- ARCHIVE - Ducal Court of Brandenburg

[HJ Tulp]

A letter arrives by courier,

Unto his Grace, Johann IV Hohenzollern,Duke of Brandenburg, Fürst of the House of Hohenzollern, Margrave of Ansbach, Burgrave of Nürnberg, Prince of Bayreuth, Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Arch-Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Empire


Your Majesty, I would like to invite you or a representative of your Noble House to my coronation next month (Thuesday). This event will not only be a chance to strengthen the bond between our two nations but also to discuss the recent affairs in Burgundy.


Regent Jan van Egmondt, Heir to the Ducal Throne of Gelre

 

[Longinus]

A letter arrives from the north.

“Onto Johann von Hohenzollern,

Dear uncle,

I wish to thank you for your kind words and assurances. Considering my inexperience and the way my mother speaks of You, I would be more than happy to meet and embrace my family to the north. I would also grateful for any advice and help you could give me, to say the least, I am very much confused in the matters of the Empire, even though I am doing my best to fully comprehend it.

My mother and advisors say that perhaps a perfect opportunity for a meeting would be the coronation of Jan van Egmondt, or perhaps my own (the date of which, by the way, was not yet set). I was also considering my own journey to Brandenburg, as I has never seen your lands, yet my advisors do not see it well, at least not now.

I wish you and your family good health and fortune,

Your nephew,
Casmir Gryphon.”

 

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An unwelcome guest​

The room was only illuminated by a few candles and the dancing flames of the fireplace. Outside it was dark, dark and cold. This winter had been especially harsh so at all times there were allways fires burning to keep the modest mansion at least somewhat warm. Still, the cold crept in everywhere, freezing the inhabitants within to the very marrow.

The place itself was what the ladies and gentlemen of great cities like Venice or Nurnberg might have called "the place God had forgotten". Almost no respectable travellers came here, for fear of bandit attacks or worse. It was truly the end of nowhere. They knew almost as little of the outside world as it knew about them.

Their lord, one Freiherr Karl von Dreetz, formally owed allegiance to the Duke of Brandenburg. Even so he could care less. He had received no news from the Duke for as long as he had lived, neither did he want to, or for that matter, pay taxes. Of much greater importance to him it was to keep warm at this very moment. And such it was that he sat in front of the fireplace, covered with a woolen blanket, while sipping from a cup of mulled wine. All the while cursing his misfortune for being chosen by fate to rule over this, the most insignificant little fief at the end of nowhere. The fact that his little fief was about to be frozen solid did off course not improve his allready foul mood.

Ringing his bell to summon a servant he ordered some more mulled wine. Upon returning the servant did not have any wine, which rather infuriated the good Freiherr von Dreetz. Before he had time to berate the servant, a man clad in snow covered furs followed the servant into the room. Quite shocked at the intrusion, the good Freiherr arose to challenge this most unwelcome guest in the night.

 

[Longinus]

A messanger arrives with a letter from Stettin.

Onto Johann IV Hohenzollern, Duke of Brandenburg, Fürst of the House of Hohenzollern, Margrave of Ansbach, Burgrave of Nürnberg, Prince of Bayreuth, Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Arch-Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Empire,

Your Grace, beloved uncle and esteemed cousin,

While we pray for a swift meeting in Zupten, we decided to write this massive as the news from Burgundy grow more and more alarming with each passing day. We have recently received the letters from Henryk of the Greif from Italy, who was at that time marching towards Torino in Piedmonte and massive from Queen Anna Gryphon herself, retelling the events and occurrences in Dijon which happened in the winter last year.

It would appear that rebels, led by a certain imposter who is styling himself as Philippe du Berry, son of Marie du Berry, took Dijon and Royal Court by treachery and killed good king Louis with cold blood. Queen Anna managed to escape though and is now trying to stand against the odds in a secured place somewhere in Burgundy.

We thusly ask Your Grace to help your family and long time allies, to counter the foulness of regicides by all means possible; through Your Grace’s political influences and perhaps even military might, should we decide to send our knights with the order of quelling the rebellion and restoring peace there.

We await Your Grace’s insights with great anticipation.

Given in Stettin,

February 10th Anno domini 1454.

Casmir of the Greif, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, Grubenhagen and Wolfenbüttel, Duke of Poznan, Margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland, Kexholm, Memel and Gotland, Master of the Imperial Hunt.

Christine von der Greif-Wittelsabch, Dowager Queen of Sweden, Dowager Duchesse of Pommernia, Hannover and Poznan, Queen of Sweden,

Boguslaw IX of the Greif, Duke of Stolp and Stargard,

Wartislaw IX of the Greif, Duke of Wolgast,

Barnim VIII of the Greif, Duke of Rugen.[/i]​

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Herr von Munchen was expecting something better. He had heard Brandenburg was a bit of a backwater, but he had not excepted to be so much so. Things improved once he got the residence of the Court itself, but the whole country seemed to have an dark, aforested look about it, as if it were still the land of pagans. Nonetheless, the Bavarian figure, he had been given a job and he was going to do right.

Hail, your Grace! *kneels* I am Karl von Munchen, sent by her Grace, Elisabeth, Duchess-Regent of Bavaria, to fulfill your Grace's wish of having an embassy from our bless realm in your court. I am and shall be at your service, your Grace.

 

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As the envoy from Bavaria arrived, Johann turned to meet him. In doing so his cloak swept aside, revealing the hilt of the electors sword underneath. Carrying a sword at almost all times was a remnant of Johanns long years as a knight, even though it did surprise many visitors.

He cast a penetration gaze at the envoy, almost like if he was judging him. Then he grinned and smiled broadly. "You are welcome to my humble court Herr von Munchen. I shall soon depart on a trip to Gelre, but my son will be left in charge here. If there is anything you wish to bring to our attention while I am gone, please talk to him about it."

 

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An unwelcome guest, part 2​

"What is the meaning of this!!! Get... get our of my house! Out! Out! Oouuuuut!!" The visitor did not answer him. He just pulled down his hood, showing a weatherworn hard face beneath. As he started to brush off his cloak, snow falling on the carpets, von Dreetz` patience became even more thin. "Guards! GUARDS!! Get this... move.. this.. person.. off.. GET THIS MAN OFF MY PROPERTY!". Something like a shock it hit him that the guards would surely not have let this man in unnanounced at this time. Not willingly at least. Not knowing what to say, von Dreetz simply stood with his mouth open, gaping.

"I believe his Lordship ordered some more wine". The visitor waved to the servant. "Please do bring a goblet for me as well". While the servant was gone the visitor paced the room, looking at the pictures, brushing off even more snow from his cloak. All the while, von Dreetz tried to regain his composure. When the servant came back with the wine, the visitor accepted both goblets and offered one to von Dreetz.

"What.. the.. WHAT!" Karl von Dreetz bursted out. "Shhh". The visitor put one finger before his mouth and hushed him. "Please do have some wine your lordship". Finally accepting the goblet, von Dreetz drained it. "But.." The visitor hushed him again.

"Please, Freiherr von Dreetz. Why don`t you take a seat? Now, why am I here you might ask?. First I should perhaps assure you that your guards are not harmed. They.... let me in." Seeing the look of horror on von Dreetz` face he continued "once they saw the strength of our company as well as having been told who we came from." The visitor smiled. "Why, they were only too happy to let me in!"

"But, I am being impolite". He sat down in a chair in front of the fire and rubbed his hands together. "My name is Joachim Bock, captain of these here men that is now stationed outside your most comfortable abode." Bock smirked. "I serve the Elector of Brandenburg. Now... if your servant could bring us some more wine perhaps we could discuss YOUR relationship to your liege lord in full."

Smiling sweetly, he looked at von Dreetz. For the good Freiherr himself this night just continued getting worse and worse....

 

[Petrarca]

Praha​

“Herr von Streng, I welcome you once again to Hradcany,” von Wallenstein intoned. The Czech magnate viewed even the slightest execution of his responsibilities as Lord Chancellor as an occasion worthy of overbearing pomp and circumstance. “Please, if you desire something, ask it of us, for we do cherish the friendship of Brandenburg.”

While the Chancellor continued his polite formalities, the din of the royal court became instantly subdued. Ladislav had entered the enormous hall, which von Wallenstein had commissioned as the new home of the court, and as the courtiers saw him approach his throne with Dietrich von Ehrlichman following, they immediately took a more reverential attitude. Jan von Wallenstein quickly noticed this change, and turned to see King and Cardinal.

“Your Majesty, Herr von Streng, the trusted representative of His Lordship the Margrave of Brandenburg, Burggrave of Nuremberg—” von Wallenstein began.

Ladislav cut him off with a wave of his hand. “Please, let him speak,” he said, concealing his amusement at von Wallenstein’s pretension.

von Wallenstein did not slink away, like some of the other king’s men were wont to do, instead maintaining his Stoic visage. He did wonder if the King meant some disapproval of him, but it seemed more likely Ladislav was impatient.

“Herr von Streng, we preempt your speech in order to make a note of great import. Our sisters, the princesses Johanna and Nathalie, travel to Gelre as our representatives. We ask that on their return they be made welcome in Berlin, through which they shall pass,” Ladislav said. “Now, what business brought you to Prag Castle today?”

 

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Prague

Upon being let in, von Streng bowed and knelt to the King.

"It is an honor to be granted an audience Your Majesty. Your Majestys sisters will off course allways be welcome in Berlin. It is indeed partly because of Your Majestys sisters that I have come here today. His Grace the Prince-Elector of Brandenburg feels that it would be beneficial to bring the great houses of the Bohemian-Wittelsbachs and the Hohenzollern closer together.

Therefore I have been tasked with finding out wether Your Majesty would find a dynastic union beneficial as well. The heir of Brandenburg, Johann Frederick von Hohenzollern is of age and eligible for marriage.

Sadly, there is also a matter of much darker nature I have been asked to as Your Majesty about. Namely the current state of the Empire. The Elector of Brandenburg feels that the Electors bear the greatest responsibility in doing something about this situation. Therefore he would like to visit Prague to discuss how to deal with it, and how to proceed in the future once he has returned from the coronation in Gelre. It is apparent to my master that the Empire needs a strong Emperor, and soon.

It has also come to my masters attention that many in Lusatia are nervous of Hohenzollern expansion into the area. His Grace would like to express that he has no ambitions of expanding into that area, and indeed, only wishes friendship between Bohemia and Brandenburg.

Lastly it is our hope that the Hansa will be fully functional again soon. At such a time a treaty between the Hansa and Bohemia regarding trade on the river Oder could be discussed if it pleases Your Majesty."

After finishing his speech, von Streng fidgeted nervously. He had not done this in a very long time, and when he actually was called to do so his very first assignment had been to speak before the King of Bohemia himself!

 

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An unwelcome guest, part 3​

A servant put more wood on the fire as it was about to die out. More wine had also been brought, as well as some food. It was captain Bock that had ordered it, not the master of the house. This annoyed Freiherr von Dreetz immensely, almost as much as the intrusion in the first place. With his task done the servant scurried off, and Bock continued to speak.

"As I was saying. You formally owe allegiance to the Elector of Brandenburg. Yet you ... " it seemed like Bock did not adress von Dreetz the way he should on purpose " ... yet you do not give the Elector his rightful share, now do you?" Almost calculating, Bock looked at von Dreetz with cold eyes. "And from what I have gathered, many others are acting the same way. Is that not the truth Freiherr? Is it not true that there exists a land, a lawless land between the archbishops land and the electors land that right now seems to wish to govern itself. And not very succesfully I might add."

Bock paused and smirked, while von Dreetz tried to formulate a response, any response. The Freiherr failed to do this and merely opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again repeatedly. To someone witnessing the scene he would have greatly resembled a fish out of water. Bock continued "Some even seem to think that you owe allegiance to the Archbishop of Magdeburg. Both you and I know this is not the truth off course..."

Bock then seemed to lighten up, and changed the subject. "On my way here I had ample opportunity to enjoy the sights my good Freiherr. It was quite interesting to see the splendor of this land, the positive attitude of many of the people. Why, on the way here I am sure we would have had lots of company if our group had not been so... heavily armed."

Grinning evilly, Bock looked at von Dreetz. "Now, you do off course realize that if the Electors presence had been strengthened here, such visitors along the way would have become much less likely. The entire neighbourhood would have become less lively so to speak. I am sure you would have been very opposed to such a thing. These parts are undoubtedly the finest in Germany after all."

Dripping with sarcasm, Bock continued his conversation with von Dreetz until the early hours of the morning.

 

[Petrarca]

Praha​

Ladislav nodded while von Streng went through the usual formalities. “We have always cherished the close ties between our two houses, commencing in 1415 with our uncle’s donation of Brandenburg to the Burggrave von Hohenzollern and continuing to the aid we received during our war with Venice.” The Margraviate had been sold in order to gain both cash and support for Sigismund’s reign, something both men knew and referenced so elliptically and tactfully by Ladislav. “His Grace’s proposal is met by us with welcome acceptance. Our sisters remain yet unmarried, and the continuation of that state troubles us. To unite the houses of Hohenzollern and Wittelsbach-Luxemburg is a commendable idea.”

Ladislav leaned forward, grateful for an opportunity for his sisters to finally be of some use. “Please convey to our friend, His Grace the Duke, that Johann Friedrich has our permission as head of the Wittelsbach-Luxemburg house to court either of the two princesses.” A courtesy that saved him the trouble of making the match himself and gave the boy the privilege of choice. “If His Grace and the ducal family are in Gelre, perhaps they shall encounter our sisters there. An escort back to the lands of the Oder would be a very kind gesture.”

“The current failure of our cousin in Heidelburg to govern worries us enormously. We, the Electors, do indeed bear the burden of correcting the situation, as His Grace feels. Bohemia would welcome the counsel of the Duke Elector in this matter, to say nothing of the warmth His Grace would be received with. There must be order and law within this Empire, and that order must begin with the purple itself.”

Ladislav’s voice dropped as he finished: “The Lusatians are perennially fearful, herr von Streng. It is best they remain that way, scared and compliant. As for the Hansa and the Oder, there is much to deal with there. Many of our cities are members of the Hansa, such as great Breslau, and many more are yoked to Madgeburg’s courts, the latter being unacceptable to us.”

 

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Prague

Von Streng smiled and replied to the bohemian King.

"The house von Hohenzollern will allways be indebted to Your noble house for the most gracious donation of the march of Brandenburg Your Majesty."

"His Lordship Johann Frederick is still in Brandenburg running the duchy while his father is away. I shall happily convey to his Lordship that he is allowed to court either of the princesses. Perhaps a good time would be when they travel through Brandenburg? A suitable escort shall certainly be arranged"

Von Strengs voice then dropped like the Kings had. "The Lusatians, Yes I understand Your Majesty. His Grace is currently in the process of reclaiming his rightful lands in Altmark. Sadly they bring no revenue to the Duke at this time. Even so, I am sure some news about the methods used in Altmark could find their way to the nobles of Lusatia."

 

[cccino]

The news travelled quickly and Cilli, having no great influence in the empire and knowing the correct time to seek some advantage – early – made plans. Carefully making no mention of the revelation that had served as a trigger, he prepared a letter to be sent at once to Johann von Hohenzollern, recently declared candidate for the Imperial elections. The era of Cilli-friendly emperors had begun with Sigismund and ended with Joachim, and expecting no rapport with a Wittelsbach emperor, Ulrich had every intention of befriending and supporting the alternative. It was beyond the scope of his capacity and experience to meddle with Imperial politics, and so unable to influence the outcome he had to prepare in what might prove to be vain hope for the election of the Hohenzollern.

Onto Johann von Hohenzollern, Duke of Brandenburg, Fürst of the House of Hohenzollern, Margrave of Ansbach, Burgrave of Nürnberg, Prince of Bayreuth, Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Arch-Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Empire,

It is a mission of mine to seek greater association fellow Princes of the empire. The House of Cilli has not been acquainted with the House of Hohenzollern to any great extent, much to my sadness and the deficit of us both.

May I take this opportunity to provide an open invitation, should you find it convenient to at any time pass through or stay in lands under my control, to meet and discuss issues of importance or not, in friendship it will be a pleasure and an honour to accomodate you as you require.

It would not be appropriate to bring forth any political matters in this correspondance, but suffice to say that I look forward to sharing views with you on any matter which concerns us both or in which you may require my assistance or collaboration.


By his own hand,

Ulrich II von Cilli, Duke of Carinthia, Margrave of Carniola, Margrave of Slovenia and Slovenian Lord, Princely Count of Celje, Ortenburg, Sternberg, Ban of Croatia and Slavonia.

 

[Longinus]

A letter arrives from Pommern.

Onto Johann von Hohenzollern, Duke of Brandenburg, Fürst of the House of Hohenzollern, Margrave of Ansbach, Burgrave of Nürnberg, Prince of Bayreuth, Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Arch-Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Empire,

Your Grace, beloved uncle and esteemed kinsmen,

First and foremost we wish to kindly thank Your Grace for all the support already given and promised, rest assured House von der Greif shall always stay behind House of Hohenzollern.

With the beginning of Spring we intend to start a campaign against the rebels of Burgundy, the foul League of Arras.

Most of the Imperial realms already expressed their support to Queen-Regent Anna and rightful Queen Marie II du Berry. We are now wish to coordinate our moves and decided to set a meeting point for the Allied forces. Please send your men to the Free Imperial city of Strasburg in Alsace. By the end of Spring there should be no less than 3000 cavalrymen and 7000 infantry from Pommern, we do not know yet the numbers coming from Carinthia, Gelre, Bremen, Bavaria, Saxony and others. Pommern army is led by general Otton von Blumentritt, well known and respected individual who faithfully served Emperor Joachim and House of Gryphon for years.

We intend to eventually meet up with the forces of Anna von der Greif-Savoy (consisted from the Royalist forces, Piedmontese and Neapolitanian reinforcements.) somewhere in French Comte. We pray that the King of France will keep his word and send his men to help as well.

We would also like to express our support in Your Graces for the stability and peace within the Empire through the means of acquiring the Imperial mantle. Should the House of Gryphon be of any assistance, we will gladly help.

United we shall win.

Given in Stettin,

Casmir of the Greif, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, Grubenhagen and Wolfenbüttel, Duke of Poznan, Margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland, Kexholm, Memel and Gotland, Master of the Imperial Hunt.​

 

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Call To Arms

During the reign of Johann IV the march of Brandenburg had never been at war. This was about to change as the Duke had decided to send an army into Lotharingia. To this end a force of 2.200 men was mustered, 800 cavalry and 1.400 infantry. While it would not be the largest force in the war, it was still a major effort for the march of Brandenburg.

The army would be lead by General Heinrich von Sellen, a decorated warrior that had served the Hohenzollern all his life. While the ducal heir Johann Frederick von Hohenzollern most certainly wanted to lead it himself that would not be so; The young lord was to handle affairs in Brandenburg while his father was away.

Now he and the General inspected the troops before their departure to Alsace. Everything seemed in perfect order, this would certainly be a force to be reckoned with. The inspection was cut a bit short however, as a note was delivered to the heir. Apparently Bohemia was now on a war footing.

All of a sudden chaos reigned as Johann Frederick hurried to call a meeting with his advisors.