- ARCHIVE - Principal Court of the Palatinate

[BusterBunny]

The Duke of Holland speaks up:

"The Title of Duchesse de Hollande has been taken by Marie de Berry, and the familly of Berry-Burgundy-Valois, accepted by the Holy Roman Emperor by the establishment of the Constitution of Lotharingia and by His Holiness himself.

And thus, her Majesty Marie de Berry has had the kindness to give this title back to me, Sébastien d'Estout, 3rd Cousin of her majesty.

You may have a claim on this title, but neither the Roman Empire nor the Holy Church recognises it."

 

[HJ Tulp]

a small young man looks up and says.
"Uh.. Yes well, I'm Pieter Nieuwlandt the new ambassedor in the Palatinate and eh. Well you're right that my Duke was wrong. It's the rightful COUNTESS, not rightful DUCHESS. The Duke of Gelre has no claim on the title of DUKE of Holland. The rightful COUNTESS is, uh, I had written it here somewhere, eh, yes here I got it, the rightful COUNTESS is Jacoba von Beieren, she's a Wittelsbach by the way."

 

[BusterBunny]

The Duke looks to the young man:

"Well, I hope this County of Holland still exists, it's always sad to bear a title deprived of land attached to it.

Oh well, best of luck to whoever count has this title! "

He turns to the Count Palatinate.

"My lord, if my presence within the walls of your court disturbs your relation with your friendly neighbour, I will not insist on staying here."

 

[unmerged(8022)]

Jakob I of Baden are sitting in his guest room in Heidelber signing the Union of Konstantag:

Ahh Erich now atleast its sign, and I'm a member of the Union of Konstanztag. Its great Erich! I will write home to my council and my brother and tell them. Erich are there some conflicts UK now are involved in that I need to know about?

 

[Bagricula]

Carefully folding his copy of the document, Erich smiles easily. In fact, he'd been smiling an inordinate amount over the past few weeks, overseeing his estate with a light easy hand. The servants noticed it particularly and seemed to be enjoying the unusual freedom he seemed to be giving them. Laughing, Erich responds,

"Conflicts? Now that the Crusade's over and the Infidel has been pushed back, the Union's completely at peace. Not a minute too soon, eh? Terrible beast, war."

Erich seemed to lose himself in his own reveries as he sat their talking with Jakob.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that day, Erich sat sipping from a silver stein, running his fingers along the engraving fondly. Before him stood the Burgundian and Gelren ambassadors. Looking up, his brow furrowed and he said consciously using neither Dutch nor French but German,

"Herr d'Estout, your absense is not required. I have complete confidence in Herr Nieuwlandt to maintain the decorum and honor befitting a Christian and a representative of the judicious Duke William. Though your nations may bicker over the lives of the Dutch people, I will not have the serenity of Heidelburg disturbed."

As he breathes in, his face takes on a serious tone, much more so than he has worn all this week.

"My family is that which I hold most dear, gentlemen. If ever mistfortune strikes the Rhineland, and I am without home or people, I shall always know that my family will be there to grant me sanctuary. It is the ties of blood that sound truest and endure the longest. Herr Nieuwlandt, your information is most appreciated. While I cannot and will not contest the legality of the Queen of Lotharingia's rule over the Hollanders, I must request, Herr, d'Estout, that my cher cousine Jacoba von Beieren is brought to Heidelburg, where she may live out the rest of her life with her family."

He looks from one to the other,

"Surely, gentleman, we need not exhume the stained daggers of the past anylonger. I am asking both of you on your honor as good Christians to no longer let these disgraceful hatreds be sounded in my halls."

 

[Auspend]

A message for Albert Artz arrives from Stuttgart.

 

[SiDeath]

Arrival of a new Legate!

Andrea Doria, the first son of Alessandro Doria, strode through the open doors and into the main chamber. He halted crisply, his outfit belying his stature, and came to a formal bow.

"Signore, my name is Andrea Doria, son to the Doge Alessandro of Genoa, who bids you his fondest greetings. It is his hope that our two states might maintain the heartiest of relations, and that brotherhood will be the order to which we aspire."

With a grand sweep of his cape, he bowed again, and stepped away from the "hotseat". He waited for any potential reply.

 

[Longinus]

A letter arrives from Stettin.

"My Friend and Brother,

I write you in grave times. Situation in the Baltic region is becoming more and more tense. Although I waited with Christian patience almost for years for peaceful resolution of my claim on Danzig, Prussian Duke did nothing more then defying my words and plotting with mad and heretic Saxon duke behind my back.

It seems I was too generous for him as he now bought the support of pagan faction in Lithuania and they both threaten with escalating the conflict in Baltic area. Prussians wish to help Sweedish rebels against their rightfull King, my navy just stopped a vessel full of arms and supplies for them. Times are dangerous for our family. Perhaps I will be forced to ask you for some mercenaries or monies in order to strenghten my defences against Lithuanian pagans.

On the lighter note, know that Lioness of Palatine is feeling very well and skilled midwife said that there are high hopes for a child. Too bad it can be born in times of struggle with barbaric east.

I wish you good health and fortune.

by his own hand in Stettin

Joachim of the Greif."

 

[Auspend]

A group of Wuerttemberger merchants step off of their boat on the Rhine and set up shop in market in Heidelburg. One continues on to the palace to give a letter to the Count Palatine. Similar letters were also delivered to Lothar von Wittelsbach and others in the family.

 

[Bagricula]

His eyebrows raised with the dramatic entrance of the Genoan, the Pfalzgraf's expression of polite interest cover up the amusement that registered briefly in his lucid brown eyes. Even this passes as the Genoan legate finishes speaking. Erich stands from his sitting at a table with Cornelius von Adler, and greets Andrea Doria warmly,

"Wilkommen! It is good to hear that the Genoan people have finally chosen a new Doge, especially one as competent as your father is rumored to be. You are of course welcome in Heidelburg. My seneschal will be happy to look after your immediate needs."

He pauses looking through the tall windows which show the bustling town of Heidelburg, nestled under the spires of St. Katherine's and the University. Looking once more on the young Genoan, Erich smiles,

"Perhaps you will be rested enough to join me and my family for supper tonight?"

 

[SiDeath]

Andrea's face brightens, and he smiles.

"Your wish is my command," he says, mocking the drones of the world.

 

[unmerged(6719)]

A letter bearing the seal of the Queen Regent arrives in the court of the Count of Palatinate. Written in fluent French so the Count is able to understand the letter.



Dearest Count Wittelsbach,

I thank you very much for the kind letter and words for not only the Kingdom of England, but myself. Truly for a great Count in the Holy Roman Empire to think to take the time out of his day to send such a treasure as you have sent me it is truly a compliment. I hope that I am able to return the compliment for I have sent you an first version of the great Canterbury Tales by the greatest English writer to date. I am sure as I will enjoy the trials and tribulations from Troy to Rome, I hope you find the same entertainment all the way to Canterbury. I must say my personal favorite of the tales has to be the tale of the Knight. Perhaps if you enjoy this story of Chaucer I can send you more works from English authors.

I am a lady who loves to travel. Being born in Iberia I have travelled to Roma, France, and here in the British Islands, but I can say that I have never ventured into the lands of Germania. If you decide to write me back I would love to hear the tales of the Wittelsbach clan, and that of the County of Palatinate. Does the good count happen to be married, and if so does he have any heirs. I myself am a widow as my good King John has passed on. We do not yet know what brought around his death, but we are still in search to if it was foul play. I have two sons King Henry VI and the my most recent child John, to whom we have not given a title. Both are strong boys who I know will make my late husband proud. I myself find time between being the Queen Regent of England and a mother to two children to enjoy the arts. I myself am fluent in Spanish, French, Latin, and English. I enjoy playing the lute, enjoy reading, and most importantly enjoy learning all I can about the church and our lord and savior Jesus Christ. But of course Christ and Country come first and my life.

What does the Count Palatinate feel about the situation of the world, we are somewhat neighbors now in the east as across the sea you hold Albania and now I hold Delta. There will be much riches comming from the Nile River perhaps I shall send you some of them in exchange for some of the riches of the Palatinate. To what does the Count feel on the situation in the north of the Holy Roman Empire between Pommerania and Prussia. I pray that it is over as I belive the world has seen too much war, and most importantly it disrupts trade in the region. Ah I find i ramble. I would enjoy a correspondance with you Count and I hope you feel the same.


By her own hand in Windsor
Elionor
Queen Regent of England

 

[unmerged(8022)]

Erich, now I have been far away from home a long time and it is time for me to go back to my country. I thank you for your hospitality it have been a wounderful time here in Heidelberg. I think it should be good if the UK had a council with representatives fe´rom the members. (ooc: a UK thread)

Jakob and his friend sit up on their horses and start their journey home to Baden.

 

[Longinus]

A skinny, rather middle aged man with a round hat and simple but expensive clothes followes Erich like a shadow... as usual.

"err... Your khe khe Grace err...

Sire, I have just recieved a word from Pommerania.. hmmm it seems that Poles borke a treaty of friendship and even God-forsaken Moldavian joined them fro unknown reasons ***Yes... What I wanted to say*** he mutters. Both of this realms Declared war on your family in Stettin.

Although Greif-Schlussel Allianz stands strong and firm errr at least I think so khe khe he he he khe. Perhaps you could assist somegow in defence?

Has Your Grace replied to letter of your brother? Will Your Grace will honour bounds of errr... blood and errr... friendship?"

 

[Auspend]

A letter arrives for Albert Artz from Cardinal Orlamunde requesting that a few church inquisitors go to Maulbrunn to invesigate the questionable death of a monk.

 

[LUDWIG]

The Austrian returns to the court.
"Your Grace the Duchess Anne offers her hand in marriage as her other suitors have failed to equal your many virtues.
Therefore if it pleases you I would like to finalise the wedding arrangements.
The House of Hapsburg is most pleased that your suit was succesful. May God bless you and keep you safe for many years."

 

[Auspend]

A new group of Wuerttemberger merchants arrive in Heidelburg. Unlike the relatively quiet group that was here last, these are loud and boistrous. They bring wagons filled with large casks of some unidentifiable liquid. As they enter the city, some head to the general market with a few wagons, while others start heading for the taverns. Finally one of the casks is shifted so that some markings on the side can be read.

Skullteiler Ale
Biermann & Brauer Brauerei

 

[Bagricula]

~Heidelburg, Rheinpfalz~​

As the last of Skullteiler Ale's horses were stabled, and the last of the Wurtemburger merchants found accomodations in the bustling Rhenish city, as the artisans finished closing up their shopes, and most set off for a quick drink at the tavern, as the dockmaster snored blissfully, and the blood red eye of the sun sank into the deep dark blue waters of the Rhine, a conspiracy was being hatched.

"Into sleepy Heidelburg, couched in the lush greenery of the Rhine valley, a conspiracy was being formed."​

Not a conspiracy to see the end of empire, nor one to murder the king, nor of the sort that ends dynasties and wreaks havoc until people come to their senses. There were no sly Cassiuses here, nor Brutuses brimming with shortsighted idealism. These were practical men. Guildsmen, artisans, mastercraftsmen, the stock on which the Rhineland was built. The men of the earth. Or so at least they portrayed themselves, earning the sympathy of peasant and traditional nobleman alike. Despite their simple tongues, and homespun clothing, these were the magnates of Heidelburg, the ones who truly controlled the gears of trade, the Meistersingers.

"PAH! What is this drat they call ale?" spat Herr Beckmesser, as he emptied a flagon of Skullteiler Ale onto the hardened dirt floor.

"Please don't do that, Sixtus. You know how Moira gets about the house.." sighed Herr Sachs, "Now, about the new merchants--"

"I can't help it if I'm upset, Hans, but these upstarts have no right selling their swill in place of Rhenish vintages.."

"Exactly, why I've called you all here to discuss the new--"

"I don't see what's so bad about it..I mean, the stuff's decent...and they don't charge much for it.." interrupted Herr Nachtigall, as he tried to get some of the dregs Herr Beckmesser had left in the discarded flagon into his mouth.

"I think you're overlooking the deep-setted danger this could have to our good Rhenish ways, Konrad.." replied Herr Sachs patient as always. His patience was useless as Herr Beckmesser couldn't contain himself,

"Don't you see! They'll drive us out of business! What's to happen to the fine vintages of the Rhine, glorified in song and verse? We're talking about the END OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT!!! By now, Sixtus Beckmesser had turned the same red as the setting sun, and was breathing heavily as he sat down.

"Look, I don't know what you think you've got here, Sixt--" began Konrad Nachtigall only to be interrupted by Hans Sachs firmly steering the conversation away.

"I suggest we accept the misfortune that they are here and begin discussing possible ways of counteracting this tragedy. Now, as you all know, the Count's been granting them the same privileges as us...I believe a delegation to his highne--"

"Will do nothing! Erich's got a lot of flimsy ideas clouding his head if you ask me! Even got Herr von Adler behind him. First he brings in these Italians and their conservatory, next he's selling away our fundamental rights as artisans and craftsmen so these foreigners can come and steal our coin, who knows! Soon he may reopen the University! You know what those stuffy doctors were like with their pimply students."

"I actually remember the students being some of my best customers..." muses Konrad Nachtigall, before clapping his hands and beaming a smile around the room, "The answer is quite simple, my gentlemen. While the Count may send out proclamations, guardsmen can't eat their fill with legalities. A few well-placed coins and I'm sure Biermann & Brauer Brauerei will find their enterprise much riskier..."

"Really, Konrad! We've got to have some standards...afterall, we are Meistersingers!"

"That and they won't accept any golds. Believe me I've tried..." mutters Beckmesser, despite the reproving look from Sachs.

"Maybe.."

Out of the corner, a soft feeble voice peeps up. It is Balthasar Zorn, a thoughtful man though not a great orator. Up until now he had simply watched the dialogue with his great liquid eyes. Now however he found three pairs of eyes turned on him, each waiting with a different expectation. The timid pewterer began again, carefully choosing his words,

"Maybe..I was simply thinking...we could win more customers...if we...maybe....lowered our prices?"

Herr Zorn hardly had time to register the effect his suggestion had had on his fellow Meistersingers before they figuratively cudgeled him with their response. Finally, unity was reached!

"NEVER!"

Still shocked by the rapid and vehement response, the only sound issued from Balthasar's lips barely escaped the drowning hostility of the room:

"Ohhh..."

And so, for the moment Skullteiler Ale by Biermann & Brauer Brauerei were safe and unmolested, yet these were not men easily thwarted, merely easily distracted. However! Once they'd oiled the gears of their contraptions of mental calculus, they could become a force unstoppable, or at least unnoticable. Though the Wurtemburgers might enjoy the tranquility of today, the Day of Reckoning was nigh, and only one intoxicating beverage would survive its sunset!

 

[Longinus]

ANNUAL TRADE EVENTS ​

"MAJOR" TRADE EVENT ​

The leaders of certain trade organizations reap the rewards of their hard work. Some merchants are more active and some are less. Certain states and organizations signed profitable deals and agreements. Trade is flourishing in their realms.

1. Trade routes bring in good revenue for the Nation this year.........(+1 econ, +1Tech and +1 Morale for 1 year )

2. Good trade raises the morale of the populous......... (+1 Morale +1Tech for 1 year )

3. Good trade aids the artisans........... (+1 eco for one year)

4. Trade is flourishing, huge incomes. (+1 Tech for 1 year )

5. Trade is flourishing

6. Trade is average this year.

7. Trade is average this year.

8. Traders break even.

9. Pirates and Bandits took all the profit ( -1 Morale for 1 year 1 in 2 chance of effect)

10. Bad losses by traders. *Trade agreements colapse . ( -1 Morale for 1 year, - 1 eco (one time loose))

* Trade agreements colapse...... you may not enter any other trade agreements for one year.

NOTE: Good RP will regularly affect these rolls.

MAJOR trade events:

* Bremen: consistent and good trade RP, lots of good agreements, leader of Hansa (-3 to the roll) A 8 is rolled. (-3 to the roll) = 5 Trade is flourishing

* Burgundy ( Lotharingia): some trade RP (finally!), leader of Trans-Europen Trade alliance (-2 to the roll) A 9 is rolled. (-2 to the roll) = 7 Trade is average this year.

* Pommern: consistent trade RP, lots of good agreements, leader of WHU, trade in Baltic is a bit distracted since Prussian war and embargos aimed at them. (-1 to the roll) A 6 is rolled. (-1 to the roll) = 5 Trade is flourishing

* Genua: Straight roll A 10 is rolled. Bad losses by traders. *Trade agreements colapse . ( -1 Morale for 1 year, - 1 eco (one time loose))

* Aragon, VERY active , consistent trade RP, unfortunately trade RP is not so cool ("juicy") as with others. Dozens of agreements etc. (-2 to the roll) A 2 is rolled.(-2 to the roll) = 0/1 Trade routes bring in good revenue for the Nation this year.........(+1 econ, +1Tech and +1 Morale for 1 year )

"Minor" TRADE EVENT

Some nations are not as active as others but still their merchants are quite active or those countries simply occupy important spots. They may have also signed some good agreements or are part of certain trade organizations.

1. Good trade raises the morale of the populous......... (+1Tech and +1eco for 1 year )

2. Good trade aids the artisans........... (+1eco for 1 year )

3. Trade is flourishing, huge incomes (+1 Tech for 1 year )

4. Trade is flourishing.

5. Trade is average this year

6. Trade is average this year

7. Traders break even.

8. Pirates and Bandits took all the profit ( -1 Morale for 1 year 1 in 4 chance of effect )

9. Bad losses by traders. ( -1 Morale for 1 year 1 in 2 chance of effect) otherwise an infamous charecter is revealed in the lands comerce. Please RP the feind at least once. - 1 eco (one time loose))

10. Bad losses by traders. *Trade agreements colapse . Your nations incompetance seems to blame ( -1 Moral, 1 in 4 chance of effect, -1 tech for 1 year, - 1 eco (one time loose))

* Trade agreements colapse...... you may not enter any other trade agreements for one year.

NOTE: Good RP will regularly affect these rolls.

Minor trade events:

* Holstein: Good spot, member of Hansa, active and RP trade. (-1 to roll) A 9 is rolled.(-1 to roll) = 8 Effect roll.= 3. NO EFFECT

* Glere: member of Hansa, active (Straight roll) A 2 is rolled. (Straight roll) = 2 Good trade aids the artisans........... (+1eco for 1 year )

* Pfaltz: RP trade, some juicy posts, part of Trans-European Trade alliance, and as a small realm benefits very much from the huge Trade Alliance he is part of (-3 to the roll) A 4 is rolled. (-3 to the roll) = 1 Good trade raises the morale of the populous......... (+1Tech and +1eco for 1 year )

* Portugal: RP trade, active (Straight roll) A 6 is rolled. = Trade is average this year

* Castile: good RP, some nice and interesting deals (-1 to the roll) A 5 is rolled.(-1 to the roll) = 4 Trade is flourishing

* Mantua: nice deals and RP (-1 to the roll) A 6 is rolled. (-1 to the roll) = 5 Trade is average this year

* Venice: tough thing indeed, although Vanice should be the first to RP trade there is nothing from them, also they are a part of Trade Alliance which actually pushes Venice to the same standing as small Pfaltz : that is why (+1 to the roll) A 9 is rolled. (+1 to the roll) = 10 *Trade agreements colapse Your nations incompetance seems to blame (no morale loss (2 rolled), -1 tech for 1 year, - 1 eco (one time loose))

* Wurtenberg: some trade RP, member of Trans-European Trade Alliance (Straight roll) A 10 is rolled. (Straight roll) = 10 *Trade agreements colapse . Your nations incompetance seems to blame (no morale loss (4 rolled), -1 tech for 1 year, - 1 eco (one time loose))


All rolls were done by Reb

( Co produced by Longinus)

Trade. If there is no RP in the setting up and continued use of the agreement there will be penalties to the roll. Excellent or good play the oposite. [/b]we'll try +/- 3 to start.

IF an alliance, trade agreement or anything else, springs from no where, there will quite probably be a bad event if i notice.

ps. Please if any whining has to be done please do not spam my box and move to Long's box or the Asylum

note to BzAli all Eco bonuses are semi-permanent, it means that max nation eco rises by one for one year

 

[Auspend]

Baron Waldemar of Ravensburg nearly dances into the Palatine throneroom with a bow and quiver full of arrows in one hand, and a saddle under the other.

"Count Erich, I just recieved some horses from Stuttgart and..."

Waldemar looks around, finally noticing that Erich was not in the room. He hunts down a servant and starts interrogating him.

"Damnation! Where did that darn Count Palatine go off to?"

"Err... he went to Frankfurt. I thought you got the memo..."

"No one ever tells me what's going on! You know, I walk in here with horses fresh from Stuttgart for lord Erich to try out! I was planning to go out on a hunt with him!"

"Well, my lord, you could still go out hunting by yourself..."

"Bah, hunting by yourself is no fun. Where's another nobleman I can find?"

"Umm... maybe check the guest quarters. I'm not really sure. I just polish the shiny things in here."

At this the Baron von Ravensburg wanders off to find someone to hunt with hunt with. Before leaving he writes a note and sends it off to Frankfurt-am Maine.