Isabella's Crusade

Dear Diary;

Turn 514. Armies are starting to corral in towns close to the Russian border and roads are being upgraded in preparation for invasion. Can't get too close, though. Spies are still expensive at this point, but can't be too careful, especially where Catherine is concerned. Peter would be a different story.

I believe that I've found some good commanders, though not as many as I would have liked. Resorting to combat promotions always seems inefficient. Conversely, Catherine has always been superb at finding leaders. But we will prevail for the greater Glory of God, for we are truly blessed by Him.

Bishop Quienza's evening service was, I thought, a little lacking in fervor. I am hesitant to waste any espionage points with war approaching, but having him investigated for possible heresy seems appropriate.

Turn 515. Continuing to whip units. A Great Prophet was born in Barcelona. I decided to settle him, as the Church of the Nativity has already been built. Both the gold and the hammers will come in useful. The cheap Golden Age is worth relatively more later, and settling is worth relatively less later.

Elizabeth is not doing particularly well. It seems that her position of captivity, in particular the upright arms and the continual savaging of the wrists from her manacles has caused the onset of gangrene. Likely the reduced blood flow coupled with the injury. I moved her to a pair of stocks so that her wrists may attempt to heal and procured some maggots for treatment. If things do not improve, amputation will be the only possible course of action.

Turn 516. I had to execute two more city governors for incompetence. Both Murcia and Zaragoza simply didn't understand that food can be converted into hammers via slavery, therefore working food tiles can effect faster production than working hammer tiles. I had them both taken to the Plaza de Cibeles, where they were boiled in pine tar. It was an excellent ceremony. They had been placed, standing, in shallow cauldrons. This meant that the tar only rose to their knees, prolonging survival. As they neared the end, the tar was lit afire. See to it that the executioner receives suitable commendation and reward.

Hopefully this will finally send a message to the others. I had believed hangings were sufficient in the past, but it clearly was not enough to inspire confidence.

Turn 517. Guilds research completed. Have started putting some flasks into Gunpowder, but it will be a long time. I made the decision to push the science slider down to 30% to earn gold for the war. Currently the treasury holds 412, growing at +22 per turn. Maintenance costs for units are starting to creep higher as units continue to move north towards the vile Russians. I can barely hold within myself the longing for combat. Let the one true God know no temporal bounds.

Current troops marshalled: 5 Trebuchet, 4 Longbowmen, 4 Catapult, 7 Swordsmen, 2 Axeman, 2 Archer, 3 Crossbowmen, 3 Pikemen, 3 Horse Archer. The majority of these forces have been long-fortified following the destruction of the English. City defense is a light, but if Galleons appear on our shores, there is no hope for Spain regardless. Still, I must admit to being a little pleased by the volume, even if many of the units are obsolete. Most of the Swordsmen are owed to a long-ago quest - one that we had already fulfilled the requirements for when it was presented!

I eagerly anticipate adding Knights to this fray. War may come sooner than I had hoped.

Turn 518. My suspicions have been confirmed. I received report today that Quienza's office contained copies of Jewish texts. He was subsequently fed to the alligators in the moat. I look forward to a renewed energy to services.

The first two Knights have been whipped. This presents an interesting decision. Catherine does not have sufficient espionage to know my pattern of research, but once we completed Guilds she was informed from the Diplomacy screen. I wonder how many pikes she's trained. Spies have been dispatched as scouts.

Elizabeth is not prospering. Despite the more relaxed accommodations and medical treatment, the gangrene continued to grow. I was left with no option except to amputate both her arms just below the elbows. I confess to chuckling - the remaining stumps look rather amusing in the pillory. Unfortunately, due to blood loss from the surgery, I am compelled to let her recuperate for a few days. In retrospect, some anesthesia may have been appropriate for the surgery in that it would permit faster recovery, but I am morally opposed to allowing infidel prisoners the use of rare and expensive medicines.

Turn 519. It seems that my various subordinates are starting to learn their roles. War production seems to be proceeding optimally. Exploring caravels still haven't found anything. I wonder if I overestimated the amount of land available to our rivals. If so, a defeat of Catherine would almost guarantee Spain to stand unopposed.

I shall take advantage of this respite to pray for His guidance. I have been negligent in my offerings.

Turn 520. Someone managed to find fresh mangoes this morning. Superb. Should be a busy day, probably -

The diary cuts off, a large ink stain left on the page.