands of your brother and no one else.
"Dear brother,
It would seem that the assassins of France have decided to take advantage of the current chaos as they've attacked Ravenna. I wish I could tell you that I fought valiantly or that they were fended off, but in truth I, Lupo, and our nephew Giovanni could barely fend off a singular assassin. If this were all however I would not be bothering you with it. Before their attack I had come into the possession of a piece of Eden, a shroud that could heal all wounds. While we were being attacked a second assassin had found their way to where I had it hidden and stole it from me.
Obviously any piece of Eden in assassin hands is a danger to us, but I don't have the forces necessary to take on the French, but I have discovered a few things. First the identities of the thieves, Gautier de Carnellion and Melisant LeBlanc. second, the assassins are in league with the French heir presumptive Francis, the same one supporting the Avignon pope, as they went first to his manor before meeting with their mentors. Lastly, though you likely already know this, they are deeply entrenched within the catacombs of Paris, likely the surrounding country as well though I don't know the full extent of their influence.
I've sent Arnao into Paris to keep an eye on them, and I ask that you assist him with the aid of his fellow crows or whatever you deem necessary so that we may take this piece of Eden and whatever else they may have out of their hands and into ours. I admit I know little of the templars place in France, only of their eradication when whichever French king declared them heretics, but if there is any presence there we might work with them as well.
There is also the matter of the upcoming conclave, as you've no doubt heard. If you would send your pope to attend it would be most appreciated, as an end to the current religious conflict before it can become a schism would be a boon to us all.
Sincerely, your brother and duke of Romagna, Valentino Borgia-Romana."
It is some time before you receive a letter from your brother in return. It comes by one of his crows, and thankfully there's little in the way of complication as the crows merely come to your home to hand deliver it before disappearing.
"Dear brother,
I had heard the French had obtained new pieces of Eden and this helps identify one of them. The tie between that whelp Francis and the assassins is also appreciated if worrying. My crows are already settled in the Aquitaine region but I can move some north to meet with Arnao. Most of the templars in France are settled in either Brittany or the regions of burgundy, ill attempt to work with them but know they are a proud yet ineffectual people, claiming descent from the templars of old yet doing nothing for all the legacy they love to claim.
As for papal matters canizares is not under my authority. He's been given relative independence as a vassal of the Spanish empire, though I believe he already plans to attend, either to take part or give some speech I do not know. If anyone could command him it would be either Joana or god.
Give my nephews my best regards and hopefully I will be able to meet them soon. Do try to make a treaty with the French soon, most of your "allies" are swiftly abandoning the war and making their own treaties so its best to pull out before you find yourself the only foe left in Frances sight.
Sincerely yours, your brother, king consort of spain and lord general of her armies, Cesare Trastamara Borgia."
---
[War: Martial, 1]
Its September 18th 1514, the army led by Georgios Kostas is raining iron and stone on to the fortress of Pavia as they have been for months nearing a year with little to show for it. They're hoping that if they can't breach the fortress they can starve it out via a full encirclement. What they don't know however is that France has been making new allies in the background while the league has been breaking. During the night a mixed force of French knights and soldiers along with venetian mercenaries gathered quietly outside of the Romagna sight, and just as the dawn broke over the horizon, they attacked swiftly and mercilessly.
The captains and commanders were the first to be wiped out, targeted for death or capture and ransom so that the army would remain disorganized, and from there French cavalry would race through the camps in formation, trampling the tents and beds killing any still trying to arm themselves before they even saw the enemy. The venetian mercenaries meanwhile targeted and captured the siege weaponry and cannons before they could be readied by Romagna forces.
The Romagna army of Pisa was destroyed completely in less then a day as cavalry scoured the surrounding lands for any retreating force, and the next day they began their march southeast, into Parma who swiftly surrendered and then on towards Ferrara to aid their allies there.
---
[War: Martial, 17+20+10=47]
With the quick march of the French and venetian forces Ast, Guillaume, and the knights templar are caught by surprise. The dispersed army of Ast, still hunting down any remaining of the original French forces, are caught on the hunt by French cavalry charging them in the field. Just as Guillaume's forces have settled for a siege of Ferrara they were struck by the alliance forces, leading them to quickly flee the recently set up camp. Its not as catastrophic of a defeat as outside Pavia as the armies still remain, though the army of San Marino is at a third of its forces and Guillaume's men are likewise hurting, surprisingly few casualties among the Knights templar but severe losses of supplies and equipment leave attrition on the march home to make up for it.
---
[Edumacation: Learning, 11+20=31]
Well the school is technically set up now, though you aren't impressed by Elena's results. Yes a school does exist teaching the people of San Marino more of the secrets of metallurgy, but the problem is in the teachers and students. The teachers, pulled from the better smiths of the original community in the forts, have no desire to teach those not of their own, and they've made that clear as they bar anyone without roots in the mountains to take part. You tell Elena to march back and fix it as the intent was for it to be open to anyone who could afford the schooling.
---
[Spying: intrigue, 71+20=91]
Arnaos espionage goes well at the very least. He's set up an identity as a barber in the city, and few people think much of a barber, so when he's cutting hair or plucking teeth no one expects him to be listening in on his customers conversations nor prowling the streets at night. With the help of recently arrived crows he's able to collect a few records of the city to help with future operations, maps of both the streets, buildings, and most importantly, the catacombs. Of course its not quite as simple as it sounds as the tunnels are deeper, older, and more twisted then anyone can remember, and the are discrepancies amongst the maps, likely caused by the assassins to obscure and protect their den.
After the investigation of the city Arnao tries to form a hierarchy of the assassins, finding who is important, who has control of what operations, and who is actually a member, and this goes far more poorly. Due to the entrenchment of theirs they are in every level of society, and its hard to figure out just who is properly an assassin or merely their pawn. Needless to say its hardly an enviable position.
---
There's finally word from the colony in northern America, not great but not disastrous. The journey was plagued by storms the whole way, which only got worse the further north they got as they changed from rain to sleet, nearly turning the sails solid some days. They arrived at the mouth of the river on your map and made their way down it, only to be harassed by yet more unruly natives, seemingly even less advanced then those further south. They went to the banks of the river and started to holler at the ships as they passed, whether intimidation or challenge who can say, but a few shots from the muskets send them running. Finally they reach the rivers source to find cold wet lowlands and forests, uncomfortable to much of the Italian colonists. It's a slow and muddy start but eventually something resembling a colony begins to form, if an unpleasant one.
Northern colony begun, if not well off.
---
you have 1090 florins, an elite army, 3 regular armys, a fleet, and enough ships for trade
You have six actions, use them as you will
You may take up to two extra actions but each will subtract 10 from your rolls as you stretch yourself
Please make your vote in plan format
You have the sixth sense bonus and may have an advisor aid you or do a task on their own
Martial
[] The simplest way to expand is to take the land by force, send an army to try and conquer somewhere
-[] Where?
-[] What is your Casus Belli?
[] Have one of your armies train and try to improve
-[] which one?
[] Perhaps you could give the legionary eagle to one of your armies, it could do great things for morale
[] Spend some time to form another fleet of ships and train a crew to man them to protect or attack any naval foes
[] As Romagna expands you may need another army to defend it, start building one.
[] Perhaps you should look into mercenaries you could hire
[] Hire one of the mercenary groups you know of (300fl)
-[]Which one
[] With your current independence you may want to improve your defenses, send some men out to improve the forts
-[] north or south?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] Give one of your stewards the funds to pursue their own projects
[]You can always make more trade deals(you will need more ships for oversea trade)
-[] Who?
[] The current iron mining operations are doing well, but perhaps they could expand? (50 fl)
[] Your brother found blacksmiths while you were away, perhaps they could forge you something?
-[] What?
[] The ruby mines could always be improved, try to do so (75 fl)
[] The woods are dense and large, perhaps you could expand the operations (50 fl)
[] you could encourage immigration somewhere
-[] where?
[] The docks are in good repair at least, perhaps you should purchase some ships to help with trade and defense (100 fl)
[] There's a whole new world out there, fund the company to form a new colony (takes one turn, and is much more likely to succeed with your map, you may choose a location on the eastern American coasts/Bahamas, 500 fl)
-[] Where?
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] Approach france to work on a peace treaty
[] Add new laws for the N.W.C. to follow in their colonization efforts
[] Try to convince Cardinals to vote for Adrien as Pope
[] Maybe you could look for an alliance, without marriage?
-[] Where?
[] The templars need new blood, maybe there's someone you could recruit?
-[] who?
[] Perhaps you should go meet one of your neighbors directly?
-[] Which one?
[] You know where Ezio lives, perhaps you should send him a friendly letter
-[] About what?
[] Send a letter to a different Power, such as Venice, the Ottomans, etc
-[] Who?
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] You now have two assassins, give them a target(50fl-200fl depending on the danger/Importance of the target)
[] You now have your own groups of thieves and spies, now what to use them for?
-[] Write in
[] Start spying in foreign land, blackmail or opportunities won't find themselves
-[] Where?
[] start bribing cardinals so they'll vote for Adrien for pope (100 fl)
[] write in
Learning
[] Give your engineer resources and let them design what they please, perhaps making something of use (50fl)
[] Continue experimenting with the volley cannon, perhaps some new inspiration will strike?
[] Start experimenting with the steam engine
[] Work on translating those assassin texts
[] try to find this prophecy chamber from Brutus journal
[] search for more pieces of Eden
[] Write in
Personal
[] Try to befriend people in your court
-[] Who?
[] Send a letter to a family member
-[] To who, and what about?
[] You should learn how to use that dagger Cesare gave you
-[] Or maybe something else?
[] Write in
[] Try to train a stat
-[] Which one?
---
Sorry this one took a bit long to come out, things have been busy on my end and this part didn't exactly help either
In the short time that Django had been away from the theater it would seem that it had become infested by the worst of all parasites, teenagers. The kids took over the worksite in the time he was gone and turned it into some sort of meetup point for parties or games. Now normally Django would be all for kids finding somewhere they could be free of expectations and prying eyes, but not when its where he's invested a lot of time and money into. He tries to negotiate with them, offering coin and favors, but the kids refuse to budge. Eventually he's forced to call in the guard to help clear them out, but it doesn't help clean up the place, nor does it remove the haunting realization of Django's that he's put down the very thing he would've been part of in his youth.
---
[Trade: Stewardship, 66+20+15+10=111]
Setting up a new trade deal with England goes far smoother than last time. No assassin plots or tricks get in the way of the new deal, though just to be safe checks are placed both on the ships when they are sent off and when they arrive for any signs of assassin boarders. From England Romagna will receive fine wool, mined tin, and a variety of quality naval supplies, while from Romagna England shall receive guns, blades, rubies, and in the future hopefully silks and spices once the war in the east is over.
+30 fl/turn
---
[Schools? : Learning, 58+20+18=96]
Belotti is confused by your suggestion of expanding the university's and opening them to the public. "Might I ask why you would want this? Most of these kids are learning their parents trade or being put to work, I doubt the commoners would appreciate it, and neither would the kids. I already have had enough trouble teaching the children sent by their parents to the university, I can't imagine these kids would enjoy it any more." "I merely want some basic knowledge of mathematics and letters to be spread among the populace to improve their day to day works. I can't imagine that they'd protest too hard against something like that." Belotti gives a surprised look before saying "commoners will protest anything that complicates their lives, and this would be one. If you really want to educate them it needs to come from people they trust, their elders, the church, not a group associated with you, no offense." "Then we could approach the ones they trust, ask the local clergy to set up schools at the church. The people are already zealous so they'd likely accept a divine teaching." "i…fine, ill see what I can set up, but if people react negatively to this don't blame me."
In the next few months the churches of Romagna either start or expand limited schooling for the children of their members, a large amount of it being part of learning the teachings of the bible, being taught the modern Tuscan language, and very basic mathematics, simple addition and subtraction. It does give the church more influence, and even then, many parents don't want their kids being pulled away from their daily duties.
---
[Elections: Diplomacy, 89+20=109]
Getting cardinals to support Adrien isn't all that hard. The mans already taken up quite a leadership position amongst the remnants of the non Spaniard and Avignon papacys. They just needed a little extra push to fall in behind him. The Hungarian began to put his supporters, little as they may be, behind Adrien as well as he believed him to be a more likely calm faction amongst the candidates. The Medici on the other hand is far more ideological supposedly, and not in the way you would want. Apparently, he went to meet Cesare's pope to figure out his competition and instead came out his greatest supporter, claiming that the man was a kindly and pious man more deserving of it then his cardinalship bought by his family's money. Whether he's been paid off, frightened, or is a true believer is irrelevant, as his endorsement has given the Spanish pope some legitimacy in peoples eyes.
This has led to something of a three way tie between the remaining popes, as each vie for influence amongst what cardinals are still undecided or not tied to their choices as tensions continue to rise, largely stemming from the Avignon pope. He seems to judge any and all amongst the church who wont support him as being corrupted by fear or greed, letting earthly desires pull them away from gods will, which just so happens to be his reign as pope, go figure. The Spanish pope and Adrien at least are cordial, though where Adrien advocates for a calm return to tradition, the Spaniard says that's exactly what led to the situation they are in right now. Men who sought to use the church and its power as a means of self enrichment or pursuing their own goals rather then the divine position it is. It needs to be remade so that these men cannot either rise to the position or cannot abuse their power, and that will never happen under the status quo.
Two of the candidates are out of the conclave, three remain.
---
[STEAM! : Learning, 14+35=49]
Leos work on the steam devices continues at a lethargic pace. Even for all his genius it does little for his progress as the device continues to elude functionality. Sometimes he doesn't have the energy to work on it, old as he's getting, devoting more of his time to send letters to friends and loved ones.
(675/1000 progress on steam engine)
---
[Repairs: Stewardship, 39+15=64]
It's been some time since the collapse in the mountains but some work does still need to be done. Most of the fallen stone and dirt has been cleared away, leaving the repair of the paths that were destroyed as well as the rebuilding of the buildings destroyed in the collapse. There's little to salvage from the homes, flattened as they were, meaning that it will be almost entirely starting from scratch to repair them. The gold does help with getting in the materials for rebuilding however.
---
[Persuasion: Diplomacy, 99+20+15+20=154]
If anyone would have the force necessary to take on the French assassins it would be your brother, but you need to be careful with your letter. He only needs to know about the shroud, the apple can stay secret for now, but you need to be sure that nobody else would have access to or be able to intercept the letter. Unfortunately he has left Rome and returned to castile so its not as simple as sending a courier to the holy see, so it must be sent by ship. Despite now being enemies technically in this war you still have trade with Spain, and following that trade are crows. It takes some time to be sure which are actually crows but once they are found you approach them with the letter, telling them it must come into the hands of your brother and no one else.
"Dear brother,
It would seem that the assassins of France have decided to take advantage of the current chaos as they've attacked Ravenna. I wish I could tell you that I fought valiantly or that they were fended off, but in truth I, Lupo, and our nephew Giovanni could barely fend off a singular assassin. If this were all however I would not be bothering you with it. Before their attack I had come into the possession of a piece of Eden, a shroud that could heal all wounds. While we were being attacked a second assassin had found their way to where I had it hidden and stole it from me.
Obviously any piece of Eden in assassin hands is a danger to us, but I don't have the forces necessary to take on the French, but I have discovered a few things. First the identities of the thieves, Gautier de Carnellion and Melisant LeBlanc. second, the assassins are in league with the French heir presumptive Francis, the same one supporting the Avignon pope, as they went first to his manor before meeting with their mentors. Lastly, though you likely already know this, they are deeply entrenched within the catacombs of Paris, likely the surrounding country as well though I don't know the full extent of their influence.
I've sent Arnao into Paris to keep an eye on them, and I ask that you assist him with the aid of his fellow crows or whatever you deem necessary so that we may take this piece of Eden and whatever else they may have out of their hands and into ours. I admit I know little of the templars place in France, only of their eradication when whichever French king declared them heretics, but if there is any presence there we might work with them as well.
There is also the matter of the upcoming conclave, as you've no doubt heard. If you would send your pope to attend it would be most appreciated, as an end to the current religious conflict before it can become a schism would be a boon to us all.
Sincerely, your brother and duke of Romagna, Valentino Borgia-Romana."
It is some time before you receive a letter from your brother in return. It comes by one of his crows, and thankfully there's little in the way of complication as the crows merely come to your home to hand deliver it before disappearing.
"Dear brother,
I had heard the French had obtained new pieces of Eden and this helps identify one of them. The tie between that whelp Francis and the assassins is also appreciated if worrying. My crows are already settled in the Aquitaine region but I can move some north to meet with Arnao. Most of the templars in France are settled in either Brittany or the regions of burgundy, ill attempt to work with them but know they are a proud yet ineffectual people, claiming descent from the templars of old yet doing nothing for all the legacy they love to claim.
As for papal matters canizares is not under my authority. He's been given relative independence as a vassal of the Spanish empire, though I believe he already plans to attend, either to take part or give some speech I do not know. If anyone could command him it would be either Joana or god.
Give my nephews my best regards and hopefully I will be able to meet them soon. Do try to make a treaty with the French soon, most of your "allies" are swiftly abandoning the war and making their own treaties so its best to pull out before you find yourself the only foe left in Frances sight.
Sincerely yours, your brother, king consort of spain and lord general of her armies, Cesare Trastamara Borgia."
---
[War: Martial, 1]
Its September 18th 1514, the army led by Georgios Kostas is raining iron and stone on to the fortress of Pavia as they have been for months nearing a year with little to show for it. They're hoping that if they can't breach the fortress they can starve it out via a full encirclement. What they don't know however is that France has been making new allies in the background while the league has been breaking. During the night a mixed force of French knights and soldiers along with venetian mercenaries gathered quietly outside of the Romagna sight, and just as the dawn broke over the horizon, they attacked swiftly and mercilessly.
The captains and commanders were the first to be wiped out, targeted for death or capture and ransom so that the army would remain disorganized, and from there French cavalry would race through the camps in formation, trampling the tents and beds killing any still trying to arm themselves before they even saw the enemy. The venetian mercenaries meanwhile targeted and captured the siege weaponry and cannons before they could be readied by Romagna forces.
The Romagna army of Pisa was destroyed completely in less then a day as cavalry scoured the surrounding lands for any retreating force, and the next day they began their march southeast, into Parma who swiftly surrendered and then on towards Ferrara to aid their allies there.
---
[War: Martial, 17+20+10=47]
With the quick march of the French and venetian forces Ast, Guillaume, and the knights templar are caught by surprise. The dispersed army of Ast, still hunting down any remaining of the original French forces, are caught on the hunt by French cavalry charging them in the field. Just as Guillaume's forces have settled for a siege of Ferrara they were struck by the alliance forces, leading them to quickly flee the recently set up camp. Its not as catastrophic of a defeat as outside Pavia as the armies still remain, though the army of San Marino is at a third of its forces and Guillaume's men are likewise hurting, surprisingly few casualties among the Knights templar but severe losses of supplies and equipment leave attrition on the march home to make up for it.
---
[Edumacation: Learning, 11+20=31]
Well the school is technically set up now, though you aren't impressed by Elena's results. Yes a school does exist teaching the people of San Marino more of the secrets of metallurgy, but the problem is in the teachers and students. The teachers, pulled from the better smiths of the original community in the forts, have no desire to teach those not of their own, and they've made that clear as they bar anyone without roots in the mountains to take part. You tell Elena to march back and fix it as the intent was for it to be open to anyone who could afford the schooling.
---
[Spying: intrigue, 71+20=91]
Arnaos espionage goes well at the very least. He's set up an identity as a barber in the city, and few people think much of a barber, so when he's cutting hair or plucking teeth no one expects him to be listening in on his customers conversations nor prowling the streets at night. With the help of recently arrived crows he's able to collect a few records of the city to help with future operations, maps of both the streets, buildings, and most importantly, the catacombs. Of course its not quite as simple as it sounds as the tunnels are deeper, older, and more twisted then anyone can remember, and the are discrepancies amongst the maps, likely caused by the assassins to obscure and protect their den.
After the investigation of the city Arnao tries to form a hierarchy of the assassins, finding who is important, who has control of what operations, and who is actually a member, and this goes far more poorly. Due to the entrenchment of theirs they are in every level of society, and its hard to figure out just who is properly an assassin or merely their pawn. Needless to say its hardly an enviable position.
---
There's finally word from the colony in northern America, not great but not disastrous. The journey was plagued by storms the whole way, which only got worse the further north they got as they changed from rain to sleet, nearly turning the sails solid some days. They arrived at the mouth of the river on your map and made their way down it, only to be harassed by yet more unruly natives, seemingly even less advanced then those further south. They went to the banks of the river and started to holler at the ships as they passed, whether intimidation or challenge who can say, but a few shots from the muskets send them running. Finally they reach the rivers source to find cold wet lowlands and forests, uncomfortable to much of the Italian colonists. It's a slow and muddy start but eventually something resembling a colony begins to form, if an unpleasant one.
Northern colony begun, if not well off.
---
you have 1090 florins, an elite army, 3 regular armys, a fleet, and enough ships for trade
You have six actions, use them as you will
You may take up to two extra actions but each will subtract 10 from your rolls as you stretch yourself
Please make your vote in plan format
You have the sixth sense bonus and may have an advisor aid you or do a task on their own
Martial
[] The simplest way to expand is to take the land by force, send an army to try and conquer somewhere
-[] Where?
-[] What is your Casus Belli?
[] Have one of your armies train and try to improve
-[] which one?
[] Perhaps you could give the legionary eagle to one of your armies, it could do great things for morale
[] Spend some time to form another fleet of ships and train a crew to man them to protect or attack any naval foes
[] As Romagna expands you may need another army to defend it, start building one.
[] Perhaps you should look into mercenaries you could hire
[] Hire one of the mercenary groups you know of (300fl)
-[]Which one
[] With your current independence you may want to improve your defenses, send some men out to improve the forts
-[] north or south?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] Give one of your stewards the funds to pursue their own projects
[]You can always make more trade deals(you will need more ships for oversea trade)
-[] Who?
[] The current iron mining operations are doing well, but perhaps they could expand? (50 fl)
[] Your brother found blacksmiths while you were away, perhaps they could forge you something?
-[] What?
[] The ruby mines could always be improved, try to do so (75 fl)
[] The woods are dense and large, perhaps you could expand the operations (50 fl)
[] you could encourage immigration somewhere
-[] where?
[] The docks are in good repair at least, perhaps you should purchase some ships to help with trade and defense (100 fl)
[] There's a whole new world out there, fund the company to form a new colony (takes one turn, and is much more likely to succeed with your map, you may choose a location on the eastern American coasts/Bahamas, 500 fl)
-[] Where?
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] Approach france to work on a peace treaty
[] Add new laws for the N.W.C. to follow in their colonization efforts
[] Try to convince Cardinals to vote for Adrien as Pope
[] Maybe you could look for an alliance, without marriage?
-[] Where?
[] The templars need new blood, maybe there's someone you could recruit?
-[] who?
[] Perhaps you should go meet one of your neighbors directly?
-[] Which one?
[] You know where Ezio lives, perhaps you should send him a friendly letter
-[] About what?
[] Send a letter to a different Power, such as Venice, the Ottomans, etc
-[] Who?
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] You now have two assassins, give them a target(50fl-200fl depending on the danger/Importance of the target)
[] You now have your own groups of thieves and spies, now what to use them for?
-[] Write in
[] Start spying in foreign land, blackmail or opportunities won't find themselves
-[] Where?
[] start bribing cardinals so they'll vote for Adrien for pope (100 fl)
[] write in
Learning
[] Give your engineer resources and let them design what they please, perhaps making something of use (50fl)
[] Continue experimenting with the volley cannon, perhaps some new inspiration will strike?
[] Start experimenting with the steam engine
[] Work on translating those assassin texts
[] try to find this prophecy chamber from Brutus journal
[] search for more pieces of Eden
[] Write in
Personal
[] Try to befriend people in your court
-[] Who?
[] Send a letter to a family member
-[] To who, and what about?
[] You should learn how to use that dagger Cesare gave you
-[] Or maybe something else?
[] Write in
[] Try to train a stat
-[] Which one?
---
Sorry this one took a bit long to come out, things have been busy on my end and this part didn't exactly help either
- Location
- barking
okay yeah lets listen to our brother that nat 1 really screwed us, also what happened to gregrious is he dead or captured
- Location
- A pit
Ya don't know
- Location
- barking
[X]Plan time to exit
-[X]Approach france to work on a peace treaty assign Machiavelli, sixth sense
-[X]Have ilario Improve infrastructure in our lands adivsor action
-[X]Have Centri Orchi try to track down gregrious
-[X] The current iron mining operations are doing well, but perhaps they could expand? (50 fl)
-[X]the ruby mines could always be improved, try to do so (75 fl)
-[X]you could encourage immigration somewhere
-[X] Look for another bodyguard
-[X]Approach france to work on a peace treaty assign Machiavelli, sixth sense
-[X]Have ilario Improve infrastructure in our lands adivsor action
-[X]Have Centri Orchi try to track down gregrious
-[X] The current iron mining operations are doing well, but perhaps they could expand? (50 fl)
-[X]the ruby mines could always be improved, try to do so (75 fl)
-[X]you could encourage immigration somewhere
-[X] Look for another bodyguard
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- Pronouns
- First/And/Last
[X]exit strategy
-[X]Approach france to work on a peace treaty and hostage exchange assign Machiavelli, sixth sense
-[X]Add new laws for the N.W.C. to follow in their colonization efforts assign django
- -[X]allow and encourage trade with the natives trading various goods to them to build support among friendly tribes (trade Of weapons can only be approved by Valentino)
- - -[X] have the company set up an Exploration Corps to explore and research the areas surrounding the colonies to better understand the land I.e native cultures and peoples, maps of the lands, fauna and flora that could be used for medicine and trade.
-[X]Have Centri Orchi try to track down gregrious
-[X]Give your engineer resources and let them design what they please, perhaps making something of use (100fl) assign Leonardo and elena
-[X]look into mercenaries to hire assign belotti (advisor action)
-[X]you could encourage immigration somewhere assign ilario
- -[X]colonies
-[X]have army of Ravenna and army of San Marino attempt to engage and drive back french forces marching into Ferrara (the french would be more likely to accept peace if there forces are on the backfoot) assign ast
-[X]Approach france to work on a peace treaty and hostage exchange assign Machiavelli, sixth sense
-[X]Add new laws for the N.W.C. to follow in their colonization efforts assign django
- -[X]allow and encourage trade with the natives trading various goods to them to build support among friendly tribes (trade Of weapons can only be approved by Valentino)
- - -[X] have the company set up an Exploration Corps to explore and research the areas surrounding the colonies to better understand the land I.e native cultures and peoples, maps of the lands, fauna and flora that could be used for medicine and trade.
-[X]Have Centri Orchi try to track down gregrious
-[X]Give your engineer resources and let them design what they please, perhaps making something of use (100fl) assign Leonardo and elena
-[X]look into mercenaries to hire assign belotti (advisor action)
-[X]you could encourage immigration somewhere assign ilario
- -[X]colonies
-[X]have army of Ravenna and army of San Marino attempt to engage and drive back french forces marching into Ferrara (the french would be more likely to accept peace if there forces are on the backfoot) assign ast
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Lone Courier 6
Devilish Fool
- Location
- United States of Quests
It probably wouldn't hurt to go looking for a second or if the worst has happened a new bodyguard
- Location
- barking
snake if your not going to use illrio you could assign him to immigration
- Pronouns
- First/And/Last
Thana ilario already assigned to company laws, just checking the character info to know who's best assigned to which action.
might use ilario for immigration though
figure that Elena could use a break from education we'd had her on for a while and Leonardo could use one for the steam engine after the last bad rolls for them, they might even come up with something useful To the current situation.
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- Location
- Centro Italia
[X]exit strategy
- Location
- United States
We desperately need a reroll mechanic. This is getting ridiculous.
1515, An end of war for now
- Location
- A pit
[Laws: Stewardship, 38+20+15=73]
Putting the new laws in place is simple enough, they already had started trading with the natives in Barbaras for their jade and "cacao" and various local crops. They already weren't trading weapons either to not give away their advantage in the area, as they've even locked away a majority of their weapons in an armory to protect them from any theft or raids. They've also already been exploring the surrounding lands so they aren't blind nor reliant on supplies from home, so really the laws are nothing more making it official.
---
[Tracking: Intrigue, 1]
The Occhis attempt to find Georgios is a disaster from day one. As soon as they've crossed into Milanese territory they are ambushed by French forces in the area, even worse in that they made sure to capture, not kill, the thieves. Now they've been hauled to who knows where for who knows what, questioning, coercion, or something else the French have planned. Obviously, they also come up with nothing on Georgios, whether he's alive or dead or wherever he may be.
---
[Inventing: Learning, 39+35+20-10-20=64]
You try to get your two engineers to work together to try and find some common ground, but anything between the two might as well be scorched earth. Every little suggestion from either one is met with objections and insults from the other. Any progress they do make is lost swiftly in their arguments, any idea shoved away as they are preoccupied with their conflicts. The only thing you are thankful for is that they didn't kill each other or start a fire.
---
[Mercenaries: Martial, 50+16=66]
Given the near end of the war the amount of available companies has risen considerably, though many have decreased in number. A few options stand out to Belotti, and an extra possibility as well. The first would be a more local solution, hiring Ottaviano Sforza-Riario, son of Catarina Sforza. After her death and the lack of friendly neighbors the man has been hiring himself and his men out as condottiero during the war, getting experience and coin for the trouble. Despite your experience with his mother Belotti says he could be a very useful ally, as well as keeping a potentially belligerent force within your lands occupied.
The next option he has is actually a foreign group, a free company out of Tunis. The company is fairly recently formed, hired by the Spanish to harass Sicily and Malta while the Spanish armies were invading, and led by a man named Ramzi al-Bahar, originally a baker who turned to piracy and then later leadership of his company once the wars started. He and his ships proved daring raiders and skirmishers during their time afield, and they might work for you now.
Thirdly is a Corsican free company, led by one Lazzero Avanol. The island, while part of genoa, shares little of their mercantile nature, being a far more military people, often becoming leaders of Genoese fleets or their mercenaries, though this ones somewhat different. They hold little regard for genoas control of the island, finding them useless in their administration or support, and so the local noble Avanol took to leading nearly 3% of its population as mercenaries so that they might fund the island. Of course that's less impressive when you consider the island only has maybe 50000 people on it but they certainly proved their skill during the war of the leagues, having fought for the late pope.
Lastly is Belottis suggestion, and you admit none of your suspicions were quite what he has planned. He wanted to fund the expansion and improvement of the knights templar back into as impressive a band as they had been since the crusades. Of course this would grant them some amount of independence but its unlikely they'd be fool enough to bite the hand that feeds them. Other nations might enlist their services when not working for Romagna, and of course any army, even semi independent, would have some influence in the realm, but what you sacrifice in direct control you gain in a local and professional army. It is of course your choice and you may choose not to, its merely a thought he has had.
---
[Immigration: Stewardship, 3+15+20=38]
When you tell Illario to try and drum up folks who may want to join the colonies, he's very blunt in his response. "I don't work for the company, so no." "It cant be that much trouble Illario, just tr-" "did you not hear me? Its not my job, you specifically had the company made to deal with that sort of thing, they do it already, I'm not going to waste my time and theirs trying to get together another ship full of people. Now unless you've got anything that is actually my job to do then I'm going to the docks."
---
[War: Martial, 19+18-20(two damaged armies)=17]
You had sent a message out to be delivered to either Ast or Guillaume for them to try and engage the French and venetians forces, so when instead you find the remains of the armies outside Ravennas walls you were surprised. Your trip down from the castle is interrupted by this army, Ast at its lead, fire in his eyes. He is disheveled, his once bright and polished armor scarred, scratched, and tattered, dirt on his face and in his hair, bags underneath his eyes. "Mind telling us why you thought it was a good idea to take both armies, crippled and broken as they are, to fend off a fresh French force Borgia!?" he yells loud enough for the gathered men to hear. "Were you wanting us to all die out there for nothing? Did you expect us to grin and accept you sending us to death with a thanks for the opportunity!?"
You try to compose yourself before you speak, you have a few of the guard that traveled with you but you can feel their fear at the site of these soldiers, tired and battered as they are. "Ast, I don't know why you think acting like this is a good idea but I need you and the soldiers to disperse, ill only talk with you if you do this." "Afraid of how they might react for more fool decisions out of your mouth!? Don't want them to hear of your next plan to march on France by sea, or to invade into the H.R.E. now that they're distracted with peace talks? These men and I are tired of being commanded by someone who so wants to play at being a great conqueror. May the French treat you with all the respect you deserve."
Ast and the remains of the army left that day, some few remaining to stay with their families, others grabbing the family to join their march, as they're marching with Ast into the Swiss cantons. They seem to have joined one of these cantons as soldiers or returning to their other jobs, believing the Swiss to hold more respect for the military both current and former. The few to remain were Guillaume and his knights, who had split off from their fellow soldiers, not necessarily disagreeing but not wanting to throw away the new home they have.
---
[Spying: Intrigue, 71+20+15(templar and crow support=106]
King louis the twelfth is dead, long live King Francis. Louis died of gout on the very first day of the year, miserable and enraged. Sadly it was an entirely natural death as Arnao discovered so nothing could be used against this new king, and despite a search louis doesn't even have a bastard to his name that could be pushed as heir, leaving only Francis to take the place. Other than that he does discover some less then pleasant news out the court. Francis has placed his full support behind the Avignon papacy, in secret deciding that the French church will be its only church whether Lemery is elected by the conclave or not. With the conclusion of the war and remaining hostility's with Italy the people are unlikely to oppose it aside from the most zealous of them.
Maps and plans for the Caribbean have also been found. It would seem that Francis wants to get into colonization and has marked out the swampy but fertile northern coast of the gulf as his own. Whether it will actually succeed is anyone guess, but the fact he's trying means another competitor in the area beyond the Siennese and Napolese colonies. May a storm fall on his attempts.
Then there's his ties with the assassins as more of that has been brought to light. Apparently he was approached by them while his father was still duke of Milan, making this a fairly old connection, possibly leaving him with friends amongst them. There may even be assassins within his council now if its new members are as Arnao suspects. They still have yet to discover Arnao nor his fellow crows, and with the financial assistance of the southern templars they manage to set up a small den of their own, though he says he cant tell you its location, just in case the letter gets intercepted.
---
[Treaties: Diplomacy, 26+20+20+20=86]
Machiavelli sent a letter the courts of Paris, requesting for either an ambassador to be sent to Firenze to work on a treaty or permission to be allowed into Paris so that they might negotiate. The letter soon arrives, granting Machiavelli and yourself the permission to come and protection of the crown. It's a long and tense journey of some weeks by carriage, during which Machiavelli drills into your head how the French court works. He also tells you to stay near him, for as long as he is near you won't be targeted by the French assassins. Giovanni, barely a man, is given regency for as long as you are gone.
Paris is a sight to behold once you reach it, marvels of construction and design, but Machiavelli tells you to not let it distract you from your goals. The two of you are given rooms within the palace of Fontainebleau, a large and impressive place. You are left with a guard for as long as you are there, just as much to keep an eye on you as to protect you. the two of you are left waiting for some days as the king deals with other business, wanting to personally deal with your treaty. Normally having you wait like this would be nothing but a stalling tactic, either to put pressure on yourselves or gather useful information, but given that he was made king a few months ago its not entirely out of the realm of belief he is actually busy.
Eventually the two of you are brought out to the gardens of the palace, an enclosed area filled with all manner of bright and colorful flowers. Seated at a table at the center of the garden is the king himself, nearly half your age and smiling as you approach. It seems a genuine one, though there's also a feeling of amusement from the boy. "The duke of Romagna and the great diplomat Machiavelli, I must say it is a pleasure to finally meet you in the person. I hope you don't mind us having our talks of the treaty here, but its such a wonderful day I couldn't help but arrange for us to meet here."
Nor could he help but have an assassin watching over the affair from one of the walls. You almost didn't notice but a nudge from Machiavelli and your sixth sense helped you pick them out. There's likely a few others throughout the gardens to keep an eye out for any deception. "Our thanks for having us. Its about time to put the acts of the league behind us so we might end any hostilities between out people and doing it in such a lovely place certainly helps. But even now I can feel myself missing home, despite how lovely this palace is, so if we could get this finished within the week that would be wonderful."
Francis smiles more and looks between the two of you. "Strange, I find myself agreeing with your desire for an end to this conflict, but I'm not quite sure you truly believe so. You had tried to have your men attack mine after all, even as you were waiting for a response from us. It's a good thing they hadn't however, likely saved their lives as my generals had orders to put down any remaining forces with as much force as necessary. Not to mention your attempts at having those thieves and bandits of yours try to infiltrate Milan, who knows what they could have done if they weren't discovered." He says all this almost casually, as if you were speaking about nothing but some minor inconvenience, but he makes sure to look you in the eyes as he's saying it.
"Merely attempts, failed ones at that, to try and ward off any conflict from coming to Ravenna, we had every intent to honor this treaty and your trust in us." He stares at you a moment longer then comfortable, before nearly saying under his breath "you have a strange idea of honor then my friend. But talks of honor can wait, some servants should be by soon with food and drink for us to have while we get to work on figuring out the terms, so let's get started, shall we?"
You will have an amount of points to spend on this treaty, lessened by your failed actions against France while asking for the treaty. You may gain more points by taking less favorable terms such as paying reparations or promising them a portion of the ships you create every year. You may have an excess of points but you may not end the treaty with negative points.
You have 3 points
French Terms.
Pay 200 fl/turn for 10 turns to France. 2 points
Give half of your ships to France every turn for 10 turns, strengthening their navy and halving your profit from ship sales. 2 points
Aid France in their colonial ambitions. 2 points
Support the French popes claim. 3 points
Become a French vassal. 5 points
Romagnan terms.
White peace. No points spent, nothing gained or lost.
Annex Modena. 4 points
Annex Ferrara. 4 points
Annex Parma. 4 points
An alliance with France. 4 points/ cant take with French vassal
No French colonization near your colonies. 3 points
Paid 200 fl/turn for 10 turns. 2 points
Trade deal with France. 1 point
---
You are also given the choice to pay a lump sum of 600fl for the release of all captured soldiers, commanders, thieves, and more. Will you pay?
[] yes
[] no
---
The war in the east has had an interesting turn of events. Sultan Sulim has died, believed to have been poisoned, though the amount of suspects is too great to figure out just who it was. This would have ended the ottoman civil war but Sulims son, Suleiman, has taken his place in the war against his uncle, claiming the man is too treacherous to be allowed to rule. Suleiman however is not the general his father was, and already some losses can be seen, both against the various byzantine rebellions and his uncle Ahmet.
---
Before you had arrived to make your treaty with France, the English made theirs. They have been given the coast of Normandy in exchange for both the end of their war as well as payment for the damages they have caused in France. King henry has been hosting months of celebration for his victories, claiming that next, once he's had a son, hell take the war to the Scots. Sophias told you that, with the hurdle of administrative work facing him, that's unlikely to happen any time soon.
---
Joana and Spain meanwhile have taken from Naples both Sicily and the isle of Malta, but that isn't the important part. Joana has forced her father to give up all claims in Spain and abroad, and declare that from then on the inheritance of the kingdom of Spain shall follow her line, and when she passes it shall fall to Leon. They've also been made to support the Spanish pope in the conclave that is to happen by the end of the year.
---
The Swiss meanwhile simply got what every heart desires, enough gold and silver to drown themselves in. well, not quite literally, but they made quite the fortune in their deals with both the H.R.E. for their soldiers and the French for their peace.
---
As for the H.R.E. Maximillian has settled for a slight piece of land expanding the Netherlands. Not exactly the outcome they wanted but turmoil in their lands from a spreading peasant rebellion force him to change his focus. The lord of the Netherlands, one Charles Hapsburg, is thrilled with it however, as much of the land is coast prime for docks for trading and ships.
---
The colony of Barbaras has done well for itself, well enough it can be considered self sufficient. They control much of the northern coast of the peninsula now, and despite the Itzas, as they've been discovered to be called, rather horrific practices, they have proven to make for good neighbors so far. T hear the settlers tell it they even have rather impressive constructions, such as a grand pyramid in their jungles and other impressive buildings of stone, though obviously no match for Italian cannons.
---
The cape colony is also faring well, though it still hasn't quite reached self sufficiency. The natives continue to be somewhat posturing, though in spite of the occasional staredown they've accepted the colonies presence and will at times trade with them. They've even tried to hire the company guard, trying to trade strange shells for their aid against other tribes. The soldiers complain the fools don't even have gold down here.
---
you have 1615 florins, 1 regular army, a fleet, and enough ships for trade
You have six actions, use them as you will
You may take up to two extra actions but each will subtract 10 from your rolls as you stretch yourself
Please make your vote in plan format
You have the sixth sense bonus and may have an advisor aid you or do a task on their own
Martial
[] The simplest way to expand is to take the land by force, send an army to try and conquer somewhere
-[] Where?
-[] What is your Casus Belli?
[] Have one of your armies train and try to improve
-[] which one?
[] Perhaps you could give the legionary eagle to one of your armies, it could do great things for morale
[] Spend some time to form another fleet of ships and train a crew to man them to protect or attack any naval foes
[] As Romagna expands you may need another army to defend it, start building one.
[] Perhaps you should look into mercenaries you could hire
[] Hire one of the mercenary groups you know of (300fl)
-[]Which one
[] With your current independence you may want to improve your defenses, send some men out to improve the forts
-[] north or south?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] Give one of your stewards the funds to pursue their own projects
[]You can always make more trade deals(you will need more ships for oversea trade)
-[] Who?
[] The current iron mining operations are doing well, but perhaps they could expand? (50 fl)
[] Your brother found blacksmiths while you were away, perhaps they could forge you something?
-[] What?
[] The ruby mines could always be improved, try to do so (75 fl)
[] The woods are dense and large, perhaps you could expand the operations (50 fl)
[] you could encourage immigration somewhere
-[] where?
[] The docks are in good repair at least, perhaps you should purchase some ships to help with trade and defense (100 fl)
[] There's a whole new world out there, fund the company to form a new colony (takes one turn, and is much more likely to succeed with your map, you may choose a location on the eastern American coasts/Bahamas, 500 fl)
-[] Where?
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] Approach france to work on a peace treaty
[] Add new laws for the N.W.C. to follow in their colonization efforts
[] Try to convince Cardinals to vote for Adrien as Pope
[] Maybe you could look for an alliance, without marriage?
-[] Where?
[] The templars need new blood, maybe there's someone you could recruit?
-[] who?
[] Perhaps you should go meet one of your neighbors directly?
-[] Which one?
[] You know where Ezio lives, perhaps you should send him a friendly letter
-[] About what?
[] Send a letter to a different Power, such as Venice, the Ottomans, etc
-[] Who?
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] You now have two assassins, give them a target(50fl-200fl depending on the danger/Importance of the target)
[] You now have your own groups of thieves and spies, now what to use them for?
-[] Write in
[] Start spying in foreign land, blackmail or opportunities won't find themselves
-[] Where?
[] start bribing cardinals so they'll vote for Adrien for pope (100 fl)
[] write in
Learning
[] Give your engineer resources and let them design what they please, perhaps making something of use (50fl)
[] Continue experimenting with the volley cannon, perhaps some new inspiration will strike?
[] Start experimenting with the steam engine
[] Work on translating those assassin texts
[] try to find this prophecy chamber from Brutus journal
[] search for more pieces of Eden
[] Write in
Personal
[] Try to befriend people in your court
-[] Who?
[] Send a letter to a family member
-[] To who, and what about?
[] You should learn how to use that dagger Cesare gave you
-[] Or maybe something else?
[] Write in
[] Try to train a stat
-[] Which one?
---
Bad rolls and bad decisions have led to this not turning out great
Putting the new laws in place is simple enough, they already had started trading with the natives in Barbaras for their jade and "cacao" and various local crops. They already weren't trading weapons either to not give away their advantage in the area, as they've even locked away a majority of their weapons in an armory to protect them from any theft or raids. They've also already been exploring the surrounding lands so they aren't blind nor reliant on supplies from home, so really the laws are nothing more making it official.
---
[Tracking: Intrigue, 1]
The Occhis attempt to find Georgios is a disaster from day one. As soon as they've crossed into Milanese territory they are ambushed by French forces in the area, even worse in that they made sure to capture, not kill, the thieves. Now they've been hauled to who knows where for who knows what, questioning, coercion, or something else the French have planned. Obviously, they also come up with nothing on Georgios, whether he's alive or dead or wherever he may be.
---
[Inventing: Learning, 39+35+20-10-20=64]
You try to get your two engineers to work together to try and find some common ground, but anything between the two might as well be scorched earth. Every little suggestion from either one is met with objections and insults from the other. Any progress they do make is lost swiftly in their arguments, any idea shoved away as they are preoccupied with their conflicts. The only thing you are thankful for is that they didn't kill each other or start a fire.
---
[Mercenaries: Martial, 50+16=66]
Given the near end of the war the amount of available companies has risen considerably, though many have decreased in number. A few options stand out to Belotti, and an extra possibility as well. The first would be a more local solution, hiring Ottaviano Sforza-Riario, son of Catarina Sforza. After her death and the lack of friendly neighbors the man has been hiring himself and his men out as condottiero during the war, getting experience and coin for the trouble. Despite your experience with his mother Belotti says he could be a very useful ally, as well as keeping a potentially belligerent force within your lands occupied.
The next option he has is actually a foreign group, a free company out of Tunis. The company is fairly recently formed, hired by the Spanish to harass Sicily and Malta while the Spanish armies were invading, and led by a man named Ramzi al-Bahar, originally a baker who turned to piracy and then later leadership of his company once the wars started. He and his ships proved daring raiders and skirmishers during their time afield, and they might work for you now.
Thirdly is a Corsican free company, led by one Lazzero Avanol. The island, while part of genoa, shares little of their mercantile nature, being a far more military people, often becoming leaders of Genoese fleets or their mercenaries, though this ones somewhat different. They hold little regard for genoas control of the island, finding them useless in their administration or support, and so the local noble Avanol took to leading nearly 3% of its population as mercenaries so that they might fund the island. Of course that's less impressive when you consider the island only has maybe 50000 people on it but they certainly proved their skill during the war of the leagues, having fought for the late pope.
Lastly is Belottis suggestion, and you admit none of your suspicions were quite what he has planned. He wanted to fund the expansion and improvement of the knights templar back into as impressive a band as they had been since the crusades. Of course this would grant them some amount of independence but its unlikely they'd be fool enough to bite the hand that feeds them. Other nations might enlist their services when not working for Romagna, and of course any army, even semi independent, would have some influence in the realm, but what you sacrifice in direct control you gain in a local and professional army. It is of course your choice and you may choose not to, its merely a thought he has had.
---
[Immigration: Stewardship, 3+15+20=38]
When you tell Illario to try and drum up folks who may want to join the colonies, he's very blunt in his response. "I don't work for the company, so no." "It cant be that much trouble Illario, just tr-" "did you not hear me? Its not my job, you specifically had the company made to deal with that sort of thing, they do it already, I'm not going to waste my time and theirs trying to get together another ship full of people. Now unless you've got anything that is actually my job to do then I'm going to the docks."
---
[War: Martial, 19+18-20(two damaged armies)=17]
You had sent a message out to be delivered to either Ast or Guillaume for them to try and engage the French and venetians forces, so when instead you find the remains of the armies outside Ravennas walls you were surprised. Your trip down from the castle is interrupted by this army, Ast at its lead, fire in his eyes. He is disheveled, his once bright and polished armor scarred, scratched, and tattered, dirt on his face and in his hair, bags underneath his eyes. "Mind telling us why you thought it was a good idea to take both armies, crippled and broken as they are, to fend off a fresh French force Borgia!?" he yells loud enough for the gathered men to hear. "Were you wanting us to all die out there for nothing? Did you expect us to grin and accept you sending us to death with a thanks for the opportunity!?"
You try to compose yourself before you speak, you have a few of the guard that traveled with you but you can feel their fear at the site of these soldiers, tired and battered as they are. "Ast, I don't know why you think acting like this is a good idea but I need you and the soldiers to disperse, ill only talk with you if you do this." "Afraid of how they might react for more fool decisions out of your mouth!? Don't want them to hear of your next plan to march on France by sea, or to invade into the H.R.E. now that they're distracted with peace talks? These men and I are tired of being commanded by someone who so wants to play at being a great conqueror. May the French treat you with all the respect you deserve."
Ast and the remains of the army left that day, some few remaining to stay with their families, others grabbing the family to join their march, as they're marching with Ast into the Swiss cantons. They seem to have joined one of these cantons as soldiers or returning to their other jobs, believing the Swiss to hold more respect for the military both current and former. The few to remain were Guillaume and his knights, who had split off from their fellow soldiers, not necessarily disagreeing but not wanting to throw away the new home they have.
---
[Spying: Intrigue, 71+20+15(templar and crow support=106]
King louis the twelfth is dead, long live King Francis. Louis died of gout on the very first day of the year, miserable and enraged. Sadly it was an entirely natural death as Arnao discovered so nothing could be used against this new king, and despite a search louis doesn't even have a bastard to his name that could be pushed as heir, leaving only Francis to take the place. Other than that he does discover some less then pleasant news out the court. Francis has placed his full support behind the Avignon papacy, in secret deciding that the French church will be its only church whether Lemery is elected by the conclave or not. With the conclusion of the war and remaining hostility's with Italy the people are unlikely to oppose it aside from the most zealous of them.
Maps and plans for the Caribbean have also been found. It would seem that Francis wants to get into colonization and has marked out the swampy but fertile northern coast of the gulf as his own. Whether it will actually succeed is anyone guess, but the fact he's trying means another competitor in the area beyond the Siennese and Napolese colonies. May a storm fall on his attempts.
Then there's his ties with the assassins as more of that has been brought to light. Apparently he was approached by them while his father was still duke of Milan, making this a fairly old connection, possibly leaving him with friends amongst them. There may even be assassins within his council now if its new members are as Arnao suspects. They still have yet to discover Arnao nor his fellow crows, and with the financial assistance of the southern templars they manage to set up a small den of their own, though he says he cant tell you its location, just in case the letter gets intercepted.
---
[Treaties: Diplomacy, 26+20+20+20=86]
Machiavelli sent a letter the courts of Paris, requesting for either an ambassador to be sent to Firenze to work on a treaty or permission to be allowed into Paris so that they might negotiate. The letter soon arrives, granting Machiavelli and yourself the permission to come and protection of the crown. It's a long and tense journey of some weeks by carriage, during which Machiavelli drills into your head how the French court works. He also tells you to stay near him, for as long as he is near you won't be targeted by the French assassins. Giovanni, barely a man, is given regency for as long as you are gone.
Paris is a sight to behold once you reach it, marvels of construction and design, but Machiavelli tells you to not let it distract you from your goals. The two of you are given rooms within the palace of Fontainebleau, a large and impressive place. You are left with a guard for as long as you are there, just as much to keep an eye on you as to protect you. the two of you are left waiting for some days as the king deals with other business, wanting to personally deal with your treaty. Normally having you wait like this would be nothing but a stalling tactic, either to put pressure on yourselves or gather useful information, but given that he was made king a few months ago its not entirely out of the realm of belief he is actually busy.
Eventually the two of you are brought out to the gardens of the palace, an enclosed area filled with all manner of bright and colorful flowers. Seated at a table at the center of the garden is the king himself, nearly half your age and smiling as you approach. It seems a genuine one, though there's also a feeling of amusement from the boy. "The duke of Romagna and the great diplomat Machiavelli, I must say it is a pleasure to finally meet you in the person. I hope you don't mind us having our talks of the treaty here, but its such a wonderful day I couldn't help but arrange for us to meet here."
Nor could he help but have an assassin watching over the affair from one of the walls. You almost didn't notice but a nudge from Machiavelli and your sixth sense helped you pick them out. There's likely a few others throughout the gardens to keep an eye out for any deception. "Our thanks for having us. Its about time to put the acts of the league behind us so we might end any hostilities between out people and doing it in such a lovely place certainly helps. But even now I can feel myself missing home, despite how lovely this palace is, so if we could get this finished within the week that would be wonderful."
Francis smiles more and looks between the two of you. "Strange, I find myself agreeing with your desire for an end to this conflict, but I'm not quite sure you truly believe so. You had tried to have your men attack mine after all, even as you were waiting for a response from us. It's a good thing they hadn't however, likely saved their lives as my generals had orders to put down any remaining forces with as much force as necessary. Not to mention your attempts at having those thieves and bandits of yours try to infiltrate Milan, who knows what they could have done if they weren't discovered." He says all this almost casually, as if you were speaking about nothing but some minor inconvenience, but he makes sure to look you in the eyes as he's saying it.
"Merely attempts, failed ones at that, to try and ward off any conflict from coming to Ravenna, we had every intent to honor this treaty and your trust in us." He stares at you a moment longer then comfortable, before nearly saying under his breath "you have a strange idea of honor then my friend. But talks of honor can wait, some servants should be by soon with food and drink for us to have while we get to work on figuring out the terms, so let's get started, shall we?"
You will have an amount of points to spend on this treaty, lessened by your failed actions against France while asking for the treaty. You may gain more points by taking less favorable terms such as paying reparations or promising them a portion of the ships you create every year. You may have an excess of points but you may not end the treaty with negative points.
You have 3 points
French Terms.
Pay 200 fl/turn for 10 turns to France. 2 points
Give half of your ships to France every turn for 10 turns, strengthening their navy and halving your profit from ship sales. 2 points
Aid France in their colonial ambitions. 2 points
Support the French popes claim. 3 points
Become a French vassal. 5 points
Romagnan terms.
White peace. No points spent, nothing gained or lost.
Annex Modena. 4 points
Annex Ferrara. 4 points
Annex Parma. 4 points
An alliance with France. 4 points/ cant take with French vassal
No French colonization near your colonies. 3 points
Paid 200 fl/turn for 10 turns. 2 points
Trade deal with France. 1 point
---
You are also given the choice to pay a lump sum of 600fl for the release of all captured soldiers, commanders, thieves, and more. Will you pay?
[] yes
[] no
---
The war in the east has had an interesting turn of events. Sultan Sulim has died, believed to have been poisoned, though the amount of suspects is too great to figure out just who it was. This would have ended the ottoman civil war but Sulims son, Suleiman, has taken his place in the war against his uncle, claiming the man is too treacherous to be allowed to rule. Suleiman however is not the general his father was, and already some losses can be seen, both against the various byzantine rebellions and his uncle Ahmet.
---
Before you had arrived to make your treaty with France, the English made theirs. They have been given the coast of Normandy in exchange for both the end of their war as well as payment for the damages they have caused in France. King henry has been hosting months of celebration for his victories, claiming that next, once he's had a son, hell take the war to the Scots. Sophias told you that, with the hurdle of administrative work facing him, that's unlikely to happen any time soon.
---
Joana and Spain meanwhile have taken from Naples both Sicily and the isle of Malta, but that isn't the important part. Joana has forced her father to give up all claims in Spain and abroad, and declare that from then on the inheritance of the kingdom of Spain shall follow her line, and when she passes it shall fall to Leon. They've also been made to support the Spanish pope in the conclave that is to happen by the end of the year.
---
The Swiss meanwhile simply got what every heart desires, enough gold and silver to drown themselves in. well, not quite literally, but they made quite the fortune in their deals with both the H.R.E. for their soldiers and the French for their peace.
---
As for the H.R.E. Maximillian has settled for a slight piece of land expanding the Netherlands. Not exactly the outcome they wanted but turmoil in their lands from a spreading peasant rebellion force him to change his focus. The lord of the Netherlands, one Charles Hapsburg, is thrilled with it however, as much of the land is coast prime for docks for trading and ships.
---
The colony of Barbaras has done well for itself, well enough it can be considered self sufficient. They control much of the northern coast of the peninsula now, and despite the Itzas, as they've been discovered to be called, rather horrific practices, they have proven to make for good neighbors so far. T hear the settlers tell it they even have rather impressive constructions, such as a grand pyramid in their jungles and other impressive buildings of stone, though obviously no match for Italian cannons.
---
The cape colony is also faring well, though it still hasn't quite reached self sufficiency. The natives continue to be somewhat posturing, though in spite of the occasional staredown they've accepted the colonies presence and will at times trade with them. They've even tried to hire the company guard, trying to trade strange shells for their aid against other tribes. The soldiers complain the fools don't even have gold down here.
---
you have 1615 florins, 1 regular army, a fleet, and enough ships for trade
You have six actions, use them as you will
You may take up to two extra actions but each will subtract 10 from your rolls as you stretch yourself
Please make your vote in plan format
You have the sixth sense bonus and may have an advisor aid you or do a task on their own
Martial
[] The simplest way to expand is to take the land by force, send an army to try and conquer somewhere
-[] Where?
-[] What is your Casus Belli?
[] Have one of your armies train and try to improve
-[] which one?
[] Perhaps you could give the legionary eagle to one of your armies, it could do great things for morale
[] Spend some time to form another fleet of ships and train a crew to man them to protect or attack any naval foes
[] As Romagna expands you may need another army to defend it, start building one.
[] Perhaps you should look into mercenaries you could hire
[] Hire one of the mercenary groups you know of (300fl)
-[]Which one
[] With your current independence you may want to improve your defenses, send some men out to improve the forts
-[] north or south?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] Give one of your stewards the funds to pursue their own projects
[]You can always make more trade deals(you will need more ships for oversea trade)
-[] Who?
[] The current iron mining operations are doing well, but perhaps they could expand? (50 fl)
[] Your brother found blacksmiths while you were away, perhaps they could forge you something?
-[] What?
[] The ruby mines could always be improved, try to do so (75 fl)
[] The woods are dense and large, perhaps you could expand the operations (50 fl)
[] you could encourage immigration somewhere
-[] where?
[] The docks are in good repair at least, perhaps you should purchase some ships to help with trade and defense (100 fl)
[] There's a whole new world out there, fund the company to form a new colony (takes one turn, and is much more likely to succeed with your map, you may choose a location on the eastern American coasts/Bahamas, 500 fl)
-[] Where?
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] Approach france to work on a peace treaty
[] Add new laws for the N.W.C. to follow in their colonization efforts
[] Try to convince Cardinals to vote for Adrien as Pope
[] Maybe you could look for an alliance, without marriage?
-[] Where?
[] The templars need new blood, maybe there's someone you could recruit?
-[] who?
[] Perhaps you should go meet one of your neighbors directly?
-[] Which one?
[] You know where Ezio lives, perhaps you should send him a friendly letter
-[] About what?
[] Send a letter to a different Power, such as Venice, the Ottomans, etc
-[] Who?
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] You now have two assassins, give them a target(50fl-200fl depending on the danger/Importance of the target)
[] You now have your own groups of thieves and spies, now what to use them for?
-[] Write in
[] Start spying in foreign land, blackmail or opportunities won't find themselves
-[] Where?
[] start bribing cardinals so they'll vote for Adrien for pope (100 fl)
[] write in
Learning
[] Give your engineer resources and let them design what they please, perhaps making something of use (50fl)
[] Continue experimenting with the volley cannon, perhaps some new inspiration will strike?
[] Start experimenting with the steam engine
[] Work on translating those assassin texts
[] try to find this prophecy chamber from Brutus journal
[] search for more pieces of Eden
[] Write in
Personal
[] Try to befriend people in your court
-[] Who?
[] Send a letter to a family member
-[] To who, and what about?
[] You should learn how to use that dagger Cesare gave you
-[] Or maybe something else?
[] Write in
[] Try to train a stat
-[] Which one?
---
Bad rolls and bad decisions have led to this not turning out great
Lone Courier 6
Devilish Fool
- Location
- United States of Quests
yeah, that should have been obvious
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I say we sell half our ships and the 600 for the POWs
- Location
- barking
[X] Peace deal with France
-[X]Annex Modena. 4 points
-[X]Annex Parma. 4 points
-[X]Aid France in their colonial ambitions. 2 points
-[X]Give half of your ships to France every turn for 10 turns, strengthening their navy and halving your profit from ship sales. 2 points
-[X]Pay 200 fl/turn for 10 turns to France. 2 points
-[X]Trade deal with France. 1 point
-[X]yes
[X]exit recovery
-[X]Have ilario Improve infrastructure in our lands
-[X]Look for new Bodyguard
-[X] As Romagna expands you may need another army to defend it, start building one.
-[X] Look for a new general
-[X]Start experimenting with the steam engine assign Elena
-[X] Work on translating those assassin texts assign Belotti
Sigh yeah not a good look attacking when trying to make peace. we already had a bad rep for being a borgia then we show no regard for peace talks
-[X]Annex Modena. 4 points
-[X]Annex Parma. 4 points
-[X]Aid France in their colonial ambitions. 2 points
-[X]Give half of your ships to France every turn for 10 turns, strengthening their navy and halving your profit from ship sales. 2 points
-[X]Pay 200 fl/turn for 10 turns to France. 2 points
-[X]Trade deal with France. 1 point
-[X]yes
[X]exit recovery
-[X]Have ilario Improve infrastructure in our lands
-[X]Look for new Bodyguard
-[X] As Romagna expands you may need another army to defend it, start building one.
-[X] Look for a new general
-[X]Start experimenting with the steam engine assign Elena
-[X] Work on translating those assassin texts assign Belotti
Sigh yeah not a good look attacking when trying to make peace. we already had a bad rep for being a borgia then we show no regard for peace talks
Lone Courier 6
Devilish Fool
- Location
- United States of Quests
Honestly you guys do tend to look at things through a lens of 'We're the protagonist therefore we're always right.' Ignoring that our advisors can and will react to what we do, hell if we get Georgios back it wouldn't surprise me if he quits on us too, he was hired to be a fucking bodyguard not a general, and this is twice now being a general for Valentino has gotten him captured and thrown in prison.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Peace deal with France
[X]exit recovery
[X]exit recovery
- Pronouns
- First/And/Last
[X] Peace deal with France
[X]exit recovery
[X]exit recovery