- ARCHIVE - Court of His Holiness in Rome

[LUDWIG]

Upon finishing his speech Albert respectfully nods at King John.
Several in the Austrian delegation glare hatefully at the English King. Cardinal von Webber nods happily at hie English counterpart. After a few moments von Webber carefully guides the Emperor to the side that King John may address the Holy Father. As there were two very powerful men present the Cardinal did his utmost to ensure that none of the tension present between Imperial and Federation factions infested the papal chamber.
On seeing the response of the Austrian delegation von Webber stamped his foot once and shook his head slightly.
The Austrian delegation did their best to appear as meek as lambs. Be they a youngling or an old man not a single Austrian wanted to face the wrath of the chubby Cardinal.
Albert regarded all of this with mild amusement, it never ceased to amaze him how the amicable Cardinal could bring such obediance with so little effort. Perhaps ,thought Albert, I should study this technique closely and employ it within the Diet.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

King John seeing the Emperor turns to him as he is pulled to one side by Cardinal Von Webber.

"Emperor Albert, old fruit!...... I've been looking forward to meeting you, your Imperial Majesty."

He smiles and strides forward to shake his hand.

Cardinal Bouchier winces and looks at Von Webber shrugging.

"A great pleasure.... Spiffing!... You cut a fine figure sir."

Bouchier gentley grabs the Kings arm and whispers to him again...

"Sire..... Perhaps you could start the proceedings pertaining to France?"

John looks round again and peers at the room and then the Pontiff.

"Would that suit you Holy father, old chap?"

"By Jove. Why not eh?.... why not? Lets get cracking... huh?"

He tries to put on a serious, yet freindly face, but notices the French presence again and remembers his brother Humphrey, lieing six feet under the ground, and scowls.

"Holy Father, Vicar of Christ and mentor of the Catholic world. I come in response to your call to find the peace that England has strived for, for so long."

"It is my opinion that peace would still reign if it were'nt for the traitorous attack of the French King and the beast that is Regent of Scotland."

"I am also of the opinion that this madman.."

He points to Charles.

"Is not qualified or well enough to reign in peace for the benefit of his people. Therefore my requirements for peace are quite demanding."

"I propose that Scotland is another matter. one that requires to total submition of It's Regent."

"The French can accept a peace when all the members of the "Peace keeping" Federation forces have recieved suitable recompense and a treaty that war will NEVER be used as a tool by France against any of us again is signed."

"I propose that each relevant defending Nation gain one French province in damages and the rest of France put under the Guiding hand of the same Nations as Vassal states that will be released upon the Papal word that they are to be trusted again."

"Aragon would also be included in this equasion"

"I have no wish to subjugate the French.. just save them from this madman, whilst recieving our due."

"Now.... I'm sure we're to hear some balderdash from the French. Speak up old fruit."

He gestures to Charles..

"Or the cat got your tongue, ehh?"

 

[BusterBunny]

The duchesse smiles at the King of England and adresses the Pope.

"Your Holiness,

after seeing how the Normand troops and the English troops can't follow orders, can we really expect the Federation to "control" France under vassalship or anything? Can we expect France to agree to become even smaller? Taking aways yet more French land... will that SOLVE the problem here?

I think the appropriate way to deal with this is for Scotland to vassalize England and Eire, and for France to annex all of the Federation, not including the Iberians who would be left alone. What that would accomplish? I don't have a clue, your Holiness. And I ask the same about England's proposal.

But I don't want to contradict England here.

I fear being accused of harboring Lollards...."

 

[unmerged(1463)]

Charles stands up
We wont even value the words of King John, the bastard, with an answer. A man not fit to rule his nation, whom lacks every ounce of nobel behavior.
Whom is nothing more then a halfblood.
Such talks without any respect against the crown of France, and ourselves the most christian majesty Charles VII is apalling and truly proves the barbaric behaviour of the english.

France has not broken any treaty that has been settled, while england broke an Holy Edict.
I am deaply religious, but once such barbaric behaviour comes from a member of the house of Lancaster i am shocked and apalled.
We indeed hope that it is the ale whom speaks, not his mind.

 

[unmerged(2461)]

The Pope returns from having dictated two letters to be sent to Bremen and Sweden. Seating himself upon the throne, he notices that the Kings of France and England have both arrived. Here are two fighting cockerels I shall have to hold apart, he thinks to himself.

To King Charles,

"Welcome to the Lateran, Your Majesty. Chancellor Rigaud told us you would not be arriving in person, so this is an honour for us. Do tell me, is your wife well?"

The Pope regards with a quizically raised eyebrow the boorish King John who, apparently none the worse for his unfortunate sea-journey, appears to be treating his visit to the Lateran as little more than a sight-seeing trip, much to the obvious, mortified chagrin of Cardinal Bouchier.

"Welcome also, Your Majesty..." His Holiness trails off as the two rival kings begin bickering almost immediately. Raising his eyes to the gilded ceiling in mildy-amused exasperation, the Pope decides to let the two monarchs let off a little steam. But we can't allow these two to tear each other apart, Joseph, he muses to himself.

The Pope shakes his head and turns to Cardinal von Webber,

"Well, this is good news, Your Eminence...", and turning to The Emperor, "Let us hope that the perpetrators are found, and found soon, Your Highness."

Joseph then has to raise his voice over those of Kings Charles and John to make himself heard,

"Your Majesties, please. Do we have to listen to you both bicker and exchange insults or can we expect more positive input any time soon?"

 

[Schlieffen]

Cardinal Dietmar adresses the English King with a slight look of irritation.
King John, might I remind you that we are not peasents from the rest of the city, we are men of the Church and nobles. I don't know how the churches are run in England, but I suggest that you remember that that man is the Emperor, the feudal lord of the largest political entity in the world and the temporal head of the Roman Church, and that that man is the Pope, the head of the church of which you are a member. Please try to remember where you are.
He now turns to the Pope making a small joke of sorts, but still holding a slight serious tone to point something out to the two monarchs.
Your Holiness, might I suggest that we put the two monarchs in seperate rooms with a private conclaive each to avoid further bickering in the presence of Your Holiness.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

John, not realisng that he had insulted anyone turns to the foreign Cardinal

"Cardinal Dietmar.... Is it?"

"Now look, old man. I had no intention of offending anyone. I have no idea what'cha meen, old fruit."

Cardinal Bouchier, quiet exasperated hisses in the Kings ear as he goes deep red.

John looks anoyed at the English Cardinal and adds

"Sorry.... "Eminance" old been"

"Scuse me your 'oliness, but; Pon my soul, are we to hold these talks in here or is there a seat and drink available?"

A Kick from Bouchier who flushes more.

"Your Holiness.... I'm out of my element and apologise. Mine is a world of sport, love and fun. This Frenchman pulls me away from my peacefull persuits. Agitating and eventualy attacking. "

"So i now stand in a place that is most alien to me in it's etiquete. Perhaps when Kirk arrives I'll get some proper advice"

He looks meeningfully at Bouchier.

"However. i'll have a scribe "write up" our requirements for peace with France and deliver it in the morning if that suits?"

"Now off to a Taverna to... errr.. recouperate your 'onour. With your kind permition?"

With that he bows to the Pontiff and nods to the Emperor as he leaves. Outside his voice rises again as he disapears down a corridor.

"I say Harry. D'ya think that Albert hunts? You know Bouchier would'nt let me ask the pope if he hunted?.. incredible Huh?"

 

[Schlieffen]

Cardinal Dietmar mearly raises an eyebrow at the King... a respectful eyebrow because he's a monarh, but an eyebrow none the less.
"The English..." sighs the Cardinal. "Thank you God for making the Germans more strict."

 

[Estonianzulu]

Webber, although not involved in the discussion does say something.

"War is not to be taken lightly, and apparently that is what this English Monarch is doing. I am rather bemused by his behavior and his treatment towards the Emperor and Your Holiness. Calling the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire a fruit is rather insulting. Is this king wholey sane? He now wants to hold discussions in a lowely Tavern, of which I doubt there are many in this most Holy City."

 

[unmerged(1463)]

Charles stands up and kneels before his holiness.

Your Holiness, gladly the royal physician told me the great news. Her majesty is awaiting child, an heir might be born. That event truly lightens up my day, not even the english remarks can clouden such happy events.

But matters are as it is, perhaps some beleives we started the war without a casus belli etc. But that is not the issue, the Federation speaks of peace, and spoke of defencive. As far as i am aware Defencive is not expansion, am i right ?
Then they cant expand, without proving that they have imperialistic meens. We ofcause do not hope this is the case, but fear it is so.
My noble Chancellors and advisors, and diplomats told me of the acts of the federation, the attempts to incite rebellions etc etc. And we would not risk our nation succumbed by the english.


Charles walks slowly backwards and sits down next to Rigaud.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

A Letter from the "Fallen Angel" Taverna. Rome.

Handed in at the door by Cardinal Bouchier as he slips into the room.



Holy Father it is the desire of King John to re instate the peace that France so rudley interupted.

Therefore after consultation with the newly arrived Kirk Picard(Due in the holy see directly) and my self he has decided that a moderate line of demand for the succesful complesion of an on going peace is in order.

So the Federation only asks for Vendee as recompense as standard "blood money", for his brothers loss, allong with champaign and Nivernais for the Royal brothers loss and the hostilities show to our peaceloving organisation.

Normandy should recieve Orleans and Aquatain, Auvergne as a vassal. Aragon to vassalise provence. ... We suspect the duke of Aquatain might accept Poitou in stead, though.

Naturaly, any Vassalisation, in this case would be subject to release if your holiness decides that no threat of war is liable from that quarter.

Would this concetion for peace be satisfying?

His majesty will return with the Arch Bishop tommorow.

I will hand this to the attendants as I arrive back to the holy see.

Your obediant and faithfull servant Cardinal Richard Bouchier.

 

[BusterBunny]

The duchess of Auvergne stands up and speak.

"Holy Father, if England doesn't want to solve this war, it can say so immediatly. The lack of seriousness of the King of England, can be met by our own lack of seriousness.

Here is the offer:

So the France only asks for the Normandie province as recompense as standard "blood money", for his brothers loss, allong with Calais and Lancaster for the Royal brothers loss and the hostilities show to our peaceloving nation.

Auvergne should recieve Aquitaine and Aquatain, Britanny as a vassal. Castille to vassalise Eire. ... We suspect the regent of Scotland might accept Northumberland in stead, though.

Naturaly, any Vassalisation, in this case would be subject to release if your holiness decides that no threat of war is liable from that quarter.

Would this concetion for peace be satisfying?


Or are we all having a good time here?
"

 

[unmerged(8054)]

A courier enters the most Holy Court, and is a bit surprised to see the heated discussion between some of Europes most powerfull kings.

The courier is a Bremer soldier, and he looks at the court with wonder in his eyes. He had never dreamed of actually standing in the most holy court of all christendom.

A priests notes the Bremer soldier, and also spots that he is not wearing the colours of any visiting dignites.
As the priest asks the soldiers business, the Bremer hands a letter over. It is adressed to His Holiness.

Your Holiness Joseph I.

It is with a mix of joy and sorrow I write this letter to you.

Joy because the allied forces have taken the Hungarian capital and slayed or captured large numbers of the rebel forces.

Sorrow because, despite our superity in numbers, tactics and fairness of the cause, we still lost good men, men who would still be alive today if not for king Urseolo.
I lost 57 good Bremer soldiers, and a number of wounded men are being treated by priests and monks for their wounds even as I write this letter.

The battle was a proud sight. Genovese, Hannoverian, Luxembourgian, Bavarian, Bremen and Gelrer soldiers all fighting for the Empire.

The battleplan I had agreed upon with the other Imperial commander worked perfect, but I shall not tire Your Holiness with the details of the battle or the tactics behind it.

All Imperial soldiers fought valiantly, and I have no doubt that we will soon see and end to this rebellion.
Unfortunately, King Urseolo evaded our forces, and thus the rebellion continues.

Wilhelm Albrecht, Duke of Bavaria and Wilhelm IV, Duke of Braunschweig-Luneburg were on the field, and their presence inspired the soldiers to acts of courage.

Archbishop Augustus von Blommenstein of Cologne had blessed the troops before battle was joined, and for that I give thanks.

By his own at Mayagar
Bert Stahl
Commander of the Bremer Army
Coordinator of the Imperial Forces

 

[Schlieffen]

Cardinal almost laughs at the Frenchman's and the Englishman's arguement, only refraining because of the fact that the arguement is actual.

Listen to you two: England asks for all of France as a vassal and one of the French states does the same, although this was undoubtably to prove a point to the Briton.
"Only asking" for all of France as "blood money", sir, is on the verge of lunacy and would certainly bring back the debates in the Imperial Diet concerning the power of your Federation - there are still some of us who have not forgotten the might you control.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

EVENT

The aparently continuing unfirm hand of the pope concerning Genoa in the Naples situation causes unrest.

1. The HRE suffer a feeling of instability (-1 to Papal states and HRE for 1 turn)

2. The Curia show unrest and some murmer disent.(-1 Morale to Papal states for 1 turn)

3. General unrest and concern becomes apparent through rumour

4. The pope and Curia go on in ignorant bliss

5. The Curia understand the stress that the Holy Father is under and raly behind him .(+1 Morale to Papal states for 1 turn)

6. The HRE suffering a feeling of instability rally to the cause (+1 to Papal states and HRE for 1 turn)

A 5 is roled

The Curia understand the stress that the Holy Father is under and raly behind him. (+1 Morale to Papal states for 1 turn)

 

[unmerged(2461)]

His Holiness has been quiet for some time now, prefering over the last few hours to read and make notes with a scratchy quill to documents that are occasionally passed to him. Finally, he decides to address the Court once more and ushers the clerks who circle around him away with a dismissive wave.

To Cardinal Dietmar,

The Pope leans closer to the Cardinal and speaking soto voce so that only he can hear, "I'm not sure about two sepereate rooms, Eminence, after all, how would they... ahem... 'converse' with each other?... I was thinking two seperate cages, just further than spitting distance apart, perhaps..."

The Cardinal and the Pope watch the painfully cheerful English King depart in search of an inn.

To King Charles,

"Splendid! Please do pass my congratulations and best wishes onto Her Majesty."

The Pope then recieves Cardinal Bouchier's note, which details England's initial peace suggestions,

"Ah, here we go at last..." the Pope mutters to himself,

...the Federation only asks for Vendee as recompense as standard "blood money", for his brothers loss, allong with champaign and Nivernais for the Royal brothers loss and the hostilities show to our peaceloving organisation....

The Pope reads and his lower lip protrudes slightly as he thinks over the suggestion, Hmm, that's a great deal of territory already... Perhaps the Duke of Brittany just should have been a bit more careful... he thinks.

...Normandy should recieve Orleans and Aquatain, Auvergne as a vassal. Aragon to vassalise provence. ... We suspect the duke of Aquatain might accept Poitou in stead, though.

Naturaly, any Vassalisation, in this case would be subject to release if your holiness decides that no threat of war is liable from that quarter...

The Pope lets a small breath out in surprise, would there be any France left after this?

To the Duchess of Auvergne,

The Pope's eyes flick over to the French King Charles as the Duchess speaks.

"Thankyou, My Lady. However... I thought you were leaving the fate of Auvergne in the hands of King Charles and yet now you appear to speak not only for your realm, but also for France itself."

"Still, it is of little consequence. We should offer thanks to Our Almighty Father that peace-proposals are being offered at all."

"However, I am disappointed that your offer is little more than farcical. It is almost as if you had read this note which Cardinal Bouchier had passed to me, which lays out diametrically opposed but equally unreasonable demands."

To the Congregation,

"Let us be more practical and bear in mind that good, Catholic people are dying whilst we waste time on child-like squabbling. I ask you to suspend your clear and un-pious hatreds of each other, now, and begin to present honourable, workable and decent peace-proposals."

"But before you do, the legates involved in the matter of the war should understand that France bears the ultimate responsibilty for brining about this war and should be expected to offer significant reparations to the nations that realm and her allies have attacked. When I say this, I speak not as Pope, but as a mediator and with or without the guidance of God I can... oh, excuse me."

The Pope is handed a letter by a Papal clerk. His Holiness turns to berate the clerk for the unwanted interruption, but notices the seal of Bert Stahl, the Bremer commander upon the sealed envelope. The envelope itself is dusty and dog-eared and has obviously travelled a long distance through difficult circumstances.

Joseph nods and hands the letter back to the clerk to be opened. The folded-out letter is hastily proffered and Joseph begins to read.

"Superb news!" He suddenly exclaims to the Congregation, looking up from the letter.

"This letter is from the Bert Stahl himself and was written in the Hungarian capital, Magyar!" Joseph waits for the gravity of the revelation to sink in.

"At least this is one conflict that we should see an end to, soon..."

 

[BusterBunny]

The duchesse stands up:

"Your Holiness,

yes, I am leaving the FINAL decision to France. But I am here as the right hand of France, and while His Most August Majesty, King Charles VII, thinks of many thing, I point out facts.

And the fact is, as you have mentionned and rightfully saw in my satirical intervention, that England's demand are totally unacceptable.

Holy Father, the problem is quite simple: how do you convince countries like Portugal and Aragon, Britanny and Aquitaine, to intervene in a war that is not theirs? HOW?

You simply promise them lands in exchange for their participation. Is it the case of Burgundy too? Why Champagne suddenly becomes an issue here? Who knows.

But the fact remains: England is under heavy pressure from it allies to get lands to be distributed as a Thank you note for their involvment (which you forbid, might I add).

Now, just because England made idiotic promises to other nations doesn't mean that we should just give lands away like this.

Your Holiness, why would a country, like Auvergne, who hasn't really fought in this war, should be at the mercy of England? We have the God-Given right to be ruled by France, and if someone touches this right, we will attack them.

Now, if England promises not to make ridiculous offers, I promise to stop this too."

 

[unmerged(1463)]

Rigaud whispers to Marie de Berry with a very low voice so no one else but Marie can hear.
Save your breath, the pope is biased to the english, not to God in this matter.
Religion do not matter anymore, it is politics.


After a few minutes Charles VII enters once again, kneels before his holiness and speaks
Your Holiness, will all respect your attitude towards france is shocking.
Would't you strike your enemy first, before he strike you ?
IF the muslims assembled a grand navy with tens and tens of thousands of troops ready to set sail for Rome. Would't you give the order to all your followers to attack before Rome is lost ?

We understand that the policies of France, and England for that matter might look strange for an pope of german heritage. But it is our divine right to rule France. It has been granted by holiness after holiness and the throne was given to the king of France by God himself.

And you can hear it right now. France wont give away anything as it is our undoubtable opinion and beleif that we have not acted wrong in any way. We try to uphold our divine right, taken away by evil invaders and men of war years ago.

But we have understood that you do not care of our beleifs, you have set your mind to it that France has made errors, and nothing we can say will change your mind. So why not give entire France to England, would that suit your holiness ?
Bitternes is not restricted for commoners your holiness, even catholic majesties may feel bitter.

England has no claims whatsoever on the land he speaks of, more then those of the swords and threats. While France has divine right of Normandie and all of our provinces we posses today.

Furthermore it seems that his holiness has changed his views, from Status Quo peace and now to "give england as much as possible without making france to weak".


Richeileu put his hand on the shoulder of Charles and calms Charles down a little, after a few minutes Charles continues.

The faith of the Catholic Faith, the people of France, the safeguard of europe lies within your control.

 

[Schlieffen]

Cardinal Dietmar rises.

Perhaps we should think of the goals each party wishes to have when creating a peace - it is obvious that a status quo peace would eventualy collapse and lead us to mearly reinstate another at a later date.
France wants a unified France - I believe that there are few who doubt or deny it - but I do not know what England wants. Judging from the demands they gave I would almost say the same thing...

 

[LUDWIG]

Emperor Albert bows before the Throne of St Peter a proud smile dances around CArdinal von Webbers lips.
The King of England treats this place like a beer hall yet the Highest Prince in Christendom treats it with the utmost respect.
Today was a proud day to be part of the Empire.

Politely catching the eye of the Pope Albert speaks.
"Holy Father all of christendom feels the strain that has been placed upon your shoulders. I have travelled a long way and at great speed to obey your will. Perhaps in this matter I can be of assistance, I could meet the English King in his taverna and attempt to find a somewhat more leinent offer from him.
As the Empire does not gain by favoring either side perhaps in this most trying time the Empire can relieve the church of some of the burden it carries.
However as I have come here to obey the will of the Holy See I shall await direction in my duty.
I remain your humble servant your Holiness."