Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Own Welo
• Control Welo
• Country is not at war
• Monarch Gabra Masqal II  is active

Will happen within 360 days of September 15, 1420
Checked again every 360 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after October 2, 1430)

Description

Ethiopia was an Empire spanning a vast area populated by numerous tribal peoples that did not follow the state religion of the Empire, and few Solomonid Emperors can be considered to have controlled their whole Empire at any time. Beside the endless power struggles, religious strife and encroachments of Muslims, Ethiopian Emperors are also known for their campaigns against the followers of other religions within their Empire and on its borders.
Yeshaq I is remembered for his campaigns against the Falashas and invasions of Shanqella region. The Falashas were (still are) Jewish Ethiopians. Their origin is still debated, whether they are a lost tribe of Israel or Ethiopians converted from an archaic form of Christianity to Judaism. In any case they constituted a likely target to the beleaguered Orthodox Christians surrounded by Islam. The continuous campaigns against the Falashas were successful in greatly reducing their numbers. Shanqella is an inhospitable region in western Ethiopia inhabited by black-skinned pagans of Sudanese origin. With its backwards and disorganized inhabitants, this region was a frequent proving and raiding ground of Ethiopian Emperors.

Actions

A. Our clergy demands it

• Stability +1
• Innovativeness -1
• Welo revolts
• Leader Yeshaq becomes active

B. Religious freedom

• Stability -1
• Innovativeness +1
• Global revolt risk +3 for 60 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• At least one of the following must occur:
  • All of the following must occur:
    • Adal is a neighbor
    • None of the following must occur:
      • Adal and Ethiopia are allied
  • Adal and Ethiopia are at war
• At least one of the following must occur:
  • State religion is orthodox
  • State religion is catholic
  • State religion is protestant
  • State religion is reformed
  • State religion is counterreform

Will happen within 300 days of January 1, 1435
Checked again every 300 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1445)

Description

The Christians in Ethiopia had been resisting Islam for seven centuries. They were helped by the mountainous topography of their country and by the fact that none of their Muslim neighbours was specially powerful. However over the centuries, Muslim faith had infiltrated Ethiopia to the point that seven of its Kingdoms had become Muslim: Ifat, Dawaro, Arbabini, Hadiya, Shakara, Bale and Dara. With the rise in power of Adal, Ethiopia became subject to periodic invasions, that were made extremely dangerous because many Muslim Ethiopians would side with the invader. That was the case of sultan Shihab Badlay, known as the Beast (Awen) Badlay, who in one campaing wrestled Bale from Ethiopia, and in another tried to do the same with Dawaro. Zara Yaqob met the challenge, and at the battle of Gomit it is told that he trespassed Badlay's neck with his lance. He then ordered his foe's body cut in pieces that he sent to all the cities in the Kingdom. With the recovery of Bale, and the crushing of Adal and her allies, Ethiopia had bough time.

Actions

A. Christianity resists

• Stability +3
• Monarch's military skill +1 for 72 months
• Event 338489 - Islam in Bale for Bale is triggered immediately

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of June 2, 1434
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1437)

Description

Zara Yaqob (the seed of Jacob) was a prince by the third wife of late Emperor Hasei Dawit (David) II. He was far removed from the throne, but the death of several of his half-brothers and one of his nephews left him as the best candidate, since the inheritance to the throne of Solomon does not follow a strict rule, and the heir can be chosen between all the descendants of the late Emperor. Upon ascending to the throne in 1434, according to tradition the prince chose a new name as emperor, Kwestantinos, in imitation of the Byzantine emperor. Two years later he was crowned and consacrated at Aksum, the old capital, as Neguse Negest (King of Kings, or Emperor), receiving also his throne name, Amda Seyum (the pillar of Zion). For his second wife he married the daughter of the Ethiopian Muslim King of Hadiya. After her conversion to Orthodoxy she received the empress name of Eleni, also in imitation of the Byzantine empress. Both Kwestantinos and Eleni would lead Ethiopia to the pinnacle of her power at the expense of the Kingdoms within the empire.

Actions

A. A great ruler

• +50 relations with Byzantine Empire
• Centralization +2
• Aristocracy -1
• +1 base tax value in a random province
• +1 base tax value in a random province
• Global revolt risk +2 for 60 months
• Stability -1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• State religion is orthodox

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1441
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1442)

Description

The Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church was invited to participate as part of the delegation of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in the Council of Florence, that attempted the reunion of the Eastern and Western churches. The Ethiopian delegates had not arrived in Florence until 1441, and they were very surprised when everybody asked them about a Prester John that was clearly not one of the many titles of the King of Kings. Afterwards Zara Yaqob took the opportunity to send another diplomatic mission to Europe in 1450. He obtained from Pope Nicholas V the dedication of St. Stefano Rotondo as an Ethiopian Church in Rome. He also communicated with Alfonso V of Aragon, then champion of Christians in the Oriental Mediterranean, asking for a group of artisans. Alfonso was sympathetic, but asked for guaranties of safe arrival since a previous group, solicited in times of Yeshaq, had all perished at the hands of Muslims during the trip.

Actions

A. Send the ambassadors

• +25 relations with Byzantine Empire
• +25 relations with Papal States
• +25 relations with Aragon
• Monarch's diplomatic skill +2 for 36 months
• Innovativeness +1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• State religion is orthodox

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1450
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1451)

Description

A legal code written in the XIII century by a Christian Coptic of Egypt in Arabic, based on Roman, Byzantine and Ecclesiatical law, was translated on the orders of Zara Yaqob in 1450. He then started applying parts of it to his Kingdom, and for example appointed legal administrators to decide which cases were to be solved by local governors and which by central government. The measures were very succesful, and the code received the name of ''Laws of the Kings'' or Fetha Negest. In 1563 it will become the constitution of Ethiopia until 1931. The Fetha Negest was a cornerstone of the Feudal system that characterized imperial Ethiopia until its end.

Actions

A. Enforce it

• Stability -1
• Centralization +2
• +1 base tax value in Massawa
• +1 base tax value in Keren
• +1 base tax value in Welo
• +1 base tax value in Shewa
• +1 base tax value in Gonder
• +1 base tax value in Kefa
• +1 base tax value in Bale

B. Old customs instead

• Stability +2
• Innovativeness -1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• State religion is orthodox

Will happen within 360 days of January 2, 1450
Checked again every 360 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after December 30, 1450)

Description

After many years of violent internal divisiveness between clergy on issues of Ethiopian Orthodox Church dogma, Zara Yakob lead a successful campaign to normalize church doctrine on issues such as the Sabbath and circumcision. In 1450, he held the Council of Mitmaq, in the hopes that the two abunas (bishops) and all the other major clergy branches would set down a unified church dogma.

Actions

A. A unified church dogma should be established

• Stability +2
• Centralization +1
• Innovativeness -2

B. This council is a farce!

• Stability -2
• A random province revolts
• Centralization -1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• State religion is orthodox

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1453
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1454)

Description

In some aspects, Zara Yaqob was a great reformer, but what really defined Ethiopia was its religion, and the Negus was a profoundly religious man. Over centuries of isolation, with only a tenuous connection with the Patriarch in Alexandria, the Orthodox in Ethiopia had become split over several questions. Zara Yaqob sought to unify also the Ethiopian Church and imposed the cult of the Virgin Mary in all the churches. He indefatigably prosecuted other religions and all forms of deviations and heresies, to the point of putting to death three of his own daughters (he had over 54 offspring) together with many others on suspicion of idolatry. The example strongly impressed his subjects, that from then on considered him a saint.

Actions

A. Kill Jews, Muslims, heathens, heretics, daughters...

• Stability +1
• Centralization +1
• Innovativeness -2

B. Religious freedom for all

• Stability -4
• Centralization -2
• Innovativeness +1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Own Shewa
• Control Shewa

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1456
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1457)

Description

The imperial court and the army numbered several thousands, and no place in Ethiopia could support their needs for food and firewood for more than four months, and therefore the emperors kept an itinerant court that could not return to the same place for 10 years, to allow for its recovery. But one night, a month after a group of heretics had been stoned to death, a bright light appeared in the sky. Interpreting the visit of Halley's Comet as God's approval, Zara Yaqob decided to place his capital on that particular spot. He built two churches and a palace, creating the first capital of Ethiopia, Debre Berhan. The city continued to flourish for a quarter of a century, until Yaqob's son, Baeda Maryam, decided to resume itinerancy. Afterwards Debre Berhan turned into a small village.

Actions

A. A brand new capital

• Centralization +1
• +1 base tax value in Shewa
• Move capital to Shewa
• +1000 population in Shewa
• Infrastructure tech investment: +300

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1462
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1463)

Description

In his later years, Zara Yaqob became increasingly despotic and paranoid. He started killing anybody that opposed him. The suspicion that his family wanted to remove him was based in an attempted coup by his son Galawdewos and his Ras Bitwodad (Grand Duke) Iyasus in 1437 that resulted in their imprisonment. However in his later years, he started to become suspicious of everybody, and he ended ordering the beating of several of his sons, daughters and one of his wives, Empress Seyun Mogassa, who died as a result. The matter was further complicated because she was the mother of the heir. Although the church was able to repair the rift between father and son, the death of the mother of the future negus would have important consequences, as she had an important role to fulfill in the imperial court.

Actions

A. They are after me

• Stability -1
• Monarch's administrative skill -2 for 72 months

B. What am I, crazy?

• Stability +1
• Global revolt risk +2 for 72 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 350 days of August 27, 1468
Checked again every 350 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after November 9, 1478)

Description

Baeda Maryam was unable to hold together the far-flung empire his father left him. Some of the outlying provinces recently conquered began to grow restive. The feudal lords whom Zara Yaqob had only ephemerally brought under central control reasserted their regional authority, and the senior clergy relapsed into some of the old-established ways of conduct and ecclesiastical organization.

Actions

A. Beginning of the end

• Centralization -1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Own Welo
• Control Welo
• Country is not at war
• Monarch Baeda Maryam is active

Will happen within 60 days of August 27, 1468
Checked again every 60 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 2, 1471)

Description

Dobe'a were primitive nomadic people who inhabited the northeastern part of Ethiopia and bordering parts of Adal sultanate. Nomadic cattle herding and banditry were there only two professions, and the latter caused the decisive campaign of Emperor Baeda Maryam against Dobe'a. First invasion into Dobe'a lands proved fruitless as the crafty nomads were able to flee and hide from the Emperor's troops. This failure prompted Baeda Maryam to seek aid from his vassals. Despite their great loyalty in this campaign, probably because they too were threatened by Dobe'a raids, the camapaign suffered a sound defeat when the Dobe'a were finally found. Only when the furious Emperor called his elite regiment, the Royal Eagle, did the campaign turn from disaster into success and the Dobe'a were broken. Baeda Maryam mobilized his governors to pursue the fleeing non-combatants. Many Dobe'a were slain during those pursuits and massive herds of cattle captured.

Actions

A. Undertake the campaign for our glory

• Welo revolts
• Welo revolts
• Centralization +1
• Set flag [dobea_campaigns] for events

B. Leave the Dobe'a alone

• -10 victory points
• Event 165043 - Reformation of Dobe'a for Ethiopia will never fire
• Event 165047 - Failure of Dobe'a Campaigns for Ethiopia will never fire

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Flag [dobea_campaigns] is set
• Own Welo
• Control Welo

Will happen within 350 days of January 2, 1472
Checked again every 350 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after November 9, 1478)

Description

After their defeat at the hands of Baeda Maryam, the Dobe'a were forced to convert to Christianity and beg the Emperor for pardon. The Emperor in turn returned their cattle, supplementing it with others from the southern provinces of Wej and Genz and stationed soldiers in their country. He further built a church in Dobe'a country dedicated to the Virgin Mary and planted orange trees, lemon trees, and vines in the area, in fulfillment of his earlier declaration. Baeda Maryam soon returned to the Dobe'a country and appointed governors and ''regulated the social condition of the people,'' as well as encouraging the celebration of the death of the Virgin Mary every January, upon which occasion he distributed bread, tela (beer), and tej (a type of honey wine/mead) to the people. He further ordered that the Dobe'a become cultivators, as opposed to bandits and left the country for the last time.

Actions

A. Bandits become farmers

• -10
• +5000 population in Welo
• +1 base tax value in Welo
• Clear flag "[dobea_campaigns]"
• Trade tech investment: +500
• Event 165047 - Failure of Dobe'a Campaigns for Ethiopia will never fire

B. Execute them all!

• Innovativeness -1
• Event 165047 - Failure of Dobe'a Campaigns for Ethiopia will never fire

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Flag [dobea_campaigns] is set
• Own Welo
• Rebel Scum controls Welo

Will happen within 350 days of January 2, 1472
Checked again every 350 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after November 9, 1478)

Description

The crafty Dobe'a managed to defeat even the Royal Eagle. The most elite of Ethiopia's Imperial army were forced to return home in shame and many were executed by the furious Emperor for their failure. Despite his great fury, Baeda Maryam never tried to destroy the Dobe'a again, nor did his successors.

Actions

A. Bandits become farmers

• Stability -1
• Quality -1
• Trade tech investment: -100
• -10 victory points
• Clear flag "[dobea_campaigns]"
• Event 165043 - Reformation of Dobe'a for Ethiopia will never fire

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• None of the following must occur:
  • Flag [dobea_campaigns] is set
• Own Welo
• Control Welo
• Monarch Baeda Maryam is active
• None of the following must occur:
  • State religion is sunni
• Country is not at war

Will happen within 350 days of August 27, 1468
Checked again every 350 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after November 9, 1478)

Description

After successful campaigns against the Dobe'a, Baeda Maryam turned to other corners of his Empire in order to secure his borders. He moved his court to the south for campaigns against the Muslims in Dawaro and Bale. His successful campaigns brought a short-lived peace with Adal, which he used to pursue campaigns against the Falasha in the north.

Actions

A. Our clergy demands it

• Stability +1
• Innovativeness -1
• Welo revolts
• Bale revolts
• Event 165046 - Other Campaigns of Baeda Maryam for Ethiopia will never fire

B. Religious freedom

• Stability -1
• Innovativeness +1
• Global revolt risk +3 for 60 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• None of the following must occur:
  • Flag [dobea_campaigns] is set
• Own Welo
• Control Welo
• Monarch Baeda Maryam is active
• State religion is sunni
• Country is not at war

Will happen within 350 days of August 27, 1468
Checked again every 350 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after November 9, 1478)

Description

With religious similarities bringing peace with muslims within the Empire, Baeda Maryam also made peace with Sultan of Adal and embarked on a campaign against the Falasha.

Actions

A. Our clergy demands it

• Stability +1
• Innovativeness -1
• Welo revolts
• Event 165044 - Other Campaigns of Baeda Maryam for Ethiopia will never fire

B. Religious freedom

• Stability -1
• Innovativeness +1
• Global revolt risk +3 for 60 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 100 days of January 2, 1480
Checked again every 100 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after December 30, 1482)

Description

Nicolò Brancaleon was a Venetian monk who came to Ethiopia with a goal of converting their greatest Emperor, Zara Yaqob, to Catholicism. Unfortunately for him, Nicolò was a great painter and Ethiopian Emperors had a tradition of forbidding skilled foreign missionaries and explorers to leave Ethiopia. Nicolò Brancaleon founded a studio and quickly became the foremost icon and fresco painter and illustrator of religious books. His best known work is the controversial fresco Madonna and Child at the Church of Atronsa Maryam which was destroyed by the Oromo in 1704. His works were still being discovered in Ethiopia in 20th century. After Nicolò's arrival, at least 17 more skilled Italians were imprisoned at the Emperor's court.

Actions

A. Keep this great artist in Ethiopia

• -10
• Infrastructure tech investment: +200
• Innovativeness +1

B. Let him return in failure

• -10 victory points
• +25 relations with Venice

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen on October 27, 1494

Description

Emperor Eskander ruled in the shadow of Queen Mother Eleni. His premature death at the age of 22 lead to a civil war for the throne. While the court kept the Emperor's death secret, Zasillus, a major noble of the realm, marched his army to Amba Geshen and freed Eskander's brother, Na'od, to proclaim him the new Emperor. Another noble, Tekle Kristos, remained at the court and declared Eskander's son, Amda Seyon II, the Emperor. Zasillus and Na'od were defeated in the first battle, but the war continued for 6 months and ended in Amda Seyon's death and Na'od's succession to the imperial throne.

Actions

A. Support Zasillus and install Na'od as Emperor

• Stability -1
• The capital province revolts

B. Support Tekle Kristos and keep Amda Seyon II as Emperor

• Monarch Na'od will never rule
• Stability -1
• Centralization -1
• The capital province revolts

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Monarch Na'od is active

Will happen within 50 days of November 2, 1494
Checked again every 50 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after December 30, 1494)

Description

In 1487 Joao II of Portugal ordered Bartolomeu Dias around Africa by sea, but he also ordered his trusted spymaster and diplomat, Pêro da Covilhã, to reach India and the Kingdom of Prester John by land. Pêro da Covilhã spoke fluent arabic, and with a companion travelled to Mecca. From there he travelled alone to Goa and Calicut, learning about currents, winds and the origen of the different spices. He then returned to Cairo. From there he forwarded his information together with advise on the best sea-route to India to his King, before continuing to Aden, Ormuz, and Saylac, in the coast of Adal. He finally arrived to Ethiopia in 1490, being well received by Emperor Eskander. After four years of stay, he was preparing his departure, with a proposal of an alliance from the Emperor of Ethiopia to the King of Portugal, when Eskander died. He was succeded by his brother Na'od, after the death of his son. Na'od informed Pêro da Covilhã that he would have to remain in Ethiopia for the rest of his life according to the custom of the Kingdom, but rewarded him lavishly and named him court advisor.

Actions

A. Name him court advisor

• -50
• Monarch's administrative skill +2 for 72 months

B. Just lock him for good

• -5 victory points

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Monarch Na'od is active
• At least one of the following must occur:
  • State religion is orthodox
  • State religion is catholic
  • State religion is protestant
  • State religion is reformed
  • State religion is counterreform
• Own Welo
• Control Welo

Will happen within 150 days of November 2, 1494
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after July 30, 1508)

Description

Emperor Na'od was a great patron of art and builder of churches, but his most remembered achievement is the chartering of Mekane Selassie, a lavish church decorated with gold and pearls. Na'od did not live to see the church completed.

Actions

A. For the glory of the God

• -50
• Stability +1
• +10 victory points

B. We can't afford it

• -10 victory points
• Event 165050 - Mekane Selassie under construction for Ethiopia will never fire

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Monarch Anbasa Sagad  is active
• At least one of the following must occur:
  • State religion is orthodox
  • State religion is catholic
  • State religion is protestant
  • State religion is reformed
  • State religion is counterreform
• Own Welo
• Control Welo
• Event 165049 - Mekane Selassie for Ethiopia has already occurred

Will happen within 150 days of August 1, 1516
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after November 4, 1530)

Description

The lavish curch of Mekane Selassie, chartered by Emperor Na'od, was a great and lengthy project. It was only finished during the late years of reign of Emperor Anbasa Segad, aka Lebna Dengel, son of Na'od, in 1530. Sadly, the church existed for only about a year as it was destroyed by Muslim invaders from Adal on November 3rd 1531 together with many other Orthodox Christian churches in Amhara region.

Actions

A. Continue the construction

• -50
• Stability +1
• +10 victory points

B. Abandon the project

• -20 victory points

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Portugal exists
• Event 18012 - Commercial Conflict in the Indian Ocean for Portugal has already occurred

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1520
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1521)

Description

King Manuel of Portugal was very interested in preventing spice trade through the Red Sea. In 1520 a Portuguese fleet arrived and bombed Saylac, the port of Adal. They then proceeded to Massawa, the port of Ethiopia, where the Portuguese ambassadors dissembarked. They were prepared to sign an alliance with Ethiopia, but their timing was bad. Almost centenary Eleni had been dismissed, and her step great-grandson, Emperor Dawit II, better known as Lebna Dengel had just killed his main enemy, Imam Mahfuz of Adal. He was continuing a series of succesful campaigns against restless Muslims inside Ethiopia. Everybody was convinced that the Muslim menace had been checked, perhaps for good. Lebna Dengel gave his excuses to the ambassadors but said that Eleni's envoy lacked the authority to sign alliances. After a few years in the country, the ambassadors said goodbye to Pêro da Covilhã, who was now too old to travel, and left.

Actions

A. Dismiss them with good words

• +25 relations with Portugal
• +5 victory points

B. Become a vassal of Portugal

• +50 relations with Portugal
• Event 260022 - Portuguese vassalization of Ethiopia for Portugal is triggered immediately

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Adal exists
• Portugal exists
• Event 165015 - Portuguese ambassadors for Ethiopia has already occurred

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1535
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1536)

Description

It was too bad that Lebna Dengel had dismissed the Portuguese ambassadors in 1526, because the next year and without warning Adal had started a war like no other in the history of Ethiopia. Lead by a mysterious warrior, that the Ethiopians called Grañ (Left-handed), and his men called Ahmad al-Fath (the Conqueror), the armies of Adal had been trained in Ottoman tactics, and were armed with flintlock firearms. The Ethiopians were great warriors. Raised in the highlands, they are one of the strongest populations on earth, and their armies were 5 to 10 times superior in numbers. Yet the only thing that they could do against the modern armies of Adal was to make them pay a hefty price for their victories. So they suffered a great defeat at the Awash river in the battle of Shimbra Kure in 1529. Lebna Dengel had 16,000 cavalry and 200,000 infantry against Ahmad 560 cavalry and 12,000 soldiers. Although the Ethiopians were able to kill 5,000 soldiers of Adal, their loses were much higher. Afterwards Ahmad penetrated deep into the highlands, attacking Dawaro and Shewa in 1531, then Amhara, Lasta, Bale, Hadya, Sidama and the Gurage. With half of former Ethiopia under his control, in 1535 Ahmad invaded Tigray in the North, sacking the sacred city of Aksum and destroying the Cathedral were the emperors had been crowned for centuries. But the worst part was the damage inflicted to the people of Ethiopia and Adal by Ahmad, that would change their demography forever. To finance his military campaign against his bigger neighbour, Ahmad used a scorched earth tactic, laying waste to the land and selling every Ethiopian he could capture, Muslim or Christian, as a slave. No Christian priest or nun was left alive by him. Lebna Dengel, outmaneuvered and out-musketed, fled from one province to another, trying to organize the resistance. There was no possibility of a peace agreement, as Ahmad was bent on the destruction of the Christian country. His elder son, Fiqtor, was killed in battle, and the youngest, Menas, was captured and sent as a slave to the Ottoman overlord of Yemen. In desperation, Lebna Dengel sent a plee for help to the King of Portugal. In doing that, he saved his country, but he would not see the result, as he died on the run, exhausted and miserable in 1540.

Actions

A. Now we need the Portuguese

• +25 relations with Portugal
• +5 victory points
• Event 260023 - Prester John requests help for Portugal is triggered immediately

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Adal exists
• Event 165016 - War of extermination for Ethiopia has already occurred

Will happen within 15 days of January 1, 1540
Checked again every 15 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1541)

Description

When the Portuguese finally arrived, Ethiopia was in the verge of disintegration. The young Emperor Gelawdewos (Claudius) was on hiding with just a handful of loyals. His mother the Empress Sabla Wengel was under siege at the mountain of Debre Damo. The King of Portugal had sent Cristovão da Gama, son of famous explorer Vasco da Gama and brother of the Viceroy of India, Estevão da Gama. He came with 400 soldiers and 1000 arquebuses, plus some small cannons, but in Africa they were the equivalent of a full army. They didn't lose time and defeated Ahmad Grañ three times in 1541. After the rainy season they met him again overconfident, but Ahmed had petitioned help to the Ottoman bey of Yemen, Zebid Pasha, offering vassalage, and he was granted 900 Turkish soldiers and additional arms. At the battle of Wofla, on August 28, 1542, the Portuguese were defeated by the far superior army of Ahmad. Over half of them were killed, and the wounded Cristovão was captured, tortured and eventually beheaded. Believing the Portuguese destroyed, Ahmed dismissed 600 of the Ottomans to other duties, but was then confronted by the remaining Portuguese and the army of Gelawdewos, rearmed with the stored weapons. The battle of Wayna-Daga on February 21, 1543, was initially indecisive, but the Portuguese had sworn to avenge their leader, and singling out Ahmad, killed him. His army fell in confusion and was completely destroyed. The remaining of the forces of Adal abandoned Ethiopia and fell back to Harar. The war continued, now favorable to Ethiopia, and Bale was recovered.

Actions

A. Our saviours

• +100 relations with Portugal
• Offensive Doctrine +2
• Quality +1
• Land tech investment: +15000
• +10000 infantry in a random province
• +5000 cavalry in the same province
• Leader Cristovão da Gama becomes active

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Adal exists
• Event 165016 - War of extermination for Ethiopia has already occurred
• None of the following must occur:
  • Own Massawa
  • Own Issas

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1557
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1558)

Description

Despite their severe defeat, and the sacking of Harar in 1550, Adal regrouped under the leadership of Ahmad's nephew, Nur ibn Mujtahid. In 1556 he launched a two front coordinated attack with Ottoman help. The Ottomans, leaded by Ozdemur Pasha, conquered Massawa, the best port of the Red Sea, and the only one the Ethiopians had, but their attempt to reach the highlands failed against the determined resistance of Gelawdewos. The attack by Nur was an even worse failure, taking the life of the last of the Walashma sultans of Adal, Barakat. However Emperor Gelawdewos lost his life in battle and his head was taken to Harar. The loss of the port of Massawa to the Ottomans was a worse catastrophe for Ethiopia. They lost control of their trade, they could no longer buy firearms, and anybody traveling from the outside to Ethiopia had to do so in disguise. Never had been Ethiopia so isolated from the outside world.

Actions

A. Isolated from all

• Innovativeness -1
• Land tech investment: -10000
• Trade tech investment: -20000
• -6 merchants
• -6 diplomats

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1567
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1568)

Description

The pity state to which Ethiopia had been reduced by the concerted attacks of Adal, the Ottomans and the Oromo, was further complicated by the death of Emperor Gelawdewos in battle against Adal, and his brother Menas of disease. Menas' son, prince Yishaq was only 14 years old. He took the King name of Sarsa Dengel, and was crowned as Malik Sagad, meaning ''To whom the Muslims bow''. He would make good his title, as soon he revealed himself as an extraordinary military leader. He destroyed once and for all the power of Adal in 1576, contributing to its final demise. In a series of campaigns, he completely broke the power of the non-Talmudic Jewish Falashas, turning them into a silent minority. He defeated the Kingdom of Kefa, forcing his King to accept Christianity as the official religion, although the population did not convert. And he twice defeated the Turks, in 1578 and 1589, keeping them confined to the port of Massawa. Unfortunately he died before his time, after eating fish from a river ha had been warned by monks not to eat. Since his sons were too young, he had named his nephew Za Dengel as his heir. But the empress, his wife, had a different idea.

Actions

A. Make the Muslims bow

• Centralization +2
• Innovativeness -1
• +4 missionaries
• Global revolt risk -2 for 360 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Triggered by

Action A of 155008 - The end of Adal for Adal
Action A, B of 155007 - The end of Adal for Adal

Description

By 1567, the sultanate of Adal had been reduced to the city of Harar and the Oromo had cut her vital connection to the ports of Saylac and Barbera. What had been Adal disintegrated, part falling under control of Somalies, and most becoming Oromo lands. The Ottomans took control of the Red Sea ports as payment for their help. In 1575, Emir Muhammad IV made the mistake of joining the rebellion of the governor of a Muslim province in the North East of Ethiopia. He was captured and executed by Emperor Sarsa Dengel, and this defeat saw the end of Adal's last army. In 1577, the emir transferred the sultanate of Adal to the Aussa oasis in the Danakil depression. This desert below sea-level was located in no-mans land between the Afars, the Ottomans at Massawa and the Ethiopians. By moving to one of the nastiest places in Africa the sultanate prolonged its nominal existence until it was overrun by Afars and Oromo in 1672. The city of Harar, remained viable behind its walls, independent from the sultanate since 1647, as a city-state. It always has been Muslim, and today is considered the fourth sacred city of Islam. For all practical purposes, 1577 saw the end of Adal as a state. The Ethiopians probably didn't notice it. Due to the Oromo they had lost control over most of the South, that was self-ruled by petty Kingdoms.

Actions

A. Enough of supporting my rebels

• Keren revolts

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 900 days of January 1, 1577
Checked again every 900 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1577)

Description

The continuous campaigns of Sarsa Dengel produced lots of Muslim and Jewish prisoners. He was able to improve the royal treasure by selling them as slaves, curiously to the Ottomans at Massawa.

Actions

A. Sell slaves

• -1000 population in Welo
• -1000 population in Gonder
• -1000 population in Kefa
• -1000 population in Bale
• +300
• Trade tech investment: +300

B. This is a hateful business

• Infrastructure tech investment: +300
• +20 victory points

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1603
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1604)

Description

When Sarsa Dengel died, his nephew Za Dengel was supposed to inherit the crown, but the Empress widow, with the support of some nobles crowned the young son of Sarsa Dengel, Yaqob, as Malik Sagad II, capturing Za Dengel. But Za Dengel with the help of the powerful Ras (Duke) Za Selassie, and his cousin Susenyos, was capable of seizing the crown in 1603. Then Pedro Páez arrived to Ethiopia. He was a Spanish Jesuit from Madrid, who had studied at Coimbra, and had been sent to Ethiopia during the union of the crowns of Portugal and Spain. He soon learned not only Amharic, the court language, but also Ge'ez, the Ethiopian church language. He was an amazing man, and brought with him an Indian architect that revolutionized construction techniques in Ethiopia. Páez built several churches in Ethiopia, and the local architects learned their techniques. Those techniques would be later used in the castles of Gonder. Impressed by the many talents of Páez, and his prudence, Za Dengel named him his counselor.

Actions

A. Name Pedro Páez counselor

• Infrastructure tech investment: +1000
• Innovativeness +1
• Monarch's administrative skill +2 for 60 months

B. Jesuits only bring trouble

• Stability +1
• Event 165024 - Za Dengel becomes Catholic for Ethiopia will never fire

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1604
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1605)

Description

Influenced by Pedro Páez, Za Dengel decided to convert to Catholicism. Páez told him to be careful and not announce it, but Za Dengel boldly decided to introduce changes in the Sabbath. Páez prudently decided to retire to the Jesuit base at Fremona, anticipating troubles. But in turning Catholic, Za Dengel gained powerful enemies. The Orthodox Church and his former supporter Ras Za Selassie took the side of former emperor Malik Sagad II Yaqob, and raised in arms. After defeating Za Dengel, Za Selassie had his eyes removed, his fingers cut, and then he had him trampled by horses to death. Yaqob was crowned again. However, Za Dengel's cousin and ally, Susenyos, continued the fight against his second cousin Yaqob.

Actions

A. Civil war

• Stability -2
• A random province revolts
• A random province revolts

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Own Massawa
• Control Massawa

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1605
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1606)

Description

During his second rule, perhaps to legitimate himself, Malik Sagad II Yaqob decided to move his capital to Danqaz in Denebiya. There he built a palace complex of great splendor.

Actions

A. A brand new capital

• Move capital to Massawa
• +1000 population in Massawa
• Infrastructure tech investment: +300
• -50

B. Enough capital shuffling

• -5 victory points

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1608
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1609)

Description

Susenyos refused to accept Yaqob as emperor, having been very close to his cousin Za Dengel. Susenyos had little chance against the nobility supporting Yaqob. However Susenyos was a resourceful military commander, and he enlisted the Oromo on his side. The Oromo had a very high military capability, and for the first time they were involved in the politics of their new country. From then on, the Oromo were a factor to be taken into consideration, becoming little by little the backbone of the Ethiopian army. Susenyos knew what he was doing. After defeating Ras Za Selassie, who took his side, he presented battle to the emperor Malik Sagad II Yaqob. During the battle Yaqob was killed, but his body was never found. To show the involvement of the Ethiopian Church in politics, the Abuna (Patriarch) Petros took command of Yaqob's army until he was also killed. Something that the Church would never forgive Susenyos. Emperor Susenyos was relatively removed from the main branch of the Solomonic Kings of Ethiopia, starting the so-called Gonder line. To tighten lose ends, he had one of Yaqob's sons strangled, and organized a military expedition against the Kingdom of Sennar (Nubia), where another son was rising an army, forcing him to exile to Rome. He also had two brothers of Yaqob beheaded. Susenyos also wrote several letters to Felipe III of Spain/Portugal asking for military help, but he never got it.

Actions

A. An accomplished commander

• Land tech investment: +500
• +5000 infantry in a random province
• Gain a temporary casus belli against Nubia for 60 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1609
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1610)

Description

Since the body of emperor Yaqob was never found, many refused to believe that he was death, preferring to think the he was in hiding. When a man with his face covered in bandages appeared and claimed to be Yaqob, he was believed by many, and he was able to raise an army and gain Church support. His bid to fame came to an abrupt end when he was defeated, captured and executed.

Actions

A. Damn him

• A random province revolts
• The same province revolts

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1621
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1622)

Description

Susenyos was mesmerized by Pedro Páez too. He also took him as a counselor, and in one of their travels they reached the source of the Blue Nile in Lake Tana. Thus the Spaniard was the first European to see it and write about it, 150 years before Scottish James Bruce claimed the same feat. He was also the first European to describe the taste of coffee. Unfortunately his writings were not published until 1945. In his search of an alliance with Portugal, Susenyos finally decided to convert into Catholicism. Pedro Páez became the head of the official Catholic Church of Ethiopia, and while he was alive, he avoided confrontation with the Orthodox Church and the unconvinced subjects.

Actions

A. Convert to Catholicism

• Change religion to Catholic
• Innovativeness +1
• Monarch's administrative skill +2 for 12 months
• Monarch's diplomatic skill +2 for 120 months
• +100 relations with Papal States
• +100 relations with Spain
• +100 relations with Portugal

B. Remain Orthodox

• Stability +1
• Event 165028 - Alfonzo Mendez for Ethiopia will never fire
• Event 165029 - Back to Orthodoxy for Ethiopia will never fire

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1626
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1627)

Description

The Jesuit order sent Alfonzo Mendez in 1624 to substitute Pedro Páez. He had himself invested as Abuna or Patriarch of the Ethiopian Catholic and Orthodox Church two years later. He then insisted in the observance of Catholic principles, even suppressing the traditional Orthodox calendar instating instead the Gregorian Roman calendar. The outrage was generalized, and soon rebellions against Susenyos started.

Actions

A. Religious unrest

• Stability -2
• Global revolt risk +2 for 72 months
• Create a religious revolt in a random province

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• At least one of the following must occur:
  • State religion is catholic
  • State religion is counterreform
  • State religion is protestant
  • State religion is reformed

Will happen on June 15, 1632

Description

Susenyos was successful at putting down rebellions, but became disheartened from having to kill good subjects that did not challenge the negus but the religious change. He therefore decided to proclaim religious freedom, effectively returning to Orthodoxy, and stepped down, leaving his son Fasilides to rule Ethiopia.

Actions

A. End of a failed experiment

• Change religion to Orthodox
• Stability +1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Own Welo
• Control Welo

Will happen within 100 days of September 15, 1632
Checked again every 100 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after October 19, 1667)

Description

During the reign of Fasiladas the Great, the city of Gonder became the center of Ethiopian culture. Also during this time many fortified palaces were built.

Actions

A. The rise of Gonder

• Move capital to Welo
• Fortress level in Welo +1
• Infrastructure tech investment: +1000
• +3000 population in Welo

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 600 days of January 1, 1633
Checked again every 600 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1634)

Description

The schism opened between the Portuguese and the Ethiopians during the rule of Susenyos was too wide. Soon after his ascension, Fasilides found the excuse to expel the Jesuits and other Portuguese from the country. Seven Jesuits that remained behind were killed.

Actions

A. Out with the troublemakers

• Stability +1
• -50 relations with Papal States
• -50 relations with Portugal

B. They are still useful

• Infrastructure tech investment: +500
• Innovativeness +1
• +50 relations with Papal States
• +50 relations with Portugal
• Stability -1
• Global revolt risk +2 for 72 months
• Create a religious revolt in a random province

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1666
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1667)

Description

With a system that allowed princes to compete for the crown, internal strife was every generation's bread and butter in Ethiopia. When Fasilides own son Dewitt rose in rebellion against him, the emperor, instead of killing him, revived the old custom of confining posible claimants on the top of a mountain. For over a hundred years many princes spent their lives in Mount Wehni with the lucky ones being brought out to reign.

Actions

A. How merciful

• Stability +1
• Global revolt risk -1 for 120 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1669
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1670)

Description

Emperor Yohannes I increased religious prosecution, by expelling all Catholics in the Kingdom, many of them descendants from Portuguese soldiers. He also issued that Muslims and Christians had to live segregated.

Actions

A. Promote religious homogeneity

• Innovativeness -1
• Stability +1
• -50 relations with Papal States
• -50 relations with Ottoman Empire

B. Allow religious heterogeneity

• Innovativeness +1
• Stability -1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1698
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1699)

Description

Iyasu ''The great'' was a very able monarch. He brough a great reform to the laws concerning taxation, custom duties and trade regulations, increasing the wealth of the Ethiopian monarchy.

Actions

A. A great administrator

• +1 base tax value in a random province
• +1 base tax value in a random province
• +1 base tax value in a random province
• +1 base tax value in a random province
• +1 base tax value in a random province
• Trade tech investment: +500

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 600 days of January 1, 1700
Checked again every 600 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1701)

Description

Iyasu's ''greatness'' did not lay in his military achievements but in his civil ones. The palace he built in Gonder was described as finer than the House of Solomon himself. His inner walls decorated with ivory, mirrors and paintings of palm trees. His ceiling covered with gold leaf and precious stones. His most lasting achievement was the church of Debra Berham Selassie, the Light of Trinity, still in use.

Actions

A. Pinnacle of architecture

• Infrastructure tech investment: +1000

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen on October 14, 1706

Description

Saddened by the death of his favourite concubine, Iyasu retired to a monastery in an island of the Tana lake, without renouncing the crown. His absence was used by his wife Malakatawit to crown his son, Tekle Haymanot, as emperor Leul Sagad. When Iyasu emerged from his retirement, the awkward situation was solved by Tekle Haymanot ordering the murder of his own father. The outrage for the killing of such beloved monarch was great, and his son was labelled as cursed. The involvement of the empress and his acceptance by other members of the family, irreparably damaged the image of the Solomonic dynasty.

Actions

A. Iyasu has been killed

• Stability -1
• A random province revolts

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1708
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1709)

Description

Tekle Haymanot, the accursed, was quickly killed by some of his father's courtiers. Ras Bejirond (Chief treasurer) Yostos quickly seized power from the ailing Solomonic dynasty. He deposed 4 year old Tekle Haymanot's son Na'od, and brought Tewoflos from his confinement at Mount Wehni. Tewoflos, another son of Iyasus, ordered the execution of his step-mother Malakotawit and three of her relatives for the killing of his father. However he also had to face rebellions. When Tewoflos proved to be too independent, Ras Bejirond Yostos had him poisoned, seizing the crown for himself, despite not being a member of the royal family.

Actions

A. Nobility take-over

• Stability -1
• A random province revolts
• Centralization -1
• Aristocracy +2

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen on September 20, 1730

Description

After Yostos, the Solomonic were restored. In 1730, Mentewwab, a female consort to emperor Bakaffa, consolidated imperial power into her small group of family and advisors to become the primary power behind the throne, successfully orchestrating most policy decisions for successive emperors Iyasu II and Iyoas I. In an atmosphere of continuity and stability, culture blossomed and famous churches such as Qwesqwam were constructed.

Actions

A. Prosperity is here!

• Stability +1
• Centralization +2
• Aristocracy -1
• Innovativeness +1
• Monarch's administrative skill +3 for 240 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Nubia exists

Will happen within 150 days of January 1, 1743
Checked again every 150 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1745)

Description

Iyasu II took offense at being called little by a representative of the King of Sennar (Nubia). He assembled an army and went to war.

Actions

A. I am insulted

• +5000 infantry in a random province
• Gain a temporary casus belli against Nubia for 24 months
• -50 relations with Nubia

B. I am little

• -25 relations with Nubia
• Event 165038 - Failed expedition for Ethiopia will never fire

Ethiopia -- Not random

Conditions

• Event 165037 - Diplomatic insult for Ethiopia has already occurred

Will happen within 50 days of January 1, 1744
Checked again every 50 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1745)

Description

The expedition of Iyasu II against Sennar (Nubia) was a disaster. 20,000 Ethiopians died and an icon of Christ and a fragment of the True Cross were lost to the enemy. It costed over 8,000 ounces of gold to recover them.

Actions

A. Disaster

• Lose 5000 troops in a random province
• -500

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 300 days of January 1, 1750
Checked again every 300 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1751)

Description

Iyasu II wasted all the royal treasure in palaces, mirrors imported from Europe an other luxuries. When he died, there was no money left in the royal coffers to bury him.

Actions

A. Bankruptcy

• -500

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen within 300 days of January 1, 1756
Checked again every 300 days until trigger is met (cannot happen after January 1, 1757)

Description

Empress Mentewab had married his son Iyasu to an Oromo princess from Wollo, whose name was Wobit. She was baptized as Walatta Bersebeh before her marriage. When she tried to exert her share of power, she was ostracized by Mentewab. In vengeance, she raised his son as an Oromo. When Iyasu died, his son Iyoas was crowned emperor. To everybody's horror, Iyoas was only fluent in Oromo, and could barely speak Amharic. Soon a power struggle eructed between Mentewab party, and the Oromo relatives of Wobit. The emperor supported his mother against his grandmother, and appointed several of his Oromo uncles as generals.

Actions

A. Outrageous

• Stability -1

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen on September 14, 1759

Description

A noble of Tigray with some Solomonic blood, Mikael Sehul (the Astute), started his career by gaining control of the fortified city of Adwa. Located in the route between Gonder and Massawa, its possession gave him control of the main trade route in Ethiopia. By imposing taxes on trade, Mikael Sehul raised armies equipped with modern muskets. In 1759 he was made Ras of Tigray after getting rid of the previous one. He also married a daughter of Empress Mentewab, gaining the support of her powerful party. When the confrontation between Mentewab and her daughter-in-law Wobit, was about to start a civil war, he was called by the first to Gonder. He arrived with an army of 26,000 men, and displaced both parties, creating his own, based on the Amharic Christian nobility. He soon started squashing rebellions and defeating other parties, becoming the most powerful man in Ethiopia. He was recognized as such and the emperor was forced to invest him as Ras Bitwodad and Enderease (Viceroy) in 1768. However, emperor Iyoas resented his increasing power and the fall of his Oromo supporters.

Actions

A. Kingmaker

• Aristocracy +2

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen on May 8, 1769

Description

Emperor Iyoas tried to get rid of Mikael Sehul, but the plan backfired when Mikael defeated Oromo general Farsil. Mikael Sehul brought the matter to the Council and, for the first time in Ethiopian history, had the emperor deposed. Not happy with the solution of the Council, that considered the emperor untouchable, he had Iyoas strangled and his body abandoned to the elements. He then crowned a severely handicapped son of Iyasu that he rescued from Mount Wehni, Yohannes II. When four months later he refused to obey his orders, he had him poisoned, crowning next a 15 year-old boy, Tekle Haymanot, whom he kept as a captive. After that ordeal, nobody in the country could continue looking to the Solomonic dynasty as divine. People refused to pay taxes, warlords attempted to have their puppet crowned, peripheral regions refused to acknowledge any authority... The country plunged into the Zemene Mesafint, the Era of the Princes, when emperors changed with the seasons. It would last only until 1855.

Actions

A. Regnal power diminishes

• Stability -1
• Aristocracy +4
• Centralization -3
• Monarch's administrative skill -2 for 120 months
• Global revolt risk +2 for 600 months

Ethiopia -- Not random

Will happen on December 24, 1770

Description

After a rebellion that saw Mikael Sehul expelled from Gonder, dissensions within the rebel party between Oromos and Amharans, allowed him to regain his capital. His vengeance was terrible. He first slaughtered a troop of travelling actors that had performed a satire of him. He then relentless pursued anyone who had supported the rebels and executed them. Dozens were killed, including the Abuna (Patriarch of the Ethiopian Church). Their bodies were hewn to pieces and scattered through the streets, where they served as a feast for the hyenas, that entered the city at night attracted by the stench. Scottish explorer James Bruce wrote an eye-witness account of these events. Finally the rebels reached an agreement, and were able to defeat and capture Mikael Sehul, forcing him to retire and leave way to a new puppet-master.

Actions

A. His last feat

• Stability -1
• The capital province revolts