- ARCHIVE - Ducal Court of Savoy

[BusterBunny]

A letter from Burgundy.

"To the most noble Amédée VIII, duke of Savoie,

It has come to my attention that you have finally decided to intervene, with my autorization, in this eastern conflict. Though I am very happy to see that Genoa and Venice are in this war too, I will not permit Byzantium, Albania, and Mamelukes RoP over your territories. I don't know why you would send muslim troops or orthodox troops in Savoie anyways, but let it be known that if these non-believers step a foot in Savoyard territories, I will be forced, if not by Faith then by the Emperor, to eradicate this most undesirable presence from Imperial lands".

 

[BusterBunny]

Paperworks arrive from Burgundy.

 

[BusterBunny]

A quick letter, signed by the Palatinate, Savoie, Burgundy and Genoa.

“
Charter for the Trans-European Trade Alliance.

-The Trans-European Trade Alliance goal is to ease trade and increase profit earned by trade for all merchants from member nations of Europe and beyond. More specifically, it will allow the trade of merchandise from one side of Europe to the other, from the Mediterranean to the Channel, and beyond.
- The Trans-European Trade Alliance will be led by a council of member nations, each having one vote. All decisions must be voted upon, including the admission of a new member. A 50% + 1 vote is necessary in all cases. If the vote comes to a draw, the Duchy of Burgundy will break the draw.
- A non-aggression pact is automatically signed by all nations part of the Trans-European Trade Alliance. Military actions from one member toward the other will not be tolerated and will lead to exclusion from the Trade Alliance from the aggressor.
- A Trans-European Trade Alliance merchant is considered by the member nations as an ordinary national merchant. As such, he is not submitted to “foreign trader” taxes, nor should he encounter any bureaucratic paperwork reserved to foreigners.
- No trade embargo by a Mercantile Trade Union member against a Mercantile Trade Union member will be allowed.
- Price for goods exchanged will be set on gold value within the nation. No currency will be imposed on the different realms.”

 

[unmerged(9600)]

A letter arrives from across the seas.

Lord of Savoy,

I hope you can take it upon yourself to sign this treaty between us, so that we can return to peaceful coexistance.

Yamun, First Scribe,
writing the words of
Bars Khan, Great Khan of the Golden Horde.

TREATY OF PEACE

I. The Golden Ohrdu and the Duchy of Savoy will return to a state of peace.

II. The Duchy of Savoy apologizes to the Great Khan for declaring war on him, and will send him 1,000 ducats (1 eco) as soon as it is possible to do so.

X Bars

 

[Fireblade]

The Duke looks at his Chief Advisor.

"I guess.. it really was a mistake declaring war. Curse that Pope! Well, at least I can concentrate on the war with the Duchy of Athens. Count Louis, fetch me the pen, and find a ship headed east."

The Duke then signs the Peace Treaty, and then writes another short note to Khan Bars.

"Count Louis, now that this matter is settled, I will be heading to Morea to personally lead our Army to victory at the gates of Athens. You, as my cousin, are in charge of the court until my return. Watch over the matters here.. and try to support the Emperor, no matter the costs. He has been nothing but a friend to Savoy, while the Austrian has ignored and spited us since the day I took the throne."

The Duke embraces his cousin, kisses his wife, and then departs for the coast, and the Grand Army of Savoy that is even now loading for a short vacation in Greece.

 

[unmerged(9384)]

As the grand army loads it's craft an Albanian messenger arrives bearing word from King Gjon
"I have been sent to confirm that Albania, Byzantium and Savoy are in an allience together if so we would like you to have this flag raised in victory it is the flag of the Allience of Constatinople"
The messenger shows the flag.

"My king hopes all is satisfactory and you have a safe journy home, as for me I will take a little stroll through the Savoian countryside. Tungjatjeta (long life and happiness)."

 

[Fireblade]

Count Louis of Piedmont sits upon the throne of Savoy, and starts thinking. Why can't his damned brother stay out of foreign affairs and wars? Is he deranged? Well.. no matter. I'll start attending to various matters he's been neglecting.

Hmm.. first off.. I should reply to the Albanian.

Count Louis turns to the Albanian.

"Savoy is a friend of Albania. Unforntionately, I cannot enter into an open alliance with Albania, due to our vassalage to Burgundy. However, my brother, as you know, is even now headed to Morea to lead the armies to victory against Athens."

So the Portugese are exploring. I wonder if that captured Athenian ship is repaired yet? We'll offer it and a captain to the Portugese. If they can find new trade routes.. Savoy could then profit from it.

The Count then begins issuing orders to one of the few naval officers left, who then nods and begins making a trip to the docks.

 

[driftwood]

A note arrives from the war camps around Tirana, Albania.

Self-important Duke of the Savoyards,

Although we are not at war, know that I will not hesitate to correct that situation if you actually waste the lives of your men attacking the unbreachable walls about Athens. The entire Greek army of the Byzantines was annihilated, along with the Emperor Demetrios, in that foolish attempt. I suggest you consider the lesson in that encounter; if not, consider the fate of the bloom of French chivalry at Nicopolis in 1396.

While you are powerless to affect the war in the Balkans, Athens is not similarly hamstrung. I suggest you seek a white peace with the Duke, as after he conquers the last Byzantine stronghold at Mistra he may have enough ships to pursue you back to Nice.

In the future, think twice before you venture out from behind your mistress' skirts to dabble in foreign affairs.

Murad, Second of that Name, of the House of Osman, Slave of God, Sultan, Son of a Sultan, Grandson of a Sultan, First among the Ghazi

 

[Fireblade]

Count Louis grits his teeth as he reads the Ottoman letter.

"What is he talking about? Can these Ottoman's not read? I sent a messenger to Athens to ask for a white peace.. not to threaten them further! My brother is even coming back, and calling off his campaign to relieve the Byzantines."

One of the court members looks to the Count and asks, "So.. how do we reply?"

"We don't. It's not like they'll be able to read it anyway!"

 

[unmerged(8303)]

Warrior from the east

A fully armored knight enters the court and kneels. On a cloth armband the insignia of the eastern empire is visible. He clutches his hand to his chest and addresses the Count.

"Lordship Louis!

I am Alexious Adrianopolis. Sent to you by Despot Constantine in Sparta. Soon our new leader shall begin the first session of our Senate and he offers the state of Savoy a seat. We invite you to send an ambassador to Sparta and witness the coronation of Constantine as emperor and the funeral of emperors Ioannes and Demetrios.

With your permission my master, I will be ambassador to Savoy and personal bodyguard to Duke Amédée! Your aid and loyalty to our empire has not been forgotten and we are prepared to grant your Duke a title of high nobility in Morea.

I am your humble servant! May I stay here in court, my lord?"

 

[driftwood]

Count Louis,

My scribes and courtiers have brought word of your comments to the Great Khan and elsewhere. Rest assured, I was not confused by your comments to the Athenian duke.

Your call for a white peace quite explicitly stated that you were negotiating on behalf of the Byzantines as well. You have not met arms with the Athenians, and now that you have no chance of defeating them, all sensible men would conclude a status quo ante bellum agreement. Yet God has clearly blessed Athens in this war against invaders, and why should the Duke throw away the great victory Providence provided? Your stipulation that a white peace include Byzantium is not the demand of a reasonable man.

Let me make it clear that I do not seek any other wars. My entire reign has been spent ending wars that other aggressors have started. Yet I do not wish to see you throw away the lives of thousands of your men, when you cannot hope to win.

Your fate and that of the Roman Empire are uncoupled - seek you both your seperate paths.

Murad II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, etc., etc.

 

[unmerged(5941)]

A message arrives for the Duke.

"Your highness,

I would of course love to come to Savoie. I will need to make arrangements of course, as I shall be traveling to Saxony for the late Duke's funeral and the coronation of the young duke. After that time, I shall make my way to Savoie where we may discuss things of a most important matter. Till then, may God bless your lands.

Your friend,

King Charles I Valois,
King of France."

 

[BusterBunny]

A message arrives from Burgundy:

"Your Grace,

it is with surprise that I have heard that the French self-proclaimed king will be visiting your lands. I would have prefered being noticed of it, since Duke Charles of Orléans seems to nourrish a certain hatred toward Burgundy, and the fact that he is not actually King of France. I will request an explanation from you in the shortest of delays.

Marie de Berry, duchesse de Bourgogne."

 

[BusterBunny]

The letter brought by the now dead messenger is found and awaits to be delivered!


ooc: PM box cleaned

 

[unmerged(6324)]

Crowned Prince Affonso de Avis arrives in all his victorious glory from Ille de France. He looks at the duke suspiciously and bows, he then requests for permission to speak. As it is given he speaks:

As is my liege's request, I have come here to consult with you on what you wish to so urgently discuss. Please make it as brief as you can, as my leadership is still needed in Ille de France. Your grace.

He bows again and awaits a response.

 

[unmerged(5941)]

The heralds anounce the aproach of the King of France. Shortly after, King Charles I enters the court, bows before the duke and begins to speak.

"Your majesty,

I have come as promised. We may speak at your convenience."

Charles awaits the Duke's response.

 

[Fireblade]

The Duke's brother, Count Louis, rises to greet his two royal visitors.

"Welcome, Crown Prince Affonso of Portugal and King Charles I of France. Both of you probably know the reason why my brother called you here. Both he and the King of Castile shall be arriving shortly for the negotiations. In the meantime, shall we sit down to a feast, and discuss our countries?"

 

[unmerged(6324)]

A letter arrives at urgent for Crowned Prince Affonso in Savoie, and as he recieves it, Prince Affonso makes a dash to Lisboa to attend his father, leaving behind Sir Lorenzo de Avoria to heed the matters of Savoie in his unexpected and unfortunate absence...

 

[unmerged(6324)]

A letter from Prince Affonso of Portugal arrives to the Duke of Savoie.

Your grace,
It pains me that I cannot be there personally nor my father. As I am concerning with more important affairs at Calis now. Please, accept the good Knight I had left in my stead, he shall represent me well in your good presence. Perhaps, we can chat in person another time. May God be with you.
Sincerly,
Prince Affonso de Avis of Portugal

 

[unmerged(10239)]

"I. All hostilities between the Duchies of Savoy and Athens are to be immediately cease.

II. Savoy will not intervene any more on behalf of the Byzantine Empire, or any other

III. A trade treaty will be signed between Savoy and Athens, to increase the wealth of both our duchies. The particulars of this treaty would be worked out by Ambassadors or a Trade delegation.

IV. An exchange of Ambassadors between Savoy and Athens, to take place not later than 6 months from the signing of this treaty.

This treaty would be in effect the moment it is signed.

[X] Duke Amedee VIII of Savoy
[X] Duke Alexios Constantinidis of Athens
"