- ARCHIVE - Ducal Court of Venice

[driftwood]

Majid Bey sought an audience with the Doge.

"Noble Doge, I could not help but notice the emissary from Georgia departing your court. As you are no doubt aware, this war began without provocation and under cover of lies. It was then elevated to a new echelon of barbarity by state crimes against innocent women and children.

"Yet the Sultan made one more effort to avert war, and it seemed that a peace had been reached. The Mepe agreed to provide compensation to the aggrieved families and refrain from further warmaking. When the Devout Alliance, in voting for this peace, stipulated that the compensation should be distributed through the affected monarchs, the Mepe decided he preferred to negotiate with his sword instead of his pen.

"So the Twin Kings of Cyprus, practically Georgia's only ally, negotiated another peace, this one without any payments to foreign monarchs, merely those families wrongly injured. Again the Devout Alliance voted in favor of peace. And yet now I see Georgians coming to this august hall, bewailing the fact that the entire world seeks their destruction."

Majid clears his throat. He is obviously quite animated.

"Most honorable and peaceloving Doge, we too ask that you take action: speak to the Mepe and explain to him that we no more wish to continue this war than we sought to start it in the first place. All of us have been fighting without repose for many years now and would prefer to succor our kingdoms back to health."

 

[Estonianzulu]

Now that we are at peace, Modena wonders when the money loaned to Venice will be returned, we are in great need of the resources to rebuild or slightly damaged economy.

 

[Guest]

Envoy of Cyprus

Four Cypriot Knights enter into the Dodge's Palace. They are dressed in long red cloaks, hold their Grecian helumts with the red crest in their hand and slung across their backs of the foremost is a circular shield with the Lambda of the Order of Laconia. The others hold their shields on their arms and a long pike is held in their other arm.

Dionysius Limani Foreign Minister of Cyprus is quite visible stepping forward. He is missing his left eye, and has a half mask across his face to cover the scare. He clicks his heels together and makes the Spartarti salute.

All hail the noble Dodge of Venice!"

Your lordship I have been dispatched to bring you this message by the most high organs of my Kingdom. We would like to inform you that we were invited to intervine on the behalf of the Mepe of Georgia in his struggle. The Twin Kings informed him that we would only intervine if it appeared that we could first negotiate a white peace, if this was not possible and the soldiers of the Kingdom of Cyprus were to die for the incompetence and mismanagment of Georgia then we would be forced to demand vassalage.

Our envoy the Cypriot Knigh Dorien, who has been constantly involved in the Georgian politic has indicated that the government of Georgia was corrupt and treacherous and that a long term peace could be established...for the benefit f the Georgian people. Cyprus and its Great Rheta whould need to become the code of laws for Georgia as well. We hope in the next 5 years Gerogia shall become a productive memeber of the international community and not a rouge.

Dionysius Limani Foreign Minister of Cyprus withdraws with his guard.

 

[Estonianzulu]

Francesco Cossiga stands to speek to the Doge once again.

"My Lord, we seem to have defeated our enemy in Constantinople. We hope that we can continue our friendship and alliances. But our economy is currently suffering, and we will need to continue our growth. As we are at peace and no longer in conflict, we need our money. Modena again asks for Venice to make some move towards returning the money loaned for the war against Byzantium.

Thank You."

 

[Warspite]

Bump

 

[unmerged(9457)]

All of your venetian merchants in Hungary have been killed as a result of your actions with trade. Pray that my armies do not march on Venice and destroy the rest of your petty traitors(traders)

 

[unmerged(5941)]

A message is given to the Doge.

"Noble Doge of Venice,

I have heard of the treatment of the Venetian merchants and I can offer you some consolation. The majority of your merchants were in Pest when my troops took the city, and are safe. My condolences for the ones who were executed. The Hungarian king shall pay for his crimes, and he shall pay dearly. May his soul forever burn in hell.

I shall speak with you again, after this dreadful war is over.

Your friend,

 

[unmerged(5587)]

Diplomat from Erdély (Siebenbürgen)

The young Báró Laszlo Almasy enters....

"Honorable Doge of Venice, the rule of the scoundral Lepes is at an end. I have been sent by Janos Hunyadi, Erdelyi Vajda to renew relations between our nations. It is the hope of that peace will continue to reign between our two nations."

 

[unmerged(5587)]

With Regards to Lepes

Báró Laszlo Almasy clears his throat and stares down the doge, who surprisingly averts his eyes from the young Baon's glare. Clearly displeased with the choice of calling Lepes a friend.

"Lepes was a friend to no one, wise Doge. He sought to destoy the traditions of the Szekelys, settlers in the land of Erdely from the time of Attila" Almasy states with a firm voice "he removed our regal seat from VajdaHunyad to Wallachia, he refused the title of Vajda, instead crowning himself Prince and banned our language and culture, as a final affront he sought to imprison the friend of King Zsigsimund and greatest landowner in all of Siebenburgen Count Szilaghyi after the Count refused to allow his daughter to wed the pretender.

Almasy bowing his head slightly, keenly aware of court decorum, he continues "Most gracious doge the traitor Lepes was not even a true noble, landed not in Transilvania but in Moldovia, he was both a usurper and a scoundral. As you well know the Erdelyi Vajda is seated at the bequest and approval of the Crown of St. Istvan, Hungary's current turmoil and Lepes's own inactivity forced the hand of Szekely Barons. Without answer nor agent nor word from Buda in nearly 9 months action was needed.

An agreement was reached, Lepes was to leave Erdely, in peace. But he refused and attempted to raise an army. Unfortunately a group of Barons took matters into their own hands and he was killed. This was unintended, but nevertheless in these trying times with war in Siebenburgen's traditional ally and sister Hungaria, such things occur. As the wise doge must know with his years of experience and knowledge; a vaccum of power can cause, at certain times, even simple situations to erupt with dire consequences."

Almasy clearly unintimated by the Doge, despite the later's obvious power, adds "You should also not be concerned of his sister, Erdely is a land of educated and knowledgable people, we are not barbarians. She has been taken to a monestary, and the great Lord Hunyadi himself has pledged to all others that no harm shall come to her. She has chosen to stay there and devote the remainder of her life to God."

Almasy remains standing, crosses his arms, looks directly at the doge. Clearly this man was a not a Balkan simpleton, perhaps the changes in Siebenburgen were greater than what the doge had oringally thought. Lepes was no fool, but was a plyable ruler. This new leader though, Janos Hunyadi, had the doge even heard of such a man? And this Baron here, perhaps a little short, but from how he stood it was clear he could handle himself in any situation. No this man had the clear mark of experience he was no fool and clearly not one to be easily intimidated.

After a period of silence, Almasy adds "Most gracious Doge I have travelled far, and your hosptitality is renowned throughout Europa. I should truelly be disappointed to learn that reputation is untrue."

Báró Laszlo Almasy
Brassó vármegye

 

[unmerged(5587)]

Báró Laszlo Almasy surprised at the Doge's clear lack of even rudimentary etique speaks finally, softly, "Doge, your rule has been long surely you understand that what is done by an ill and foolish monarch cannot be equal to the actions of the entire people of Hungaria. More importantly the actions of the rogue King are carried out by mercenries, nearly all the Barons of Hungary have abandoned him. You would wise not to let the actions of one evil man spoil the fine people of an entire nation."

After explaining this, Almasy bows at his hips before the doge, for the second time. He had heard this Italians had short tempers of course it was the doge's own fault for ignoring his entrance completly the first time, but some sacrifice for diplomacy must be made.

The Baron sighs, "Doge you may well have treated others as fools and your lackeys we are not. Your saddness is noted however perhaps it would have been better to raise the flag of mourning, or announce a memorium mass to let others know of these events. Just outside no word was given nor sign of any mourning. Further, as the Doge surely remembers, I had just finished explaining that Erdely has had no news from Buda in 9 months."

Almasy continues to look straight at the Doge, who remains incensed, the decorum of the court was clearly lacking. He had been traveling far, was clearly tired, and yet not even his horse had been offered a stable and drink. So be it, let the Italian stand there, Count Hunyadi had told him it was likely the Doge would try to intimidate him, Almasy knew he had done nothing wrong, and so waited for the Doge to calm himself.

 

[unmerged(2826)]

Hereby I send you the word from the Chairman of the Florentine Republic, Cosimo de Medici: "My dear Fransesco, how long has it been? I was delighted by your proposal! But the Senate would like some more specific information about the League of St. Mark before it decides to join,
Sincerely yours,
Cosimo de Medici, Chairman of the Florentine Republic"

 

[unmerged(5587)]

Almasy enters the court and bows deeply, he can see the Doge roll his eyes.

"Great Doge, a letter has arrived, sealed, from Mariana Lepes. As well, all those Venetians that wished to leave and go from Siebenburgen have already done so, their travel and their freedoms have never been restricted."

The Baron hands the Doge's guards a letter, and speaks loudly, as it appears the Doge is either hard of hearing or forgetful "I remind the Doge that Mariana is in a cloistered nunnery. If the Doge is uncertain of her status he may inquire with Pope or the representative of his Emminence, the Archbishop of Esztergom. None of the secular rulers of Erdely have access to those who have chosen to freely dedicate their lives to service of God, if however, you wish perhaps God will make an exception for the Doge." there is slight laughter in the court. "Now I must beg leave, my assisant will take any communication you wish back to Vajd Hunyadi." With this Almassy bows, turns, and leaves. He is gone before the doge even looks at the letter.

The Doge looks at the letter, it is sealed with the seal of the cloisterd abbey of St. Edith. He opens the letter.

Dearest Francesco,

I am writing you this so you may know and rest assured that no harm has come to me. I only recently learned of the horrors my borther Lepes perpetrated here in Transylvania. I am still too frightened to think of these things and cry nightly over my borther's lost soul.

It is for this reason, for dear Lepes's soul, that I now must dedicate my life to God. I must pray and do penance for his sins, the burden is upon my breast to protect him from certain damnation and the suffering he must endure for all of eternity. Perhaps God's mercy will find Lepes if my supplications should please Him. I am certain that you too were unaware of his actions and his cruelty, I cannot imagine your good soul being in league with his most horrible plans.

Please know I am safe and have been well treated and that I have chosen, no must, do this. I was unable to save my borther's life, I must therefor seek every effort to save his soul. Know that I pray for you too each day and wish nothing but God's blessing upon you.

Lord's Bless'g,
Mariana Lepes

 

[unmerged(7849)]

A man walks in and pronounces himself as ambassador to Venice of Constantinople, Tassos Katsiambis;

"My Emperor is pleased to hear that Venice views my kingdom as a friend.

And it is with great pleasure that the Emperor wants to continue to work, and carve a greater friendship and cooperation together."

The man then hands the Doge a letter.

 

[unmerged(5587)]

Archbishop of Esztergom

A courier enters bringing a letter addressed to Cardinal Francara Medici. Handing the letter to an aid the courier departs without saying a word. On the letter is the seal of an Archbishop, the servent is unfamiliar with its origin.

May God's Grace Be Upon You Cardinal Medici,

The war in the Kingdom has caused great disruptions and only recently did I receive word from my responsibles in Kolosvar regarding this matter. Cardinal Medici I am sure you are familiar with the rules regarding service to our God I find though the need to at least make some explainations.

The role of cloistering has been upheld by His Emmince the Pope on numerous occasions. As you know unauthorized entrance into a cloistered abbey of women are grounds for immediate excommunication, the decision being left to the Holy See. Entrence to an abbey of this nature is reserved to the Archbishop and Bishop of appropriate authority. Egress from a cloistered nunnery is also possible with the direct consent of Arhcbishop or the Bishop under whose direction the cloistered abbey is organized. However the request for egress must and can only be made by the cloistered nun herself and both the Bishop and Archbishop are free to deny any request of egress. Bearing tradition and Divine Law in mind egress, even that requested, has only been granted in cases of dire need, generally when the nun herself is in imminent danger of passing to everlasting life with our Father.

Thus your request falls short on two principle matters of Divine Law, one the request has not come from Mariana Lepes, no official of the Church has the power to force egress from the abbey. Second the situation you describe is neither dire nor threatening to the health of Mirianna Lepes. Third I have in the past few days received a letter from Sister Lepes quite strenuously insisting that she does not wish to interrupt her dedication to God.

For the Archbishopric of Esztergom the issue is therefor closed. I point the Cardinal in the direction of the Concordia Regularum of St. Benedict or the Praelectiones juris Regularis and finally to De. Regularum et Monasticus should the Cardinal wish to provide examples of His Law to any associate that still has any doubt.

Peace and Blessing of His Lord & Saviour,
Johann von Kanizsai
Archbishop of Esztergom, Primate of Hungary, Legatus Natus of the Holy Roman Church

 

[Stormbringer]

A messenger arrives from Novgorod

He steps forward and hands a letter to the Doge
"Grate Doge,
I wish to contact you about the Situation in Russia now. There is a strong possibility of a war with Golden Horde, and Lithuania is ready to suport us. I would like to know if You would be willing to aid us militarry, or by loans, to help fight a war against the hated muslims.
Mikhail Olel'kovitch, Grand Prince of Novgorod"

 

[unmerged(7849)]

The ambassador from Constantinople, Tassos Katsiambis, stands up with a smile on his face and sais to the Doge;

"It is with great pleassure that the Emperor of the Romans and Constantinople would like me to communicate to you that he has thought about your offer, and will act on it.

Byzantium is pleased to join their Italian brothers Venice and Modena in the League of St. Mark.

We hope our induction into this alliance will put aside any past differences and allow for a stable and powerful alliance to look over the Balkans.

The Emperor would also like me to communicate that if you would ever like to travel to Constantinople, a grand reception would be planned for you, and the Emperor himself would take you on a personal tour of the lands of Byzantium."

The man then bows respectfully.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

EVENT

Venices' continued possetion of Romagna is causing disquiet in Venices lands. Perhaps the Pope should have the province back.


1. Romagna believe they should be under the popes guidance and not Venices. A lot of the Catholics of Venice agree. (-2 Morale for 3 turns in Venice)

2. Romagna believe they should be under the popes guidance and not Venices. Only the church of Venice agree. (-1 Morale for 3 turns in Venice)

3. Romagna believe they should be under the popes guidance and not Venices. Venice like having the province, it makes them feel important but guilty. (-1 Morale for 2 turns in Venice)

4. Romagna believe they are benefiting from Venitian rule. But their church tells them otherwise. What do they know? (+1 Morale for 2 turns in Venice)

5. Romagna believe they are benefiting from Venitian rule. The Nobles agree ,but their church tells them otherwise. What do they know? (+1 Morale for 3 turns in Venice)

6. Romagna believe they are benefiting from Venitian rule. The Nobles agree and their church tells them that the pope hasn't complained so it must be Gods word. (+2 Morale for 3 turns in Venice)

A 1 was rolled

Romagna believe they should be under the popes guidance and not Venices. A lot of the Catholics of Venice agree. Catholic demonstations of faith and love of the pope abound in the streets. "Release Romangna" is thier cry.
(-2 Morale for 3 turns in Venice)

 

[unmerged(5941)]

Duchy of Genoa

________________________________

A messanger enters the court, hands a message to the Doge, and exits.

"Your majesty, my friend,

Things have gone from bad to worse in my realm. First, my cousin has brought a rebellion to my realm, and now, the Horde has made it clear that they desire to side with him. My cousin has no care for the lands of Kaffa and Kerch which he now resides in. He desires the Mediterranean, and if he succeeds in ousting me, he will be a threat to you and your commerce, which he shall prey on. Also, with the muslims backing him up, he may be able to overun Jerusalem as well as much of Christendom. Although I doubt the Turks will join, as they have been friendly to me, Trebizond, the Horde and probably Algiers will all help these rebels. I won't be able to stand against them all.

I now come to you, to ask a favor of you. I propose that we make a temporary trade agreement, so that if anyone helps my cousin, we will impose a trade embargo upon them. Then, with the help of the Romans, we shall blockade the Bosphorus from those same countries. Please, this is a dire time for both you and me, as it will affect us both. Let us stand together now, and prove that our friendship is not just skin-deep.

Your friend,

Doge John II Grimaldi,
Doge of Genoa."

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Noble Doge of the Serenissima,

It is nice to know I have friends in the most Serene republic.
Now that it looks like we have to defend ourselves against brutal aggressors I feel confident of victory with you on my side.

We must teach these evil dogs who they have tried to bite, best way is to crush them as military threat..once and for all.

Please contact me as soon as possible for the planning of counteractions.

Your friend and ally, Kristiern Wasa

 

[unmerged(1057)]

...and in comes Jan van Wassenaer, the flying dutch-Livonian foreign emisar

Most Noble Doge,

I am here on a very special mission..As you already we are currently deeply involved in the liberation and resurrection of the Empire..

We seek not to enlarge our domain, and we do not want to crush the empire, on the contrary, we wish to reform it´s institutions..and make sure that the elected emperor isn´t going to lead his forces to conquer lands outside the lands given to the Empire by our lord Jesus Christ..

I don´t have to remind you, that we are fighting for our own lives, as well as the lives of the innocent peasants in Bohemia, Brandenburg...or elsewhere..

This struggle requires all good forces in Europe to join, because this is a just and righteous war..

We were right when we expected the evil Habsburgers and Wittelsbachers should try to annex Bohemia...but no one, except our faithful alliance brothers listened..Now, we can only hope that God, the almighty, will punish those who without right...and honour, did these crimes against humanity..and the people of Bohemia..

My Head of State, the honorable Kristiern Wasa, has promised to not lay down his sword before the day the criminals of Bavaria and the rest of the so called Liga is brought to justice..and it would of course help this righteous cause if you joined as soon as possible.

We understand that your realm is recovering from wars in the past but we offer you a chance to protect your northern borders..who knows what these..thugs are up to next..
Please, contact my Grand Duke if you can reach him...last I heard, our army was moving towards Vienna..not far from here..nothing would please him more than a word from your Grace..