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Athalcor

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Act I - Way to the Top​

Chapter One - Duchy in name but all​

The whole story starts in the year of our Lord 1081 in the smallest duchy of the Holy Roman Empire - the Duchy of Austria, or better, the Eastern March. Not that it is really marching somewhere - it just means that when you climb on Schneeberg, you can see into Hungary and that is not really a pleasant look. The march is ruled by Duke Leopold II von Babenberg. He is not exactly the guy you would want to hang out with but he is quite capable of ruling his lands, ehm, land. Because even though he is considered the Duke of Austria, he rules only one of the four counties of it and the only reason, why he still holds the title, is that no one else actually controls more. Not really as convincing as the Divine Right, but still sufficient.

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Leopold's family is a very interesting one. He himself has two children, though he (and everybody else) does not know with whom. When we asked little Leo about his mother, he looked puzzled, started crying and then ran away. The castle is also haunted by Leopold's father - Ernest who is said to die six years ago, but from time to time, when you are walking through the corridor, it is cold and you are deeply dived into your inner thoughts (you know, like 'Yesterday, that was a really big bear we saw in Waldviertel!'), suddenly Ernest jumps out from the cupboard you have just passed by and tries to convince that he is really not dead and that he is actually pretty hungry.

Vienna, the capital of the march, provides the House von Babenberg with many trees, bears and also 345 healthy soldiers. There are also two other important holdings - the City of Linz and the Bishopric of Melk, which has one very specific attribute: If you walk outside the front gate, turn around and wait for 250 years, it will become famous. Ask for brother Adso for further details.

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The Bishop of the Abbey, Stefan, called 'the Turtle' by some, is the Court Chaplain of the Duchy. He might not be the brightest mind in the Empire, but still he is infinite times cleverer than Leopold. At least he can read.

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The position of the Steward is held by the Duke's brother, Adalbert who managed to win in the duchy finals of the 'Count to ten' competition with only two mistakes. The Mayor of Linz, Engelbrecht, is the Ducal marshal, mostly because of his mighty name. And the ability to slay bears. They can become a real problem during summer.

The Chancellor of the march is a fellow named Burchard. He once arrived in Vienna with his sister, of course without money, claiming to be long-lost members of a forgotten branch of the von Babenberger family which sadly lost all of its possessions. Leopold allowed them to stay because their story seemed legitimate and according to the family tradition. Since the foundation of the House in Bamberg, its members have been rulers of many places who have managed to actually lose almost everyone of them. At the moment, there is one landed (Leopold) and many non-landed Babenbergers who really love to come to family visits.

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But whom we have forgotten? Oh yes, the spymaster! Thanks to his ability of being dead AND alive at the same time, Ernest, being considered the master of cunningness (even though he usually tells you about his plans), have gained the position. You know, no one suspects the dead.

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------------------------------------------

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The first ambition Leopold II has, considering that he already has an heir, is to get married. He chooses Adelheid Staden, a beautiful daughter of Lothar-Udo II, the Duke of Brandenburg. She is a suitable choice - she is good-looking, her name is the similar to Leopold's mother (oh, these beautiful memories!) and the marriage also secures an alliance with one of other German dukes, you know, with one that actually has enough territory to be called a duke.

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After seven days (it has taken a while for Lothar to find Austria on the map), the marriage offer is accepted. And there comes the fourth reason for the marriage - Leopold uses it as a chance to squeeze some money from his subjects. After selling the gained bear skins, he earns 50 ducats (which is like 300 months of the Duchy's income).

While waiting for Adelheid to arrive Leopold is...thinking. He has been forced to such drastic measures by a strange feeling that hunting bears and trying to find in which cupboard his father dwells at the moment (so no more servants die of heart attack) are not the things a Duke should spend his time on. After a week he comes to a conclusion: He shall no longer be the Margrave of Nowhere.

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A nice beginning - the writing is good and I like the style.

I'll be following :)
 
Welcome aboard!

A nice beginning - the writing is good and I like the style.

I'll be following :)

Very nice writing with the so needed sense of humour ! I shall follow too

Thanks :).

Come on, there is more than just bears in these lands... we have some nice cows, too! And don't forget the wine! Now go out and become Kaiser!

Really? I do not believe that..no, just kidding, Wien is a wonderful city ;).

Hah, an AAR after my own heart it seems. ;) Good witty writing there (as little as there is, which is good) and nice choice of starting place.

Thank you, I hope you all will enjoy it.
 
Chapter Two - Bridge over Salzach

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Leopold II looks at the map provided by Burchard the Beloved Relative and after some explanation finds out which counties could be seized under the Imperial deed of Privilegium Minus. There are three of them: County of Passau (ruled by an unknown brat Rapoto Rapotonen - naming dynasty after himself, really brave), county of Steiermark (who cares who rules it - he is a vassal to the Duke of Carinthia and that is all that matters) and the Archbishopric of Salzburg.

At first, our duke decides to try a diplomatic approach though he is confused that his Steward wants him to re-dress (why? Chain mail armor is suitable, isn't it?) but after some explanation (so redress is not re-dress? I wonder, is this common knowledge? It should be, you know, taught in schools or something), he travels to meet the Kaiser himself, offering him to relieve him of the great burden of managing the local counts on his Imperial own.

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His Imperial Majesty, great Heinrich IV Salian, the King of the Germans and the Emperor of the Romans, considers the petition and after few days sends a reply:

No.

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Well, that was quick. But Leopold does not give up so fast. There are other ways of gaining counties. With less confusing words and more swords. And you can wear your fine new armor you bought last year but did not want to use during bear hunts. So the Margrave climbs once again on Schneeberg, looks at Pressburg and then...turns around.

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Time for some historical trivia: There is one funny fact about Gebhard. Even though it may look like he is reigning in Salzburg, Salzburg, the Archbishop, a fierce supporter of the Pope in the Investiture Wars (and also the Antiking Rudolf) was simply not able to realise when you should stop trying to depose your liege and the mightiest ruler of Christendom. Yes, it is the moment when your side wins the war and the Pope humiliates the Kaiser. Then you should stop fighting him. Long story short, Gebhard is actually in exile in Saxony and the Archbishopric is run by a guy named Berthold von Moosburg (not the one you will find).

---------------------------------------

It is 15th June and the drums of war are sounding. It would be actually a fair war with both sides having almost equal number of soldiers so only the skill of the army leaders would decide this heroic struggle for the Castle of Salt.

Or you just can take the dowry from the wedding (do you still remember fair Adelhaid?) and hire axe-wielding Captain Gerlach and his 500 men ready to die for everything, assuming you pay those who survived the salary.

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After a month, both armies meet near Salzburg. It would be a lie if I said that the battle was not decided the moment they met.

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Berthold is leading the middle column and so is Leopold. The Margrave is cleaving his path through the battlefield and suddenly sees the Prince-Archbishop. It is a great chance to end the invasion swiftly and without lengthy sieges. But then a Valiant Foeman sudenly bars the way.
They quickly exchange some sword strikes and even though Leopold kills his opponent, his thigh is wounded. Cursing and swearing he is trying to reach Berthold but he runs away..

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Even though Leopold was badly maimed (the doctor had to cut the leg...unfortunately he could not find any leeches), the battle was won. The army arrives in Salzburg and after some pillaging and raping starts to siege the Archbishop's residence.

--------------------------------------

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Meanwhile, the envoys from Vratislaus II Premyslid, the King of Bohemia and the mightiest vassal of the Imperial Crown (and also the northern neighbor of the duchy) arrive. The relations between these two realms have always been warm, so they actually arrived in Vienna deliberately. The King offered Leopold that his son marries Leopold's daughter Adelheid (it is a different one...I know, I know, but how much imagination do you want from a 11th century duke?). That is great chance - with that alliance no one will mess with the ruler of the Eastern March.

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In October the siege is won, Gerlach gets paid, the Archbishop is ousted together with some other Baron Nobody ruling the castle of Waging which becomes the local ducal residence. The Bishopric also remains under Leopold's direct rule - the more land, the better. And the locals do not understand Latin so anyone can serve the masses. Even Leopold.

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And that is another fulfilled ambition. But Leopold is sad - no more bear hunting for him. But maybe he could find another hobby? You know, a hobby you could actually pursue with one leg wooden.

--------------------------------------

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Here is the young Count of Passau, the next victim of Leopold's ambitious plans. He actually does not stand a chance with 3000 Bohemians against him.

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The war is really not worthy of any note...the most important event is the Running Nose Crisis (from 10th to 30th March 1082):

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...and in April, exactly one year after the beginning of the new era, Rapoto is forced to run away...look at the poor boy - the war has made him grow a beard. There is nothing crueler than a war.

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Because the local Catholics has begun to suspect Leopold that he cannot read (during the last service he held the Holy Book upside down), he granted the Bishopric to his brother Adalbert. Adalbert is really happy - with such a haircut he could not actually hope for getting married. He can also speak Hungarian. And that is far closer to Latin than German.

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And so Austria has grown thrice during only one year! If it continues like this, in less than six years it will rule Europe. Or not?
 
Very this swift serei of wars ! You can grwo even bigger until the big guy raises crown authority......
 
Can I just ask, which mod are you using? I assume you are running one, considering the shields and, I think, the fact the duchies are slightly different. Also, what does the 'Subjugation' CB do?

A very nice update - very witty :)
 
Very this swift serei of wars ! You can grwo even bigger until the big guy raises crown authority......

Yeah, and I will ;).

Excellent... Franz Josef would be proud. Next stop: Steiermark! Also, Tirol, maybe...

White and sea ;).

Can I just ask, which mod are you using? I assume you are running one, considering the shields and, I think, the fact the duchies are slightly different. Also, what does the 'Subjugation' CB do?

A very nice update - very witty :)

It is CK2+. Subjugation is the vanilla De Jure CB. The De Jure CB in this mod grants the province to you.

Thanks :).
 
Chapter Three - Captain Gerlach strikes back​

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No longer is Austria weak - the Duchy now provides almost 1500 soldiers prepared to fight and die for the March. Not that anyone actually asked them, of course.

With the fatal occurrence of peace, Leopold sadly puts away his sword and dedicates his time to the peacetime activities:

- Politics

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- Sex, of course

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- Duking

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- And naming children

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(not that he is actually good at it...but you know, the poor girl is already so ugly, that you have to have your eyes half-closed when you want to look at her, so if she was named Oda as well, she would probably commit suicide the day she found out how mirrors work)

Adelheid (the ugly one) is also immediately betrothed to Prince Konrad, partially because of political effects and also to make her leave the house the moment she turns fifteen.

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One summer's day, the Margrave is walking through his castle and suddenly his father appears! Leopold is not very pleased. His (un)dead father starts complaining that no one loves him. Not really a surprise, though, but after some discussion they make a deal: Ernest will stop jumping from cupboards and Leopold provides him a suitable bride. But where to find a woman not loathing to marry someone already dead? The correct answer would be Transylvania but because it is not available at the moment, Hungary will have to do. Maria is pleased - everything is better than Hungary.

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(except for my family)

The solution of the Ernest Problem is just the last drop required for the Duke to realise that he should be proud of himself - he has managed to gain two counties and has not lost any! Strictly better than 98% von Babenbergers.

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In September, after a long argument with Maria whether cupboards are good enough to live in or not, Ernest asks Leopold for a place he could call his own. The Duke points to the nearby cemetery with Ernest's tomb. For some reason, his father is not satisfied. But 50 ducats seem very reasonable for finishing the Undead problem once and forever. OK, father, go to the forest over there, build yourself a small farm and we all can pretend that you are dead. Understood? Great.

-----------------------------------------

Two years have passed and Leopold is bored. He also feels that his quest is not over - he needs to take Klagenfurt and become the Duke of whole Austria. There is one problem with Klagenfurt, though - its ruler, Adalbero, is vassal to Luitold I, the Duke of Carinthia and Verona, the mightiest German lord south of the Alps. As always, he starts with trying to solve the problem, erm, diplomatically.

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He spends a lot of money on the problem but it still does not come to fruition. But the solution actually appears on its own - Carinthia is waging a draining war in Italy. Dust the armor off, we are going to war! (Allies do not actually have time to help, you know, better things to do, maybe next year)

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The war starts well with Luitold's armies tied in Verona.

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Luitold sees the danger and signs a quick white peace with Milan. The scattered Carinthian contingents fail in the series of battles following the fall of Klagenfurt.

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In August something strange happens - while Leopold is leading his army, Adelheid (his wife) is with a child. With whom? She swears that with him. But that does not feel right to the Duke. He asks some chambermaids and finds out that his wife has been hanging out with Burchard lately. Her response:

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Leopold also shows his bravery by killing an enemy soldier with his wooden leg. His bravery is soon tested - the Carinthian army, led by the Duke himself is approaching Steiermark. As a true, brave warrior, he prepares to defend Klagenfurt and fight to the death for the glory of Austria! He also takes a loan and hires Captain Gerlach.

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-----------------------------------------

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Meanwhile, at home, Leopold's next daughter is born. As a revenge for Adelheid's unproven unfaithfulness, he names her Oda. Take that!

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Both armies meet in Udine in June. The Austrian army emerges triumphant and Adalbero, together with the Bishop of Aquileia, is imprisoned by the Duke. From there it is just few steps to force the Count to abdicate in behalf of Leopold the Great (he gave himself this nickname).

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Enrico is ransomed for 70 ducats, enough to build a village in Wien so that other people than the ducal family and its hostages will maybe once live there.

Austria is surely destined for glory.

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And so has Leopold II von Babenberg united the entire de jure duchy of Austria ('de jure' means 'We can come to your home, burn it, kill your rightful liege and take it. And God wills it.'). What else has history in its stock for the March and its rulers, slightly more famous than the Franconian Babenbergers?
 
Chapter Four - Gathering storm​

Dab. Dab.

Leopold is lying in the Genoan oubliette and he is pondering about what went wrong. He knows that he won't survive for long - yesterday, his old wound became infected and he does not have enough power to prevent the dungeon rats from biting parts off his body.

Dab. Dab.

At least the water is fine.


------------------------------------

Seven years ago and everything is looking sunny - he has just returned from the victorious war against Luitold, seized Steiermark and got drunk as hell with Gerlach in local wine cellars. At home he meets someone who introduces himself as Gebhard von Babenberg. Leopold prepares to release the watch dogs but Gebhard quickly declines that he has come to ask for money. The Duke frowns - that's an interesting twist. He allows the stranger to speak and he presents as the Count of Nürnberg - he was granted this position thanks to his loyal service to the Bavarian Duke. He simply wants to meet his cousin (a distant one). So another von Babenberger is landed now? Times are undisputedly changing.

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Do you remember Oda? The poor girl is born and immediately becomes sick. Leopold betroths her to the young French king. At least she will leave the house as soon as possible. And to France! Again, take that! Maybe she will rather die before turning 15...

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------------------------------------

A few weeks ago he asked the Genoan Doge about a better accommodation. He was really ill and his chest was burning. He promised Manfredo enough money to buy him off. He also tried to explain that he did not care about global politics, that he only wanted to come back home and see little Thomas and Siegfried...

The Doge's response was icily cold: As an acting enemy general and servant of the cursed Emperor, he would be thrown into the dungeon where he shall die.

Awww! Stupid rats!


------------------------------------

In April 1088, after long persuasion by Burchard, Leopold agrees a new plan to expand the March - Burchard will travel to Tyrol and there he will try to persuade the locals that the Margrave of Austria is far better ruler than the current one. Of course, he won't do that for free - after the conquest (erm, rightful retaking), there will be a need for a local governor and who could that be?

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------------------------------------

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It all probably started in December, Year of Our Lord 1088. At the assembly in Würzburg, Heinrich IV Salian rejected the demands of his vassals to lower the Imperial taxes. The Princely Faction led by the Bohemian King, together with the Italian Republicans furiously left the assembly.

Leopold sighs. He never really had the brains for the German grand politics. At that time, when the storm was coming, he was celebrating his son turning fifteen - he gave him a special present - the Castle of Eppenstein AND that awesome orange beard! The Styrian chicks will be surely freaking out.

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He also betrothed another of his daughters, Elisabeth, to a Bohemian Prince to cement the Premyslid - von Babenberger friendship.

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Dap. Dap. Maybe he had better never leave Vienna. Things were beautiful then. Just him, his father and bears.


------------------------------------

A year has passed and instead of a claim on Tyrol, a terrible message comes: Burchard had an suspicious accident. Luckily, he only broke his arm.

...

April Fools! He died, of course. Though he lost both arms in the process.

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Stefan von Melk, still babbling something about Umberto Eco, takes his position. Not that he is suited for the position, there are simply not many men left in the Duchy.

For another while, everything is going well. The Margrave even manages to take a look at his most favourite peacetime activity, sex:

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But then, it is 20th January, 1090 and hell breaks loose.

------------------------------------

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At first Leopold did not think that the war in Italy would actually affect him. Italy was far and not really strong. The Imperial armies would take care of it, as always.

------------------------------------

Leopold, thanks to his higher-than-average military skill, is chosen as one of the leaders of the Reichsarmee. One day, in the encampment near Vienna, he is walking around, thinking of home - the Italian forests, pff, they should see my land. Suddenly, Ernest appears!

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'What the hell are you doing here, father?! We had a deal!'
'You see, son? I am not dead. And another good news for you: You will die far sooner than me! That's for you trying to push me into the tomb!'
'What? I really thought you were dead!'
'You will die sooner than me-e, you will die sooner than me-e!'
'No, stop it! Stop it, please!'
'As you wish, my lord. See you in hell, son.'

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It is August and the Empire is losing on the entire front. Leopold had to retreat behind the Alps and virtually all Italy is under control of the League. At least from home came good news - his son, Siegfried, is born. Such a name! The Margrave is looking forward to see him - the boy has great future before him. And Ernest's prophecy? Who cares for his old parents and their drivel?

------------------------------------

It did not actually look all that grim. In April, the tide of war had turned and Leopold could go home and enjoy some rest.

Dap. Dap.

Leopold groans. That pain in the chest!


------------------------------------

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Leopold returns home and immediately heads for the forest to hunt, not minding his leg - hell, he managed to lead an army with it! But then he realises that Engelbrecht died. He goes with Simon, but it is not as before. Simon actually wants some of the bear skins for himself! Moron. Oh, Engelbrecht, oh, good times, where are you?

Yes, and sex.

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In 1092, the war luck turned against the Salian Kaiser - the merchant families of Italy convinced the Pope that the Investiture Wars were not yet over and that Heinrich needed more humiliation. The Pope excommunicated him and the blood-thirsty Hungarian King immediately attacked.

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In the battle of Oberbayern, only a skirmish actually, Heinrich was cornered and caught. The humiliating peace was signed and the entire League of Pisa declared independence from the Holy Roman Empire.


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------------------------------------

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And then it is, when Genoa attacked as well and Leopold is called once more to fulfill his duty. When he is leaving, he kisses Thomas on his cheek, not knowing it is the last time. For both of them.

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While the Margrave is away, his land is not spared from the horrors of the war - the Hungarian hordes plunder Vienna and make it even bigger hole that it has been. Yes, it is possible.

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------------------------------------

It was in November, during the battle of Milan. Three thousand Genoan mercenaries against 500 Imperial soldiers. Not much of a chance. But at least we slowed them down.

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But Manfredo was a formidable warrior! Good to lose with. Leopold smiles. His eyes slowly start to close and the last thing he hears is:

'You will die sooner than me-e, you will die sooner than me-e!'

Dap. Dap.

Happy rats come from all corners and start crunching Leopold's nose.


------------------------------------

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Sorry, I thought I had commented on the last update - I obviously must have read it and told myself I'd come back...

A very nice pair of updates - the writing continues to be of a really nice standard. I'm liking the interspersion of present with build-up - that was nicely done :)

It seems our Margrave found himself in Room 101 - unlucky man...
 
Sorry, I thought I had commented on the last update - I obviously must have read it and told myself I'd come back...

A very nice pair of updates - the writing continues to be of a really nice standard. I'm liking the interspersion of present with build-up - that was nicely done :)

It seems our Margrave found himself in Room 101 - unlucky man...

Thanks.

Yes, he is ;). But you know, the Duke is dead, long live the duke.

Huh? Why would you be honored? :p

but another nice update, but you're right, it was quite a bit darker :)


(though that is not to be frowned upon)

Just you know...you were already known here when I joined this forum ;).
 
Chapter Five - New Duke in the House​

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Ehm. Hello. I am Leopold III von Babenberg. I am the new Duke of the Austrian March. Some people say that I am like reversed Jesus - you know, he was born without a father and I without a mother. So actually, I am even more awesome. At first, I would like to tell you...wait! What was that? Is that you, grandpa Ernie?

...

Damn rat! You will die for this! Here! And here!

Where was I? Oh, yes. To be honest, my father was not actually suited for ruling the duchy. He was much more of a hunter and a local count. He did not fully understand the subtleties and gray areas of the Imperial diplomacy. He was not even able to tell his story on his own. But I am different. I shall bring our family to glory.

What? You are still interested in that insignificant war my father fought in?

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The Empire won, of course.

Before I start with forging the golden era of my House, there are some small difficulties that need handling. Like the ongoing Hungarian invasion:

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-------------------------------

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And as you may see, it actually solved itself! Heinrich died a day after he lost his Empire and all other possessions. Idiot. He was too weak to be a Kaiser.

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And here is his successor. Not even a German, some Slav. Pff. But that is not of our interest now. At first, I need to succeed in the thing my father failed in - conquering Tyrol. But thanks to my towering intellect, I have much better way to do that. More subtle. Watch, father, and learn.

But not literally, of course. I do not like ghosts. Oh, please, don't haunt me at night.

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The plan is brilliant. But...what? Who is that imbecile? The Duke of Moravia? What does he even think?? I will smite him as an annoying insect! In something my father was right - that simple captain will serve my family once again.

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And look at this: Another band of morons is declaring independence from the realm! That is good, really good. Only the true core of loyal vassals will remain. The Empire will emerge from the ashes stronger than before.

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-------------------------------

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The war with Moravia was a nuisance. That old geezer did not really stand a chance. And now I am able to concentrate on my true enemy, the Count of Tyrol!

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Heh! We smashed them! Fools. They managed to hurt me in the battle. It was an insidious arrow that hit me while I was tactically commanding my forces from behind. Not that I would be afraid, I am just far better when I have the complex picture about the battlefield.

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In September, that stupid Premyslid lost the war with the Tyrolian League. Tyrolian! That is one county! But soon all these rotten parts will fall off. The Empire must stay strong. Also Oda keeps thinking she can interfere in my affairs. Luckily, she is still going to marry that French bastard.

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Now, when the Count of Tyrol is independent, I need to sign a white peace. Humiliating. But otherwise, Otto would declare independence from me the moment he gains Tyrol. But you shall here about me again, Albrecht!

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In November, Konrád (what the hell is that syllable? How can he even think that he might be a Kaiser with such a syllable in his name?) finally recognises my abilities.

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Curses! The only thing I gained from the war with Tyrol is this crippled leg. I cannot even walk! You shall pay, Tyrolean!

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That puny Count von Tyrol demands. You are worthless! Why should I even listen to you??

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And here it comes - the storm is unleashed! History is forged these days!

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And I shall be the chosen one! His Imperial Majesty, Kaiser Leopold von Babenberg. How does it hears?

Awww, what was that again? Bleh, a spider. Come on, anyone, get me rid of that monster...