Cristiano sits on the throne of the Doge. Around him sit the various generals, all except Benasuto. All the others are within riding distance, or dead. Gerando stands at one end of the hall, arms crossed, face locked in a scowl. Barbus lays back on a chair, eyes closed, dreaming of something. Councillor Antonio sits next to his father, looking out on the crowd. Morosino stands off to the left, away from the others. The women are milling around, chatting about various things.
"Alright, here's the situation. We have won against the Byzantines. That is great news. But we have much work to do still. Our empire can expand much further. The only question is....to where?" Doge Cristiano.
"Haven't we taken enough for now? We have plenty to work with as it is, and our influence is great as it is. What more can we ask for?" Barbus.
"What more? How about an empire larger than any one else has ever had? The greatest empire since Rome herself? How about that? We have the opportunity, we'd be fools not to take it. Let's look at our options." Doge Cristiano.
"There's the Sicilians sir. They have attacked us, declared war on us....that shouldn't go unopposed." Gerardo says, punching his palm.
"That's true. But the Sicilians are little threat to us. We should go after Milan, as they could actually threaten our future!" Antonio says.
"Your dislike of the Milanese is well noted Antonio. And irrelevant to the issue at hand. Sir, if your serious about this campaign, we should head east. There are several rebel settlements around Constantinople that haven't been claimed yet. We wouldn't be risking war with anyone, possibly turning the church against us, plus it would strengthen our position to possibly take on the Turks." Barbus.
"Opening another front when those treacherous Milanese and the Sicilians are still in position is foolish!" Antonio.
"When did you become a master of strategy? Or are they printing strategies in paint these days?" Barbus.
"You shouldn't talk to the son of the Doge that way." Gerardo says, approaching Barbus.
"There is another option." Morosino says. The others stop to look at him. He never looks up, and keeps his eyes on the floor. "We have the wealth for two armies. Taking over the rebels is a wise idea, and of little risk. Or we can use that army to take Jerusalem, a potential gold mine for wealth and power. In any event, while that army does that, we can easily afford another army to take on the Milanese, Sicilians, or the Turks, whatever we decide."
The generals are ready to debate forever if there's no tie breaker....
So, what do you guys think? What should the next campaign be?
1) Sicily
- Little risk, the Sicilians don't seem to have much of an army, so they shouldn't put up a fight.
- Italian, and a constant threat for several turns now.
2) Milan
- A constant threat, taking them out would remove a major road block
- Rich territories, always worth it
3) Rebels
- Simple, and easy
4) Turks
- Muslim, no chance of angering the Pope
- Puts me closer to Jerusalem
5) Holy Roman Empire
- Lots of territory to conquer
- Allies to help me
I can afford two campaigns, but only if one of them is not the Turks, as I'll want to commit all my resources to that war should it happen. I have no preference really, want to hear what you guys think. I'll go with the popular option....
