Popes, Poison and Perfidy, by Paul Howarth
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| Popes Handbook.pdf |
‘Politics have no relation to morals’ Machiavelli, The Prince
“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”
This game was about history as it should have been, rather than perhaps as it was. Certain liberties were taken with dates, characters and events in the interest of developing a suitable scenario and the game focussed on Italy and the surrounding regions around 1500, with a number of sub-games to cover trade, culture, intrigue and warfare.
The Superpowers
‘If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.’
Austria, France and Spain all had an interest in Italy, particularly as overseas trade had brought vast wealth into the region, which rulers with large lands and many commitments elsewhere covet. Matters elsewhere needed the monarch’s attention, so part of the game was prioritising resources.
The City States ‘A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise’
Players made up the ruling class of a small kingdom, duchy or republic, representing the leading families and trying to ensure success for their dynasty through advantageous marriages. Whilst enriching the city was important, the new wealth should be put to use to ensure that it became renowned for its culture and public works.
The Condottieri ‘There is no avoiding war, it can only be postponed to the advantage of your enemy.’
Most city states could field only a small citizen militia, although there were those who spoke of standing armies. In the meantime professional soldiers for hire took money and occasionally followed orders. All they asked for was to retire with a title, an eligible young bride and a lavish estate. Far more soldiers died of sickness than wounds, often whilst besieging city walls.
The Papacy ‘It is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.’
Although most cardinals have family ties in Italy, the current occupant of St Peter’s throne is Alexander VI, a Spanish nobleman and he needs to consolidate his reign after buying conclave votes. The Papal State is extensive but there are many rivals for the crossed keys. He does have several children (officially his nieces and nephews) and confidants to aid him in his task.
Throughout the game players had to decide where best to invest their wealth, for a political or social return. Assassinations were planned, trade routes opened occasionally wars to fight. Plagues and famine are an accepted part of life in Italy at this point and whilst life may be short, it should be lived well. Deception and backstabbing should be accepted as part and parcel of gameplay.
“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”
This game was about history as it should have been, rather than perhaps as it was. Certain liberties were taken with dates, characters and events in the interest of developing a suitable scenario and the game focussed on Italy and the surrounding regions around 1500, with a number of sub-games to cover trade, culture, intrigue and warfare.
The Superpowers
‘If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.’
Austria, France and Spain all had an interest in Italy, particularly as overseas trade had brought vast wealth into the region, which rulers with large lands and many commitments elsewhere covet. Matters elsewhere needed the monarch’s attention, so part of the game was prioritising resources.
The City States ‘A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise’
Players made up the ruling class of a small kingdom, duchy or republic, representing the leading families and trying to ensure success for their dynasty through advantageous marriages. Whilst enriching the city was important, the new wealth should be put to use to ensure that it became renowned for its culture and public works.
The Condottieri ‘There is no avoiding war, it can only be postponed to the advantage of your enemy.’
Most city states could field only a small citizen militia, although there were those who spoke of standing armies. In the meantime professional soldiers for hire took money and occasionally followed orders. All they asked for was to retire with a title, an eligible young bride and a lavish estate. Far more soldiers died of sickness than wounds, often whilst besieging city walls.
The Papacy ‘It is better to act and repent than not to act and regret.’
Although most cardinals have family ties in Italy, the current occupant of St Peter’s throne is Alexander VI, a Spanish nobleman and he needs to consolidate his reign after buying conclave votes. The Papal State is extensive but there are many rivals for the crossed keys. He does have several children (officially his nieces and nephews) and confidants to aid him in his task.
Throughout the game players had to decide where best to invest their wealth, for a political or social return. Assassinations were planned, trade routes opened occasionally wars to fight. Plagues and famine are an accepted part of life in Italy at this point and whilst life may be short, it should be lived well. Deception and backstabbing should be accepted as part and parcel of gameplay.
'Evil is even spoken of me, but I let it pass'
‘The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life,
the clearer we should see through it.’
the clearer we should see through it.’