An Italian Destiny: The Duchy of Pisa

[Eber]

Well this will be my very first AAR. I wanted to choose a Duchy that not only no one has done but one that was independent from a liege. I chose Duchy of Pisa for this reason, and also because I love its location.

Description:

1) Duchy of Pisa AAR
2) Role-Playing Story Line
3) Playing in 1066 Compaign
4) Playing on Very Hard/Weakling

My goals in the game are as followed:

1) Master the Italian Peninsula
2) Conquer the infidels in Sicily
3) Crusade in the Holy Land and take Jerusalem under the rule of Pisa.

I have set some restictions to myself to make the game a bit more challanging. My restrictions are as followed:

1) No cheating whatsoever (obvious one).
2) I will only marry inside the Italian culture so no marriages to foreign counts, dukes or kings. (This is one that might not be possible, but right now it is my restriction and I have not had any problems yet. If I change you all will know.)
3) I will not declare war on any foreign christian/orthodox power that is not in Italy. Now of course, many of you know that Kingdom of Germany has many vassals in Italy. So I will be at war with Germany sooner or later, but I will not take any territory inside Germany.

I have just completed it up to 1079, and am currently writing my first chapter. It will be rather long (probably have two posts for it) but I hope everyone will enjoy it. The first chapter will be up later today.

[Eber]

An Italian Destiny

A Duchy of Pisa AAR

Chapter 1 - An Awakening Event



Gentile D’Alema gently rose from his cushioned chair and walked outside to the balcony. The weather was very mild with plenty of sunshine seeping through the array of clouds in the sky. It was quite a nice change in the weather, for the past couple of days have had its share of awful heavy rains and the occasional icy wind. Though the weather was not particularly pleasing, nothing else was to be expected in the dreary month of January.

The utter surprise of good weather created a tiny grin on the face of the Duke. It had been a while since he last smiled. Since being crowned Duke of Pisa, nothing considerable had happened, and he was worried that nothing would. Gentile glanced at his hands that were resting on top of the balustrade. He knew he was not getting any younger, and that he needed to do something that would make the people of his lands be proud of him. Pisa has had an enormous amount of history, and he knew he had to continue it. It didn’t take long for him to realize that Pisa must grow, but Gentile couldn’t comprehend how it could be possible. The Duchy of Toscana, his main adversary, surrounded his land. Duchess Beatric of Bar was a formidable enemy, and one he had to be aware of at all times. Besides the Duchy commanding a respectable size army, it was a vassal of Heinrich of Frankonia, the King of Germany, Burgundy and Italy. Gentile shuddered at the thought of fighting both those kingdoms.

The Papal States were not too much better. Not only being a decent size realm, it had the power of the Pope behind it. Anselm of Lucca, though a corrupt man in his mind, was still the Pope and he knew he did not have the power to fight the most powerful man in Europe. The only other realm that was near was the Duchy of Apulia, ruled by the noble Roger Borsa de Hauteville. He did not want to fight him, for he was a man that he greatly respected. Staring at his bustling town of Livorno, Gentile pondered the delicate situation before him.

A sound was heard behind him and he quickly turned around. A servant was standing next to the opening of the balcony and seemed to be startled when Gentile turned around.

“I’m sorry if I disturbed you, my lord, but I have some good news,” the servant calmly said with a hint of a smile.

Gentile curiously gazed at the servant and impatiently asked, “Well what is the good news?”

The servant smiled at Gentile; “Your wife is expecting a child.”

Gentile was amazed at what he heard and he barely could keep his composure. With a long-awaited smile, he answered, “Indeed, that is good news. Make sure she has everything she wants, and tell her that I will be with her shortly.”

The servant bowed and replied, “Yes my lord” and he quickly left the room.

Without removing the grin from his face, Gentile turned around and faced Livorno again.

The weather must be a sign of things to come. First, a great surprise in the weather and now a great surprise in my kingdom. It must be a sign.

With that positive thought, he walked out of the room to go see his lovely wife, Maria.





Gentile knocked on the door softly, “Come in” responded by an enchanting voice. Gentile opened the door and saw Maria knitting near a crackling fire. Her naturally glowing face, being illuminated even more by the fire, smiled as she saw her husband enter the room. The Duke smiled in return and closed the door.

“So I assume you have heard the news?” asked Maria.

Gentile walked over to Maria and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Yes my dear, I have.” He turned and sat in a chair near Maria. “It is wonderful news! I wonder if it will be a son…”

“Gentile” interrupting him, “Though I hope I make you happy, just remember it may be a daughter.”

“Oh, I know my dear.” Nervously chuckling to himself. “Just rather be nice if my firstborn was a son.”

Maria stopped concentrating on her knitting and looked up at Gentile. “Dear, you will love your child no matter what it turns out to be.”

Gentile smiled at the comment. He realized at that moment that this child would not just be the future of his realm, but that it would also be the future of his own family. Gentile turned his head and started to watch the rustling fire.

-------------------------------------

Chapter 2 will come later tonight. It gets a lot more interesting. Let me just say that Gentile gets the guts to declare war on someone...

Hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter.

[Elias Tarfarius]

Great start. I must say Maria is a beauty.... err... after a keg
sorry but it had to said

Waiting for the next installment... maybe Pisa will set off to add Sicily to its collection of islands?

[Semi-Lobster]

Great start! If you want to unite Italy, from the screenshots from one of my friends in England who has the game, if I remember correctly, that little Green Italian country is not anybody's vassal

[Eber]

Chapter 2 - A Difficult Situation at Hand

Many months have passed since the rekindle of spirits in Gentile. It has been a rather slow but prosperous time. Gentile had sent spies to many of his enemies to see who would be weak enough to be Pisa’s first victim. Their return should be any day now.

In Livorno, construction of a new fishing wharf was taking place. The city was quiet and peaceful, and Gentile could have a peace of mind here. Two months ago, his wife, Maria had a child. It was a daughter and the couple named the child, Isabella. Though Gentile was disappointed that it was not a son, he loved her all the same. Luckily, Maria has become pregnant again so another hope has begun. Only time will tell if Gentile's prayer for a son will be answered.

Gentile was in his chambers writing a letter to the Duke of Apulia. The two nobles have had close relations with each other since Roger Borsa de Hauteville visited Livorno in the summer of 1061. This relationship, Gentile hoped, would allow an alliance of both the realms, or at the very least continued peace. With a child on the way, he had to start to consider what realms may be suited to enter into a marriage. The Duchy of Apulia was a prime choice and his letter of correspondence would allow the two to discuss future actions with one another. Gentile lay back in his chair and held the letter up. With a satisfactory look on his face, he folded it and stamped it with his personal seal. Placing it on the table, he raised his head for suddenly the chamber door was opened.

A slender woman entered the room and walked over to the table.

“Good morning my lord.”

“Well good morning Eleonore,” Gentile replied surprisingly. “I was just about to call for you. I need you to send this letter to the Duke of Apulia as soon as possible.”

Gentile handed the letter to Eleonore. “Very well my lord.”

The Duke looked back down at his table and began to work again. However, Eleonore did not leave but only stood there. Gentile slowly raised his head and asked, “Yes?”

Eleonore cleared her throat and said, “Well, my lord, this morning we received a messenger from the Duke of Milano.”

“Where is this messenger?” asked Gentile.

“Outside my lord.”

“Well bring him in. Let me hear what he has to say.”



Eleonore motioned at the guard near the door. A tall, stately figure set foot inside the chamber. He calmly walked up to the table and bowed.

“My lord, I am a messenger for my liege, Duke of Milano. He brings you good tidings and he hopes that your lands are productive and prosperous. We have learned that one of your courtiers has come to age.” The messenger quickly glanced at Eleonore and then back to the Duke. “He asks for the hand of Chancellor Eleonore.”

Gentile looked at the messenger then to his Chancellor, Eleonore. “The Duke of Milano has my respect. If you may leave my chamber to let me decide this, I will summon you when I have made my decision.”

“Of course, my lord.” The messenger bowed and then left the room.

There was a moment of silence in the chamber. Gentile began to fiddle with his quill, looking as though he was deep in thought. Eleonore had no choice but to be silent until he spoke.

“What do you think of this situation, Eleonore?” abruptly asked by Gentile.

“As your Chancellor or as a courtier, my lord?”

“How about both?”

“Well my lord, as your Chancellor, I must incline you to accept the proposal. An alliance with Milano will greatly help you in your future plans. Of course you will be losing your Chancellor, but you know as well as I do that your wife, Maria would be great in that position.”

Gentile nodded in agreement.

“Now as your courtier? Well I must say I am surprised that a Duke would want me as his wife. I am flattered to say the least. However, I truly love your court and leaving it would greatly sadden me. It is your decision, my lord. Whatever you decide, I will respect.”

Nodding again, Gentile rose from his chair and walked towards Eleonore. Putting his arms on her shoulders, he kissed her on both cheeks. “You know that I love you like a daughter and you have done an excellent job as my Chancellor. However, as you said, I can not pass up this opportunity,” Gentile sadly said.

“I understand my lord. So shall I summon the messenger?”

“Yes, summon him,” replied Gentile. He went back to his chair, waiting for the messenger to enter the chamber again.

The messenger quickly entered the room and bowed again. “Yes, my lord? Have you come to a decision?”

“Yes, I have. Tell your liege that I have accepted his proposal. Eleonore may return with you.”

The messenger bowed and left the room. Gentile glanced at Eleonore before she left the room as well. It would be the last time he saw her. Sadness had overcome Gentile for not only had he lost his best diplomat, but also lost a good friend.



The Duke began to write another letter of correspondence when his Martial, Bernarbo Storza walked into the room.

“My lord,” stated Bernarbo “We are ready to inform you on your spies’ information that they gathered on your enemies. The council is waiting for you.”

Gentile signaled to Bernarbo that he would be coming very soon. His Martial left the chamber and he was finally alone again. Shaking his head in reaction to the sudden events, he slowly stood up and walked out the door.

----------------------------

As you can see, there is no war in this chapter. This one became so long I decided to separate them. The third chapter may come tonight. If not, it will certainly come tomorrow.

Thank you for your kind words so far. Oh and Semi-Lobster, shhh...you are ruining the story.

[Shaytana]

I think you can unite Italy pretty easily through warfare if you have the prestige for it...your capital is one of the best provinces to have so you'll have enough men to expand, and the "green" provinces of Italy will turn you into an unstopable juggernaut in no time.

[frogbeastegg]

This one looks very promising, and is nicely written. I will keep reading.

[Zeno of Cyprus]

Looks good so far.

[RepublicofGenoa]

My first real game I played as Pisa. I took away all my vassals land and conquered North Africa. I was too afraid to attack the other italian states. Now that I know how unable the AI is able to react to wars like that I probly could have eventually wrested away the Italian crown from Germany.
Good luck in your game, I always have a soft spot for the italian states, guess its cause of my love for pasta.

[Eber]

Chapter 3 - A Long Road Ahead

Gentile gazed at his council as they silently gazed back at him. The council was a group of the highest standing nobles in the Duchy. Even his vassals were present at the meeting. Gentile greeted the counts and then quietly sat down. The council immediately sat down after him.

“So what have you learned?” inquired Gentile, breaking the silence.

Marshal Bernarbo Storza rose from his chair. He was a short, robust man and it was obvious that the years of war have been catching up with him. It was a pity that he never married and being fifty-eight years old as of this day, his chance of marriage is quickly waning. He was still very honest and a good man in the eyes of Gentile.



“My lord, most of the enemies that we have received information on are rather powerful, and would be very risky if we waged war on them. However, there are two enemies that I find suitable targets for our military might. The Count of Salerno is a prime target on the Italian peninsula. He does not have any allies and his land is prosperous. If we do not get his lands first, the Duchy of Apulia probably will. The other is the Kingdom of Zirid led by the infidel Murtaza Khoury. His lands consist of Sicily and parts of North Africa. If we waged war on this Kingdom, our reputation with the Pope and the entire catholic world would increase. Those are the only two viable options that we currently have, my lord.” Bernarbo bowed and sat back down in his chair.

Gentile looked upon the council and leaned back in his chair. The council stared at their Duke waiting for an answer.

After a brief moment of silence, the Duke stated, “ I believe the infidels are the ones that need to be conquered, not our own Christian brothers. We will declare war on the Kingdom of Zirid immediately.”

Suddenly one of the council members interrupted the Duke and pleaded, “My lord, you must reconsider!”

The council was shocked at the disrespectful outburst the council member displayed. The council began to shout at each other and arguing started to swell the room. Gentile shook his head at the council and started to think of a solution. Stroking his chin, he sternly shouted to the council, “Silence! There is no need to argue. Let the council member speak. He might have shown a sign of disrespect, but he must have a reason for it.” Turning his head to the disrespectful council member he waited for a reply.

The young council member bowed to the Duke and began to explain his outburst.

“I apologize, my lord, for the disruption. However, we are making a mistake in declaring war on the Kingdom of Zirid. We would be walking into his lands blind but also outnumbered. Our spies were not able to find exactly how many soldiers were under his command, but they did find out that it was at least 5,000 men. Not only are we outnumbered, but we also do not know the fortifications of the land. We do not have the power yet to properly defeat them and we need to expand in other places before we consider fighting the infidels on their own land. I beg you to reconsider.” The young council member hoped that the Duke would understand and agree. He sat back down waiting for his lord’s response.

After the speech, the entire council was quiet. Gentile could see some of the council members nodding their heads in agreement, while others had their heads down.

“How many men do we have under our command, Martial?” Gentile asked, breaking the silence yet again.

“About 2200 men in Livorno and another 1500 if we call upon our vassals, my lord.”

Gentile nodded at the answer. It was clear that he was in deep thinking.

“How many men does the Count of Salerno have?”

“About 900 men from the reports we have received, my lord.”

Gentile again nodded at the response. It didn’t take long for him to make his decision.

“ I am disappointed to say the least with my council at this point. Your crave for the destruction of the infidels have clouded your mind. Unfortunately, it also clouded mine. However, I am glad to see that not all of us are consumed by greed.” Glancing over at the young council member. “I believe it is obvious what we must do now. It is always better if we outnumber the enemy before we go into battle, wouldn’t you agree council?”

The council nodded their heads in agreement and it was settled.

“Excellent. Martial, make sure the Count of Salerno gets the message of war. I want to have a legal right to declare war as well. I do not want any catholic power becoming disgusted by my actions. Also only mobilize the regiment in Livorno. We do not need my vassals for this war.”

“Yes, my lord, it shall be done. Who shall lead the army to victory?”

Gentile looked at Bernarbo and said, “I will.”

With that, the council was dismissed and a declaration of war was sent to the Count of Salerno. It has been said that when the Count received the message, he fell out of the chair that he was sitting in. The fear of the armies of Pisa has once again swelled their enemies with fear.

Plans for the mobilization of the regiment were underway and in timely fashion. It was a beautiful day in February. The clouds departed and allowed the sun to shine upon the men while they boarded their vessels for the long trip to Salerno. It now had been almost two years since Gentile first had his awakening of spirits and peace had continued. The time had come for Gentile to begin the long road that would lead Pisa into its destiny.

The men had boarded the vessels and were waiting for Gentile to come aboard. The Royal Port was bustling with business and Gentile wanted to see his peaceful city before going off to war. While he was reminiscing of old memories, he saw a servant running towards him. The servant instantly stopped. He was out of breath but still tried to speak.

“My…” Breath still had not caught up with the servant. “Your wife has born you a child. You now have a son.”

Gentile hearing the good news smiled. “Tell my wife that I would like his name to be Oberto if she does not mind. Also tell her to give him a big kiss for me. I will not be able to see her until I come back from war. Make sure she knows that I love her.”

The servant bowed to Gentile and replied, “Yes, my lord, I will.”



Gentile turned around and boarded the vessel. With the good news of the birth of his son, he knew that it was another sign that good fortunes were ahead.



A little over two months passed while Gentile’s army was at sea. On April 28, 1070, the army landed on the beach of Salerno. The 2200 men strong army began to march to the city of Salerno. Gentile eyed the forests of the land and admired the beauty. His aids were right. Salerno was a vast, prosperous land and a good base for his goals in Italy. The villages that his army passed were small, but the people were not scared of a hostile force invading their lands. Gentile did not understand why so he asked Bernarbo for clarification.

“Bernarbo, the villages welcome us. Why is that?” Gentile asked while observing the peasants that were working and going about their daily lives.

“The Count is a corrupt man, my lord. He taxes the peasants to extreme levels to fund his personal enjoyments. How do you believe we got our information on this count? No one likes him, not even some of the nobles in his court. They are happy to see that a new ruler will be installed soon.” Bernarbo smiled at Gentile, but than glanced to an aid that was whispering something in his ear. “My lord, a scout came back with his reports. Across that ridge is the army of the Count. The scout says that it the army does number around 900 men.”

“Excellent news, Martial, prepare the men for battle. Make sure you ask the Count to surrender. Maybe we can prevent unneeded bloodshed on this beautiful day.”

“As you wish, my lord.” Bernarbo quickly rode to the front of the army to prepare the men.

The battle lines were ready. Unfortunately, the Count of Salerno denied surrendering, which would later become a notorious mistake upon his part. The Battle of Salerno was underway.



Gentile ordered the advancement of his archers to the front lines. Once they were ready, the archers began to unleash a volley of arrows onto the enemy. Gentile commanded almost 230 archers while the Count seemed to have less than 90. The archers devastated the front ranks of the Count’s army and droves of men began to drop. Gentile smiled because he knew his research in the long bow has proven to be effective against the enemy.

After the devastation of the volley of arrows by his competent archers, he ordered the advancement of his light cavalry, which numbered over 1000. The Count again could not fight the onslaught of Gentile’s army. His light infantry and archers were falling down at gigantic rates. The Count had to do something before his army lost the morale he needed to defeat the invaders. He ordered his heavy infantry to attack the lightly armored cavalry. The cavalry, under the pressure of the entire army of the Count, began to waver. Gentile saw that the infantry was driving his cavalry back. He ordered his infantry to attack and help out the cavalry that were beginning to run back to his lines. The battle was becoming a mess of bodies falling on top of each other and blood staining the grass below them. This was the first time Gentile saw battle and he learned the consequences of it.

All of the sudden, a charge of knights were seen on the right flank of the Count’s army. Almost 400 knights rode towards the frightened infantry. The Count’s pike men tried to slow down the knights but they were too weak and too few to do any real damage. The knights slammed into the right side of the Count’s army. Gentile looked on as his infantry and knights started to chase the wavering army of the Count of Salerno. The knights saved the day and would not be the last time his knights would determine the outcome of a battle.

After the destruction of the Count’s army, a siege on the fort began. At the camp of Gentile’s army, Bernarbo confronted him in his tent.

“My lord, you wanted to know the number of men that were killed or injured in the battle. Currently, we have 2038 able-bodied men that can still fight. We lost about 160 men.” Bernarbo lowered his head and cleared his throat.

Gentile was surprised about the number. He believed it would have been well over that amount. With a defeated look he said, “Very good, Martial, thank you for the report.”

Bernarbo bowed and was about to leave, but he quickly turned around and said, “You had a great victory, my lord. Be proud for your men are proud of you.” He left the tent, leaving Gentile alone. It was a good victory and Gentile knew that. He also knew the perils of war, but it only began to sink in that his goals will cost the lives of countless of loyal men under his rule. Though the loss will be terrible, the outcome will be great, he thought.

The siege ended four months later on September 16, 1070. On September 19, Gentile began the long trip home. He had conquered his first land and he felt proud. However, the blood that he could still smell of his fallen brethren was still fresh, and he knew that it would take time until that blood would dry. With this time, he would enjoy the peaceful surroundings of his family until he and more importantly his kingdom was ready to continue down the road of their destiny.

[Shaytana]

Attacking Salerno was indeed the throroughly logical solution. One thing one must keep in mind is the easiest kingdom title to get is Venice... (you probably know that if you claim the ducal title of venice = king title) one province and POOOF kingdom and huge increase in demesne efficiency. I am unsure of prestige costs, but imo annexing the two republics (Venice + Genoa) asap is a must. Although I feel you have enough men to smash the Zirids considering your current domains, and the AI's......excellence

[Eber]

There is the third chapter and the longest so far. The next chapter will come in the next couple of days. I haven't played enough to write a complete chapter yet.

Shaytana- I'm actually not worried at all trying to take on the forces in Italy. You and I both know that the AI is rather incapable of matching wits with any of us. However, this is more of a role-playing AAR and with that said, I will not declare war on a kingdom unless my manpower is more than theirs. Of course, that might be proven difficult if I declare war on Germany. However, if I keep going with my strategy, my manpower base will excede Germany's by the time I am ready to invade. Also I can't expand too fast because my court is rather small. I do not want to give counties to incompetent people and want to try and role-play and give my titles to people that have at least decent stats. But I do agree with you that Livorno is one of the richest provinces.

EDIT- Genoa and Venice would be logical as well, but it would not fit in my story line. That is my main reason for playing Pisa, the AAR. Plus I don't like the idea of cheap titles if you know what I mean. But thank you for the advice and it is in my plans but that is a long time from now (I'll be pretty much King of Italy by that time).

RepublicofGenoa- I know what you mean. There aren't too many targets for Pisa to attack without getting double-teamed so to speak. I will say that North Africa is definitely on my to do list and it is probably one of the best strategies for any Italian nation. With North African and Sicily provinces, your manpower base and your wealth will be through the roof. Which will considerably help you in your war with Germany. I am just hoping that Germany falls apart in my game then I don't have to worry.

Thank you all for the compliments and I hope you are enjoying this AAR.

[Shaytana]

It's great that you take a story based aproach over a "beat the game" "exploit the loophole" aproach. That is precisely the aproach I take playing this game, as in I play with a story in mind, and enjoy my game rather than do the best thing in terms of gameplay. Your post reasures me this aar will interest me for as long as it keeps going, so keep up the good work, and I'm waiting patiently to see your manpower pool exceed Germany.

/back to the Pechenegs.

[Zeno of Cyprus]

Try and double your kingdom size with this monarch, it's early in the game and that's when it's best to attack.

[Mr.G 24]

I like this AAR all photoshoppy and well presented, as of now I have no CK Seeing as soon as as I get back to human civilization, I'm buying it, and I need a basic understanding of the game.

Good luck

[Ksim3000]

I've just read this and it is good, my first real insight into CK. I look forward to seeing how this AAR turns out.

[Eber]

Originally Posted by Zeno of Cyprus

Try and double your kingdom size with this monarch, it's early in the game and that's when it's best to attack.

I agree, but you have to remember it isn't too hard to double the size of my current kingdom. Especially with all those muslims near me.

I have played a bit more and am starting to write the next chapter, but I stay true with my previous chapter and do not wage war for about nine years. (Mainly because I was having fun raising the family and building infrastructure) But you all will see what Gentile does next. I'm glad that many people are enjoying it and that it is truly insightful. It will always be this detailed (if not more) so each chapter may only deal with a few years. Though not every chapter will be like that.

Before he dies, his realm should definitely be a start to his dream unless of course he dies prematurely....sorry I must not say these things *slaps himself*

[Zeno of Cyprus]

unless of course he dies prematurely

Don't jinx it, you know how those computer dice are!

[Mike von Bek]

Very well written - great stuff. Pisa is a fun country to play. Love the Corsican COA, too. Lets see the next chapter!

That map font is way cool

[Eber]

Chapter 4 - Down the Path We Go

“Duchess Maria, I’m sorry to disturb you so early in the morning,” the messenger said while bowing his head.

“It is quite fine, Vincent, what do you have for me?” Maria glanced at the messenger’s hands holding a meticulously folded letter.

“Word has been received from your husband, Gentile. Our army has defeated the army of Salerno and is now waiting for the surrender of the city. He wanted you to have this letter before he returned home.” Vincent gave the letter to Maria, then turned around and left the chamber.

Maria gazed at the letter and soon opened it.

My Lovely Maria,

It is now September and I am growing weary of this war. It has been a long seven months since I have seen your beautiful face. Oh how I long to see you and my son! I still have not seen my son yet and I curse the Count of Salerno for preventing me from seeing him. It should not be too much longer until I return home. The men’s morale is high, but each day that this siege continues will be another day the men stay in their camps dreaming of their families. Morale is ever so slowly starting to dwindle. However, we have been fortunate in this war. It is evident that God is protecting us under his mighty hand. I realized that war is not glorious but ugly in nature. It is not war, itself, that propels men into remembrance but the courage and unwavering loyalty that determines our heroes. I can surely say that each man in this camp is a hero for the glory of Pisa. Do not fret, my lovely wife, for we will be returning home soon.

Your Affectionate Husband,

Gentile D’Alema

Happiness and relief overwhelmed her while she closed the letter. A tear began running down the side of her face, for God had answered her prayer.

On November 27, 1070, Gentile stepped onto the dock of Livorno. It had been nine months since he smelled the aroma of the sea convolvulus. The pink flowers that bloom from the plant was one of the sweet ecstasies in Livorno. Many inhabitants of the city were at the port waiting for the arrival of their Duke. Gentile saw the enjoyed mass and waved. He had become a man of distinguished valor to the populace, for he gave the people an enriched hope that Pisa will once again establish itself as an empire in the known world. Gentile eyed his palace and set out to see his loving wife and son.

The reunion of the family was a heartfelt occasion. Gentile finally was able to see his son, Oberto. He was mighty strong for only being nine months old, which surprised Gentile. After he played with his son, he laid his son down to allow him to sleep. Seeing that Maria was in the other room, he walked over and sat down near her.

Gentile eyed Maria, sensing something was wrong, he asked, “What is wrong? I thought you would be happy on my joyous return?”

Maria glanced at Gentile then back at the fire. Hesitating for a minute she finally said, “Dear, I am happy that you are back but during your absence it was extremely hard on me. Your son wasn’t even able to see his father when he was born.” She stopped and sighed. It was obvious that this was difficult to say to her loving husband. “I was so afraid that you would not come back. This was the first time you departed from us for a long period of time. I suppose I just have to get use to it.” She moved closer to Gentile and put her head down on his shoulder.

He pulled her closer to him and held her firmly. He peered at the glowing fire while trying to think of what to say. After some thought, he replied, “Maria, look at me.” He pulled her off of him and looked straight into her eyes. “You know that I have to do this for Pisa. We will never reach the point that we want to unless we…” He paused trying to think of the best way to say his feelings. “Unless we show people our vision. I will not leave you now. I am staying by your side and seeing my son grow up before my eyes. It will be some time before I leave again.”

Maria nodded and smiled while Gentile gave her a kiss on the forehead. She began to speak about events that occurred while he was away at war. Gentile smiled at Maria while she explained to him every single discussion or incident that confronted her. It was nice to hear something that had no importance to his kingdom that he could just listen and relax to.

The next four years were peaceful for the D’Alema family. Maria had another two sons that delighted not only Gentile but also the entire kingdom. The family was the jewel that made Pisa such a wonderful and valuable place to live. Everywhere a family member went people would come up to them and bless them. Gentile’s reputation as the savior of the land was rapidly spreading through the city and it wouldn’t be too long that even other realms soon heard of the great revival in Pisa. All was well until news from Milano reached Livorno.

“My dear, these things happen. You know that as well as I do. I suppose the Duke was not a healthy sort,” calmly proclaimed by Maria.

“I know but the thought that Eleonore will just become a courtier in Milano’s court makes me angry,” declared Gentile briskly pacing the room. He knew he should have never agreed to the marriage, but it was over and done with. Nothing could be done now and the death must have been the way God wanted it.

Maria trying to think of something soothing said, “At least she became Milano’s Spy Master.”

“Yes that is at least somewhat good news though it is still sad news all together. Make sure you send her our deepest sympathies.”

“Of course, my dear, anything else you would like me to do?”

“No that is all. That is all I can do.” Gentile sat down and with a depressed look buried his face in his hands.

The rest of the year, 1074, was pleasant for the family. Livorno was growing in prosperity and the rest of the realm seemed to be following in its lead. On January 30, 1075, Maria was expecting another child. The D’Alema family currently had a daughter and three sons. An addition to the family pleased Gentile. His worry of not having a family of his own diminished after his first son. Gentile was seeing Oberto grow up in front of his eyes and he would not want it any other way.

Later that year, Aimone, his second son, went off to receive a military education. Gentile was proud of Aimone, but in the back of his mind he was worried about Oberto. Oberto was already at the proper age to go to school, but his son did not want to go. He enjoyed hunting with his father and staying by his father’s side. Gentile was happy that he had a close fondness with him, but if this child was going to become the next ruler, he needed to have an education. He tried not to think of it but instead enjoy the time he did have with his son.

On November 1, 1075, Maria gave birth to another son. This son was different from the rest. Gentile could not understand how or why but the feeling was there. The Duke and Duchess named their newborn son, Giovanni after Gentile’s grandfather. A new addition to the family was here and celebrations occurred throughout the entire city. God had truly blessed Gentile and Maria and both hoped that that blessing would reach Pisa as well.



Many events transpired during the next few years. Maria had another daughter named Paola. Gentile was amazed by the number of children Maria had and he was pleased to see Maria and all the children were in good health. Cangrande, the third son of Gentile, left to receive a court education in Salerno. It would be a long time until he would see his son again.

In mid December, Gentile was speaking to Bernarbo, his martial, when Oberto entered the room and interrupted the two.

“Father” Oberto tugged on the sleeve of Gentile.

“Oberto, do you not see I am trying to speak to Bernarbo?”

“I know, father, but there is something I need to tell you.”

Gentile sighed and looked down at his son. “What is it, Oberto?”

“I am ready to go to school.”

A smile began to creep up on Gentile. Finally, his son who just turned ten wanted to receive an education.

“Father, I like to be a soldier just like Bernarbo.” The boy looked up at the beaming Martial.

“My lord, your boy has some sense to him.” Bernarbo proud that the eldest son of his Duke wanted to be just like him.

Gentile began to laugh. “Alright, Oberto, if that is what you want.”

On December 17, 1078, Oberto began his military education and Gentile hoped that he would eventually become a great commander. He knew that if Oberto became one, Pisa would be invincible to the world. Only time would tell if this would become the case.



“Yes, my lord, you called for me?” Gentile’s Chancellor waiting for the Duke to answer.

“Send a message to the Counts that they are needed back in Livorno immediately,” Gentile said while writing something down on parchment.

On January 12, 1079, the Counts and their Duke met to begin discussing the important reason Gentile asked them to come to Livorno for.

“I called you here because I am going to be changing a major law, today.”

The Counts looked at each other with worried looks.

“As you know, Pisa currently has Elective Law to explain who inherits the kingdom. However, I am changing that.”

“To what, my lord?” The Count of Corsica eagerly queried.

“It will be changed to Semisalic Primogeniture.” Gentile looked at his counts, waiting for a crude response.

The Counts stayed quiet. Gentile could sense that anger was their primary emotion, but he was impressed that none of them expressed it.

“My lord,” The Count of Corsica stood. “If this is what you feel is best for Pisa, than I support you.” The Count bowed and sat back down.

The other two Counts followed his lead and sat down.

Gentile nodded, amazed with the loyalty of the three counts. “Good, than it is settled. My son, Oberto, will inherit the kingdom.”

The Counts bowed to Gentile again and left the room. Once the Counts left the room, Gentile turned to Bernarbo. “Keep a close eye on them. Make sure their loyalty stays true.”

“It shall be done, my lord.”

A year later, the Counts stayed true to their loyalty and did not rebel. Gentile was happy that bloodshed was not the outcome of his decision, and that the kingdom would be able to move on to more important matters. Since he had assured his sons would inherit the kingdom, he began to strategize with his Martial on the next move that Pisa would make to continue down the road of their inevitable future.