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#661
May 16th, 2011, 09:40 AM
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I guess being held ransom does that to a man. Another idea - instability in Franca could be used a spur for a wave of immigrants to the North American lands. Sort of like an earlier Hugenout (but without the religious element, so not really I guess) wave, useful, but able to be absorbed by the recipient 
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#662
May 20th, 2011, 07:07 AM
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MISSION In the spring of 1147, a man strolled through the corridors of the Royal Palace. Of average height with honey-brown skin and close cropped hair and beard, he could have been any number of Spaniards from the Atlas mountains. He was dressed in a fashionable fitted vest with loose trousers tucked into knee high boots and like most men of his time, eschewed a cloak for a long coat with wide cuffs. When another man turned into the corridor ahead of him, he stopped for a moment then smiled. “There you are, my friend!” Ortiz Almagre grinned and embraced Edir. It had been some time since they’d last met. Where Ortiz went to war, Edir abandoned the Sandstorm Cavalry for administration and was now the chief assistant to Alonso de Algarve, Amina’s governor of the new and largely empty province of Iberia. Six years older than his friend, he was far removed from his birth in a Senhaja camp. “Tired of herding sheep at last?” Ortiz asked, for that was the province’s main livelihood. “I’ve never found having little bits of myself hacked off by swords appealing--unlike you,” he answered with a nod to Ortiz‘s sword. “If you must know I’m to undergo the examinations for vali.” “That is good news! It’s about time we got some better men in administration, I was afraid this year’s candidates would all be old men with young faces, like Ramon Azalicio.” “The northerner? He’s not so bad, just nervous. You’ve been here for a long time, you forget how large it is.” “Speaking of a long time, I’d like to here what you’ve been doing with yourself. Your examination isn’t for a few more days if I remember rightly. Do you have time to walk with me? I have a free morning.” “Of course, I was hoping to run into you.” They spent the next little while reminiscing about events. Edir was especially eager to hear about his father’s exploits. Mazin was due back in the capital soon after dealing with some small mutinies among the army due to pay being in arrears. The Francians had delivered several shiploads worth of ransom monies which had gone a long way to keeping Amina’s armies from turning on her. Ortiz was just about to suggest they get their hands on some wine when an accented lively voice called his name. Both men stuck their heads out the window to see a determined looking woman in the small courtyard below. “Ortiz!” Leonora shouted up. “Wait there, I’ll come upstairs.” “Who is that?” Edir asked. “She seem to know you quite well.” "A woman who specializes in causing me trouble," Ortiz sighed. "Knew I saw your face!" Leonora declared upon reaching them. "Pardon my sir," she said with a graceful curtsey to Edir. Despite her familiar manner with Ortiz, Leonora grew up in some wealth and was capable of considerable manners--when she chose to use them. “The queen has an assignment for you. Meet with her after the midday meal… oh and I’d advise you to avoid the wine this time.” Ortiz shaded his eyes as he looked out the window to cover a reddening of his cheeks. Leonora’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Is there a story there?” Edir asked. "No," he said shortly and the woman laughed. "Edir this dubiously mannered woman is the queen's newest lady." "Leonora, recently of Aquitania, my sir,” she said. “Forgive me for being so forward upon our first meeting, but his sister encouraged me to take a firm hand. They may call him a hero, but he’s still a man like any other.” Ortiz groaned, then rallied. “You’re said your piece and more. Don’t you have someone else to stick pins into?” “I have been released for the afternoon,” Leonora replied airily. “If you wanted to have a second contest… But no. I suppose I shouldn’t be an excuse for making you late. If you sirs will please excuse me, I won’t impose on you any longer. May God guide your steps.” With an elegant and graceful dip of her head and shoulders, she turned and glided away. "How does she do that?" Ortiz muttered. It was unnerving to see the woman put on a mask of decorum and take it off at will. He turned to Edir. "Leonora’s family was killed in the war and the queen took a liking to her. She's very sharp," he admitted. "Your sister must like her. She wouldn't have lasted long otherwise, I think." "Salia likes everyone.” ********* The meeting was held in that reserved for the General Court. Longer that it was wide, it had a long table in the center and low couches set near the table. The queen was at the far end, not quite in the center of the table speaking with her personal secretary. Also present was recent arrival from Italy, Duke Juassan, along with a few other minor secretaries. He tried to imagine the room filled with the high officials and documents spread across the table but hadn't managed to do so when Amina looked up and smiled pleasantly at him. "How would you like to go on a journey?" It was not a question. Thus some weeks later he found himself in command of an escort of mounted men and a not insubstantial number of servants as they set for Valencia and then a ship. Since Amina had brought the captive Francian king to the capital, rumors had spread of plots to free him. Several Francian agents were apprehended in the city. Robert himself made no attempt to escape on his own, but if presented with the opportunity he swore he would take it--pointing out Amina had done something similar as a girl. The queen and her court therefore decided to move him to a more remote location. Some suggestions were to use the islands either the Baliares or Azúcares, but Amina doubted the ability of her navy to safeguard and island against a heroic raid.[1] Instead the long dead Garcia Maurez provided an answer. His family had originally made its mark as dependable fighters and good administrators in Abd ar-Rahman's initial forays into the Maghreb in the 770s. The patriarch of the family, Maura himself, had died in battle against the Idrisids at the Moluya river. Located between Terita and Taza, the spot was rural now with only the ruins of Maura's small stone redoubt to mark it.[2] Materials were sent ahead and by the time Robert arrived, a fortified modest but comfortable house would be in place. The only delay came in finalizing the peace treaty, which would go down in history as the first European treaty printed by moveable type. It would only take effect in 1148, with both sides obligated to enforce after that. It provided that all lands held by the various parties as of that date would be theirs to dispose of as they saw fit. Amina had no worries about Francian action in the final months. Reports of some low level unrest had already reached them. It appeared the measures the regency council was taking as a result of Robert's capture were unpopular. The true prize came in the open lines of the treaty. In the Era MCLXXXVIII[3] in the name of the Holy Trinity indivisible, that the discords afflicting these lands of Europe these last years be settled once and for all.Amina went on to recognize Francia's "historic and legitimate interest in the Principality of Bretons." Their borders were understood to be along the Loire from Tuergn to the sea and from Avrin to Angéca. The price of Brittany was the gain of Ancolissa, which Francia would consider an allied state of the Spaniards. Both countries again agreed to restrain their allies from provocations. Provence was also recognized as being under Spañan influence, but Amina would have no responsibility for them. The Francian sphere was to be limited to those lands north of the Alps. Previously it was prohibited from extending south of the Alps. Some of the religious matters were also settled. Because Robert's candidate died, Amina's candidate was recognized as a legitimate pope, but only from 1146. Prior to that year, the Papal seat would officially be considered vacant. Provisions were also made in the treaty so that when Leo died, a church council would be held with a set number of Spañan and Francian bishops to settle succession issues.[4] The treaty also protected various types of Christians. If those who followed the Toledan or Roman Rites did not foment rebellion or sedition, they should be allowed to conduct rituals in public that did not detract from the majority rite. Finally, both sides would repatriate political prisoners and criminals held by the other, and offer no assistance to sedition in the other's lands as well as coming to the other's aid when practical. ********* The war itself did not simply end. It slowly wound down as various parties focused on restoring order and contro within their new borders instead of funding mercenary attacks. There were two notable adjustments in this period though. The first was Gauzlin actually advancing some miles east of the Vinhana, expelling the mercenaries and placing his own men in charge. The second was that because of this military activity, his authority was overthrown in Lemotges. Pleas to Amina for help went unanswered. For Amina, there was rebuilding to do. For the Francian regency council there were more difficulties as the revolts began to again grow into something serious. A report detailing the situation arrived with Enrigo de Lejón and dampened the reunion of the queen and her husband. Never the less, the signatures of the regency council and Prince Hugh soon joined those of Amina and Robert. The result of decades of strife proved to be little more than a modification of the settlements of the Breton War over a century previous for all the internal changes. Once the treaty was signed and the war officially ended, Amina made an announcement she'd long contemplated. It was time at last, she said, for Enrique to rule. Looking back at co-monarchies of the past, a schedule for transition was established. To show her commitment to the transition, Amina announced an official date of abdication of 1151, her 26th anniversary of solitary rule. At the same time, a new councillarium would held then to redress Amina violating her pledge to hold one in 1146. With the nobility and the councilors gathered together, she hoped to bequeath to Enrique unassailable legitimacy and support. For Amina it was a relief that he made an effort to work with her to provide a smooth change. It was in this moments that the realm was at its weakest. They had only just begun the work though, when a new arrival caused a new flurry of activity. After nearly 6 years, the expedition Amina had sent to the east finally returned. ___________________________ [1]With so much money spend on land forces, the naval forces had correspondingly degraded. [2]Location of OTL Guercif [3]Spanish Era dates, 1188. Usually I have "translated" dates in RoS to NS dates but I left it here. [4]OTL College of Cardinals selection did not become regularized until the 1000s and with the central church being less powerful, there is less institutionalization relative to OTL. MAP: New Borders. Keep in mind parts of the southern blue area are somewhat lawless right now.
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The Raptor of Spain #2.80 - Moments (Last Update: 06 May) "The greatest tool for narrative is the world you create for it to exist in." Last edited by MNP; May 20th, 2011 at 07:13 AM..
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#665
May 21st, 2011, 09:07 AM
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Thank you Krakenov.
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The Raptor of Spain #2.80 - Moments (Last Update: 06 May) "The greatest tool for narrative is the world you create for it to exist in."
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#668
May 22nd, 2011, 08:34 PM
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MNP that was a great end to the war. And hats off to you sir, you dedicated almost a whole year to it!!
Although for such an epic war the border settlements at the end almost seem inconsequential. But I guess that is how it is. Both side fought bravely. It would be great to see what is going on elsewhere in Europe and the world. How are the Irish doing in the new world?
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Poor Little Mexico, So Far From God, So Close to The United States. Or maybe not so. Follow: A Mexican "Victory" 2.0 to witness an alternate.
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#669
May 24th, 2011, 12:00 AM
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We're going to see other parts of the world for a while. Micro focus is going to expand somewhat. Hopefully see India, SE Asia, probably some central Asia/eastern Europe as well. I recently read some books on the history and culture of Sri Lanka so they will probably come into play too. 9 Fanged Hummingbird pointed me to some good sources for North America so I will read those before I go back to the new world, but suffice to say that the first diseases are beginning to be exchanged and the Irish have met at last, the farming peoples of North America. For now, north America provides a good source of wood that is helping to offset the problem of Peak Wood that medieval Europe faced before the Black Death allowed the forests to come roaring back. They're supplying the west, while the Baltic is supplying the east. It's only because of the much greater population of Europe compared to OTL that this is even possible, it might even be approaching 90-100,000,000 though I don't think that's sustainable for very long.
I guess I'll also point out that Francia is slowly outpacing Spana simply due to better geography. Amina got the edge by better organization, but that's not as effective as it used to be. In fact after looking at the matter more closely I don't think Francia is going to crack up, I have something else in mind for them.
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The Raptor of Spain #2.80 - Moments (Last Update: 06 May) "The greatest tool for narrative is the world you create for it to exist in." Last edited by MNP; May 24th, 2011 at 12:06 AM..
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#670
May 24th, 2011, 01:13 AM
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I loved seeing the settlement. Great map too. I am a bit angered that Spana had to give up land to those upstart Ancolissans, but I guess that could not be helped and they did get other, less valuable territory in return. Also, what is going to the happen to the Alpine territory taken from Francia?
I can't wait for details on the rest of the world, as time progresses I will be curious abou the patterns of development and how they are different. Well there will surely be a rich-poor divide between countries, I doesn't seem like there will be the same European-non European divide between countries. By the way, speaking of population statistics, has any one factor been responsible for the lack of a serious plague in Europe, or has it been a mix of things relating to the generally higher level of development ITTL? Quote:
Scipio
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Things Fall Apart: A Valois-Burgundy Centered Timeline Full of Badassery
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#671
May 29th, 2011, 10:58 PM
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Memorial Weekend Edition
DISCOVERY Telles Lasquez de Gizonosco was a wealthy Vizcayan merchant and a friend of the Crown Prince of Sevilla. His partner in many endeavors was Joseph Tibbovin, whose clan was the Spañan terminus of the Radhanite network[1], with interests along the Mediterranean coast. Amina saw their eastern proposals as a curiosity, but her heir was of a different mind having grown up around traders. In Sevilla, Enrique sponsored explorations along the Africa coast. These bore fruit in the gold ships from Mina[2] but the trip was not without risks and the gold trade along the traditional desert routes was untouched. Economically, Mazin's subjugation of Sigilmas bringing western routes again under Toledo's control would provide greater benefits. The African route would later prove invaluable, but for now Enrique settled for the occasional eastern embassy. Due to historic ties and mathematical applications, the Spaniards were in possession of reliable maps up to western Persia. Even with the war, the two men safely reached Sicily. There they joined themselves to the final member of their party, whose name would be remembered as much as their own, Teofilo t'Calzas. A Sicilian by birth and so with a foot in the Greek and Latin sides of the sea, Teofilo t'Calzas first appears as a ship's boy during Saloman II's invasion of Crete. Fragmentary records suggest he engaged in some piracy for the Emirs of Crete, being present in Handaqa.[3] A note in 1134 indicates he was captured by Spalatran patrols and pressed into service as a rower. By 1137 he is present in La Cosia and then appears to have engaged in some land operations in either the Makanid civil war or the Greek conquest of Syria or both. By the time Telles and Tibbovin met him on their first voyage, he and his small company--a mixture of men from across the Mediterranean including some Persians--were between jobs. Thus it was that the two merchants engaged him to guard their journey east and combine the contacts of his men with those of Tibbovin to forge a way forward on their second attempt. The journey from Sicily went without incident as they passed by Crete in the night. After much debate, they sold the ships from Spaña to some Cypriot merchants after using them to reach the Emirate of Damascus. The emirate was not as peaceful a place in 1143 as it had been the last time. By now the eastern empire had established an effective grip on Syria and the Makanid civil war was drawing to a close with the future Al-Hakam having driven his brother Ali from Egypt. Ali was rumored to be hidden among the polities of the Sudan or more worrisomely, among the Kingdom of Makuria to the south. Once again they reached the lands of Persia where they presented Marsvan Shah with gifts and a letter of friendship from Amina, who promised to give thought to his proposals after the great "war against the Frances" was completed. The Shah was also impressed with the workmanship of the western gifts, especially the mechanical weighted clock and a viewer--the first to be seen east of the sea, though the Persians would later improve on both markedly. They left Persia and sailed through the Straits of Hormuz, hoping to put in at several ports along the coast only to find a major conflict disrupting the northern trade. Fortunately for the party, rumors abounded of more peaceful and bountiful pickings farther south. They sailed along the coast and discovered a number of settlements and ports flying the same flag. This turned out to be the flag of the Cholas. When it was discovered that the origin of the party was from the distant west, all attired in odd clothing and bearing strange gifts, they were able to gain an audience with the monarch at his capital of Thanjavur.[4] There they presented the Chola king with gifts sent by Amina, such as exceedingly skilled miniatures shaped from all manner of materials, from ivory and bronze to gold and stone which were emblematic of Spañan art. Other gifts included a number of printed books detailing something of the history of the time of León along with a second viewer. However what caused the most stir, were two suits of plate armor, one brilliantly decorated, one for actual use. During the journey and stay with the Cholas, the party discerned much of the recent history of India and Central Asia. Their writings form the basis of what follows. ********* In the distant past when Spaña was torn by rebellion, the Abbasids ruled a mighty empire at the axis of the world. To the west were the Romans, to the south the Christian Sudanese, to the north the Turks[5] and to the east, the Shahis. From Kapisa and Kabul in the eighth century and Kashmir in the ninth, they resisted the Muslims to the end of their strength. After Abbasid power declined during the the civil wars between the descendants of Harun and the uprisings of Reza Azad, the new enemies of the Shahis were the Samanids with their capital at Balkh. After the Samanids were defeated by the Agassids at the First Battle of Amul (862) their empire was beset with strife and was divided by its neighbors. In the north this was the Khazars and Uyghers, in the south the Agassids and the in the east, a new Muslim dynasty ruling from Zaranj. It was in this period of instability that the Shahis launched a renewed offensive from Kashmir that brought them back to Kabul and dominance in the Koh-i-Baba mountains. There followed a number of campaigns of varying success until the capture of Herat (894) and Kandahar (904). The Emirate of Zaranj might have placed a check on Shahi power, but Transoxiana was now at the mercy of the Ghuzz Turks who originated along the east coast of the Caspian Sea. At first seen as little more than rebellious vassals, Ghuzz raids grew until an enormous Agassid Persian army was sent to recapture their cities and return them to obedience. At the Second Battle of Amul (897) the Persian army was annihilated and the Ghuzz ruled in Transoxiana and Khorasan until the third Battle of Amul (934).[6] By the middle of the 10th century, the Shahis were once again masters of the mountains and bolstered by their new Turkish allies. The Shahis were free to act because of their long standing alliance with the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Gatekeepers of India.[7] The Pratiharas were locked in a struggle that dominated north-central India for centuries between themselves, the Rashtrakutas of the south and the Buddhist Palas of the east.[8] The Pratiharas were slowly ground down by the wars along with raids and invasions by the Muslim states of Multan and Sindh to the west. After 950, they placed certain northern regions in the hands of the Shahis as "caretakers." In return the Shahis supplied the Pratiharas with Central Asian horses that they could obtain through their northern neighbors the Kimeks and the Uyghers and made extensive use of in their own army. Of the Shahis, one Muslim chronicler wrote: .... no other Indian prince has so fine a cavalry. He is unfriendly to the Arabs and Persians, still he acknowledges that the king of the Arabs [Caliph] is the greatest of kings. Among the princes of India there is no greater foe of the Islamic faith than he. He has got riches, and his camels and horses are numerous.As the three kingdoms declined, the resurgent Shahis invaded the Gangetic plain. The young Paramara dynasty, offshoot of the falling Rashtrakutas, was swept away and the Pala revival in the east was cut short when the Shahis captured Kannauj in 1043. Wherever there was a battle in the open, the Shahis' Turks would disrupt the enemy so conventional forces could defeat them. Then light cavalry would chase and slaughter all who fled. This was not to say the Shahis proved invincible. A revolt in the eastern provinces around 1090 led to the creation of the Gahadvala state in north central India who were their implacable enemies. Another key part of the military dominance of the Shahis in this period lay in their liberal use of the Rajput clans. This was an extension of their own alliance with the Pratiharas and thus as long as they could freely recruit mercenaries in the Gurjaratra, they did not interfere. By the start of the twelfth century the clans united under the Bargujara Empire and the two great states of the north, the Shahis and the Bargujara Rajputs, formed an alliance to share the domination of north-central India which caused the disruptions experience by the Spaniards. But of all the states in India, the most friendly to the Spaniards now and always would prove to be the Cholas. That this began by the presence of a curious traveler is too simple an explanation. It was the product of complimentary interests and a willingness to go against traditional convention. One thing that the Cholas did share with the Spaniards however, was an interest in and concern with trade. Powerful merchant guilds were actively supported by the state who entered into negotiations on there behalf with more recalcitrant foreign powers. This encouraged a mutual dependence, with the guilds not aspiring to political power and the kings restraining themselves from burdensome taxation. The merchant guilds were so successful that the Chinese emperor granted them monopolies.[8] If they had a weakness, it was that the merchants were so successful in their trade some industries depended entirely on exports for their prosperity. At the time of the party's arrival in Thanjavur, these concerns were far from evident as the rising eastern powers of Pagan and the Khmer were significant sources of demand. This was not to say that the Cholas disdained military exploits. Expeditions to Srivijaya had "convinced" that country to open its markets, expeditions to the trading towns of Africa and southern Arabian did the same. Exploiting the wealth of Lanka by raids was a tradition begun by Elara Chola a thousand years prior. Moreover, the Cholas had finally broken the power of their Chalukya enemies--only to find themselves confronted with a new dynasty the Hoyhuli.[9] It was is unclear if the Hoyhuli inspired what must surely be considered a radical change in Chola military practices. Previously, movement among castes was possible though it was more common to change sub-castes. Now the Chola kings began to recruit and train soldiers from among those of lower status. The numbers were small at this time, but there were several reasons for the practice, not the least was to mock enemy claims by declaring those who were born farmers as worthy of facing them. Though only in existence for a generation, members of the new units performed several courageous acts that helped achieve military victory and ease their acceptance. At the same time, the constant and brutal nature Chola-Chalukyas and Lanka Wars meant classical warrior codes weren't applied in practice, even in comparison to other kingdoms. Along with expeditions to capture ports along the western coast of the sub-continent, the Cholas also launched a successful naval expedition to the island known to the Spaniards from the ancient texts as Socotra. Socotra had a Christian population though they were not in communion with Rome or Constantinople. The Cholas did not attempt to alter their local practices and so as long as they did not impose themselves too deeply on the small population (not more than 10,000 on the islands a whole), they could easily keep the island as a naval station. ********* In India, there was one rumor the Spaniards were determined to prove. This was the rumor of a Christian land beyond China. Telles in particular was fascinated and sought to learn all he could. The legend as he related it, is as follows: At one time there were missionaries out of the west, bearing the Christian word. St. Thomas traveled to India and himself planted the seeds. These grew into Christian communities we encountered on our journey. They took us in though they had odd practices and asked us to send them a priest and some copies of the scriptures in Greek, which a few of them knew. It was said that the great king of the Cholas did not molest them for they were few and obedient to his will. From these and the Socotranos, the great king developed an understanding of Christians. We were told that beyond China and the empire of Waharmagapa, there was a kingdom in the uttermost east ruled by a Christian monarch who stood against Buddhism.[10] ********* Tibbovin, who had some facility with languages, made a passable start on learning the Chola tongue during their stay. It was a different one from those varieties familiar to the Persians. While he told the story--with embellishments--of Amina's war, he discussed the various sieges such as those of Zaragoza, Toledo, Riebro, and Luz and described the naphtha and trebuchets of the Spaniards which occasioned some talk for the mathematics of their use. It was then that the king declared that he would demonstrate his own machines of war to the Spaniards. Therefore the party was the first western Europeans to see a demonstration of gunpowder. ___________________________ [1]Because the Khazars survived longer, this network also survived but is in decline. [2]Elmina [3]Iraklion [4]Tanjore. Zangávur in Upper Hispanic Romance. [5]In the Raptor of Spain, the Battle of Talas was a close run Abbasid defeat. An Lushan rebelled more successfully than in our timeline and Tang influence still declined in Central Asia though more slowly. Consequently Islamic and Abbasid influence among the Turks was less. Eventually the gap was filled by native powers and the Khazars. [6]The consequences of the Third Battle of Amul for central Asia are related in #371. I incorrectly listed it as "second battle" in the chronology I posted, but in the post itself and in my current notes there are three. [7]Not the origin of their name, but they said thus for propaganda purposes. [8]As in OTL. [9]"Tiger-Slayers." The tiger was a Chola emblem. Thus "Chola Killers Dynasty." [10]Because of the troubles in Sri Lanka, the Cholas are strongly anti-Buddhist.
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The Raptor of Spain #2.80 - Moments (Last Update: 06 May) "The greatest tool for narrative is the world you create for it to exist in." Last edited by MNP; May 29th, 2011 at 11:04 PM..
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#672
May 29th, 2011, 11:02 PM
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Is Socotra the Maldives or some other island group? By the way, excellent update.
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When Western Europeans conquer, it's called uplifting the natives. When anyone else does the conquering, it's called barbarism.
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#673
May 29th, 2011, 11:06 PM
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The Raptor of Spain #2.80 - Moments (Last Update: 06 May) "The greatest tool for narrative is the world you create for it to exist in."
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#674
May 29th, 2011, 11:16 PM
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When Western Europeans conquer, it's called uplifting the natives. When anyone else does the conquering, it's called barbarism.
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#675
May 29th, 2011, 11:38 PM
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Another awesome update, its interesting to shift the focus away from Europe for a bit, though unfortunately there is a great chasm between my knowledge of Western and Eastern history, so I can't really make any substantive comments, other than to say:
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Scipio
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Things Fall Apart: A Valois-Burgundy Centered Timeline Full of Badassery Last edited by Scipio Africanus; May 30th, 2011 at 02:29 AM..
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#676
May 30th, 2011, 09:25 AM
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I would have thought that Spana, dominating as it does the whole peninsula, most of Italy, most of NW Med. Africa would be a pretty impressive economic and demographic power. The wealth of those areas IOTL is still evident today and I would suspect that in a pre modern situation, where the State does not have the ability to mobilise taxation/resources that it currently does, that they would have a greater access to ready cash (based on the assumption that it is easier to tax ports or trade routes than say, levying an income tax)
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#678
May 30th, 2011, 10:14 PM
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The African route proving invaluable doesn't refer to economics. I have a huge number of notes on the economy of Spaña so if that's not what you mean, try to ask again and I should be able to answer you.
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The Raptor of Spain #2.80 - Moments (Last Update: 06 May) "The greatest tool for narrative is the world you create for it to exist in."
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#679
May 30th, 2011, 11:06 PM
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Well, it was not really a question so much as an observation.
Anyway, even accepting your balance shifting premise, does it make that much of a difference in the long run? Unless we are talking about Franca becoming or wanting to become a W European hegemonic empire, even a significant imbalance (say 60/40 to pick numbers) does not necessarily have to mean much. We are, after all, talking about a TL where W Europe has already coalesced into two reasonably effective states. Hmm, although back to the hegemonic power point, that could make a fun story. A developed ATL Spana, Italy, Franca and misc could make for a China analogue
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#680
May 31st, 2011, 09:02 AM
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^It's an interesting point. For now, Francia is in a bad way but they could go in many different directions.
Question to the readership: Should I discuss the return trip in the next update or cover the transition and early Enrique rule (1148-1150s)? Since Telles is angling for a third trip to basically find Prester John, he didn't get much beyond India. Return trip would probably cover this area:
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The Raptor of Spain #2.80 - Moments (Last Update: 06 May) "The greatest tool for narrative is the world you create for it to exist in."
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