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{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_TITLE}	The Italian Wars

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_FRANCE_DESCR}	King Charles VIII.\n\nCharles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, died 16 years ago at Nancy. With his death, the vast Burgundian kingdom was not to fall to the French crown, but to the husband of his daughter - Maximilian of Hapsburg. At the same time, the Kingdom of Spain strives for dominance in southern Italy, actually a French claim. It seems that France is relegated to be a second rank power. It is time to change that! The financially weak Hapsburgs are not prepared for a war. In addition, the rich Duchy of Milan seems like an over-ripe fruit ready to be plucked from the French bough!
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_FRANCE_TITLE}	Kingdom of France

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_HRE_DESCR}	Emporer Maximilian I.\n\nFrederick III, the father, is dead. Now it's up to his son Maximilian to keep the new found Burgundy and the reconquered lands of Matthias Corvinus. The task seems easy, since both Venice and the Pope himself expand their territories at the expense of the empire in Italy. In addition, the Sultan has invaded the Balkans and marches in the direction of Vienna and the stubborn Confederates finally seem to be expunged from the kingdom. Hope now lies on one hand in a promising marriage tie to the Kingdom of Spain, and in the other in the brave Landsnechts.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_HRE_TITLE}	The Holy Roman Empire

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_HUNGARY_DESCR}	King Vladislav II.\n\nHungary is only a shadow of its former self, the formerly mighty empire of Matthias Corvinus decays nearly as fast as it was built. Fallen out as the princes are now, it will not be easy to unite them against the real enemy of the kingdom, the Ottomans. Serbia, the neighbour is about to fall, so that Hungary will soon border its the territories the Sultan's. The Republic of Venice would be an good ally in this dark hours, but as long as the battle for northern Italy persists their power is bounded.\n\n
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_HUNGARY_TITLE}	Kingdom of Hungary

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_MILAN_DESCR}	Duke Ludovico Sforza\n\nIntrigue is the custom in the cities of northern Italy: the nobles of Milan are still the best at it. Ludovico Sforza himself has come to power through such means and now manages the affairs of the city. It would be advisable to look for allies, because without these the hours of independence are numbered. At the borders to Milan, the Republic of Venice and France prepare to deliver Milan the final blow. The Swiss mercenaries could be contributed to its defense, but their services are anything but cheap.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_MILAN_TITLE}	Duchy of Milan

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_PAPAL_STATES_DESCR}	Papst Alexander VI.\n\nThe Papacy is at its low point of his spiritual power, but at the height of his worldly power! But the tasks that lie ahead of the popes is huge. At one hand, the Turks should be finally repulsed after so many attempts have failed, on the other hand, the balance of forces should be remained in Italy. This is will be difficult, because strangers are pushing on the italian peninsula.\n\n
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_PAPAL_STATES_TITLE}	Papal States

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_POLAND_DESCR}	Piero de Medici\n\nThe city of Florence, thriving metropolis in Tuscany. His linen and silk are valued and traded throughout Europe. Likewise, its banks, they are known for their large capacity and european relations. However, Florence is also permanent place of turmoil and unrest, caused through the many rival families of the city. For the Medici, which have the city in their grip at the moment, it is not simply to maintain the control of the city, as well its people. Also many new powers are marching on the italian peninsula and want to plunder and rob the rich cities of Italy.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_POLAND_TITLE}	Signoria of Florence

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SICILY_DESCR}	King Ferrante I.\n\nKing of Naples, Duke of Calabria. Official he is a vassal to the pope , but the Kings have long reached their inofficial independence, now they have own plans for Italy.\n\nThe recent events are promising a hard time, as well the king of France have claims to the throne of Naples. With the support of the Dukes of Milan they want to conquer Naples and enforce their claim .\n\nBesides that a dispute with the Spanish cousins could be threat to our ambitions as well. Although Ferrante itself comes from the Spanish house of Aragon...
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SICILY_TITLE}	Kingdom of Naples

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SPAIN_DESCR}	King Fernando of Aragón\n\nWith the unification of the crowns of Castile and Aragon, a new power in Europe has arisen. Strengthened by the silver of America and the conquest of Granada, Italy is a good target for expansion. The Habsburgs seem to be a good ally in this case, but it could devour the resources of Spain should they get involved in a war on the side of the Emperor against his numerous enemies. Also, the Ottomans and their terrible allies in the Western Mediterranean, the Tunisian pirates, should not be underestimated.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SPAIN_TITLE}	Kingdom of Spain

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_TURKS_DESCR}	Sultan Bayezid II.\n\nSince Constantinople, the powerful city of the Eastern Roman Emperor was, 40 years ago, taken by the Ottomans, the Ottoman sultans and their armies have seemed invincible. Even the most powerful empires faint and tremble from fear when the Janissaries and Sipahis form up for battle. The Ottoman presence in Bosnia is still weak, but if more reinforcements will arrive from the Anatolian provinces, there is nothing that the Christian princes can preserve from destruction.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_TURKS_TITLE}	The Ottoman Empire

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_VENICE_DESCR}	Doge Agostino Barbarigo\n\nThe expansion of Terra Ferma in northern Italy is progressing very well, and the fleet is strong as well. But this could change quickly now with the death of Emperor Frederick III. Again there is an active ruler north of the Alps. Also the Sultan, once a good ally of the republic, consolidates his power in the Aegean and the Balkans. A multi-front war should be avoided at all costs because the army is not strong enough to fight in Italy as well as at the estates on the Adriatic. Probably the fleet will soon have to leave the docks and to fight for the welfare of the republic.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_VENICE_TITLE}	Republic of Venice

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SAXONS_DESCR}	Präsident Felix Brennwald\n\nCaused by the irrepressible desire for freedom of a small nation in the middle of the barren Alps, the Swiss Confederation is one of the youngest powers in the battle for Italy. But many, Hapsburgs and Burgundians have made the mistake to confuse this with actual weakness. The most feared soldiers are the Swiss pikemen, looking after villages and towns, ready to sweep away any enemy armies. The starting position seems poor due to modest finances and few inhabitants, but the Swiss are often full of surprises.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SAXONS_TITLE}	The Swiss Confederation

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_NORMANS_DESCR}	Ulrich von Montfort-Tettnang\n\nLaunched at the Diet of Essling in 1488, the Swabian League is an association of Swabian imperial estates and responsible for the maintenance of public peace. The belligerent princes, troubled Confederates and rebellious farmers in fragmented south-west Germany do not make that an easy task. Despite all these obstacles the combat power and endurance of the Swabian knights and mercenaries is always forsake.
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_NORMANS_TITLE}	Swabian League

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_DENMARK_DESCR}	Doge Agostino Adorno\n\nIn the last four centuries, Genoa was able, thanks to its efficient power politics, to gain a place among the four greatest Italian maritime republics. With the help of shrewd merchants and intrepid navigators the Genoese colonies extend to the Black Sea, and the immense wealth of the Republic is reflected in the Banco di San Giorgio and other magnificent buildings.\n\nBut as it is wealth causes envy, and envy leads to war. Surrounded by power hungry and more powerful neighbours, Genoa is in an awkward situation. Shall you ask for support from the French king, or even the Emperor? How responds the powerful Borgia Pope in Rome to the Genoese expansion plans? Will Genoa be lost in the turmoil of the time and easily assimilated by one of his more powerful neighbours or will it become under an ambitious leader more powerfull than ever?
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_DENMARK_TITLE}	Republic of Genoa

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_BYZANTIUM_DESCR}	Margrave Francesco II.Gonzaga\n\nDue to its strategic position as buffer state between the Duchy of Milan, Parma-Piacenzau and Ferrara-Modena at the one hand and the Republic of Venice and the Papal States on the other, the Margravate of Mantua plays an important role in the struggles of Italy. Invigorated by the marriage with Isabella d'Este, and its accompanying alliance with the Duchy of Ferarra, the ambitious Margrave Francesco II. Gonzaga strives for power and prestige. But the enemies are at hand and numerous, only a wise and predictive ruler will be able to prevail in such troublesome times. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_BYZANTIUM_TITLE}	Margravate of Mantua

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SCOTLAND_DESCR}	Rector Frolio Giorgi\n\nSince the year dot, the patrician families of Ragusa understood how to prevail between the great powers. Skilful, they lead their small republic through the centuries, always concerned about the balance between them and their neighbors. In 1481 they placed their republic under the protection of the Ottoman Sultan. At the cost of 12.500 ducats per annum, they will stay independent, but also receive several benefits for their merchants in the Ottoman Empire, as well as, access to the Black Sea. These new privileges brought many new and unexpected opportunities, to lead the republic to real greatness. Though the Rectors, as well as, the Great Council shall never forget that they are only a small republic on the Adriatic coast, crushed in an instance by its mighty neighbors. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SCOTLAND_TITLE}	Republic of Ragusa

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_RUSSIA_DESCR}	Signore Pandolfo Petrucci\n\nThe Republic of Siena has a long history, started out from the legendary founding by the sons of Remus. According to legend, the children of Remus, Senio and Aschio, had to flee Rome, due their father's lost conflict with Romulus. They arrived at the shores of the river Tressa and built the Castel Senio (nowadays Castelvecchio) on a near hillside. The black and white smoke of their fanned fire, became the colours of the city of Siena (Balzana). Since the year dot, Siena is a bitter enemy to Florence and a supporter of Papal authority in Italy. As ingrained Ghibellines, the Senesi are not open-minded to any of the German Emperors intentions in Italy. A conflict between the Pope and the Emperor would test the Republic, once more. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_RUSSIA_TITLE}	Republic of Siena

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_EGYPT_DESCR}	Sultan Muhammad V.\n\nThe dynasty of the Hafisds, once an influential and true vassal of the Almohads, gained independence in the early 13th century, by pure calculation and the advantage of current unrests. The Hafsid Sultans ruled the Ifrīqiya, which includes Tunisia, Algeria, and Tripolitania. The dominated even Morocco temporarily. But bitter backstrokes lead to a decline, also the rigorous advance by the European powers against the Hafsid piracy. Internal struggles did the rest, along with the independence efforts of several local tribesmen. Only a strong and determined Sultan will be able to lead the Hafisds to their former greatness. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_EGYPT_TITLE}	Hafsid Sultanate

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_ENGLAND_DESCR}	Duke Ercole I. d`Este\n\nSince Borso d`Este received in 1452 by Emperor Friedrich III. confirmation over his estates, as Duke. The destiny of this small states lies in the hand of the d'Este family. Due the Papal infoement in 1471 of the Duchy of Ferrara, the family gained substantial power. Placed at the northern slopes of the Apennines, this fertile countryside is a buffer state between Venice, Milan and the Papal estates.\n\nDue this circumstances, the dukes were able to stay out of most troubles. But a storm is gathering. The French king has announced his claim on the Kingdom of Naples and already plans his campaign in Italy. Can this small duchy prevail or will it be smashed? 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_ENGLAND_TITLE}	Duchy of Ferrara & Modena

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_MONTFERRAT_DESCR}	Boniface III Palaeologus.\n\nAs of 1493, The Margraviate of Montferrat stands on the precipice of two dramatic changes. On the one hand the elderly marquess, Boniface III, is withered by age and soon to die. On the other, the Margraviate stands directly in the path of the impending French invasion of Italy. Diplomacy must be key to Montferrat's strategy if it is to survive these changes. The pro-French policies of Boniface and his heir William have staved off French aggression at the price of French interference, at least to this point. The marquess' niece Blanche currently rules Savoy as regent for her son Duke Charles II, ensuring peace from the west. But the infant is sickly, and Savoy may soon fall out of the control of Boniface's family. Alliances can collapse rapidly in the claustrophobic atmosphere of northern Italy. But what other choices does Montferrat have? To the north-east, Milan is rich, powerful, and intractably hostile to France and her allies - Montferrat among them. To the south, Genoa is sympathetic to France; it may make a useful ally, at least in the short term. One thing is clear: the elderly marquess may boast all he likes of the strength of the Casale wine-trade and his noble descent from the Byzantine emperors, but he must now select a side to take. France, or Milan? Montferrat must make the choice quickly, but can ill afford to get it wrong. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_MONTFERRAT_TITLE}	Margraviate of Montferrat

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_URBINO_DESCR}	Guidobaldo da Montefeltro\n\nThe Duchy of Urbino is a new creation, elevated to ducal status only in recent decades. It may in that sense be the child of the peninsula, but it is a gifted one. The policies of the ruling Montefeltro dynasty have made Urbino a central hub of the Italian Renaissance, with della Francesca, Santi, and di Giorgio Martini all in residence at court. But cultural excellence does not equate to military power: Urbino is weak. To the north, the Republic of Venice seeks another Adriatic port for its empire; to the south, the Papacy which gifted the Duchy could just as easily take it away. In order to prosper, Urbino must avoid a two-front war, and use the impending French invasion to its advantage. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_URBINO_TITLE}	Duchy of Urbino

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_TIMURIDS_DESCR}	Giovanni II. Bentivoglio\n\nThe city of Bologna commands the highways between northern and southern Italy, which made it one of the wealthiest cities in whole Italy. But not only that, the city accommodates the oldest university of the known world and thus is a center for scholarship in Europe. Though as for all larger Italian communities, Bologna is also cursed by factions and internal struggles. Along with the families of the Pepoli, Malvezzi and Gozzadini, the Bentivoglio were able to establish themselves as sole ruler over city during the 15th century.\n\nGiovanni II., the current head of the family and former Condottiere in the service of Florence, is ruling Bologna with an iron fist, all opposition to his rule is whipped out ruthlessly. However many well-known artists are gathering at his court and he is already considered one of the greatest builder of Italy. If the Bentivogli want to keep ruling their beloved city, they have to match the approaching events, also because the other families are eagerly awaiting their chance to overthrow them. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_TIMURIDS_TITLE}	Signoria of Bologna

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SAVOY_DESCR}	Duke Charles II.\n\nDue a succession of weak and short living Dukes, the Duchy of Savoy became more and more dependent to the Royal Crown of France. Especially, since the current Duke, Charles II, is still a child and his mother Blanche of Montferrat is the actual ruler over the Duchy. Though, it is still officially a vassal of the Holy Roman Empire and also being a constituent member of the Upper Rhenish Circle.\n\nThe only hope for the people of Savoy is now, that their Duke will grow up fast and become a powerful ruler. Otherwise it is most likely, that the Duchy will be crushed in the upcoming storm, which is rising on the horizon. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_SAVOY_TITLE}	Duchy of Savoy 

{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_LUCCA_DESCR}	Paolo Guinigi.\n\nThe Republic of Lucca is a thriving metropolis in north-west Tuscany, an independent city-state since its foundation in the 12th century. Its silk is valued and traded throughout Europe. Likewise, its banks are a byword in European security thanks to the cautious mercantile policies of the ruling Podesta and his consigliori, who value trade and independence over military prestige. However, Lucca's refined isolation, so long its strength, may also prove to be its undoing in this new age of conflict. The power-balance of the past fifty years is about to crumble, and small, wealthy Lucca may make an attractive target to Florence or the Kaiser. If the Lucchesi are to preserve the independence of their 400 year-old 'Respublica', they must expand slowly, invest wisely, watch...and wait for opportunities to secure their own position at the expense of powerful neighbours. 
{IMPERIAL_CAMPAIGN_LUCCA_TITLE}	Republic of Lucca
