Il Principessa

[slobberinbear]

Brilliant, and a very well planned out story . I like it very much...not a good remedy for insomnia, but good to keep me going nevertheless.

Thank you for the vote of confidence. I plan to take it slowly and let it unfold as I can -- though it's hard at times to reconcile the gamer urge to play with the storytelling urge to let it develop organically. Thanks for reading!

 

[slobberinbear]

El Africano y La Rusa

"Why should we teach this tribe of unbelievers anything of our ways?" Isabella fumed.

"In matters of state, it is helpful to have allies. For Spain already has enemies in Greece," Nicolo patiently explained.

"And Egypt! I will never forgive Hatshepsut's harsh rule over the Savior and his people."

"And who is next to the Queen of the Nile but Mansa Musa, our friend ..."

"Always we give!" she spat.

"The time for taking is near, mi sovrano."

Diego burst into the council chamber and bowed hastily. "War is coming!"

"That harpy will wish she stayed in her snowy home!" Isabella sneered.

"Now is the time to see if the German is truly Spain's friend," Machiavelli said.

"He will aid us."

Spoiler :

I wasn't quite ready for war and was eager to get some good relationship points with Freddy for the shared war and hopefully favorable trade bonus.

"Tell Alexander that Spain considers the capture of Argos sufficient punishment. Get what tribute you can from that dog and return!" she barked to Diego.

The letter from Berlin bore Frederick's personal seal.

"Germany finds itself now pressed to the east and west. Louis has joined with Catherine in war against us. Will you aid me?" Machiavelli read.

"It will be a pleasure to bring the Faith to Paris," she replied.

Spoiler :

So it was Freddy and Spain against Cathy and Louis for a Continental battle royale! Julius was still occupied with Alex, fortunately.

And we learned a key Spainish tech:

Castles will greatly help Spain's economy and siege weaponry.

Isabella presided over the first conclave at the Apostolic Palace. Christians from around the world were in attendance.

"We should stop the fighting amongst our Christian brothers," one said.

"Direct their wrath to an infidel while France falls," Machiavelli whispered.

Isabella nodded. "Let us end trade with the infidels in Egypt," she began.

General Cantu brought news of the war to the Queen as she ended the deliberations in the Conclave.

"Your majesty, our German allies have taken Paris!"

 

[Commodore Nate]

Aw man, the Germans beat you to Paris
Still great job as always, keep it up

 

[slobberinbear]

Aw man, the Germans beat you to Paris
Still great job as always, keep it up

Spoiler :

Yeah, it was odd becuase Freddy took it about two turns after he asked me to join the war against Louis. Apparently he didn't need my help ...

 

[slobberinbear]

Derrota Francia

"Reports from the front, your Majesty!" Diego said, bowing. "General Cantu reports that the city of Orleans on the Baltic coast was razed as ordered."

She nodded.

"Also, Catherine of Russia has accepted your demand for tribute in exchange for peace."

"Excellent. It is easier to fight one foe than two," Machiavelli noted. "Louis will fall before month's end."

The next day, a letter arrived from Frederick.

"I am pleased to annouce that France has sworn fealty to Germany. The war is over!" Machiavelli read aloud.

"What's left of his pitiful empire, she scowled. His sole remaining province is an island off the coast of England. Pathetic!"

"Frederick offers you a trade of knowledge involving the legal contracts between lord and vassal."

Spoiler :

Soon thereafter, Mansa Musa voluntarily vassalized himself to Freddy, further limiting Spain's targets.

Spoiler :

I took the trade, though in hindsight it was one-sided and I was giving Freddy some key techs. At the time, I was trying to move up the tech tree to Military Tradition for Conquistadors.

These were Spain's civics at the moment ... gearing up for war.

"An emissary from El Africano arrvies," Nicolo said.

"Where is the pride in Mansa Musa, that he would beg for protection of Germany without any external threat?" Isabella pondered.

"Agreed. A ruler who shows weakness will be neither loved nor feared."

The Malinese diplomat was bedecked in the jewels of Africa. "We offer Spain knowledge of navigation," he said.

"Spain can teach Mali much in the art of fortification," she replied.

The buildup of the army and navy was unprecedented. Santiago was full to capacity. Isabella herself spoke to the assembled sailors and marines on the steps of the Church of the Nativity.

"The English cannot resist our righteous path! Show them the price of their folly! Let God bless this Armada!"

 

[Pieman]

Just as well your leader is Isabella rather than Phillip II.

 

[BakingTheArt]

You're building the Spainish Armada? This can only end well...

Anyway, this story rocks.

 

[PaulusIII]

Excellent writing. Niccolo and Isabella do an excellent job in Spain. Not like Dubya, who's screwing up at every turn

... will Isabella backstab Frederick in true Machiavellian fashion when the time is right? When England and Rome are defeated, will Izzy turn her eyes towards the former French and German lands?

Can't wait for more.

 

[reverend oats]

Found a city 3S of Paris! Claim France through culture instead of soldiers.

 

[Jaaboo]

Bear, between this and Dubya, you have had some epic posts lately. Keep up the good work!

This makes me want to play as Spain on the Earth map, although dear god the starting the position...
(... and the temptation to play as Julius!)

 

[Commodore Nate]

Any word on the latest update?

 

[Diamondeye]

Awesome story!

 

[Jaaboo]

Bear, any updates coming? This got off to such a good start.