Athens - Unfinished Page
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Athens - Unfinished Page
Priority
Religion
Government
Dynasty
Play Style
P4
Catholic
Duchy
Palaiologos
Last bastion of the true succesor.
Current relationships
Alliance with Florence, The Papal States and Epirus
Rivals with Byzantion, Morea and Macedonia
Background
After the decivise victory at Varna
'Emperor' Constantin Palaiologos was promised to be the succesor of John VIII. Not only promised face to face by John, but also on legal documents. When John was assassinated on marts the 3th and Demetrios hastely proved his heir to the purple throne, it was clear that he was behind the coup and that everyone with a claim to the throne was in danger.
Contantin fled Constantinople on a small boat with men loyal to him and went to a place he knew that would be a safe haven, a place where people loved him - Athens.
The current ruler of Athens was Duke Neiro II Acciaioli, a tuscan noble from a house that firmly tried to establish friendly connections between the greek and italian cultures through marriage and trade. Duke Neiro was not present when the now assassinated emperor John VIII converted to Catholicism in 1439, but fought against the turks side by side with Constantin.
When Constantin landed in Athens he was met with open arms. He since then converted to the true faith and became the Duke of Athens. Neiro gladly stepped aside for the true emperor of the Byzantine Empire.
With the help of Neiro, Constantin has managed to form several alliances with mighty Catholic nations, but in reality none of them are in a strong enough position to help the devastated Byzantine Emperor. Not even with their armies combined could they tear down the walls of Constantinople.
Special Rules
When playing as Byzantium, you are a firm believer in the Cathar faith. Your ancestors died by the hundred of thousands in the Albigensian Crusade to defend your lands and grant the long desired freedom from the tyrannical and opressive King of France. Now with French King dead and England desires to sheep you into the fold, this must not happen - the only way to stop another tyrant from controlling Toulosue, is to become the King of France yourself!
Rules for your region:
Rules specific for Byzantium:
Current Relations
Alliances
Pope Eugenius IV agreed to declare a formal alliance between the Papacy and Athens. It is clear that this diplomatic move is only diplomatic. It would require a miracle for the Papacy to support Athens militarily.
And miracles are not a thing that exsists in Infernum Aeternum.
Half a star alliance
Neiro II of house Acciaioli, the former duke of Athens managed to establish an alliance between Athens and his home, Florence.
What seemed to be the birth of a strong alliance was in fact more of a florentine diplomatic stunt to gain some easy points in the catholic book, by allying the 'Catholic Emperor' in the Byzantine struggle.
Without doubt, after the next election in Florence, the alliance will be worth less than the paper and ink it was made with.
Half a star alliance.
Rivals
You hate Gascony more than anything.
Their ruler, Jean V of Armagnac married his sister, which utterly disgusts you and now they are independent, aggressive and your neighbour.
This is a three star rival.
Aragon hates you for aiding Catalonia in their independence and they partially blames you for their current downfall. They would love to see your nation burn.
Two star rival.
You see them as weak and arrogant.
As soon as they become independent from the French tyrants, they quickly bend the knee to the Holy Roman Emperor, who even granted them an electorate. You are ashamed that your cultural brothers did this.
Two star rival.
Other relations:
You have great relations with Genoa, but they fear an open alliance would provoke their neighboors into gathering up against the you.
Galicia dislikes you for the religious differences and partly blames instabily on their pilgrims routes through France on you.
The Eastern Roman Empire still lives and is the center of the Orthodox faith. With the massive religious differences occuring, a stronghold of the faith is crucial.
Traditions
-2 Natural unrest
+5% Discipline
1. Cathar Castles
Before Catharism became the dominant religion of Toulouse, several strongholds and castles across the region offered refuge to dispossessed Cathars in the thirteen-century. This led to massive construction of castles and their integration into everyday life and the economy of the region.
+25% Fort defense
-10% Fort maintenance
2. Descendants of Raymond IV
During the First Crusade, one of the most influential leaders were Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse. Not only does this legacy keep our soldiers full of morale and heroic inspiration, but the nobility of Toulouse has a heritage of proud knights that proudly does what it takes to go the extra distance.
+10% morale of armies
+10% nobility loyalty equilibrium
3. Fanatical religious leaders
As the first independent Cathar nation, our religious leaders are dedicated and passionate in their duties on a level only matched by the most pious popes. The religious leaders of Toulouse works day and night to ensure every man, woman or child in Toulouse is a Cathar. The clergy loves the rulers of Toulouse for their freedom to do whatever it takes.
+2 missionary strength
+10% clergy loyalty equilibrium
4. Violas, not lilies!
The French nobility has always been obsessed with the lily flower. The fleur-de-lis has been used in art and heraldry. In Toulouse, the flower of the region is the viola. It can be used for coloring, cooking, medicine and perfumes. Toulouse has been independent long enough to establish their own identify with the viola and distanced themselves from the fleur-delis.
+1 yearly legitimacy
5. Women are equal to men
Gender has less of a significant impact of the human life to the Cathars. The human body is a shell to carry the soul and the soul is all that matters. Toulouse has removed all laws and regulations regarding gender. There is the same opportunities and responsibilities for everyone, equally. This have led lots of fierce women to flock beneath our banners.
+20% national manpower modifier
May recruit female generals
6. Female spies
It came as no surprise that filling our administration with dedicated religious women would only benefit us, but it was a pleasant surprise when we found out how extremely excellent spies they make. Every court of Europe will have a beautiful lady around, whose heart beats loyally to Toulouse.
+25% Spy network construction
+30% Foreign spy detection
7. Death is a gift
Cathars has a different view on death than any other Christian. A true zealot of the Cathar faith does not fear death, even by execution. Cathars are famous across Europe for instances where inquisitors have punished Cathars, who stubbornly accepts their fate and denies any other options than to die as a true Cathar. This fearless behavior can clearly be seen on the battlefield.
-10% Fire damage received
Ambition +25% Land force limit modifier