- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of Lotharingia (Burgundy)

[Neil]

The arms of King Louis and the arms of the House of Berri.

The closing battles of the Hundred Years War and the Imperial Wars that shook Europe in the first portion of the 15th century were enormously devastating for everyone involved. The House of Burgundy, descendents of King Jean II of France, were completely destroyed during the war, and their lands passed down into the hands of the the descendents of Jean's youngest son, Jean de Berri, and in particular his daughter Marie, the wife of the Duke of Bourbon. However, the Duke died, leaving Bourbon to Marie's eldest son, Charles. Marie took up in Dijon as the Duchess of Burgundy, and eventually married Prince Alexander Beaufort, for whom she bore triplets, dying in childbirth. The eldest, Jean, were murdered as children, with the second Éléanore being shot with an arrow during her coronation, and the third, Philippe, was kidnapped by rebels, who proclaimed him King, but went missing after the destruction of the rebel armies. Following a crisis involving the Danish holdings of the House of Berri, a marriage with Frederick von Wittelsbach by Éléanore nearly sparked another Lotharingian civil war, but the situation was salvaged by Éléanore's abdication. Louis de Berri took up the Crown of Lothar, greatly shifting the balance of power within Lotharingia.

In 1447, King Louis took action against the chaos in Lombardy, ransoming the Duchy of the Piedmonte in order to end the depredations of Dual Monarchy troops, and brutally crushing the Genovese democrats. He also began his courtship of Anna of the Greif. After a rapid marriage, the couple were rather cool towards each other. However, at the funeral of the Emperor Joachim they reconciled, and in 1452 their first child, Marie Antoinette Jeanne Joséphine de Berri was born.

Notable Personages of the Kingdom


The King is often looked in amazement for his flamboyant manner of dress.
His Most Illustrious Majesty, Louis, of the House of Berri, by the grace of God King of Lotharingia, King of Burgundy, Duke of Burgundy, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, Dynast of the House of Berri, Duke of Montpellier of Savona, Count of Montpensier, of Imperia, of Chiavari, Grandmaster of the Most Illustrious Order of the Golden Fleece. - born: 1403 - Louis is the second son of Marie de Berri, born of her marriage to the Duc of Bourbon. He travelled from his brother's lands in Bourbonnais with his mother when she inherited Burgundy, and was made Comte of a small medium-sized fief in Auvergne. After the marriage of his half-sister to Frederick, the Count Palatine of the Rhine, Louis inherited the throne via her abdication, in order to avoid the danger of another rebellion against a German king. Due to the fact that he has not overwhelmingly taken anyone's side in the Directoire, but has instead shifted from position to position, noone has any expectations for him to do anything overwhelming. However, it should be noted that even before his ascension to the throne, Louis de Berri was among the richest men in Europe, noted for his keen wit.


Queen Anna in one of her typical moods
Anna de Savoy, Queen of Lotharingia and Burgundy, Duchess-Regent of Piedmonte.
The Crimson King, through force, guile and some degree of genuine attraction, has won himself a bride. The adopted daughter of Emperor Joachim, she was an unusual choice to say the least, being the widow of Antoine de Savoy. She is prone to many a black mood, although sometimes her spirits are so high that they can scarcely be contained. The Royal Court is still getting to know their new prima donna, but already her tendency towards depression and the color of many of her dresses has earned her the nickname 'The Black Queen', most fitting for a wife of the Crimson King.

Marie Antoinette Jeanne Joséphine de Berri - born: 1452 - The infant daughter of King Louis and Queen Anna, and heir apparant of the Crown of Lothair. The infant is well loved by her mother and father, and is housed in Dijon.


Éléanore immediately before the attempt on her life
Éléanore de Berri, Queen of Denmark and Norway, Gothia and Vandalia. - born: 1428 - Éléanore had been kept in bed ever since the assassination attempt during her coronation. Where she was once a healthy and vital young woman, the wound and subsequent sickness had destroyed her health. Her slow recovery was capped by a marriage with Frederick von Wittelsbach, although she was pressured into abdication.


The Regent in a portrait done immediately following the Civil War.
Myriam, Duchesse of Lorraine, Comtesse of Montainblanc. - born: 1401 died: 1452 - Myriam took control of the reigns of power ever since the death of Alexander Beaufort, and wisely guided the kingdom through difficult and calamitous times, including several rebellions and a flareup of the war between England and France. Although she kept carefully neutral in the matters of international politics, she tirelessly fought to preserve the privileges of the Crown of Lotharingia at home and abroad. However, the assassination attempt on her beloved adopted daughter, Queen Éléanore, took a heavy toll on her. She became obsessed with finding any trace of Philippe, the last son of Marie de Berri and Prince Alexander. She grieved for much of her life over her two dead loves, Richard de Vere, a knight of the English crown, lost in battle in France, and King John II of England. In the early 1440s, as Louis I has taken the throne of Lotharingia, her rather substantial responsibilities fully dissipated. She died in 1452.

Jan van Beieren, Graaf of Holland and Zeeland - born: 1410 - Jan, the son of Jacoba van Beieren, has turned slightly from his fathers ferocious anti-French stance. Although he is wary of the intentions of the southerners, he knows that as an independent ruler, he would be thrown into war with the other Dutch counties, all of whom claim his lands. Thus, he is generally one of the regent's supporters on external matters, while opposing her on many internal matters. However, he will almost always oppose the French faction of the Directoire, regardless the issue. However, he was insured that his subject nobles pay proper respect to the crown, unlike his departed father, who was executed following the Artois Civil War in 1437.

Peter, Graaf of Flandern - born: 1398 - Peter is the scion of the ancient line that has ruled Flandern since antiquity. He is extremely pro-Flemish, and is the leader of the Flems in the Directoire. Although he rose up in rebellion against the crown during the Civil War, he managed to ingratiate himself to the regent, and was forgiven following an extremely large ransom. The Graaf is proud, but after being defeated by Myriam de Montainblanc on the battlefield, he has turned his focus onto developing his lands and their revenues. Under his stewardship, Lille and Antwerpen have become extremely wealthy. After his long posting as the commander of Lotharingian troops in Denmark, the Flandern is putting the affairs of his County in order once again.

Julius de Male, Comte of Artois - born: 1420 - The line of de Male was rewarded with the County of Artois following the betrayal of it's former ruling line. Julius has just become Comte, but remains the strongest of supporters of the Regent and the Crown. However, although his father was a formidable fighter in the Civil War, Julius has yet to be tested.


Duke Karl, despite his advanced years, is still a man of formidable size
Karl von Wittelbach, Herzog of Alsace - born: 1399 - Karl von Wittelbach is the main Imperialist in all Lotharingia. He holds many lands in the empire, and has many friends throughout Germany. He constantly agitates for Lotharingia to make a closer stand with the Empire, and to become more involved in Imperial affairs, which has the opposition of many of the French and even some of the Flemish factions of the Directoire. He frequently sends emmisaries to the Imperial Diet, and his deep, booming voice dominates gatherings of the Directoire. Were the line of Berri to become extinct, as it so nearly is, Karl von Wittelbach would be a strong contender to be elected King, provided that a civil war did not tear Lotharingia apart first. Given the recent troubles between the House of Wittelsbach and the Emperor in recent years, his faith in the Empire has been shaken. The Royal Chancellor is now hardly willing to support the Emperor over anything.

Frederich von Hohenstaufen, Graf of Bern - born: 1408 - Graf Friedrich is probably the most conservative of the members of the Directoire. A staunch imperialist, he follows the lead of the Duke of Alsace in most things. However, he absolutely despises the Flemish, primarily due to their rebellion, and believes that Lotharingia would have been better served to execute them all. He is one of the least diplomatic of the major rulers of Lotharingia, and often squabbles with his neighbors in Franché-Comte.

Phoebus de Châteaupers, Duc of Auvergne - born: 1400 - Duc Phoebus, despite his rough, military manners and infamous cursing, is one of the most diplomatic of the rulers of Lotharingia. Ferociously pro-French, he was honored as duke for standing by the House of Berri during the Civil War, after the older ducal families were slain. It is no secret that Phoebus is fervently against any involvment whatsoever with the Holy Roman Empire. However, the Flems and Germans are so busy attacking each other in council that they ignore him altogether, and his relations with both factions are rather good. In recent years, the legendary captain is beginning to fail, and given his lack of a living heir, it is unsure who will succeed the old duke.

Amédée IX de Berri, Duc of Savoie - born: 1412 - Amédée is the nephew of the deceased Queen Marie, and head of the House of Savoy, the most powerful of the noble houses of Northern Italy. Considered somewhat foolish but intensely loyal to his family and his lord, Amédée is considered by most to be in the inner councils of the King, although this is not quite the case. Amédée brings the sword of Lotharingia where it must be brought, and being a far more accomplished general than Louis, this is an arrangement that suits the King fine.

Philibert d'Armagnac, Comte of Champagne - born: 1405 - Philibert is the great paladin of Lotharingia. As a youth, he went on crusade time and time again, hoping to win glory for the Catholic faith. It is entirely appropriate that he now rules side by side with the Archbishop of Rheims, whose see is surrounded by the County. Champagne is a strategic bridge for the kingdom, and so it only makes sense to have one of their finest knights as it's ruler. Philibert will always back the will of the Catholic church over all considerations, even his heavy pro-France leanings. He dislikes playing politics in the Directoire however, and so his influence is less than it could be.

Charles the Bastard, Comte de Nevers - born: 1402 - The Comte de Nevers is the last surviving blood relative of the House of Burgundy, being a bastard son of the Comte de Nevers, who was slain by the English. As such, there is a small faction who would have him restored to the Burgundian throne, despite his bastardy. Charles is always an enigma in the Directoire, always siding with different factions, and making his own way. It is known that he has a venomous dislike for the Regent, for some unknown reason. His dislike for the King is very well known, because he sees the Royal Family as having usurped his place.

[Neil]

The Constitution of Lotharingia
The Creation of the Kingdom of Burgundy and the Re-establishment of the Crown of Lotharingia.

In this year of the Lord 1426, the Kingdom of Burgundy is created, under the approval of the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of England, the Holy Roman Emperor, and the Holy See.

Capitula 1: The Crown of Lotharingia is hereby given and linked to the creation and ruling of the Kingdom of Burgundy.

Capitula 2: The Kingdom of Burgundy will be sovereing of its lands in the regions outside the Holy Roman Empire. In the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom will be the subject of the Emperor.

Capitula 3: The Kingdom of Burgundy will be recognised as the following Imperial counties and duchies:

-The County of Lower Countries: provinces of Zeeland, Flandern and Artois.
-The Duchy of Holland: province of Holland
-The Duchy of Alsace: province of Alsace
-The Duchy of Lorraine: province of Lorraine
-The County of Burgundy: provinces of France Comté and Bern
-The Duchy of Savoie: province of Savoie.

These lands are considered as Imperial lands and will pay respect to the Crown of Lotharingia under the guidance of the Emperor of the Holy Roman Emperor.

Capitula 4: The Kingdom of Burgundy will be recognised as the following non-Imperial counties and duchies:
-The Duchy of Burgundy: province of Burgundy, Champagne and Auvergne and Nivernais.

These lands are considered as free lands and will pay respect to the Crown of Lotharingia only.

Capitula 5: The Kingdom of Burgundy will be recognised as the Overlord of the following Imperial duchies and counties:

-The Duchy of Brabant: Province of Brabant
-The Duchy of Helvetia: Province of Helvetia

These lands are considered as Imperial lands and will pays respect to the Crown of Lotharingia and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Capitula 6: The Kingdom of Burgundy will be recognised as a a status of Kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire but will not be considered an elector.

Capitula 7: Salic Law will not prevail in the Kingdom of Burgundy.

Capitula 8: The House of Berri is recognised as the owner of the Crown of Lotharingia, and so, as the ruler of the Kingdom of Burgundy.

Capitula 9: The Kingdom of Burgundy is forever a member of the Catholic Church."

Le Directoire
The Directoire is a council of the most powerful nobles of Lotharingia, all fully subject to the throne, much like the English Parliament, or even the Imperial Diet. Although the royal revenues are rather large for Burgundy, when the Royal House is in need of more money, it must come to the Directoire, in order to levy taxes and duties. Moreover, the Directoire has served as an advisory body for the Regent, to the point where much actual power has converged in the great nobles of the Directoire.

Any noble of the rank of Count or better is generally considered a member of the Directoire, although the Directoire is permitted to expel a member for great crimes against the crown or the church, provided the crown approves. However, the Directoire is always split into factions who adhere to their old allegiances. Although most members are at least nominally loyal to the crown, there exists a pro-French movement, a pro-Flemmish and a pro-German movement. These three groups are constantly intriguing against each other, trying to move the kingdom into following a path more suitable to their interests, which makes getting the Directoire to agree on anything rather problematic.

The Royal Council
With the illness of Queen Éléanore, the actual operation of the realm has fallen to a Royal Council, which consists of the most able lords of the realm. Each is given an area of responsibility, which they manage in His Majesty's name. The King has absolute power to appoint and dismiss members of the Royal Council for any reason, and it remains to be seen how the new King will function with his Council. The members of the Council are:

Royal Chancellor, who controls internal Burgundian affairs and heads the Directoire - Karl von Wittelsbach
Royal Senechal, who manages the properties and assets of the Royal House - Philibert d'Armagnac
Marshal of Burgundy, commander of the armies of the kingdom - Myriam de Montainblanc
Admiral of Flanders, commander of the ships of the kingdom, with a hand in sea-borne trade - Paul of Flanders
Royal Treasurer, responsible for the funding of all royal institutions, as well as tax collection - Luc, Cardinal-Archbishop of Rheims

Burgundian Diplomacy
Representatives to the Imperial Diet
Viscomte André de Laurendeau - Represents the Kingdom of Burgundy.
Hermann Kastner, Count of Molsheim - Represents the Duchy of Alsace.

Diplomats from Burgundy in other courts
Étienne DesLaurnes - Ambassador to Bremen
Philippe DeMont, Count of Aube - Ambassador to France
Carol van Trapp - Ambassador to Bohemia
Claudius Lansing - Ambassador to Hungary
Harald Klassen - Ambassador to Wurzburg

Diplomats from other sovereigns in the Court at Dijon
Don Quixon - Aragon
Gabriele Vespicci - Venice
Count Johann Friedrich von Trauttsmandorff - Bohemia
Pierre Rubespon - Brittany
Andreas Kiersted - Denmark

Burgundian titles held by foreign princes
Johann III, Duke of Bremen - Comte de Boulon
Marie-Elisa, Duchess of Bremen - Comtesse de Rhûne
René, King of Naples - Duc de Bar
Gioacchino, Duke of the Piedmonte - Comte de Saint-Claude
Henryk of the Greif - Comte de Louhans

[Neil]

The Church in Lotharingia

Lotharingia is uniformly Catholic, and has in the past been the sword of the faith, lending it's power against an anti-Pope in Savoy, and participating in the many projects of the Church.

Princes of the Church:
Luc, Cardinal-Archbishop of Rheims, Royal Treasurer. - born: 1395 - The Cardinal-Archbishop of Rheims is the one who traditionally crowns the Kings of both France and Lotharingia. Although he seems rather saintly and old, most of the Royal Court has heard rumors about his formidable appatite for wine and women.

Jean de Montpetit, Cardinal-Archbishop of Auvergne, Grand Inquisitor. - born: 1350 died: 1451 - The ancient Cardinal of Auvergne, former Grand Inquisitor of the Church, is one of the oldest living men in Europe. His health is beginning to fade, and he spends the vast majority of his time now in Rome. Still, he is formidably intelligent, and has all the tricks, contacts and favors of over 60 years in his position. He is known to be absolutely viscious to those who he sees as his enemies, which have included Hussites, the House of Burgundy, the Jews, and several Popes. It is interesting to note that most of those he views as his enemies died under somewhat mysterious circumstances.

[Neil]

The Most Illustrious Order of the Golden Fleece
Current Roster:
Louis de Berri
Amédée de Savoy
Henryk of the Greif

Deceased Members:
Antoine de Savoy, Duke of the Piedmonte.

[Neil]

Nation: Burgundy
Head of State: Louis de Berri
Player: Neil
Religion: Catholic
Culture: French, Dutch, German
Stats: 5/2/3(5)/4/5(7) -->[4/2/5/4/6]
Provinces: 15
Ports: 5
Owned: Bourgogne, Holland, Zeeland, Flandern, Artois, Alsace, Lorraine, Franche Comte, Bern, Champagne, Auvergne, Savoie, Nivernais, Piemonte, Liguria
Annexations of Genoa, Helvetia, Lorraine, Savoie (tech max. reached) +2 Technology
Overlord of Brabant, Helvetia +2 Economy

[Neil]

The Duchess of Lorraine, Myriam de Montainblanc slumped in her chair. It had been a year and a half since the ill-fated coronation ceremony of the young Queen, Éléanore. The girl had survived, although it had to have been the will of God that had saved her, for she had lain dead for several minutes. However, the Lord worked in mysterious ways, for the once vital young Queen had become a bedridden wreck, only healthy for perhaps a month out of the last eighteen. Moreover, the girl occasionally took a high fever, and raved about departed mother, who came to her in her madness.

"Can it be, that the line of Berri is to fail already?" she said to herself. Her exaustive searches for the Queen's brother, poor, lost Philippe, still came to nothing, and each day the Directoire grew harder to manage. The Queen's half brother, Louis, had taken to calling himself 'de Berri' instead of 'de Boubon',and quite clearly thought himself a natural successor for Éléanore.

Myriam's hand came to the locket that hung around her neck. 'What would you do now, John?', as she thought of her lost love, the King of England. She thought back to simpler days, back in England, before Marie had ever laid such a heavy burden upon him, before John had married Elionor of Aragon, before he had died. She was so tired of the neverending battles, in living up to Marie de Berri's trust in her. So very tired...

"Milady?"

Myriam was snapped out of her downward spiral when a page appeared at her door. Sitting up sharply, she spat out "What is it?" rather hastily, trying to conceal her black mood as best she could.

The boy, for his part, seemed oblivious to the mood of the Regent. "Milady, the Royal Chancellor has recalled the Directoire to discuss the matter of Flemish tax collectors in German fiefs. He bids you attend."

Gritting her teeth, Myriam stood, knowing that the rest of her day would be spent listening to the nobles of Germany and Flanders curse at each other. Dismissing the page, she squared her shoulders, and walked out into the halls of the Palais Synodal.

[Zhai]

A man entered the court, wearing the height of fashion of Barcelona. He bowed to the ruler and spoke,

I am Don Quixon, ambassador to this court from Aragon if I am accepted at this court. King Constantine is gladden to hear that Burgundy has been reopened to the world and hopes to reestablish the friendship and trade between our two nations.

[Neil]

Several people are standing around the throne, arguing amongst themselves. They abruptly stop at the entry of the Iberian, and after his introduction, a handsome woman wearing a simple blue dress and a hard look in her eyes steps forward, while the massive, black-clad man and the the rotund, fantastically dressed fop whom she was arguing look turn to face him, To the side, an older man, clearly a priest, looks relieved.

"Welcome my lord." says the woman. "I am Myriam de Montainblanc, the Regent for Her Majesty Queen Élénore. These gentlemen are the Royal Chancellor Karl von Wittelsbach, the Royal Treasurer the Archbishop of Rheims, and the Queen's half brother, Louis of Montpensier, all of whom are members of the Directoire. It is our pleasure to accept the ambassador of the noble King of Aragon. Although our countries have had squabbles in the past, most notably over the continued occupation of some lands in Southern France, I am sure that we can overcome these difficulties and engage in a relationship that will be mutually prosperous. Any petitions or offers from King Constantine would be looked upon with favor, should he desire to engage in trade along our borders, or in the great ports of the Low Countries."

[Fireblade]

A letter arrives from Grenoble.

"Your Grace, Myriam, Comtesse of Montainblanc, Regent of Burgundy and Lotharingia,

It relieves my heart greatly that Queen Éléanore seems to be making a recovery. She is young, and although the wound is most serious, my doctors tell me that it should recover.. given time. Your Grace, Provence has many fine doctors. If you should have need to call upon one, then ask, and I shall pay all their fees personally.

After searching high and low for any trace of the bastards who have tried to murder the Queen of Lotharingia, we have found not a trace. There are the rumours among the peasants of this traitor escaping to the south, either into Piedmont or Provence, or perhaps Dauphine. Your Grace, I will not arrest until the assassin is found, and when he is found, he shall be murdered in the traditional manner. You have my word as a man of God that I shall not give up this hunt.

Comtesse, there is a question I must ask, and I must be frank, for it is a most serious question, one that could have grave consequences upon my own realms of Provence and Bar. There are.. rumors that the nobles of the Directory are becoming more and more restless, with the troubles that have befallen House Berri. I know that these are mere rumors, but there are disturbing signs that they may not be so. The nobles of the Directory have usually been quiet within the Imperial Diet. My cousin, my Ambassador to the Diet, tells me that the Wittelsbachs within Lotharingia have sent an Ambassador to the Diet. Such a thing is within their rights, yes, but.. it is a bold step. I request clarification and any information you may have as to the truthfulness of these rumors.

Last, Your Grace, the court of the Duchesse of Burgundy is close to mine own, relatively. If it pleases you, I would like to send an Ambassador to your court. A close dialog must be kept between us, for if it is not, I fear we may both fall.

-Renatus Angevinus, Duc d’Anjou, Duc de Calabria, Comte de Provençe, Comte de Bar, Comte de Guise, Roi d’Hongrie et de Naples, Roi d’Aragonie, de Valençe, de Mallorce et de Sardinie, Roi d’Hyerusalaim."

[Ramius]

A man enters the a court and presents himself.

To the honorable regent Myriam de Montainblanc, and Royal Chancellor Karl von Wittelsbach, I am Gabriele Vespicci from the magestic city of Venezia. I have returned now in the hour of darkness, here to illuminate what seems to be a very somber situation. News has reached us of the assasination attempt on her majesty Queen Élénore, once very good friend to his honor Doge Francesco Foscari. It has pained us grately to hear of such soar news and we hope that her health will improve. Maybe we can be of assistance in that regard.

As you most well know we have recently gained the power to be able to dominate the Mediterannean and we look to further spread our wealth, and help our friends. It would be a grate honor if your eminence would consider us a friend as your Queen has in the past. I hope that I can some how of service to you and to help communicate the word of Doge Francesco Foscari in your court. If you accept me, I shall to be a most efficient ambassador, friend, consiglieri and liaison. In addition the Doge welcomes to have your own ambassador in Venezia to represent yourself. This is the beginning of long health and prosperity for our two nations, this is the message of hope from Venezia.

The Venetian bows deeply.

[Zhai]

Don Quixon smiled at the people in the court and spoke to Myriam de Montainblan,

Honorable regent, thank you. King would be glad to establish a close friendship with Lotharingina. Perhaps we could start to speak of the trade? Aragonese merchants have long traded in North Sea, especially in Low Countries. Perhaps you would be interested in this treaty? Is there anything Burgundy wishes to sell?

Burgurdian-Aragonese trade pact

I. Burgurdian merchants shall have 50% reduction in taxes and toll in Aragonese territory. Burgundy shall reduce her taxes and toll on Aragonese merchants in Burgundy.

II. Aragon shall build a custom house in Antwerp while Burgundy shall builds a custom house in Zaragoza.

III. Aragon shall sell fine Aragonese wines and silver at 40% price to Burgundian merchants. Aragon also shall sell lumbers, kohol and perfume at 50% prices to Burgundian merchant. Burgundy shall sell Burgundian wines and North Sea fishes at 40% to Aragonese merchants. Burgundy also shall sell grains and wool at 50% price to Aragonese merchants.

[Herr Doctor]

A letter from Bremen arrives:

Your Royal Majesty, Queen of Lotharingia,

I wish to inform you that you have many supporters in Denmark and I’m personally not an exception. It will be really the best event in Danish history for the last years if Your Grace will receive throne of Scandinavia. However, too many people prefer to see emperor, his wife or emperor’s cousin as a ruler in our capital…

I recommend you to state your position as a loyal friend of our Kingdom and to place candidature of any relative of Your Majesty before Riksrod. The treaty of Alliance with Denmark also can improve your candidate’s position in the eyes of many Danish senators…

by his own hand in Bremen,
your loyal servant,

Peter Gjedde, Chancellor of Denmark

[Neil]

Louis of Mentpensier, watching the situation, thinks to himself 'Two lions of the Mediterranean stand before us. Eventually, they will come to blows. But where will Burgundy stand when the battle comes? And which side will benefit me most..."

The Regent and the Royal Chancellor look at each other, almost as if trying to decide who should properly speak to the delegates. In the end, Karl von Wittelsbach, an enormous man dressed in his cutomary black steps forward, while the Regent seems to gravitate towards the new ambassador from Aragon, with the Royal Treasurer, the Archbishop of Rheims in tow.

Von Wittelsbach speaks to the Venetian in his deep, booming voice. "We are indeed most grateful for the friendship of the Doge, and we know that our young Queen keeps him in her prayers, as she does all Christian princes. Venice has a place in the hearts of all Christendom, after the Great Crusade, and the momentous battle at the very walls of your city. I myself stood there against the Demon Horde, and was struck with a warm friendship for the great city and it's people. The Directoire will select an appropriate ambassador, as is our duty during the next year, when the Queen will achieve her majority.

"To begin, there are two things of great interest to the Crown of Lothair in which Venice can greatly aid us. The first being that I heard that Venetian trade with the East is the greatest in the world, and that your republic holds lands there. It is well known that fine medicines of all sorts come across the wastelands of the east from Cathay, and Venetian assistance in acquiring some of these, to aid our ailing queen, would be very well looked upon. The second, is that for all the medicines or physicians we might attempt, truly, the life of our Queen is in the hands of the sovereign Lord our God. If we could ask that the Doge of Venice, who is known as a blessed man, remember our Queen in his prayers, we hope that it might have some effect, and bring her back to us."

In the meantime, Myriam de Montainblanc and the Archbishop have approached the Aragonese ambassador, and are discussing his treaty.

"These are good clauses here and here." says the rather saintly archbishop. "We are willing to provide a 40% drop on the exports of our farms and sheep, however, in exchange we will provide a 5% cut in price on our most valuable export, the finest cloth of Flanders, which has no equal in the world, and have the treaty renegotitated every five years to take into account world conditions. How does that sound?"

At that point, Myriam speaks up. "And, my lord Quixon, perhaps to aid in combatting piracy, Aragon would consent to have us lease a port on the Mediterranean, from where we could engage in trade and send out warships against the barbarian pirates."

All of the sudden, Count Louis, extravagant hat and all, marches over to where the Regent and the Archbishop are standing, with an angry look on his soft-skinned face. "I can't believe you are even negotiating with this one Myriam! His King holds thousands of our French brothers in bondage to his strange, Eastern ways, and you simply negotiate trade with him! The honor of the Royal House of Lotharingia, of which I am a part, will not permit such an affront! To say nothing about my honor as a Valois! How can we abandon them in their hour of need?"

"Well I think it's a perfectly good treaty..." the Archbishop interjects before being interrupted by Myriam, shouting right back at Louis.

"Louis you fool! This is no time for your politicking! The business of the kingdom must go forward, even if the world is not always to our likeing. The inhabitants of Rousillon and Languedoc have been subjects of Aragon for years now..."

"Which makes it all the more shocking that we have done nothing! Our kingdom is one of the strongest in Europe, and yet we cannot even act to protect the rights of Frenchmen in our front yard? Had my dear, departed mother lived in times less frought with war, she would most certainly have agreed with me that the liberation of our people is a worthy goal."

"There are more than just Frenchmen in this Kingdom." mutters the Royal Chancellor, who because of his distinctive voice, everyone can hear, but the argument between the Regent and the Queen's half-brother dominates the floor.

Myriam's eyes go wide and she fires back at Louis. "You know nothing of your mother! While she and I were building this Kingdom, you were pleasuring yourself throughout France. You didn't even set foot in your mother's halls until she was dead!"

Louis puts an angry smile on his face. "Perhaps we should discuss this in private, or at the next meeting of the Directoire. It is not good form to insult members of that august body.."

Myriam blanches and spins on her heel. "You are not king yet, Louis." And with that, she walks out.

[Ramius]

Vespici noticing the outburst by Myriam and the scolding of Louis, turns his head, knowing that it is none of his business. He instead makes a mental note, and continues speaking with Chancellor Wittelsbach.

Ah it is good to hear we have such close friends here. I will of course instantly send a letter to the Doge to request such medicines if possible. I hope that we ay aid Gods will to restore the oh so beautiful Élénore to health. I have long been in her favor and her in mine, and I truly wish that I shall see her in control once again. I plan soon to go to the first church I find and lay my daily prayer for her majesty, so that she may return to her past grace. The Doge of course does as well on a regular basis with Cardinal Barbo of Venezia.

On a more diplomatic note; I am sure you are aware of the Treaty of the Braves. It has been long since we have examined its details, and it may be to your taste to adapt it to the current times. I am note sure if you wish to pursue such a course and re-establish the agreement, but you should be confident in Venezia's ambition to reaffirm it.

Gabriele thinks for second, and then continues.

You know indeed we have very similar friends. We are already full allies with your friend the French King Louis, as well as soon to be friends with the English King Richard. His mother actually, Elionore of Castille is a very close friend of the Doge's and another great ally. I am sure that we soon will be able to create such close bonds, for they are the life blood defense against...let us say...Alsace friends and the like?

Gabriele's eyes slightly became narrow as they pierced through the Chancellor trying to get a hidden message across.

[Zhai]

Don Quixon had an icy glare at Venetian as the message is obvious. Then he turned to the people and spoke,

The treaty you spoke of sound good to me.

Beside, Burgundy is Burgundian and Dutch, not French I believe. Please forgive me if I am mistaken. Also, that the provinces you spoke of which is within Aragon, are Occitan not French, they are far more linked with Catalan than with french. I have heard of no grievence against Aragon in these provinces, even France accepted our presence as Aragon have claim to these lands and these people are citizens of Aragon. So, I offer this, Aragon shall recognize all of your claims in France in return for your recognize of our right to be in these provinces. All Aragon desires is to establish the friendship with your nation.

He seemed to pass the hidden message to the regent.

[Bagricula]

A long procession enters Dijon from the east bearing long black banners with golden Pfalzian lions and bright blue and white lozenged banners for the House of Wittelsbach. In the middle of the procession, riding in a fine gilded carriage rides the Cardinal-Archbishop of Mainz, Rainmund von Wittelsbach.

The Cardinal and his entourage arrives and he kneels before the Royal Chancellor and the Regent:

"I, Rainmund von Wittelsbach, Archbishop-Elector of Mainz, Prince Cardinal of the Church, and Chancellor of Germany, on behalf of His Majesty and August and Serene Highness and Grace, King Frederick von Wittelsbach, King of Epirus, Duke of Swabia, Teck, Linz, Franconia, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Count of Wittelsbach, Wurtemburg, Rumelia, Prince-Elector, Archsteward and Supreme Judge of the Empire, Guardian of the Holy Sepulchre, Grandmaster of the Order of St. Henry, and heir of His Apostolic Majesty, Erich 'Lexiferrous', Emperor of Humanity, come to humbly and gently request my cousin's right to court the hand of Her Radiant Majesty, Queen Eleanore of Lotharingia."

[Neil]

Von Wittelsbach looks at the good Venetian man, and says. "Ever has Lotharingia strove to uphold it's treaty obligations. A treaty signed several years ago is ever as valid as one signed today. Especially when it is signed with such a Christian friend as the Doge of Venice."

In the meantime, the Archbishop has been speaking with the Aragonese man.

"Very well then. I shall take the agreement you have offered before the Directoire, and convince them to accept it. It should be fair for both our sovereigns."

[AugCaesar]

A letter arrives from the south of France, it is sealed with the emblem of the Lord Treasurer of England.

Her Most Royal Majesty Eleonore,

I write you from south France, where I have spent much time enjoying the comforts and hospitality of our friend King Louis, and the Duke Phillipe. I am preparing my departure from there now, and should like, as was intended many months ago to call on you in Bourgogne, and discuss pressing matters of trade. Indeed England and Lotharingia have much to gain from cooperation, and some accords on the wool, textile, and fish trade need to be made so that both your realm, and his majesty King John's can prosper even more. I hope to arrive in less than a week, and pray I find your majesty in good spirits, and good health.

In Earnest,

Sir Henry Kendale, Lord High Treasurer of England.

[Neil]

As the banners of the house of Wittelsbach approach, the Royal Chancellor stands up with pride, a wide smile on his face.

"Welcome, cousin, to the halls of Dijon. His Majesty is of course welcome to court Queen Élénore. Indeed, I can scarcely think of a man better suited for her..." The Regent, Myriam de Montainblanc, gives the Duke of Alsace a hard look, and the Duke pauses for a moment. "Unfortunately, Her Majesty has taken ill earlier this week, and has been confined to her chambers by the physicians. However, should our cousin wish to call upon and court Her Majesty, he is most welcome to do so. Perhaps we could arrange for a meeting between them in a month's time, when Élénore has recovered her strength?"

[Bagricula]

The Cardinal-Archbishop rises, grasping his blood red silk robes, and smiles:

"Indeed, we in the Rhineland have always prayed for our friendly neighbors in Burgundy. The friendship between our realms has lasted for many long years, and I am sure that we can wait another month. It is good to hear your approval though, for such a union would judging by the news from Copenhagen prevent an--irresolvable--conflict in the north. Blessed be the House of Berry-Valois and glory to Lotharingia!"