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A Reforged World (NO SV, You are King of Italy, in a Greatly Changed World)

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Rumor Mill 1
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    • Rumor Mill 1:

    Macheveli:D100 + 20 => 83

    Your Master still lives, and with the lack of a true crisis, he has all but retired from politics, content to have many things about his legacy. He was well respected by the many members of the Italian Kingdom, had quietly made his republican institutions all but indestructible to anything but foreign interference, which could never happen at this time, as many men were entirely down with the idea of Italy.

    Yes, there were things that he failed to take into account… from the growing North-south divide between the Sicilians and the Italians, but those troubles were not enough to make him worry about the future of the Italian State.

    Now of course, there were many things that filled you with laughter, like the so-called Academy wars raging between the Venetians and the Napalese, over who would have their academies become the academy of the Italian Kingdom.

    Of course that worry was not on his mind anymore.

    He was content to write his plays… his novels, and his tapestries and books on politics. He would be the Italian Cicero. The man will read for the guidance of politics.

    Reward: Your master has all but retired from politics, enjoying his life as a private citizen, a Cincinatius come again.
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    Prime Minister Travoli:D100 => 86+20=106

    Prime Minister Travoli's first order of business was creating a government.

    The Granzinis (Italian monarchists):D100 => 28

    The Popularus (Italian Republicans):D100 => 15

    The I moderati (The Moderates):D100 => 73

    It was rather thankful that his faction had a near majority of the Senate, with only a token defector or bribed man was needed.

    His ministers were in place to serve him, he was in total control of this government. There was no government….

    This was a test of true politics if it could survive without a crisis to unify it's people.

    Reward: The Prime minister has a government and is not going to fall into chaos any time soon.
    --------------------------------------------------------------

    Rome:D100 - 20 => 79

    Rome, your new home, your city was slowly picking itself up from the centuries of mismanagement. Many of the holy pilgrimage sites were moved to the Pope's side of the city, but that meant much of the city was now open for business.

    Shops, stores, and other entrepreneurial experiences have brought not only people into the city.

    But it has also exploded the city's wealth… on your side of the city.

    The Pope was not happy in that regard and threatened excommunication.

    You politely ignored that, and sent him a chest full of gold to smooth over feelings.

    And he quickly dropped the subject.

    Reward: Rome is slowly but surely being restored to its former glory.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Florence:D100 => 78

    Your old Home has seen an increase in wealth, as they began a firesale of much of the leftover weapons that were ordered by the Army, but were unable to use due to the… end of the war.

    It was almost impossible to see how many representatives of foreign kingdoms, mercenary companies, as well as members of your own navy, started buying your weapons.

    It made Florence, the second richest city in Italy… only before Milan, where the Armory of the Grazini's, your armory, and a small start-up called Beretta… were selling guns at triple price. And everyone was buying.

    You were going to watch Beretta with great interest.

    REward: Florence has begun to recover it's wealth and importance, by selling guns from it's armory that it does not need anymore.
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Venice:D100 => 87
    Naples: D100 => 89
    Sicily:D100 => 38
    The Academy Wars:D100 => 71

    You were honestly very surprised that the Academy Wars spread so quickly to the Politics of the Fleet.

    There was now a distinct class of sailors, captains, and Admerials that were building from the academies, all jockeying and fighting for positions within the evergrowing merchant and naval fleet that were just continuing to Grow.

    There was no danger of mutiny, but a tradition was beginning to form…

    A Divide in the Fleet.

    A divide that you think may need your intervention.

    Reward: The Academy Wars are beginning to create a culture in the fleet. The south is mostly captains, Comadores and able seamen… and dwarfing that of the Northerners.

    Whereas the North contains more higher-ranking officers and bigger ships.

    Yet the Naples men have more daring, nay impossible missions that they have succeeded under their belt.
    ---------------------------------------------------------

    The Army:D100 => 93+D100 => 94+D100 => 25=202

    The professional corps of the Army was around ten thousand strong, with 7 thousand infantrymen, 2 thousand mounted men, as well as a thousand men in large grand artillery batteries.

    The rotation and promotion lead to men at their stations well… ready for being senior officers, and even Senior NCOs.

    The fact there was a great corps of NCOs, sergeants, and the officers that built something strong.

    Reward: The Army is beginning to form and create a strong corps and tradition of Senior NCOs. A boon to any national army at this time.
    --------------------------------------------------------------

    The Navy:D100 + 10 => 90+D100 + 10 => 69=159

    THe Navy has sent a report form North Africa.

    To the King of Italy. The Slavers are continuing to route further inland, we are unable to continue our assaults on their caravans. We are afraid that any more attempts to disrupt the Slave trade will only lead to acts of War, that have yet to be declared.

    In that report, we have retreated to our bases to continue the defense of our Assets.

    REward: THe Navy and the Marines have all but forced the Slave Trade to travel through the desert, as the coastal routes and sea lanes are all but controlled by the Italian Navy.

    They have returned to their primary mission, in maintaining the peace and tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea.
     
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    • Book 3 Chapter 4: And Now, We Begin Again, Sons of Rome.
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    • Book 3 Chapter 4: And Now, We Begin Again, Sons of Rome.
    Which our Hero, Must do what he does don't want to do​

    You were tired of all the pomp and ceremony, and were honestly just glad that the Senator… The prime minister was sitting before you, alone and without his entourage and men. He was just as alone as you were, and despite everything you had thought you knew about the man, he continued to surprise you.

    If only because he was the one who called this meeting. "I am not exactly capable as your master was, that much we know personally." He said as you sat down and he joined across the room, close but a respectable distance. "And that you do not have much in the way of a wish to run the state you are the king of."

    "I have a responsibility, but that is all I wish to do." you stated. "I try my best to deal with my duty before I am forced to make concessions to my free time."

    He nodded. "The problem is, we will be needing to discuss the future of this kingdom, which I know your master shielded you from."

    "That being?"

    "An heir, and a wife." He stated.

    "I felt that politics were going to be able to wait?" You asked.

    "Politics never wait, unfortunately, your grace." He said with the utmost respect in his tone. "The problem being, if you die now, we may not have a chance to correct that mistake with a vote. To put it bluntly, without a clear successor, there is always going to be danger of this entire experiment collapsing."

    "I know."

    "Then you must realize that you must put aside your personal feelings about the subject… and just allow yourself to accept that it must happen." The Prime minister was quite blunt.

    "Is there anything else?" You asked.

    "Yes. There is. I have received numerous reports from the twin academies of Naples and Venice, about a Royal Charter. Doing so would finally put an end to this Bloody academy war that is making a mockery of the Italian Navy."

    "What does the Great Fernando think of it?" You asked.

    The Prime minister shook his head. "He thinks it's hilarious, and that two such institutions should be allowed to exist because it will promote a more… competitive spirit. One of mutual unity, but a similar… goal."

    "Then I will trust Italy's greatest hero." You stated. "Seeing as he has more advice and wisdom on the subject of Naval warfare."

    "Fuck." He swore, as if his plans were running, and his headache was going to grow larger. "I think this meeting has run its course."

    "Indeed it has."
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Governmental Actions: You are now the Master and Commander of the State. Though there is a great deal of power you have, there is also much power you do not. As you are the commander in chief, you are in charge of the Army, and the Navy.

    You have 3 actions.

    []Sorting Out the Academy Wars: You are going to make a choice now. Before those idiots decide to start killing each other. DC: ??? Reward: You end the Academy Wars before they do something stupid.

    []The Duty of a Sovrign: You have to get married, and produce an Heir. Time to review your master new… List of bachelorettes. DC: 0 Reward: Begin a miniturn to choose your bride.

    []Ordering the Navy: You have the most powerful navy in the world. You can use it as you see fit. So you will see it. DC:??? Reward: You use the Navy to enforce your diplomatic will. (Linetail what you want them to do)

    []A City of Marble, A City of Light: You and your engineers are going to do an estimation of trying to restore the Old Palaces within the City for your use. DC:??? Reward: Rebuilding the city may come cheaper, and you can do your own work.

    []Rebuilding Rome (The Sewers): You have a strong belief that if the city can remain clean and healthy, the city's entire place will follow. DC: ??? Reward: You begin a reconstruction of Romes's Ancient Sewers. (Costs 4 Turns)

    []Rebuilding Rome (The Aquaducts): Rome's main waterways from ancient times were the Aquaducts. While much of the city's water comes from the Tiber, you want to see if you can recreate the city's water supply. DC: ??? Reward: You begin a reconstruction of Romes's Ancient Aquaducts to feed the cities. (Costs 6 Turns)

    []The Prime Ministers' Pet Project: The Prime minister is wishing to use the surplus of Gold in the budget to fund schools… Grammar School he calls them, to teach latin, Italian, and Greek, along with mathematics and literacy. He just needs your support for the Senate to Approve them. DC: ??? Reward: You begin the process of founding new schools for the Major cities.

    []Invest in the Future: You want to invest in your country, and there are a few ways you can do that (Write in what you want to invest in) DC: ??? Reward: You invest in the nation (Linetail what you want to invest in below this action as a line tail)

    []The Changing Winds: You look at many of the French envoys that are being sent to you. And then you look at a map. "What does the King Want?" DC: 25 Reward: You learn to your dismay, that you caused a great uproar. And put the Fear of God into all of Europe.

    []The New World: You want to plan a new world Expedition. DC: 40/80 Reward: You begin the Planning phases of a New World Expedition.

    []The Moderates and You: The Moderates are what you expect. Men who want nothing more than to keep Italy stable, happy and their positions secured. It is an honorable position to have, and perhaps there are things that can make things happy. DC: 20 Reward: You meet with the Moderates, and discover their objectives and political makeup.

    [] The Men who would make you an Autocrat: The Grazini's. The so-called Royalists, and His Majesty's most Loyal Friends in the Senate. That is to say, they want to destroy the Senate, and the farcical Republican institutions that had been instilled into the Nation. While you do not agree with their… final goal, you also see that they can be good allies in a pinch, to secure a majority in government. DC: 20 Reward: You meet with the Royalists, and find out more about their objectives and political makeup.

    []The Last Republicans: There are not many that would consider themselves Ardent Republicans… That much was certain when they dwindled in the last few years. But they are men who were of the same Cloth as Machevelis coat before Macheveli chose the State, then his republican ideals, men who saw the bright future of a Republic smothered away by compromise, instead of dealing with it. DC: 20 Reward: You meet with the Republicans. The men who would have given everything for a Republic.

    Personal Actions: To think, being an adult means you have more time to work. Quite impossible.

    You have 4 actions.

    []Retiernment: Macheveli is enjoying his retirement. But that does not mean you do not come to him for wisdom. DC: 0 Reward: You get Wisdom from your Old Master.

    []Letters from an old Friend: Charles has sent a letter from the New World. A New World he intends to conquer. DC: 0 Reward: You look at the whole letter, and realize something strange. He doesn't want to come back.

    []The Order of Solutions: They have asked for more guns from you, and you want to know why? DC: 30 Reward: You find out what the Hell Jon Charles Severin has done.

    []The Prince: You are going to learn from your master's book, and see what wisdom you can gleam. DC: 55 Reward: you learn how to be a Prince of a nation.

    []Of God and Command: Your Master is not just a diplomat without peers, but he is a commander of men, and while he is not seasoned as other commanders in Italy, he does have immaculate organizational skills. DC: 25 Reward: You learn how to command men, and to be a leader.

    []The Keys of State Craft: Your master wants you to learn the fine arts of making friends and allies. Even if it means you abhor them. DC: 40 Reward: You learn the fine arts of diplomacy.

    []The Law of the Land: You need to learn how this new constitution works. And that means doing other things. Like learning how laws work. DC: 40 Reward: You learn more about the law.

    []The New Nobility: You want to meet the new courtiers. AKA the people you know will be wishing to be parasites to the state. DC: 30 Reward: You talk to the new courtiers.

    []The Diplomatic Situation: You need to know how the state is viewed by the Rest of Europe. DC: 40 Reward: You see the documents. And worry about progress.

    []The Eagle: Ezio has returned and is back to the problem at hand. Trying to serve as a friend to a king. DC: 40 Reward: You meet Ezio again.

    []Innovate or Die: You are the greatest engineer alive. Perhaps you can come up with something. DC:??? Reward: You invent something (Must line tail what you wish to invent below this action, can be taken multiple times)

    []To Design a Better Gun (Firing mechanism): You have an idea to make the Design better, and now all you need to do is put it to paper and try it out. DC: ??? Reward: You make the gun better.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Reload Speed): You have an idea to make the Design better, and now all you need to do is put it to paper and try it out. DC: ??? Reward: You make the gun better.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Manufacturing): You have an idea to make the Design better, and now all you need to do is put it to paper and try it out. DC: ??? Reward: You make the gun better. For yourself to make it that is.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Cannons): Your field battery is not the best, you know it, your navy knows it, and your army knows it.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Cannons, Ammunition): You want to see if you can make a better cannon shot. Reward: You make the explosive better.

    Plan format please.
     
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    Rumors Amongst the Roads of Rome
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    • Rumors Amongst the Roads of Rome

    "... Did you hear? There's a young noble lady come down from the north through the mountains. They say she's here to see His Grace, the King!"

    "I heard that she's traveling incognito, dressed like a commoner, but you can tell her nobility immediately by her bearing!"

    "Balderdash! She's wearing rather fine clothes to be dressed like a commoner. Perhaps it's just the fashion of those across the Alps. Swabia, I believe the region is called?"

    "Nay, I overheard her guard speaking with the merchant over by the corner, when he was asked if they were from Swabia he denied it, said they were from further west."

    "Oh, so she's a noble lady from West Swabia, here to see His Grace the King on some important matter?"

    "That seems to be the case. Though I did hear her mention that her father was often on the march, and fighting many battles."

    "Western Swabia... constantly fighting battles... I see, I see! Her father must be a Marcher Lord of the Holy Roman Empire! Because west of Swabia proper is the land of those fearsome Svizzero. Her father must be constantly fighting off incursion by those vicious highlanders!"

    "Actually, the title you're looking for is Marquis, or Markgraf or Margrave, depending on if it's French, German or English. So that would make the lady a Marchioness."

    "I'm not sure it works that way..."

    "Nonsense! You didn't even know what the title was, you can't gainsay me!"

    "So, the young marchioness is here to meet with His Grace for some important matter?"

    "Precisely! And word has it that our esteemed Prime Minister was recently speaking with His Grace about the matter of continuity and securing his dynasty."

    "You don't mean-"

    "Yes! She must obviously be here to meet her betrothed! If you've any head for politics, you'd know that our relations with France have been fraught, so it only makes sense that His Grace is seeking relations in the Holy Roman Empire! And a Markgraf is an important vassal, between a Count and a Duke, so the lady's father is likely the direct vassal of the Lord of Swabia. And wouldn't you know, a major power is Swabia is the House of Hapsburg!"

    "You mean-"

    "This is obviously the first step in an alliance against France! The kingdom that once had the north of our kingdom dancing like a puppet on a string! Seeing as we've humbled the Ottomans and restored the Mediterranean as Mare Nostrum of Roman times, His Grace must be working to neutralize the largest land threat our kingdom faces. As expected of His Grace!"

    "Well, well I saw that the lady's guard had one of His Grace's special pistols!"

    "What! His Grace certainly works fast, and I suppose she would be family soon enough, but to just hand over such special armaments to the house troops of foreign nobility? Before even a public announcement!? This must be some daring plan masterminded by His Grace, who was the personal apprentice of former Prime Minister Machiavelli!

    "Unless... I can conceive of a simpler, if less palatable explanation. Unlike our glorious navy which sent the Turk sinking to the seafloor, our army failed to cover itself in glory. Perhaps some corrupt officers or quartermasters are selling off the weapons meant for His Grace's soldiers to foreign nobles for personal enrichment at the Kingdom's expense? It wouldn't be the first time such a thing has happened, after all."

    "Those vile, dastardly fiends! How dare they sully His Grace's works with their greedy, money-grubbing paws! To deny his armaments to the troops of our kingdom to fill their pockets! Despicable! We should agitate for an investigation of the army of root out those corrupt, treasonous fools!"

    "I wouldn't go that far, money is a powerful motivator, is all I'm saying."

    I'll just leave this here. The idea was approved by @Magoose. An unspecified number of random people gossiping in the streets of Rome. If the 24-hour news cycle was a thing at this point in history, it'd probably feature speculation by folks like these.
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Magoose on Jun 19, 2023 at 9:49 PM, finished with 19 posts and 14 votes.
    Click to expand...
     
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    • Book 3 Chapter 5: New Deal
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    • Book 3 Chapter 5: New Deal
    In which our Hero, Learns Politics. ​

    -[X]Sorting Out the Academy Wars: You are going to make a choice now. Before those idiots decide to start killing each other. DC: ??? Reward: You end the Academy Wars before they do something stupid. Rolled: D100 + 40 => 140+D100 + 40 => 138+D100 + 40 => 103+D100 + 40 => 127+D100 + 40 => 82=590

    It started, with the strangest thing, a request to meet the head of both academies. It was a reasonable request, one that you made sure to answer almost immediately. But by the time you realized what was happening, you had been caught in a trap of strange proportions.

    Now honestly, you would have taken a greater resentment of them, pretty much kidnapping you away from your entourage, what little there was any way, and basically sitting you down in a room.

    Both headmasters were there, and both were pleading like their lives depended on it. "You have taken me against my will, what the hell are you doing?!" You demanded.

    The Northern one spoke first. "Your Grace we are terribly sorry for having to move you in such a state, but we have believed that if your government attempted to do such a thing, it would only lead to disastrous consequences within the whole navy."

    "With men ready to mutiny?" You asked. "Because captains from the north or south cannot work to get along like men."

    Both men looked at each other and realized something. "You thought the men were mutinying?"

    "What else would you call the clashing of command, some of the stupidity among the men, as well as there being an actual fucking feud between the academies!"

    Both men then took a breath. "You didn't know about the war games we planned, and used them as a way to practice proper practice for… an actual mutiny in the fleet?"

    You raised an eyebrow. "What!?"

    "We sent word, the Sea Lord told us he gave you the message?"

    "The Sea Lord only spoke to the Prime minister not to me." You replied.

    Then the two men realized the grave miscommunication. "Well, we had been informed that you were going to grant a charter to both academies to signify the fleet's unification."

    You were going to have words with the prime minister.
    --------------------------------------------

    "Politics, and trying to give Venice a leg up on its neighbors?" You said as the door shut and the prime minister seemed to pale.

    "Your Grace I-"

    "Shut up, be lucky that we have such a good working relationship that I do not remove you from your office." You replied. "Now, did you talk to the sea lord about the Academy? And their future charters."

    "Yes." He responded without hesitation.

    "When were you planning to tell me?" You asked.

    "When it was appropriate." He replied. "And after I brought the matter to the Senate to choose one."

    "Choose one, when we could choose both and be done with it!" You slammed your hand down on the table. "There was a miscommunication. Miscommunication that could have been avoided if it was brought to my attention! I thought the bloody academies were about to start a civil war, not have an exercise that they agreed to!"

    You looked at the prime minister. You were very cross. "I may not have the powers of a despot, and by God, I do not wish for that, but I will not be lied to. I will not be withheld information that could jepordize the Italian state and its people." You stated. "Do you understand?"

    "I do sir." He replied.

    You wanted the relationship to be better than this. But that would require work on his end, to not put his home before his nation.

    Reward: Thanks to some information being given, you were informed that everything was above board and planned and that both academies and the Admiralty had already wished to have a twin academy system for the navy.

    But miscommunication and misunderstanding abound… And maybe politics as well.
    --------------------------------------------------------

    -[X]The Duty of a Sovrign: You have to get married, and produce an Heir. Time to review your master new… List of bachelorettes. DC: 0 Reward: Begin a miniturn to choose your bride. Rolled:D100 + 40 => 51

    You had a list to choose from now.

    Not a very good list, but one that was enough to pass the Senates approval.

    (Continued in The Brides to Be)
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    -[X]The Prime Ministers' Pet Project: The Prime minister is wishing to use the surplus of Gold in the budget to fund schools… Grammar School he calls them, to teach latin, Italian, and Greek, along with mathematics and literacy. He just needs your support for the Senate to Approve them. DC: ??? Reward: You begin the process of founding new schools for the Major cities. Rolled:D100 + 40 => 120+D100 + 40 => 117+D100 + 40 => 138+D100 + 40 => 131+D100 + 40 => 118+D100 + 40 => 72=696

    To say that the Prime minster went above and beyond to increase your trust in him was a sight to behold, for he had begun to have a great deal of effort in his education plan.

    And by the lord, he did it for a simple fact that the Italian State could afford it. He had spent millions of Florins on the investment of schools in every major city, hiring monks, teachers, and men to serve as the teachers… and made it almost free to attend for the entire city. From the poorest beggar to the Richest prince…

    All could if they could afford the supplies for it, an education. A real, some would say world-class education. An education that was only fit for tutors teaching one on one.

    While the effects would not be instantaneous, and not all would be part of this system. There was an opportunity.

    And while the investments into universities would be on the next docket… it would only continue.

    (Note, this action now must be taken for the next two turns for it to be now completed instead of the next ten.)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    -[X]Retiernment: Macheveli is enjoying his retirement. But that does not mean you do not come to him for wisdom. DC: 0 Reward: You get Wisdom from your Old Master. Rolled:D100 + 40 => 53
    -[X]The Prince: You are going to learn from your master's book, and see what wisdom you can gleam. DC: 55 Reward: you learn how to be a Prince of a nation. Rolled:D100 + 40 => 101+D100 + 40 => 72

    "You should really look to your own advances, rather than the advances of mine." He said as he drank some wine. "Enjoying the sun?"

    "I just want to know if what I am doing is right?" You asked.

    "What I consider right, and what you consider right does not compare." He said. "And in your defense, you seem to be doing quite a job at it."

    "My prime minster went behind my back." You stated.

    "You should expect him to have different opinions than you, and do such a thing because he has the power to do it, rather than you." He said. "A neat trick is that you need to both have trust to make this government work."

    "How can I have trust if he does not give it to me?" You asked.

    "Simple, make him trust you. Support him. And he will support you."

    "Even after he broke my trust?" You asked.

    "Quite, because it should not matter what you like, or what he likes, or if you broke each other's trust, because you are not what matters. It is all about Italy." He said as he drank the rest of his wine. "Very good wine, you sure you don't want some?"

    "I'm fine master." You replied.

    Reward: You get a lesson in politics. +2 to Decorum and Subterfuge.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -[X]The Keys of State Craft: Your master wants you to learn the fine arts of making friends and allies. Even if it means you abhor them. DC: 40 Reward: You learn the fine arts of diplomacy. Rolled:D100 + 40 => 41

    Well you were lucky to understand the legality of any of this shit.

    Reward: +1 to Subterfuge.
    -------------------------------------------

    -[X]The Law of the Land: You need to learn how this new constitution works. And that means doing other things. Like learning how laws work. DC: 40 Reward: You learn more about the law. Rolled:D100 + 40 => 44

    You are certainly going to be a lawyer yet.

    Reward: +1 to Law.
     
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    • The Brides to Be
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    • The Brides to Be:

    Master Macheveli was smiling when you looked at him, and Senator Travioli…pardon, First Minister. It seems that both were discussing.

    "For goodness gracious my boy, it's not been months since we last saw each other." Your master stated as you watched the two men prod at papers, trying to speak and talk about several things. "Get in here, we need to discuss the political situation of your future bride?"

    You found yourself frowning. "Can't this wait? I have other things to worry about?"

    There was a pause between two of the most influential men in the country before the Prime Minister stood and decided to be blunt. "If I must be speaking plainly sir, we are in dire diplomatic straights that a diplomatic marriage can alleviate much of the pressure?"

    "How so, don't tell me we are so bloody stupid and poor in our missions elsewhere that we have found ourselves on the back foot?" You asked.

    "Worse." Your master said. "We've scared out neighbors and they seem to be rallying their diplomats to make alliances. Even the Emperor has taken a keen interest in our dealings as of late, and the Imperial Diet, if one could call it that, has all but demanded that something, if anything can be done about the situation south of the Alps?"

    "We pose no threat to the Emperor or any of his territories. And I have no desire to reform Rome." You stated.

    "Many men claim such things, but it is not entirely on you." Travoli started. "And with such a powerful power being so quickly brought to prominence, and the Ottomans all but being thrown in our shores, in addition to the Barbery Coastline no longer being a threat for the first time in centuries-" There was a pause. "You can see how many think we are preparing for conquest?"

    "If there is any conquest I want, it's the economy and this design I want to produce." You said, twiddling around with your fingers, already your mind was going back to the forge, of designs that are yet to be made. "So how can we prevent people from makeing decisions that would lead us down to war?"

    "Marriage." Your master stated. "Pure and simple, bind yourself in blood, and then… there will be nothing more. You gain an ally across the continent that will provide us ample diplomatic leverage on diplomatic affairs, in addition to trade concessions, and the future of our… diplomatic efforts."

    "And if we choose something else? Someone assumes we would be… making moves for conquest?"

    "No one has that stupidity, not when we control the seas and mountain passes." The First minister said.

    "Let me take a look?" YOu asked.

    The Bachelorettes.

    []Princess Isabella of Austria: Possibly the strongest choice of the matches currently, politically and socially, and would grant you much-needed legitimacy across of all of Europe. She was to be wed to the King of Denmark, but with the rapid changes to the south, the Emperor decided to keep her close, and maybe make use of her, despite her own wishes on the contrary. Brilliant but not of the greatest health, but incredibly savvy and political, a patron of the arts with what little funds she has access to, and she is ideal to ally with the Emperor and the Hapsburgs. There is but one problem. Her poor health. There is a very real possibility that she will die before she marries you in Rome, or even give you children. It's a concern that the Government did take into account, but her own political position, and what she brings to the table, are worth risking her life.

    []Mary Tudor, Princess of England: Henry VII, King of England presented his daughter to be your wife and consort. While there is not much either nation could gain in terms of diplomatic investments or transfer of wealth… it would be highly symbolic of the special relationship that has grown between the two nations since the Reunification of Italy. There is also clearly a power move by Henry. Mary is highly educated, perhaps even more than you are in terms of government and ruling. Perhaps he intends to make you a puppet. It is something that the more radical-minded members of the Senate have suggested, but the First Minister accepted that it would be very difficult for her to take any real measure of control. But England would be a powerful ally, especially at sea.

    []Anna of Bohemia: Possibly the strangest match that was offered. Vladislaus, the King of Hungry, does not like you, and views you as an illegitimate monarch, without divine blood or any right to rule. That is to say, he wishes to wage war on you. Until he found himself in a position where he couldn't. He desires Italian Steel and soldiers to help him wage war on the Weakened Ottoman Turks. And besides his daughter, he is offering quite a bit more than that. 10 million Florin in Gold, as well as favorable trade concessions. But he wants Italy to join him in the War against the Ottomans.

    []Beyhan Sultan (Sister of Suliman): And Finally the match that should all but destroy your legitimacy… yet it doesn't. Suliman is playing a dangerous game, but he also knows that he was defeated by Italian Steel once, and her great navy. He wants to make sure the Armistice and peace, and the current state of affairs in the Mediterranean, remain stable. But in addition to his rather generous offer for marriage… he made another great boon that might tip the balance towards his offer being quite stupid to not take. He offered to open up the Dardenels and the Bosperous all Italian ships, giving you a near monopolistic access to the Crimea, and the Russians and Cossacks that live in that far away kingdom. This deal should make tens of millions of florins per year for Venice alone, speaking nothing about Genoa, Sicily, and every port on the Italian Mainland. All he asks is that the Italian navy not harass his merchant and warships.

    []You don't like these options... bring others (Begin the next turn)
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Magoose on Nov 19, 2023 at 10:11 PM, finished with 92 posts and 44 votes.
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    • The Rumor Mill 2
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    • The Rumor Mill 2:

    Macheveli:D100 => 90+20=110+D100 + 20 => 44=154
    Isabella of Austria:D100 => 89


    He smiled and looked at the numerous onlookers that were trying to snatch a peek at the princess in his estate, resting on the road so that she may recover from her long journey. "I am told that you would be better to rest, and recuperate, in a warmer climate, would do better for you." He said as he looked to his own doctors. "And the fact they do not bleed you when your humors are not misaligned."

    The Princess nodded. "Thank you, Minister-"

    "I am not minister my dear. Only someone who clearly holds the best interests of my country in his old stony heart." He said with a smile. "And that is why you are here, instead of being murdered by your doctors in Germany."

    "These men that were assisting me were only doing the best to keep me alive." She said as she coughed into a handkerchief, and one of her ladies-in-waiting assisted her, bundling her with another warm fireplace. "They were the best in the world."

    "The best at butchery perhaps." the old man stated as he looked at her. "I have been reading many treaties and teastries from Master Leonardo Da Vinci, a masterful man, you have heard of him, perhaps?"

    "I have, a brilliant painter."

    "Far more than that. He has been working on discovering the human body, and why it is, as it is. I have been fascinated by the subject myself, since my retirement and my heart attack." He stated with a smile as he walked around. "Including a very real possibility, that bleeding people of blood is a terrible idea. It makes one weaker and less able to fight disease."

    He then looked closely at the young woman and cracked a smile. "Perhaps… enough for a sickly girl to die on the way after harsh travel."

    "Are you threatening me Macheveli?" She demanded.

    "No. I am making a promise to you. The boy you are about to wed… is my son." He whispered. "In all but name and blood, but you knew that, you are no fool, and you don't need to play ignorant anymore." Her demeanor changed to one of recognition. She knew. "I will not have him destroyed by the politics you will soon bring to his house. Nor will I let it destroy Italy."

    "You will wed him, and then you will serve him… and perhaps he may serve you." He stated.

    "I have no choice but to forgo my father's wishes?" She asked.

    "Your father cannot help you anymore," Macheveli stated. "You are not his servant to use and persuade. You are now Luciano's… and mine."

    "Do well to remember that. Or our next meeting will be far less polite."

    Reward: Machiavelli shows why he is Italy's greatest living statesman…

    Isabella survived her trip, though still rather weak, but will recover from her doctor's malpractice in time. Perhaps even well enough to have children.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Prime Minister Travoli:D100 + 20 => 119+D100 + 20 => 72=191

    (due to his Government being a near majority, there will be no rolls of the factions for now)

    The First Minister, or Prime Minister among his colleagues has done much to secure not only the popularity among the people and his government, but the Trust of the King.

    An administrator par excellence, much of the day-to-day bureaucracy that would bog down lesser kingdoms and lesser states has become highly efficient, and even well maintained. Though the Minister lacks in other areas that he cannot shore up by his lonesome, there are many things that having such a brilliant man in charge can make things easier.

    Like after his education reforms… he wishes and hopes to turn towards the army.

    Reward: The Government, runs smoothly and efficiently. Unlike the vast majority of Europe.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rome:D100 => 73

    While in Rome, a Newspaper, handwritten and traveling fast, with criers and learned men alike reading… Senator Octavian tries to increase readership for his newspaper

    Times New Roman…

    But that is a fantasy of political activity that many think is just a fad, something to entertain the educated middlemen.

    And to ignore the backbreaking labor that is being used to rebuild the City the World Desires.

    Reward: The first newspaper of Rome, the Times New Roman, has begun to find a readership, but it is small.

    Rome continues to Rebuild and revitalize after centuries of neglect.
    ------------------------------------

    Florence:D100 => 46

    The City just… carries on. Not important or forgettable… just there.

    No one would claim anymore, or any less.

    Venice:D100 => 69

    While in Venice, a peculiar sight has slowly taken over the city.

    Pornographic statues and graffiti from the local youths… expressing a desire to "Show the natural beauty of the human body."

    It is widely considered just a bunch of sex-starved teenagers screwing around, and trying to start an orgy and causing trouble.

    But hey, that sounds like fun, until their parents come and take them back home.
    -----------------------------------------------

    Naples: D100 => 77

    Naples continues to see much wealth begin to take shape, after such a long time.

    Di Medici has begun to sponsor several local painters to make beautiful monuments to show his wealth, and to put his mind at ease.
    ---------------------------------

    Sicily:D100 => 39

    And Sicily, finally free from the threat of pirates… only takes a sigh of relief. And pray to god for good tidings.

    For they fear they will be back.
    ----------------------------------------------------
    The Army:D100 => 79

    The Army… well continues to be the army. Taking up a large portion of the budget, and slowly developing.

    But what can be said, happily might it be added…

    The first crop of new NCO's have graduated from their training… and now, they are slowly putting men through the works.

    Reward: The Army, slowly changes.
    -------------------------------------

    The Navy:D100 + 20 => 118+D100 + 20 => 95+D100 + 20 => 57=270

    The Navy has a new Flagship, one that is the largest Ship ever made by Italian Hands.

    Three decks of over 24 gun ports, and the deck themselves…

    In all, 48 guns on either side.

    They Call it Rome Invicta. And she is the most powerful ship in the World, according to her creators.

    Reward: you have a 48-gun warship… and she is considered the most powerful ship in the world.
     
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    • Book 3 Chapter 6: New Challenges and New People
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    • Book 3 Chapter 6: New Challenges and New People
    Enough Said    ​

    The Parade for the new Queen consort was something of a spectacle for much of the city of Rome, but it exhausted you in a manner that you hadn't for a very long time. It was almost impossible to stay awake from the hundreds of dignitaries and entourage granting you homage.

    But as it finally reached the time for the Princess to arrive, with her entourage of ladies and bodyguards, you were giving her the full attention and view she deserved.

    She was indeed quite beautiful conventionally if you had to be honest, but you knew she was stronger than the portrait that had portrayed her, as well as not being nearly as sickly as others reported.

    She was very frail, and she looked like she never endured a day of physical labor in her life. And her dress was also incredibly impractical. It was big, it was stupidly so. The dress seemed like it was being held up by supports just so that she could walk. The silk also was in danger of being destroyed when touching the ground.

    But you also saw that she was clearly… intelligent. Dangerous even, if you were honest with yourself. This was not a person who had every interest dedicated to yourself at heart.

    But there was also fear. You saw her look back to see Master Machevelli, who was smiling at you, and seemingly glaring daggers at her. It was as if they appeared to be on the wrong foot.

    Or worse.

    "Princess." You stated as you kissed her hand. "Travel was not hard on you I hope?"

    "It was not your grace." She stated as she curtsied. "It will be well to make things official for this alliance between our two houses."

    You nodded. "In due time. But first, we must make sure you are in good health. My doctors are some of the best in the world. And far better than those in the North."

    She smiled. "Thank you."
    ---------------------------------

    When you were finally alone, you looked at her as she bundled herself in blankets. "My master seems to have taken an interest in you?" You stated.

    "Indeed." She whispered.

    You sighed. "As much as politics are not my forte, I'm not going to be bowing to your father's whims. They do not suit my interests and that of my people." You stated as you sat down across from her.

    "I have heard a lot about you." She said. "That you prefer to invent and to build rather than to rule?"

    "Guilty" You stated. "But that is because I do not have absolute power. Nor do I want it."

    "You give up absolute power?" she asked. "You choose to be powerless?"

    "I have learned that when a man is given power, he is corrupted by it. He will do anything to keep it, to expand it." You stated. "History is full of men who want absolute power over their fellow man. And very few of men who wish to not take power." You stated. "I was given a crown and a nation to serve less as a ruler of men, and more a compromise to prevent our destruction."

    Isabella smiled, for a moment, as if she was taken aback by your words. "When men want no power, they don't want responsibility. It is a symbol of weakness."

    "To some. But knowing your limits is something far better. And learning to trust one another to compensate those that you don't have."

    She seemed surprised. "Despite knowing that I have interests myself?"

    "I'm no fool." You replied. "If my master doesn't trust you, it means I shouldn't either. But that's not how any relationship works. It can't be filled with mistrust."

    "Then what else are you worried about?" She asked.

    "I am not going to betray you if you don't betray me." You stated. "Simple."

    "You are incredibly naive." She said with a smile.

    "Perhaps." You replied with a smile. "But I don't think it's naivety that will destroy us."

    There was a silence between the both. "All I ask." She said with a quivering voice. "Don't force yourself on me."

    "I won't." You replied. "I won't until you are ready."

    Reward: Isabella of Austria is now your consort.

    Name: Isabella Habpsburg, of Austria.

    Titles: Queen Consort of Italy, Princess of Austria.

    Age: 17

    Height:5.3"'

    Hometown: Brussels, Austrian Netherlands

    Birthday: 18 July 1501

    Religion: Roman Catholic

    Nicknames: Bella

    Allies: The Habspburg Line, Her father, Philip the Handsome, Charles

    Enemies: Unknown to you.

    Public Reputation: 10 (The Queen of Italy. Widely considered a beauty, and a skilled diplomat.)

    Family Reputation:15 (The Hapsburg name is known throughout all of Europe, and is considered the most powerful in the world.)

    Stats
    Composure: 5
    Military: 1
    Charisma: 15
    Decorum: 15
    Stewardship: 14
    Intelligence: 12
    Subterfuge: 16


    Command Skills
    Command: 1
    Calvary Command:2
    Infantry Command: 1
    Artillery Command: 1
    Grand Strategy: 1


    Civil Skills
    Engineering: 12
    Education: 24
    Logistic: 7
    Manual Labor: 1
    Law: 16
    Administration: 19

    Combat Skills
    Marksmanship: 1
    Swordsmanship: 4
    Athletics: 1
    Hand to Hand: 1

    Traits:

    A Hapsburg: You are a Member of the Habsburg line, one of the most powerful families in Europe and the world.

    Sickly: You have never had a strong constitution, and many feared you would not live past childhood. While you have, you are known for not being physically capable or active (-20 to all physical rolls. -10 to all chances of surviving disease.)

    Traumatized: Something is gnawing in the back of her mind that cannot be seen. She is scared of shadows. Scared of whispers in the halls. Something happened to her that has made her distrustful of all (Unknown Effect. It will take time for her to trust you. Or anyone she does not know)
    ----------------------------------------------------

    Governmental Actions: You are now the Master and Commander of the State. Though there is a great deal of power you have, there is also much power you do not. As you are the commander in chief, you are in charge of the Army, and the Navy.

    You have 3 actions.

    -[X]The Prime Ministers' Pet Project: The Prime minister is wishing to use the surplus of Gold in the budget to fund schools… Grammar School he calls them, to teach latin, Italian, and Greek, along with mathematics and literacy. He just needs your support for the Senate to Approve them. DC: ??? Reward: You begin the process of founding new schools for the Major cities. (Will complete in two turns)

    []Forign Diplomatic Adventures: You are to send diplomats out and about to make sure that the interests of Italy are respected. DC: ?? Reward: You see what is to be done. (Linetail what you want to do diplomatically)

    []The Last Will and Testament of Leonardo Da Vinci: The Great master has left behind something for the Italian Kingdom. DC:??? Reward: One Last Gift.

    []Ordering the Navy: You have the most powerful navy in the world. You can use it as you see fit. So you will see it. DC:??? Reward: You use the Navy to enforce your diplomatic will. (Linetail what you want them to do)

    []A City of Marble, A City of Light: You and your engineers are going to do an estimation of trying to restore the Old Palaces within the City for your use. DC:??? Reward: Rebuilding the city may come cheaper, and you can do your own work.

    []Rebuilding Rome (The Sewers): You have a strong belief that if the city can remain clean and healthy, the city's entire place will follow. DC: ??? Reward: You begin a reconstruction of Romes's Ancient Sewers. (Costs 4 Turns)

    []Rebuilding Rome (The Aquaducts): Rome's main waterways from ancient times were the Aquaducts. While much of the city's water comes from the Tiber, you want to see if you can recreate the city's water supply. DC: ??? Reward: You begin a reconstruction of Romes's Ancient Aquaducts to feed the cities. (Costs 6 Turns)

    []Invest in the Future: You want to invest in your country, and there are a few ways you can do that (Write in what you want to invest in) DC: ??? Reward: You invest in the nation (Linetail what you want to invest in below this action as a line tail)

    []The New World: You want to plan a new world Expedition. DC: 40/80 Reward: You begin the Planning phases of a New World Expedition.

    []The Moderates and You: The Moderates are what you expect. Men who want nothing more than to keep Italy stable, happy and their positions secured. It is an honorable position to have, and perhaps there are things that can make things happy. DC: 20 Reward: You meet with the Moderates, and discover their objectives and political makeup.

    [] The Men who would make you an Autocrat: The Grazini's. The so-called Royalists, and His Majesty's most Loyal Friends in the Senate. That is to say, they want to destroy the Senate, and the farcical Republican institutions that had been instilled into the Nation. While you do not agree with their… final goal, you also see that they can be good allies in a pinch, to secure a majority in government. DC: 20 Reward: You meet with the Royalists, and find out more about their objectives and political makeup.

    []The Last Republicans: There are not many that would consider themselves Ardent Republicans… That much was certain when they dwindled in the last few years. But they are men who were of the same Cloth as Machevelis coat before Macheveli chose the State, then his republican ideals, men who saw the bright future of a Republic smothered away by compromise, instead of dealing with it. DC: 20 Reward: You meet with the Republicans. The men who would have given everything for a Republic.
    ---------------------

    Personal Actions:

    You have 4 actions.

    []Simple Matters of Trust: You and Isabella take a long look at each other, as you led her through the fields. "Is everything alright?" You asked. DC:40 Reward: Unknown.

    []Retiernment: Macheveli is enjoying his retirement. But that does not mean you do not come to him for wisdom. DC: 0 Reward: You get Wisdom from your Old Master.

    []Letters from an old Friend: Charles has sent a letter from the New World. A New World he intends to conquer. DC: 0 Reward: You look at the whole letter, and realize something strange. He doesn't want to come back.

    []The Order of Solutions: They have asked for more guns from you, and you want to know why? DC: 30 Reward: You find out what the Hell Jon Charles Severin has done.

    []The Prince: You are going to learn from your master's book, and see what wisdom you can gleam. DC: 55 Reward: you learn how to be a Prince of a nation.

    []Of God and Command: Your Master is not just a diplomat without peers, but he is a commander of men, and while he is not seasoned as other commanders in Italy, he does have immaculate organizational skills. DC: 25 Reward: You learn how to command men, and to be a leader.

    []The Keys of State Craft: Your master wants you to learn the fine arts of making friends and allies. Even if it means you abhor them. DC: 40 Reward: You learn the fine arts of diplomacy.

    []The Law of the Land: You need to learn how this new constitution works. And that means doing other things. Like learning how laws work. DC: 40 Reward: You learn more about the law.

    []The New Nobility: You want to meet the new courtiers. AKA the people you know will be wishing to be parasites to the state. DC: 30 Reward: You talk to the new courtiers.

    []The Diplomatic Situation: You need to know how the state is viewed by the Rest of Europe. DC: 40 Reward: You see the documents. And worry about progress.

    []The Eagle: Ezio has returned and is back to the problem at hand. Trying to serve as a friend to a king. DC: 40 Reward: You meet Ezio again.

    []Innovate or Die: You are the greatest engineer alive. Perhaps you can come up with something. DC:??? Reward: You invent something (Must line tail what you wish to invent below this action, can be taken multiple times)

    []To Design a Better Gun (Firing mechanism): You have an idea to make the Design better, and now all you need to do is put it to paper and try it out. DC: ??? Reward: You make the gun better.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Reload Speed): You have an idea to make the Design better, and now all you need to do is put it to paper and try it out. DC: ??? Reward: You make the gun better.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Manufacturing): You have an idea to make the Design better, and now all you need to do is put it to paper and try it out. DC: ??? Reward: You make the gun better. For yourself to make it that is.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Cannons): Your field battery is not the best, you know it, your navy knows it, and your army knows it.

    []To Design a Better Gun (Cannons, Ammunition): You want to see if you can make a better cannon shot. Reward: You make the explosive better.

    AN: Enjoy. and vote in plan format please.
     
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    • The Times of Merchants
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    • Magoose said:
    The protection of merchants on foreign shores.
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    The Times of Merchants

    The resurgence of the Italian Peninsula on the World's Prominence never thought to occur since the days of the Roman Empire spooked a lot of people of different groups across the known world.

    With the Italian Navy wrecking havoc against those who tried to plunder and enslave many of Italy's people, the Arabian and European (and Asian) slavers and berserkers were forced to go on land – or risk their business becoming bust with the enslaved people liberated and brought to Italy for what they proclaim as "to bring them to glimpse and practice the Rebirth of the World's Brain and Wonder".

    However, the Northern African and Middle East trade routes became treacherous. With many of the operations destroyed by the Italians, they want to perform revenge against their people and merchants to steal its wealth on the trade routes.

    Such an incident occurred as an Italian caravan (or what's left of it) flees from the site with everything and every weapon they have on hand.

    "Ai! Those bastards!" One of the Italian Merchants speaks to the other with scorn in his voice. "'Taxation'? More like Money-stealing!"

    "What's the nearest Ottoman outpost!" His partner cries out in anger.


    At first, the Ottoman Outpost laughed and arrested the Merchants and placed them in the City of Antioch to 'keep it quiet from the Italians'..just like the rest of the other traders from Italy that are trapped in the City.

    It was fortunate for these souls that Sultan Suleiman The Magnificent arrived in the city for his yearly tours around the Ottoman Empire.


    Suleiman walks along with his security guard to where the mayor of the City said to be a welcoming surprise that will 'Benefit the Ottoman Empire and take its Revenge!' So far, he wasn't seeing much changes in Antioch. Once a great fortress city that guarded the Eastern Roman Empire from any invasions coming from the Arabian Peninsula and the Persians..now becoming a simple outpost.

    He couldn't help but shake his head, the Mamluks are trying to get their land in the Holy Lands returned with their current campaign.

    It came as a shock to the Young Ruler to be bridled into a war quite quickly after the Italians defeated the Ottoman Empire..especially with the Mamluks who saw then a great time to invade as the Sultanate became weakened.

    Fools, a lot of them! They forgot the Italians won their war through Naval Victories, not on Land!

    So it didn't come to a surprise that the Ottoman Army, after being returned from the Italian regions after the war, defeated the Mamluks battle after battle in a quick turn of events..unfortunately the current economic hiccups caused them to stop and request for a ceasefire (that is likely to be rejected by the time he returns to Constantinople).

    It was after finishing these thoughts that the Ottoman Sultan arrived to find..

    "W-WHAT IS THIS?!" He thunders at the smiling mayor of Antioch.

    "A Gift, Your Highness!" The Mayor speaks out with enthusiasm. "We can demand the Italians to pay back the Money they stole in exchange for the return of their Merchants!"


    After a body dropped out of the Sultan's orders for execution on accounts of "Treason", the Sultan then ordered for the Italian merchants to be freed and head back home to Europe..with some consolation bribes to appease any of them and a garrison of the Sultan's most elite Janissary Troops to guard them as if they were their own children back to their home.

    Once returned back to Konstantiniyye (and rolling his eyes at finding a rejection to his request for ceasefire from the Mamluk invaders), he wrote and declared a decree that merchants from the Italian Peninsula are to be given the most focus of protection out of any other Merchants entering and exiting the Empire.

    For while the Empire may still be standing, the Italian Navy is still waiting for another chance to strike if any of their people are hurt over and in the seas.
     
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