A Crusade in 1284?

Hey, guys, I'm really not extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the details of medieval history. Frankly, I barely have a working knowledge of the era which is somewhat embarrassing when I find myself trying to write something set during that period. Which leads me to why I'm here. I come asking for advice, council if you will, regarding the history of the period.

You see, I'm trying to establish a world where in a particular poet from the 13th century finds himself, rather than becoming a poet, becoming something of a conscripted soldier or even a knight and ultimately a mercenary. To accomplish this, I would very much like to involve this man in a war far from his homeland in Tuscany and it is my opinion that sending him into the midst of a Tenth Crusade might be the best option.

I am somewhat less worried about the eventual ramifications of this Crusade and its butterflies than I am about the story itself. The bigger picture can be fuzzy, I don't mind. But as I am fond of being as realistic as possible, I would like to at least have some justification for a renewed Crusade in the year in question.

If you are able to provide assistance in this matter, I will me most grateful. Thank you in advance.
 
Hey, guys, I'm really not extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the details of medieval history. Frankly, I barely have a working knowledge of the era which is somewhat embarrassing when I find myself trying to write something set during that period. Which leads me to why I'm here. I come asking for advice, council if you will, regarding the history of the period.

You see, I'm trying to establish a world where in a particular poet from the 13th century finds himself, rather than becoming a poet, becoming something of a conscripted soldier or even a knight and ultimately a mercenary. To accomplish this, I would very much like to involve this man in a war far from his homeland in Tuscany and it is my opinion that sending him into the midst of a Tenth Crusade might be the best option.

I am somewhat less worried about the eventual ramifications of this Crusade and its butterflies than I am about the story itself. The bigger picture can be fuzzy, I don't mind. But as I am fond of being as realistic as possible, I would like to at least have some justification for a renewed Crusade in the year in question.

If you are able to provide assistance in this matter, I will me most grateful. Thank you in advance.

There was a Crusade going on in 1284 in OTL, but if you want to send your soldier to the Holy Land in particular, it won't work for you:

The Aragonese Crusade

It was also a disaster for the crusaders, by the way.
 
Would Tuscany have helped Aragon in that war or fought against them? From the extremely limited amount of research I've put into it, I can't find any claims of them taking one side or another in the conflict. Is this accurate? What could motivate them to take part in the war, even just enough to simply sending a small regiment of soldiers?

I had hoped for conflict in the Holy Land, but failing that, any sort of war might do so long as it allows him to be conscripted and sent to fight in combat, preferably on the losing side. How difficult might it actually be to have a young man of his status conscripted into war or otherwise convinced to fight in the first place? I don't imagine he'd be of extremely high nobility, but he was likely of somewhat privileged upbringing as he was afforded a classical education at his home.
 
Would Tuscany have helped Aragon in that war or fought against them? From the extremely limited amount of research I've put into it, I can't find any claims of them taking one side or another in the conflict. Is this accurate? What could motivate them to take part in the war, even just enough to simply sending a small regiment of soldiers?

I had hoped for conflict in the Holy Land, but failing that, any sort of war might do so long as it allows him to be conscripted and sent to fight in combat, preferably on the losing side. How difficult might it actually be to have a young man of his status conscripted into war or otherwise convinced to fight in the first place? I don't imagine he'd be of extremely high nobility, but he was likely of somewhat privileged upbringing as he was afforded a classical education at his home.

Well, since it was a crusade, by signing up you got an indulgence from the Pope. I'm not sure if it was a plenary one, but that -and loot- might motivate some Tuscan feudal lord into going or sending some troops. Particularly if he is of the Guelph allegiance.

I'd recommend getting Cronica by Ramon Muntaner. It is available in English on the net for free, and it was written by someone who was there.
 
Crusade in 1284.

A major expedition in 1284 is not very likely. Not much was left of the Christian holdings by then, and everyone knew that Outremer was crumbling..
 
There's major conflict in the Empire round this time as Rudolf of Habsburg is winning his way to his family's prominence.

I am feeling that you don't want too much of a POD at all? If you did, maybe have Ottakar defeat and kill Rudolf and be elected Emperor - maybe he would like to organise a crusade as 'proof' that he is Frederick II's 'heir' ?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Top