Pax Italia: Nations Continued

Duchy of Milan

Arguably the most powerful of the Italian city-states, the Duchy of Milan is primed to hold a commanding position over Italy. The city of Milan itself is a center of industry for Southern Europe, and Milan's dominance over the Genoese gives them access to one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean. The ruler of Milan, the Regent Ludovico Sforza, il Moro, is one of the most polarizing figures in all of Italy. Having dominated the child heir, Gian Galeazzo, Sforza has a free hand to engage in his intrigues.

Status: Independent
Ruler: Ludovico Sforza
Family: None
Relations: Genoa (vassals), Florence (friendly), Naples (hostile)

Duchy of Modena

--Modena will actually be removed from the list of playable nations as it was a possession of the Duchy of Ferrara during the period. This is a note to myself to do so.--

Kingdom of Naples

Sprawling over half of the Italian Penninsula, the Kingdom of Naples is the largest and most populous of the Italian states. However, the Kingdom is racked by instability due to the competing claims on the throne by both the French and the Spanish. Having just put down a serious rebellion, the imperious Ferdinand I finds his rule in jeopardy of domination by one of the great powers. A large familial network could give the Neopolitans a resource to calm their realm, however.

Status: Vassals of Spain
Ruler: Ferdinand I di Napoli
Family: Alfonso II di Napoli (General), Frederick IV di Napoli (Chancellor), Giovanni I di Napoli (Bishop), Francesco I di Napoli (Lord)
Relations: Spain (hegemonic), Ferrara (friendly), France (hostile), Milan (hostile)

The Papal States

Lo Stato Ecclesiastico, the Papal States are the temporal realms of the Holy Mother Church in Italy. Centered, naturally, around Rome, the Papal States occupy much of the central part of the Italian Penninsula. The current Bishop of Rome, the newly elevated Pope Alexander VI, is known throughout Europe as a cunning diplomat. The enormous power The Church wields has both advantages and disadvantages, as the Pope can make entire dynasties legitimate or illegitimate via a simple Bull. At the same time, the Church's power and finances are governed in large part by the Cardinals throughout Europe and the tithes of Kings which may wish to see returns on their contributions to Rome.

Status: Independent
Ruler: Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia)
Family: Cesare Borgia (Bishop, General, Lord), Juan Borgia (Bishop, Lord), Lucretia Borgia (Chancellor, Spymaster)
Relations: Ferrara (hostile), Florence (hostile), Milan (hostile)


Running out of steam for the evening... more to come later.