The life and times of a noble in the renaissance who just so happens to be a member of one of the most lets say controversial families of the time, the Borgias.
I, Borgia
- Thread starter Pitlord
- Start date
- Created
- Status
- Hiatus
- Watchers
- 132
- Recent readers
- 0
- Threadmarks
- 67
-
Statistics (62 threadmarks, 190k words)
User Total Pitlord 62 -
Loading…
-
Loading…
A Borgia is born
- Location
- A pit
August 17th 1476, in a small manor on the outskirts of Ravenna Romagna of the papal states a baby boy is born, crying with powerful lungs. His mother, shaky and drained from the ordeal, holds the babe close before the midwife takes the boy to his father. The older man, a cardinal of the holy church and a man of great power, holds the child and appraises it looking to see if he recognizes any of himself in its face or if he resembles his mistress's husband instead, and is pleased to find the child is his. "Do not cry hijo, for today marks the beginning of a grand life for you. From today and ever onwards, you are a Borgia."
[] What shall be the boys name? (write in)
1479, three years later and you and your older brothers Cesare and Juan are bored. You are stuck in some big room in Castel Sant'Angelo while your father argues with his boss about something, he wouldn't tell you what or why you needed to be here. You and your brothers can't even leave because your father put guards outside to keep you from leaving.
"I demand to be let out!" your brother Cesare yells at the guards, "I know you can hear me, stop ignoring me!" "Calm down brother, those meatheads probably cant even understand you." Juan says, trying to calm down his little brother. "We aren't going to be let out till father comes back so lets try and find something fun to do." All you've been left with are these big dumb books your father wanted you to read, or at least have Juan read for you, but what do you actually want to do here?
Choose two
[] Juan doesn't want to read musty old books, he wants to fight! He grabs a few brooms and hands them out, saying whoever wins the fight is king of the castle! (martial)
[] You're a charming kid, you know if you try hard enough you can convince those guards to let you all out (diplomacy)
[] One of those books is about ruling over people and being a leader at least sounds cool, maybe the book will be too? (stewardship)
[] Cesare wants out, and he wants your help. The two of you together can absolutely find a way out of here and those stupid guards will never know (intrigue)
[] Father is a holy man supposedly, maybe you should have Juan read the holy book? If nothing else the pictures in it are really pretty. (learning)
Okay so this is probably a terrible decision on my part but I've decided to try my hand at running a quest, I've been a gm for a good few years and it can't be that much harder. This is, as you can probably tell, a ck2 style quest where you will be following and controlling a new son of the Borgia dynasty, spawn of generally bad dude Rodrigo Borgia the future Pope Alexander IIV. I'm not giving you the choice in gender because everything was super sexist back then so you'd have far less options and also because I've had very bad experiences when voters have had female protagonists. Char gen will progress every 3 years until you are 16 where it will then be either a year per update or six months per update.
[] What shall be the boys name? (write in)
1479, three years later and you and your older brothers Cesare and Juan are bored. You are stuck in some big room in Castel Sant'Angelo while your father argues with his boss about something, he wouldn't tell you what or why you needed to be here. You and your brothers can't even leave because your father put guards outside to keep you from leaving.
"I demand to be let out!" your brother Cesare yells at the guards, "I know you can hear me, stop ignoring me!" "Calm down brother, those meatheads probably cant even understand you." Juan says, trying to calm down his little brother. "We aren't going to be let out till father comes back so lets try and find something fun to do." All you've been left with are these big dumb books your father wanted you to read, or at least have Juan read for you, but what do you actually want to do here?
Choose two
[] Juan doesn't want to read musty old books, he wants to fight! He grabs a few brooms and hands them out, saying whoever wins the fight is king of the castle! (martial)
[] You're a charming kid, you know if you try hard enough you can convince those guards to let you all out (diplomacy)
[] One of those books is about ruling over people and being a leader at least sounds cool, maybe the book will be too? (stewardship)
[] Cesare wants out, and he wants your help. The two of you together can absolutely find a way out of here and those stupid guards will never know (intrigue)
[] Father is a holy man supposedly, maybe you should have Juan read the holy book? If nothing else the pictures in it are really pretty. (learning)
Okay so this is probably a terrible decision on my part but I've decided to try my hand at running a quest, I've been a gm for a good few years and it can't be that much harder. This is, as you can probably tell, a ck2 style quest where you will be following and controlling a new son of the Borgia dynasty, spawn of generally bad dude Rodrigo Borgia the future Pope Alexander IIV. I'm not giving you the choice in gender because everything was super sexist back then so you'd have far less options and also because I've had very bad experiences when voters have had female protagonists. Char gen will progress every 3 years until you are 16 where it will then be either a year per update or six months per update.
Character sheet
- Location
- A pit
Valentino Borgia
Stats:
Diplomacy: 20
Intrigue: 17
Stewardship:15
Martial:10
Learning:18
Prowess:11
Traits:
Handsome +3 diplomacy +10 to diplomacy against those attracted to you.
Sixth Sense +2 to intrigue diplomacy and learning, may add 20 to one roll every update
Fortune builder +5 stewardship +10 to rolls dealing with mercantile endeavors
Dagger Expert:+10 prowess when using a dagger
Humble: +3 learning
Ambitious: +1 Everything
Shrewd: +2 all but prowess
Visions of an end, +3 learning, existential dread
Stats:
Diplomacy: 20
Intrigue: 17
Stewardship:15
Martial:10
Learning:18
Prowess:11
Traits:
Handsome +3 diplomacy +10 to diplomacy against those attracted to you.
Sixth Sense +2 to intrigue diplomacy and learning, may add 20 to one roll every update
Fortune builder +5 stewardship +10 to rolls dealing with mercantile endeavors
Dagger Expert:+10 prowess when using a dagger
Humble: +3 learning
Ambitious: +1 Everything
Shrewd: +2 all but prowess
Visions of an end, +3 learning, existential dread
Last edited:
1482
- Location
- A pit
You and Cesare quickly devise a plan that will hopefully work one way or another. You are going to go over and try to convince the guards that you and your brothers need to leave and if they won't let you go then you need to distract them away from Cesare while he does something they will need to leave you unguarded for so you can all run. While Cesare moves to get into position you head over to the guards and whisper with faked fear in your voice "Mr. guardsmen? I think I saw a strange man through the window, he looked at us before climbing away and now I don't know where he went. Could we please leave, I don't feel safe here?"
[Valentino Diplomacy: 12]
The older guardsman turns to look towards the windows, a moment of concern on his face, before sighing and saying "And if this strange man were here this would be the safest place for you, two guards, reinforced windows and a heavy door." You see Cesare near the door, playing with one of the brooms Juan got and looking at you waiting for his opportunity. You also see Juan looking at the two of you, interested in what the two of you are doing but not wanting to get in trouble by getting involved. You need to distract these guards now or you're going to be stuck here for another few hours and that's going to feel like forever, so you put on your most scared and innocent face and say "Can you at least help me look for him, make sure he really is gone? Please?"
[Valentino intrigue: 85]
The older guardsman lets out another sigh before grabbing his partner, who doesn't look happy to be happy that he's having to find some three year olds boogeyman, and they head over to the window with you, Juan coming to help as well, and when you turn back to the door Cesare is gone. You manage to keep the guards distracted for about five minutes before you notice Cesare return with his broom missing and he gives you a thumbs up with a smile on his face. The guardsman, now fairly annoyed, says "see, no strange men climbing around, now go back to your reading or playing or whatever and leave us be." As the two return to their posts. You head over to Cesare and say "Well, did you do it?" "Just wait a bit, I'm certain it'll work.
You wait and you wait and you wait, for what feels like forever before you hear someone running outside before ripping open the door. You see a guardsman standing there with some black spots on his armor and he almost yells at his fellow guards "There is a fire in the library, we need your help trying to put it out, get moving!" before he runs down the hall to find more guards to help. "Shit, you brats stay right here!" the younger guard says as the two rush off. You wait a few seconds before looking over at Cesare who just smiles, gives you two thumbs up, and says "It'd be really stupid to stay in a burning castle, we should get out of here." "Father is going to kill the both of you if he finds out this was you fault." Juan says, first out the door.
+5 diplomacy and intrigue, all stats will gain a d7 at the end of char gen
---
1482
Thankfully with your story about a strange man being around there's enough suspicion that he caused it that you and your brother stayed out of trouble for the arson, not so much the leaving the room you were supposed to stay in but like Cesare said, it'd be very stupid to stay.
Things have changed a lot in the last three years. Now, thanks to what your father had been doing in that castle you almost burnt down, you and your brothers are now legally his children. Apparently, you weren't before so now your family's been able to be together more often, though you haven't been able to see your mother as much. That family's also grown, you now have a little sister named Lucrezia and a little brother named Gioffre. With all this new time with your larger family, who are you closest to?
Choose two
[] Rodrigo Borgia, your father. You don't get to spend as much time with him as you'd like, he's always away on some important work that he says is for the Borgia. What time you do spend with him he uses to teach you as much as he can, saying that a cunning mind is a Borgias Greatest tool.
[] Juan Borgia, your oldest brother. He never did stop wanting to fight, pestering the guards to teach him what they knew of combat, and when not outside playing with toy swords he'd be sticking his nose into whatever stories he could find that had knights and kings in them.
[] Cesare Borgia, your other brother. Thankfully he's never tried to burn down another castle but he still hasn't stopped doing whatever it takes to get what he wants, and the two of you have been something of an unstoppable duo together
[] Lucrezia Borgia, your little sister. While she's only been able to talk a very short time she always comes to you asking so many questions or for your help whenever she needs something. Despite how bossy and frustrating she can be you always stay patient with her
[] Gioffre Borgia, your little brother. He's not even able to speak yet and its often more like babysitting but you still care for him. Whenever you aren't doing something else you'll often be found reading to him.
[Valentino Diplomacy: 12]
The older guardsman turns to look towards the windows, a moment of concern on his face, before sighing and saying "And if this strange man were here this would be the safest place for you, two guards, reinforced windows and a heavy door." You see Cesare near the door, playing with one of the brooms Juan got and looking at you waiting for his opportunity. You also see Juan looking at the two of you, interested in what the two of you are doing but not wanting to get in trouble by getting involved. You need to distract these guards now or you're going to be stuck here for another few hours and that's going to feel like forever, so you put on your most scared and innocent face and say "Can you at least help me look for him, make sure he really is gone? Please?"
[Valentino intrigue: 85]
The older guardsman lets out another sigh before grabbing his partner, who doesn't look happy to be happy that he's having to find some three year olds boogeyman, and they head over to the window with you, Juan coming to help as well, and when you turn back to the door Cesare is gone. You manage to keep the guards distracted for about five minutes before you notice Cesare return with his broom missing and he gives you a thumbs up with a smile on his face. The guardsman, now fairly annoyed, says "see, no strange men climbing around, now go back to your reading or playing or whatever and leave us be." As the two return to their posts. You head over to Cesare and say "Well, did you do it?" "Just wait a bit, I'm certain it'll work.
You wait and you wait and you wait, for what feels like forever before you hear someone running outside before ripping open the door. You see a guardsman standing there with some black spots on his armor and he almost yells at his fellow guards "There is a fire in the library, we need your help trying to put it out, get moving!" before he runs down the hall to find more guards to help. "Shit, you brats stay right here!" the younger guard says as the two rush off. You wait a few seconds before looking over at Cesare who just smiles, gives you two thumbs up, and says "It'd be really stupid to stay in a burning castle, we should get out of here." "Father is going to kill the both of you if he finds out this was you fault." Juan says, first out the door.
+5 diplomacy and intrigue, all stats will gain a d7 at the end of char gen
---
1482
Thankfully with your story about a strange man being around there's enough suspicion that he caused it that you and your brother stayed out of trouble for the arson, not so much the leaving the room you were supposed to stay in but like Cesare said, it'd be very stupid to stay.
Things have changed a lot in the last three years. Now, thanks to what your father had been doing in that castle you almost burnt down, you and your brothers are now legally his children. Apparently, you weren't before so now your family's been able to be together more often, though you haven't been able to see your mother as much. That family's also grown, you now have a little sister named Lucrezia and a little brother named Gioffre. With all this new time with your larger family, who are you closest to?
Choose two
[] Rodrigo Borgia, your father. You don't get to spend as much time with him as you'd like, he's always away on some important work that he says is for the Borgia. What time you do spend with him he uses to teach you as much as he can, saying that a cunning mind is a Borgias Greatest tool.
[] Juan Borgia, your oldest brother. He never did stop wanting to fight, pestering the guards to teach him what they knew of combat, and when not outside playing with toy swords he'd be sticking his nose into whatever stories he could find that had knights and kings in them.
[] Cesare Borgia, your other brother. Thankfully he's never tried to burn down another castle but he still hasn't stopped doing whatever it takes to get what he wants, and the two of you have been something of an unstoppable duo together
[] Lucrezia Borgia, your little sister. While she's only been able to talk a very short time she always comes to you asking so many questions or for your help whenever she needs something. Despite how bossy and frustrating she can be you always stay patient with her
[] Gioffre Borgia, your little brother. He's not even able to speak yet and its often more like babysitting but you still care for him. Whenever you aren't doing something else you'll often be found reading to him.
Last edited:
Characters
- Location
- A pit
Rodrigo Borgia,former Pope of the catholic church,former grandmaster of the templar order, former patriarch of the Borgias 6/10
Your father and once one of the most powerful men in Rome, now deceased.
Your father and once one of the most powerful men in Rome, now deceased.
Cesare Borgia, cardinal of the catholic church, Templar 7/10
Your brother and closest friend. King consort of spain. leader of the crows( note they are actually a cannon thing i didnt make them up cesares just an edgy dork)
Martial 19
Diplomacy 5
Stewardship 5
Intrigue 19
Learning 9
Prowess 17
Your brother and closest friend. King consort of spain. leader of the crows( note they are actually a cannon thing i didnt make them up cesares just an edgy dork)
Martial 19
Diplomacy 5
Stewardship 5
Intrigue 19
Learning 9
Prowess 17
Juan Borgia, captain general of the church, templar 4/10
Your oldest brother. The Captain commander of the black company. Grandmaster of the roman rite. currently serving as a mercenary for the holy roman emperor.
Your oldest brother. The Captain commander of the black company. Grandmaster of the roman rite. currently serving as a mercenary for the holy roman emperor.
Lucrezia Borgia, Princess of the Borgias 3/10
Your little sister. The spoiled princess of the family, and now spoiled duchess of Ferrara. theres some tension between the two of you.
Your little sister. The spoiled princess of the family, and now spoiled duchess of Ferrara. theres some tension between the two of you.
Gioffre Borgia, youngest of the Borgia 4/10
Your little brother. Currently married to the daughter of a teutonic templar and not allowed to leave.
Your little brother. Currently married to the daughter of a teutonic templar and not allowed to leave.
your nephew, lucrezias bastard, you took the boy in at your brother in laws request. Despite the boys attempts it seems his mother and father in law want little to do with him, either for the controversy of his birth of his friendship with your sons
10 martial
14 stewardship
17 diplomacy
18 Intrigue
15 learning
15 prowess
10 martial
14 stewardship
17 diplomacy
18 Intrigue
15 learning
15 prowess
Ruxandra Draculesti Borgia 7/10
Your wife and granddaughter to Vlad Tepes, you dont know much about her truely
Martial 16
Stewardship 10
Diplomacy 16
Intrigue 20
Learning 12
Prowess 10
Beautiful, +3 intrigue, +10 on diplomacy rolls against people attracted to her
Your wife and granddaughter to Vlad Tepes, you dont know much about her truely
Martial 16
Stewardship 10
Diplomacy 16
Intrigue 20
Learning 12
Prowess 10
Beautiful, +3 intrigue, +10 on diplomacy rolls against people attracted to her
Lupo borgia, your first son, 5/10, born 15th of december 1501
A rather Brash young man, the assassins attacks have given him something of a compulsion towards fairness, unwilling to act as those who would try to attack child in his home.
He's also grown a desire to be respected by men under his command, and tries to act in an honorable and admirable way, though this at times can backfire
diligent:+2 diplomacy, +3 stewardship, +3 learning
Skilled tactician: +6 martial
Apprentice warrior: +5 prowess +2 martial
Apprentice swordsman: +5 prowess when wielding a sword
Whimsical: +2 martial, +2 diplomacy, +1 intrigue
Just: +2 stewardship, +1 learning,+1 diplomacy, -3 intrigue
Handsome:+3 diplomacy, +10 on diplo rolls against those attracted to lupo
Privateer: +1 martial, +5 to naval rolls
???:???
Martial 24
Stewardship 12
Diplomacy 15
Intrigue 11
Learning 11
Prowess 17
A rather Brash young man, the assassins attacks have given him something of a compulsion towards fairness, unwilling to act as those who would try to attack child in his home.
He's also grown a desire to be respected by men under his command, and tries to act in an honorable and admirable way, though this at times can backfire
diligent:+2 diplomacy, +3 stewardship, +3 learning
Skilled tactician: +6 martial
Apprentice warrior: +5 prowess +2 martial
Apprentice swordsman: +5 prowess when wielding a sword
Whimsical: +2 martial, +2 diplomacy, +1 intrigue
Just: +2 stewardship, +1 learning,+1 diplomacy, -3 intrigue
Handsome:+3 diplomacy, +10 on diplo rolls against those attracted to lupo
Privateer: +1 martial, +5 to naval rolls
???:???
Martial 24
Stewardship 12
Diplomacy 15
Intrigue 11
Learning 11
Prowess 17
Apollonio, your second son, 5/10, born 18th of febuary 1507
A young boy, the walking image of his mothers grandfather when he was young to hear her tell it.
Trickster: +4 intrigue, +2 prowess, -1 diplomacy
Martial 0
stewardship 0
diplomacy -1
Intrigue 9
learning 4
prowess 2
A young boy, the walking image of his mothers grandfather when he was young to hear her tell it.
Trickster: +4 intrigue, +2 prowess, -1 diplomacy
Martial 0
stewardship 0
diplomacy -1
Intrigue 9
learning 4
prowess 2
Valeria, your daughter, 5/10, born the 12th of march 1518
your youngest child, resembles her mother when she was younger.
your youngest child, resembles her mother when she was younger.
Anacletos, A former gladiator slave of the ottoman empire. He escaped during the war in the east and fled westward, arriving eventually in Ravenna where Giovanni recruited him as a bodyguard
Martial 14
Stewardship 8
Diplomacy 6
Intrigue 17
Learning 7
Prowess 23
Martial 14
Stewardship 8
Diplomacy 6
Intrigue 17
Learning 7
Prowess 23
Sophia Meloda, Your spymaster, templar of the Byzantine rite, 3/10
A woman from constantinople and member of the byzantine rite, you've only just met the woman, seems smug, Currently not working for you
Martial 8
Diplomacy 13
Stewardship 10
Intrigue 20
Learning 15
Prowess 12
A woman from constantinople and member of the byzantine rite, you've only just met the woman, seems smug, Currently not working for you
Martial 8
Diplomacy 13
Stewardship 10
Intrigue 20
Learning 15
Prowess 12
Varga Corvinus, Bastard of john Corvinus, Bastard of Matthias Corvinus Hunyadi of hungary. Hired to serve as a general after the departure of your last one
Martial 21
Stewardship 14
Diplomacy 14
Intrigue 7
Learning 9
Prowess 17
Martial 21
Stewardship 14
Diplomacy 14
Intrigue 7
Learning 9
Prowess 17
Django Argov, Romani Steward 3/10
A local from the exiles, you barely knew the man before the odyssey, seems confidant
Martial 8
Diplomacy 12
Stewardship 20
Intrigue 14
Learning 10
Prowess 8
A local from the exiles, you barely knew the man before the odyssey, seems confidant
Martial 8
Diplomacy 12
Stewardship 20
Intrigue 14
Learning 10
Prowess 8
The pariah Ilario Lombardi, he hides most of his body as it was horribly scarred in an incident involving the assassin machiavelli
Martial: 13
Diplomacy: 5
Stewardship: 20
Intrigue: 12
Learning: 15
Prowess: 12
Martial: 13
Diplomacy: 5
Stewardship: 20
Intrigue: 12
Learning: 15
Prowess: 12
3/10
Arnao de Valterra. Spymaster and one of cesares crows, the man speaks little of Spain or his time there, not wanting to give away information from home
Martial 10
Stewardship 10
Diplomacy 16
Intrigue 20
Learning 14
Prowess 18
Arnao de Valterra. Spymaster and one of cesares crows, the man speaks little of Spain or his time there, not wanting to give away information from home
Martial 10
Stewardship 10
Diplomacy 16
Intrigue 20
Learning 14
Prowess 18
Guillaume, founder of the newly remade knights templar and former knight hospitaller
Martial 20
Stewardship 8
Diplomacy 14
Intrigue 8
Learning 16
Prowess 20
Martial 20
Stewardship 8
Diplomacy 14
Intrigue 8
Learning 16
Prowess 20
vivaldo belotti, professor , militia leader, and defacto governor of Pisa, 3/10
Martial 16
Diplomacy 10
Stewardship 10
Intrigue 10
Learning 22
Prowess 12
Martial 16
Diplomacy 10
Stewardship 10
Intrigue 10
Learning 22
Prowess 12
Georgios Kostas, Your bodyguard, Greek champion, 4/10
A renowned champion and bodyguard, Lost part of his right arm while serving as a general
One handed: -10 prowess
Martial 14
Diplomacy 8
Stewardship 8
Intrigue 4
Learning 12
Prowess 12
A renowned champion and bodyguard, Lost part of his right arm while serving as a general
One handed: -10 prowess
Martial 14
Diplomacy 8
Stewardship 8
Intrigue 4
Learning 12
Prowess 12
Elena Farnese, your Engineer, defender of San Marino. 3/10
A prodigy of engineering from San Marino
Martial 14
Diplomacy 7
Stewardship 11
Intrigue 5
Learning 20
Prowess 14
A prodigy of engineering from San Marino
Martial 14
Diplomacy 7
Stewardship 11
Intrigue 5
Learning 20
Prowess 14
Niccolo Machiavelli, Diplomat, philosopher, Assassin. 2/10
A member of the assassins you have recruited as a diplomat
Martial 12
Stewardship 10
Diplomacy 20
Intrigue 16
Learning 13
Prowess 16
A member of the assassins you have recruited as a diplomat
Martial 12
Stewardship 10
Diplomacy 20
Intrigue 16
Learning 13
Prowess 16
See advisors entry
See advisors entry
Charles the third of savoy, unexpected lord and friend to your brother juan
Duke of Sienna, master assassin, neighbor, 3/10
Apparently he's the reason you are one of the few templars left in Italy, hopefully you won't find yourself one of his victims
Apparently he's the reason you are one of the few templars left in Italy, hopefully you won't find yourself one of his victims
Uncle of ezio, lord of monterigionni, leader of a band of mercenaries, and assassin
An older man, though he seems no weaker for it, hopefully he won't try to kill you
An older man, though he seems no weaker for it, hopefully he won't try to kill you
See advisors entry
Gaetan Ast, former swiss guard 1/10
A former member of the swiss guard, and formerly one of your commanders before he deserted due to refusing to follow an order
Martial 18
Diplomacy 12
Stewardship 8
Intrigue 10
Learning 9
Prowess 15
A former member of the swiss guard, and formerly one of your commanders before he deserted due to refusing to follow an order
Martial 18
Diplomacy 12
Stewardship 8
Intrigue 10
Learning 9
Prowess 15
Ramiro de Canizares and now pope Honorius IV, the pope appointed by cesare after his capture of rome, hes far more humanitarian than one would expect from a spanish cardinal, having opposed the inquisition and its acts against both the heretics and heathens
Ancelt Lemery now pope Gabriel, the avignon pope, he was elected only amongst a minority of the cardinalship, making his legitimacy questionable at best, but he has recieved a lot of support form prince francis, the man is near as warlike as julius was
Barbarossa, redbeard, father Oruc, pirate lord of algiers and the barbery coast, and more.
The lord of Algiers, who stole the land and title from its previous lord in 1516. Barbarossa, whos tormented the northern mediterranean coast for a decade. Father Oruc, who rescued the muslims, Morisco, and jews from the spanish inquisition and led them to northern africa.
The lord of Algiers, who stole the land and title from its previous lord in 1516. Barbarossa, whos tormented the northern mediterranean coast for a decade. Father Oruc, who rescued the muslims, Morisco, and jews from the spanish inquisition and led them to northern africa.
your nephew, cesares son, and prince of spain, born april 2 1504
Last edited:
1485
- Location
- A pit
Ever since the fire you and Cesare have been as close as can be. The two of you are often found together, and when your together woe onto whoever gets in your way. Whether the two of you are breaking into the coliseum to see some play you were not allowed to see, exploring the depths of the city for hidden treasures, or framing some noble who called you both bastards for some crime, the two of you would find a way together. And it hasn't stopped with children's antics, as the two of you grow older your plans have grown larger and larger, sometimes too large admittedly, sometimes thinking yourselves Romulus and Remus, here to forge a new empire.
Both of you have gained Ambitious, +2 relationship with Cesare
In the few moments you get with your father he tries to teach you as much as he can, not on thesubjects your tutors teach such as mathematics, history, and literature, but on deception, insight, and manipulation. He tells you he is training you in the weapons that must be used to keep the Borgia safe and strong from the many enemies you have, from the holy roman empire and their Ghibellines, the Ottoman hordes of the east, and worst yet those enemies that skulk in the dark, always ready to strike at any opportunity. When you asked who he means by that he says he will tell you when you are older and ready, for now you must focus on preparing yourself, for you and your brothers shall be the future of Rome and Italy.
You have gained shrewd from your fathers teachings, +2 relationship with Rodrigo Borgia
---
1485
As more years pass and your training and adventures continue, one must wonder what kind of person you are growing into. How your experiences so far have shaped you, for better and worse. You and Cesare have grown ever closer and more bold. Your father spends less and less time with the family, saying that soon the Borgia shall be stronger than ever through his efforts, whatever those may be. Juan continues to grow more and more into the little soldier he wants to be. Lucrezia and Gioffre are finally starting to become little people of their own, Lucrezia becoming ever more the demanding little princess and little Gioffre becoming near the opposite, a friendly child wanting to talk to and befriend everyone he meets. And you? What have you become?
Start with three points to spend, take negative traits for more points, max of 6 traits
Positive just means it gives more points than it takes
Please make your vote in a plan format
Positive
[] Brave +3 Martial +2 prowess -4 points
[] Calm +1 diplomacy +1 intrigue -2 points
[] Wrathful +3 martial -1 diplomacy -1 intrigue -1 point
[] Diligent +1 diplomacy +1 stewardship +1 learning -3 points
[] Stubborn +2 stewardship +1 martial -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Forgiving +2 diplomacy +1 learning -2 intrigue -1 point
[] Vengeful +2 intrigue +2 prowess -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Generous +3 diplomacy -1 stewardship -2 points
[] Gregarious +3 diplomacy -3 points
[] Honest +3 diplomacy -2 intrigue -1 point
[] Deceitful +3 intrigue -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Humble +3 learning -3 points
[] Just +3 stewardship +1 learning -3 intrigue -1 point
[] Arbitrary +3 intrigue -2 stewardship -1 point
[] Patient +2 learning +1 martial -3 points
[] Temperate +2 stewardship -2 points
[] Zealous +3 martial +2 prowess -1 Diplomacy -3 points
[] Cynical +2 intrigue +1 Learning -1 diplomacy -2 points
[] Compassionate +3 diplomacy -1 intrigue -1 martial -1 point
[] Callous +2 intrigue +2 prowess -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Sadistic +3 intrigue +4 prowess – 3 diplomacy -2 points
Negative traits
[] Craven -3 martial -4 prowess +5 points
[] Lazy -1 everything +5 points
[] Fickle -3 stewardship +1 intrigue +2 points
[] Greedy -1 stewardship -2 diplomacy +3 points
[] Shy +1 learning -3 diplomacy +2 points
[] Arrogant -2 diplomacy -1 learning +3 points
[] Impatient -2 learning -1 diplomacy +3 points
[] Gluttonous -2 stewardship -2 prowess +3 points
[] Trusting -3 intrigue +2 diplomacy +1 point
[] Paranoid +1 intrigue -3 diplomacy +2 points
Two hour moratorium before voting
Both of you have gained Ambitious, +2 relationship with Cesare
In the few moments you get with your father he tries to teach you as much as he can, not on thesubjects your tutors teach such as mathematics, history, and literature, but on deception, insight, and manipulation. He tells you he is training you in the weapons that must be used to keep the Borgia safe and strong from the many enemies you have, from the holy roman empire and their Ghibellines, the Ottoman hordes of the east, and worst yet those enemies that skulk in the dark, always ready to strike at any opportunity. When you asked who he means by that he says he will tell you when you are older and ready, for now you must focus on preparing yourself, for you and your brothers shall be the future of Rome and Italy.
You have gained shrewd from your fathers teachings, +2 relationship with Rodrigo Borgia
---
1485
As more years pass and your training and adventures continue, one must wonder what kind of person you are growing into. How your experiences so far have shaped you, for better and worse. You and Cesare have grown ever closer and more bold. Your father spends less and less time with the family, saying that soon the Borgia shall be stronger than ever through his efforts, whatever those may be. Juan continues to grow more and more into the little soldier he wants to be. Lucrezia and Gioffre are finally starting to become little people of their own, Lucrezia becoming ever more the demanding little princess and little Gioffre becoming near the opposite, a friendly child wanting to talk to and befriend everyone he meets. And you? What have you become?
Start with three points to spend, take negative traits for more points, max of 6 traits
Positive just means it gives more points than it takes
Please make your vote in a plan format
Positive
[] Brave +3 Martial +2 prowess -4 points
[] Calm +1 diplomacy +1 intrigue -2 points
[] Wrathful +3 martial -1 diplomacy -1 intrigue -1 point
[] Diligent +1 diplomacy +1 stewardship +1 learning -3 points
[] Stubborn +2 stewardship +1 martial -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Forgiving +2 diplomacy +1 learning -2 intrigue -1 point
[] Vengeful +2 intrigue +2 prowess -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Generous +3 diplomacy -1 stewardship -2 points
[] Gregarious +3 diplomacy -3 points
[] Honest +3 diplomacy -2 intrigue -1 point
[] Deceitful +3 intrigue -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Humble +3 learning -3 points
[] Just +3 stewardship +1 learning -3 intrigue -1 point
[] Arbitrary +3 intrigue -2 stewardship -1 point
[] Patient +2 learning +1 martial -3 points
[] Temperate +2 stewardship -2 points
[] Zealous +3 martial +2 prowess -1 Diplomacy -3 points
[] Cynical +2 intrigue +1 Learning -1 diplomacy -2 points
[] Compassionate +3 diplomacy -1 intrigue -1 martial -1 point
[] Callous +2 intrigue +2 prowess -2 diplomacy -1 point
[] Sadistic +3 intrigue +4 prowess – 3 diplomacy -2 points
Negative traits
[] Craven -3 martial -4 prowess +5 points
[] Lazy -1 everything +5 points
[] Fickle -3 stewardship +1 intrigue +2 points
[] Greedy -1 stewardship -2 diplomacy +3 points
[] Shy +1 learning -3 diplomacy +2 points
[] Arrogant -2 diplomacy -1 learning +3 points
[] Impatient -2 learning -1 diplomacy +3 points
[] Gluttonous -2 stewardship -2 prowess +3 points
[] Trusting -3 intrigue +2 diplomacy +1 point
[] Paranoid +1 intrigue -3 diplomacy +2 points
Two hour moratorium before voting
1488
- Location
- A pit
Humility is a very uncommon trait throughout the Borgia Clan, so much so that it throws off people when they meet you. Cesare can barely understand why you wouldn't indulge in your family's greatness though he doesn't make a problem of it. Despite lofty ambition and the guiding hand of your father you temper yourself, realizing that overestimating yourself is to invite failure by overreaching.
---
1488
The time you've spent at the schools of Pisa, sent by your father of course, has been fruitful. You now have what he considers an adequate baseline of knowledge in multiple subjects he deems necessary for having and keeping power. He's feeling generous and because of your success in your schooling thus far he will allow you to choose a specialization in your schooling from now on, though he does have a few suggestions.
[] The field of engineering has seen great advancements in recent years, allowing the creation of grand structures of both great beauty and great scale, ships larger stronger faster and able to travel further than ever before, and technologies that have brought the improvement and end of many lives. Father shall see that you gain an apprenticeship to an engineer he deems skilled enough to teach you.
[] The greatest barrier to communication and diplomacy has always been differing languages. If one wishes to be a master diplomat, they must also be a cunning linguist, so you will be taught how to read, write, and speak the many major languages of the world, and techniques to more easily learn languages.
[] Warfare and battle are some of the constants in the world, so to learn something of it can be incredibly useful no matter the life you live. Father will have one of the Swiss Guards captains teach you what he knows of tactics and strategy, and likely also train you as he would a regular member of the Guard.
[] The arts of intrigue are not taught in any school and no tutor advertises their ability to teach it, but your father has connections with people he trusts, for as much as he trusts anyone, to train you. You will be taught both how to spy and how to work as a spymaster. How to break a cipher and how to write your own. How to have a man killed and make it seem an accident. All valuable lessons to teach a child.
[] Economics, the study of the ebb and flow of society's lifeblood, florins, ducats, groschen, and all the other currency of the world. You will be taught the principles of trade, banking, inflation, and all other ways that money flows through the world. More than just money you shall also be taught about logistics, learning how cripple an army with a single misplaced supply cart or save a village from starvation.
[] write in
---
1488
The time you've spent at the schools of Pisa, sent by your father of course, has been fruitful. You now have what he considers an adequate baseline of knowledge in multiple subjects he deems necessary for having and keeping power. He's feeling generous and because of your success in your schooling thus far he will allow you to choose a specialization in your schooling from now on, though he does have a few suggestions.
[] The field of engineering has seen great advancements in recent years, allowing the creation of grand structures of both great beauty and great scale, ships larger stronger faster and able to travel further than ever before, and technologies that have brought the improvement and end of many lives. Father shall see that you gain an apprenticeship to an engineer he deems skilled enough to teach you.
[] The greatest barrier to communication and diplomacy has always been differing languages. If one wishes to be a master diplomat, they must also be a cunning linguist, so you will be taught how to read, write, and speak the many major languages of the world, and techniques to more easily learn languages.
[] Warfare and battle are some of the constants in the world, so to learn something of it can be incredibly useful no matter the life you live. Father will have one of the Swiss Guards captains teach you what he knows of tactics and strategy, and likely also train you as he would a regular member of the Guard.
[] The arts of intrigue are not taught in any school and no tutor advertises their ability to teach it, but your father has connections with people he trusts, for as much as he trusts anyone, to train you. You will be taught both how to spy and how to work as a spymaster. How to break a cipher and how to write your own. How to have a man killed and make it seem an accident. All valuable lessons to teach a child.
[] Economics, the study of the ebb and flow of society's lifeblood, florins, ducats, groschen, and all the other currency of the world. You will be taught the principles of trade, banking, inflation, and all other ways that money flows through the world. More than just money you shall also be taught about logistics, learning how cripple an army with a single misplaced supply cart or save a village from starvation.
[] write in
Last edited:
1491
- Location
- A pit
The field of economics is not an easy one. It is a meeting point of all facets of society. From the rich to the poor, from the soldier to the thief, the noble to the beggar, all are a moving part of this grand machine, they are the ebb and flow of coin in and out. You've learned the theory of banking and trade, and while you're no Medici just yet, with time and experience and a bit of help you could eclipse them.
Fortune builder +5 stewardship +10 to rolls dealing with mercantile endeavors
---
1491
These are times of great change, for yourself, your family and the world at large. His holiness pope Innocent VIII is not long for this world, so your father has been working in the background gaining the favor of the other cardinals through coin, cajolement, and promise of favors in turn. Once he has his way he aims to place all his family in places of great authority. Juan and Cesare are themselves men already, having now become involved in the plots of your father, aiding him until they are given the power they've been promised. You yourself are on the verge of manhood, having undergone the horrors of puberty and come out relatively unscathed. Though how exactly have you developed one must wonder.
Choose one, may take an extra positive trait if you take a negative trait
[] Robust +5 prowess You are built tall, broad, and muscled, so much so that Juan gets jealous
[] Handsome +3 diplomacy +10 to diplomacy against those attracted to you. While you can still be attractive without this, with it you are an Adonis
[] ??? A greater potential lies in you
Negative
[] Frail -5 prowess Sometimes you feel like a prisoner within your own body, wanting so much but your body holds you back
[] Ugly -3 diplomacy no one's likely to be attracted to you. yeah you aren't very pleasant to look at
[] Possessed +1 learning There's a voice within that is not yours, twisting and turning your mind leaving you at times unsure of reality
---
After this Char gen is over and papa Borgia sends you off to whatever position he deems you best suited for
Fortune builder +5 stewardship +10 to rolls dealing with mercantile endeavors
---
1491
These are times of great change, for yourself, your family and the world at large. His holiness pope Innocent VIII is not long for this world, so your father has been working in the background gaining the favor of the other cardinals through coin, cajolement, and promise of favors in turn. Once he has his way he aims to place all his family in places of great authority. Juan and Cesare are themselves men already, having now become involved in the plots of your father, aiding him until they are given the power they've been promised. You yourself are on the verge of manhood, having undergone the horrors of puberty and come out relatively unscathed. Though how exactly have you developed one must wonder.
Choose one, may take an extra positive trait if you take a negative trait
[] Robust +5 prowess You are built tall, broad, and muscled, so much so that Juan gets jealous
[] Handsome +3 diplomacy +10 to diplomacy against those attracted to you. While you can still be attractive without this, with it you are an Adonis
[] ??? A greater potential lies in you
Negative
[] Frail -5 prowess Sometimes you feel like a prisoner within your own body, wanting so much but your body holds you back
[] Ugly -3 diplomacy no one's likely to be attracted to you. yeah you aren't very pleasant to look at
[] Possessed +1 learning There's a voice within that is not yours, twisting and turning your mind leaving you at times unsure of reality
---
After this Char gen is over and papa Borgia sends you off to whatever position he deems you best suited for
1492, Beginning of a templar
- Location
- A pit
Fate has been exceedingly kind to you it seems, blessing your visage so that many are stunned with envy and infatuation whether you want it or not. More than one artist has asked to use you as the subject of their paintings and who are you to deny them. All the attention gets to be a bit much sometimes. Sadly though, you were not fortunate enough for this to be your only development.
It started a few months after your thirteenth birthday, starting as little more than a tickle at the periphery of sensation. At times you could begin to sense more, a ghostly overlap to the world that you could not quite see, feel, or hear but it was there all the same. With it you could easily gain insights into those around you, feel what the world would try to keep hidden from you. You trained yourself in it, learning how to willingly use it, then using it to explore Roma, use it to find truth that was hidden from you, and if this were all it did you would indulge in this sixth sense as much as you could, but shortly after it reared its darker side.
Around your fifteenth birthday while experimenting with the sense you started to hear whispers, faint and indecipherable it felt as if the world were speaking to you in a hundred hushed voices. You tried to listen harder and eventually one voice made itself clear against the cacophony, a dark voice that seemingly muttered only to itself before it took notice of you. Once it spoke to you you could feel its voice through all of your body, blocking out all other senses and making you feel as if you would black out, "And so this young one has gained Knowledge, awareness beyond its nature, I can only wonder what shall become of you now."
You ripped yourself from the sensation, closing off the sixth sense so that thing was quiet, your heart feeling like it would rip itself from your chest. You rushed off to a doctor trusted by your family and swore him to secrecy before telling him of what you had experienced. The man was taken aback, believing that this had been some nightmare or prank you were pulling on him, but you insisted you were telling the truth. He decided to at least humor you for your earnestness, not believing or not wishing to believe you honest.
He at first thought you were merely suffering hallucinations and delusions brought on by some illness, but the more tests he performed found no signs, and after a week of his research and tests, he had nothing but horrifying news. He believes you are mad, haunted by some damage of the mind, as Caligula of time long past and Vlad Tepes of more recent times were. He offers to bring in a priest to perform an exorcism though you turn him down, not wanting to let this information spread further. You're not certain you want anyone to know this, not even your father who might see it as a hazard to the Borgia. While you still tap into the sixth sense when necessary, you do so rarely to avoid the notice of that thing.
Handsome +3 diplomacy +10 to diplomacy against those attracted to you.
Cursed Sixth Sense +2 to intrigue diplomacy and learning, may add 20 to one roll every update, however if the roll is still a critical failure FUN will happen
---
I merged possessed and the sixth sense into one, while it may be possible to overcome the voice it won't be easy, unless dice decide it is.
---
1492
It has been an incredibly eventful year. Your fathers' efforts had finally borne fruit and he has become Pope, and he has not hesitated in using its authority. Many members of your family have been granted positions of high authority within the church, "So that I have people I can trust." He says. Juan has been made captain general and he could not be happier. The same cant be said for Cesare, who feels he is wasted being made a cardinal, and wishes he had a more influential position. Even your cousin, the other Juan, has been made a cardinal and given influence over the papal coffers.
But beyond the empowerment of the Borgia is you. Today is the day you are finally a man. A small ceremony is held by your family and you are given a few gifts, a fine brocade doublet from Juan, saying with a small bit of humor "It's finally time for the Borgias angel to head out and woo the women of Italy, so you might as well dress the part.". Cesare in turn hands you a fine dagger of blackened steel with a ruby set in the pommel. "Its mostly decorative, but it should still make any scum think twice before trying anything." He says with a strange seriousness. You suppose he may have had to deal with a similar situation during his time as a cardinal.
You are gifted various other trinkets from your family but your father has nothing for you, telling you "My gift is something you must wait for hijo, wait for tonight and it shall be yours.". You think this is a little strange but your father has always been a bit more mysterious than perhaps necessary, and you promise to wait. You spend the rest of the day enjoying yourself, eventually going off with your brothers to where they told your father was some lords art exhibit but in truth was a gambling den.
As the sun crossed over the horizon and you make your way back to the papal palace with lighter purses and an enraged Cesare you wonder if fathers' gift for you is ready, but when you arrive he is nowhere to be seen. Eventually you make your way to bed and slowly drift to sleep, only to shortly be ripped back to the land of the waking. You see Micheletto Corello, Cesares friend and guardian, standing over you with an outfit of yours in his hand. "Your father and brothers are waiting for us, I suggest you get your clothes on quickly and follow me." He says curtly before handing you the outfit and leaving the room to grant you some privacy. You're a little annoyed and disoriented from this but assume this must be for fathers' gift, though the theatrics seem a bit unnecessary. You dress yourself and follow out the door, Micheletto waiting outside and moving as soon as he sees you ready, leading you outside the palace.
"Where are we going Michel?" you say after more than a few turns in various alleyways. "Quiet, we are almost there and we don't want anyone knowing where it is." He says in his regular cold way, though it only brings more questions to you. Where are we going that must be kept so secret? Why was Micheletto sent to guide you and not your father himself? Why does it have to be so damned late?
Eventually Micheletto stops, down a dark and abandoned alley and before a door with a red cross above it. He pulls out a heavy iron key and unlocks it, holding it open and gesturing to you. "After you sir, I will follow after and lock the door." He says and waits, and since you've already come this far you might as well see it through and head in. you had hoped your walking was done but you still travel though long cold hallways lit only by a torch Micheletto carries before finally finding yourself in a large lit chamber of clean brick and stone, tall columns holding up the roof with banners with that same red cross on them.
At the center of the room you recognize your father and brothers waiting for you, your brothers smiling at your sight but your father keeps the same stern expression on his face. He gestures for you to approach while Micheletto moves off to the side. You move to stand in front of your father and he tells you, "Son, today you are inducted into a world you have not known before. I have kept it a secret from you until this day because its secrecy is one of its greatest strengths, one I could not entrust to a child." "Father, what is all of this? This all seems to be some sort of strange cult. Cesare, Juan, you are a part of this?" "Silence child, I will explain all in time. What we are is Templars, members of an ancient conspiracy of men that sought to bring order to the chaos of this world, but now serves the Borgia. It is the tool that has granted us our power and privilege." "And now that the old man is the pope, its one of the most powerful organizations in the world." Juan cuts in before being cowed by a look from father.
"It is as he says, though we are not the only branch of templars. There are many all across the world, though as grandmaster of the Roman Rite and Pope we are the most important." He says while he hands you a silver ring with that same red cross upon it. "And now, so are you." You hold and just stare at it for a second before saying "Father, this… this is a lot to take in at once." "Trust me Valentino, it will only get stranger from here." Cesare says with a sigh. "It is true, there is far more to all of this, but I can start with an important aspect that you have some familiarity with already.
"Familiarity, what could I already know about any of this?" you say unable to think of what you could possibly know. "Ever since the templars foundation we have had an enemy, a group of anarchistic murderers who wear their deeds upon their sleeves called the Assassins. When you were but a child you saw one though you didn't know it, on that day that the castel sant'angelo burned you saw a man climbing upon the castel, one of the assassins. He is the one who set fire to the library, either in an attempt to destroy some knowledge that was kept there or to kill me or some other important figure of the templars."
You suddenly go cold and look to your brothers, on their faces you can see a mix of fear and mirth, seemingly finding that your ancient arson was attributed to these assassins a great joke but also some fear you may reveal this. You wisely keep your mouth shut as your father continues. "They are an ever present enemy, for even now when there are few left within Italy they continue to be a danger. But teaching can be left for later, for now I give you the rest of your gift and the role you shall play."
"You shall be the governor of Romagna, a place left abandoned by that fool Innocent and now preyed on by the Firenze and Ferrara. They have ripped chunks away from Romagna, taking advantage of the negligence and weakness of former Governors. No more, your duty is to see to the improvement and reclamation of Romagnan land. It will not be an easy task, but Firenze has recently been taken by some fool monk, and if there are requests you would make to aid you make them before you leave. For now return home and rest, and start preparing, you shall move to Ravenna within 6 months.
---
You have already been given 300 florins and 50 guards
You have six actions, use them as you will
Please make your vote in plan format
Requests:
[] From what you've heard Ravenna is nearly lawless, it might be wise to bring a platoon of the swiss guard (start with 50 elite troops)
[] While you already have some florins to spend more couldn't hurt (200 Florins more)
[] If you are going into an unknown situation, you might want your guards more heavily armed, request for them to be given arquebuses (upgrades your guards)
[] Ravenna is by the sea, request for a small fleet of ships ( 5 barques, 10 galleys)
[] write in
Martial
[] You are not a commander, maybe you should find one?
[] You are not a fighter, maybe you should get a bodyguard?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] Romagna hasn't paid their taxes in years, at least not in full. Find a copy of their tax codes so you can be certain you are getting everything owed
[] You are a decent merchant, but you might want an advisor to delegate things to
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] It could be helpful to write letters to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
[] You can't be everywhere, so it might be best to have an advisor to delegate things to
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] Knowing about these assassins now is slightly worrisome, perhaps you should learn some more about them so you can defend yourself
[] A spymaster Is going to be very useful in the coming years, you should get one
[] Write in
Learning
[] You've recently been inducted into an ancient cult, maybe you should learn more about them?
[] An engineer could be useful if you're going to be building up Ravenna, find one
[] Write in
It started a few months after your thirteenth birthday, starting as little more than a tickle at the periphery of sensation. At times you could begin to sense more, a ghostly overlap to the world that you could not quite see, feel, or hear but it was there all the same. With it you could easily gain insights into those around you, feel what the world would try to keep hidden from you. You trained yourself in it, learning how to willingly use it, then using it to explore Roma, use it to find truth that was hidden from you, and if this were all it did you would indulge in this sixth sense as much as you could, but shortly after it reared its darker side.
Around your fifteenth birthday while experimenting with the sense you started to hear whispers, faint and indecipherable it felt as if the world were speaking to you in a hundred hushed voices. You tried to listen harder and eventually one voice made itself clear against the cacophony, a dark voice that seemingly muttered only to itself before it took notice of you. Once it spoke to you you could feel its voice through all of your body, blocking out all other senses and making you feel as if you would black out, "And so this young one has gained Knowledge, awareness beyond its nature, I can only wonder what shall become of you now."
You ripped yourself from the sensation, closing off the sixth sense so that thing was quiet, your heart feeling like it would rip itself from your chest. You rushed off to a doctor trusted by your family and swore him to secrecy before telling him of what you had experienced. The man was taken aback, believing that this had been some nightmare or prank you were pulling on him, but you insisted you were telling the truth. He decided to at least humor you for your earnestness, not believing or not wishing to believe you honest.
He at first thought you were merely suffering hallucinations and delusions brought on by some illness, but the more tests he performed found no signs, and after a week of his research and tests, he had nothing but horrifying news. He believes you are mad, haunted by some damage of the mind, as Caligula of time long past and Vlad Tepes of more recent times were. He offers to bring in a priest to perform an exorcism though you turn him down, not wanting to let this information spread further. You're not certain you want anyone to know this, not even your father who might see it as a hazard to the Borgia. While you still tap into the sixth sense when necessary, you do so rarely to avoid the notice of that thing.
Handsome +3 diplomacy +10 to diplomacy against those attracted to you.
Cursed Sixth Sense +2 to intrigue diplomacy and learning, may add 20 to one roll every update, however if the roll is still a critical failure FUN will happen
---
I merged possessed and the sixth sense into one, while it may be possible to overcome the voice it won't be easy, unless dice decide it is.
---
1492
It has been an incredibly eventful year. Your fathers' efforts had finally borne fruit and he has become Pope, and he has not hesitated in using its authority. Many members of your family have been granted positions of high authority within the church, "So that I have people I can trust." He says. Juan has been made captain general and he could not be happier. The same cant be said for Cesare, who feels he is wasted being made a cardinal, and wishes he had a more influential position. Even your cousin, the other Juan, has been made a cardinal and given influence over the papal coffers.
But beyond the empowerment of the Borgia is you. Today is the day you are finally a man. A small ceremony is held by your family and you are given a few gifts, a fine brocade doublet from Juan, saying with a small bit of humor "It's finally time for the Borgias angel to head out and woo the women of Italy, so you might as well dress the part.". Cesare in turn hands you a fine dagger of blackened steel with a ruby set in the pommel. "Its mostly decorative, but it should still make any scum think twice before trying anything." He says with a strange seriousness. You suppose he may have had to deal with a similar situation during his time as a cardinal.
You are gifted various other trinkets from your family but your father has nothing for you, telling you "My gift is something you must wait for hijo, wait for tonight and it shall be yours.". You think this is a little strange but your father has always been a bit more mysterious than perhaps necessary, and you promise to wait. You spend the rest of the day enjoying yourself, eventually going off with your brothers to where they told your father was some lords art exhibit but in truth was a gambling den.
As the sun crossed over the horizon and you make your way back to the papal palace with lighter purses and an enraged Cesare you wonder if fathers' gift for you is ready, but when you arrive he is nowhere to be seen. Eventually you make your way to bed and slowly drift to sleep, only to shortly be ripped back to the land of the waking. You see Micheletto Corello, Cesares friend and guardian, standing over you with an outfit of yours in his hand. "Your father and brothers are waiting for us, I suggest you get your clothes on quickly and follow me." He says curtly before handing you the outfit and leaving the room to grant you some privacy. You're a little annoyed and disoriented from this but assume this must be for fathers' gift, though the theatrics seem a bit unnecessary. You dress yourself and follow out the door, Micheletto waiting outside and moving as soon as he sees you ready, leading you outside the palace.
"Where are we going Michel?" you say after more than a few turns in various alleyways. "Quiet, we are almost there and we don't want anyone knowing where it is." He says in his regular cold way, though it only brings more questions to you. Where are we going that must be kept so secret? Why was Micheletto sent to guide you and not your father himself? Why does it have to be so damned late?
Eventually Micheletto stops, down a dark and abandoned alley and before a door with a red cross above it. He pulls out a heavy iron key and unlocks it, holding it open and gesturing to you. "After you sir, I will follow after and lock the door." He says and waits, and since you've already come this far you might as well see it through and head in. you had hoped your walking was done but you still travel though long cold hallways lit only by a torch Micheletto carries before finally finding yourself in a large lit chamber of clean brick and stone, tall columns holding up the roof with banners with that same red cross on them.
At the center of the room you recognize your father and brothers waiting for you, your brothers smiling at your sight but your father keeps the same stern expression on his face. He gestures for you to approach while Micheletto moves off to the side. You move to stand in front of your father and he tells you, "Son, today you are inducted into a world you have not known before. I have kept it a secret from you until this day because its secrecy is one of its greatest strengths, one I could not entrust to a child." "Father, what is all of this? This all seems to be some sort of strange cult. Cesare, Juan, you are a part of this?" "Silence child, I will explain all in time. What we are is Templars, members of an ancient conspiracy of men that sought to bring order to the chaos of this world, but now serves the Borgia. It is the tool that has granted us our power and privilege." "And now that the old man is the pope, its one of the most powerful organizations in the world." Juan cuts in before being cowed by a look from father.
"It is as he says, though we are not the only branch of templars. There are many all across the world, though as grandmaster of the Roman Rite and Pope we are the most important." He says while he hands you a silver ring with that same red cross upon it. "And now, so are you." You hold and just stare at it for a second before saying "Father, this… this is a lot to take in at once." "Trust me Valentino, it will only get stranger from here." Cesare says with a sigh. "It is true, there is far more to all of this, but I can start with an important aspect that you have some familiarity with already.
"Familiarity, what could I already know about any of this?" you say unable to think of what you could possibly know. "Ever since the templars foundation we have had an enemy, a group of anarchistic murderers who wear their deeds upon their sleeves called the Assassins. When you were but a child you saw one though you didn't know it, on that day that the castel sant'angelo burned you saw a man climbing upon the castel, one of the assassins. He is the one who set fire to the library, either in an attempt to destroy some knowledge that was kept there or to kill me or some other important figure of the templars."
You suddenly go cold and look to your brothers, on their faces you can see a mix of fear and mirth, seemingly finding that your ancient arson was attributed to these assassins a great joke but also some fear you may reveal this. You wisely keep your mouth shut as your father continues. "They are an ever present enemy, for even now when there are few left within Italy they continue to be a danger. But teaching can be left for later, for now I give you the rest of your gift and the role you shall play."
"You shall be the governor of Romagna, a place left abandoned by that fool Innocent and now preyed on by the Firenze and Ferrara. They have ripped chunks away from Romagna, taking advantage of the negligence and weakness of former Governors. No more, your duty is to see to the improvement and reclamation of Romagnan land. It will not be an easy task, but Firenze has recently been taken by some fool monk, and if there are requests you would make to aid you make them before you leave. For now return home and rest, and start preparing, you shall move to Ravenna within 6 months.
---
You have already been given 300 florins and 50 guards
You have six actions, use them as you will
Please make your vote in plan format
Requests:
[] From what you've heard Ravenna is nearly lawless, it might be wise to bring a platoon of the swiss guard (start with 50 elite troops)
[] While you already have some florins to spend more couldn't hurt (200 Florins more)
[] If you are going into an unknown situation, you might want your guards more heavily armed, request for them to be given arquebuses (upgrades your guards)
[] Ravenna is by the sea, request for a small fleet of ships ( 5 barques, 10 galleys)
[] write in
Martial
[] You are not a commander, maybe you should find one?
[] You are not a fighter, maybe you should get a bodyguard?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] Romagna hasn't paid their taxes in years, at least not in full. Find a copy of their tax codes so you can be certain you are getting everything owed
[] You are a decent merchant, but you might want an advisor to delegate things to
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] It could be helpful to write letters to introduce yourself to your new neighbors
[] You can't be everywhere, so it might be best to have an advisor to delegate things to
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] Knowing about these assassins now is slightly worrisome, perhaps you should learn some more about them so you can defend yourself
[] A spymaster Is going to be very useful in the coming years, you should get one
[] Write in
Learning
[] You've recently been inducted into an ancient cult, maybe you should learn more about them?
[] An engineer could be useful if you're going to be building up Ravenna, find one
[] Write in
Italy Map
1492, Arrival at Ravenna
- Location
- A pit
You decide to postpone making any requests, deciding that you should at least wait until you know what you will need before making any requests. Instead, you will be focusing on recruiting individuals who can compensate for your shortcomings, as well as finding a copy of their tax code so you can fund your endeavors. With the time you have left you decide to look into these conspiracies you've recently been recruited into, your father was more focused on what the two could do for or against the Borgia in his explanations.
---
[Recruitment: Martial, 29+10=39]
Your search doesn't start out well, as when you try to find any local military commanders you find that any with actual skill seem to have been recruited already, either by local mercenary companies or, surprisingly, your brother Cesare. When you ask him about it, he says "I am sorry brother but you aren't the only one needing the aid of skilled commanders, with Roma being the center of our power we must always shore up our defenses. Why don't you ask among those guardsmen you already have, surely one must have the makings of a leader?".
You decide to take this advice and start asking among the men who have been assigned to you, but this soon proves to be unhelpful. Each one either suggests himself without much to back them up, or suggests someone that everyone likes but has no experience leading. You decide that you aren't going to find a suitable commander today, but the guards did mention a skilled fighter they knew, one who might serve as a bodyguard.
[Recruitment: Martial, 78+10+20=108]
You find the man outside the city's walls, swinging a wooden axe at a practice dummy. Georgios Kostas, a man from Greece, came to Roma less than a year ago but quickly made a reputation for himself, entering into many tournaments and winning through sheer strength and endurance and then working as a bodyguard for many merchants and priests. Rumors say that someone's ox had gotten loose in the market one day and charged at his charge, and he cut its head off with one swing of his axe.
While you don't quite believe that, the guards certainly respect the mans strength and the merchants you could find who had hired him had nothing but positive reviews, claiming the man was professional and effective. It doesn't hurt that the man looks the part either. He easily stands a head over you, and the muscle on the man would put many guards to shame. A shaved head and large dark beard, skin scorched dark from the sun helped with his imposing image. It seemed that, even with a dull wooden axe, he would break the target he was using. If all of this wasn't enough of an endorsement of the man nothing would be, so you approach him with your offer.
"Pardon me, Signore Kostas? I do not wish to interrupt you, but I am in need of a bodyguard, and I've heard you are the best in Rome." He turns to look at you for a moment before tossing his axe down and making his way over. "And why would you be needing my services Princeling?" "Oh I am no prince, I assure you, I am being sent to serve as the governor of Romagna, and from all I've heard it's not quite the safest place. It's been ignored by quite a few popes for a few decades, land has been stripped away by Florence and Ferrara, I couldn't really tell you how dangerous it is but I feel its better to be safe than sorry."
"That is quite the ordeal, tell me the name of such an important child to get such a role?" the Greek asks. "Ah, my apologies for not saying so sooner, I am Valentino Borgia, son of Pope Alexander the sixth." At this you see some surprise on his face before he pauses in thought, mulling it over while you give him time to think on your offer. Eventually he comes to a decision and says "I know that Borgia money is good, ill accept your offer princeling, know that any threat to your life will have to go through me first.
You are tempted to remind him again that you are no princeling but decide it might be better to just accept his theatrics. With this task done with you decide to head onto the next, trying to find Romagnas tax codes. Not quite the exciting task but a necessary one, and how hard could it be?
---
[Searching: Stewardship, 42+15=57]
Dear lord in heaven you never want to see anymore damned paper or dust. The libraries where the papacy keeps all their documents is extensive but not well maintained. It seems that during the reign of the last Pope innocent that the room might not have seen the light of day once, many tomes and scrolls buried under heavy layers of dust and seemingly unorganized. It takes most of a month, even after recruiting young Gioffre to help you, to find what you were searching for, and you almost feel it wasn't worth it.
Looking over the document it is truly ancient but enlightening in some ways. It seems that Romagna has been paying their proper taxes, they just haven't been updated in years to match their current situation, having been lessened for some reason more than a few popes back. You have no doubt that the people of Romagna knew this but never brought it to anyone's attention, and you cant really blame them for that. At least with their original tax codes in hand you can update them once you've arrived.
---
[Recruitment: Learning, 12+15=27]
You are starting to resent the merchants and nobility of Italy. It seems that everyone of them is sponsoring any engineer of talent, using them to build grand palazzos or sculptures, design new weapons or ships, or even more foolish things like horseless carriages or flying machines. Without anyone of talent left you decide to wait for another day, when the rich and foolish have tired of their engineers so you can poach one for yourself.
---
[Investigation: Intrigue, 25+17=42
Looking into the Assassins is a tricky affair. What records the templars have on them is very limited, dealing largely with observations on their tactics. Whether this is truly all the templars know, which is unlikely, or whether higher up templars merely don't respect them enough to know them, you don't know. They largely seek to act much like their namesakes, acting in stealth before suddenly striking, typically from high vantage points or from crowds, making use of a type of dagger attached to a mechanism they have hidden up their sleeve. They also often work with the fringes of society such as thieves, whores, beggars and mercenaries, though they are not unlikely to work with more influential figures if necessary.
When trying to find their motives the information you find isn't exactly helpful. Many templars write them off as mere anarchists or devoted only to defying the templars. A few records do state that assassins have claimed to follow a creed that seeks to promote peace and freedom, though they are all too willing to murder and conquer if it gets them closer to their goals, such as relatively recently when the assassins supported the ottoman empire in its conquests of Byzantium and Wallachia in order to crush the byzantine rite of templars. This information is somewhat useful, though you hope to never need to use it unlikely as that may be.
---
[Investigation, Learning, 49+15=64]
Thankfully the records the templars have of themselves are more complete. Your father's description of them did them no justice it seems. The templars seek to uplift humanity and bring a lasting world peace, believing that man is too flawed and needs the aid of enlightened individuals to overcome these flaws and bring a safety and security to civilization. The templars also seem to let nothing hold them back in this pursuit, seeing that a world of peace and order is worth any sacrifice.
There are also references to certain artifacts that they have sought but if there's more information on them you aren't finding it. It seems that most of the greater secrets of the order aren't available to most members of the order, you'd likely have to ask your father for access to more important records.
It also seems that your father skipped over the entirety of an induction ritual you were supposed to go through, as well as ignoring teaching you its tenets.
Seems there's a lot more to the two organizations than your father explained, how do you feel about them?
[] Write in
---
The day has finally come. Two weeks ago you set off on the road from Roma to Ravenna, your small force following along, Kostas had kept an eye out for any possible danger on the path but with such a large force you found it unlikely. If anything it was an exciting journey for you, heading towards the city you had been born but never seen. Coming to govern it and bring it back to the glory it once held, this is the start of something great for you, you just know it, and its only a few hours away.
---
Oh no. Oh no no no. This can't be Ravenna, Ravenna was once the capital of Rome, the Byzantine Exarchate, a glorious city of beautiful churches and history. This thing in front of you looks more like some colony that had been abandoned then taken by wanderers. The walls, though once mighty and strong, have fallen into a state where a stubborn enough force could knock it over, bricks and stone scavenged from it to build hovels around the city. The buildings themselves are in various states of disrepair, some districts seemingly abandoned by all but the most desperate. The only thing seemingly intact are the churches though they are not untouched.
How did it get this bad, did every pope just treat this as no mans land? Abandon it because it was too much trouble? This is going to take far more work than you expected, probably anyone expected. You attempt to resolve yourself, you were sent here to bring order to Romagna, and you can't let a bad start dissuade you. You look to ensure this isn't some ghost town but you do see various people, in the shanty towns outside the walls, walking around the city undisturbed. You make your way to the gatehouse, and finding no one guarding it go in.
Immediately people start to make way for your force, many going to hide in the alleyways, others heading into the buildings and staring through their windows. You try to ignore their staring, trying to navigate yourself to the center of the city. Eventually you find yourself in a large open square, and having already attracted a bit of a crowd, decide this is as good a place as any to declare your intentions.
You ride your horse to the center of the Square, breathe deeply, and declare "Good People of Ravenna, I am Valentino Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI. I have been sent here to serve as governor of Romagna. For too long This land has been ignored, being left to the hands of time, preyed upon by ravenous neighbors seeking to expand without right of law or blessing by God to do so. I can see that you have not been protected or enriched by papal hands as you should have been, and for that I apologize, but I aim to right this wrong. No longer shall it be the forgotten backwoods of the holy see, I shall see that all of Romagna becomes a shining jewel of Italy."
While you didn't exactly expect a grand applause at your speech you'll take that you don't suddenly have crossbow bolt in you as sign that they wont try to run you off, For now. Now you need to start working on ways to fulfill that promise of yours. Easy, right?
I will make a sheet for the state of Romagna later
You have 6 actions and may add a +20 to any roll
Please make your Vote in plan format
Perhaps you should send a letter to father with a request? You may make 3
[] From what you've seen Ravenna is nearly lawless, it might be wise to send for a platoon of the swiss guard (50 elite troops)
[] While you already have some florins to spend more couldn't hurt (200 Florins more)
[] You might want your guards more heavily armed, request for them to be given arquebuses (upgrades your guards)
[] Ravenna is by the sea, request for a small fleet of ships (5 barques, 10 galleys)
[] write in
Martial
[] Perhaps you should recruit some locals for the guard?
[] There are plenty of gangs and thieves throughout Ravenna, maybe you should send in your men to clear them out
[] You still need a military leader for your men, perhaps you can find some local?
[] You don't have a headquarters yet, and there's a fort south of the city that's been abandoned, perhaps you could take over?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] You could still use a merchant or Steward, look for one
[] There's a large manor that's fallen into disrepair, perhaps you could repair it and use it as a base of operations. (75 fl)
[] That wall needs to be repaired, try to find some skilled workers to start repairing it. (150 fl)
[] The woods are dense and large, perhaps you could hire some workers to start chopping down lumber for construction and sale (50 fl)
[] The docks are in good repair at least, perhaps you should purchase some ships to help with trade and defense (100 fl)
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] you could use a chancellor or diplomat, find one
[] You should send some letters of introduction to your new neighbors in Ferrara, Forli, and Firenze
[] Perhaps you should go meet one of your neighbors directly?
-[] Which one?
[] Send a letter to a different Power, such as Venice, the Ottomans, etc
-[] Who?
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] A spymaster could be useful, find one
[] the city is filled with gangs, maybe you could get them on your side?
[] an uninformed ruler is a weak ruler, send someone to one of your neighbors to find out what their situation is
-[] Where?
[] while you are unlikely to be targeted by The Assassins, it doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare, write up some instructions for your guards so they know what to look for and how to look for it
[] write in
Learning
[] Maybe some nobles become bored of their engineers and you could hire them instead?
[] If you can't find an engineer you will train one, attempt to start an engineering school (200 fl)
[] Write in
Personal
[] 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
---
Say hello to the Pit luck, a thing of horror and woe
---
[Recruitment: Martial, 29+10=39]
Your search doesn't start out well, as when you try to find any local military commanders you find that any with actual skill seem to have been recruited already, either by local mercenary companies or, surprisingly, your brother Cesare. When you ask him about it, he says "I am sorry brother but you aren't the only one needing the aid of skilled commanders, with Roma being the center of our power we must always shore up our defenses. Why don't you ask among those guardsmen you already have, surely one must have the makings of a leader?".
You decide to take this advice and start asking among the men who have been assigned to you, but this soon proves to be unhelpful. Each one either suggests himself without much to back them up, or suggests someone that everyone likes but has no experience leading. You decide that you aren't going to find a suitable commander today, but the guards did mention a skilled fighter they knew, one who might serve as a bodyguard.
[Recruitment: Martial, 78+10+20=108]
You find the man outside the city's walls, swinging a wooden axe at a practice dummy. Georgios Kostas, a man from Greece, came to Roma less than a year ago but quickly made a reputation for himself, entering into many tournaments and winning through sheer strength and endurance and then working as a bodyguard for many merchants and priests. Rumors say that someone's ox had gotten loose in the market one day and charged at his charge, and he cut its head off with one swing of his axe.
While you don't quite believe that, the guards certainly respect the mans strength and the merchants you could find who had hired him had nothing but positive reviews, claiming the man was professional and effective. It doesn't hurt that the man looks the part either. He easily stands a head over you, and the muscle on the man would put many guards to shame. A shaved head and large dark beard, skin scorched dark from the sun helped with his imposing image. It seemed that, even with a dull wooden axe, he would break the target he was using. If all of this wasn't enough of an endorsement of the man nothing would be, so you approach him with your offer.
"Pardon me, Signore Kostas? I do not wish to interrupt you, but I am in need of a bodyguard, and I've heard you are the best in Rome." He turns to look at you for a moment before tossing his axe down and making his way over. "And why would you be needing my services Princeling?" "Oh I am no prince, I assure you, I am being sent to serve as the governor of Romagna, and from all I've heard it's not quite the safest place. It's been ignored by quite a few popes for a few decades, land has been stripped away by Florence and Ferrara, I couldn't really tell you how dangerous it is but I feel its better to be safe than sorry."
"That is quite the ordeal, tell me the name of such an important child to get such a role?" the Greek asks. "Ah, my apologies for not saying so sooner, I am Valentino Borgia, son of Pope Alexander the sixth." At this you see some surprise on his face before he pauses in thought, mulling it over while you give him time to think on your offer. Eventually he comes to a decision and says "I know that Borgia money is good, ill accept your offer princeling, know that any threat to your life will have to go through me first.
You are tempted to remind him again that you are no princeling but decide it might be better to just accept his theatrics. With this task done with you decide to head onto the next, trying to find Romagnas tax codes. Not quite the exciting task but a necessary one, and how hard could it be?
---
[Searching: Stewardship, 42+15=57]
Dear lord in heaven you never want to see anymore damned paper or dust. The libraries where the papacy keeps all their documents is extensive but not well maintained. It seems that during the reign of the last Pope innocent that the room might not have seen the light of day once, many tomes and scrolls buried under heavy layers of dust and seemingly unorganized. It takes most of a month, even after recruiting young Gioffre to help you, to find what you were searching for, and you almost feel it wasn't worth it.
Looking over the document it is truly ancient but enlightening in some ways. It seems that Romagna has been paying their proper taxes, they just haven't been updated in years to match their current situation, having been lessened for some reason more than a few popes back. You have no doubt that the people of Romagna knew this but never brought it to anyone's attention, and you cant really blame them for that. At least with their original tax codes in hand you can update them once you've arrived.
---
[Recruitment: Learning, 12+15=27]
You are starting to resent the merchants and nobility of Italy. It seems that everyone of them is sponsoring any engineer of talent, using them to build grand palazzos or sculptures, design new weapons or ships, or even more foolish things like horseless carriages or flying machines. Without anyone of talent left you decide to wait for another day, when the rich and foolish have tired of their engineers so you can poach one for yourself.
---
[Investigation: Intrigue, 25+17=42
Looking into the Assassins is a tricky affair. What records the templars have on them is very limited, dealing largely with observations on their tactics. Whether this is truly all the templars know, which is unlikely, or whether higher up templars merely don't respect them enough to know them, you don't know. They largely seek to act much like their namesakes, acting in stealth before suddenly striking, typically from high vantage points or from crowds, making use of a type of dagger attached to a mechanism they have hidden up their sleeve. They also often work with the fringes of society such as thieves, whores, beggars and mercenaries, though they are not unlikely to work with more influential figures if necessary.
When trying to find their motives the information you find isn't exactly helpful. Many templars write them off as mere anarchists or devoted only to defying the templars. A few records do state that assassins have claimed to follow a creed that seeks to promote peace and freedom, though they are all too willing to murder and conquer if it gets them closer to their goals, such as relatively recently when the assassins supported the ottoman empire in its conquests of Byzantium and Wallachia in order to crush the byzantine rite of templars. This information is somewhat useful, though you hope to never need to use it unlikely as that may be.
---
[Investigation, Learning, 49+15=64]
Thankfully the records the templars have of themselves are more complete. Your father's description of them did them no justice it seems. The templars seek to uplift humanity and bring a lasting world peace, believing that man is too flawed and needs the aid of enlightened individuals to overcome these flaws and bring a safety and security to civilization. The templars also seem to let nothing hold them back in this pursuit, seeing that a world of peace and order is worth any sacrifice.
There are also references to certain artifacts that they have sought but if there's more information on them you aren't finding it. It seems that most of the greater secrets of the order aren't available to most members of the order, you'd likely have to ask your father for access to more important records.
It also seems that your father skipped over the entirety of an induction ritual you were supposed to go through, as well as ignoring teaching you its tenets.
- "Uphold the principles of our order and all that for which we stand."
- "Never share our secrets nor divulge in the true nature of our work."
- "Do so until death, whatever the cost."
Seems there's a lot more to the two organizations than your father explained, how do you feel about them?
[] Write in
---
The day has finally come. Two weeks ago you set off on the road from Roma to Ravenna, your small force following along, Kostas had kept an eye out for any possible danger on the path but with such a large force you found it unlikely. If anything it was an exciting journey for you, heading towards the city you had been born but never seen. Coming to govern it and bring it back to the glory it once held, this is the start of something great for you, you just know it, and its only a few hours away.
---
Oh no. Oh no no no. This can't be Ravenna, Ravenna was once the capital of Rome, the Byzantine Exarchate, a glorious city of beautiful churches and history. This thing in front of you looks more like some colony that had been abandoned then taken by wanderers. The walls, though once mighty and strong, have fallen into a state where a stubborn enough force could knock it over, bricks and stone scavenged from it to build hovels around the city. The buildings themselves are in various states of disrepair, some districts seemingly abandoned by all but the most desperate. The only thing seemingly intact are the churches though they are not untouched.
How did it get this bad, did every pope just treat this as no mans land? Abandon it because it was too much trouble? This is going to take far more work than you expected, probably anyone expected. You attempt to resolve yourself, you were sent here to bring order to Romagna, and you can't let a bad start dissuade you. You look to ensure this isn't some ghost town but you do see various people, in the shanty towns outside the walls, walking around the city undisturbed. You make your way to the gatehouse, and finding no one guarding it go in.
Immediately people start to make way for your force, many going to hide in the alleyways, others heading into the buildings and staring through their windows. You try to ignore their staring, trying to navigate yourself to the center of the city. Eventually you find yourself in a large open square, and having already attracted a bit of a crowd, decide this is as good a place as any to declare your intentions.
You ride your horse to the center of the Square, breathe deeply, and declare "Good People of Ravenna, I am Valentino Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI. I have been sent here to serve as governor of Romagna. For too long This land has been ignored, being left to the hands of time, preyed upon by ravenous neighbors seeking to expand without right of law or blessing by God to do so. I can see that you have not been protected or enriched by papal hands as you should have been, and for that I apologize, but I aim to right this wrong. No longer shall it be the forgotten backwoods of the holy see, I shall see that all of Romagna becomes a shining jewel of Italy."
While you didn't exactly expect a grand applause at your speech you'll take that you don't suddenly have crossbow bolt in you as sign that they wont try to run you off, For now. Now you need to start working on ways to fulfill that promise of yours. Easy, right?
I will make a sheet for the state of Romagna later
You have 6 actions and may add a +20 to any roll
Please make your Vote in plan format
Perhaps you should send a letter to father with a request? You may make 3
[] From what you've seen Ravenna is nearly lawless, it might be wise to send for a platoon of the swiss guard (50 elite troops)
[] While you already have some florins to spend more couldn't hurt (200 Florins more)
[] You might want your guards more heavily armed, request for them to be given arquebuses (upgrades your guards)
[] Ravenna is by the sea, request for a small fleet of ships (5 barques, 10 galleys)
[] write in
Martial
[] Perhaps you should recruit some locals for the guard?
[] There are plenty of gangs and thieves throughout Ravenna, maybe you should send in your men to clear them out
[] You still need a military leader for your men, perhaps you can find some local?
[] You don't have a headquarters yet, and there's a fort south of the city that's been abandoned, perhaps you could take over?
[] Write in
Stewardship
[] You could still use a merchant or Steward, look for one
[] There's a large manor that's fallen into disrepair, perhaps you could repair it and use it as a base of operations. (75 fl)
[] That wall needs to be repaired, try to find some skilled workers to start repairing it. (150 fl)
[] The woods are dense and large, perhaps you could hire some workers to start chopping down lumber for construction and sale (50 fl)
[] The docks are in good repair at least, perhaps you should purchase some ships to help with trade and defense (100 fl)
[] Write in
Diplomacy
[] you could use a chancellor or diplomat, find one
[] You should send some letters of introduction to your new neighbors in Ferrara, Forli, and Firenze
[] Perhaps you should go meet one of your neighbors directly?
-[] Which one?
[] Send a letter to a different Power, such as Venice, the Ottomans, etc
-[] Who?
[] Write in
Intrigue
[] A spymaster could be useful, find one
[] the city is filled with gangs, maybe you could get them on your side?
[] an uninformed ruler is a weak ruler, send someone to one of your neighbors to find out what their situation is
-[] Where?
[] while you are unlikely to be targeted by The Assassins, it doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare, write up some instructions for your guards so they know what to look for and how to look for it
[] write in
Learning
[] Maybe some nobles become bored of their engineers and you could hire them instead?
[] If you can't find an engineer you will train one, attempt to start an engineering school (200 fl)
[] Write in
Personal
[] 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
---
Say hello to the Pit luck, a thing of horror and woe
Last edited: