Revolution IOT
- Thread starter Sonereal
- Start date
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
Merchant Empire of Riccio
Traits
Economic Points (56)
5 Factories (35 EP)
1 Army power (5 EP)
2 Naval Powers (16)
Leadership Points (10)
20 provinces colonised
Diplomacy
Free Trade with Buarn
Free Trade Agreement with Britain (if not possible, just a trade agreement)
Free Trade with Egypt
Riccio is always interested in new markets to buy and sell goods. It hereby signs a trade agreement with Novgorod.
Riccio signs a trade agreement with the Roman Empire. We hope that the goods we bring from across the Atlantic and from the depths of Africa shall be of interest to the Roman citizenry.
Traits
Spoiler :
Economic Points (56)
5 Factories (35 EP)
1 Army power (5 EP)
2 Naval Powers (16)
Leadership Points (10)
20 provinces colonised
Diplomacy
Free Trade with Buarn
Free Trade Agreement with Britain (if not possible, just a trade agreement)
Free Trade with Egypt
Riccio is always interested in new markets to buy and sell goods. It hereby signs a trade agreement with Novgorod.
Riccio signs a trade agreement with the Roman Empire. We hope that the goods we bring from across the Atlantic and from the depths of Africa shall be of interest to the Roman citizenry.
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
To: Buarn
Riccio proposes that free trade be signed between the Buarish and Riccese peoples.
Not only will this make it easier for the free flow of goods between our borders (and all the wealth that comes with such) to occur, but we feel it will promote cultural understanding between our two peoples, and help alleviate the nationalist elements that desire control of Istria.
We also propose that Istria's residents be given a special legal status within Buarn; we would propose that residents be able to freely enter Riccio, while Riccese citizens be able to freely enter Istria (standard documentation would be required to go beyond Istria, of course). This will also hopefully help abate the nationalism in the Venetian portions of the country by allowing cultural exchange; furthermore, it will open Istria as a prime tourist destination for Riccese citizens, granting enormous tax revenues to the Buarish government. Please consider!
Riccio is always interested in new markets to buy and sell goods.
Riccio accepts trade with the Roman Empire. We hope that the goods we bring from across the Atlantic and from the depths of Africa shall be of interest to the Roman citizenry.
Riccio ponders if the Wallachians are still open to trade with it?
Per our policy of neutrality, however, arms sales to the region shall be prohibited for the duration of the civil conflict so as to avoid any culpability in casualties.
Riccio proposes that free trade be signed between the Buarish and Riccese peoples.
Not only will this make it easier for the free flow of goods between our borders (and all the wealth that comes with such) to occur, but we feel it will promote cultural understanding between our two peoples, and help alleviate the nationalist elements that desire control of Istria.
We also propose that Istria's residents be given a special legal status within Buarn; we would propose that residents be able to freely enter Riccio, while Riccese citizens be able to freely enter Istria (standard documentation would be required to go beyond Istria, of course). This will also hopefully help abate the nationalism in the Venetian portions of the country by allowing cultural exchange; furthermore, it will open Istria as a prime tourist destination for Riccese citizens, granting enormous tax revenues to the Buarish government. Please consider!
Riccio is always interested in new markets to buy and sell goods.
Riccio accepts trade with the Roman Empire. We hope that the goods we bring from across the Atlantic and from the depths of Africa shall be of interest to the Roman citizenry.
Riccio ponders if the Wallachians are still open to trade with it?
Per our policy of neutrality, however, arms sales to the region shall be prohibited for the duration of the civil conflict so as to avoid any culpability in casualties.
WhiteRobber
Twinkle twinkle Wunderbar
==============
At the Wave's camp, somewhere in Wallachia...
"Boss, the King got a Legion from the Romans."
"Heh, that crowned moron still thinks he can hold on to the throne? That creep can't even try new clothes without the Council's approval."
"Yeah, but hear this: The Roman legion is on it's way here, with it's primary goal to hunt you, bos.."
"Hehe, you know what that means, right?"
"Right, boss"
"Boys, c'mon over here! time to hit the road!"
"Go where?" ask the bandits.
"Greet the Romans, of course!:" *removes hat to reveal.... Prince Marcu, son of King Anghel.*
"Eh, Anghel is digging his own grave. If he takes action, he'll get killed, Roman legion or not. We're Wallachia's army. Ordering the legion to attack his own country's armies will basicly mean he wants to run away and use some neighbor's army to cover his shameful retreat. When he'll see that, he will realize he doesn't have a choice and will send the Legion back to the Romans. He'll probably join them, leaving the throne to us." said ...General Dinu Patrascu.
"Well, " says Prince Marcu, " let's hope the Romans will at least take care of that damned Turk and his mercenaries. He's in their way, after all."
"Heh, and i'll make sure the Council has it all covered." sais... Archduke Szottokelly, of the High Council. "The plan to oust Anghel from his throne is going well. The Romans can do nothing to stop it. Anghel can't risk Civil War when he only controls a rented foreign army. The Romans will blame him for anything bad that happens to their Legion."
"Hey, I got an idea" said General Patrascu. "Let's offer the throne to the Roman General ."
*an evil grin pops up on everyone's faces*
OOC: that means that the only thing the Roman Legion will fight will be the Turk Lieutenant . And any confused revolted in the populace. Let's see if General Marcus Sidus can say "no" when a nation asks him to be it's King.
At the Wave's camp, somewhere in Wallachia...
"Boss, the King got a Legion from the Romans."
"Heh, that crowned moron still thinks he can hold on to the throne? That creep can't even try new clothes without the Council's approval."
"Yeah, but hear this: The Roman legion is on it's way here, with it's primary goal to hunt you, bos.."
"Hehe, you know what that means, right?"
"Right, boss"
"Boys, c'mon over here! time to hit the road!"
"Go where?" ask the bandits.
"Greet the Romans, of course!:" *removes hat to reveal.... Prince Marcu, son of King Anghel.*
"Eh, Anghel is digging his own grave. If he takes action, he'll get killed, Roman legion or not. We're Wallachia's army. Ordering the legion to attack his own country's armies will basicly mean he wants to run away and use some neighbor's army to cover his shameful retreat. When he'll see that, he will realize he doesn't have a choice and will send the Legion back to the Romans. He'll probably join them, leaving the throne to us." said ...General Dinu Patrascu.
"Well, " says Prince Marcu, " let's hope the Romans will at least take care of that damned Turk and his mercenaries. He's in their way, after all."
"Heh, and i'll make sure the Council has it all covered." sais... Archduke Szottokelly, of the High Council. "The plan to oust Anghel from his throne is going well. The Romans can do nothing to stop it. Anghel can't risk Civil War when he only controls a rented foreign army. The Romans will blame him for anything bad that happens to their Legion."
"Hey, I got an idea" said General Patrascu. "Let's offer the throne to the Roman General ."
*an evil grin pops up on everyone's faces*
OOC: that means that the only thing the Roman Legion will fight will be the Turk Lieutenant . And any confused revolted in the populace. Let's see if General Marcus Sidus can say "no" when a nation asks him to be it's King.
Kinich-Ahau
#JustGoomyThings
Traits:
52 Income + 3 Banked = 55 EP
20 EP on two Naval Power
5 EP on one Army Power
30 EP on six Factories
10 LP on 20 claims (If I over claimed, remove Filipino claims until I am at the right number; if I under claimed, add more Australian territories)
Trade Agreement with the Castillian Empire
Trade Agreement with the Roman Empire
Spoiler :
52 Income + 3 Banked = 55 EP
20 EP on two Naval Power
5 EP on one Army Power
30 EP on six Factories
10 LP on 20 claims (If I over claimed, remove Filipino claims until I am at the right number; if I under claimed, add more Australian territories)
Trade Agreement with the Castillian Empire
Trade Agreement with the Roman Empire
Spoiler :
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
Riccio understands the basis of the toll imposed.
It requests that ships sailed by Riccese nationals be granted exemption, on the basis of FRCN vessels not being charged to go through the vital Strait of Gibraltar, and to the lucrative Mediterranean markets therein.
Riccese, Wallachian, Roman, and Buarish ports are reached exclusively via the Mediterranean; these nations represent 25.7% of global economic activity. In addition, we calculate that approximately 60% of Egypt's ports are in the Mediterranean, for a value of 4.2% of global activity. Access to the Mediterranean and its 30% share of the world's economy is naturally of importance to a trading state like the FRCN.
This in mind, we are willing to reciprocate an exemption to the FRCN toll with an exemption to tolls in the Straits of Gibraltar; as stands Riccio charges a paltry sum for entry, but exemption to such would be advantageous to FRCN shipping. We hope we can come to an agreement for the benefit of global trade.
Kinich-Ahau
#JustGoomyThings
This is an eminently reasonable proposal; we shall waive the tolls normally charged to Merchants of Riccio passing through FRCN straits on the basis that the Riccese waive tolls normally charged to FRCN merchants passing through their straits.
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
We are in agreement! FRCN vessels' captains may present identification on passing through the toll gates and will be issued documentation that shall henceforth waive any and all standard tolls imposed on shipping through the area.
Krzowwh
King
To: Free Republic of Novgorod
Holy Rome and Great Novgorod have since their foundations shared ties in commerce. However, unlike the corruptible Hansa, we propose a free trade agreement between our nations, that our trade may flow fairly and smoothly across the Baltic Sea. We expect this freedom in trade to expand our cultural development three times prosperous the Hanseatic League.
To: Principality of Greater Wallachia
Noble Principality, difficult times have befallen your nation, and so it is certain that any chance of revitalization shall help. We therefore believe it is in our best interests to begin a most valued trade agreement so that we may both prosper in due time, and so that you may resolve your internal issues. We hope your nation will recover from its hardships and return stability as a noble nation of Europe.
To: Riccio
Holy Rome welcomes free trade and we shall thus accept the agreement with Riccio. As for special status for Istria, Holy Rome has always had sovereignty over the region. While there is tension indeed between the Venetians of Riccio and those living in Istria within the Empire, so too is there tension for our merchants, who wish for the Venetian port to be a neutral mediator between German and Italian traders. If we grant Istria autonomy for Venice's favor, then we feel it only fair that Venice be granted autonomy likewise.
Holy Rome and Great Novgorod have since their foundations shared ties in commerce. However, unlike the corruptible Hansa, we propose a free trade agreement between our nations, that our trade may flow fairly and smoothly across the Baltic Sea. We expect this freedom in trade to expand our cultural development three times prosperous the Hanseatic League.
To: Principality of Greater Wallachia
Noble Principality, difficult times have befallen your nation, and so it is certain that any chance of revitalization shall help. We therefore believe it is in our best interests to begin a most valued trade agreement so that we may both prosper in due time, and so that you may resolve your internal issues. We hope your nation will recover from its hardships and return stability as a noble nation of Europe.
To: Riccio
Holy Rome welcomes free trade and we shall thus accept the agreement with Riccio. As for special status for Istria, Holy Rome has always had sovereignty over the region. While there is tension indeed between the Venetians of Riccio and those living in Istria within the Empire, so too is there tension for our merchants, who wish for the Venetian port to be a neutral mediator between German and Italian traders. If we grant Istria autonomy for Venice's favor, then we feel it only fair that Venice be granted autonomy likewise.
KaiserElectric
Total Freakin Besties
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2007
- Messages
- 3,461
A Brief History of the Castillian Empire
The Spanish Empire was already a shell of its former self before the revolution swept over the land. The collective revolt of the few remaining colonies following a bloody war with France was the final nail in the coffin, and the once mighty Spanish juggernaut imploded. The old monarchy vanished overnight as any semblance of the old regime was wiped from the map.
Military leaders and petty nobles carved out pieces of the Spanish countryside for themselves following the fall of the Empire, some attempting to establish order, while others became little more than bandits. The territory of Castile-Leon, having the greatest landmass and the best access to abandoned military arms, became the de facto dominant state in the region. Bouncing between leaders, the Kingdom of Castille-Leon soon fell into the hands of Francisco Javier Castaños, a general and a dispossessed nobleman. The only leader to hold power for any notable period of time, Castaños established a dictatorship with the sole purpose of reforming the Empire.
Castaños rule brought order, but little else came of it. The military was given a great deal of power under the reign of Castaños, and corruption ran rampant. Castaños did nothing to alleviate the wretched poverty and largely ignored the lower and middle classes, focusing only on his campaigns to reconquer Spain, which themselves proved ineffective. The church did what they could to help, but were crippled in their efforts when the Vatican withdrew from politics following their agreement with Riccio. On the eve of Francisco Castaños campaign against Navarre, the general was ambushed and gunned down by twenty men, the precursor to a coup led by power-hungry underlings labeled the Usurpers. Forces loyal to Castaños rallied and struck back the next day.
Neither side would win Castille-Leon. It was a third interloper that would win the day, a veteran of the War of the Pyrenees by the name of Juan Martín Díez. A liberal in a sea of bullheaded conservatives, Díez rallied the populace against the corruption and oppression of the Castaños regime and advocated enlightenment ideals rather than blind loyalty to one monarch or another. While greatly outgunned, Díezs expertise in guerilla tactics helped to even the odds. After nearly three years of fighting, Díez struck a decisive blow against a fatigued Usurper force at the battle of Fuentecén, killing or capturing many of their leaders. The fate of the old regime was sealed when Galacia, having experienced a revolt of its own, lent its support to the liberal-minded Díez. A last minute alliance was not enough to save either the Loyalists or the Usurpers, and they surrendered soon afterwards.
Victorious against his enemies, Juan Martín Díez won control of Castille-Leon. As a sign of things to come, Díez refused the crown of Castille-Leon, instead giving it to the crowd gathered to watch the ceremony. It is the people, he declared, that will rule Castille, not I. True to his word, Díez began working to liberalize the old regime, using the liberal ideals of Riccio as a model for the future of Castille. Tempering military force with diplomacy, Díez began the reconquest of Spain anew, proving to be far more successful on that goal than the late General Castaños. Following the first convergence of a Congressional body, rule had finally passed from Kings and Generals to the people. Now readying itself to finish the conquest of Spain, the Kingdom of Castille, under the newly elected President Díez, looks outward for the first time in twenty long, bloody years.
The Spanish Empire was already a shell of its former self before the revolution swept over the land. The collective revolt of the few remaining colonies following a bloody war with France was the final nail in the coffin, and the once mighty Spanish juggernaut imploded. The old monarchy vanished overnight as any semblance of the old regime was wiped from the map.
Military leaders and petty nobles carved out pieces of the Spanish countryside for themselves following the fall of the Empire, some attempting to establish order, while others became little more than bandits. The territory of Castile-Leon, having the greatest landmass and the best access to abandoned military arms, became the de facto dominant state in the region. Bouncing between leaders, the Kingdom of Castille-Leon soon fell into the hands of Francisco Javier Castaños, a general and a dispossessed nobleman. The only leader to hold power for any notable period of time, Castaños established a dictatorship with the sole purpose of reforming the Empire.
Castaños rule brought order, but little else came of it. The military was given a great deal of power under the reign of Castaños, and corruption ran rampant. Castaños did nothing to alleviate the wretched poverty and largely ignored the lower and middle classes, focusing only on his campaigns to reconquer Spain, which themselves proved ineffective. The church did what they could to help, but were crippled in their efforts when the Vatican withdrew from politics following their agreement with Riccio. On the eve of Francisco Castaños campaign against Navarre, the general was ambushed and gunned down by twenty men, the precursor to a coup led by power-hungry underlings labeled the Usurpers. Forces loyal to Castaños rallied and struck back the next day.
Neither side would win Castille-Leon. It was a third interloper that would win the day, a veteran of the War of the Pyrenees by the name of Juan Martín Díez. A liberal in a sea of bullheaded conservatives, Díez rallied the populace against the corruption and oppression of the Castaños regime and advocated enlightenment ideals rather than blind loyalty to one monarch or another. While greatly outgunned, Díezs expertise in guerilla tactics helped to even the odds. After nearly three years of fighting, Díez struck a decisive blow against a fatigued Usurper force at the battle of Fuentecén, killing or capturing many of their leaders. The fate of the old regime was sealed when Galacia, having experienced a revolt of its own, lent its support to the liberal-minded Díez. A last minute alliance was not enough to save either the Loyalists or the Usurpers, and they surrendered soon afterwards.
Victorious against his enemies, Juan Martín Díez won control of Castille-Leon. As a sign of things to come, Díez refused the crown of Castille-Leon, instead giving it to the crowd gathered to watch the ceremony. It is the people, he declared, that will rule Castille, not I. True to his word, Díez began working to liberalize the old regime, using the liberal ideals of Riccio as a model for the future of Castille. Tempering military force with diplomacy, Díez began the reconquest of Spain anew, proving to be far more successful on that goal than the late General Castaños. Following the first convergence of a Congressional body, rule had finally passed from Kings and Generals to the people. Now readying itself to finish the conquest of Spain, the Kingdom of Castille, under the newly elected President Díez, looks outward for the first time in twenty long, bloody years.
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
Riccio can agree to this proposal; just as residents of Istria may enter Riccio freely, residents of Venice and the surrounding Terraferma may likewise enter Bauarn freely. This arrangement will presumably allow Bauarish and Riccese interests to prosper from the free flow of people and ideas in the former provinces of the Venetian Empire.
Riccio urges the Castilians to ink the Treaty of Barcelona so as to secure peace and prosperity for both nations; it shall also serve as evidence to the international community of our respective obligations.
WhiteRobber
Twinkle twinkle Wunderbar
King Anghel of Wallachia is pleased to at least improve the country's diplomacy by signing yet another Trade Agreement. Unfortunately for everyone else, no more trade Agreements will be signed for a while by the Pirncipality of Greater Wallachia.
KaiserElectric
Total Freakin Besties
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2007
- Messages
- 3,461
The Castillian Empire hereby signs the Treaty of Barcelona, (OOC: and wonders what the purpose of the hyperlink over the name of the treaty is for
)
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
The Castillian Empire hereby signs the Treaty of Barcelona, (OOC: and wonders what the purpose of the hyperlink over the name of the treaty is for
Broken link, was supposed to redirect to the post; it works now.
Will get right on it. Let's see how that bonus to relations with NPCs works...
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
Ohai, despite feeling bleh at random intervals today I managed to type up some argh-pee!
Economic Adventures
As Riccio’s fleets sailed greater and greater distances, they took their trading ambitions with them. Riccese merchants had gained reputations as some of the world’s most savvy, able to sign some of the most lucrative agreements due to their smooth dealing and crucial resources. That Riccese merchants were often held in high esteem for their respect, humility and professionalism certainly greased the wheels of negotiation even further.
New treaties around the world sliced through restrictions that might impede trade, and the result was the proverbial dam that held the wealth breaking, an ocean of goods flooding into Riccese ports as a result of the trade. This was assisted by the beginnings of minimum wages taking place in several provinces, though this was by no means common; what parts of Riccio did impose such regulations, however, saw an enormous boost to their quality of life as more and more goods from home and abroad rolled into these markets.
Naturally the picture wasn’t quite so rosy; extra costs caused some businesses to relocate elsewhere where labor was cheaper. The national government, though it had cautiously avoided imposing minimum wages, found a good compromise; they noted that some businesses left while others could not due to the cost advantages in staying local. It became apparent that not all places were equal in production capacity (a lake in the middle of nowhere could surely not produce fish as quickly and cheaply as the ports of Venice and Genoa, after all), and that the government should try to identify the industries an area was strongest in and foster such. This would, in theory, offset any job loss due to the shift in wages. Avoiding a national wage policy was another way to do so, which was healthy in keeping employment within Riccese borders; it was also useful in keeping locals from blaming anyone but their local government for any sudden unemployment. Another method that obstructed the flow of jobs into other regions was in the field of locally-consumed goods; workers who were paid more could simply buy more, allowing the initial loss in profits to balance out. Though some pessimists had predicted the wage increases would lead to catastrophic job losses, it did not come to be; the Riccese economy remained prosperous, and a robust system of charities (despite its rampant secularism, the ever-pragmatic Riccese government did find a way to make the Church useful in this manner; with a majority Catholic population, after all, it made good sense to appear faithful) helped those who were displaced find their way into other fields of employment.
Around the same time, tariffs and quotas were being slashed with terrifying speed. The Riccese government took hands off approaches to trade from the FRCN, and was making plans to expand this to other countries as well. As with the wage laws, there were apocalyptic predictions by some citizens at how Riccese would be displaced. Ludovico Ruina, Economic Minister, however, countered such predictions with simple logic: if a worker paid two ducats for one good, and a good from overseas cost one ducat, why would he not buy it, as a rational person? Though his buying the one-ducat good might put a Riccese worker out of work, the Riccese worker would also have an extra ducat to spend, which could go to more Riccese goods. Even if he spent it on another foreign good, in the end, the quality of life for the average buyer would improve enormously due to increased consumption capability; if Riccese goods were of sufficient quality and price, as the industriousness of the Riccese people would make them, then foreign buyers would likewise buy goods from Riccio, offsetting the loss. To add salt in the wound, Ruina mentioned that the cheap labor and goods of the new colonies in Africa and the Atlantic were already displacing jobs, yet there had been no complaints about those (ergo, he successfully humbled the opposition into looking like hypocrites). Ruina’s points rang true to the Riccese tradition of logic (rather than emotion) in governance, and for the time being, the discontent over free trade was quelled.
To abate any protectionist sentiment, however, the government once more demonstrated pragmatism with the same colonies Ruina mentioned. Work was undergone immediately to start development of the colonies so as to put them on an equal production cost footing with the mainland. In the meantime, however, to secure Riccese power in the colonies as well as provide a safety valve for malcontents in Riccese society, the government began to subsidise moves to colonial regions. Though not the uninhabited promised lands that the earlier colonists had discovered, they were still so sparsely populated that it was assumed population density would not be an issue for several decades at the least.
Taming the Venetians
It was no secret that many Venetians felt betrayed by the national government after it signed Istria over to the Bauarish. Every Italian state had remained whole except Venice; Venice having been one of the greatest powers at multiple times, the Venetians felt it odd that Istria, so close to home, was now under German rule. While the losses of territories such as Ragusa and Cyprus was viewed as simply natural erosion, Istria was in such close proximity it was viewed as far more integral to Venice’s old empire.
The government was not ignorant to this fact, and worked immediately to balance the need for peaceful relations with the Bauarish and the need for a pacified Venetian province. To begin with, treaties were signed with Bauarn to alleviate the perceived disunity of Istria and Venice; citizens were able to come and go freely between Venice and Istria, and Venice made it possible for citizens of Istria to register for Riccese citizenship. The travel that resulted from unrestricted Riccese access to Istria and unrestricted Bauarish access to Venice generated large amounts of tourist revenue that helped take some of the more business-minded Venetians’ minds off the subject; it was essentially one of the best bribes ever in that regard. The diffusion of cultures helped promote understanding, and helped shift other Venetians’ minds to what was held in common with the Bauarish over what was different. The ability to visit their family and friends in Istria without being impeded by a national border made the political boundaries seem more a formality than anything else.
Naturally, while the government had pacified some of the Venetian discontents, some were still not satisfied. Some went so far as to demand war with Bauarn to reclaim the province; such a position was politically unpalatable, naturally. It was then decided that there was perhaps another way to sate the Venetian appetite: colonialism. While Venetian nationalist energies demanded the land of Istria, it became apparent that perhaps such energies could be focused elsewhere; instead of taking an old colony, the Venetians could be tasked with taking a new one. The government’s policy formulators compared it to the Spanish making use of their battle-hardened men from the Reconquista in acquiring New World territory; the rowdy veterans’ post-war angst was put to a use that both benefitted the Kingdom’s power and also removed them from the equation. From a cynical perspective, the policy was deemed to be beneficial to Riccio either way; the discontents would either be made more agreeable by the victories (which would look good to Riccese in general) or they would simply die in the process, thus removing their opposition… in both cases Riccio would end up with more territory.
The petitions to seek to reclaim Istria became a recruitment list. The names on the list were offered military training and land in new territories they would conquer if they would sign up for service; a large portion of these individuals were all too eager to sign up, having been told of how exclusive the opportunity was and how much it would serve Venetian honor to serve as part of it. Within months, the rudimentary training regimen was complete, and the “Glory Corps” were making their way to territories across north and West Africa, and some even reached Brazil. Through diplomacy, intimidation, financial arrangements, and outright conquest (as per military rules, however, only soldiers were to be killed, and this was only when it was not practical to imprison them; killing a civilian was punishable by death) when all else failed, the Glory Corps enormously expanded the reach of the Riccese Empire. More importantly, those who didn’t die in combat or from various travel-related diseases were now happily sitting on large plots of land a great deal away from Riccio proper. With the poor communications of the time, much of the discontent thus seemed to evaporate… in the meantime, colonialism was in full swing, with large numbers of colonists from all over Riccio being dispatched to the new provinces, not only to secure the Riccese grip on the lands, but to prevent any remaining discontent from boiling over.
Economic Adventures
As Riccio’s fleets sailed greater and greater distances, they took their trading ambitions with them. Riccese merchants had gained reputations as some of the world’s most savvy, able to sign some of the most lucrative agreements due to their smooth dealing and crucial resources. That Riccese merchants were often held in high esteem for their respect, humility and professionalism certainly greased the wheels of negotiation even further.
New treaties around the world sliced through restrictions that might impede trade, and the result was the proverbial dam that held the wealth breaking, an ocean of goods flooding into Riccese ports as a result of the trade. This was assisted by the beginnings of minimum wages taking place in several provinces, though this was by no means common; what parts of Riccio did impose such regulations, however, saw an enormous boost to their quality of life as more and more goods from home and abroad rolled into these markets.
Naturally the picture wasn’t quite so rosy; extra costs caused some businesses to relocate elsewhere where labor was cheaper. The national government, though it had cautiously avoided imposing minimum wages, found a good compromise; they noted that some businesses left while others could not due to the cost advantages in staying local. It became apparent that not all places were equal in production capacity (a lake in the middle of nowhere could surely not produce fish as quickly and cheaply as the ports of Venice and Genoa, after all), and that the government should try to identify the industries an area was strongest in and foster such. This would, in theory, offset any job loss due to the shift in wages. Avoiding a national wage policy was another way to do so, which was healthy in keeping employment within Riccese borders; it was also useful in keeping locals from blaming anyone but their local government for any sudden unemployment. Another method that obstructed the flow of jobs into other regions was in the field of locally-consumed goods; workers who were paid more could simply buy more, allowing the initial loss in profits to balance out. Though some pessimists had predicted the wage increases would lead to catastrophic job losses, it did not come to be; the Riccese economy remained prosperous, and a robust system of charities (despite its rampant secularism, the ever-pragmatic Riccese government did find a way to make the Church useful in this manner; with a majority Catholic population, after all, it made good sense to appear faithful) helped those who were displaced find their way into other fields of employment.
Around the same time, tariffs and quotas were being slashed with terrifying speed. The Riccese government took hands off approaches to trade from the FRCN, and was making plans to expand this to other countries as well. As with the wage laws, there were apocalyptic predictions by some citizens at how Riccese would be displaced. Ludovico Ruina, Economic Minister, however, countered such predictions with simple logic: if a worker paid two ducats for one good, and a good from overseas cost one ducat, why would he not buy it, as a rational person? Though his buying the one-ducat good might put a Riccese worker out of work, the Riccese worker would also have an extra ducat to spend, which could go to more Riccese goods. Even if he spent it on another foreign good, in the end, the quality of life for the average buyer would improve enormously due to increased consumption capability; if Riccese goods were of sufficient quality and price, as the industriousness of the Riccese people would make them, then foreign buyers would likewise buy goods from Riccio, offsetting the loss. To add salt in the wound, Ruina mentioned that the cheap labor and goods of the new colonies in Africa and the Atlantic were already displacing jobs, yet there had been no complaints about those (ergo, he successfully humbled the opposition into looking like hypocrites). Ruina’s points rang true to the Riccese tradition of logic (rather than emotion) in governance, and for the time being, the discontent over free trade was quelled.
To abate any protectionist sentiment, however, the government once more demonstrated pragmatism with the same colonies Ruina mentioned. Work was undergone immediately to start development of the colonies so as to put them on an equal production cost footing with the mainland. In the meantime, however, to secure Riccese power in the colonies as well as provide a safety valve for malcontents in Riccese society, the government began to subsidise moves to colonial regions. Though not the uninhabited promised lands that the earlier colonists had discovered, they were still so sparsely populated that it was assumed population density would not be an issue for several decades at the least.
Taming the Venetians
It was no secret that many Venetians felt betrayed by the national government after it signed Istria over to the Bauarish. Every Italian state had remained whole except Venice; Venice having been one of the greatest powers at multiple times, the Venetians felt it odd that Istria, so close to home, was now under German rule. While the losses of territories such as Ragusa and Cyprus was viewed as simply natural erosion, Istria was in such close proximity it was viewed as far more integral to Venice’s old empire.
The government was not ignorant to this fact, and worked immediately to balance the need for peaceful relations with the Bauarish and the need for a pacified Venetian province. To begin with, treaties were signed with Bauarn to alleviate the perceived disunity of Istria and Venice; citizens were able to come and go freely between Venice and Istria, and Venice made it possible for citizens of Istria to register for Riccese citizenship. The travel that resulted from unrestricted Riccese access to Istria and unrestricted Bauarish access to Venice generated large amounts of tourist revenue that helped take some of the more business-minded Venetians’ minds off the subject; it was essentially one of the best bribes ever in that regard. The diffusion of cultures helped promote understanding, and helped shift other Venetians’ minds to what was held in common with the Bauarish over what was different. The ability to visit their family and friends in Istria without being impeded by a national border made the political boundaries seem more a formality than anything else.
Naturally, while the government had pacified some of the Venetian discontents, some were still not satisfied. Some went so far as to demand war with Bauarn to reclaim the province; such a position was politically unpalatable, naturally. It was then decided that there was perhaps another way to sate the Venetian appetite: colonialism. While Venetian nationalist energies demanded the land of Istria, it became apparent that perhaps such energies could be focused elsewhere; instead of taking an old colony, the Venetians could be tasked with taking a new one. The government’s policy formulators compared it to the Spanish making use of their battle-hardened men from the Reconquista in acquiring New World territory; the rowdy veterans’ post-war angst was put to a use that both benefitted the Kingdom’s power and also removed them from the equation. From a cynical perspective, the policy was deemed to be beneficial to Riccio either way; the discontents would either be made more agreeable by the victories (which would look good to Riccese in general) or they would simply die in the process, thus removing their opposition… in both cases Riccio would end up with more territory.
The petitions to seek to reclaim Istria became a recruitment list. The names on the list were offered military training and land in new territories they would conquer if they would sign up for service; a large portion of these individuals were all too eager to sign up, having been told of how exclusive the opportunity was and how much it would serve Venetian honor to serve as part of it. Within months, the rudimentary training regimen was complete, and the “Glory Corps” were making their way to territories across north and West Africa, and some even reached Brazil. Through diplomacy, intimidation, financial arrangements, and outright conquest (as per military rules, however, only soldiers were to be killed, and this was only when it was not practical to imprison them; killing a civilian was punishable by death) when all else failed, the Glory Corps enormously expanded the reach of the Riccese Empire. More importantly, those who didn’t die in combat or from various travel-related diseases were now happily sitting on large plots of land a great deal away from Riccio proper. With the poor communications of the time, much of the discontent thus seemed to evaporate… in the meantime, colonialism was in full swing, with large numbers of colonists from all over Riccio being dispatched to the new provinces, not only to secure the Riccese grip on the lands, but to prevent any remaining discontent from boiling over.
arya126
Squad Leader
Can we slow down these updates by a day or two? I am going to have trouble getting them in this quickly during the week.
Also in case I miss this deadline as well (likely unless I get orders up tonight) expand to the Caspian around Kuwait and to the Seine in France. Invest everything in factories except for 10 that goes to 2 army power. This is just a precaution; hopefully more detail will come later tonight but its possible this is it.
Also in case I miss this deadline as well (likely unless I get orders up tonight) expand to the Caspian around Kuwait and to the Seine in France. Invest everything in factories except for 10 that goes to 2 army power. This is just a precaution; hopefully more detail will come later tonight but its possible this is it.
Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
I will also express my support for three day cycles rather than two, if solely to accommodate when things come up. I will be trying hard to slip in orders for the next turn, but as I'll be out of town I'm not certain how effective I'll be in that regard.
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2008
- Messages
- 14,928
I can delay this update a day.
As for future updates, the plan is for updates to fall on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday in order to avoid updates on Tuesday while still not moving at a snail's pace (which is what anything less than three updates a week for a game like this is). I could give half of you an extra week for all the good it would do me since, from my experience, players wait until the last minute to get in orders no matter what you set the deadline for.
That, and I'm trying to make sure the locks don't fall on Tuesday or Thursday, which I guess is another benefit of delaying this update a day. So, orders lock Saturday
