- ARCHIVE - Ducal Court of Luxemburg

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The Court of the Ducal Crown of Luxemburg

The Ducal Crown of Luxemburg

In the middle of the tenth century (963?) the feudal lord, Siegfried, who held rich possessions in the Forest of Ardennes, acquired the Castellum Lucilini (supposed to have been built by the Romans) with the lands in its vicinity, and styled himself Graf von Lützelburg. From the marriage of this great and good man descended Empress Saint Cunigunde, wife of Henry II, the Saint.

Though the line of Siegried eventually died out he established the tradition of the nobility in Luxemburg, a group of semi-independent lords who carried the title count rather than the regal title of king.

The rulers, now known as Dukes, prepare for the hardest time of all with their power quickly falling and the family being absorbed by the Bohemian branch of the Luxemburgs and the Lotharingian royal family.

 

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Characters

Heir to the Throne
Sir Koenraad of Luxembourg
Military Advisor and Viceroy to the Queen and Duchess of Luxembourg
Heir to the House of Luxembourg

Sir Koenraad von Luxembourg was born to Johannes von Luxembourg, elder brother of the queen. Johannes died young at 17 and did not take the throne. Koenraad was raised in the court of Brabant by his mother, Adelhaid, and her family. He became close friends with his cousin, Adriean von der Hyle, and as young men they would ride out together on the hunt.

The Queen adopted Koenraad as her son, having none of her own and raised him from 14 on. Koenraad married his cousin, Christina van der Heyle (the Countess of Louvaine) at age 15, she was 14. They now have three children, Constanje, Alexandra, and Maria. Koenraad has also become the military advisor of the Queen and knows Latin, Flemish, French, and German.

Koenraad's standing opinion on relations with Lotharingia are mostly interests in power. Koenraad wishes to advance himself in power and hopes that one day, Luxemburg can be as powerful as some of the German states of the Holy Roman Empire.

 

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The Lands of Luxemburg

The chief city of Luxemburg is also called Luxemburg. The city is densly populated but hardly large for medieval standards. The Duchy composes of little other than the ducal lands and a few archbishoprics outside of the duchy. The land is mostly flat lowland and there are no major rivers going through it. The cultural layout of the land is a diverse mix of German, Flemish, and French peoples. The main languages are Flemish and German.

 

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The History

The History of the Duchy of Luxemburg

The first written account of this country and people is found in the fifth book of Cæsar's "Commentarii de Bello Gallico". On the Lower Moselle and its tributaries dwelt at that time (53 B.C.) the powerful race of the Treviri, who, in alliance with the people under their protection (for example the Eburones under Ambiorix), at first gave the Romans great trouble, but they were soon compelled to yield to superior numbers and gradually attained the highest civilization. Under Emperor Constantine (323-337) Trier (Augusta Trevirorum) became the capital of the province Belgica prima, and later the residence of the prefects of Gaul. The Christian Faith was introduced at a very early period. Since 316 the town was the see of a bishop. As more than half of the subsequent Duchy of Lorraine belonged for centuries to the Diocese of Trier, it is a logical conclusion that the Christianization of the Ardennes proceeded principally from there. During the Germanic migration the north-eastern provinces of the Roman Empire suffered greatly. Devastated and depopulated, they were occupied by the victorious Franks. In the division of Charlemagne's empire (843) the provinces in question fell to the share of the Emperor Lothair. In the middle of the tenth century (963?) the feudal lord, Siegfried, who held rich possessions in the Forest of Ardennes, acquired the Castellum Lucilini (supposed to have been built by the Romans) with the lands in its vicinity, and styled himself Graf von Lützelburg. From the marriage of this great and good man descended Empress Saint Cunigunde, wife of Henry II, the Saint.

The last of Siegfried's male descendents, Conrad II, died about 1126. His dominions passed first to the counts of Namur and subsequently to Ermesinde, who reigned from 1196 to 1247. She was especially noted for the impulse she gave to religious life by the foundation of monasteries. Her son and successor, Henry V (1247-81), showed the influence of his noble mother. He took part in Saint Louis's crusade against Tunis. His successor, Henry VI, remained until nearly 1288 at war near Woringen. His wife, Beatrice, had borne him two sons, both of whom attained the highest honours and excellence: Baldwin, afterwards Archbishop of Trier, and Henry, who obtained the Roman imperial crown as Henry VII (1309). The advancement of the reigning family brought no advantage to the country, as the counts wandered farther and farther from home, and concerned themselves only with the affairs of the Empire or the Kingdom of Bohemia. They endeavoured to compensate for this in a measure by raising Luxemburg to a duchy, but could not prevent part of it from crumbling away and the whole (1444) falling to Burgundy by conquest. From the House of Valois, which became extinct on the death of Charles the Bold, in 1477, the country passed to Austria, and was subject to the Spanish Habsburgs (1556-1714); then to the German Habsburgs (1714-95), and finally to the French (until 1814). The last rule was attended with pernicious results, especially as regards religion and morals, the brutalities of the French to the Church and her servants left sad memories. Even the worship of the goddess of reason prevailed for a time in place of the Catholic religion.

 

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The State of Luxemburg

The State of Luxemburg

Head of State: Duchess Elisabeth van Luxemburg

Religion: Catholic
Culture: Flemish, Dutch, French, German
Stats: 1/0/3(4)/4/2 --> [1/0/4/4/2]
Provinces: 1
Capital: Luxemburg
Ports: 0
Owned: Luxemburg​

 

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"To my dearest cousin Koenraad, Duke of Luxembourg,

It is with my highest sincerety that I accept your invitation to visit the city of Luxembourg on behalf of the Duchy of Brabant and the Capet-Burgundy family line and of course to enjoy the company of good noble men like yourself.

I indeed wish to see my newphews and niece, and would be delighted to make the journey within the month.

I am sure the good Queen Eleanore de Berry would agree that my visit would be officially sanctioned in the best interests of the Kingdom of Lotharingia as a whole, as well as ensure that we only have the best intentions and interests for both our states.

Christina is a wonderful woman and I am eagerly awaiting to see my young sister. As for a visit near Christ Mass, I would hope that the journey could be brought to my own home in Brabant, but we shall of course discuss it upon my arrival. I shall bring my own personal guard of ten men and of course some presents for my good cousins children.

May God be with us on our perilous journeys...."

Adriaen van der Hayle ~ Duke of Brabant, Count of Louvain​

 

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Preperations for a Good Friend, and an Important Ally

Koenraad had known his cousin since childhood. And so he was preparing a royal feast. A feast worthy of the Queen of Lotharingia. He talked to all his men to prepare for falconing. Adrien, like Koenraad, had enjoyed the sport during theiy teenage years.

He also hoped that he could arrane for a tournament at Luxemburg. Something that had not happened in his lifetime, and so he prepared to look into it.

In the meantime, his wife Christina was busy teaching his son and daughters to have manners, something they still stubbornly refused.

 

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Tournament Announced!

In hopes of honoring his cousin and putting Luxemburg on the map, Koenraad has convinced his aunt to conduct the International Tournament of Luxemburg.

More information in the Jousting thread.

 

[Karamazov]

Johann Odbert, ambassador from Hessen, appears before the court after years of political silence from Luxembourg.

He speaks before the court:

Duchess Elizabeth, Sir Konraad, I am glad that Luxembourg's nobles have regained control over your lands and support your leadership.

Hessen and Luxembourg used to be strong allies, and we hope such a bond can be reaffirmed for our mutual benefit.

If you wish to discuss matters further, please do not hesistate.

 

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Reply to the Envoy

Duchess Elisabeth turned to the envoy. She smiled and said:

"I would be delighted to achieve connections between the people of Hessen and Luxemburg. Perhaps we shall discuss this further in due time. Tell your lord that I will send an envoy in a few months due time."

She then wished the envoy good luck and sent him with gifts, a necklace and a few crowns. She then proceeded on speaking to her nephew.

 

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Delay in Tournament

Arrangements are still being made for the International Tournament of Luxemburg and for the moment are temprorarily delayed.

 

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The Duke's Arrival

A crowd gathered near the gate of the grand city of Luxemburg as the Duke of Brabant entered the city with his guards, one carrying the golden lion on black banner high.

The Duke entered the city to be officially met by Duke Koenraad himself and a small official delegation of family and officials. Duke Adriaen of Brabant climbed off his horse and lifted his helmet visor off his head.

"Good cousin, it is a god given pleasure that I visit you on this day." Adriaen declared, embracing Duke Koenraad in a show of support to the duke of Luxemburg. He then turned to his sister and kissed her hand, greeting her with upmost respect. The small show was over and the entire delegation turned heel and travelled to the warmth of the palace...

 

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Welcome!

Welcoming for the Duke of Brabant​

"Cousin, how was your journey?"

"Fair, a bit cold though. What does her majesty want to talk to me about?"

"You joined the Kingdom of Lotharingia some time ago. She has been considering such a move herself. I advised her against it, but after you made your opinions known I reconsidered. I hope to talk with you about such plans... After all, such a decision must not be taken lightly."

They sat down at the table and said their supper prayers and grace and began on their feast. Long after men were full they continued to eat the delicious plates brought on by the servants and drank wine to their hearts' content.

After the supper was done, both dukes wandered throughout the halls, slightly drunk and ready for rest.

For the night they retired, but the next morning, it was time to discuss the future of Luxemburg...

 

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In Bremen

Duke Johann was summoned from his preparations for war, and answered the Luxembourgian envoy.

"Good sir, I bid you welcome to Bremen. I am truly sorry you arrive in these times, where my duchy finds itself preparing for war, and is thus not able to offer the hospitality usually given to visitors.

I would be very interested in meeting your duchess face to face, and to discuss a possible formation of an alliance. I must warn you, though, as Bremen is involved in a war, signing an alliance with us would surely plunge Luxembourg into war against powers such as Denmark, Holstein and Hannover.
A war, might I add, which is entered with a somewhat shady casus belli, and a breach of existing treaties.
Now, this is not said to scare your offer of, but to warn you of the consequences of approaching Bremen in these times.

Please, bring my warmest regards and thanks to your duchess, and inform Her Grace of my willingness to meet her at any time of her choosing, should she still be interested."

 

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And so it was decided...

The Duke of Brabant prepared to leave the palace of Luxemburg, disappointed at the lack of a tournament (for the moment) and was invited to return later during the year. Important decisions had been made and the Duke of Luxemburg, Koenraad, was ready to make a turning point in history come to life.

Even so, Adrien intended to stay just a while longer, to enjoy the company of his family.

 

[Petrarca]

A Czech ambassador arrives in Luxemburg, addresses the Duke briefly, and delivers a letter:

"Your Lordship, His Majesty King Ladislav has commanded me unto your presence to serve as ambassador and envoy to his cousin. I am Karel Cechmanek, z Lambergu, and I remain at Your Lordship's service. His Majesty has written this missive to be sent to his cousin the Duke."

To His Lordship, Duke Koenraad von Luxemburg,

We greet you and your immediate family with warmest feelings, as your noble leadership promises great fortune. We know that so long as both sides of our glorious and noble family, descended from the great Emperors Jan, Karl, Vaclav, and Sigsmund, live in Christ's divine favor our dynasty cannot help but be blessed and great.

We feel the strong ties linking the Luxemburgs together as a family in the imitation of the Holy Family of Christ Jesus, Mary ever virgin, and saintly Joseph, both those in the namesake homeland and in Bohemia. We feel strong respect and admiration for our blood peers and hope that this respect of the will and decisions of the other line is reciprocated by our dear cousin.

We know as indisputable fact that the Golden Bull of 1356, promulgated by His Imperial Majesty Karl IV, augurs well for our family, granting us great privilege in the Empire. Such power, we know, must be used wisely, and for this we are overjoyed to learn of the skilled Solomonic leadership displayed by you. We know from the Gospel of St. Mark that what God has joined together no man shall separate, and we know this expresses the kinship and love of our branches, united as a single family, House Luxemburg, that honors our ancestors and venerates the saints.

Let us be pious together, to demonstrate to the Empire, Christendom, and the world that the Luxemburg name is not forgotten and never shall be. Let us remember the great past we both share as heritage from our house, such as when your immediate predecessors, from a single state in the Empire, humbled powerful nations and subjected them to your will. Let us perpetrate upon this mundane world a display of the power and influence of House Luxemburg. Let the fortunes of our family remain ever waxing, never waning, and always in accordance with the divine will.

~His Majesty Ladislav, King of Bohemia, Margrave of Moravia, Duke of Silesia, Duke of Lusatia, Prince-Elector and Arch-cupbearer of the Empire.


Post Scriptum: Dear cousin, let us never fall into rancor, and let us never let our house be denied the honor proper to it. We wish to the Duke, ruler of the homeland undying wisdom and fortune to follow the will of God.

 

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Reply to the Bohemian Ambassador

OOC: Sorry, I've been a bit busy lately.

Koenraad turned to the ambassador and said:

"I accept your friendly words, ambassador and send you back with in invitation of alliance to the Duchy of Luxemburg. My aunt is in dire health and I am sure she is happy to hear from you as her husband was a Luxemburg of Bohemia. Let us enter into a new age of friendship between both houses of Luxemburg."

And so the ambassador left and Koenraad turned back to his plans... his plans for war.

 

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It was dark.... the black birds circled the sky.

The Assassination of the Duchess​

It was a dark night in the grand ducal residence in Luxembourg as the great plot began...

Elizabeth von Gorlitz, Duchess of Luzembourg was old now. She had planned the future of her city state, and it was not looking good. She would sell out the administration to the city to the Burgundians, and quickly destroy any power her family line had strove so hard to gain control over Luxembourg.

Something was going to be done about it.

Two men entered her room as she slept, and there was a light downpour of rain as the moon was hidden by dark clouds. One man was taller and darker, a grim man indeed. The other bold and intelligent, both with the same goal. It was Adrian of Brabant and Koenraad of Luxembourg...

Elizabeth had always loved to live in great comfort. She had her bed filled with expensive sheeting from northern Italy, and fluffy pillows made with expensive materials. The two men walked to each side of her bed.

One spoke, in a voice no more than a whisper, "May God forgive me."

The other man nodded, and lifted a pillow from near the Duchess's sleeping head.

There was a moment of silence before Koenraad took the pillow in his hands as well. They prepared for their murderous deed...

The was a light struggle from her small body as Elizabeth was smothered in her bed. As she struggled, Adriaen whispered in her ear in the tongue Elizabeth could understand, "Ich bin trauriges Elizabeth, aber Sie würden uns alle verkauft haben."

She made a few more jolts and movements before the two were sure she was dead. Adriean made the sign of the cross in true regret for his terrible sin, but left the room glad of what was done.

For that night, a terrible deed was done....

Duchess Elizabeth von Gorlitz, ruler of Luxembourg was discovered by her personal attendants the next morning. She was carried out to a river and given a funeral by the Bishop of Luxembourg. Indeed, the new Duke Koenraad von Luxembourg seemed saddest of all... yet it was the beginning of a new era in his life.

 

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Coronation of Koenraad, Duke of Luxemburg

Coronation of a Duke

Koenraad stepped up to the pedestal, along with his cousin Adrien, as the priest made signs of the cross over him. The bishop looked over him and began to question.

"Do you, son of Johannes von Luxemburg and Adelhaid van Louvain swear to serve God and God alone and carry out His Holy duties?"

"That I do, father."

"Do you swear to uphold the law in His name and to bring Justice to His Chosen people?"

"That I do, father."

"Do you swear to bring order and prosperity to the Lord's kingdom on Earth?"

"That I do, father."

"Then I hereby swear onto you the privilege and honor of the Duchy of Luxemburg. Rise Sir Koenraad von Luxemburg, Duke of the Duchy of Luxemburg."

The bishop then took the ducal crown and placed it upon Sir Koenraad's head and swore over him.

And with that Koenraad's new career began.

 

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Oath of Allegiance to Queen Myriam de Montainblanc

I, Duke Koenraad von Luxemburg, sole ruler of the Duchy of Luxemburg offer the allegiance of the Duchy of Luxemburg to the Kingdom of Lotharingia as a duchy to the Queen Regent and her son, Jean II du Berry.

I offer the administration of my city and its duchy to the Rightful Queen and swear allegiance to her at all times and in all places. Let is never be forgotten that Luxemburg now serves the Queen Regent and her son, Jean II du Berry.

~Sir Koenraad von Luxemburg, Duke of Luxemburg~