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Chapter 9 - A New Era
1468


It was early April 1468 when statthalter Torsten von Warendorf was caught off-guard by a one of the corrupt aldermen of the Stadtrat who intended to undermine his family's power. Due to Siegfried Eissen's act, the statthalter had to act quickly. Thanks to his alliances with Markus Haas, Heinrich von Raasch and Hans Jäger, he felt comfortable enough to make a final push to overthrow the government, preferably peacefully. Not everybody was supportive of his plan though to make his son Heinrich I of Lüneburg the ruler of Lübeck. The young Heinrich got ahead of himself in an argument with the grandmaster of the Order of Saint Boniface which ended in the order leaving Stade. It was unclear where the remaining knights were heading to.

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The Stadtrat of Lübeck convened on 06 May 1468 to debate Eissen's act and the proposed change of government. Torsten was ready to make use of the military in the event that the aldermen would not approve to make Heinrich I the ruler of Lübeck. Preparations for such an intervention had been taken together with General von Raasch.
Thankfully, these were not needed. A great majority voted for Torsten's plan. Surprisingly, Markus Haas and his family left the duchy and settled down in Brandenburg. The Fischers also saw no more future in Lüneburg and moved to Frankfurt where they maintained a prosperous trade post.
Duke Heinrich I incorporated Lübeck into his realm but did not title himself as Duke of Lübeck as this could lead to potential troubles with the emperor and would once again require the Pope's approval. In the comings months, many questions would have to be decided. Who would serve as the first prime minister? Where would the duchy's seat of power be? In Lüneburg where the ducal palace was or in Lübeck, the economic center of the duchy?

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An Italian engineer, Marco Tomasso, was hired by the Duke shortly after he seized control of Lübeck. Many siege engineers, mostly from the Italian peninsula, offered their services to the various monarchs of Europe during that time. House von Warendorf had always valued a strong military and its relationship with the armed forces was excellent. For Torsten the change of suddenly not being in power anymore wasn't easy. Of course, he was a close advisor of his son but at the end of the day, the decisions where now his to make but that did not worry him too much. He had done all he could to secure his family's power. Now it was up to Heinrich I to continue that legacy.
The new Duke wanted to continue leading the Hanseatic League but tradition had it that a republican leader, a statthalter, leads it. As a reaction Oldenburg left the League on 30 May 1468. Hopefully, the other members, most importantly Hamburg and Bremen would continue to support it.

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After Oldenburg left the League, Herbert Henckell of Hamburg and Denis Gildemeister of Bremen met together with the other members to debate the future of the League - without inviting Heinrich I. The meeting ended inconclusively with some members arguing it would be best to stay in the league while others wanted to leave it.
Herbert Henckell valued the alliance with House von Warendorf and believed it was best not to break it. This caused turmoil in Hamburg, especially among the republicans. Bremen, also an ally of the former Lübeckian republic, saw the matter very differently and decided to leave the league, even if it meant a short term economic loss. The Bremer people did not want to betray its republican values and also broke its alliance with the Duke of Lüneburg. The other members had not made their decision just yet.
Seeing as the League was risking to fall apart, Chancellor Hans Jäger departed on a mission to the imperial capital to improve relations with Ludwig II; Gabriel von Baumeister was sent to Berlin.

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Throughout the month of July, the other members of the League made their decision. Anhalt and Frankfurt stayed in the League but Magdeburg, Danzig and Riga left it. The former Hanseatic League was only a shadow of former glory, especially the loss of Bremen as a member state was bad for its prestige. The new league led by Lüneburg counted as members Hamburg, Anhalt and Frankfurt. More than half of the original count had turned its back on it.
Emperor Ludwig II was not happy about the events that took place in Lüneburg and he considered a military intervention in order to restore the Republic of Lübeck. The emperor was weak though and when Heinrich I heard of his plans he was not afraid of the emperor's wrath.

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During the first few months after the Republic of Lübeck ceased existing, Duke Heinrich I increased his efforts to restore stability in the realm and to root out corrupt. This was a great expense but a necessary one. His efforts suffered a setback though when his kin and Commander of the Forces Heinrich von Raasch passed away on 03 August 1468. His death came at an unfortunate and surprising moment. Both Duke and father attended his funeral which was held a few days later. There was not much time to mourn over his death though. An envoy arrived at the port of Stade and made its way to the ducal palace in Lüneburg. It was Thomas York, a relative of King Arthur I York of England who requested military assistance in the on-going war against Castile. The Castilians were still also at war with Granada. The Granandan forces had occupied Toledo, Castile's capital. Despite that, the English sent a call to arms to Lüneburg.
Duke Heinrich I received the Englishman and told him he would inform Arthur I within a fortnight of his decision.


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((
  1. Due to modding limitations imposed by PDX, Riga is still listed as a member of our trade league because they are currently at war. Once their war ends, they will automatically leave the league so please just ignore that they are listed as a member state.
  2. I removed the Fischers as Patricians seeing as @Istarsamu was last online on 04 October. Istarsamu is more than welcome to make a new family should he want to return after what could be a hiatus.

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

Now it is time to look at how the change of republic to monarchy will affect the iAAR gameplay. Thanks to @Olligarchy for having suggested some mechanics over in our group forum. I modified his suggestion though and re-written the entire rules, seeing as many points of the rules are now outdated. Please take a moment and read through all of them. Thank you!

The Stadtrat has been dissolved and will be replaced by a parliament and a court.

Now, as a republic all characters were in the end equal, with only difference in status being if they were a patrician or not. No matter how powerful a patrician, he was still forced to gain a majority vote for any changes.

A Monarchy is not so burdened.

THE COURT
The court is composed of all courtiers. The long and short of it is that it's a privilege, not a right. Poor people need not apply.
  • In order to be considered 'at court' each character is required to have an income of at least 2.5 EP per turn. Being a courtier costs 1 EP per turn to represent the financial cost of keeping up with court fashions, pay for his upkeep and compensating the monarch for 'wasting his space'.
  • If a character is not court he is not eligible for court intrigues and cannot use his court influence.
  • Whether a character wants to be at court or not is up to him, although there are certain restrictions. E.g. all ministers must be a court.
  • When at court a character can act as if they were in an election in Stadrat, gaining and using influence to attempt and gain an advantage. They can also curry favour with the Monarch or other PC's via IC's and letters.
  • Finally, characters at Court can't build trade posts or otherwise be involved in economic manners.

So what about those poor bastards who have only 2 EP as income and don't want to waste half of that each turn on pretty clothes? Those characters are lving in the realm. Basically, these are the characters remaining in Lübeck, Lüneburg or elsewhere. They have their finger on the throb of the populace and economy. They can spend EP on other things such as trade posts, improving organizations such as Orders and Guilds.


INFLUENCE
Influence replaces the voting power which existed in the republic. Influence is needed at court and in parliament. Influence determine how powerful a character is in the realm, and by extension how much the monarch needs to listen to the character.

There are many ways to gain influence, but the here's a brief list of most common ways:

  • Be at Court: 1 Influence
  • Be a landed noble of the Realm or the lord mayor of a province: 1 Influence
  • Be an advisor of the monarch or an envoy (in-game advisor/envoy): 1 Influence
  • Gain an Office (Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor, Lord Marshal, Lord High Steward): 2 Influence
  • Powerful Dynast (have marriage links to other important families. Important families are those who have minimum of 5 influence) 1 per 2 familial ties.
  • Famed (Victorious in battle, Skilled orator, etc.): 1 Influence
Influence is tracked in the Hanseatic Chronicles Google Doc

THE PARLIAMENT
The Parliament is what replaces the Stadrat elective form of gameplay. Parliament sessions are organized by the prime minister.
The function of the parliament is to pass reforms. The reforms cannot change the duke’s veto, the royal family's personal affairs, or his power to hire and fire ministers at will, although it may place minor restrictions on the latter. Other than that, the parliament may add as many fluff conditions and minor changes as it wants.

The Parliament is composed of all Christian male nobles and burghers. Heathens are not permitted entry.
The parliament is currently in beta and might see modifications. The minimum influence in parliament for each character is 1. This means even characters who hold no influence at court can be in the parliament.

ORGANIZATIONS: Noble Houses - Guilds - Religious Orders
Organizations are a way for characters who are not a court to gain influence. Organizations can gain one influence per 20 EP spent. The maximum influence of an organization is capped at six. Organizations are either: Guilds, Religious Orders, Noble Houses.
All organizations except noble houses have to approved by the GM before being founded and are maintained by the player who founded them in a separate post. Religious Orders and Guilds require a charter and a membership list. A list of all organizations is kept on the front page.

Noble House
Nobles can invest in either: Their Estate, Their Manor, Their Retinue
  • An Estate represents the Nobles income. For each 30 points spent on it the noble gains an additional 1 EP per turn.
  • A Manor represents the Nobles home - be it a castle, manor house or tavern. For every 20 EP spent on it the noble gains 1 extra influence. This is in addition to the base 1 for being a landed noble!
  • A retinue is the Nobles 'special' ability. For each 1 EP spent per turn, the noble can employ 50 Men at arms which can be used to do nasty things to other players, or protect himself from having nasty things done to him.

Guilds
Guilds can invest in: Production, Faculties, Membership. Same as noble basically. Production when increased enough adds income, faculties adds influence.

  • Production represents the Guilds income. For each 30 points spent on it the noble gains an additional 1 EP per turn.
  • Faculties represents the guilds faculties. For every 20 EP spent on it the guild gains 1 extra influence.
  • Membership is a Guilds special ability. Guilds can be 'improved' by multiple characters.

Religious Orders
Religious Orders are a bit different. Unlike nobles and guilds they do not have access to EP improvements. They can invest in: Forces, Stronghold, Deus Vult!

  • Forces represents the order's fighting strength. Religious orders can spend EP to maintain forces, with either 1 EP per turn for 50 Knights, or 0.5 per turn for Serjeants.
  • Stronghold represents the facilities of the order. For every 20 EP spent on it the religious order gains 1 extra influence.
  • Deus Vult will become a religious order's special ability. This section has not been completed yet. Please post ideas in the group forum. I have some reservations against the ideas proposed by Olligarchy.
OFFICES
The names of the offices in the monarchy changes and so do its duties and responsibilities. A character can hold only one office at a time. The offices are Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor, Lord Marshal and Lord High Steward.

The Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch; the ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister. Both monarch and prime minister can fire ministers at will. All vacant positions are filled by the monarch or by one of his family members. Only characters at court can hold an office.

Monarch
In a Administrative Monarchy the Monarch is the head of state. He has complete control of the army, navy, spending and foreign policy of his realm but he may appoint ministers who take over responsibilities. Even the most competent rulers need advise; however the monarch is not bound to follow his ministers' plans and may overrule their decisions. A good monarch though values the advise he can get.
  1. Appoints and fires the prime minister.
  2. May fire ministers at will.
  3. Hands out titles such as count or lord mayor.
  4. Has one free veto per chapter on any decisions taken by the Parliament. Any additional veto increases unrest until a new monarch takes over the throne.

Prime Minister
The prime minister is a new position. He is appointed directly and fired at will by the monarch. The prime minister office is very prestigious and comes with great perks:

  1. Appoints and fires ministers. This means if your standing with the prime minister is poor you might not become a minister.
  2. Chooses in-game missions.
  3. Chooses in-game parliament debates when available.
  4. Organises parliament debates.
  5. Is responsible for the happiness of the subjects of the realm and takes steps to increase their happiness.

Lord Chancellor

The Lord Chancellor replaces the chancellor and the administrator of the subjects. He is the head of the Diplomatic Corps. The Lord Chancellor is required to write a chancellor plan per chapter. If the current plan does not change he can simply repost the existing one. The Lord Chancellor has the following perks:

  1. Appoints and fires diplomats. He also sends diplomats on missions.
  2. Is responsible for the realm's diplomatic standing.
  3. Writes Peace deals, Insults, Official letters of the Ruler.
  4. Suggests new alliances, rivals and desired provinces.
  5. Decides on subject interactions.

Lord Marshal

The Lord Marshal replaces the Commander of the Forces. He leads the entire armed forces and is responsible for both army and navy. The Lord Marshal is required to write a marshal plan per chapter. If the current plan does not change he can simply repost the existing one.The Lord Marshal has the following perks:
  1. Appoints new Generals, Admirals and Captains for the armed forces.
  2. Writes reports about land- and naval battles as sieges to inform the Ruler about the war effort.
  3. Decides together with the Lord High Steward over the spending on troops.
  4. Suggests new conquest goals for military expansion.

Lord High Steward
The Lord High Steward replaces the Master of Coin. He is responsible for the economic well-being of the realm. The Lord High Steward is required to write a marshal plan per chapter. If the current plan does not change he can simply repost the existing one. The Lord High Steward has the following perks:
  1. Appoints merchants and decides their placement.
  2. Has to negotiate loans if necessary.
  3. Watches over inflation and takes steps to counter it.
  4. Decides over the spending of money on structures and ships in the kingdom.
  5. Decides together with the Lord Marshal over the spending on troops.
  6. Suggests which countries should be embargoed.
ENVOYS
Characters may apply for in-game envoy. These are handed out by the respective ministers or the monarch. Every character is limited to one envoy-position.

Positions a character may apply for:

Diplomats represent the Crown's interests in foreign countries. Are appointed by the Lord Chancellor
Merchants are crucial to our economy. Are appointed by the Lord High Steward
Missionaries convert non-believers to the true-religion. Are appointed by the monarch
Colonists are sent to claim new land for the Crown. A character who is playing an in-game colonist may influence which province he shall be sent to. Are appointed by the monarch.
Generals lead the army. A character who is playing as a general may write battle-reports of battles he participated in. Are appointed by the Lord Marshal.
Admirals lead the navy. A character who is playing as an admiral may write battle-reports of battles he participated in. Are appointed by the Lord Marshal.
Conquistador are sent to hunt for the seven cities of gold. Requires Quest for the New World. Are appointed by the monarch
Explorers are sent into the unknown. A character who is playing as an explorer may decide which area he wishes to explore. Requires Quest for the New World. Are appointed by the monarch

Military leaders may set a stat focus.

Positions for which a character cannot apply for:

Cardinal: Whenever we get a new in-game cardinal then the oldest clergymen is promoted to cardinal. If there are no player clergymen then a NPC is chosen.
Pope: Whenever we become Papal Controller, the oldest cardinal will be promoted to Pope. If there are no player cardinals then a NPC is chosen.

PROVINCE MANAGEMENT
The monarch is the sole entity which can hand out the following titles within the realm: Baron, Count, Lord Mayor.

Baron
Unladed noblemen can become landed nobles if a barony is bestowed upon them. There are multiple baronies within a county. The title of baron is hereditary.

Count
The count administrates a province in the name of the monarch and represents its interests. The title of count is hereditary.

Lord Mayor
Provinces who have a high development (15+) may also be administrated by a lord mayor. Only burgher are eligible to become lord mayor. The lord mayor represents the interests of his province. The title of lord mayor is not hereditary.

SUCCESSION
The heir of the Monarch is the oldest legitimate son of the Monarch. He will inherit the crown upon death or stepping abdication of the current Monarch. If a Monarch has no legitimate sons, the oldest legitimate daughter becomes the heir. If Monarch has no legitimate children, the heir has to be searched from the Royal Family Tree.

TRADE POSTS

With Patricians gone, we have some small changes to trade posts. Big Merchants can maintain trade posts. All trade posts have been reset, seeing as none are in player hands anymore with the exception of Heinrich I who will not maintain trade posts himself.

Expanding
Characters with the wealth rating Big Merchants can spend 10 EP to expand their influence in a trade region by setting up a trade post at a centre of trade or at an estuary. A province that contains both will cost 20 EP. Trade posts cannot be built in provinces belonging to another merchant republic and must be within our trading range. A province may have only one trade post at a time.

Benefits and control
The Big Merchant's influence in the region is based off the modifier (development not being included so as to avoid being complicated to track), with the value gained from trade being based off the percentage of influence in the region. A fifth of the value in the trade node will be divided between the Big Merchants based off their influence (eg. a trade node with a value of twenty, in which Big Merchant A has 30 influence and Big Merchant B has 10 influence would see Big Merchant A receiving 3 EP and B receiving 1 EP). The amount that the Big Merchant receives is rounded to the nearest 0.5, with a minimum of 0.5 EP. The Big Merchant with the most influence receives a bonus of 1EP if the value exceeds 10 and 0.5EP otherwise.

Defences and Attacks
Big Merchants can spends EP on upgrading the defenses of trade posts. 1EP is worth one "defense level". A new trade post gets base defense level of 5. Maximum defense level is 25. The maximum investment in one trade post during a chapter is 10 EP.
To launch an attack, EP can be invested in an assault. If the investment is less than two fifths of the defences, the attack will automatically fail. Otherwise, a random attack value from a fifth of the investment to the full investment will be generated (so an investment of 10EP would have an attack value from 2-10). A defence value will be generated in the same manner. The higher of the two values would win with the lowest losing control. A draw is won by the defender. Each attack value is rounded to the nearest full number. Even if successful, the monarch might bring about punishment as this could be illegal.

Embargoes
In the event of an embargo, the influence and investment in the province will be lost entirely. Smuggling operations can be set up but they have a 5EP higher investment and would be lost when the embargo is ended (however the price of establishing the new trade post would be 5EP less for the owner of the smuggling operation).

War
If the owner of a foreign trade post is at war with the realm, the trade post will be lost. There will be a discount of twenty percent for setting up the trade post after the war. Due to the difficulty to track, occupation will not affect a trade post.

Trade posts are tracked in the Hanseatic Chronicles Google Doc.

CRIME AND TRIALS

Trials in Hanseatic Chronicles - An Interactive Campaign follow a certain set of rules that should simplify the process and therefore make the work of a Judge easier. To make sure a trial works one thing is required over everything else: a Judge.

The Judge
- Men with a good sense of judgement are invested by the head of state to bring justice to the subjects in trials all around the nation. Their decisions in the trials can only be overruled by the current Head of State. The Judge has the following Perks:
  • He is invested by the current ruler.
  • The Judge presides either alone or together with his two colleagues over the court and makes the final decision if someone is guilty or not guilty.
  • He can investigate crimes that are brought before the court. (If an investigation succeeds is decided by RNG). As investigators he can use the Sheriffs in his ICs.
  • A Judge is able to forge false evidence either condemning or relieving the accused suspect (If such a forged evidence succeeds is decided by RNG). The probability to succeed in forging a false evidence is very low and if the Judge is caught he has to suffer serious punishments.
The Trial - A Trial is initiated if one Lübecker subject accuses another one to offend one of the country’s laws by writing a letter to one of the Judges or the ruler. The GM then starts the Trial Process OOC and appoints a judge to the case which consists of the following steps:
  1. The GM decides if the case is severe enough that it needs three judges to oversee the trial.
  2. The Judge who is appointed to the case can make use of his ability to investigate the crime or forge false evidences before the trial starts. If these actions support the case will be decided by RNG and have to be described in an IC.
  3. The actual trial starts with the Accusation providing their charges and their reasoning behind it in one paragraph.
  4. Replying to that the Defendants may offer their answer in one paragraph, pleading either guilty or not guilty.
  5. Both sides may bring witnesses and/or evidences to support their case. The Witnesses can make their statement in one paragraph and if necessary can be questioned by the Judge. In the case of the Witnesses being NPCs and for the evidences RNG will decide if they support the case or not.
  6. In the following the Judge may ask either the Accusation or the Defendant's questions which these have to answer shortly.
  7. After the questioning either party may have their final plea in one paragraph.
  8. The Judge makes a decision based on the evidences and the investigations if the Defendant is guilty or not guilty. This sentence can only be overruled by the current Head of State.
  9. If the Defendant is convicted the Judge also decides on the severity of the punishment.
Every roll is made by the GM, a Conversation will be started to hold contact between me and the two parties as well as the judge.

How to do a crime or Killing fools for Dummies
1. A good crime starts with a good plan - Post an IC about your character planning the crime. Be detailed about the steps you're trying to take or about what should be happening. However don't start the crime itself already.

2. Even the best plan doesn't mean success - In the post, where your character plans the crime IC, request the GMs to make the rolls for the crime like this: ((Request Rolls))

3. Pray to RNGesus - Either delpiero1234 make the rolls for your crime and inform you via a PM on the forum about their outcome.

4. Get down to business - Write your IC about the crime with consideration of the outcome of the rolls. Show it to one of the GMs for approval before posting it.

If successful:
5. Rub your hands maliciously - No one realised that you did anything, truly the perfect crime.

If flawed:
5. Hope to not get hanged at the neck until death - Now your life lays in the hands of the judge.

DUELLING
Character may duel each other either to first blood or to the death. The character who has been challenged may decide on the weapons, either melee or firearms. Should two character agree to duel each other, the GM will roll the result.

A duel with fire arms is usually just each duellist firing one shot at each per turn until someone wins. Both or neither duellists may achieve a hit when using fire arms and the rolls are also different.

Note: In a duel to first blood there is a chance that the opponent actually dies. A player can inform the GM that he wishes to purposely try to kill his opponent in a duel to first blood. Should a character die in a duel to first blood then the incident will be investigated.

Modifiers which impact duelling success:

General/Commander of the Forces: +20%
Conquistador: +10%
Captain/Miliary Education: +5%
Admiral/Explorer: +5%
- - - -
Under 20: -5%
Over 50: -7.5%
Over 60: -15%
Over 70+: -20%
Position modifiers do not stack; age modifiers do not stack.

ECONOMIC POWER AND WEALTH RATING

Each player has a wealth rating dependent on their jobs, for example, if they work in the advisory council for the current monarch, this will give them a higher rating than for say, being a small merchant or craftsman. This allows them to then have a certain amount of economic points per turn, each event that requires money in the game will be took from the characters economic points (EP).

Transferring EP between characters needs to be bolded.

The wealth ratings are:

Peasants are the poor people working the land, usually on farms, usually under the much richer noblemen/lord mayors.
  • 0,5EP/chapter
Burghers are the people of the city, working in guilds, the smiths, weavers, dyers, seafarers and small merchants of the nation.
  • 2EP/chapter
Employees of Crown are those who work directly under the monarch or under one of the monarch's minister but are not envoys.
  • 2.5EP/chapter
Unladed Noblemen/Clergymen are those who come from a noble background, but do not have any land in their name.
  • 3EP/Chapter

Envoys work directly under the monarch and his ministers.
  • 3EP/Chapter

Ministers hold a prestigious office with a great salary.
  • 4EP/Chapter

Landed Noblemen (Barons) are landowners of the realm.
  • 4EPChapter

Counts / Lord Mayors administrate a province in the name of the monarch.
  • 4.5EP/Chapter

Big Merchants are some of the richest men in the republic.
They are the engines and juggernauts of our economy. To become a big merchant you must have a minimum of 30 EP saved up, aswell as always having 30EP on you at all times. There are a maximum of three big merchants. merchants. If there are already three big merchants you can take over a big merchant slot addition by having more EP than any of the existing big merchants, with the lowest one being downgraded to burgher.
  • 5EP/Chapter

Dukes are powerful noblemen who hold great wealth. Dukes can only be appointed if the monarch's title is king- or emperor-tier.
  • 6.5EP/Chapter

Monarch. The monarch's wealth is immense.
  • 10 EP/Chapter

Projects

Projects are construction undertakings which can be started by any character by proposing the project to the Stadtrat. The aldermen will vote on the matter and decide if the project is started or not. Characters may also start projects on their own, but doing so will increase the building cost. By starting a project on your own, a character can decide who may invest in said project. The government will not automatically invest in not-council started projects.

Projects are done by investing EP in them. The amount of EP that a project costs is determined by the GM. If a project is approved by the Stadtrat, the project will receive 5 EP per round, no matter how much is invested by character.

If a character invests in a project, he can receive prestige and honour. Depending on the project, it may also affect the city in-game wise. For example a new church might increase the local Religious Tolerance.

Bonuses and Penalties:

Characters can get bonuses and penalties to their EP income which are acquired by IC actions, for example bankruptcy. New bonuses and penalties will be added over time, when necessary.

Bonuses:


Penalties:
  • Bankruptcy: -1EP for 3 Chapters per every 1EP in debt.
Bankruptcy:

If a character used more EP than he has, he is bankrupt. If the bankrupted character owes money to any other character this character may sue the bankrupted character. There is also a chance that a NPC will file a lawsuit. A bankrupted character will also receive “Bankruptcy” penalty, to represent their lost trust, and decreased amount of trade partners.

COUPS
A coup may be initiated by any player with voting rights who currently resides in the country under the condition that either stability is negative or global unrest positive. Only one coup may be attempted per turn. Characters must have good IC-reason to start a coup.

The winning side of the coup may decide the faith of the losing side. Those who didn’t support either side may not have a say in it but may also not be punished. Their voting power is also not counted to whether the coup was successful or not.

Voting in a coup is public. That way characters know who supported whom. This is necessary in order to be able to know who is on the losing side and who on the winning side. You may change your vote in a coup once. However, doing so reduces your voting power by 50% during that particular vote and you might be treated with suspicion.

Should in a monarchy any royals participate in a coup then they count as 5VP per royal. The head of state's voting power in a coup is 10 VP.

List of Coups

Fire Minister - 55% votes in favour of coup
This coup may be used to fire a specific minister. For each additional minister targeted, the required vote count is increased by 5%.
The victors may appoint a new minister who may not be fired during the next two chapters. If the coup fails, then those supporting the losing side have their voting power reduced by 1VP for the next vote.

Abdication Coup - 65% votes in favour of coup
This coup forces the current ruler to resign. In a monarchy, a member of the royal family takes over. In a republic, an election determines the new head of state.

Change State Religion – 70% votes in favour of coup
If heretics are unhappy with their religious situation they may forcefully attempt to change the state religion.


Change to Form of Government to Monarchy/Republic/Theocracy – 80% votes in favour of coup
The government is overthrown and a non-republican government is installed, or vice-versa if the situation is reversed.

Armed Coups

The head of state or the realm’s commander of the forces may call upon the army to overthrow the government. The success of this is determined entirely by the RNG, however, characters may take sides and thereby influence the outcome. This coup may only be used to change the form of government. A successful coup has a severe impact on stability as well as on foreign relations. If successful, the government form changes in a monarchy to republic or vice-versa.

The armed coup may be initiated even if another coup is happening.

Depending on who was the initiator of the coup, losing the coup as head of state will cause in a monarchy for a relative to take over; in a republic it forces an immediate election. If the coup was initiated by the Commander of the Forces and is unsuccessful then the Commander of the Forces is replaced. The winning side determines any additional punishment.
))

((Edit: Updated the rules for ministers slightly.))​
 
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Name: Heinrich von Warendorf
Date of Birth: 10. June 1447
Religion: Catholic

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Biography:
Duke Heinrich I von Warendorf, was born to the former Lübeckian Patrician Torsten von Warendorf and his wife Sophie Sandmann. He had a proper military education from an early age and received humanist teachings from Olivier Dupont. Heinrich became Duke of Lüneburg at the age of 18 after Pope Innocentius VIII bestowed the ducal title on him.
He is married Irmingard Elbenbad. Together they have one child, Prince Ernst August von Warendorf.
 
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Sir Dorsey,
you are excused for your absence at the assembly.
I also want to congratulate you on your appointment as merchant. May you serve the Duchy well and bring it prosperity.

~ Duke Heinrich I von Warendorf

Hans,
we must meet immediately meet to discuss the English call to arms. An envoy from Arthur I York has arrived this morning at the ducal palace who requested that we join their fight against Castile.
I also have thought about your offer to serve as prime minister of the duchy and you will be delighted to hear that I would be happy to appoint you. We should discuss those details though at a later moment. The call to arms requires our full attention.

~ Duke Heinrich I von Warendorf

Sir von Raasch
I did not want to talk to you about such matters at your father's funeral and thought it would be more appropriate to write you a few of days later. I am convinced that your father is smiling upon you from heaven right now.

The reason for my letter is quite simple: Your father has served my house faithfully for many, many years and he was promised a reward when the time would come. The time has come but unfortunately, he passed away before I could reward him. I am a man who is true to his word though and so I would like to reward you, his heir, instead. Franz-Fried von Raasch, I name you Count of Lauenburg.
Due to your young age, I suggest that you appoint a regent until you come of age. Your mother Anne-Marie Römer could serve as your regent.

Attached to this letter is a ducal decree which gives you the title. May your family bring Lauenburg peace and prosperity.

~ Duke Heinrich I von Warendorf
 
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So it was done, Friedrich thought to himself, The republic is over. Many things had happened recently, the commander of the forces had died not soon after meeting with Friedrich, he quite admired the man, even though he showed clear indifference to Friedrich's area of expertise.
"Herr Friedrich sir, there is a letter for you." A servant called out.
"Very well bring it to me."
The envelope was new, with crisp writing and only a couple stains. Dear Friedrich von Haffelstadt. It said. Your presence is most humbly requested by the Guild of Naval Maintainers in Lubeck.
Odd
, thought Friedrich, why would Alexander need me now?
Alexander Kellerstein was the head of the Guild, with considerable wealth and knowledge that he used to fund a network of spies and informants across the known world. Friedrich was ashamed to admit he had been a 'valuable asset' to Alexander during his time in the English Navy in the Hundred Years War, gathering information and gossip used to destablize the war efforts of both nations.
He continued reading.
I have garnered a disturbing piece of knowledge that it is not safe to discuss via letter. I trust the Eisenwasser is in good condition?
What would he need the Eisenwasser for? This worried him slightly.
Rest assured that with your supreme skills old friend, the Eisenwasser will not be harmed. I simply need a man with a boat, my friendship and determination. Meet me in the guild's offices in the shipbuilders quarter for lunch on the twelfth.
Your ally,
Alexander Kellerstein.
 
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I wish to serve in the diplomatic corps.

Rennenkampf

I expect my payment (13.5 EP). The amount of time as agreed upon by the both of us has expired. Please, let us meet sometime to discus this.

Von Rennenkampf
 
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Good Lor Chancellor,
i'll return to Lübeck for a short while and ask you to meet with me
Charles Frederick Dorsey
My duke,
Am i allowed to ask for an privat audience between us two?
most humble
your Servant
Charles Frederick Dirsey
 
To Sir Dorsey
Sir Dorsey,
you may meet me at the ducal palace where I shall receive you. What is it that you would like to discuss? I'd like to know in advance so that I am prepared.

~ Heinrich I von Warendorf, Duke of Lüneburg
 
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((Duke you didn't give any money to the synagogue you said so yourself that you couldn't so the deal is not on :p))
 
((A big update coming in at some point today when I finish it. Will include von Raasch death, his will, a letter to the new Duke from Franz Regent. As a question... how many players wish to be involved in Franz investiture as Graf von Lauenburg, and should we make it an IC @delpiero1234?))
 
((As a question... how many players wish to be involved in Franz investiture as Graf von Lauenburg, and should we make it an IC @delpiero1234?))
((Sure, the investiture can be made an IC :) ))

((Duke you didn't give any money to the synagogue you said so yourself that you couldn't so the deal is not on :p))
((Maybe discuss it in IC with Rennenkampf ;) ))
 
((del can i still vote im confused am i disqualified from parliament :oops:))
 
((del can i still vote im confused am i disqualified from parliament :oops:))
((Ah yes, when I updated the rules I meant with heathens Muslims, seeing as they are expelled. I will update the rule accordingly so that tolerated faiths can vote in the parliament.

Update rule:
The Parliament is composed of all Christian male nobles and burghers. Heathens are not permitted entry, unless their faith is explicitly tolerated.))
 
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The Eagle Ascends
-August, 1468-

The weeks that followed the return of Franz and Heinrich to the Raasch household were filled with tumult. The downfall of the Republic, ascension of Duke Heinrich von Warendorf and many matters, both minuscule and grand were talked of in the Raasch household. The Grand Gamble had succeeded, and in quiet moments Heinrich and Anne-Marie would talk of the future they would have once the dust had settled and the Raasch household would ascend to the rank of Baron.

Sadly, like the Republic he'd spent 8 years serving, Heinrich soon fell ill in an autumn rain and strangely despite many physicians and priests would not go on the mend. The iron will of the man that had seen a lone rider on the road rise to the highest echelons of Lübeckan society was failing, and it was all that Anne-Marie, Franz, Maria-Alise and Heinrich the Younger could do, was to look upon the giant figure of a man slowly falling deeper and deeper into slumber.

On the 3rd of August, Heinrich-Karl von Raasch, Reichsritter of the Empire and Commander of Lübeckan armies slept away in his bed. He was 38 years old, and had served the republic and House Warendorf for a tumultuous 8 years.

[Heinrich-Karl von Raasch has died, his fortunes pass onto Franz-Friedrich von Raasch whom will be under Regency from his mother]


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Herr Franz-Friedrich Xaver von Raasch
The 1st Graf von Lauenburg
Birth-Date:
15. 10.1460 (8 years of Age)
Religion: Catholic

Franz-Friedrich is the eldest son and heir apparent of Heinrich von Raasch and Anne-Marie Römer. Born to the respected Raasch dynasty now in service of the Republic, he was given an excellent education. At the age of 6 he became a ward for Rudolf von Königsfeld, Grandmaster of the Order of St. Boniface, and was educated in Latin, the Bible, ethics and history. He was joined a year later by his brother Heinrich the Younger.

At the age of 8 Franz was privy to the brief and anti-climactic power struggle between Duke Heinrich of Lüneburg and his mentor Friar Rudolf, the Grandmaster of the Knights of St. Boniface. The conflict was a result of mostly misunderstandings and backroom squabbles in Lübeck, where his father and the then Statthalter Torsten von Warendorf were scheming on uniting the Duchy and the Republic under the person of the Duke Heinrich, resulting in the Grandmaster being dismissed of his role. Soon after his father arrived at the orders cloister and took custody of his sons. He was present with his father throughout the culminating years that saw the subjugation of the Lübeckan republic by Duke Heinrich of Lüneburg.

In the weeks that followed, his father took deathly ill and soon passed away, leaving Franz-Friedrich as the heir to the Raasch name and fortunes.

Both as teenager and a man grown, Franz is taller and far more gaunt than his peers, with a severe face. He has dark hair and grey eyes like his father, though his features are more reminiscent of his mother. His hair is always kept neat and short, though it is combed over a bit to hide his early balding. He tends to dress in simple, yet wealthy and dignified clothes... mostly good quality wool and fur. Around his neck he carries a simple wooden cross given to him by Friar Rudolf during his youth.

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Dame Anne-Marie von Raasch nee Römer
Regent of Lauenburg
Birth-Date:
10. 12.1445 (23 years of Age)
Religion: Catholic

The daughter of Marie von Warendorf and Alexander Römer, Anne-Marie was married to Heinrich at a young age. Though he was much older, the once wandering Reichsritter was always kind to his young wife and as a result they had three children together: Franz-Friedrich, Maria-Alise and Heinrich.

Though still relatively young, Anne-Marie was widowed recently when his husband caught the chill and passed away, leaving her as the Regent of Franz-Friedrich, the Count of Lauenburg.

Though not a beauty that would be remembered through the ages, Anne-Marie is quite good-looking in the traditional Warendorf way, and has a great and exuberant energy about her. She has learned much from her now dead husband, and is fiercely loyal to her family.



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The Arms of House Raasch as the Counts of Lauenburg.
In Silber eine rote Burg mit goldenem Tor in der Mauer und zwei spitz bedachten Zinnentürmen; zwischen ihnen schwebend ein Schild: Schwarzer Adler auf Gold.

The usage of the arms of the County of Lauenburg rather than Saxe-Lauenburg were a signal that the House were not going to press the claim for the Ducal title, and a throwback to the olden times before Saxon dukes ruled Lauenburg from a far.​
 

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Dearest Cos,
My son, though still in minority is overjoyed at the news that his dear departed fathers actions have not been in vain, and that your Grace finds them satisfactory as well. He most gratefully accepts the investiture of Lauenburg upon his person, and would be overjoyed if your Grace could attend the ceremony of his investiture at the Lauenburg upon Elbe which he means to make his seat.

The ceremony itself will be held upon the sacred soil of Maria-Magdalenen Church, and I believe the traditional coronation of a Count is called upon here. Based upon research done on the topic, this would entail the bishop of the province anointing the Counts crown with sacred oils, the Count swearing fealty to the realm and his people, and then yourself would lay it upon his head.

Please let us know your schedule so that we might best find the time for this.

Yours truly,
Anne-Marie Römer
Regent of Lauenburg
 

a Joint IC between me and delpiero​




Johann opened the carriage door and stepped out of the carriage.After requesting an audience with the duke from a fearsome palace guard who had an italian accent to his speech.Johann entered the Throne Room with the palace guard before the palace guard dismissed himself and resumed his duties .


“Good Afternoon your Grace.”Johann lowered himself before the Duke and waited for the Dukes response.

Heinrich made a gesture for Johann to rise up. “Mr. Bärnstein, welcome to Lüneburg.”

Johann stood up without much effort despite his age “Your Grace I hope you are well ?”

“A bit stressed due to the English call to arms but otherwise I am fine. What brings you to Lüneburg all the way from Lübeck today?” Heinrich knew that Johann was an influential member of the Lübeckian Jewish community.

“I would like to propose that i be granted a post in the government for my loyalty to House Von Warendorf.”

Heinrich thought for a moment before replying. Johann had supported to make him the sovereign of Lübeck but he was also a heathen, even if he was a tolerated one he remained a heathen. “First, I would like to thank you for the support you have shown to my house in the past. My father has spoken always highly of you. Seeing as the prime minister position is currently still vacant, you have done well to come directly to me. I take it you would be interested in the High Steward office?”

“Yes your grace i have suitable experience in the handling and distribution of money seeing as i have been a merchant for most of my adult life your grace.I would rather be High Steward then Prime Minister as that would not be a suitable office for my expertise i only seek to serve your grace with this appointment.”Johann observed the calculating look of the Duke searching for any sign of emotion.

“You have quite the reputation as merchant. Now, I would offer you the office but you would have to convert and abandon your old faith. I understand that for a man in your age this might be complicated and I mean no offense as we have been tolerant to the Jewish community but such high offices must be filled by true believers. I do not want to upset His Holiness Innocentius VIII.” Heinrich valued the pope highly and found himself in a tricky situation. He wanted to make Johann Lord High Steward but he also did not want to upset the pope. It was a most complicated situation.

Johann was caught at a crossroads abandon the true faith for power or keep it and decline in power. Johann already knew this might happen and had already made his decision.”Yes your grace i will convert to christianity.”

Heinrich smiled. “I knew you were a reasonable man. I have a baptism arranged for you and your family tomorrow morning. Once the bishop confirms you are a Christian you can carry the title Lord High Steward. My congratulations, Johann Bärnstein.”

“I thank your grace for giving me the the ability to make use of my talents in your service.”Johann would never abandon his faith and would continue in the traditions of his fathers in secret.With that Johann walked out of the palace and prepared for his trip back to Lubeck.
The Baptism

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The Bishop walked into the church today he was to baptise a very important family from Lubeck,the Barnsteins he had been asked to by the Duke himself.He looked upon four people( a young men about the age of eighteen,a fit man who looked about 50 years of age and a young women of twenty years of age).The baptism went over very fast the usual sprinkling of holy water and some prayers in Latin and everything was done.Johann felt guilty how could he lie to his own son he had to hide that he still practiced judaism if not there would be rumors. He had given his son the house in the jewish quarter and had already bought a new house in Luneburg and had moved those of his family that had followed him there(Dana,Elijah,).

The Court
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It had been several days now since Johann had moved into the court of the duke with its extravagance and the frequent parties organized by courtiers seeking to advance in rank by seducing or coercing a higher up. Johann also had to handle his work of managing the state economy and had to go through the many accounts of his grace the duke of Luneburg.Oh how Johann dreamt of being in the arms of his wife the late Eirene.
 
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My Duke,
On the subject of the call to arms, our alliance with England is valuable, but we must consider the worth of it. They have not helped us in any wars, and if they were to, they would not be likely to send much support. I seriously question the need for it. They are powerful, yet are of no need to us. If we pursue an alliance with the more powerful states near us, they are more likely to provide support. If you would like to meet to discuss this further, we can meet sometime soon.
Hans Jäger.
Herr von Rennenkampf,
Unfortunately we do not have room at the current time to consider another position. However, your application has been noted, and you will be looked at again at a later date when and if a position becomes available.
Hans Jäger
Herr Dorsey,
I am sure I will be able to find time to meet a man such as yourself. I will find an open place in my schedule for us to meet.
Hans Jäger
 
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Grafschaft Lauenburg
Tax: 2 Production: 2 Manpower 1

History:

Lauenburg has a long and bloody history, having stood at the borderland of Saxon, Danish and Pomeranian ambitions. Originally the lands compromising the County were divided into three, known as Hadeln, Lauenburg upon Elbe and Wittenberg upon Elbe. These three divisions emerged and disappeared through out the centuries, until at the dawn of the 14th century they were united into the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg under the banner of Bernanrd II Askanier.

Trudging onwards with the force of a dying mule, the Askanier Duchy eventually wound up in conflict with Lübeck and was decisively conquered by General Cadorna on On 17 October 1446. From there on the province with its Salt pans acted as the heartland of the Republic, with a Grand Hunt being held in her forests in 1456, and it acting as a home away from home for the Hanseatic Armies on several occasions.

The single most notable event however occurred 1468 when Duke Heinrich I of Lüneburg invested Franz-Friedrich von Raasch as Count (Graf) of the province, for the first time in decades granting it substantial autonomy and a type of 'self-rule'. How the young Count would fare, remains to be seen...

Geography:
The County's territory comprises the former Duchy's territory north of the river Elbe, with the Askanier possessions south of the Elbe having been merged into the province of Lüneburg. The province is largely dominated by water, its southern borders being defined by the river Elbe, and holding within it both the large lake Ratzeburger See, and the Stecknitz Canal which fuel the provinces economy by feeding its salt to both Lübeck and Hamburg.

There are some woods to the northern border between Lauenburg, and Lübeck and Holstein.

Cities and Towns:
The largest town and Seat of both the County and its See is the town of Ratzeburg.

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The town of Ratzeburg.

Other notable towns include: Geesthacht, Lauenburg by the Elbe, Mölln and Schwarzenbek. If these towns were to have one unifying characteristic it is the closeness to the Elbe. Each of them has at least a single large bridge which allow them to control the crossings from Lauenburg to Lüneburg. Indeed, though not historically rich or powerful, the controller of the county has had some weight mostly due to the ability to help or hinder anyone wishing to cross over from Holstein into Saxony proper.



 
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Duke Heinrich was being briefed in the ducal palace on the pros and cons of honoring the call to arms from Arthur York. At that time, a letter from his Chancellor, Hans Jäger arrived whom he had to summoned to the ducal palace. Instead of meeting him in person though, the chancellor gave his insights on the situation in the letter itself, argugin it would be best to dishonour the call to arms. Heinrich saw things differently because the English had a strong military and a sizeable navy. Moreover, Admiral Otto von der Weser had been trained at the English naval academy in London. He saw much value in the alliance, even though the call to arms came at an unfortunate moment.

"Ludwig", said Heinrich to one of the people who were advising him. "Send word back to the chancellor. Tell him that I want him to write formal letter to the Crown of England informing King Arthur of my intention to honor the call to arms."

"Of course, your grace." Ludwig bowed and left the room. Then he did as asked and wrote a letter which carried the ducal seal to Lord Chancellor Jäger.

Lord Chancellor,
His grace Heinrich I would like you to write a formal letter to King Arthur York. Lüneburg will honor the call to arms and his grace thanks you for your advice on the matter, even if you see things differently. He is disappointed though that you did not attend the meeting in person but he understands that you are quite busy. Answering the call to arms has the highest priority so please find time it as soon as possible. Once written, give the letter to the envoy Thomas York who currently resides at the ducal palace in the guest wing.

~ Ludwig Höhenstift

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After the matter of the call to arms was settled, Heinrich found time to reply to the Count-Mother Anne-Marie Römer.

Dear Anne-Marie,
Together with my wife Irmingard Elbenbad I would be honoured to attend Franz-Friedrich's investiture ceremony at the Maria-Magdalene Church. Unfortunately, the English call to arms is keeping me very busy at the moment. Should the ceremony take place after the diplomatic situation is resolved, I will of course attend it. Should the new count want to have his ceremony before that, which is his right, my wife would represent me. However, it should only be a matter of a week at most so if Franz-Friedrich can wait until then I would attend the ceremony myself.

~ Duke Heinrich I von Warendorf

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Your Grace,
We fully understand your magnificence is quite busy with the affairs of state, and will gladly await for you to make time for this matter. Given the haste of the following weeks, we believe it best to delay the ceremony until October. Indeed, we might just as well set the date to be the 15th of October to coincide with my sons 9th birthday. Please let us know if this time frame suits your Grace.

I am also given to understand your Grace means to assemble a new 'Parliament' after the fashion of the English, and would like to beg your Graces pardon if you consider this presumptuous of a woman; but I would like to attend and speak as my sons voice. I fully understand that in the old Stadrat a woman would never have been allowed to speak on her own behalf, but I believe as I act on behalf of a Count of Lauenburg, it is fitting that my lesser stature is ignored in in place of my role as a Regent.

Yours truly and humbly,
Anne-Marie Römer
Regent of Lauenburg