Spring of Dragons - A history rp - Games

why not just do something like an alt history RP. Germany wins ww2 or ww1, napoleon wins the wars and it takes place thirty years after, the Aztec invasion scenario from CK2... there just doesn't seem to be much new stuff besides "oh china and russia had a battle... but with dragons!!!"

[QUOTE=ImperialGuard;46092147]why not just do something like an alt history RP. Germany wins ww2 or ww1, napoleon wins the wars and it takes place thirty years after, the Aztec invasion scenario from CK2... there just doesn't seem to be much new stuff besides "oh china and russia had a battle... but with dragons!!!"[/QUOTE] Or, I don't know, have a normal RP that is indepth and doesn't die after a turn?

The reason I included dragons was to create an alternate history. At the moment, dragons are only just coming out of the woodwork and will be increasing adopted into society, with the implications thus entailed. They won't be around forever a OP mind, because by the late 19th century, some technological developments will begin to push them into the margins with the development of industrial warfare. In fact, the major reason why Europe became so powerful is because they industrialized first, so the question really becomes how well you can utilize dragons and adapt as time goes on. China and Japan might not be able to.

[QUOTE=ImperialGuard;46092147]why not just do something like an alt history RP. Germany wins ww2 or ww1, napoleon wins the wars and it takes place thirty years after, the Aztec invasion scenario from CK2... there just doesn't seem to be much new stuff besides "oh china and russia had a battle... but with dragons!!!"[/QUOTE] I dunno, I tried to do an interesting fantasy RP with a custom map I made with different races and cool events were planned I got four people, and none of them ever sent in turns.

[QUOTE=Poben;46092196]The reason I included dragons was to create an alternate history. At the moment, dragons are only just coming out of the woodwork and will be increasing adopted into society, with the implications thus entailed. They won't be around forever a OP mind, because by the late 19th century, some technological developments will begin to push them into the margins with the development of industrial warfare. In fact, the major reason why Europe became so powerful is because they industrialized first, so the question really becomes how well you can utilize dragons and adapt as time goes on. China and Japan might not be able to.[/QUOTE] dragons have apparently been around for a long time and have also killed all large birds besides penguins, but have otherwise not changed anything and nothing has been changed by them. that's not really alt history.

Dragons just have a tacky feel to them. Now something like giant sea monsters would be cool.

[QUOTE=ImperialGuard;46092212]dragons have apparently been around for a long time and have also killed all large birds besides penguins, but have otherwise not changed anything and nothing has been changed by them. that's not really alt history.[/QUOTE] Well do you still want to play? The title and OP clearly state what this RP is going to be like, and I pitched the idea to a few people and they all liked it, so I made it. If you aren't happy, you don't have to play, but the point is that I'm including dragons because I'm interested in both the familiar (the historical world) and unfamiliar (dragons). I don't get why people have to be so pissy about this.

fair enough. I was just giving my two cents is all.

Start getting in your turns soonish please. I've written up 3 of them so far and i am working on the next 3 now.

I shall take the Ottoman Empire and call a truce with what I assume is the remainder of the Byzantines [editline]27th September 2014[/editline] My apologies I was misinformed. I will take the Mamluk Sultanate

Please have all of your turns in by 6pm GMT tomorrow.

actually I'm not Austria anymore its time for Venice to Rise [IMG]http://www.crwflags.com/art/countries/venicerepublic.gif[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Poben;46091656]There's no "Italy" but there are a number of Italian city-states and kingdoms ranging from the Papal states, Venice, Genoa, to some kingdoms and duchies.[/QUOTE] If that's the case I'll take North Holland, Netherlands, if that's alright?

[QUOTE=Kirbyfactor;46094960]If that's the case I'll take North Holland, Netherlands, if that's alright?[/QUOTE] Sure thing, although you're under Habsburg boot somewhat right now.

Ok everybody. I'm going on a walk and then having dinner, after which I will begin writing the rest of the turn. You can still send in turns and revisions to turns still, but I won't be waiting on people any longer, so as soon as I finish the last one I will post.

I think this is appropriate [video]http://youtube.com/watch?v=B3vqcbJwgCI[/video]

READ ME, SEND IN TURNS AS TURN 2. [img_thumb]http://i.imgur.com/pNYnUUA.png[/img_thumb] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo5fqwPQDwk[/media] *Notes* Territories may be subdivided, joined, or reorganized on paint if you wish. This includes colonizing a part of an unclaimed province, or a diplomatic treaty where two parties can literally redraw the border. Three dragon breeds will exist (small, medium, and large) with the large ones native to Europe, medium to the Far East, and small in the Middle East. Events of the years 1490 to 1520 -Dragons are tamed on a systematic scale for the first time in Europe, with the first intelligent dragon hatched in Burgundy. Several kingdoms invest into the collecting of dragon eggs, with mixed results. -The New World is discovered by Christopher Columbus, and colonisation of it begins in earnest. Further exploration reveals much of the east coast and potential routes into a new ocean. -Heretical Christian movements come to a head in this time when increasing criticism of the church, its practices, and doctrines undermine it extensively in Germany, leading to a collapse of authority of the pope in many parts of northern and western Europe. -Guru Nanak founds Sikhism. -A dreadful new disease called “syphilis” ravages several armies and countries, before burning itself out and mutating into a more benign form. -The Italian wars break out. Initial French gains in the north of Italy begin with the seizure of Milan and progress slowly in a number of campaigns until they are finally checked by a joint Neapolitan-Papal army. Further conflict with Venice and Austria forces them to give up many of their acquisitions and checks their advance, but not without the conquest of both Miland and Genoa, securing French control in the northwest. This war is also major for being one of the first demonstrated uses of dragons in warfare, kicking off a race in Europe to find eggs. -The Ottoman Empire goes to war with Persia over Dulkadir and contest supremacy over the Kurdish lands. Persia is also engaged in frequent conflicts with the Timurids as well, who have been slowly imploding over the past few decades. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=340743&dateline=1411380731[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/UC0MN9k.png[/img] [b]Daniel Smith – Kingdom of Spain Capital: Madrid Culture: Castilian State Religion: Roman Catholicism [/b] -With Spain unified, it makes sense to focus activities on expansion overseas. A strong navy is required, and to build a strong navy, you need good onshore facilities. The first drydock in the world is built in Spain, whereby a ship is constructed in an empty lock before it is flooded and allowed to float out. It can be drained with a ship inside for repairs as well, reducing the time and expense of repairing and constructing ships, making it worthwhile despite the high initial cost of construction. Another interesting advance has been the rediscovery of the old Roman concrete, made by mixing ground up rubble with lime and gypsum. Thus a strong mixture which can set, even underwater, may be used in construction. Its first immediate use (not fully realized) has been to use it as a form of cement or mortar in construction. -At the start of this period, the Spanish were already conducting regular campaigns into the last Moslem territories in the south, and in 1489 captured one of the last major settlements. Grenada was already a tributary state and long weakened, but the emir Boabdil rebelled against their rule. A painfully long siege ends with the conquest of Grenada in 1491, with extensive use of gunpowder weaponry in the conflict. After the war concludes, many of the alchemists and philosophers are pardoned and invited to participate in the newly established Council of Discoveries, which is given patronage by the crown to research into astronomy, cartography, and alchemy. -Later, in 1512, an invasion of Navarre is mounted by the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon as French influence over the country slips over the course of the Italian wars. The defending force crumbles easily, for it had little strength in the first place. Without crucial French support, many cities and castles in the land surrender one after the other, before finally being annexed in October. Despite an attempt at pushing out the Spanish in several subsequent events, a viceroy is appointed and Navarre is firmly subdued by 1516 when the crowns of Castile and Aragon finally unified. To secure an alliance with the Venetians, they are ceded control of Sicily and Malta. Instantly this causes a rebellion by the nobility of Aragon, angered by the loss of these crown lands. Taxation takes a severe hit as well, temporarily crippling finances. The rebels are only crushed after several lengthy campaigns into Aragon. -In 1514, the new queen Joanna decides to formally end the inquisition, having overseen the expulsion of many Jews and Moslems already in Iberia. This is followed up by a similar repeating of the end of the inquisition in Aragon when she becomes queen of that country in 1516. This understandably infuriates the church, which demands a restoration of these institutions. Joanna’s response is one of increasing autocratic power, culminating in her expelling several bishops and advisors that disagreed with her. The nobility become angry with this, but are held in check by the threat of Hapsburg domination. When Charles tries to send her to a nunnery, the plot is uncovered and he is ousted before Joanna forms her own separate branch. Needless to say, this destroys relations with the Hapsburg completely and the scandal rocks the crown to the base. -Overseas, Spain has contented herself with exploration and the establishment of colonies, punctuated by genocide. The Caribbean is settled and has a large number of sugar plantations established in them (the native population however collapses in this period), although later labour shortages leads to the import of many indentured servants and later slaves to fill up shortages. A viceroy is appointed (the first being Christopher Columbus), who is responsible for both exploration and development. He conducts a number of voyages that chart the coasts of Florida, Yucatan, and Guyana respectively. -With major labour shortages becoming a problem in Cuba by 1516, a fort is built in Guinea with the intention of buying slaves from the local kingdoms. Beads, iron, firearms, and other manufactured goods are greatly appreciated. Further attempts at expanding inland are hampered by widespread disease which restricts the Spanish to the shore. And despite the massive hunger for gold and silver, not a great deal has been extracted so far (most resides in Peru and Mexico), although what has been extracted is locked in vaults by the monarchy. Attempts to find more reveal the existence of two wealthy empires on the mainland, in addition to a new ocean and several more areas suitable for settlement. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=461103&dateline=1410891072[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/R0Go18G.png[/img] [b]Mallow234 – Kingdom of England Capital: London Culture: Anglo-Saxon State Religion: Roman Catholicism [/b] -A new type of ship design develops from the medieval carrack at this time, marked by the fore and aft castles becoming taller and the ship developing multiple decks with heavy gun batteries. England has also developed some of the first ships purpose built for artillery pieces, utilizing heavy cast-bronze guns to give a powerful broadside. Unfortunately, stability (due to the artillery and the massive height of the vessel) is a major issue on these ships, limiting their effectiveness. In addition to this, the patronage of several astronomers helps greatly with the charting of the heavens, although some have noticed strange anomalies in the orbits of the planets and the existing theory, which so far hampers reform of the calendar. -Despite the wars of the roses having been seen to have ended with the union of the houses of York and Lancaster, there are still many pretenders to the throne. These are duly crushed by a reformed English army, which has adopted an increasing number of harquebusiers. Inspired by the Hungarian Black army, it adopts an unusually high number of firearms (1 for every 4 men) at high cost, allowing them to shatter the weak rebel forces and securing England for the house of Tudor. The Tudors also seek to emulate the Hungarian renaissance too, with patronage of various artists and the construction of many magnificent buildings in the new style. New Italian fashions become popular, while the number of printers and bookbinders grows steadily, although the church demands a crackdown on those printing illegally translated bibles. -To pay for all this, increased taxes are pressed upon the nobility, who gradually lose power to the centralizing monarchy. The exchequer is reformed to have longer terms and promote stability, helping to draw in massive revenues for the crown. This is used to pay for the reformed army, which clamps down on any dissent. Additional monies are granted to the universities (both of them) and grammar schools in addition. John Cabot eventually receives patronage to go explore the new world after hearing of Spanish success in exploration, eventually resulting in the discovery of a land with rich cod fisheries. Within a decade, fishermen begin to winter over there before returning to England, which concludes with the grant of a royal charter to settle “Newfoundland” to the merchants of Cardiff. -A shaky peace treaty is later signed with the Kingdom of Scotland, which until recently had been conducting regular raids into northern England. Increasing centralization in both kingdoms has led to a decline of skirmishes and cattle raiding, although travel through these districts is still dangerous. Elsewhere, a similar cautious foreign policy is followed through, where a treaty is signed with France in return for promising to not invade or threaten shipping while they are busy with their war in Italy. The Irish clans and chieftains are hostile however, and make further attempts to push into the pale. Wales also remains under the rule of powerful Welsh lords (where English law does not apply) too, and many lands still remain under control of the church, which are often exempt from taxation and secular law too. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=601768&dateline=1390096607[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/B98Yhkv.png?1[/img] [b]Kingdom Denmark-Norway – Pezgod1 Capital: Copenhagen Culture: Danish State Religion: Roman Catholicism Number of dragons: 2 (large)[/b] -During the first years of the 16th century, the Danish crown became interested in securing dragon eggs. A new law is passed, which automatically puts all eggs under ownership of the crown. A bounty is offered for all eggs, and in the course of 15 years, about 6 eggs are secured. One egg dies before they figure out to keep it heated in a steam room. The other 5 hatch, but 3 of them possessed little to no intelligence and became hostile towards the servants entrusted to them. The final two (from the same species) hatch successfully and become amenable towards humans (the dragon seemingly chooses its handler shortly after hatching). It requires feeding lest it runs away, but it stays loyal to the handler for life. Wild dragons are now much more hostile however due to the theft of eggs, and frequently attack isolated villages in Norway and Sweden. The Swedish monarchy complains angrily about the disturbance of the dragons to the Danish. -A number of harquebuses and other guns are brought to the kingdom, where the royal army is outfitted with 1 to every 6 men. A heavier variant known as the musket is also developed, with a supporting fork and used to support infantry and in sieges. Several administrative reforms are also made in the wake of the Kalmar union ending, culminating in the dissolution of separate military structures in Denmark and Norway to be replaced with a single standing army for both nations. -To placate the nobility (who have lost control to this newly reformed government), the monarchy is reformed to become elective (among the rulers sons) while a “Riksdag” in similar form and powers to the Swedish variant is formed, granting the nobility the power to legislate on certain matters in addition to raising all new taxes. It is this parliament that grants the crown a monopoly upon all dragon eggs in the country. Raising more monies is of course difficult, and from time to time there are shortfalls for the provisions of the army and the two dragons. -A carefully crafted marriage sees the daughter of the English sovereign married to the son of the Danish sovereign, cementing an alliance between both houses and expected to be upheld by both parties whenever a call for war is issued by either side. Taking inspiration from the English patronage of explorers, the Danish then send an expedition to Iceland, where they build a new port on the western coast before sailing to the Norwegian crown land of Greenland. On arrival, the explorers find nothing but ruins abandoned only a few decades before, with many skeletons stunted in size, the last marriage registered a century beforehand. Good fishing grounds have been discovered for cod however. -Towards the late 1510s, the Danish successfully raise their first two dragons to adolescence, at which point they develop the ability to fly. Their two handlers eventually train these creatures to the point they can issue them instructions to fly up into the sky and report on what they see from up above. They also tend to jealously guard their trainers, in one instance killing a wild dragon that tried to attack them. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=295683&dateline=1383090155[/img][img]http://i.cubeupload.com/dViFT1.png[/img] [b]Jrose14 – Kingdom of Naples Capital: Naples Culture: Neapolitan State Religion: Roman Catholicism Number of dragons: 2 (large)[/b] -Naples, being in close proximity to the bloody wars of the city-states to the north, has managed to get its hands on a new type of firearm. Heavier than a harquebus, it requires a small stand to rest the long barrelled piece on. When used to support an infantry body, it is exceptionally deadly and a terrifying sight to behold, firing shot an inch thick. These guns are not the only new addition to the crown, for ever since the discovery of an intelligent dragon; many attempts have been made to recover live eggs. These are mostly failures, save for 2 successful large hatchlings that are slowly trained and are sent to an isolated royal estate with several nobles and their retainers to take care of them. -The Duke of Milan encourages the French to invade Naples, hoping to ally with the French against the Venetians. France invades in 1494, throwing the many city states into disarray. He marches into Naples unopposed and seizes several towns and cities before eventually being forced to leave after an alliance is hastily signed with Venice, Austria, Ancona, and the Pope. They provide enough men that they eventually defeated them in several engagements and reduced the captured city of Naples. In a typical Italian tradition, the Milanese then switches to the winning side and help push out the French. The death of the French King further hampers later conquest attempts until 1500, when the new French king feels confident enough to invade Milan instead. This time, the anti-French coalition has begun to splinter with Venice having acquired Sicily and Malta, leading to major disagreements within the faction. France is much better prepared this time, and in 1502 seizes control of Milan. -The Kingdom of Naples is putting quite a lot of stock into their new dragons, having not only put aside a separate estate to raise them, but to create a small academy to ensure that the handlers (many tend to be from common backgrounds) have a fully rounded classical education and have been trained as squires beforehand. A tourney (less common these days in the dying days of knights) is held as well, with the King hoping to find several nobles worthy enough to handle these dragons. -Other military reforms are also conducted at this time, focusing on the raising of a professional standing army, armed with pikes, swords, and firearms in addition to crossbows. The navy is also expanded, with several galleys and carracks bought from abroad or constructed at considerable expense. They lack firing platforms for cannon however, limiting their effectiveness somewhat. These reforms are expensive (the nobility have protested frequently against the raising of taxes, while large debts have been incurred by the monarchy), but couldn’t come at a better time. French and Milanese aggression led to outright war, causing the Neapolitans to hastily sign alliances with the rulers of Venice, Ancona, and the Pope himself. Even these are not enough to stop the French. -Throughout the early 1500s, Anti-French coalition begins to fragment as several cities switch sides to France. With Spain and England staying out of the conflict, it leaves the French a lot of room in Italy, eventually resulting in them cracking Genoa and seizing control of Corsica. By this stage, the Pope excommunicated the French sovereign, who in 1511 managed to defeat a combined Austrian-Venetian army at the battle of Brescia. Humiliated, the Venetians are forced to cede Brescia to the French. With 1514, came the final battle to assure French domination of Italy, with another attempt made to conquer Naples. -At the battle of Naples, the French lay siege to the city, using powerful new siege guns to reduce the fortifications. They are however ravaged by a syphilis outbreak and demoralized by supply shortages. Salvation however came in the form of a carefully timed attack. Most of the garrison had been removed beforehand and skirmished with the French forces while reinforcements were gathered. The two nobles who had to care for the dragons were forced to come, unexpectedly bringing them to the battle. There, the dragons followed their owners into battle and ended up attacking the French army. Already demoralized, their infantry squares were broken up by the beasts, one of which was reported to burn some of the soldiers as well. The French army broke and fled, encouraging many Italian cities to switch once more and rebel. In addition, the Pope and Venetians managed to gain manpower enough to finally check French expansion at a final battle in 1519 at Padua. Brescia was ceded back to them once more. However, the war has taught the combatants the military potential of dragons, leading to the start of a race to gather as many eggs as possible and set up facilities for them at once. Genoa and Milan have also been extinguished as a result and are under French domination. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=23000&dateline=1410718785[/img][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/109107273/RP/DragonRP/miscgfx/flag.png[/img] [b]Ruskie – Kingdom of Mutapa Capital: Bulawayo Culture: Umgqomo State Religion: Mbira Dza umgqomo[/b] -Although Great Zimbabwe is passing into history, many of the technical achievements there and from abroad have been saved or refined. Mules and donkeys are bought from Arab traders in addition to carts, which make an appearance at this time along with camels. The King here is keen on the exploitation of salt mines and other mineral resources in his kingdom, which he holds under a monopoly and exports to the Arabs. Small riverboats are also used for the transport of ores and livestock as well when the geography permits it. Gradually, Mutapa extends its influence into several new grazing lands and outcrops with salt, permitting additional herds of livestock. -Small bands of warriors frequently patrol these trade routes, although one of the major problems is frequent raiding and attacks on trade caravans. A traditional old method has been to leave a freshly slaughtered cow for good luck, which usually keeps bandits away from an area for some time for fear of being consumed by flying monsters. However, a new way to protect villages has been adopted after having seen Arab architecture. By constructing hewn stone stones around settlements it is usually enough to protect from attack. The addition of wood and plaster roofs and ladders for entry into a hole on the side is a further additional step usually taken. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=144505&dateline=1411864624[/img][img]http://i.cubeupload.com/SGwRko.png[/img] [b]Telepethi – Mamluk Sultunate Capital: Cairo Culture: Egyptian State Religion: Sunni Islam Number of dragons: 2 (small)[/b] -The Mamluk Sultanate, with its extensive connections to the orient and occident, profits well from the trade in spices and other luxuries. They have noticed a recent Portuguese innovation in shipbuilding and after hiring several European shipwrights, manage to replicate the Caravel. A light ship with lateen sails, it can sail almost anywhere, has a shallow draft, and handles superbly. Its main drawbacks however are its small size and relative fragility. The Mamluks are also copying the Ottoman habit of hiring Italian gunsmiths with the aim of restoring and improving their army through the construction and refinement of handguns. These culminate with an arsenal dedicated to producing heavy muskets, which when used correctly in a supporting role are powerful indeed. -The Sultan has set the country to hasty military reform, especially with the threat of Ottoman expansionism on the horizon. A new standing army based on the Ottoman system is adopted, although not without problems. Most of the Mamluks refuse salaries in favour of land, forcing the new military to depend on mercenaries and common people recruited into its ranks. The confusingly obtuse taxation and feudal obligation system also hamper the raising of soldiers and their payment. The Mamluk nobility resist any attempt to raise taxes, and on their own constitute a powerful (if not obsolete) force that hampers centralization and tax collection for the state. -Nonetheless, training of this new army begins, with ruthless drilling and 1 in 4 men possessing a gun with which to support the main infantry body. A new form of armour composed of a mixture of chainmail, metal plates, leather, and padded cloth creates a somewhat flexible although heavy set. Despite wearing Thawbs and Kuffiyya to keep the sun off, they are uncomfortable and the soldiers tend to overheat in the hotter parts or times of year. A new ration system is also introduced, whereby dried food and a flask of water is given to a soldier in a satchel for each day. A large number of camels are also set aside to carry these soldiers supplies, with many new depots set up along the major roads. Despite the many clever intentions made, the amount of supplies needed is a massive financial drain on the Sultan and takes the edge off of the speed of the military. -As is typical, there is a spate of mosque and school reconstruction at this time, mostly focusing on repairs and reaffirming the power of the dynasty. One mosque being reconstructed is a special case however, for it has been expanded to include room for a dragon to stay within. When the locals found out, they rioted and smashed up the local administration offices. When two eggs are eventually recovered and hatched at considerable expense, they put a further drain on the Sultans finances, eventually leading to him incurring severe debts. What’s worse is that the local dragon populations have been annoyed by the theft of their eggs, and now attack humans on sight. However, the hatched dragons are successfully trained for fighting. -Separate treaties are signed with the Ottomans and Aq Qoyunlu for peace, although there are some problems. The Ottomans demand control over the Mamluk vassal of Dulkadir and to block the movement of Persian and European diplomats, whereas the shah of Persia wishes assistance in curbing Ottoman expansionism. The Mamluks give protection to a Venetian ambassador, infuriating the Ottomans and causing them to declare war on and seize Dulkadir in a short and bloody campaign in 1518. Persia responds by declaring war soon after they negotiate a treaty with Venice, having been promised assistance. The Ottomans make significant early gains in the campaign. -Given that expansion north is difficult, there is a focus on utilizing the new army to push south along the Nile and along the Red sea. They successfully capture and subdue these areas, and use a dragon for the first time by ordering it to swoop down and panic several ships defending a port, before they are then assaulted by cannon and musket fire before boarding. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=243999&dateline=1389299675[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/mPnQT4R.png[/img] [b]Satansick – Aztec Empire Capital: Tenochtitlan Culture: Mexica State Religion: Teotl [/b] -Despite being a brutal and barbaric civilization that practices human sacrifice, the Aztecs are keen about keeping their homes clean. Already Tenochtitlan has a small army of slaves to sweep and clean the streets, but in a new innovation, the emperor decrees the construction of several sewers to transport out filth. Dug in the middle of a street and covered with slabs, it is a quick and efficient way to remove filth (excepting when it blocks up). Another interesting new development has been the use of ironworking after a number of traders, explorers, and shipwrecked mariners in addition to missionaries teach several bronzeworkers and artisans how to work bars of iron into crude tools and to repair existing tools and weaponry. The Aztec have a late start however, and even by 1520 the knowledge of this technology is severely lacking. -Dragons have always been a part of Aztec mythology here, but with the exception of rumours they have only interacted through a symbiotic relationship with several states. During warfare, one side will sacrifice many human bodies to their dreaded gods, before piling them on a stepped pyramid. There, several dragons will feast on the corpses before communicating with the emperor and priests, allowed to talk to them in tongues. Afterwards, these dragons assail the opposing enemy forces in return for the dead corpses. -With these dragons, the triple alliance has created a powerful empire, with individual city states contributing tribute for fear of being ravaged by dragons. The Aztec has recently risen in the past century to predominate over the other cities, and by 1520 they end up nearly doubling their size. The downside of course is that the increasing population of these dragons requires more sacrificial captives, leading in turn to warfare escalating and several rebellious areas becoming devastated. The latest rebellion was triggered by the death of a local Aztec nobleman from a strange disease sweeping the eastern part of the empire, giving the locals a chance to rebel. The rebellion imploded before the army could be mobilized, for the rebels succumbed to this new disease. -Other than these flaws however, their civilization is uniquely organized and innovative. They grow maize, beans, squash, tomatoes, pumpkin, chilli and other crops in artificial islands reclaimed from lakes, in addition to clearing jungle and planting raised fields in lands without ready water supplies (although irrigation is employed). Obsidian is mined and exported abroad, while used domestically for cutting tools and weaponry. Mines have been established for the extraction of metals such as gold, silver, copper, and tin in addition to other ores, with small smelters clustered around them (the scale of production is low however). There is a public education system in addition (largely geared around service to the state) and envoys that travel freely throughout much of Mesoamerica. Despite attempts to discover other great civilizations, they find themselves to be alone in the world, save for several white men that stumble throughout the Maya peninsula. [img]http://facepunch.com/image.php?u=440820&dateline=1409317697[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/wEPAaQQ.gif?1[/img] [b]Native Hunter – The Most Serene Republic of Venice Capital: Venice Culture: Venetian State Religion: Roman Catholicism [/b] -While cannon have been used extensively for several centuries already in Europe, the Venetians are investing heavily into a new method of making them. By casting them as a solid bronze piece, they can be made stronger, fit onto a carriage more easily, and thus be more manoeuvrable. In spite of these, even the lighter guns require a large team of horses to move them around, and once in battle they are rarely moved. Another recent technological advance is the rediscovery of Roman concrete, made from mixing lime, gypsum and ground up rubble to make a strong building material. Inevitably with little experience of how to use it, it is only initially used as a replacement for mortar. -The Duke of Milan encourages the French to invade Naples, hoping to ally with the French against the Venetians. France invades in 1494, throwing the many city states into disarray. He marches into Naples unopposed and seizes several towns and cities before eventually being forced to leave after an alliance is hastily signed with Venice, Austria, Ancona, and the Pope. They provide enough men that they eventually defeated them in several engagements and reduced the captured city of Naples. In a typical Italian tradition, the Milanese then switches to the winning side and help push out the French. The death of the French King further hampers later conquest attempts until 1500, when the new French king feels confident enough to invade Milan instead. This time, the anti-French coalition has begun to splinter with Venice having acquired Sicily and Malta, leading to major disagreements within the faction. France is much better prepared this time, and in 1502 seizes control of Milan. -The Venetians commission the casting of a great number of guns in addition to the manufacture of many new “explosive shells” filled with gunpowder and ceramic pieces. Their fuses mean they explode at random times, sometimes exploding in mid-air or not at all. Several other reforms are carried out among the mercenary groupings and conscripts that comprise the Venetian army. A standard uniform is adopted with use of colouring to differ between different sides and groups, while there is a focus on the quality of troops as well, hoping to make units that could withstand shocks and were well drilled. -At great expense, further investments are made into defensive fortifications and the army at large. Forts built in a new style with ramparts to deflect cannon shot are constructed along the borders and nearby coasts, with most of them intended to see off Ottoman and Milanese incursions. Spain has helped offset the costs slightly with the insane measure of granting Malta and Sicily to Venice, effectively doubling the Venetian tax base and allowing them to begin pushing their influence elsewhere. The Ottomans have made little attempt at present to push into Venetian territories, for they are presently occupied in both Persia and in Eastern Europe. To further limit Ottoman expansion, the Venetians sign several treaties with the crowned heads of Spain, Austria, and even Persia as well to promise assistance in the case of a war. In 1519, Persia sends a request for assistance to Venice, asking them to declare war on the Ottomans after the seizure of Dulkadir and their campaign into Persia. -After hearing of Cristobal Colon and his discovery of the New World, another great expense is made to outfit five caravels with farmers, craftsmen, blacksmiths, patricians, and soldiers to land on the Island of Trinidad for colonization. Spain has granted the island to Venice to seal and alliance, which is renamed Nuovo Venezia. The colonists immediately set to growing coffee and sugar in addition to killing most of the native inhabitants through disease, enslavement, and executions. Within five years, most of the native population has perished, causing major labour shortages. Many have also died from disease there and on the journey. In addition, two ships were wrecked and the cost of resupplying the colony (in addition to the new military reforms) nearly bankrupts the republic. -The Venetians also are following hot on the trail of the Portuguese. Unlike the Portuguese however, they lack a significant number of ports and stops to rest at as they sail around Africa, and most expeditions either perish or are forced to turn back for want of supplies by the time they reach Fernando Po. Portuguese hostility also limits their activities, which frequently damages the colony in Nuovo Venezia, which is not only a financial drain but survives on regular supply ships from the homeland. -The Knights Hospitaller of Rhodes are granted protection by the Venetians in return for allowing them to base their fleets of galleys there and a small tribute to be paid to Venice in return for maintaining a fleet to protect them. The Ottomans take these moves by Venice as one of containment, and become increasingly hostile by ramping up skirmishes and encouraging pirates to attack shipping. While tax revenues and trade continue to prop up Venice, their costly foreign policy is starting to incur severe debts. -Throughout the early 1500s, Anti-French coalition begins to fragment as several cities switch sides to France. With Spain and England staying out of the conflict, it leaves the French a lot of room in Italy, eventually resulting in them cracking Genoa and seizing control of Corsica. By this stage, the Pope excommunicated the French sovereign, who in 1511 managed to defeat a combined Austrian-Venetian army at the battle of Brescia. Humiliated, the Venetians are forced to cede Brescia to the French. With 1514, came the final battle to assure French domination of Italy, with another attempt made to conquer Naples. -At the battle of Naples, the French lay siege to the city, using powerful new siege guns to reduce the fortifications. They are however ravaged by a syphilis outbreak and demoralized by supply shortages. Salvation however came in the form of a carefully timed attack. Most of the garrison had been removed beforehand and skirmished with the French forces while reinforcements were gathered. The two nobles who had to care for the dragons were forced to come, unexpectedly bringing them to the battle. There, the dragons followed their owners into battle and ended up attacking the French army. Already demoralized, their infantry squares were broken up by the beasts, one of which was reported to burn some of the soldiers as well. The French army broke and fled, encouraging many Italian cities to switch once more and rebel. In addition, the Pope and Venetians managed to gain manpower enough to finally check French expansion at a final battle in 1519 at Padua. Brescia was ceded back to them once more. However, the war has taught the combatants the military potential of dragons, leading to the start of a race to gather as many eggs as possible and set up facilities for them at once. Genoa and Milan have also been extinguished as a result and are under French domination. [b]If you haven’t already done so, please join our group. There will usually be people chatting in the chat room after each turn is posted, so please pop in for a visit.[/b] [url]http://steamcommunity.com/groups/FaRPG[/url]

Hot

i just stopped in to say that map is hideous

[QUOTE='[Seed Eater];46102064']i just stopped in to say that map is hideous[/QUOTE] I'll make a higher resolution non-compressed map in a sec edit: done [t]http://i.imgur.com/rqLEbkT.jpg[/t] feel free to pay me

Damn Portugal your scary

Fuck those French bastards. They'll retreat eventually, they always do.

Joining as Brandenburg

Venice will be happy to know that the Mamluks were happy to protect and escort their envoys to the Persians for them.

[QUOTE=Karishnikova;46102257]Venice will be happy to know that the Mamluks were happy to protect and escort their envoys to the Persians for them.[/QUOTE] <3

Unfortunately now the Mamluk Sultanate is preparing to war against the Ottomans alongside the Persians because the Ottomans did not like that I helped you and invaded one of my client states. Perhaps you could lend some assistance?

[QUOTE=Karishnikova;46102315]Unfortunately now the Mamluk Sultanate is preparing to war against the Ottomans alongside the Persians because the Ottomans did not like that I helped you and invaded one of my client states. Perhaps you could lend some assistance?[/QUOTE] I shall do my best to lend support with hopefully Austrian and Spanish support however U can only lend so much assistance due to the fact that the French are a huge threat

Brb forming the German empire

[QUOTE=LoganIsAwesome;46104296]Brb forming the German empire[/QUOTE] Wut

[QUOTE=Native Hunter;46104244]I shall do my best to lend support with hopefully Austrian and Spanish support however U can only lend so much assistance due to the fact that the French are a huge threat[/QUOTE] A cheaper source of heavy muskets and help building ships (not a lot of wood where I am) would be a huge help. We don't need troops from you just some fighting supplies. I don't anticipate the Ottomans being a HUGE problem with the Persians on my side but you never know.