- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of Hungary

[Fireblade]

A letter arrives for the Hungarian generals, carried by an Italian messenger. On his horse, he carries a suit of armor, a shield, and a small bag, which he puts in the hand of the highest ranking man he can find.

"Generals of the Hungarian Army, encamped outside Mistra,

As you may know by now, Ugo has been arrested, and is now on a ship en route to Sicily. The reasons for his arrest are thus:

One. His line is a false one. The so-called Magyar line is not the legitamate royal line of the Kingdom of Hungary. The line of Wittelsbach-Luxembourg holds the proper claim, and the King of Bohemia is your rightful King. Your oaths of loyalty to Ugo are not valid, and I urge you to transfer your oaths to your RIGHTFUL King: Ladislav of Bohemia.

Two. He declared war against the Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Sicily under false pretenses. Do you not recall the war that the Ottoman Empire declared against the Empire? There was a treaty of mutual protection between the Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. Ugo decided not to declare war on the Ottoman Empire, as the treaty required, so the Roman Empire was forced to give up the area of northern Hellas to the Turk. As soon as this transfer was complete, Ugo, in perhaps the worst act of treachery in all history, negotiated an alliance with the Turk and declared war against the Roman Empire.

Is it not natural that the Roman Empire should resolve to eliminate this threat by any means possible?

Nobles of the Kingdom of Hungary, some of you doubt Ugo's arrest. The messenger bearing this letter has several items in his personage. Attached, you shall find:

- Ugo's Signet Ring.
- Ugo's Armor.
- Ugo's Shield.

These items should, without a doubt, prove that Ugo is being held.

In God's Name,

-Lord Vatatzes, Commander of the First Theme"

The messenger then unloads the armor and shield, and hands them to the nobles.

 

[Fireblade]

Heads turn in Queen Maria's court as Lord Vatatzes and two bound prisoners enter the court. As they reach the throne, Lord Vatatzes forces the prisoners to their knees, and then bows himself.

"Queen Maria, I have terrible news. The Hungarian army is at the very gates of Mistra. They were unable to take it, thanks to the pitiful condition of their army. However, I fear that without further funds, the walls will not hold out much longer."

Every continues to look at the two men, including the Queen.

"Ah, yes, these two. This is the leader of the brigands, Ugo, the so called 'King of Hungary', and his second in command, Marcalzi or some such foolishness. My men caught them as they were pillaging a village outside Mistra. Indeed, they were caught in the very act of despoiling an innocent Roman maiden!

These, Queen Maria, are my gift to you."

Queen Maria, clearly shocked, continues looking at the two men for a moment.. then grins.

"Thank you, Lord Vatatzes. In my dreams, I have wondered what I would do if I were face to face with this.. scum. I believe I know what I shall do."

Queen Maria rises from her throne, and walks towards the two men. She bends down, and whispers in Ugo's ear.

"You scum, you piece of shit, how does it feel to be captive to the one you hoped to make your captive?"

Queen Maria then rises, and begins to pace.

"Ah, but what am I to do? This man, quite clearly, is NOT the King of Hungary.. his father was merely a usurper, as the whole world knows. So, if he is just a brigand, and we cannot negotiate with him.. what am I to do?

Perhaps.. put him to the sword?"

Queen Maria looks at Ugo, and raises an eye.

"Or, indeed, he may yet be useful to us..

I'm sure someone would enjoy the honor of having him.

GUARDS! Clap some proper irons on these wretches. Throw them in the deepest, darkest dungeon you can find. Give them only coarse bread and water, for they are only peasants, and not real nobles."

As the two are led away, Queen Maria smooths her clothes, and sits back down.

"Now, let us begin writing letters.."

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Paolo Renieri heads for the battle fields of Mistra

• "Good friend of Venezia, you have put the workings of our investment to good use I can see. I have some good news for new. Or at least possible good news. I think to assure our friendship in these times of instability, Venezia might possibily be willing to transport your troops to Sicilia so that you may finish off the ragad band of wrongdoers that claim the isle of Sicilia. This is a possibility I hope you consider. The Doge is considering this option as well and awaits your response."
  Paolo bows.

 

[Fireblade]

A letter is delivered to all the nobles, great and small, of Hungary.

"Nobles of Hungary,

It is well-known to the entire world that many of you are discontent about King Ugo. Already, rumors of civil war have begun to reach the world, and many of you have looked fondly at your heraldry, recalling the ancient claims to the throne that you possess. However, not all recognize the implications of Ugo's.. questionable succession to the Throne of Hungary.

As you all well know, King Sigismund of Hungary had a daughter and a son. After the untimely death of King Sigismund, his daughter, Elisabeth I, was the Duchess of Luxembourg. Then, she conquered the Kingdom of Hungary, after a usurper had attempted to gain the throne for himself. For many years, Queen Elisabeth ruled ably and well, and then, as happens to all men, she died. The throne then should have passed to the King of Bohemia, the son of King Sigismund, King Ladislav of Bohemia. Instead, the 'Magyar' dynasty seized the throne. But is this succession legitimate? Let us look at the facts of House Magyar, and you shall decide for yourself.

I. Matthias, the 'King' of Hungary, took the throne after the Hungary fell away from Luxembourg. However, under Hungarian law, the son of Emperor Sigismund, King Ladislav of Bohemia, should have inherited the throne. Under the ancient laws of Kings, a vassal has no duty to a usurper, and has the right to overthrow him.

Furthermore, Matthias and Ugo have no connection, direct or indirect, to the Wittelsbach-Luxembourgs, or indeed, to any known royal house. By the laws of Hungary, the throne passes from father to son. When a lineage dies out, then a new line is elected to rule the Kingdom of Hungary.

The lineage of Emperor Sigismund is not dead, and it continues to flourish, while the House of Magyar stagnates. So why is Ugo on the throne, while the son of Sigismund is not?

II. Ugo, the new 'King' of Hungary, succeeded his father, the usurper Matthias. Ugo also claims another man's rightful throne, and has proven to be even more intolerant towards ourselves, the nobility of Hungary, than his father. As he increases our taxes, levies more men, and sends ourselves on more foreign adventures in support of the failed Duke of Athens, he also decreases the amount of time spent on matters of state.

Ugo, as is well known, is a man of unnatural lusts, and perversions which should best be kept secret from all civilized men. All men have vices, and no man is perfect. However, man should keep his vices secret, and his virtues plain to see. Ugo is a man who keeps his virtues secret and his vices plain to see. One can only look inside the palace for solid evidence of this fact.

Nobles of the Kingdom of Hungary, these sins against the Queen that led our Kingdom to greatness are almost too terrible to mention. Shall we watch by the wayside, as these things go on under our very eyes? Shall we sit in our palaces, as we are humiliated before all Christendom by the failures and vices of Ugo?

III. Among Ugo's first acts was the declaration of war against the Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Sicily. After Ugo was caught in the very act of despoiling a virgin on top of an altar of a Catholic church, he fled, and slaughtered the priest, who he had bound and had forced to watch the wickedness going on. Even as his personal failings are apparent, his military failings are apparent as well, for his army could not even force the weakened walls of Mistra to it's knees! Indeed, the men of Hungary, your men, the men he had levied in his war, even now lie in the dust around Mistra, repelled by the Roman arms.

You may ask: Where was Ugo during the assault?

You may learn: Ask any one present at the assault. Ugo was nowhere to be found during the battle. Men searched high and low, desperately trying to find his location, so he may lead our armies to victory. Ugo was finally found.

He was having carnal relations with a young Italian maiden while his army fought and died! Indeed, Ugo could not hide away his unnatural lusts long enough to direct the final assault against a city that was nearly defenseless, and thanks to his shameful behavior that day, the Hungarian army may be too weak to carry out another assault.

Nobility of Hungary, surely you have noticed these things as well, and covered your face in burning shame at the depths our fair Kingdom has sunk to. Already, the Kings of Europe look with hungry eyes on our Kingdom, and prepare to feast at the table of Hungary, and carve up our Kingdom just like a cake. They will press their own claims to the throne, destroy your lands, rape your women, and kill any who oppose them. There is only one chance to save the Kingdom, and that is by deposing Ugo, and electing the TRUE heir to Sigismund's throne..

Before it is too late.

-A Loyal Son of Hungary

 

[Fireblade]

Throughout the width and breadth of Hungary, Roman agents, disguised as lesser Hungarian nobility, are seen speaking to the real Hungarian nobles. They, in quiet, hushed tones, speak to them about revolt.. overthrow.. seizing of great fiefs and glory..

"Have you heard about Ugo's latest perversions? He was caught buggering a boy in the Morea! The shame! Will these unspeakables ever cease?"

"Another five hundred men have been lost in an ambush to the Orientals. Incompetence!"

"I hear dysentery is breaking out in our camp outside Mistra.."

Throughout Hungary, agents of the Queen of Sicily, disguised as Genoan, Modenan, Florentine, or Venetian traders, furtively slipped large amounts of money to dissidents and criminals.

"Alright, here's the plan. These one thousand Venetian ducats.. use this money to hire some local toughs. Have them assault the Hungarian nobles, and kill them if possible. Cause as much chaos as you can. If you do well, there are far greater rewards to be gained for yourself..."

These scenes are played out dozens of times throughout Hungary. Many times, as with most criminals throughout the world, nothing happened. They simply pocketed the money and left, as criminals are wont to do. But the Byzantine agents had no doubt in their minds that at least some of them really began to attack the local barons, as reports of crime went up.

Even if they didn't, oh well. There is plenty more gold now to hire local roughs..

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- EVENT -

Byzantium Encourages Revolt

​

With the King of Hungary occupied elsewhere with the bulk of his forces, the Queen of Sicily saw an interesting situation indeed. Throughout history, when a King was away, the nobles tried to manipulate the situation for their own gain. This time was no different. Byzantium sold off a good portion of the Imperial Navy to fund a suitably Byzantine gambit.

Throughout Hungary, bribes were passed out. Rumors were spread. Important people clandestinely murdered by agents. Roving gangs of men, supplied with money and arms from Sicilian merchants disguised as north Italian merchants, began attacking the local authorities.

Now, Queen Maria and her court watched the events in Hungary unfold with baited breath. Would there be a noble and peasant uprising, as they hoped?

MODIFIERS:
Byzantium spends 1 current sea mil
Effectiveness of event reduced due to relative stability of Hungary, recent instability in Byzantium and small amount of resources spent.

TABLE:

1. The agitators reap noticeable rewards, albeit on a modest and local scale.
(-1 tech and -1 morale to Hungary for 1 year/4 turns)

2. The agitators reap feeble rewards, on an isolated scale.
(-1 morale to Hungary for 1 year/4 turns)

3~4. The efforts of the agitators are too thinly spread.
(no effect)

5. The efforts of the agitators are too thinly spread. The sale of the navy comes across as a foolish thing to do, now that the Empire is at war.
(-1 morale to Byzantium for 1 year/4 turns)

6. The efforts of the agitators are too thinly spread. The sale of the navy comes across as a foolish thing to do, now that the Empire is at war. Also, its commerce, which depends on military support to keep corsairs at bay, is left to fend for itself - with disastrous results.
(-1 tech and -1 morale to Byzantium for 1 year/4 turns)

ROLL: 5

RESULT:
Byzantium spends 1 current sea mil
The efforts of the agitators are too thinly spread. The sale of the navy comes across as a foolish thing to do, now that the Empire is at war.
(-1 morale to Byzantium for 1 year/4 turns)

 

[Petrarca]

The events of the past months had taken Vladimir aback. So much had transpired—the death of the king, the abrupt hostilities between Hungary and the Greeks, the brief introduction that hopefully foreshadowed his joy—that he endured a nervous attack. For weeks he lay in his bedchamber, slowly recovering.

The Viscount’s tranquil recuperation was interrupted. A quiet presence slipped into the room and handed him several letters. Most of them bore various insignia of Hungarian baronial houses excepting a few with the Greek crest. All of them spoke of treason.

“My thanks, Herr Captain, for interrupting.”

“I apologize, Your Lordship. I would not have disturbed you if I did not feel it important.”

Rokycana ignored the remark and read the various missals. He grew puzzled as he read further… then he breathed deeply. “Herr Captain- please summon the chamberlain. We must speak with the Magyars at once.”

When Rokycana entered the royal court at Buda, he felt the icy countenances of the more loyal nobles. Time, then to end this face. He approached Cardinal Benedek. Surely a prince of the church holds some influence over temporal matters, and personal authority with the Regent.

“Your Eminence, I am Vikomt Rokycana. Could we perhaps discuss matters important to the well-being of your flock? The Regent is sadly absent…

I have learned of the treasonous missives currently circulating in the missive. Many seek to implicate my liege, His Majesty the King, in their conspiracies. However, these selfsame exhortations to revolt contain many errors, both the factual and the moral type. The Regent is not son of the late Matthias, but rather, his nephew. His Majesty King Ladislav, or Laszlo in your tongue, is also not the son of His Imperial Majesty Sigismund, but rather his grandnephew. These inaccuracies would seem to imply some party unfamiliar to the royal dynasties of Catholic Europe is the true source, rather than some anonymous Magyar.

Letters similar to these exhortations have been delivered in Praha as well. His Majesty has received encouragement from one of your country’s nobles, Ban István Újlaki, in invading Hungary and overthrowing the present regime. Let me enunciate as clearly as I possibly may in the midst of this foggy situation—the Crown of Bohemia has no intention of claiming the thrones of other rightful sovereigns. His Majesty feels that it would be a breach of the divine favor to dare assert rights to things not properly His Majesty’s own.

I pray, Eminence, that His Majesty’s intentions are rightfully indicated in our diplomatic affairs here in Buda. The burghers and magistrates of Bohemia have entered into a trading compact with the Danubian cities, His Majesty has reached some understanding with the Regent on mutual neutrality and possibly support in military confrontations with third parties, and His Majesty seeks to marry my own blood to the Regent to solidify under the sacraments of Christ Jesus our common bonds.

Meanwhile, agitation continues in your kingdom. Rumors reach me that the Greeks have sold their galleys to speculators and merchants, not to fund their armies but rather for darker purposes. Perhaps they seek to fund unrest and sway the barons with pecuniary incentive?

I certainly hope that the lack of any ill-will on the part of His Majesty towards his brother sovereigns and indeed our pursuit of closer bonds communicate our position.

False rumors designed in some Byzantine plot by some third party are merely a ploy to create enmity where there rightfully should be none, between two states that ought to be closer in harmony.

I thank you, Your Eminence, for listening to my plea. Please pass my condolences along to the widow and daughter of the late Matthias.”

_________________​

Rokycana found Elisabet sitting contentedly at his estate. His mood, buoyant after speaking with the Cardinal, quickly turned sour when she explained things.

“Splendid, he has consented. Consider, Elisabet, that he has consented to your concubinage, not marriage! The religion of the schismatics is an abomination against the true Church, and to practice their false rites is unacceptable! Both your father and I forbid you to participate in any rites other than those of the catholic and apostolic church, lest your rashness lead you commit apostasy and engage in a rite of that barbaric and heretical ‘orthodoxy’ that is better known as a heterodoxy. You can only be married with the blessing of God and myself in the Roman Catholic Church, Elisabet!”

His outburst stunned her wordlessly to tears. He shook his head at the scene- My own niece, rejecting the true faith?- before continuing on with his business.

_________________​

In another section of the manor, Katrina and Snejanka sat conversing with one another.

“The country in many parts seems barren and devoid of people, yet the warmth of the court made up for it,” said Katrina pensively.

Snejanka replied, “I was more concerned with the warmth of the Regent than any other. A ruler’s attitude often determines the mood of his kingdom.”

Katrina laughed and said, “His comportment, oh yes. I am sure that was the main focus of your concern.”

Snejanka gave her a sharp elbow. “Stop it!” Katrina continued to laugh, and Snejanka smiled. “One of us, Katrina, must.”

“Then you may have that honor,” said Katrina with a smile.

“Did you see him, finest in that fleet of men?” Snejanka asked.

“Would that he only would have boarded me,” Snejanka sighed.

“The greatest array of noble bachelors I have yet seen,” Katrina declared disinterestedly.

Their dialogue was interrupted when the Vikomt strode in. Formalities, though curt, were exchanged between the daughter, her cousin, and her father.

“What were you discussing so intently before I arrived?” Rokycana asked with moody curiosity.

Before Snejanka could respond to her uncle, Katrina answered coolly, “We were discussing this land, and Snejanka was complimenting the Regent.”

Vladimir was annoyed. “So, dearest daughter, why do you not also like the Regent?”

Katrina equivocated: “Father, I never said I disliked him, but rather that Snejanka was at the moment expressing her approval of the Regent’s warmth and hospitality.”

The Vikomt grew angry at the evasion, and began to speak loudly, saying “So Snejanka reciprocates these warm feelings… yet you, daughter, do not! You remain cold and distant, unwilling to accept affection from others or admit love into your own heart! You fail to be convivial towards prospective suitors, Katrina. I thought there was no truth to the rumors that your aloofness destroyed a possible union with King Ladislav himself, yet the facts are clear. This is the second opportunity for the most felicitous outcome possible—marriage to a King, Katrina!—yet your lack of interest in perfectly suitable suitors has extinguished these outcomes. You have failed our family by not seizing the opportunity to be the consort of Christendom’s greatest men! You are disobedient to my intentions that you must very well know clearly, and your stubborn stupidity cannot go unpunished! Katrina, your actions, or lack of action, leave me no choice—return to Praha at once.”

Throughout this outburst, Katrina began to feel warm tears flowing down her cheeks. It’s not true, Father, she thought, How can you expect me to love for the rest of my days the disinterested Ladislav or a foreign warlord? Hope emerged from her despair, however, upon hearing of her sentence. Yes, let me return to Praha and escape this strange land and your ridiculous stipulations.


Vladimir continued after his pause, “The convent of Blessed Agnes will be your new home, Katrina. If you do not want a king of this earth as your husband, then perhaps you will prefer the king of kings, Christ.”


Katrina’s cries began anew, and Snejanka comforted her during her weeping, attempting to calm her. In the adjoining room, a man sat up and began mental preparations to journey to Praha.

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- EVENT -

Right Of Passage

​

"Despot of the Serbs, Djuradj Brankovich,

Your reply is most distressing. Naturally you would be amply
compensated for any loss caused by the passage of troops. Said passage would act
as a symbol of your willingness to befriend the powerful nation to your
north. A gift, as it were, that would inspire great feelings of
gratitude towards your realm. Sadly, it seems, you have no wish for the
political and economic support from Hungary that would eventually follow such
a pioneering treaty.

Very well, if you do not believe I have anything to offer you, perhaps
you can be made to believe in what I can take away.

From this moment forward all trade between Hungary and Serbia shall
cease. Furthermore, Serbia shall be cut off from all northern trade. You
will find the Danube and the Sava blockaded, that no Serbian boats will
be allowed to travel in any direction, nor will any boats be allowed to
stop at Serbian docks. You will find your borders along Croatia and
Wallachia similarly blockaded.

I cannot allow the arrogance of one stubborn and introverted despot to
spurn my offers of friendship, to humiliate the noble Kingdom of St.
Istvan.

Know that, if you are so humble as to take the step, all tension
between our realms can be immediately dissolved by the simple act of
expressing a willingness to negotiate.

Ugo, Prince Regent of Hungary and Croatia."

* * *​

King Matthias of Hungary had established close trading ties with Serbia
during his reign; the Serbs had been all but initiated into the Danube
trading syndicate. When the newly confirmed King, Ugo I, asked his
southern neighbour for passage to persue his campaign in Greece, he was
abruptly denied. In retaliation, he severed all trading ties with Serbia,
initiated an embargo on their trade, and set forth to blockade the
Serbian banks of the Danube and Sava Rivers, effectively cutting the small
Despotate from all but Balkan trade. Meanwhile the Hungarians sought a
different route south.

Now, King Ugo offers Serbia the chance to reconsider signing the
proffered treaty, grant Hungary military access, and have the blockade and
embargo lifted.

RESULT:
Hungary gains Right of Passage through Serbia until it becomes played again.

 

[von Streusser]

Bogdan sought out Elisabet in Buda. Finding her and managing to mostly isolate themselves from prying eyes, he took her into his arms.

"My love, Elisabet, it is so good to see you again. Have you talked to your father about when we are to marry, and where? I have been thinking much on the topic recently, and my brethren want to know what is going on.

I have also thought of something else...you, my love, are Catholic, are you not? And you know I am Orthodox. While I know my brothers the Voivodes would not approve, I am my own man and will make my own decisions, as my father is no longer around to disapprove either.

If it is the will of your family that we be married before the Roman Catholic Church, then I will assent to a Catholic ceremony. But I will not convert...of course, I shall not ask you to do what I would not either. But most of all, I promise to love you each and every one of my days on this earth.

Shall I seek out your father to discuss the details?"

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- EVENT -

T Winter Attrition T

• Come see the north wind's masonry.
  Out of an unseen quarry evermore
  Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer
  Curves his white bastions with projected roof
  Round every windward stake, or tree, or door.
  Speeding, the myriad-handed, his wild work
  So fanciful, so savage, nought cares he
  For number or proportion. Mockingly,
  On coop or kennel he hangs Parian wreaths;
  A swan-like form invests the hiddden thorn;
  Fills up the famer's lane from wall to wall,
  Maugre the farmer's sighs; and at the gate
  A tapering turret overtops the work.
  And when his hours are numbered, and the world
  Is all his own, retiring, as he were not,
  Leaves, when the sun appears, astonished Art
  To mimic in slow structures, stone by stone,
  Built in an age, the mad wind's night-work,
  The frolic architecture of the snow.

Forces in the field feel the full brunt of the ravaging effects of the winter. For some who have been at war for many months, it is absolutely devastating. Winter is here in full force and for those in northern climes, it is very harsh.

REALMS EFFECTED:
Hungary (in Morea)
+2 to roll in favour of Hungary because battle was fought on Mediterranian Rim.

TABLE

1. Catastrophic winter!
Severe weather conditions are made worse by the woefully inadequate trickle of supplies getting through, thanks to wagon trains slowing to a snail’s pace in the thick drifts of snow. Thousands die, some in their sleep, some on the march, falling to the icy road and never getting back up. Even more desert and flee for home.
(-50% current land mil (rounded up), -2 morale, -1 tech for 2 turns)

2. Harsh winter
Severe weather conditions are made worse by the meagre supplies getting through, thanks to wagon trains slowing to a crawl in the thick drifts of snow. Hundreds die and even more desert and flee for home.
(-25% current land mil (rounded up), -2 morale for 2 turns)

3. Moderate winter
The troops suffer punishing cold and regular blizzards. The snow often settles, making the going harder. Some see an opportunity in the reduced visibility of a snow-storm and make a break for it, fleeing home.
(-1 current land mil, -2 morale for 2 turns)

4. Mild winter
The cold saps the army’s strength and morale. But still they march on.
(-1 current land mil, -1 morale for 2 turns)

5-6 Clement winter
Although they curse their leaders for putting them at the risk of winter’s uncaring harshness, the troops give thanks that the winter has been particularly merciful this year.
(No effect)

ROLLS:
Hungary: 1 + 2 = 3

RESULTS:
Hungary: Moderate winter
The troops suffer punishing cold and regular blizzards. The snow often settles, making the going harder. Some see an opportunity in the reduced visibility of a snow-storm and make a break for it, fleeing home.
(-1 current land mil, -2 morale for 2 turns)

 

[von Streusser]

At the Danube Trade Syndicate House in Buda, the Moldavian delegate rises.

"Noble delegates of the Syndicate, my lords beg me inform you that following the conclusion of the Genovese war, we have cancelled our trade agreement with the Genovese as it is no longer necessary. In addition, Moldavia has lifted all embargoes on Syndicate nations, allowing all members of the Syndicate access to the Danube river mouth again.

It is our hope that this gesture of good faith will be reciprocated and trade can be normalized once more."

 

[unmerged(9167)]

A letter arrived from Aragon. It reads,

Dear King Ugo,

Aragon longs to establish the friendly relationship with Hungary. So, I apologize for my vassal's erratic behavior while my attention was on reconstruction and Castille. It is interesting of how you promised to help Mystra then abandon her to the war with Turks only to attack Mystra. Anyway, I wish to see the war between Mystra and Hungary to end immediately and turn the control of Morea over to Aragon where we can discipline my vassal. After that, we could negotible about the trade in which we both could profit alot as well establishing a close friendship between our two nations. Let our two nations be very close!

signed,
King Constantine of Aragon

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Paolo Renieri appraoches the Prince

• "My good friend I have come to Mistra temporarily so that you understand that Venezia fully supports your punishment of the Queen of Sicily and their former King. I hope that your victories never end. I unfortunately am not a man of battle and I hope that you may excuse me for I shall return to your court. I shall wait for your majesty there. Be assured all of Venezia drinks to your health."
  Paolo bows and leaves.

 

[von Streusser]

Bogdan Mamnencu sought out the now King Ugo and the Bohemian ambassador to Hungary. "My lords, Voivodes Stefan II and Ilias I Litovoi have sent me this document following the letters our countries have exchanged recently. They propose this as the first draft of our alliance, though it is, of course, open to revision from either of you." With that, he spreads two copies of the document in front of the men and awaits their thoughts.

Article I: The states of Bohemia, Hungary, and Moldavia, recognizing the need for close ties of alliance and fraternity among equals, do hereby pledge to stand beside one another in all things.

Article II: The three aforementioned states guarantee the independence of each member of the alliance for as long as the agreement binds them. To keep this guarantee, all member states will exercise every option within their power, be it monetary, military, or diplomatic, to ensure that every member state remains sovereign and independent.

Article III: In the event that a foreign power should declare war on any member of the alliance, all member states will immediately and without fail come to the military aid of the party being attacked.

Article IV: In the event that a member state is the aggressor in a war, they may ask the other member states to come to their aid, though the other members are not formally obligated to assist. Any member state who initiates a war and desires the assistance of her allies shall consult with them before initiating the conflict.

Article V: To facilitate closer ties of fraternity, each member nation shall set up a royal marriage with each other member nation.

"Now, my masters thought this would work as a basic framework. If you gentlemen have anything to add as regards trade, or perhaps Bohemia's position within the Holy Roman Empire, that would be welcome. As you are both also no doubt aware, our alliance will need a name..."

 

[cccino]

At the Danube Trade Syndicate...


"With the Imperial war against Genoa concluded, there is no longer any need for Imperial nations to embargo Moldavia for its trade deals with Genoa. Therefore I put it to the council that those Imperial members of the Syndicate should immediately lift the embargo," Linczak announced.

"Embargoes by members against members of the Syndicate are not permitted without council approval, except in exceptional circumstances - id est, where subjects of the Holy Roman Empire are forced to act according to Imperial dictates. Unless evidence is presented to the contrary, I assume that the Imperial embargo on Genoa and Moldavia is lifted. Therefore any remaining sanctions would be in breach of Syndicate guidelines.

"If all embargoes are not lifted within one month (OOC: Friday), this council will convene to decide on appropriate action against the offending member.

"Any objections?"

 

[von Streusser]

At the Danube Trade Syndicate

Dragos Doucestu responded.

"No complaints here, Moldavia has already lifted all embargoes and cancelled the agreement in question. We were rather hoping the rest of the Syndicate would reciprocate our good-faith gesture."

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Kurk von Irle,
Bavaria now, lifts her embargo on all the moldavian Goods, was the sindacate asks us

 

[von Streusser]

An Invitation

To the Noble King Ugo of Hungary,

You are hereby invited to attend the marriage of Princess Maia Litovoi of Moldavia to Conte Gilles du Fougeres. The wedding is to be held in Iasi on the 20th day of September [this Saturday].

It is our hope that the treaty of alliance between Bohemia, Hungary, and Moldavia may also be signed during this grand occassion.

Sincerely yours,
Voivodes Ilias I and Stefan II of Moldavia

 

[unmerged(9167)]

A letter arrived for King Ugo,

Dear his majesty,

First of all, the Roman Empire has fallen when Constantinople fell to the Mongols. Only thing that was left was Despotate of Mystra. It may come from Roman Empire, however so did Trebzonid. True, Roman Empire may arised briefly when the Franks resurrected the Roman Empire but it still fell. So, there is no Roman Empire to be destroyed, only Mystra.

Second of all, yes I knew that Mystra has broke her vassalage to Aragon when my back was turned. Does that mean I have no right to bring her back into my vassalage? If Wallachia broke her vassalage with you while your back was turn, do you lose the right to call her your vassal? Thus, Mystra is my vassal thus I am the one to discipline her for her stupidity and mad behavior among with rebellion.

Third of all, while I am very symathatic of your obligation to Duke Alexois, you has little claim to Hellas except for these from given by Despot Thedore and none at all for Mystra. What sort of claim do Hungary has to Morea? Especially when there is no connection between you and Mystra?

So, I offer this, Theodore be handed over to Hungary, a reduced prices for Aragonese goods for your merchants to buy, that Mystra be offically destroyed forever as she return to her rightful overlord. Also, that I shall apologize for my vassal's behavior, that my representative goes to Hungary and apologize to you in person. Also, you shall get two cities in Morea, Galatas and Kronico which would make excellent trade posts.

I hope that these would be acceptable.

King Constantine of Aragon

 

[unmerged(17500)]

A letter arrives from the Doge of Venezia

• "My friend I have heard of your success with those mongrels, and hope that you continue your vengence on the wench of Sicily.
  
  I must however state and make my position clear. My support for you is not one of claim for I do not feel that this situation warants it. Rather my motivation for supporting you is more based on the necessity to punish the wicked. This Queen is most definately evil, and before the Aragonese step in and deal with her themselves, you have every right to wish to punish those who have made very insulting remarks towards your nation. These people truly have no respect for any sort of respect or decorum. I pray for their death, and for your success, but that is all I shall do. To you health my old friend.
  
  ~Doge Francesco Foscari"
  
  The Doge then returns to the matters on Crete.