The Sons of Inti Shall Not Perish

[Nyvis]

I don't think the Spanish would care much about that part, no one really objected to the petty imperial titles of the Balkans. The Spanish would object to the kings of Europe declaring themselves Emperor, as they would see it as a attack on the West Roman imperial title, but that's not the title the Inca would claim.

I don't know about those titles in the Balkans you speak about. But in most of Catholic Europe, the only legacy of imperial titles is Rome, and claiming a title of Emperor is the same as claiming the title. Imperial titles were also traditionally crowned by the pope, and I doubt the church would approve either, because Emperor implies a very different relation to religious power.

 

[Jürgen]

I don't know about those titles in the Balkans you speak about. But in most of Catholic Europe, the only legacy of imperial titles is Rome, and claiming a title of Emperor is the same as claiming the title. Imperial titles were also traditionally crowned by the pope, and I doubt the church would approve either, because Emperor implies a very different relation to religious power.

Bulgaria had had a imperial title until a century before. Unless people claimed use of a imperial title descendants of the Western Roman title Western Europeans recognized them and didn't make a big deal of it. In fact the Spanish recognise both The Aztec and the Inca Empires as imperial state and their rulers as emperors. It would seem pretty weird to downgrade it to a royal title instead, it would indicate they recognized some kind of position of fealty to the HRE, while the Spanish would love if they did that, it would not be a legitimate casus belli to declare war if they didn't do that, and it would be very insulting to the Catholic Church, that the Spanish declared war on the Incas right after they had converted.

 

[King of the Uzbeks]

Of course, they do have something which was decisive in bringing an end to the Aztecs: unruly and organized tribes on the periphery. The Quitians are the most obvious one, but personally I think that the description of the Spanish expedition making its way to Quito (and the violent raid of the city by a previous conquistador) will make things more... complicated. The Mapuche on the south, though? Well, their ties to the Empire are far more tenuous, and their experience facing Europeans is pretty nonexistent; the Tawantinsuyu, on the other hand, are mortal enemies (I think the best example of this is the Mapundung (sic) word for European: winka, that is, "New Inka").

And some groups on the coast.

I still guess that Jesuits would be the most suitable partners for Tawantinsuyu. They are independent of Spain, Portugal, and France, and they are looking for a place where no other Europeans would interfere with them. They are quite tolerant in matters of doctrine, and could go on the establishing of a syncretic cult. I would like to see Tawantinsuyu to have completely preserved the native religion, but among the Europeans the Jesuits would be the less evil. However, the author of this TTL sees better.

I would be easy to imagine the irony and betrayal the Spanish and Portuguese will feel knowing that it is the Jesuit's who can successfully convert people without much backlash.

Yes look how much good it did for the Black/African slaves in what would become the USA, if you have gold, silver, something the powers want at the time they will try to take it, justification can be arranged to fit circumstance as needed

The Jesuits are, at this point, still legally constrained to 60 members, a fact that will not change until 1550. I see no reason why this would change. So the Jesuit presence will take some time to spread, should the Inka allow them in.

As for the "Does Christanity equal peace?" question, none of the current leadership is prioritizing "make the Spanish like us more" as a policy point. But at the same time many of Castro's complaints would have lost their oomf if directed on Christians.

If those factions converted to Pachamama or Viracocha it would also solve the problem ... or just a less dick versions of Christianity.

Heh. Though Protostentism is a rather broad net....if anyone shows up.

But modernization is often inspired by national enthusiasm or synergetically combined with it. Let us recall Meiji in Japan, industrialization in Stalinist Russia, Korea under Pak Jeong-Hee, modern Ukraine.With some reservations, the USA during the struggle for independence.

A fair point.

"By the Grace of God, The King of Tawantisuyu"... sounds quite right, eh?

Not bad but "The Emperor" sounds better.

King of Quito, etc etc.

In modern Quechua, "Wiraqucha" is used as a direct translation of "Lord" in Bible. So, syncretism is possible.

It sounds like a heresy, but if the Jesuits manage to compel or bribe (by Inca gold!) a conclave to elect a Jesuit Pope, no one will pay serious attention to theological issues in the very distant and mysterious country.

The somewhat inconsistent presence of priests means that converts inside the Empire are already being somewhat syncretistic.

I think they could get away with an imperial title, in fact the Jesuit would likely also push for it, as it would make the Inca's conversion more impressive in eyes of the Europeans.

I don't think the Spanish would care much about that part, no one really objected to the petty imperial titles of the Balkans. The Spanish would object to the kings of Europe declaring themselves Emperor, as they would see it as a attack on the West Roman imperial title, but that's not the title the Inca would claim.

It's worth noting that "Sapa Inka" translates directly to "Only Emperor", which would certainly be objectionable to some.

 

[Jürgen]

It's worth noting that "Sapa Inka" translates directly to "Only Emperor", which would certainly be objectionable to some.

Yes which why they would be sure to translate it different. The German name for a ruling prince; Fürst means first, that doesn't mean the Germans translate thus as the guy being above a duke; Herzog meaning war leader. Also among the Germanic and Slavic people the word for Emperor simply comes from Caesar (pronounced Kaiser). I don't know the origin of Inca, but their full title will simply be seen as the equalant of Emperor, and like the German Kaiser and Russian Tsar, we will likely see Inca be used by foreigners.

As for religion I think they're the safest in converting to Catholicism and it gives more benefit than Protestantism for them. They become part of a global network.

 

[Nyvis]

Bulgaria had had a imperial title until a century before.

Bulgaria is orthodox. They can have their autocephalous patriarch proclaim them emperor, no one in western europe will give a damn.

But if they convert in this TL, it will most likely be to Catholicism, and there is only one Catholic Emperor. Which is crowned by the pope.

 

[Mackon]

Heh. Though Protostentism is a rather broad net....if anyone shows up.

It would be interesting to see what chaos other countries besides Spain sticking their noses in would stir up.

 

[Jürgen]

It would be interesting to see what chaos other countries besides Spain sticking their noses in would stir up.

The main problem with Protestantism is that there's three relevant versions.

Anglicanism: not really a faith which lend itself to be spread by this point.
Reformed: Individual conversion and little interest in spreading it non-Christians
Lutheranism: Believe in mass conversion, use to push against Pagan frontier, but pretty much lack any global presence, I can only see it being spread if the Welsers use Hamburg as base for their trade with the Incas. Of course if it do succeed it have many of the benefits of Catholicism but lack the global network of Catholicism, of course the Inca doesn't need to bow to the Pope and any settlers will be loyal to the state and not foreign powers. Also pretty flexible, as long as the core theology aren't touched.

 

[Manqu]

Lutheranism is strong where there is a developed trade, there is the Hansa, there are many free cities with Magdeburg law. In South America, the Lutheran state would be in a completely hostile environment. The Jesuits would be powerful and mutually beneficial allies.

Then, quite possibly, the Reformation would have reached Tawantinsuyu, but only after the benefits of cooperation with the Jesuits were exhausted.

 

[Manqu]

And it would be incorrect to liken Germanic paganism and Inca beliefs. The Incas had (and Andean people still have in part) a fine and developed mystical shamanic tradition, somewhat resembling Taoism and Bonpo. Wiraqucha/Pachakamaq veneration also could open the way to mystical monotheism resembling Sufism or Hesychasm. Rationalistical Lutheranism badly corresponds Incas' spiritual expectations.

 

[King of the Uzbeks]

In a shocking turn of events I've actually completed the next chapter in under a week and it will be coming tomorrow.

 

[MagicalPhantom345]

In a shocking turn of events I've actually completed the next chapter in under a week and it will be coming tomorrow.

Nice. Now we get to see who's ideas were most accurate.

 

[King of the Uzbeks]

A prayer before entering enemy territory
​

Soon after dispatching his letter to Charles V Castro led his assembled men out of San Miguel. It was a bold move, it left the town with barely a skeleton force of defenders. But it did bring his manpower up to over 1,000, the largest such army ever brought forth against the Tawantinsuyu. Castro led no army of soldiers of the Crown, but they were experienced fighters. Many had fought in the long, grinding war in the Yucatan and knew just how dangerous "savages" could be. They were joined by a small collection of translators and Christian converts who had remained San Miguel rather then return to the Tawantinsuyu. Their goal was the same as every Spaniard since Pizzaro, the city has been a moderately sized one before contact but Spain's unwavering obsession with it had ballooned its importance. The Tawantinsuyu could boast natural defenses in the Andes, but the fortress that Tumbez had become was made only by man. Besting it would be a major victory for Castro. He easily swept aside a force sent to intercept him along the road to Tumbez and soon found himself standing before Tumbez. Quisquis had evacuated himself south by this point, leaving the defense of the city to his soldiers. These soldiers were among the most familiar with Spanish fighting but they also happened to be the most familiar with European diseases. This created a general lack of cohesion and meant that while many soldiers were experienced most weren't able to pass on said knowledge before falling ill. While the preparation for war was the highest in the empire it had also stagnated due to plagues, at the moment it was a sweep of Tuberculosis, in contrast to the smallpox that was ravaging the valley of Cusco concurrently.

The 7th Battle of Tumbez[1] was divided into three parts. The first and longest was the assault on the city walls. Castro had been anticipating a fight with Spaniards to take San Miguel and so had dragged along fairly decent cannon. So he quickly began to attack the walls backed by a skilled bombardment. The Tawantinsuyu did have some powder, as well as their usual crossbows, but proved less efficient then the Spanish. Tumbez had relied on purchases from the Spanish to stock gunpowder, and now saw that supply be plugged. Normally their stockpiles would have supplied them until some could be procured, but improper storage combined with heavy rain just before the battle left their stores severely dwindled. So while the first day of attacks failed to pierce Tumbez on December 7th they found more success. The Spanish fought their way into the city with a combination of wall scaling and bombardment. They managed to enter the city with minimal casualties, specifically to their crucial calvary. Their entrance into the city marked the second part of the battle, the street fight. This in turn was divided into two parts. The first was a bloody fight to expel the Tawantinsuyu forces from the city. Here the better understanding of horses gave the Spanish an advantage, their greater control enabling them to out fight their opponents. The street fighting was the bloodiest part of the battle for the Spanish, though their casualties remained low. The Tawantinsuyu faced higher rates of death in the battle, all while a wholesale slaughter of Tumbez was getting underway. Anything "Pagan" was attacked and for the most part everything that was attacked was destroyed. Civilians were killed and raped in large numbers, despite the occasional halfhearted requests by Castro to "exemplify Christian virtues". The slaughter finally ended when the Spanish exited the city to the south. A segment of Tawantinsuyu soldiers had fled the city and were now trying to organize either a counterattack or an orderly retreat. Neither option was preferable to the Spanish, so Castro ordered his men to pour out of the city. The still disorganized Tawantinsuyu never stood a chance and were scattered quickly. Retreat turned to rout and soon the entire army of Tumbez was running south to rendezvous with Quisquis.

The Army of the Sun​

The defeat at Tumbez was a blow to the Tawantinsuyu cause, but not an unexpected one. Tumbez had fallen to Pizzaro, Almagro, Andagoya and Belalcázar. The defeat was not the end all be all of the fight. Quisquis found his army battered, and so rather then opposing Castro immediately he retreated towards Saña. Under previous circumstances this was intelligent move. Previous attempts at conquest has featured the Spanish going straight for the Tawantinsuyu army, and if pressed Quisquis could have retreated into the easily defensible mountains. But Castro was not headed for Saña just yet. Instead he kept heading south, making a beeline to Chan Chan, the old capital city of the Chimu Empire before the Tawantinsuyu conquered it in 1470. Castro had an advantage no other Spaniard had possessed before him, knowledge of the various groups in the empire, mainly from Spanish captains. Castro had heard (correctly) that Chan Chan still held great wealth but wasn't defended by the mountains. In addition he knew from Spanish sailors that, despite the best efforts of the Tawantinsuyu, Chimu culture was not eradicated and some still resented foreign rule. Castro saw a chance to gain allies against the Tawantinsuyu and began south as quickly as possible once he realized Quisquis would not be blocking him.

The Tawantinsuyu quickly seized any Spaniards outside of Castro's domain when they heard what had happened at Tumbez. The way stations had never really developed any stockpiles of gunpowder and traveling Spaniards had nowhere near enough supplies to fill the stores of the Empire. So the Tawantinsuyu's gunpowder reserves were not going to be filled up anytime soon.

The realities of the Empire's situation meant that the Tawantinsuyu Navy had not received the attention the army had since contact with Eurpeans had begun. As a consequence when open fighting began Spanish ships, of which Castro had many, were the undisputed rulers of the sea. They were a critical part of Castro's bombardment of Tumbez and would remain an important piece of his campaigns along the coast.

The north saw an increase in fighting as the tribes of the northeastern Andes began to encroach on Tawantinsuyu lands. For the sake of the dream of Iron production substantial forces had been left with Manco Capac in the south to protect against any possible raids. This in turn drained the defenses of the northern Empire, as the vast majority of troops moved to fight Castro ended up being from the Chinchasuyu. So the northern tribes began to press south again, looking for their old lands, and maybe some revenge along the way.

Large numbers of solders remained in the south, and Manco Capac was generally well regarded among the locals so despite an increase in raids coming from the Mapuche very little changed for now in the desert.

But despite these other battles the war would be decided by the armies along the coast. Castro had forgone fighting Quisquis, leaving the general sitting in Saña unsure of what to do. His army was still disorganized, and valuable time was spent reorganizing it cohesively. It was quickly apparent that he was not going to have time to do even that, the Tawantinsuyu had to act quickly if they were to stop the Spanish from gaining allies and beginning to negate the Tawantinsuyu numbers advantage. In mid-December his army received reinforcements in the form of an army descending from the mountains, headed by Atahualpa. The presence of the Sapa Inka inspired his troops greatly, but inspiration could only go so far and the army departed Saña in a still somewhat ramshackle state, a state not helped by the tuberculosis epidemic that was now spreading through the ranks of both armies.

Atahualpa had a plan. It was not a grand plan with lots of intricate parts, but it was a plan. His goal was to fight Castro until the Spaniard bled dry, Atahualpa would do his best to fight as many bloody battles as he could. The Tawantinsuyu had men to spare, and the Spanish (for the moment) did not. Enough casualties and Castro would have to either flee or come to terms like Belalcázar had. The prospect of Castro gaining allies was concerning, but Atahualpa was confident a heavy hand could bring enough of his subjects back in line to make his strategy work.

It was a plausible plan, right up until about 3 days after when the Tawantinsuyu Army left Saña, racing to catch up with Castro. That night the Sapa Inka began to sweat profusely. This in it of itself was not especially concerning, the climate in the region was warmer then the mountain air he was used to. But the next morning he began to complain of chills and became very tired, very quickly. His appetite was greatly reduced. Soon he was coughing persistently. Those around him knew the signs well, they had plagued the army for weeks by this point. The Sapa Inka had Tuberculosis. Some held out hope, none of the great European diseases had touched the Son of the Sun before, and it seemed possible that his divine blood would protect him. But as said divine blood began to spit out of his lungs, it became apparent that the Sapa Inka was in for a long, possibly fatal, spell of the disease. Atahualpa began to lose weight rapidly, and grew weaker by the day. At first he tried to press on, but soon his march ground to a halt as Atahualpa became bedridden. Quisquis did not dare abandon the Sapa Inka, and so the offensive stalked, barely outside of Saña. The army hoped and prayed for a recovery, all while Castro slipped from their grasp. But Atahualpa was rapidly losing weight, and the end was rapidly approaching. Atahualpa began to prepare for the inevitable. He openly declared his desire for Illaquita to succeed him as Sapa Inka, a declaration most had seen coming. Atahualpa reiterated his opposition to any sort of conversion to Catholicism, not that any priests are allowed near his camp. With no more rebellions to quell, no more regions to balance, he did what he had always wanted to and declared Quito a capital of the Tawantinsuyu, the heart of the world to Cusco's naval. On December 20th, 1547 Atahualpa, known more formally as Tikki Capac, Sapa Inka, Inka Qhapaq, Apu, King of Quito and Son of the Sun breathed his last. Atahualpa had never been meant to be Sapa Inka, and only by the hand of smallpox had he risen so far, but he had done well. He was 45 years old, had led the Tawantinsuyu for two decades, and for 14 years he had stood stalwart against Spain[2].

Good night sweet prince​

Before his passing Atahualpa had secured promises from Quisquis that the general would support Illaquita in any succession crisis and Quisquis was true to his word. Sensing, probably correctly, that ensuring a stable succession was more important then stopping Castro from reaching Chan Chan Quisquis retraced his steps back to Saña. Setting a large segment of his force to defend the town he climbed the Chancay Road, hoping to link up with an army of last resort that had been placed where the road entered the mountains. However when he arrived at the top the army was gone. Illaquita had beaten him to it.

The second son of Atahualpa had been headed north, hoping to mediate a minor dispute just north of Cajacamara. But when he received news that was father was ill he headed straight for the army. He announced to the men that, in the interest of stability during Atahualpa's incapacitation, they would be moving towards Cusco. With little time for debate they departed. Illaquita blocked every messenger he could find, shielding Cusco from news of his father's illness. He sent forth his own proclamations, claiming that the army was just passing through on its way to reinforce his uncle in the south. Rumors still spread of course, and many nobles of Cusco reaffirmed to each other that they would support Quispe-Tupac in the case of a succession crisis, but none dared move, for fear of Atahualpa crushing them for good. By the time word of his fathers death reached him Illaquita was just a few days fast march from Cusco. He was unable to prevent word from reaching Cusco, but by the time enough nobles met to plot rebellion it was too late. Illaquita was upon them, there was not time to organize an army in opposition. The Quitians in the capital all favored Illaquita. Priests found efforts to muddle the succession stymied from an unlikely source. Ninancoro may have been an uninspired thinker, but he enjoyed his position as High Priest of the Sun and recognized he would have no viable chance to become Sapa Inka. So he sided with the brother who looked sure to win, keeping religious figures from rebelling against Illaquita.

Illaquita our new Sapa Inka ​

To the European calendar it was New Year's Eve when Illaquita entered Cusco. His army has entered the day before and quelled what little resistance emerged. He was greeted by Ninancoro, who affirmed that the priesthood supported his "divine brother's" ascension. Cusco seethed, particularly when world of Atahualpa's dying declaration was received. But even Illaquita's small force out weighed anything they could muster. So Quispe-Tupac reluctantly bowed before his brother. Illaquita arranged to marry his sister Cura Huarcay to shore up his royal bloodline, but did not immediately preform the ceremony.. He then turned his army and headed north once again, leaving only a small garrison to secure Quito.

The Spanish were rampaging the lowlands. The far north was practically under siege. Cusco was a spark away from rebellion. Plague was decimating the Empire. Manco Capac hadn't even heard his brother was dead yet, let alone weighed in on the decision.

But Illaquita wasn't worried. He had dreams for his new empire. Big ones…
_____
1: Far across the multiverse the Italians and the Austro-Hungarians scoff.

2: Raise a glass my atillcha-kuna, raise a glass to the Sapa Inka.

 

[generalurist]

Aww fuck. This is not a good time.

Also, I'm hoping that eventually there will be a chapter dedicated to the Tawantinsuyu navy, simply because I know nothing about it's OTL structure and information is NOT easy to come by.

 

[King of the Uzbeks]

…dreams that would never be fulfilled.

NO ONE LIKES YOU SMALLPOX​

As he departed Cusco the young Sapa Inka was apparently already complaining of a headache. Just a few days after his departure a nasty rumor entered the city that he had disgraced himself by vomiting in public. Soon the rashes came, visible to all, on his hands, face and forearms. Pain spread into his back and neck, making travel excruciating. Bumps followed, all over his body. The young Sapa Inka was sharing his father's fate already, though a different reaper came to claim him. Smallpox, the greatest of the Europeans diseases, had entered the entourage and visited Illaquita. On January 12th the Sapa Inka died, leaving no clear heir[1].

Unlike with the death of Atahualpa Cusco was practically the first place to hear of the death of the Sapa Inka. Suddenly the nobles of Cusco made an about face, suddenly Illaquita was a noble hero, struck down in his quest to free the empire from villainy. They claimed the obvious heir would be his most noble brother Quispe-Tupac. Meanwhile the Quitian garrison in the city began to worry, though they lacked a leader they understood that a Sapa Inka backed by Cusco would not be good for them. So they grabbed Ninancoro and dragged him into Atahualpa's palace, which due the fast pace of events was still a focal point in Cusco and did not yet house Atahualpa's mummy. Exactly how agreeable Ninancoro was to this plan is debatable. The son of Atahualpa had certainly never shown any capability or interest in ruling the empire, and by personality was not one to start a fratricidal war. However he had sided against Quisipe-Tupac when he backed Illaquita and cannot have expected that he would flourish under the rule of his brother. When word of the actions of the Quitians crowds began to form in the streets of Cusco. The city was still in the throughs of plagues and war brought food shortages. Even those of lower classes were opposed to Quitian domination, and anger boiled in the city. Urged onward by local nobility Quispe-Tupac claimed that he was the rightful heir to his brother and condemned the Quitians and ordering that they submit to him.

These events shocked the Quitians, who had expected the city to be cowed by their power. But in truth most actually useful weapons had long ago left the capital, leaving then with a few crossbowmen. They held out in the palace for a day, hoping that the force Illaquita had led out of the city would return and support Ninancoro. But inexplicably the small army stood still, just a few days out of Cusco. It lacked a leader and those who wanted to return to Cusco were opposed by those who wanted to return to their original purpose of guarding the passes. So, in the moment of truth no hell came for the Quitians, besieged in the the Palace.

Rather then surrender and inevitably be executed the Quitians hightailed it out of Cusco, barely managing to fight their way out of the city with Ninancoro in tow. But they did not drop their opposition of Quisipe-Tupac, and maintained that Ninancoro, who by now had no option but to follow through with this rebellion thing, was Sapa Inka. Meanwhile the local priests and nobles, free from the meddling occupation force and high priest, acclaimed Qusipe-Tupac as Sapa Inka. Spanish Sources would soon name the conflict with European names such as the War of Tawantinsuyu Succession. To the Tawantinsuyu themselves it was the War of Two Brothers or combined with the deaths of Atahualpa and Illaquita to form the Year of Four Inkas[2].

Cusco Nobility discussing what to do​

Despite his victory in Cusco it seemed unlikely that Qusipe-Tupac would win the civil war. Once Quisquis's army was alerted to the new situation the general would return to the Andes and crush them. Except when Quisquis had reached Cajacamara he had received a message from Illaquita explaining his actions and ordering Quisquis to continue fighting the Spanish. Quisquis then turned around and descended towards the coast yet again, racing as quickly as possible to try and smash Castro before he could arrange an army from the Chimu of Chan Chan.

Castro had found Chan Chan a mixed bag. Most of the garrison had fled, and there was indeed local support, so taking the city wasn't a particularly difficult compared to Tumbez. There was still a large amount of gold and silver in the city, which he dutifully seized. However his dreams of a native force were not fulfilled in the way he had hoped. Instead of finding a Tlaxcala ready to jump into a fight against the Tawantinsuyu he found a population that, while eager to fight, was not well equipped to march with him. They had little to no training fighting and no central leader to ally with. And despite the fact that the Tawantinsuyu had been unable to completely destroy Chimu culture there were still quite a few Queacha speakers in the area who were not happy to lose power. Small rebellions would pop up repeatedly, though many of the perpetrators ended up being seized and killed by fellow locals before Castro even showed up. Castro had hoped for civil war following Atahualpa's death, and time to organize more, but that did not come to pass. So Castro left Chan Chan a great deal richer and with a few thousand more men, though they were at best slingers but mostly just wielded clubs. Castro made a beeline for Quisquis, who was happy to return the favor.

By the time Quisquis got word that Illaquita was dead and Cusco in revolt he was already on top of Castro, north of Chan Chan but still along the coast. They would meet in the near the Pacasmaya River on February 19.

The charge of the Tawantinsuyu ​

The land they fought on was flat, but there was little land to move about on. Castro made a line. He placed his native allies the front to blunt and entrap the Tawantinsuyu's attacks, leaving his own Spaniards to finish off any particularly troublesome groups. He then planned the charge the weakened Tawantinsuyu line.

Quisquis planned a more shock and awe strategy, aiming at breaking the untrained Chimu and then isolating the Spanish forces.

The fight that followed broke in favor of Castro. The Chimu proved less adept at stopping Tawantinsuyu charges then he had hoped, but they still ended up bogged down from the tenacious fighting. In particular Quisquis had hoped to break them with his calvary, but instead the Tawantinsuyu horses found themselves fighting with the Spanish. They were no match, and none even got the chance to retreat. The Tawantinsuyu calvary were slaughtered or captured to a man. Quisquis's artillery and gunmen were proving a non-factor, they were good at temporarily scattering the enemy but a lack of skill and the need to conserve powder limited their ability to permanently break lines. With his calvary gone Quisquis threw his infantry into the fray, iron and bronze raining down on the Chimu. Again the Spaniards came foreword to help their allies, and again the Tawantinsuyu were defeated. This time they were able to retreat in somewhat good order.

Now the Spanish charged, the crackle of guns accompanying the horses and pikes. The Chimu charged forward as well, wielding clubs and throwing stones. The Tawantinsuyu had retreated, but had not yet been able to ready themselves for the attack. The melee that followed was gruesome, and saw nearly a dozen Spaniards die, but the Tawantinsuyu were disorganized and began to break. Quisquis recognized this and tried to organize a retreat, but it began to turn towards a rout very quickly. Those he could organize he fled north towards Saña to contemplate his next move.

Castro meanwhile basked in his victory. The Tawantinsuyu Army had been broken outside of the Northern and Southern extremities. His spirits were further lifted when he heard of the violence that had erupted over the succession. He returned to Chan Chan and began to organize a march for the mountains.

_____

1: Raise a glass, etc etc.
2: "But wait!" You say. "Illaquita's reign, though brief, did include parts of both 1547 and 1548!" And to that I say "Tawantinsuyu Calendar."

 

[King of the Uzbeks]

Oops did I say "finished the next update"? I meant "finished the next two updates"

 

[Icedaemon]

Interesting. Is Manco Capac due to be the eventual Sapa Inca who actually lasts a decent while after his brother's line dies out?

 

[MagicalPhantom345]

Oops did I say "finished the next update"? I meant "finished the next two updates"

Well either way, it seems that Spanish conquest is inevitable in the end

 

[Thesaurus Rex]

The T.S. should be well aware of what tuberculosis meant -- considering it existed in the Americas long before European contact

Aww fuck. This is not a good time.

Also, I'm hoping that eventually there will be a chapter dedicated to the Tawantinsuyu navy, simply because I know nothing about it's OTL structure and information is NOT easy to come by.

No clue how it's organized, either. But at least their balsas could be able to out-sail most Spanish ships if the situation demanded.

@King of the Uzbeks is Chimor gonna be a thing again?

 

[Mackon]

Well either way, it seems that Spanish conquest is inevitable in the end

-nods- looks like it, the Incas are falling apart. Maybe a small successor state will salvage itself in the hinterlands but at the moment the Spanish look like they are stomping nearly as well as OTL.

 

[MagicalPhantom345]

-nods- looks like it, the Incas are falling apart. Maybe a small successor state will salvage itself in the hinterlands but at the moment the Spanish look like they are stomping nearly as well as OTL.

Although it's gonna change the power dynamics of Spanish colonial administration considerably