God Wills It - A HPM Roman AAR - Part 4
Game: Victoria 2
Published: 2017-02-06, edited: 1970-01-01
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Part of the campaign:
God Wills It - A HPM Roman AAR
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God is Not Dead
As the wave of liberalism and the evils that come with it sweep across the world, one state stands tall and true to the word of God, refusing to buckle to the demands of the devil's agents. So true to the word of God, including that passage when Jesus totally says "Popes ought to exist", that the Papacy has crushed all dissent, ensured the stability of the Catholic world and put an end to the Roman Ambition.
In a dark world of sin, we are the light in the black.
As the wave of liberalism and the evils that come with it sweep across the world, one state stands tall and true to the word of God, refusing to buckle to the demands of the devil's agents. So true to the word of God, including that passage when Jesus totally says "Popes ought to exist", that the Papacy has crushed all dissent, ensured the stability of the Catholic world and put an end to the Roman Ambition.
In a dark world of sin, we are the light in the black.
Mare Nostrum
One of the key foreign policy goals behind Pius' grand ambitions is the domination of the North African coast, which would help solidify the Papal position as one of the Great Powers of Europe as well as project the image of the Papacy as the true successor to the Roman Empire.
One of the key foreign policy goals behind Pius' grand ambitions is the domination of the North African coast, which would help solidify the Papal position as one of the Great Powers of Europe as well as project the image of the Papacy as the true successor to the Roman Empire.
ECONomics
Those dastardly eCONomists, always ready to spread their lies and pretend to be a science, continue to develop their models that only work in some imaginary circumstance. After all, did the Economists predict the Industrial Revolution? Or the last recession? Of course they didn't, hence the entire field is worthless.
Those dastardly eCONomists, always ready to spread their lies and pretend to be a science, continue to develop their models that only work in some imaginary circumstance. After all, did the Economists predict the Industrial Revolution? Or the last recession? Of course they didn't, hence the entire field is worthless.
The Blood of Jesus Corporation`
The Blood of Jesus Winery opens in Rome, planning to perform miracles not seen since Jesus' time, such as making a profit from wine.
The Blood of Jesus Winery opens in Rome, planning to perform miracles not seen since Jesus' time, such as making a profit from wine.
The Dark Continent
The British Empire, eager to use their influence in Egypt for fame and glory, head south to trace the source of the Great Nile.
Whilst we are at odds with the Egyptian government, our large guns aboard our navy parked directly outside of Alexandria results in them caving. Pius truly is a master of the Art of the Deal.
We send forth an expedition to map the Nile, as well as the Sudan region in general, should it become useful for a future colony.
The British Empire, eager to use their influence in Egypt for fame and glory, head south to trace the source of the Great Nile.
Whilst we are at odds with the Egyptian government, our large guns aboard our navy parked directly outside of Alexandria results in them caving. Pius truly is a master of the Art of the Deal.
We send forth an expedition to map the Nile, as well as the Sudan region in general, should it become useful for a future colony.
You're Mine Now
As it becomes increasingly clear that the British will soon incorporate the Egyptian state into their Empire, subjugating the sovereignty of the proud civilization, the Pope turns to his advisors and proclaims his intention to liberate the oppressed Coptic Christians from the evil Anglican rule.
The Holy Navy enforces a blockade on major Egyptian ports, blocking British ships from passing. Several British merchants are arrested and locked up on suspicions of "blocking imperialist ambitions". The Pope justifies his actions on the findings of the Nile Expedition regarding the near-starvation conditions of the Coptic Christians to the south. Of course, the Nile Expedition forgot to mention that everyone in Egypt was experiencing near-starvation conditions, but that's a minor detail.
The French, hoping to avenge their defeat in the War of 1847, agree to assist the Papacy and back up the blockade. This triggers a crisis, with the British threatening to secure their trade interests.
As it becomes increasingly clear that the British will soon incorporate the Egyptian state into their Empire, subjugating the sovereignty of the proud civilization, the Pope turns to his advisors and proclaims his intention to liberate the oppressed Coptic Christians from the evil Anglican rule.
The Holy Navy enforces a blockade on major Egyptian ports, blocking British ships from passing. Several British merchants are arrested and locked up on suspicions of "blocking imperialist ambitions". The Pope justifies his actions on the findings of the Nile Expedition regarding the near-starvation conditions of the Coptic Christians to the south. Of course, the Nile Expedition forgot to mention that everyone in Egypt was experiencing near-starvation conditions, but that's a minor detail.
The French, hoping to avenge their defeat in the War of 1847, agree to assist the Papacy and back up the blockade. This triggers a crisis, with the British threatening to secure their trade interests.
Cash out on ammunition futures whilst you can
Day traders rejoice as the value of futures of goods relating to war skyrocket. The European powers brace for yet another colonial war over the rise of the Papacy. The Pope, however, insists that he is acting in accordance with Jesus' will, specifically quoting that passage when Jesus said "Lol Byzantium will rise again remove kebab wtf paradox stop nerfing Rome".
Day traders rejoice as the value of futures of goods relating to war skyrocket. The European powers brace for yet another colonial war over the rise of the Papacy. The Pope, however, insists that he is acting in accordance with Jesus' will, specifically quoting that passage when Jesus said "Lol Byzantium will rise again remove kebab wtf paradox stop nerfing Rome".
Help us help you
We insist, at a meeting of delegates in Paris over the crisis, that it is essential that Egypt fall under the indisputable dominion of a European power in order to maintain their stability and settle the "Egyptian question" once and for all. It would be detrimental to the global balance of powers, however, for the British Empire to take Egypt, and hence granting the state to the newly risen and colony-free Papal States will help preserve the Concert of Europe.
We insist, at a meeting of delegates in Paris over the crisis, that it is essential that Egypt fall under the indisputable dominion of a European power in order to maintain their stability and settle the "Egyptian question" once and for all. It would be detrimental to the global balance of powers, however, for the British Empire to take Egypt, and hence granting the state to the newly risen and colony-free Papal States will help preserve the Concert of Europe.
A deadlock
Whilst international observers are pleased with the idea of limiting British strength, doubts are raised over the amicable intentions of the Papal States. Some question whether our imperialism will stretch beyond our borders in Italy - whether we pose a risk to our neighbours in Savoy and the dying Kingdom of Naples. The Pope insists that Papal expansion only serves to illuminate an unenlightened continent.
Whilst international observers are pleased with the idea of limiting British strength, doubts are raised over the amicable intentions of the Papal States. Some question whether our imperialism will stretch beyond our borders in Italy - whether we pose a risk to our neighbours in Savoy and the dying Kingdom of Naples. The Pope insists that Papal expansion only serves to illuminate an unenlightened continent.
Restorationist obstructionism
Fundamentalists, a faction of political opposition to the Pope that survived that Revolution of 1858, oppose attempts to fund the military any further and express disgust over Papal colonialism. Furthermore, several Nationalists see expansion in Africa as a distraction from realizing the Italian Dream.
Fundamentalists, a faction of political opposition to the Pope that survived that Revolution of 1858, oppose attempts to fund the military any further and express disgust over Papal colonialism. Furthermore, several Nationalists see expansion in Africa as a distraction from realizing the Italian Dream.
Austria-Hungary Restored!
The Austro-Hungarians recover from their violent defeats at the hands of their liberals. The Habsburgs briefly remove themselves from the skirts of their cousins to annex the last remaining breakaway state in the form of the Republic of Banat.
With this, the Springtime of Nations has finally come to an end, and the old regimes of the world breathe a sigh of relief.
The Austro-Hungarians recover from their violent defeats at the hands of their liberals. The Habsburgs briefly remove themselves from the skirts of their cousins to annex the last remaining breakaway state in the form of the Republic of Banat.
With this, the Springtime of Nations has finally come to an end, and the old regimes of the world breathe a sigh of relief.
A minor altercation
A stage of slightly increased hostilities between two fleets occurs near Alexandria, which ends with our forces accidentally burning down the Library of Alexandria and looting large swathes of the city. This puts us in a bit of a diplomatic predicament.
Whilst we argue that the death toll of 2103 Egyptians is actually rather negligible as each Egyptian man is worth roughly zero-fifths a white, the Egyptians are not pleased.
A stage of slightly increased hostilities between two fleets occurs near Alexandria, which ends with our forces accidentally burning down the Library of Alexandria and looting large swathes of the city. This puts us in a bit of a diplomatic predicament.
Whilst we argue that the death toll of 2103 Egyptians is actually rather negligible as each Egyptian man is worth roughly zero-fifths a white, the Egyptians are not pleased.
U wot mate?
The Great Schism Schisms harder as the Russians claim to be the defender of Christianity in order to justify an invasion of the Ottoman Empire.
That's *our* strategy, damnit, get your own.
The Great Schism Schisms harder as the Russians claim to be the defender of Christianity in order to justify an invasion of the Ottoman Empire.
That's *our* strategy, damnit, get your own.
I don't know about these eCONomists
The eCONomists continue to develop their fantasies of a world where all the complexities of life can be described by two straight lines. These are obviously the ravings of madmen in a pseudoscience. Listening to their policy, economic output increases, but this is clearly a fluke. A subject where you cannot be 100% sure of your conclusions is not a science. After all, its Newton's Law of Gravity not his Theory of Gravitation.
The eCONomists continue to develop their fantasies of a world where all the complexities of life can be described by two straight lines. These are obviously the ravings of madmen in a pseudoscience. Listening to their policy, economic output increases, but this is clearly a fluke. A subject where you cannot be 100% sure of your conclusions is not a science. After all, its Newton's Law of Gravity not his Theory of Gravitation.
Pew Pew pew
Pew Pew Pew Pew, Pew pew, pew pew Pew pew
-Jesus, 29 AD
Pew Pew Pew Pew, Pew pew, pew pew Pew pew
-Jesus, 29 AD
VIVA LA ROME
AEGYPTUS WILL BE RESTORED!
LET SLIP THE DOGS OF WAR, DEUS VULTS!
AEGYPTUS WILL BE RESTORED!
LET SLIP THE DOGS OF WAR, DEUS VULTS!
Tensions dissipate as we declare war
With the Egyptians failing to acquiesce to our demands of total subjugation as the Brits demanding an end to our disruption of traffic, Pius concludes that the international political environment has grown hostile enough for the start of a war.
A Papal ship accidentally crosses too close to Alexandria, and it is sunk. Obviously, this is an egregious violation on the part of the Egyptians - how dare they attempt to defend their waters from our constant intrusions. We declare war to avenge the lives of the twelve slaves on board placed their to minimalize losses.
With the Egyptians failing to acquiesce to our demands of total subjugation as the Brits demanding an end to our disruption of traffic, Pius concludes that the international political environment has grown hostile enough for the start of a war.
A Papal ship accidentally crosses too close to Alexandria, and it is sunk. Obviously, this is an egregious violation on the part of the Egyptians - how dare they attempt to defend their waters from our constant intrusions. We declare war to avenge the lives of the twelve slaves on board placed their to minimalize losses.
Hey, wanna be friends?
In order to assuade fears about "crazy warmongering Pope Pius IX", the Pope pays a state visit to the neutral Italian state of Modena, where he proposes an alliance. The Modenans glady accept, and we remove our guns from their temples.
In order to assuade fears about "crazy warmongering Pope Pius IX", the Pope pays a state visit to the neutral Italian state of Modena, where he proposes an alliance. The Modenans glady accept, and we remove our guns from their temples.
The Second French Expedition
A decade ago, another French expedition was shot down in its attempt to conquer the rightful Papal province of Aegyptus. Brave French men now gather in Algeria, ready to finally subjugate a most rebellious peoples, and bring Peace In Our Time.
A decade ago, another French expedition was shot down in its attempt to conquer the rightful Papal province of Aegyptus. Brave French men now gather in Algeria, ready to finally subjugate a most rebellious peoples, and bring Peace In Our Time.
Peace in Our Time
Speaking of peace in our time, the Crimean War.
The Concert of Europe was more a suggestion than a realistic goal, right guys?
Speaking of peace in our time, the Crimean War.
The Concert of Europe was more a suggestion than a realistic goal, right guys?
Small government means more government intervention in your life!
The Restorationists and their powerful fundamental lobby enforce strict codes of morality - discouraging drinking.
This, of course, is problematic as the poor might just revolt if they ever became sober enough to remember how much they're starving.
The Restorationists and their powerful fundamental lobby enforce strict codes of morality - discouraging drinking.
This, of course, is problematic as the poor might just revolt if they ever became sober enough to remember how much they're starving.
Down but not out
The Second Austro-Prussian War as the Germans once again ask themselves the question: would they rather be ruled by secret Polish people, or by Habsburgs?
The Second Austro-Prussian War as the Germans once again ask themselves the question: would they rather be ruled by secret Polish people, or by Habsburgs?
Leaving home, set ashore!
Oh what it means to die in the sands of Egypt! As winter approaches in 1860 and the French expedition faces delays, the Army of God sets out to force the Egyptians into subjugation.
With the Brits caught up in the Austro-Prussian War and the Crimean War at the same time, they are unable to do much more than issue diplomatic protests.
Oh what it means to die in the sands of Egypt! As winter approaches in 1860 and the French expedition faces delays, the Army of God sets out to force the Egyptians into subjugation.
With the Brits caught up in the Austro-Prussian War and the Crimean War at the same time, they are unable to do much more than issue diplomatic protests.
Dumyat falls
The Army of God premiers its latest weapon of doom, fielding Europe's latest technology from the last decade. The Egyptians are unable to resist the wrath of the White Man - God, I mean God.
The Army of God premiers its latest weapon of doom, fielding Europe's latest technology from the last decade. The Egyptians are unable to resist the wrath of the White Man - God, I mean God.
Molinelli takes charge
After the initial beachfront is established at Dumyat, famed Roman General Molinelli takes charge of the war effort. Molinelli is well known as an aggressive leader who reportedly supported Republican efforts during the Revolution of 1858. His prominence in the military, however, prevented his removal from power.
Of course, Pius presumes, that the Republican movement is dead, and old Molinelli poses no threat to the establishment whatsoever.
The left is dead.
After the initial beachfront is established at Dumyat, famed Roman General Molinelli takes charge of the war effort. Molinelli is well known as an aggressive leader who reportedly supported Republican efforts during the Revolution of 1858. His prominence in the military, however, prevented his removal from power.
Of course, Pius presumes, that the Republican movement is dead, and old Molinelli poses no threat to the establishment whatsoever.
The left is dead.
The Crimean War Ends!
British and French attempts to contain Russian expansionism prove successful as the Ottoman Empire resists Russian incursions. Meanwhile, Central Europe burns down as the Habsburgs and her allies in the Netherlands and Spain fight over the German crown.
British and French attempts to contain Russian expansionism prove successful as the Ottoman Empire resists Russian incursions. Meanwhile, Central Europe burns down as the Habsburgs and her allies in the Netherlands and Spain fight over the German crown.
The Battle of Cairo
Molinelli proves extraordinarily capable as he defeats a massive Egyptian army in Cairo with minimal losses on his part. He is unable to march on the city, however, as his supply routes are under attack by a secondary Egyptian force.
Molinelli proves extraordinarily capable as he defeats a massive Egyptian army in Cairo with minimal losses on his part. He is unable to march on the city, however, as his supply routes are under attack by a secondary Egyptian force.
The Second Battle of Dumyat
Egyptian forces are driven from Dumyat, leading the path open for a siege to be set up to take Cairo.
Egyptian forces are driven from Dumyat, leading the path open for a siege to be set up to take Cairo.
Damnit, France, you aren't even helping
As the French expedition struggles to even arrive in Egypt, the French have begun making demands to seize part of the Northern Egyptian coast away from Papal control, thus defeating the purpose of the war in the first place.
We are , of course in no place to argue with the French. History's biggest traitors continue to be treacherous.
As the French expedition struggles to even arrive in Egypt, the French have begun making demands to seize part of the Northern Egyptian coast away from Papal control, thus defeating the purpose of the war in the first place.
We are , of course in no place to argue with the French. History's biggest traitors continue to be treacherous.
Fucking hell, France!
As thousands of Roman men fall in the deserts of Egypt attempting to carve a path to Cairo, the French understand the concept of leverage and "big gun beat small gun".
As thousands of Roman men fall in the deserts of Egypt attempting to carve a path to Cairo, the French understand the concept of leverage and "big gun beat small gun".
Onwards, to Cairo!
The remnants of the Egyptian army is swept up and the approach on Cairo can begin. Once Cairo falls, the Egyptians will be forced to surrender and we'll have that sweet, sweet colonial land -protection of Coptic Christians.
The remnants of the Egyptian army is swept up and the approach on Cairo can begin. Once Cairo falls, the Egyptians will be forced to surrender and we'll have that sweet, sweet colonial land -protection of Coptic Christians.
The Siege of Cairo
Molinelli crushes yet another Egyptian Army outside Cairo, allowing his forces to surround the city and cut off supplies. The remnants of the Army retreat to within the City and prepare for siege.
God wills it - Egypt will be Roman once again!
Molinelli crushes yet another Egyptian Army outside Cairo, allowing his forces to surround the city and cut off supplies. The remnants of the Army retreat to within the City and prepare for siege.
God wills it - Egypt will be Roman once again!
The Armistice
The Second Austro-Prussian War enters its final few months as Prussian troops and their German allies enter Vienna, forcing the Austro-Hungarians to agree to an armistice. Meanwhile, however, the remnants of the Anti-Prussian Coalition in the form of Bavaria the Netherlands, Spain and Naples continue to fight in Western Germany, making significant gains.
The Second Austro-Prussian War enters its final few months as Prussian troops and their German allies enter Vienna, forcing the Austro-Hungarians to agree to an armistice. Meanwhile, however, the remnants of the Anti-Prussian Coalition in the form of Bavaria the Netherlands, Spain and Naples continue to fight in Western Germany, making significant gains.
Someone's cocky
The Kingdom of Naples, now leading the war effort, decides to demand that Schwelsig-Holstein be forced out of the German Confederation in exchange for a ceasefire. This demand has a strategic value that is difficult to determine, largely as it does not exist.
The Kingdom of Naples, now leading the war effort, decides to demand that Schwelsig-Holstein be forced out of the German Confederation in exchange for a ceasefire. This demand has a strategic value that is difficult to determine, largely as it does not exist.
Germany loses against an inferior force
Germany starts their long and proud tradition of fucking up a war they had no chance of losing.
Germany starts their long and proud tradition of fucking up a war they had no chance of losing.
The Treaty of Vienna (1861)
The Austro-Prussian War concludes inconclusively. In the Treaty of Vienna, the Austrians give up their entire sphere of influence over the South German states, paving the way for the German unification. At the same time, they agree to dismantle their armed forces for a period of 5 years. This thus settles the German Question forever - or 5 years, which ever is shorter.
At the same time, Prussia is forced to concede to the exit of Mecklenberg and Schwelsig-Holstein from the German Confederation. Their failure to conclusively unite Germany in spite of strong rhetoric as to German invincibility results in a humiliation of their armed forces.
The Austro-Prussian War concludes inconclusively. In the Treaty of Vienna, the Austrians give up their entire sphere of influence over the South German states, paving the way for the German unification. At the same time, they agree to dismantle their armed forces for a period of 5 years. This thus settles the German Question forever - or 5 years, which ever is shorter.
At the same time, Prussia is forced to concede to the exit of Mecklenberg and Schwelsig-Holstein from the German Confederation. Their failure to conclusively unite Germany in spite of strong rhetoric as to German invincibility results in a humiliation of their armed forces.
The Last Stand At Cairo
As the people of Cairo begin to starve, it becomes clear to the Egyptian Army that they cannot wait forever. Their enemy is simply too great - their God has deserted them. All they can do, now, is to march forth and greet the Army of God, with its superior guns, tactics and formation, and meet their certain death.
The bravery shown by the men of the Army of Egypt on December the 3rd certainly requires that any author writing about it treat them with the highest honour and respect.
Or, it would be the case, if they weren't filthy kebabs FUCK U Christianity #1.
As the people of Cairo begin to starve, it becomes clear to the Egyptian Army that they cannot wait forever. Their enemy is simply too great - their God has deserted them. All they can do, now, is to march forth and greet the Army of God, with its superior guns, tactics and formation, and meet their certain death.
The bravery shown by the men of the Army of Egypt on December the 3rd certainly requires that any author writing about it treat them with the highest honour and respect.
Or, it would be the case, if they weren't filthy kebabs FUCK U Christianity #1.
The French Expedition Arrives
As the French Expedition begins to rapidly occupy their claims in Northern Egypt, Pope Pius becomes increasingly worried about the integrity of his future plans of an Egyptian protectorate, and hence announces his competing intention to annex Alexandria as a Papal colony.
This prompts immediate global backlash, which France does not shield the Papacy from. Within Rome, the Fundamentalists rapidly align themselves against the Papacy - demanding that the Pope be stripped of sovereign power in order to ensure that the post remains free from corrupting influences.
As the French Expedition begins to rapidly occupy their claims in Northern Egypt, Pope Pius becomes increasingly worried about the integrity of his future plans of an Egyptian protectorate, and hence announces his competing intention to annex Alexandria as a Papal colony.
This prompts immediate global backlash, which France does not shield the Papacy from. Within Rome, the Fundamentalists rapidly align themselves against the Papacy - demanding that the Pope be stripped of sovereign power in order to ensure that the post remains free from corrupting influences.
The Treaty of Cairo
France negotiates with the Sultan of Egypt, captured as he attempted to flee to Ottoman Libya. The Sultan agrees to the French proposal - the northern coast is to fall under the French Egyptian Coast - a new African protectorate. The rest of his Sultanate is to remain intact, under Papal guidance.
Pius, facing little domestic or international support for his claims, is forced to back down.
France negotiates with the Sultan of Egypt, captured as he attempted to flee to Ottoman Libya. The Sultan agrees to the French proposal - the northern coast is to fall under the French Egyptian Coast - a new African protectorate. The rest of his Sultanate is to remain intact, under Papal guidance.
Pius, facing little domestic or international support for his claims, is forced to back down.
Love me!
With the Sultan now our loyal subject, the Pope remembers that the Egyptians hate our guts. He sends a letter to the Sultan in which he insists "Shh bby is ok".
With the Sultan now our loyal subject, the Pope remembers that the Egyptians hate our guts. He sends a letter to the Sultan in which he insists "Shh bby is ok".
The Turko-German Alliance
Following the Austro-Hungarian defeat in the Austro-Prussian War, the Ottoman Empire allies itself with the growing power in the North German Confederation.
This flies in the face of Pius' secretive plans to take back the holy land, for the sake of those sweet, sweet pops - I mean slaves - I mean god wills it.
Following the Austro-Hungarian defeat in the Austro-Prussian War, the Ottoman Empire allies itself with the growing power in the North German Confederation.
This flies in the face of Pius' secretive plans to take back the holy land, for the sake of those sweet, sweet pops - I mean slaves - I mean god wills it.
The Far Right Rises
Nationalists, angered by what appears to be a foreign policy focused on North Africa and not the ultimate goal of unification finally issue a Call to Arms. The Unification Front sees its recruitment skyrocket, and fights break out in the streets as the Unification Front clashes with supporters of the Papacy.
The Front begins to align itself with the Fundamentalists, calling for the ultimate overthrow of the Papacy or at the very least the replacement of Pius.
Meanwhile, the remnants of the Revolution of 1858 begin to reorganize as the "Romanists".
Nationalists, angered by what appears to be a foreign policy focused on North Africa and not the ultimate goal of unification finally issue a Call to Arms. The Unification Front sees its recruitment skyrocket, and fights break out in the streets as the Unification Front clashes with supporters of the Papacy.
The Front begins to align itself with the Fundamentalists, calling for the ultimate overthrow of the Papacy or at the very least the replacement of Pius.
Meanwhile, the remnants of the Revolution of 1858 begin to reorganize as the "Romanists".
The Desert Storm
The Army of God, returning from Egypt and sailing back home comes back with a new level of expertise. Molinelli is celebrated as a hero of the Papal States, but soon runs into odds with the Papacy after identifying himself as a Romanist.
The Army of God, returning from Egypt and sailing back home comes back with a new level of expertise. Molinelli is celebrated as a hero of the Papal States, but soon runs into odds with the Papacy after identifying himself as a Romanist.
What is a State without God?
Ideas about what an effective government should be like, and what the state's relationship with the people ought to be, pour into the Papal States.
Ideas about what an effective government should be like, and what the state's relationship with the people ought to be, pour into the Papal States.
Your Call Was Heard
The six months following the Unification Front's Call to Union is one of chaos throughout the Italian subcontinent. Unification Front leader Evaldo Marcolini's charisma allows his message to spread far and wide. Several articles are penned regarding the necessity that Italy remain divided no more.
As the Papacy resists these demands, the Kingdom of Savoy - seeing potential for restoration - steps up, declaring its intention to bring all the Italian states under its rule.
This immediately triggers backlash from Tuscany and the Kingdom of Naples - meanwhile, the Austro-Hungarians remain nervous about the Italy territories they own.
Towards October, the Kingdom of Savoy lays out its claim to 'rightful Italian territory' under the oppression of the Habsburgs. The French, seeing an opportunity to eviscerate their rival, already weakened from the Austro-Prussian War, back the Savoyard claim and escalate the situation, triggering a war in January 1863.
The six months following the Unification Front's Call to Union is one of chaos throughout the Italian subcontinent. Unification Front leader Evaldo Marcolini's charisma allows his message to spread far and wide. Several articles are penned regarding the necessity that Italy remain divided no more.
As the Papacy resists these demands, the Kingdom of Savoy - seeing potential for restoration - steps up, declaring its intention to bring all the Italian states under its rule.
This immediately triggers backlash from Tuscany and the Kingdom of Naples - meanwhile, the Austro-Hungarians remain nervous about the Italy territories they own.
Towards October, the Kingdom of Savoy lays out its claim to 'rightful Italian territory' under the oppression of the Habsburgs. The French, seeing an opportunity to eviscerate their rival, already weakened from the Austro-Prussian War, back the Savoyard claim and escalate the situation, triggering a war in January 1863.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Pius is faced with a difficult choice - he values his alliance with France, but also fears emboldening the members of the Unification Front within the Papal States. Ultimately, he honors the call to arms.
In response to a now existential threat, Tuscany and the Kingdom of Naples declare war on France, Savoy and the Papal States. The Kingdom of Naples brands the war as a "Final Stand" against Papal and French aggression.
Meanwhile, Spain answers the Austro-Hungarian pleas for assistance. A true 16th-century style Italian War has hence shaped up - the fate of states on the peninsula will be decided not by themselves, but by France, Spain and Austria.
As is tradition.
Pius is faced with a difficult choice - he values his alliance with France, but also fears emboldening the members of the Unification Front within the Papal States. Ultimately, he honors the call to arms.
In response to a now existential threat, Tuscany and the Kingdom of Naples declare war on France, Savoy and the Papal States. The Kingdom of Naples brands the war as a "Final Stand" against Papal and French aggression.
Meanwhile, Spain answers the Austro-Hungarian pleas for assistance. A true 16th-century style Italian War has hence shaped up - the fate of states on the peninsula will be decided not by themselves, but by France, Spain and Austria.
As is tradition.
Emergency funding
The Pope, alarmed by the sudden development in the international stage, orders emergency shipments of arms from France, and prepares his armies for war.
Thanks to fiscally liberal spending policies, the Papal treasury is small and cannot sustain a deficit for long, throwing a wrench into things.
The Pope, alarmed by the sudden development in the international stage, orders emergency shipments of arms from France, and prepares his armies for war.
Thanks to fiscally liberal spending policies, the Papal treasury is small and cannot sustain a deficit for long, throwing a wrench into things.
The South Falls
The Army of God and the newly formed Second Army move north to intercept the Tuscan and Austrian, thus leaving southern italy open to incursions by the Kingdom of Naples, ardent to take back both Puglia and seize Rome.
Pius flees from Rome before the Napoli armies arrive.
The Army of God and the newly formed Second Army move north to intercept the Tuscan and Austrian, thus leaving southern italy open to incursions by the Kingdom of Naples, ardent to take back both Puglia and seize Rome.
Pius flees from Rome before the Napoli armies arrive.
The charge of the bulls
Spanish armies make very rapid gains in the southern french countryside, as the French army fights in Baden and Austria. Meanwhile, the Papal armies are sent to the south to push back the enemy advances.
Spanish armies make very rapid gains in the southern french countryside, as the French army fights in Baden and Austria. Meanwhile, the Papal armies are sent to the south to push back the enemy advances.
The Battle of Aquila
Desperate to ensure a quick victory, the Pope orders his armies to charge directly into a superior enemy force.
Meanwhile, Rome and occupied Puglia fall into chaos, allowing for gains in the Unification Front. Whilst the Front was pleased with the Papal declaration of war, it did not consider Pius' intentions to be sympathetic to their cause. Amongst the academia, still recovering from purges after the Revolution of 1858, the Romanist revival sees some progress.
Desperate to ensure a quick victory, the Pope orders his armies to charge directly into a superior enemy force.
Meanwhile, Rome and occupied Puglia fall into chaos, allowing for gains in the Unification Front. Whilst the Front was pleased with the Papal declaration of war, it did not consider Pius' intentions to be sympathetic to their cause. Amongst the academia, still recovering from purges after the Revolution of 1858, the Romanist revival sees some progress.
The Pope Surrenders!
Seeing the Battle of Aquila swinging rapidly against his favor, and worried about the spread of revolutionary elements, the Pope surrenders. Both the Pope and Spain agree to a white peace.
This triggers outrage from France, however, the Austrians continue to be forced back.
Meanwhile, the Pope returns to a Rome where his control has diminished significantly and with a populace displeased with the disruption in their lives. The Pope hence eases his totalitarian policies in an effort to dissuade revolutionaries.
Seeing the Battle of Aquila swinging rapidly against his favor, and worried about the spread of revolutionary elements, the Pope surrenders. Both the Pope and Spain agree to a white peace.
This triggers outrage from France, however, the Austrians continue to be forced back.
Meanwhile, the Pope returns to a Rome where his control has diminished significantly and with a populace displeased with the disruption in their lives. The Pope hence eases his totalitarian policies in an effort to dissuade revolutionaries.
The ... Center Will Rise
After having to defend himself as a backwards reactionary several times as a result of far-left Fundamentalist Bernandus Sandio, who claims he is a "moderate" and "bought by the leftists" because he isn't as crazy far-right as possible, the Pope gives up.
Tired of obstructionist reactionaries and their anti-war stance, the Pope casts away all fundamentalist influence in his Chamber of Advisors, replacing them with moderates. He hopes the swing to the center will encourage the leftists dissatisfied with his rule to calm down, and undermine the influence of the fundamentalists seeking to oust him.
After having to defend himself as a backwards reactionary several times as a result of far-left Fundamentalist Bernandus Sandio, who claims he is a "moderate" and "bought by the leftists" because he isn't as crazy far-right as possible, the Pope gives up.
Tired of obstructionist reactionaries and their anti-war stance, the Pope casts away all fundamentalist influence in his Chamber of Advisors, replacing them with moderates. He hopes the swing to the center will encourage the leftists dissatisfied with his rule to calm down, and undermine the influence of the fundamentalists seeking to oust him.
The Budget Lives!
The two month-long war drains 11% of the reserves, but the Papacy makes it out financially unscathed, which is more than they can say about previous wars in Italy.
The two month-long war drains 11% of the reserves, but the Papacy makes it out financially unscathed, which is more than they can say about previous wars in Italy.
Blood on the fields of France
The French Army, the greatest land force the world has ever seen, is split between fighting in Baden and fighting the Spaniards, thus resulting in losses across the fields of Southern France.
Meanwhile, however, Savoyard armies alone manage to take the fight deep into the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lending credibility to their claim to all of Italy by casting off the Habsburg yoke.
The French Army, the greatest land force the world has ever seen, is split between fighting in Baden and fighting the Spaniards, thus resulting in losses across the fields of Southern France.
Meanwhile, however, Savoyard armies alone manage to take the fight deep into the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lending credibility to their claim to all of Italy by casting off the Habsburg yoke.
The people are pissed
Reciting that one Romans passage over and over has not been a solid strategy when it comes to averting rebellions.
Reciting that one Romans passage over and over has not been a solid strategy when it comes to averting rebellions.
The Rebellion of 1863
In Puglia, more rebels rise up. Unfortunately, nobody remembered to tell the Pope what kind of rebels they were, so he just had everyone lined up and shot.
In Puglia, more rebels rise up. Unfortunately, nobody remembered to tell the Pope what kind of rebels they were, so he just had everyone lined up and shot.
Rome will be restored
Branching out of the ideas of the Romanist movement is the dream to restore the Roman Empire.
Branching out of the ideas of the Romanist movement is the dream to restore the Roman Empire.
Wait nevermind
But research points matter more than oppressing the Negro.
It still has Empire in its name!
But research points matter more than oppressing the Negro.
It still has Empire in its name!
Ayyy Ethiopia, wun sum Italy
We invite the Ethiopians over to Rome, serving their traditional foods. They go to bed hungry.
We invite the Ethiopians over to Rome, serving their traditional foods. They go to bed hungry.
The Monarchists
Over the border, the hardships caused by high war taxes result in widespread anger against the ruling parliament. The King of Naples blamed Parliament for obstructing him, and uses the anger to trigger a monarchist uprising to restore the absolute monarchy.
Over the border, the hardships caused by high war taxes result in widespread anger against the ruling parliament. The King of Naples blamed Parliament for obstructing him, and uses the anger to trigger a monarchist uprising to restore the absolute monarchy.
Over the Pyrenees, into Victories
The French, finished with occupying Baden, turn to southern France. Over 1863 and early 1864, they beat back the Spanish advance, crossing the Pyrenees in March and begin to march towards Madrid.
With the Savoyards preparing to take Vienna, the Spaniards and Austrians surrender, with Lombardia annexed by the Kingdom of Savoy.
This results in widespread celebration by the Unification Front, with Marcolini's propaganda serviced by the victories of Savoy.
The French, finished with occupying Baden, turn to southern France. Over 1863 and early 1864, they beat back the Spanish advance, crossing the Pyrenees in March and begin to march towards Madrid.
With the Savoyards preparing to take Vienna, the Spaniards and Austrians surrender, with Lombardia annexed by the Kingdom of Savoy.
This results in widespread celebration by the Unification Front, with Marcolini's propaganda serviced by the victories of Savoy.
The Rise of the Socialists
Socialists, the bleeding heartiest of all bleeding heart liberals, make their way into the Chamber of Advisors. They begin to advocate for better education policies in order to calm the populace's demand for reform as well as further the modernization of the Papal States.
Socialists, the bleeding heartiest of all bleeding heart liberals, make their way into the Chamber of Advisors. They begin to advocate for better education policies in order to calm the populace's demand for reform as well as further the modernization of the Papal States.
The Pope is Pleased
The Pope courts the left once more, and agrees to education reforms, passing Pius Core, a state mandated curriculum that ensures all students learn essential skills such as how the praise god, how the bible totally mandates a Pope, and how nationalism is the bane of humanity.
The Pope courts the left once more, and agrees to education reforms, passing Pius Core, a state mandated curriculum that ensures all students learn essential skills such as how the praise god, how the bible totally mandates a Pope, and how nationalism is the bane of humanity.
Fuc u, England!
Whilst our domination over the Egyptian economy is fairly heartwarming (really gets the imperialism pumping through your veins), the British continue to maintain a presence in the region. In order to ensure our total control of Egypt, we "convince" the Sultan to pass laws that prioritize merchants of Italian origin.
Whilst our domination over the Egyptian economy is fairly heartwarming (really gets the imperialism pumping through your veins), the British continue to maintain a presence in the region. In order to ensure our total control of Egypt, we "convince" the Sultan to pass laws that prioritize merchants of Italian origin.
The reform drives on!
With the population still angry, there is sufficient support to continue the Socialists' cause, and the curriculum is expanded, with new benefits announced for teachers. A K-12 education system is properly designed and begins to be implemented throughout the Papal States.
With the population still angry, there is sufficient support to continue the Socialists' cause, and the curriculum is expanded, with new benefits announced for teachers. A K-12 education system is properly designed and begins to be implemented throughout the Papal States.
The Red Winds
Talk of government welfare spread rapidly amongst the lower class, who strongly support the notion.
Talk of government welfare spread rapidly amongst the lower class, who strongly support the notion.
Is Reich Time Now
Talk of North African domination spreads throughout the educated class in the Papal States. Meanwhile, pieces regarding this result in proliferation of the Roman Ambition.
Talk of North African domination spreads throughout the educated class in the Papal States. Meanwhile, pieces regarding this result in proliferation of the Roman Ambition.
The 20th Ecumenical Council
As the Romanists, Fundamentalists and Nationalists begin to rise once again and cooperate with one another, the Pope sees that even after his crushing victory 7 years prior, revolutionary thought has not ceased. He calls for the 20th Ecumenical Council, where arguments are posited for the modernization of the Papacy. Instead, however, the Council takes a drastic turn away from liberalization, and it is decided that the Pope can never be wrong.
As the Romanists, Fundamentalists and Nationalists begin to rise once again and cooperate with one another, the Pope sees that even after his crushing victory 7 years prior, revolutionary thought has not ceased. He calls for the 20th Ecumenical Council, where arguments are posited for the modernization of the Papacy. Instead, however, the Council takes a drastic turn away from liberalization, and it is decided that the Pope can never be wrong.
Christians stand together. You are a Christian, aren't you?
With a tenuous local political climate, our diplomats and foreign investment into Ethiopia pay off, incorporating more of East Africa into the Papal World.
With a tenuous local political climate, our diplomats and foreign investment into Ethiopia pay off, incorporating more of East Africa into the Papal World.
The Resorgimento!
The Kingdom of Savoy, just off its victory last year, has been campaigning aggressively for the unification of the North Italian States. As its army grows in size and number, Tuscany and Modena finally capitulate in December of 1865, and are annexed into the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, seeing this sudden opportunity for unification, the Unififcation Front attempts to overthrow the Papal government and turn over the States to the Kingdom of Savoy. The rebellion in Rome is crushed, but Romagna is seized by Marcolini's supporters, and accedes to the Kingdom of Savoy.
This triggers a diplomatic crisis, where the Papal States demand the return of "stolen" land, but are forced to wait on whether the French side with Savoy or Pius.
Of course, seeing France in a desperate situation, a resurgent enemy is ready to pounce.
The Kingdom of Savoy, just off its victory last year, has been campaigning aggressively for the unification of the North Italian States. As its army grows in size and number, Tuscany and Modena finally capitulate in December of 1865, and are annexed into the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, seeing this sudden opportunity for unification, the Unififcation Front attempts to overthrow the Papal government and turn over the States to the Kingdom of Savoy. The rebellion in Rome is crushed, but Romagna is seized by Marcolini's supporters, and accedes to the Kingdom of Savoy.
This triggers a diplomatic crisis, where the Papal States demand the return of "stolen" land, but are forced to wait on whether the French side with Savoy or Pius.
Of course, seeing France in a desperate situation, a resurgent enemy is ready to pounce.
LEFT BANK OF THE RHINE
L E F T B A N K
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The first of the Final Wars of the Papal States commences.
L E F T B A N K
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The first of the Final Wars of the Papal States commences.
