Chapter 2
Years had passed since the last war. My country was strong, stable, and economically flourishing. Still though, in a meeting with the Patricians, they informed me that we were taking much criticism from Georgia, and other Eastern countries, as well as some Italian countries, for not reclaiming our lands. They falsely accused me of just wanting to stabilize the country, and reap the harvests, caring only for myself, and not the Empire.
These accusations were, of course, false. I would give anything for my nation, but I was afraid that our troops and citizens wouldn't. This pressure to go to war, however, were enough to change my mind on the matter, and in Anno Domini 1427, we went to war.
19,000 brave troops crossed the waters, under the leadership of Strategos Argyros. He engaged and fought Sultan Piri, the Ottoman's main general, and defeated him, not withstanding heavy casualties, though.
Several thousand Algerians raided Morea, and a small militia of 3,000 outnumbered soldiers repelled thousands of invaders, including some of the mighty Mamluk army. We could not extend naval support to keep these enemies from landing, because we needed to save our navy should any Ottomans attack Thrace. I met with much criticism because of this decision, but my faith in our soldiers paid off, and many heroes were born protecting their homelands!
Meanwhile, our soldiers were in good health, (and supply) and the war against the Ottomans came to a halt, when they awarded our Wallachian allies Bithynia and Anatolia, while we took Yazgod and Angora.
Veni Vidi Vici!
Things then took a turn for the worse. Karaman entered the war, and we were dealing with rebellion issues. Just when I thought I would be forced to cede our recent gains, the fantastic Patricians and Strategos' came up with an interesting solution to current issues of manpower, and funding. It had some downsides, but I did what was necessary to save the Empire!
Karaman hastily came to their senses now that I had 15,000 extra troops.
Now I faced yet another difficult decision. The Mamluk bastards still wouldn't strike a deal. They wanted us to release Morea to act as their puppet in the Balkans, and we were smarter. I was running out of resources, and had to raise war taxes. Now a blasted idiot, and traitor the empire got a huge amount of the populace riled up, and they stormed the city of Konstantinoplis, and tried to take it by force.
The taxes didn't cut it after all, and we hit deficits. The outraged Patricians demanded that we make peace at all cost, even if it meant admitting defeat. They really annoy me sometimes. What more has a Roman than his honor?! Still though, I need their votes to pass funding laws. An emperor I am not! More like a puppet! A tool! That will not be the case for my son, though!
In the meantime, I appeased them by disbanding some troops, and gaining additional tax land in Naxos. Venice took over their administration recently, and outlawed orthodoxy. They revolted, and drove the arrogant Italians off their land, but knew they would never be able to keep them off. So they turned to me. After weeks of careful negotiations, and spying on Venice's administrative meetings, we determined war could be avoided if they defected to the Empire! I welcome our brethren back warmly, and they repayed by offering 4,000 royalty free troops to Rome!
Until the next entry, I will leave you with these maps of our glorious Eastern Roman Empire!