THE LIGURIAN WAR

March 8th, 1504

Spigno Monferrato, Marchesato del Monferrato

William IX Palaiologos, Duke of Genoa, Marquis of Montferrat, and Lord of Spigno, was ready for a GREAT campaign year. Having assembled a coalition of allied states and hired armies, William was finally ready to assert the claim of his Great-Grandfather, Theodore II, to the Duchy of Genoa. No more of this republic nonsense, just good, honest, noble hierarchies. Meeting up with the Savoyard force in Spigno, all he needed was for the Sienese force to arrive and he could make for the city of Genoa itself. If all went according to plan, he and his men would be home by Christmas.

April 26th, 1504

Sienese Army Force, just outside of Piacenza

"FUCK FUCK FUCK SHIT FUCK DOUBLE FUCK HOLY SHIT GODDAMN FUCKING FUCK AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..."

May 14th, 1504

The Liguran Sea, just south of Genoa

"Matteo, why the fuck are you moving the Queen like that? It can't move that many spaces!"

"Rodolfo, for the last time, the rules have changed! The queen can now move as many spaces at it wants laterally and diagonally!"

"Matteo, you must take me for a goddamn fool, I'm not letting you use some bullshit Spanish rules to cheat me out of MORE money!"

"Both of you idiots shut up for a second and look over here for a minute!"

Sailors on board the Genovese naval fleet had not seen much action for the last few months - ideally on alert for incoming naval raiders, no one but the Spanish merchant ships had come within close of the allegedly doomed city of Genoa. And yet there was a merchant ship, flying Florentine colors, bearing no crew and heading at full speed for the port.

"Rodolfo, Florence declared war on us, right?"

"I think so?"

"Well then let's light that ship up!"

And light that ship up they did, firing a volley of cannonfire into the seemingly-empty ship. But much to their surprise, the ship literally lit up, as barrels of gunpowder packed into the hold were ignited instantly, sending flaming splinters high into the sky, landing harmlessly in the waters around the ships nearby.

"Holy fuck, was that a fireship???"

"Must have been! Men, to your stations! And get word to the Admiral!"

Andrea Doria, Admiral of the Genovese fleet, was prepared for some bullshit to happen, but fireships exploding near the port was far beyond what he expected. Mustering the rest of the fleet to a ready state, his surprise was immediately surpassed by shock - on the horizon were nearly four score Florentine ships of war, headed straight for the city. Shaking off the unexpected news, Doria quickly tries to take advantage of his advance warning, and races the fleet forward, intending to make some surprise of his own. An initial clash from the fronts of each fleet sees some fighting, but is generally inconclusive. The Genovese fleet begins to pull back and form a line, but the Florentine frigates immediately take advantage, letting off a cannon volley that disrupts the retreat a bit and sends a few Genovese crewmen to Davy Jones' locker.

But Doria has been here before, and in far worse conditions. He quickly gets his ships to form a line similar to how they had lined up in the Battle of Karpathos. Facing the Florentine fleet, he sees a group of galliots begin to burst out of the Florentine line and head straight for him. These too had no men on deck, and were very clearly similar to the fireships they took out before, and so the order was given to rain fire onto the ships before they could get close to the Genovese fleet. Seemingly every cannon found their mark, and many of the attempted fireships went up in flames while still within the Florentine line, causing mass chaos and bringing down a few frigates with them.

Not one to ignore a massive advantage sitting in front of him, Doria sends his fleet forward into the Florentine mass, attempting to get a jump on the fleet before they could recover from the flames and debris. The speedy Genovese galleys are in position within moments, and rush onto the decks of the Florentine ships, but are shocked to be met with thousands of armed men ready for battle. Despite the disarray, the Florentine fleet holds strong, and heavy casualties on both sides emerge as the fleets separate again to take stock of the situation. Doria has been thoroughly rattled by the number of troops aboard the Florentine fleet, and Florence has been shook by the ferocity of the Genovese attack, and both fleets decide to hold back for a few moments - the Genovese to take stock of the situation and the Florentines to extinguish the last of the flames from the earlier fireship explosion.

At the same time, a new fleet of two dozen Castilian merchant vessels have arrived at the Port of Genoa, looking to continue trading with and supplying the city. These merchant ships are escorted by another dozen Castilian military galleys, looking to protect the merchants from pirates and enemy attacks. Seeing the ongoing battle out at sea, the Castilian ships hold back, not wanting to directly engage in battle. But they now sit directly between the fighting ships and the city of Genoa.

Doria, already taking stock of the situation, sees this new development with relief. His major concern having seen the numbers of troops aboard the Florentine fleet was the possibility of a naval invasion and landing at the Port, and the Spanish ships now sitting there have given him a buffer to be more aggressive and try to drive the Florentines back. Rallying his forces, he orders the line forward for another attack, hoping to catch the Florentine fleet before they could fully regroup. This scrap, like the former, ends up being even on both sides, with the speed and veterancy of the Genovese fleet being countered by the sheer number of men on the Florentine ships. But as the lines pull back yet again, the Florentine commander has to take stock of his situation - his ships are truly packed full of men, and they need to either fully commit to landing NOW, or pull back to friendly waters and resupply for a second attempt later in the year. Wishing to not incur further losses, he opts for the latter. Doria, also needing to regroup and resupply, is thankful for the reprieve, and elects not to give chase, instead returning to the port to warn the city of the newly-revealed threat at sea.

July 12th, 1504

Spigno Monferrato, Marchesato del Monferrato

William IX Palaiologos, Duke of Genoa, Marquis of Montferrat, and Lord of Spigno, was now quite annoyed. He had made one thing clear, ONE THING: Speed. Was. Paramount. Ostensibly, he made clear to his allies that Genoa needed to fall by November to ensure that they could not coalesce their control of the region in time to launch a counter-offensive. In private, William was nearly broke - this campaign was costing him truly his entire fortune, and he needed it to be over so that he could pay off all the debt he had accumulated with the Genovese treasury. But either way, the clear and obvious plan for the campaign was SPEED.

SO WHERE THE FUCK WERE THE SIENESE?!?!?!

He had waited almost four months for them to show up - plenty of time to march from central Italy to Spigno - but there was still no sign of them anywhere.

William sighed. At the end of the day, it would not matter - Siena made up only a small part of a combined army force. He had nearly six thousand men with him now, and when Florence landed in Genoa their combined force would balloon to almost fifteen thousand. They would rout the surely pitiful resistance that Doria and da Novi could have cobbled together, and he would watch them beheaded from the Palazzo Ducal after Christmas mass. With or without Siena.

"MEN! AT ARMS! WE MARCH SOUTH TO POLCEVERA!"

"Um, sir? Marching south won't take us to Polcevera, it will take us down the Bormido di Spigno towards the coast -"

"Then we go whatever direction we need to march on Polcevera!"

"Ok, but for that we will need to go north and around the Ligurian Apennines to march down the valley leading to Polcevera, it would be far quicker, easier, and more protected to go south towards -"

"IT IS NO MATTER! We march now, for Polcevera!"

"Yes, sir!"

And so the Montferratan force moved north, to find a path able to take them to Polcevera.

July 27th, 1504

Cairo Montenotte, Republic of Genoa

Niccolò da Novi looked out over his forces, his eyes trained north towards Spigno. As grandson of the new Doge, he had been assigned to command the combined Genovese forces and mercenaries in the land surrounding the city. Looking at even the most basic map of Liguria, it was clear that the easiest and safest route that any force marching from Spigno could take would be south, along the Bormido di Spigno, over to the coast and then east to Genoa. As such, he had the men under his command take up posts at Cairo Montenotte and Carcere, two somewhat fortified town along that clearly obvious path.

"Sir," one of the troop captains attempted to broach, for possibly the hundredth time, "it truly seems as if the Montferratan forces will not be coming down this path. Maybe it would be for the best if we spread the forces out more to cover more ground..."

"Clemente, as always I appreciate your counsel. But to approach La Superba from any other path would be idiotic - all other valleys in barely have roads, are wet and narrow, and generally make for terrible paths to bring an army. Even a cursory glance at a terrain map of Liguria would reveal this! Surely William is no fool - he is simply trying to wait me out. But rest assured, he will pass this way soon. And when he does, we will be ready."

"Yes sir."

And so Niccolò trained his eyes north again. He would prove himself in battle here, for the honor of his family and his grandfather.

August 5th, 1504

Cairo Montenotte, Republic of Genoa

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN THEY ARE MARCHING SOUTH TOWARDS POLCEVERA?!?!?! MEN, TO ARMS!"

August 14th, 1504

South of Molini, Republic of Genoa

"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!!"

It was the break of dawn, and the Montferrat force had been completely unaccosted thus far on their march into Genovese territory. William had taken it as a chance to be smug, claiming his "many ploys, plots, and plans were coming to fruition," but none of the army believed that for a moment. But they could not deny the lack of any real response yet from the Genovese, and took the opportunity to be a bit... lax on their watches. But all that change the morning of the 14th, when nearly four thousand Genovese men and mercenaries poured over the hills on either side of the valley they were in, slaughtering hundreds of men before anyone could recognize what was happening. Crossbow bolts rained down from the sky, from perfect positions and fired by expert marksmen.

"THE GUNS, GET TO THE GUNS!!!"

Montferratan men rushed to their guns, both arquebuses and field guns, and began to fire back. The small arms fire held back the pikemen rushing down to engage them in melee, and the field guns helped to force the Genovese crossbowmen from their positions on the hills.

"FORM UP! FORM UP!!!"

The Montferratan force struggled to make into effective lines as another crossbow volley rained down upon them, and another rush of pikemen and arquebusiers inflicted even more casualties onto the lines. But the Montferratan force still had the field guns, and the numbers, and after another hour of skirmishes the Genovese retreated south towards their city. But the damage was done, and hundreds of the invading forces lie dead across the valley. It would take some time to take account of the damage, and begin marching south again. Luckily, if this was the size of the Genovese force, they would not be able to stand a pitched battle with the invading Montferratan army. So William, disgruntled but with a glimmer of hope, would carry on.

August 25th, 1504

The Liguran Sea, just south of Genoa

Since the initial battle with the Florentine navy in the Ligurian Sea, Doria had kept his men on high alert. Florence was attempting to best the Genovese at sea, and if they were successful, thousands of men would be swarming the Port of Genoa, ready to do battle. It was a fight he could not afford to lose. And so, when the first sightings of Florentine vessels were made known to him, Doria immediately called his fleet to battle, forming into a defensive line that would hold back the Florentines, no matter the cost.

This time free of the fireships that had been so disastrous the first time, the resupplied ships of the remaining Florentine naval forces were also prepared for battle, awaiting another clash with the feared Genovese admiral. They await Doria to make the first move, which he does, and respond with a volley of fire from their frigates, stymieing the initial Genovese attack and setting up for a more even engagement. The lines form up again, and attack, this time on a far more level playing field. The strengths of both sides are made quite clear here - Doria's expertise at sea is shown in masterful maneuvers making full use of the superior speed and maneuverability of the Genovese galleys, while Florence's overwhelming manpower on the decks makes even the most lopsided engagement by Genoa a bloodbath of a slog. The sides pull back again after some time, to take count of their wounds and assess the situation.

Doria, at this point, is hoping for even the most brutal of stalemates. The goal above all else is to prevent a naval landing by the Florentine navy, and to make that landing have as few men as possible if it happens. So far, the casualties have been high, but that is equal on both sides, and Florence is not ready to give up yet. Importantly, there is still no sign of any Castilian merchants to serve as additional dissuasion for attack. This was Doria's stand, and his alone.

Unfortunately for him, this time the Florentine navy came with a plan. Their ships were loaded to the brim with men, yes, but their Cogs especially were loaded with lots and lots of field guns. 50, to be exact. A ridiculous number for any army not belonging to Austria or France, the Florentines manage to use them perfectly, setting up what amount to floating artillery batteries on their cogs that are incredibly stable thanks to the calm weather of the day. As soon as the next major engagement begins, the guns open fire, in a rain of cannonfire not yet seen on the sea. Doria is caught completely off-guard, as vessels all around him are pelted with cannonfire, and he himself narrowly misses getting an arm blown off. A number of the ships hit are Florentine, victims of friendly fire, but FAR more are Genovese, as truly thousands of sailors between both sides are sent to the inky depths of the Mediterranean.

Seeing this success, the Florentines opt not to push their luck, and sit back throwing more and more cannonfire at the Genovese ships. They relent for a moment for the core of the fleet to surge forward, attempting to take control of the battle once and for all. Finally, Doria would be put in his place...

... or so they thought. While initially rattled by the rain of cannonfire, Doria quickly realized the one glaring Achilles heel of the Florentine plan - with so many cannons on the decks, there was far less room for their soldiers to fight. Mustering one final charge, the Genovese fleet bursts around the sides of the incoming Florentine attack, taking fire from the cannons and heading straight for the back cogs. The speed of the Genovese galleys is too much for the Florentine frigates to match, and before they can respond Genovese troops are swarming onto the decks of the cogs, cutting down the artillery crews on top and igniting the large powder stores they took with them to maintain all these cannons. Flames explode outwards from the cogs that held the brunt of the forces meant to land at Genoa, as the scarred remains of the Genovese fleet spin around to stand once more between the Florentine fleet and La Superba.

As the forces form back up, the Florentine admiral takes stock of the situation. He had the Genovese fleet dead to rights - Doria and a good number of his ships were still standing, but they were charred, depleted of many of their men, and would likely fall in another engagement or two. But his ships were not much better - much of the force meant to land at Genoa lay in pieces at the bottom of the sea, and the ships he had left looked as torn up as the Genovese did. Then, looking to the shores, he sees the final nail in the coffin of his plan. Thousands of Genovese troops lined the port, ready to do battle with any invading fleet. With only a fraction of the initial numbers they started with, the landing force would stand no chance, even if they did break past Doria. This war was not of hatred, or of survival - it was a hired contract promised by a man who greatly understated the difficulty of the mission. Too many Florentine men had already died for William's hubris - the admiral would not add a single one further to that tally.

And so, with a flourish of respect towards the Genovese admiral, the Florentine fleet signals the retreat, and heads back to Florence, many men and ships lighter. Doria returns the respectful signal, and he too returns to port, to the applause and cheers of the Genovese troops at the shore. La Superba would stand another day.

September 5th, 1504

Bolzaneto, Republic of Genoa

William IX Palaiologos, Duke of Genoa, Marquis of Montferrat, and Lord of Spigno, was now absolutely fucking furious. He had made it exceedingly clear at the beginning of this campaign - take Genoa by September, November at the absolute latest, and be home by Christmas. It was now September, and not only had they barely reached the outskirts of the city, but seemingly everything had gone wrong at every turn. First, his route was a lot less straightforward then he planned. Then, the fucking Genovese decided to show their complete barbarity and attack his forces completely by surprise as they were simply walking towards the city. And now, to top it all off, the Savoyard troops had received some letter from Savoy ordering their complete retreat back home!

AND THE FUCKING SIENESE WERE STILL NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!!!!

As the last Savoyard contingent departed, William took stock of his remaining forces - they amounted to just under four thousand men, with a handful of cannons and a very stretched supply line. For a man less confident than William, things would seem quite dire indeed.

But William was confident, as he was always seven schemes ahead. First, he was sure that the Florentine troops had, at a minimum, inspired mass chaos and unrest in the city as they landed and took out that perfidious Andrea Doria. To make things even better, he had reached out to the families that stuck around at that wonderful dinner party Doria ruined - the Imperiali, the Durazzo, and the Grimaldi - and asked them to help him wrest back control of his city once his liberating army arrived. Surely they still loved him, and would be fit to receive his good graces when he was restored to his position.

And so, marching ever onwards, William leads his forces straight to the main city gates. With a smirk, he calls out to the guard:

"Augustino Imperiali! It is I, William Palaiologos - Marquis of Montferrat, Lord of Spigno, and Duke of Genoa! Lay down your arms and open the gate - I desire entrance back into my city!"

To the surprise of most everyone in the Montferratan force but William, Augustino himself appears on the walls, with a smile.

"As you wish, my Duke."

And with a flourish, the gates to Genoa are flung open. William smiles, bows, and returns to his force, ready to charge into his city and reinstate law and order. His first order of business? Finding every statue of Andrea Doria and throwing it into the harbor. Then, he would have a brilliant dinner -

"SIR WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!"

Broken out of his daydream, William looks up, and in horror sees not an empty gate to the city, but one filled with thousands of Genovese troops. Pouring out of the city, a force well over double the size of his own immediately moves to engulf the reeling Montferratan army. Crossbow bolts rain down from the walls, arquebus fire pours out of the gate, and the Montferratan infantry are set upon by thousands of Landschnekt. Mass fighting breaks out, and while the Montferratan force can hold its own on a micro level, the Genovese force is simply overwhelming in number. William is surrounded on nearly all sides.

"RETREAT! RETREAT!!!!!!"

William's personal guard quickly forms up around him, and they are the first to book it at full speed away from the ensuing melee. Watching their commander turn tail and flee, the remaining forces begin to scatter and surrender, fully submitting to the Genovese garrison force. A cheer goes up from the walls - La Superba would stand once more, and refuse to fall to petty tyrants like him.

As he rides away at full speed, the wind whipping through his hair, an astute observer would see tears streaking down Williams face. It had been nearly twelve months to the day, and William WI Palaiologos, Marquis of Montferrat, Lord of Spigno, but absolutely not Duke of Genoa, flees north once again, the cheering and laughter of the Genovese ringing in his ears the entire way.

LOSSES

Genoa

LAND

• 387 mercenary swordsmen

• 422 mercenary arquebusiers

• 512 mercenary pikemen

• 641 mercenary crossbowmen

• 815 Landschnekt

SEA

• 24 galleys lost (13 hired, 11 owned)

• 39 galleys damaged

Montferrat

• all Montferratan forces killed, deserted, or surrendered

• 1 siege artillary and 5 field guns captured by Genoa

• all hired reislaufer killed, deserted, or surrendered (with the exception of a force of 75 men who escorted William back to Montferrat and stayed with him until the end of their contract)

• national pride

Siena

• no forces lost

Savoy

• 112 levy pikemen

• 76 levy cavalry

• 47 Condottieri

• 81 levy crossbowmen

• 48 arquebusiers

Florence

LAND

• 39 field artillery

• 742 Landschnekt

• 1376 Condottieri

• 1522 levy spearmen

• 309 levy pikemen

• 771 levy archers

• 395 levy cavalry

SEA

• 17 frigates lost

• 19 frigates damaged

• 5 cogs lost

• 3 cogs damaged

• 16 galliots lost (many blown up in ill-fated fireship attempts)

• 3 galliots damaged