As a token of my gratitude, I give you my most favourite ship.Before the Voyage Bartolomeu Dias, a Portuguese explorer, discovered Cape of Good Hope in 1488 under John II John II ordered voyage to find a route to the Indies Spurred by discoveries of Christopher Columbus and feared Spain might reach the Indies first and discover their riches John II died and succeeded by Manuel I in 1495, before the voyage set out Manuel I appointed Vasco da Gama head of the exploration įacts Born c. Reward That's all partner! I'm really surprised that you managed to fulfill all assigned tasks. I’m sure your devoted service will be generously rewarded. Let’s not forget why we came here! Take all the cocoa and trade it for spices our king has never tasted before. A handful of gold will surely be more appropriate. At least, the king seems to be amused, don’t you think? Or. Well, my wooden decoration isn’t very appealing. Bring me wood and I’ll figure something out. We don’t have any gift for the Indian king! I’m afraid I’ll have to use my craft skills again. Bring these lovely people on board and tell the chefs to prepare the best meals Portugal can offer! Let’s try not to insult the local citizens this time. Lesson learned, we'd better focus on coins. We have successfully managed to offend the sultan with our poor metal exchange offer. Let’s pretend we’re trading iron with sultan. What is this place? I’m afraid that my navigation skills have failed! Don’t tell anyone or I’ll be the first man overboard. The ships need a bit of repair work so go and get some wood before we leave. If only our king were more generous with the wood. No, it’s not a sailing rope you silly! What will you give me in return? We’re sweating in Africa while it’s Christmas in Portugal! Look, I’ve made you a belt as a gift. Luckily, there’s Africa on the horizon so we can debark and get some more. Columbus and I must say that he used to be more generous. Oh, and just so you know - our first stop is in Africa. Please, do me a favor and pay the last harbor fees. If you’d like to ask him anything, do it now or never! This time, it’s on us so we have to make an effort. We need to have one last dinner with our king. Hope for the best - prepare for the worst! Don’t forget to load up materials for reparations. No great voyage has ever been made without a single scratch. Can you imagine eating only boiled meat all the time? Disgusting! Each ship needs a nice stone oven. Or a steak! Make sure the chefs have a fully equipped kitchen. We need the best navigators, sailors and translators in the whole kingdom so choose wisely and pay them well. It might come in handy later.Įven the best ship is worthless without a skillful crew. Columbus, why haven’t you told me? That’s wonderful news! Visit him and bring some cocoa. Great news amigo! Fishermen are thrilled to join us but they have one condition - the king’s cooks will have to use exclusively their catchings. That was a fancy meal, wasn’t it? Oh no, I seem to have forgotten my money at home, could you lend me some? I’ll pay it off right away, I promise. We need fishermen to join our crew so I’ve arranged a little dinner with them. We need to build at least 4!įishing is not really my thing and I guess yours neither. Two ships? That’s for amateurs! Three ships sound reasonable but we can do better. It will be a long cruise and one ship won’t be enough. Are you in? Then grab your cash and join me! Bartholomew Diaz himself acted as pilot to the Canary Islands, which they reached on 15 July, and on to the Cape Verde islands. As you’ve heard, our king’s highest wish is to break into the world of spice trade. Vasco da Gama and his fleet sailed from Lisbon on 8 July 1497.