- ARCHIVE - Great Principal Court of Russia

[Stormbringer]

The Great Principal Court of Russia

Welcome to the Great Prinipal Court of Russia

Russia is a union of Novgorod led by Mikhail Olelkovitch Rurikovitch, and Moskva, led by Alexandra Donskaya Rurikovna. It is ruled now by Mikhail olel'kovitch from Moskva.

The Ruling Family

Mikhail Olel'kovitch Rurikovitch
Kniaz Novgorodsky. He came to power in Novgorod in the year 1423, and during his rule Novgorod allied itself with Moskva, and fought a hard war against Golden Horde, and other Russian states. He dismissed the Veche and ruled Novgorod as an absolute ruler for the rest of his reign. Mikhail married Alexandra of Moskva in 1424, and his son, Vasiliy was born in 1425. Most of the year 1426 he was inactive, as he was wounded at the battle of Moskva. Starting in 1426 he rules Russia as a regent, as his son is too young to rule the country.

Alexandra Donskaya Rurikovna
Kniaginia Moskovskaya. She came to power in Moskva in the year 1421, when he father, Dmitry Donskoy Rurikovitch died. During Novgorod's war with the Golden Horde in 1424-1426, she switched sides multiple times, but eventually ended up on Novgorod's side. She married Mikhail Olel'kovitch in 1424, and her son was born in 1425. She ruled Novgorod for her husband, as he was wounded in a battle against the Mongols. In 1426 she negotiated a peace treaty that ended the war between Novgorod and Moskva, and Golden Horde and it's allies. Later in 1426 plague hit the Russian lands, and very sadly she died from it.

Vasiliy Mikhailovitch Rurikovitch
Velikiy Kniaz Vseya Russy. He was born in 1425, and he is seen as the new hope for Russia, as he is a rightfull ruler of both Novgorod and Moskva. His mother died in 1426, and now he is in Moskva with his father, who acts as a regent, until Vasiliy is old enough to rule the country.

Important People in Russia
Vassily Rumianiy - Boyar from Karelia
Fedor Krassiviy - Boyar from Archangelsk
Sergey Obolensky - Boyar from Vologda
Daniil Holmskoy - Boyar from Nizny Novgorod
Oleg Balandov - Boyar from Kola
Nikita Fedorov - Boyar from Moskva
Oleg Krasnoy - Boyar from Moskva
Nikita Rumianiy - Boyar from Moskva
Issiydor - Motropolit Novgorotskiy
St. Sergius - Metropolit Moskovskiy, Patriarch of Russia

History

1421- Alexandra Donskaya comes to power in Moskva
1423- Mikhail Olel'kovitch comes to power in Nocgorod
1424- Novgorod and Moskva start a war against Golden Horde
Suzdal, Tver and Pskov join on the side of the Horde
Mikhail Olel'kovitch and Alexandra Donskaya get married
1425- Vasiliy is born
Battle of Moskva, Mikhail wounded
New Patriarch in Constantinopol
Church of St.Sergius formed
Moskva and Novgorod declared anathemas
1426- Alexandra negotiates peace
Plague hits Russia
Alexandra dies
Mikhail becomes regent of the united Russia

 

[Stormbringer]

Diplomacy

Enemies
Golden Horde
Tver
Ottoman Empire

Treaties
None as of now

Ambassadors from other Countries
Hienrich von Scholz - Holstein, Hansa Trade Union


Ambassadors from Russia

Nation: Russia
Head of State: Mikhail Olel'kovitch, Kniaz of Novgorod
Religion: Orthodox
Culture: Russian
Stats: 3/0/2(3)/3/2 --> [3/0/2/2/0(-1 Byz), (-1 Bank)]
Provinces: 6
Ports: 0
Owned: Moskva , Karelia, Kola, Kexholm, Nizhgorod, Vologda
Annexation of Muscovy/Novgorod +1 technology
Destabilization -1 technology (expires October-December 1428)
Loan from Byzantium +1 economy
Loan from Bank +1 economy
Anethema -1 morale

 

[unmerged(1878)]

A letter arrives from Pskov, sealed with the emblem of the Metropolitan of Kiev.

Apostate Prince of the Kola,

It pains me to have to write this communique to you. Few in the history of man have dared to defy the word of God as you have. As I have no wish to bandy words with a heretic who has no doubt heard them before, I will make this short. I, the Metropolitan of Kiev and all the Lands of Rus under our great Holy Father John XV, will not allow you to corrupt the teachings of Christ and lure the people of Rus into heresy. Should you wish to repent your sins, I will, in the name of our Father and the Virgin welcome you back into Christ's arms here in Pskov. Should you refuse and persist in your blasphemy, know that my words carry great weight with all the nations of our faith, even with those following the Patriarch of Rome. This is your final warning.

In nomine patris, et filii, et spiritus sancti.

Piotr Lodonov

Metropolitan of Kiev and All the Lands of Rus.

 

[driftwood]

My prodigal son,

No sooner had the spirit of the Lord descended upon the Enduring Synod, which selected me to bear the burdens of being Ecumenical Patriarch, then we were forced to consider your sad and perfidious behavior.

In the entire history the Church, no schism has ever proven to be more than a heresy. I can see no reason why this one is any different. Renounce your apostasy! Our Lord Christ died so that you might have the ability to repent in honest remorse - do not throw away such a priceless gift!

If not, I have no choice but to confirm the anathema against you and the entire people you hold in your thrall; furthermore, I will call a crusade that your pestilent scourge be scoured from the earth.

Think long and hard on your decision, for more than your earthly fortunes hang in the balance - the eternal fate of your very soul is at risk!

John XV, Ecumenical Patriarch of the Catholic Orthodox Church, Bishop of Constantinople

 

[driftwood]

"Oh mighty Grand Vizier," the courtier snivelled.

"What is it," Yunus Emre snapped. His mood was considerably worse the next day, having fended off a variety of women and men, ranging from age 12 to 52, that the Sultan had plagued him with.

"O great Grand Vizier," the undaunted courtier continued, "the worm of the earth, the prince of the Russo-Musc--, ah, the Novgorodiano-Musco--- er, this august dispatch arrived!"

Yunus Emre grabbed the paper and skimmed its contents. At last, he uttered a grunt of amusement.

"Apparently the self-proclaimed prince thinks the Sultan is holy."

"O ye whose wisdom is stout like an oak tree, shall I send the note to the Patriarch of the Orthodox?"

Yunus sighed. "Is the Patriarch in the Ottoman Empire?"

The courtier pondered for a moment. "No..."

"Then is it any of our concern?"

The look of concentration grew even greater. "No..."

"You may send this back to Moscow, or wherever it came from."

"Great Grand Vizier, your decision is awesome! Evermore will it be told in the annals, for..."

 

[driftwood]

Prince Mikhail,

It is impossible to negotiate with apostates like Sergius and Issiydor. Especially Serigus, who besmirches the beatified memory of his name sake, who brought the Russians into the Church, by leading them out of it.

I also cannot imagine what conditions they could have; the matter is one of simply choosing whether or not to recognize the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch, as duly conferred by a millenium of church councils, or not. Still, if you wish to convey their statements to me, I will not brush aside this chance at reconciliation.

Patriarch John XV

 

[Herr Doctor]

The arrival of Holsteinian ambassador to Moscow

The man of late 30th arrived to Moscow and came to the audience with the Duke:

"Your Magesty, Duke of Novgorod,

I`m Hienrich von Scholz, ambassador of the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. I wish you many years of reign and I want to say that I came to Moscow to start negotiations with you from the name of my lord, Duke of Holstein, and from the name of the Hansa Trade Union. From this time I will represent interests of Holstein and Hansa Trade Union in your state.

From the very start of my mission I want to offer you to become cooperation with our great trade union. There are many ways how we can become a close friends and how we can make our countries richer. So, my duke, Hienrich IV von Holstein-Gottorf, offer you to join Hansa (as you have a sea ports in the North).

You may understand that this treaty will give you many good. At first it gives you very good position in trade in the Baltic region and it will help you to make your trade through the Sund more easy and without trade taxes (as we have a very good economic treaty with Kalmar Union). It will increase your profit from the trade of honey, furs and grain with West Europe through the Baltic sea.

If your country don`t want to join Hansa we can create another trade treaty. But you must remember that Hansa is a very friendly union and it will help you in future if you have problems with your economy… and not only with economy…"

 

[Stormbringer]

Mikhail stands up to greet the ambassador from Holstein

"I am most pleased that you have come here. You have traveled a great distance from Holtein to here and I apritiate it. Of course Russia will join the Hansa Trade Union, but I am afraid you are mistaken, and we do not have any ports in the Baltic sea. I will write to your Duke immediatley. Now go and have some rest, you must be very tired after a long journey."

 

[unmerged(1878)]

A man dressed in rich clothes bearing the crests of Pskov and Novgorod enters the court and bows.

My Prince, my name is Vladimir Aleksandrov, boyar in the service of the great Aleksandr IV, Grand Prince of Pskov, Prince of Novgorod and Olonets. He bids me send you here to discuss matters of great import. I beg a private audience, as we have much to discuss....

 

[Longinus]

Now when war in Russia ended and Black Death vanishqued, party of Pommern merchants arrived in Moscow.

Wolfgang Albreht of Danzig, chief of the expedition, was granted an audience with the prince and his advisors. After introducing himself he started to talk about his mission.

"Your Grace,

I have been sent here by my overlord Joachim Zbigniew Friedrich von Klenau-Kaminski of the Greif, Regent and Protector of Pommern. My mission here is simple, Pommerania wish to establish CLOSE trade relations between our two states. I have a power to sign some trade agreements which will lead to trade incerase and prosperity between our lands. I am also a representative of Wendishe Handels Union and therefore I propose you sign another agreemnt with us.

As you probably know, Wendishe Handels Union dominated trade in the Baltic area and Eastern states. Pommern and Livonia are founders of this union. Now when Pskov became country assosiated with us perhaps the time for new age of cooperation between both of your realms finally came? Your goods could be freerly shipped through provinces of Novograd and Pskov on much bigger scale than it happens now. Therefore your merchants and goods could enter on markets of the West. Also goods from the west will be able to appear in Moscow's markets.

I noticed that Holstenian merchant is somewhere in your court, please reject his prepestrous propositions. His enterprise has no chances of success and what is more troubeling his deeds aim on breaking the alliance between Hansa and WHU. I really don't know what this outcast do in Moscow."

He bows once again.

"My master would like to assure you of Pommeranian good friendship, thus he sends you gift of fine Pommern salt."

Two small barrels of premium Pommern salt are presented to the prince.

"May your meals be even tastier becouse of it."

 

[Herr Doctor]

Hienrich von Scholz was walking throgh the Ducal Palace and noticed Pommeranian ambassador in the one of halls. He adressed to him:

"Dear herr Wolfgang Albreht, I heard about your mission in Pskov and we great your treaty with them. I understand that may be you don`t know about position of my duke, but he found many legal discrepancies in our Act of cooperation which make your claims unreasonable. At first, what is it means "Eastern realms"? I agree thet Pskov can be named by such name, but todays Russia it is more Northen then Eastern country. And then, we agree with your supremacy in the Baltic sea but Russia isn`t Baltic state (it hasn`t ports in the Baltic sea). Russia has only ports in the White sea that connected with the Norwegian Sea (not with the Baltic), that is our supremacy. What can you say on his?.. My duke want Pommerania and WHU to be our friend too (like Bremen). And I think we can find compromise here tet-a-tet."

 

[Longinus]

"Herr Hienrich, you know better then me that your arguments are... errr a bit ridiculous. You should know that Appendix IX is verydetailed and ALL lad of Rus is in WHU's zone. I can show you it right now. And ports in White sea? With all respect, herr Hienrich, are you sane? There are no ports there and all lands of northern Russia are rarely populated. And there is NO trade routes there. There is no roads, no ports and almost no towns. If you want to fight for ice desert feel free to die for it."

He smiles.

*"Hehe they should have sent better informed merchants."*

 

[Stormbringer]

Mikhail stands up and speaks

"I understand both sides, and it is indeed a hard desision to make.......I am still unsure about Pskov's possition towards Russia, so I will not enter in the WHU for now.....as to Holstein....well as you know Russia is in debt right now, and there is no way for us to establish a good trade rout through the White sea.....I do not like the way you refered to us that all of the lands of Rus are in the WHU zone...I believe it is up to me to deside what trade union I want to enter. For now my desision is this, if Holstein can provide money and supplyes to build a permanent trade route from Moskva to Kola, and from there to the North Sea by ships, I will enter the Hansa Trade Union, but I need to remind you that the port in Kola will need to be build from scratch, as there is nothing more than few occasional harbors there. If this goes against some Articles or something that you signed, then you will have to figure it out on your own, I will not be a part of that debate. "

*he turns to the man from Pskov*

"Let's discuss whatever you have to tell me over dinner, I am tired of these murchants always quareling about who can trade where."

 

[Herr Doctor]

Hienrich von Scholz answered to Duke of Novgorod:

"Your Magesty, Holstein agree to help you with building 3 small trade ports: 2 in Kola and one in Karelia. My duke will send you our architects and builders. I think it will be built from wood and your peasants will do it. All trade will be doing on Holstianian ships from march/april till september/october and little trade you can make through Finmark in winter by dogs sledge... And about trade route... It will go through the territory of Horde... Can you make treaty with them?.."

And then he adressed to Pommeranian ambassador:

"Hansa can stop negotiations with Russia if you really don`t want us to have trade positions here... But you must remember that you haven`t still signed a treaty with Denmark..."

 

[Bagricula]

As the Franciscan enters the Russian court, it is immediately obvious that the length of the journey has worn hard on him. His robe is frayed near the edges, and though he stands tall and dignified, his eyes seem weary. His acolytes are all the worse, in their youth not mentally prepared for the long trip to the north. Bowing politely, he begins to speak,

"Grand Prince of the Rus, my lord the Count Palatine of the Rhine moved by the words of your late and most judicious wife lent your nation a thousand ducats to be used in their holy battle against the infidels on the condition that the one true faith of the Roman Catholic Church be permitted to be preached to the Rus. Most honorably did the good Princess of Muscovy suffer our missionaries, and with out complaint the word-spears of Constantinople. As you have remained a trustworthy and honorable people, maintaining the wise policies of your late wife, I bear here the contract loaning the aforementioned funds to your government."

Father Benedict Magini removes a document bearing the seals of Muscovy and the Palatinate on it, and presents it to the Grand Prince,

"Just as our Lord spoke of forgiveness, and taught that we ought give what we hope to receive, so my lord Erich von Wittelsbach forgives your debt to the Rhineland Palatinate, and gives you this contract, to do with as you please. He claims nothing from it, only letting trust guarantee the safety of holy Catholic missionaries in the Rus. I hope that his faith is well-founded."

Father Magini bows, and departs from the Russian court, much to the annoyance of his acolytes, who seem to be growing weary of the Emissary Extraordinary's rapid travels.

 

[Stormbringer]

Mikhail Olel'kovitch stands and speaks

"Finally! A person who recognises that both Catholics and Orthodox are Christians and need to hlp each other! I am most glad that there is a ruler in Europe who thinks that, even if he is in the far away Palatinat. We gladly accept this kind act of yours, as it comes in a very good time. We are in debt, and desperatly need money. May he lieve a long live, as he is one of the wisest rulers in Europe.

Mikhail turns to Hienrich von Scholz

"As you know, Russia is in debt right now, and the thing that most conserns me is not architects and builders, but money. We do not have the money to take on such a project, but if the Holstein will be willing to help us in this problem we will start immediatley, otherwise we will need to wait until we have the money for this project."

 

[unmerged(1878)]

A letter arrives from Pskov.

Mikhail,

One of your foolish scribes sent me a letter calling you the Prince of Novgorod. It is a well-known fact that my father was elected into that title by the Vyeche of the grateful city of Novgorod following it's liberation of the Mongols. I expect you should reprimand your careless and lazy writers. The next messenger who dares to usurp my title verbally will be returned to you wanting a tongue.

As to the text therein, know that the Wendische Handels Union, by a treaty with the Hanseatic League, has trade dominion over all the lands of Rus. The Duchy of Holstein is violating a treaty that it itself has signed in offering you such an agreement. Indeed, the Duke of Holstein's impertinence astounds me. I expect that you shall be receiving messengers from the Duke of Pommerania regarding the expansion of trade relations between your holdings and the WHU.

Thirdly, know that cordial relations may not exist between us until you and all your descendants abandon any false claim your line may pretend to hold over "all the lands of Rus", and Novgorod. Your son is simply Prince of Karelia and Muscowy in the eyes of Rus. I would not object to friendly relations, but not until these preposterous and outrageous claims are dropped.

By his own hand at Pskov,

Aleksandr IV

Grand Prince of Pskov, Prince of Novgorod and of Olonets

 

[Herr Doctor]

Hienrich von Scholz speaks to His Magesty:

"And... How much money do Your Magesty need to build this ports? Our Duchy can give you a loan for the year. I think, 10,000 Talers (1 econ) will be enough, isn`t it?"

 

[unmerged(1878)]

Another letter arrives from Pskov.

Mikhail,

I will ignore this nonsense about the "realm of Novgorod" for now. I am now Kniaz Novgorodsky and I will brook no more madness from you on this subject, Mikhail.

This trade union is madness, Mikhail, and it does not reflect well upon you that you have chosen to ignore outstanding agreements signed and ratified not only by Holstein but by myself. You have given me no good reason to allow you passage through Olonets, and have shown me that this attempt will only serve to weaken my trade union and flaunt it's laws. Reconsider this madness now.

By his own hand at Pskov,

Aleksandr IV

Grand Prince of Pskov, Prince of Novgorod and Olonets.

 

[Stormbringer]

Mikhail speaks to the Holstein ambassador

"I am afraid you misunderstand the situation. We are in debt, and we have no intetions of taking anymore loans, as they might cause inflation. If Holstein will pay for this project, then we will go ahead and proseed, if not we will wait until Russia's economy recoveres."