- ARCHIVE - Principal Court of the Palatinate

[unmerged(3110)]

EVENT ​

Cardinal Archbishop Albert Arzt of Palatinate Imperial High Inquisitor and Cardinal Dominick Corleone had been working together, on and off for a long time now. The elongated conversations and soon destroyed letters leading to this one end.

Trust had been a long time in coming and the Witnesses a long time in breaking, on the rack. It was amazing what people would confess to if the torture was right. He had even see Torquemada torture a strong man into confessing he was his own mother! The wonderful thing was, that as a dying confession to god, it was irrefutable........ Well.... nearly.

Now there were "trusted" inquisitors under the guidance of the Imperial High Inquisitor and they had got the evidence they needed... It only remained to pass the information to Cardinal Arzt.

It had cost a lot of money from his coffers and that of the Palatinate, but it was worth it.

(-1 eco for modifiers from, Papal states and Palatinate ) (-2 Modifier)

1. Torture of "witnesses" reveals that Augustus von Blommenstein has been avoiding his duties to the church because he is raising demons and plotting with his brother Victor to destroy the Pope.

2. Torture of "witnesses" reveals that Augustus von Blommenstein has been avoiding his duties to the church because he is plotting with his brother Victor to destroy the Pope.

3. Torture of "witnesses" reveals that Augustus von Blommenstein has been avoiding his duties to the Pope and not the church in his land.

4. Torture of "witnesses" against Augustus von Blommenstein are revealed to be dubious. Their confessions are doubted.

5. Torture of "witnesses" against Augustus von Blommenstein are revealed to be dubious. There are links to possible corruption of the Imperial and Roman Inquisition.

6. Torture of "witnesses" against Augustus von Blommenstein are revealed to be dubious. There are links to Cardinal Dom Corleone and Cardinal Archbishop Albert Arzt

A 4 is rolled.(-2 modifier) = 2

Torture of "witnesses" reveals that Augustus von Blommenstein has been avoiding his duties to the church because he is plotting with his brother Victor to destroy the Pope.

* NOTE: With all events, it is the final roll that counts. Information garnered from the table cannot be used IC, otherwise.

Roll done by Tracid

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Reichskammergericht

In the rooms of the Palatinate delegation in Frankfurt, Richter von Germania Johann III of Bremen looks at his fellow richters.

After having made sure he has the attention of all of them, he puts down the papers he has been reading, and announces:

"I, as Richter von Germania, has reviewed the texts from the Diet, and I cannot find any evidence that Herr Zakrzycki herbu Wczele is guilty in anything that warrants imprisonment.
It is therefore my recommendation that the Reichskammergericht finds Herr Zakrzycki herbu Wczele innocent on all charges, and that Herr Zakrzycki herbu Wczele is released immediatly.
Furthermore, as more than two months have passed since the Richter-Elector" as Johann says this, he nods at Erich, who is situated at the head of the table "asked the prosecutor and the defence to present their cases within two months, I kindly request my fellow richters to place theit verdicts as soon as in any way possible. My duchy is fighting a war as we speak, and my place should be in Bremen."

Johann sits down, and then summons a servant. As the servant appears, he places a sealed letter on the servants tray, and whispers a few words. The servant goes and presents the letter to Erich von Wittelsbach.

 

[SiDeath]

Reichskammergericht

Leopoldo Tesorieri sat huddled in his chair. The room was cold, and he didn't like cold rooms. The pitiful little man was an Italian countryman, loving the little seaside villas you were wont to find down there. Frankfurt was too cold during the Spring months anyways. He didn't like that. With luck, he could get out of this place before it got much colder. He cleared his throat and began to speak. No other way to get out faster!

"Richters, it is my interpretation of my master's orders that I give this veridct. Joachim, according to the Diet's own ledger, has on a few occasions and I quote:

"Dear herr von Blommenstein,

There will be no apologies on my behalf as what I said was truth and only truth. Lithuanians, although christianized in anno domini 1387 are half-pagan, barbaric nation. Furthermore, Inquisition already found some pagan influences in Prussia brought there by vile Lithuanians. The fact that von Blommensteins are not on the good terms with Holy Mother Church and that High Inquisition already entered Cologne, doesn't mean that other wish to defy Church's words.

That is from page 36 of the ledger about half-way down. I feel no sufficient proof is offered of his accusations. It is my opinion and therefore the verdict I render of guilty of the crime of slander. If he must insult Lithuania, insult them to their faces, and no one else's."

 

[Longinus]

Heinrich Zakrzycki smiles chilly to Genuan.

"Herr Tesorieri,

If you call it evidence of slender then I must say this is quite strange one. First of all this is a fact that Lithuanian nation is a half pagan one and there are a lot of eveidences to prove that. If you dare to deny these facts then I dare to say that I demand another representative from Genua who will deny facts. Then another and another.

Also, I must say that this trial can bring end of freedom of Speech in the Diet. How it can be that one can't state his opinion on the matter? My father acted as other acted on many occasion, but his words were quite delicate and supported with facts on contrary to others. Is it his crime?

How it can be that von Blommenstein clan shut delegates mouths when they oppose them? This is attempt to overthrown delegates rights for stating their opinions also right of elysium and delegates immunity this is a second trial where delegate's rights in Frankfurt Diet are threathened. My father still awaits for the appeal of the firts one while another attempt is carried out.

Also herr Tesorieri, your hatered to Pommern transformed my father somehow in to my overlord... My father's name is Josef not Joachim, and please use his full title you don't deserve to call him with his first name."

 

[SiDeath]

Tesorieri leans back in his chair and smiles.

"Perhaps I spoke too hastily. If you are prepared to give your defense, in the lack of prosecution, I would be more than happy to overturn my judgement. I am interested only in justice here. Discount my previous statement, and if you are ready, then I would allow you to begin."

 

[Schlieffen]

A man walks into the halls.
Pardon my tardiness gentlemen, but I was delayed with the Emperor for a moment.

He bows before the gathered judges.
Count Radford, advisor to the Emperor, speaking on behalf of the prosecution.

He turns towards the prosecution.
Good sir, I belive that, according to the recent "Inquisition" in Cologne, the Archbishop of Cologne speaks against the Pope, or some such talk -- I do not know the details.
Now, the Archbishop is quite a learned man and, certainly, higher ranking the Church than the Bishops you have as "supporters" in the claims of Lithuania being "pagan" or "barbarian". According to your logic, is not anything said against the Pope thus true based on the words of one man, so high ranking in the Church's heirarchy? You seem to think the same for two, lower ranking members saying anything about thousands of individuals in a country.
Unless the Church -- not just a few of its members -- say something about such matters, the Diet is no place for it to be said. It was not even local bishops who stated such "observations", but people, strangly enough, from Pommern itself. Does that mean that, just because it is said, it is nessessarily correct? If that was the case then these "Pagan factions" are correct, so the logic is obviousaly flawed.

Also, the attacks made were more then just of a spiritual nature, present obviousaly in the "barbaric" comment, but also in many other instances, repeated on an almost daily basis:

Originally posted by Longinus
"I am truly astonished and surprised by insolence and naivety of Lithuanians. They spread their lies like a stallion spreads his semen. This is disgusting gentlemen, Lithuanians have no honour and in fact they are the ones who seek profits and gains whenever they only see the opportunity. Pathetic cowards they are I say!!!

Originally posted by Longinus
Know that Lithuanians sins and plots won't escape so easily, I know that you want to back out with your stolen loot, but I doubt anybody will allow you to do so."

Originally posted by Longinus
Lithuanians have no honour and piety, they stolen land from Prussia and didn't send a single penny nor solider to them. The same with Poles and Moldavians, although we all knew they therwe were bounds of friendsip between them there wans no alliance and now when this vile alliance was revealed Lithuanians abandoned it it. This is disgusting."

Originally posted by Longinus
In fact, I can't wait that. By the way I also claim that Lithuania is half-pagan realm, bunch of cowards, traitors, backstabbers who only seek gain whenever they see a slightest opportunity. Fortunately, their decevious plots failed this time."

Prove that these are true and that they are not insults, if it is at all possible, and you will be able to rebuke the charges of slander easily. Of course, you are also blessed by God if you can do it, as it would take nothing short of a miricle to do so.


I also add that the attacks were also rendered against more than just the peasants of Lithuania:

Originally posted by Longinus
Duke Vytautas II seems not to be worthy of his father and perhaps he bents to pagan faction which is very strong in Lithuania. I fear that Teutonic knights will have to charge onto Lithuanian realm one day.

If you require more, I believe I could convince another assitant to get some; my other one hurt his back carrying those in, and I would rather not bring the numerous "pagan" mentions -- I am sure that the defendant is well known for his religious views of Lithuania throughout all of Frankfurt by now.


He sits down, fairly confident in the large pile of papers placed in front of the Richters.
I feel no need for this... what were the words your son said... ah yes, "farce" to continue. This is a waste of the Reichskamergericht's time, if you will pardon my bluntness in the matter.

 

[Bagricula]

Reading over letters, the ledger, and other legal documents, Erich broods after the Imperial Prosecutor finishes speaking. His fingers drum along the long table behind which the Richters or their representatives sit. Finally, he breaks the silence with an intake of breath, preparing to speak,

"Most cogent arguments from both sides. Perhaps we have been a bit premature in our verdicts.."

He glances toward the Richter von Germania and the representative of the Richter von Italia,

"A serious error has been brought to my attention, which I believe will significantly delay the trial. As the Richters von Franconia and Italia have been replaced, the Charter of the Reichskammergericht requires that their appointment be approved by the Reichstag. Without such approval, the continuation of this trial would be a mistrial. As such I move to recess until such time as such approval has been acquired."

He looks to the defendant,

"Herr Meister Zakrzycki, your patience and fortitude in this matter is requested and appreciated. By a Writ of Mandamus from this court, you shall have free reign over the city of Frankfurt, so long as you do not enter the Diet chamber itself."

He speaks now to the entire court, his voice using the acoustics of the room like a practiced orator,

"I declare this session of the Reichskammergericht recessed until such time as the forms have been obeyed."

He then rises, and steps over to the Richter von Germania, even as the clerks begin to file the papers and speeches already given.

"Johann, please leave some learned lawyer in your place. Your men need your leadership."

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Martin von Buchwald, the Bremer ambassador, delivers a letter adressed to the Count Palatine of the Rhine.
After being resent to Erich von Wittelsbach current locatioan, it is opened and read:

Noble Erich von Wittelsbach, Count Palatinate of the Rhine.
It is a great joy for me to return the loan you, in you kindness, decided to grant Bremen when it appeared we would face the lithuanians in battle.
Allthough the money were never used to pay for mercenaries, it is my belief that the very fact that Your Grace, by sending this loan, demonstated a willingness to offer aid to Bremen, is among the factors that has caused Lithuania to stop their threaths of war.
Rest assured that Bremen will remember your kindness in this matter, and that should Pfaltz, God forbids, ever find herself in the same situation that we faced, Bremen is more than willing to repay the kindness showed to us.

With gratitude
Johann III
Duke of Bremen
Chairman of the Hansa Trade Union Council
Richter von Germania.

 

[Auspend]

In Frankfurt

A carriage pulls up to the Wittelsbach residence in Frankfurt with a large escort of troops. It stops and Heinrich and Nora von Wuerttemberg step out with their twin children and the nursemaid. They enter and are brought to Erich von Wittelsbach.

"Congratulations my friend on winning the Imperial crown."

"Congratulations cousin. Now there are two people we'd like you to meet."

The nursemaid walks forth and presents the twins, Frederick and Eva-Maria, to Erich.

 

[Longinus]

Finally the meeting between Erich von Wittelsbach and Joachim of the Greif commenced. Both, man saw each other several time during the last few weeks but they didn't have neither opportunity nor willingness to talk openly. Finally they met on the neutral ground in one of the new Diet chambers reserved for private meetings.

Joachim and shook Erich's hand and bowed to him slightly, a bow that indicated some respect, but not deep enough to signal any submission. The situation was tense as Erich was just faceing his brother-in-law, ambitious man who decided to step back into shadow in favour of Erich himself.

Joachim was wearing emotionless mask. Suddenly he smiled slightly with well acted smile.

"Greetings my Dear Brother,

I came to you to congratulate you of your succesful election, I am sure that your skills and abilities will lead the Empire to glorious future. Perhaps days of Charlemage will return to us during your reign? I will pray for this."

Having the official statement finished, Joachim sighed.

"Indeed, that was glorious moment. Too bad that elections were marked with absurd and sin. Nevertheless, it is the outcome that counts not the beginning, isn't that true?

I came to you to discuss matters of importance for the Empire but also I bring joyful news. Christine, Your sister, My beloved wife, Lioness of Pfaltz gave birth to a child, the first of many I pray.

Her name will be Maria-Katarina in the tribute to our mothers."

Joachim's face relaxed as he started to speak about pleasant things but a moment later he wore the mask again.

"Now, perhaps we should speak about the Empire? My brother and... my Emperor?"

 

[unmerged(6719)]

A letter form the Queen Regent of Great Britian

Most noble Emperor and friend,


I thank you for the Kind letter, and also write one to you saying praises for your becomming Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. I am glad to hear as well that you are enjoying the Tales by Chaucer, for I am enjoying your gift as well. It is well travelled I must say for it kept me company during the Scottish war. We recently had the Act of Union here in Great Britian, so the entire Island rejoices at your now wearing the Imperial Crown.

I am sorry to hear of your problems with finding a wife, I do however have a match that I think would suit you greatly. Princess Annabelle Plantagenet herself is much suited to your nature I belive and is fluent in the languages of the Empire. She is the sister of King John, and Queen Penelope of Denmark. She would be a fine choice. I will bring her along with my husband the King of Castile-Leon as we spend the time after our wedding in your fine lands. We thank you so much for your invitation.

I must go now for there is much planning but I do hope you are open to meeting Annabelle for I know she is very interested in meeting you.


By her own hand in Windsory,
Elionor
Queen Regent of Great Britian

 

[unmerged(9600)]

A letter arrives from Rouen, bearing the seal of the Duke of York and Normandie.

His Most Serene and Imperial Majesty, Erich von Wittelsbach, Holy Roman Emperor.

Congratulations on your ascension to your lofty throne. Since the madness of the Lollards in Scotland has been defeated, I may now finally return to Normandie, and busy myself with the affairs of state which were pushed to the side by the urgency of the Scottish heresy. I must thank you for your support and aid during the campaign against the Scots. There is much strife in the lands of Europe these days, and it was truly a comfort to know that such a lawful and pious Prince had thrown his support behind our cause. I am sure that your support did indeed sway those in other realms who would have been sympathetic to the cause of the Scots, heresy or no.

I am now of the hope that peace will break out all across the West, and throughout the Empire. Ihave heard of your troubles in finding a suitable lady to become your wife, and I have endeavoured to search throughout my lands for a woman who might suit you. And so I came to my own daughter, the Lady Isabel Plantagenet. She is a beautiful girl of marriageable age, who exhibits a frighteningly quick wit, as well as an interest in the lands, peoples, and rulers of the Empire.

In these turbulent times, and with the states of France being fractured and chaotic, it is my most sincere wish that a match can be made that will provide well for all involved. I hope that I can count on your friendship and support in helping to deal with the chaos that currently runs through Gaul. Just as much, you may count on my aid in any matter that you may need it. I hope to hear a response from you soon.

Your most humble friend.

Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, Duke of Normandie.

 

[Bagricula]

~Heidelburg, Rhineland Palatinate~​

Pressure had been building for a long time in the Rhineland. The local merchants were angry about the economic freedom the Count Palatine had granted so many foreigners and soon their grumbling would lead to violence. If not for the distraction(And the large expense) of the Imperial Coronation, undubitably the artisans would have risen up in revolt in many of the major Rhenish cities. The First Minister of the Rhine, Cornelius von Adler, was no fool, however. He had seen small scale revolts during his youth, under Erich's grandfather, and knew the signs to look for. Small acts of defiance: Disregarding tariffs, bribing border guards, overpricing goods. Seeing all these, he called together a meeting of the Rhenish ministers and the leading figures of the Meistersingers Guild. For many long hours they met, all through two days and nights before finally emerging with a solution.

"The Meistersingers Guild leaders and the First Minister met late into the night in the cellars of Castle Heidelburg."​

Charter of the Meistersinger Vintages Company

By the will of Cornelius von Adler, First Minister of the Rhine, acting for Erich von Wittelsbach, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Meistersinger Vintages is granted a monopoly over all exports of wines, spirits, ales, meads, beers, and other alcoholic beverages from the Rhineland Palatinate.

The Count Palatine of the Rhine along with Masters Sachs, Beckmesser, Nachtigal, and Zorn shall serve on the Board of Trustees which shall meet in Heidelburg to oversee the management of the company.

The Meistersinger Vintages Company shall pay an import tariff of ten percent on all goods purchased by the company and brought into the Rhineland.

 

[Auspend]

A large number of angry Wuerttemberg brewers leaves the Rhineland angrily. They vow to return and outcompete the pitiful local brews. Time will tell if they're promise is right.

 

[Auspend]

A small out of the way tavern in Heidelburg

Seedy. This is the only word that can be used to descibe this place. It's dark, dank, and reeks of alchohol, urine, and worse smells. The people inside are quiet, concentrating more on their drinks rather than talking with anyone. The door opens, admitting a small quantity of light, and a small man as well.

As he approaches the bar, the candlelight illuminates his features. He might be a little over five feet tall, but it's unclear how much of that is due to the heels of his boots. He has a dark, swarthy complexion with a thick mustache under a rather bulbous nose. His eyes are small and dark, and could be called ratlike. He walks up to the bar and orders.

"Gimme the 'special.'"

The bartender hands him a mug of beer, and whispers to the man.

"One Skullteiler for you. I assume you're 'the specialist?'"

The man nods, and quaffs from the mug. The bartender hands him a note and a pouch full of something heavy.

"Here's the payment and your contract. There will be more upon completion of the task."

The man nods again and finishes his beer. Upon finishing he gets up and leaves, reading the note.
__________________________________
Towards Morning

"Meistersinger Vintages, eh? This place doesn't look too protected."

The man gets out a pair of lockcutters and breaks open the large padlock on the gate of the wharehouse. He walks in and looks around. Setting his sights on the nearest rack of wines, he knocks them over, shattering nearly every bottle. Choosing various barrels, kegs, and shelves of bottles from every area of the wharehouse to break open, the floor of the wharehouse is swiftly covered in alchohol.

"This will do nicely. Now for a little extra bonus..."

He walks over to an untouched rack of wine and looks through the vintages. Settling upon two rather nice years, he grabs the bottles and stuffs them in his cloak. He then retreats to the entrance of the wharehouse, lights a torch, and throws it in the building. The alchohol catches fire immediately, and the wood begins to burn shortly thereafter. The short man runs off to his room to enjoy his spoils of war before heading back to the tavern to collect the rest of his payment.

 

[Bagricula]

~Heidelburg, Rhineland~​

Roland leaned sleepily against the massive wooden doorframe, his halberd having found a nitch in the wood and content to be as immobile as its master. Roland had been hired as a guard by the Meistersingers Guild. It didn't look like he was going to get better work, since the planting season wasn't for another six months and no one was going to support an unskilled laborer for free. In a sort of dreamy half-consciousness he remembered the grinning eager flush faces of the Meistersingers as they handed him his helmet, halberd, horn, and most importantly pay. The dream quickly morphed into a young maiden Roland had seen picking lilies along the Rhine, and consequently the guard didn't see the heavy club wrapped in black leather till it hit his head.

"The Warehouses of Meistersinger Vintages were burning."​

The blast of hot air rushing out of the warehouse at the forefront of the fire woke young Roland from his slumber. Coughing in the black sooty smoke, Roland stumbled out into the city street. The fire was still only in the warehouses, as the young guard turned in circles a few times shouting, before he remembered the horn at his side. Taking it, he blew, loud and long, sending out a wall of continous sound over all of Heidelburg. By the time, the firebrigades had arrived, young Roland lay on the cobblestone streets exhausted and unconscious.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Imperial High Treasurers office, Nurnberg

Johann III of Bremen summons both Emperor Erich von Wittelsbach and duke Heinrich I of Wurtemberg to the office he holds as Imperial High Treasurer.
As the two men enters the room, he gets up and indicates that they should be seated.

He then starts the meeting by adressing the Emperor of Humanity.

"Your Imperial Majesty, forgive my for not bowing before you, as your rank requires. But I have summoned you as Count Palatine Erich von Wittelsbach of the Rhine, not as His August Imperial Majesty Erich I.
Therefore, in this one meeting and is this office only, I am technically your superior, as I am acting as Imperial High Treasurer. I do hope that Your Illustrious Lordship will recognize this, and that you will understand my position."

Turning to the Wurtemburgian duke, Johann continues;
"Likewise, Your Honor, you are summoned in your postition as Duke of Wurtemburg, not as Richter-Kurfürst.
Please be seated, Your Grace."

As the two men have taken their seats, the Imperial High Treasurer returns to his chair.
"Heinrich I of Wurtemberg, Count Palatine Erich of the Rhine. As you are both well aware, it is the duty of the Imperial Commerce Commission to supervise the flow of trade within the Empire. As you are also aware, I have for some time been chairman of the Hansa, and as such, I have agents supervising the trade of various goods on most important markets throughout the Empire.

Some of these agents, whose reports are dutifully pased by the chairman of the Hansa to the Imperial High Treasurer..." Johann smiles at his own attempts to keep his different titles seperate, a smile that is mirrored by the two visitors, who have also noticed his deliberate mode of adress to them as duke and count palatine, not Judge-Elector and Emperor "...have noticed several unfortunate accidents involving some breweries.
At first, I took this as either accidents or simple dirty competition, as to be honest, before my appointment to this office, I had no interest in getting involved.
But now, as Imperial High Treasurer, I am forced to act upon it.
This is no longer sound and fair competition, this is deliberate acts of sabotage and disruption of trade.
And if that was not enough, recent actions have brought the lives of several hundreds Imperial citizens in danger. In Heidelburg, saboteurs set fire to a warehouse owned by Meistersinger Vintages. I am sure I need not inform you gentlemen of the dangers of fire. Only luck and an alert guard saved the city from disaster.
In case you have been wondering why I summoned you, my agents indicate that the breweries Meistersinger Vintages and
Skullteiler Bier are involved in direct attacks upon their main competitors, that is, each other.
As the involved breweries have their bases in your respective nations, I, as Imperial High Treasurer, orders you to stop this within three month.
Should any more incidents take place after these three months, I will investigate it throughly, and be forced to take radical measures against the offenders. The two of you can also look forward to a heavy fine issued by the Imperial Commerce Commision for your failure to correc this situation, should you not solve the problem within the timeframe."

Johann rises, and indicates that the meeting is over.

 

[unmerged(7751)]

To the messenger that carried invitation he replied

"Of course I will attended this party, however perhaps you could tell me when it will be."

 

[Karamazov]

Sir Berowalt von Edel, first cousin of Duke Philipp I of Hesse, arrives at the Court of the Palitinate. He is dressed in the military regalia of the Hessen Crusader Corps. He excitidly askes the nobles of the court:

Where is the fair lady Inge von Wittelsbach? I have come to ask for her hand in marriage, as arranged by my Lord. I have heard she is as beautiful as mountains of Helvetia, and as pure as the snows of Norway. Please grant me audience with her.

Berowalt bows to the throne of the Count Palintine, and awaits the arrival of Inge.

 

[Bagricula]

Cornelius von Adler chuckles heartily smiling broadly and good-naturedly on the young crusader,

"A sterling young man and a perfect match. Your lord must have Solomon's wisdom to have found so ideal a man as yourself to marry into the Imperial House of Wittelsbach.

Alas, you have been mislead, for the fair Inge dwells not here in Heidelburg but in the castle of her father Lothar, Margrave of Pirmasens, my lord's uncle and nearest to his throne. I will prepare for you a letter of introduction and send it ahead of you on one of our swiftest horses so that you may be welcomed with a warm hearth and a hearty meal. The progeny of Lothar are a pious and intelligent group. His eldest son, Rainmund served as Viceroy for my...undoubtably, the fire of desire burns to strong to listen to my stories. The servants will see that your horse is cared for. Take the choicest horse from our stables and depart for Pirmasens once you have rested a short while. I shall attend to the letter at once."

He smiles again and returns to his desk beside the simple throne, even as servants went about carrying out his orders. The First Minister of the Rhine was gratified to see another marriage. Life was blissfully dull in Heidelburg.