- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of Hungary

[cccino]

Matthias met the emissary from Constantinople, and granted him permission to act as ambassador.


Meanwhile he continued to wonder whether the Valachian was the expert on trade they had been expecting. The man didn't really seem to know why he was there at all. Oh well, sighed the King, it is the Syndicate's problem now, not mine.

He continued to muse on the Syndicate for a while. They had been granted a building within the city walls from which to operate. The King had had some influence in getting them set up - conducting the international diplomacy required, and so forth - but the whole point was that they did not operate as a political tool (as did the Hansa); and so from here on in they were moderately autonomous on the world stage. Well, he conceded, if not autonomous, at least not controlled by one nation but by five. The council members would probably be economic experts, shrewd businessmen, excellent negotiators and orators. Perhaps the Wallachian was more than he seemed...

 

[unmerged(17500)]

An envoy enters the great land of Hungary. They arrive at the palace fortunate to have come so long unscathed. An ambassador approaches the palace of the royal family in search of the King. With him he carries documents of the most royal of importance.

"I hope that these letters come to you safely, and furthermore that they imrpove the relations between our two nations. In this time of trouble I hope that this treaty will bring peace to our lands, while those around us begin to brew. It is of my utmost concern for the people of Hungary, and my peoples autonomy. It is for these reasons that I have devised a plan which will bring us closer together. Before you I present a peace offering in parchment. The Byzantines have already approved and I hope to see others across Europe do the same. My good friend to the north I hope to meet in person some day for I have heard that you are a most wise and coargeous man who has done much for his people. In your image I hope to rule and hopefully make up for my youth. "

_____________________________

Ragusan Non-Aggression Pact of 1436 (March 16th)

Article I: The Pact concerns all nations who seek peace in the name of whatever Lord they choose. In this manner the Pact is unbound by religion and serves the belief in peace.

Article II: The pact serves as a template. Any nation who signs agrees to peace only with Ragua and no other nation that also signs. Any other agreements must be handled a separate document between said nations.

Article III: The document is a yearly reborn, meaning the pact ends after the passing of every 15th of March (Ides of March) at which time is ratified again.

Article IV: Any can join at anytime with agreement of the Duke. A separate signature of the Duke is required per nation to ensure Ragusan authority and control of this Pact.

Article V: No nation can be at war with Ragusa or make aggressive actions that risk good will of the Ragusan people and their betterment.

Article VI: This document stands above all others signed by here signed nations, for instance an ally of signed nation decided to attack Ragusa, her signed nation is bound by this document before all others.

Article VII: The document is permanent and unbreakable until the one year is up, which is the Ides of March of every year.

Article VIII: Ragusa agrees to all the previous articles and applies them to itself for the betterment of signed nations.

Article IX: No nation may sign without approval of Ragusa.


Hungary - {X} Approved by the Duke of Ragusa, Stefan Crnojevic
{ }Matthew of the Magyars, King of Hungary, King of Croatia, King of Slavonia, Palatine of Transylvania

 

[unmerged(10894)]

The Bavarian representative arrived from Munich in a rather untimely fashion. He bowed before the king, before addressing him.

"You majesty,

I am Rutlieb Bäumer, sent here to be a representative in the Danube Trading Syndicate. I am sorry for my lateness, and I hope you forgive me. Certain imperial matters have kept my departure a little to late."

And then he respectfully bows before going slightly to the side.

 

[unmerged(7924)]

The Hungarian messenger returned from Athens, riding into Buda, and handed a Letter to the King.


King Matthias of Hungary,

I have no intentions of Killing the Athenian Duke. As he have fought bravely, and long, I will not kill him. Neither will I order my men to kill him. However, I am not to be blamed for what my allies does with him. He have gotten the oppurtunity to flee the city several times, and rejected all of them. And what if he dies of a stone fired from the Catapults?

However, I will ask my allies not to kill him, as I see him as to worthless to destroy our relations. However, I can not guarantee anything. The soldiers of Roman Empire and Byzantium have their own orders.

I will do my best not to kill him, but if it stands between my and his life, I will not sacrifice my own.

Written by his own hand, Vlad Dracul.

 

[Bagricula]

Siegmund von Wittelsbach, brother to the Archbishop of Heidelburg and former envoy to Denmark arrives. He bows before King Matthias and states:

"Your Majesty, on behalf of Count Frederick and the Regency Council, I am here to serve on the council of the Danube Syndicate. Let us commence with all deliberate speed."

 

[Karamazov]

As the pesky Herr von Blummetritt had left, Wilhelm von Kassel slunk his way back into the court to speak with the King.

Your Royal Highness, I understand that the Balkans have erupted in a flur of activity thanks to the Greeks, but this only greatens the needs for trustworthy friends, your Majesty. Although our nations our involved in competing trade organizations, my Lord thought perhaps you may see wisdom in some sort of friendly arrangement...

von Kassel hands the King a document and awaits a response...

 

[cccino]

The King looks at Von Kassel sideways. "For what reason could you have possibly come to Hungary, to stir up such an inquisition from the Emperor's messenger?" He raised an eyebrow, and asked rhetorically, referring to von Blummetritt: "Surely no man could be that suspicious of a supposed ally's ambassador?"

Shrugging off such questions, Matthias commented on something the man from Hessen had said. "I do not believe the Syndicate and the Hansa are in competition. Their regions of operation are unconflicting and infact their very missions are completely different. The Syndicate is as much about improving roadways as it is about making money through trade."

He took the letter, and read it. Then he beckoned the ambassador closer, in order that they discuss its contents more discretely.

 

[cccino]

Danube Trade Syndicate - Meeting

In the Danube Syndicate Council chambers, in the city of Buda, the official delegates from the member nations of the Syndicate were called together for the first meeting of the new trade union.

When the delegates had assembled, the Hungarian stood, and introduced himself as Antal Linczak, Chairman of the Danube Syndicate Council as selected by the Royal Regent of Hungary himself.

"Firstly, I suggest it would be wise that each of us establish (for ourselves and each other) our individual duties in this council and the role we will play in this venture. As chairman, it is not my position to make orders or coerce my fellow councilors. It is my job to ensure meetings are run in good order and to direct our focus as a council on individual issues in sequence. Every member of this council has the right to make suggestions, proposals, and add issues to the agenda.

"In these early stages, we should focus only on internal trade between the member-states. Futhermore, the sooner we begin the process of improving security and infrastructure of these trade routes, the better.

"Now, if I may make a suggestion to the Council.

"I propose that Councilor von Wittelsbach head a committee to analyse trade between the member-states, and that he be appointed as Internal Trade Commissioner.

"I propose that Councilor Bäumer head a committee to analyse the current highway and river transport routes, and that he be appointed as Commissioner of Infrastructure.

"Gentlemen, I pass over to you. What are your initial impressions of the Syndicate's structure, mission, and immediate goals? What are your suggestions for our initial actions?"

 

[Bagricula]

"Councilor" Siegmund von Wittelsbach stifles a yawn. He isn't an economist or a learned doctor, nor one of those bankers. He is a nobleman and a diplomat and has only been sent by the Regency since they needed someone with diplomatic experience and family-ties. Luckily, a few days later his assistant Niccolo d'Medici arrives. Niccolo had worked wonders with the Palatine economy when Erich had been in power. The trading houses in Nurnberg and Heidelburg draw great revenue to the Palatine coffers and her traders, even though traditionally the realm is not a center of trade.

Council von Wittelsbach taps the table to draw attention before speaking:

"Meister Linczak, thank you for your kind nomination. I have brought along my assistant who wishes to explain to the council the how a network of trading houses and warehouses along the Rhine would benefit our syndicate, as well as the gradual introduction of what he calls 'paper money'"

Enthusiastic and exuberant, the Italian immediately begins his presentation to the distinguished board, using maps and charts to explain the flow of commodities and goods throughout the Danube valley and how building connections to the Main will increase trade exponentially by opening up the Syndicate to customers and producers along the Rhine as well.

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Leo Achaea gave King the letter from Emperor,

I have received the letter and will respect it. If my soldiers capture Duke Alexios, we will treat him like a guest until we could hand him over to you. After all, we Romans respect the bravery, ability, and honor. It is not our way to despoil the brave men that fought well. You have my word.

I hope that you can consider Roman Empire as trusted friend.

signed,
Emperor Alexius of Roman Empire

 

[unmerged(10894)]

Councilor Bäumer looked up at the mention of his name. He wore a huge smile on his face, one that suited his medium build. He bows slightly in his seat to the Hungarian councilor and speaks in impecible language,

"Good Sir, I would be honoured to head a team to inspect the roading systems in the area. I will go and send a team out immediately!"

He then flicks his fingers to a servant and whispered to him to get Ronaldo Haller so he could talk to him, for he knew much about this topic already....

 

[unmerged(7924)]

Ioan Casteliu shaked his head, and said to the Chairman:

Why haven't Wallachia been given a more important role? We have more intrest in the Danube than most others. Our land lies up amongst the river, and is our life-bread.

I, Ioan Casteliu, on the behalf of Vlad II must complain. Your King, Matthias, is a close friend of the Duke of Athens, which recently was defeated at Athens. He is now in custody of the Byzantine Emperor. With your Kings threats against my Voivode, your King have, indirectly, taken side with the Duke of Athens.
Therefore, Dracul has reason to believe that you are holding us back because of this.

Therefore, I must ask that Wallachia get an important role, as I feel discriminated. I'm the only man who hasn't got a major role yet.


The Wallachian awaited his reply.

 

[cccino]

The Chairman replied:

"Councilor Casteliu, I have already explained that as Chairman I have no rights to make orders. However I consider it my duty to make observations and recommendations.

"You can be assured that no unfair treatment is applied based on politics. It has already been asserted that this is not a political organisation. No member here makes decisions based on the current state of politics, and I must ask you to do likewise, and refrain from bringing up politics where it does not apply to trade between our nations. If you wish to formally accuse the Syndicate Council of acting unprofessionally, do so. Otherwise refrain from making such blatantly inappropriate statements such as claiming the King of Hungary has threatened the Voivode of Wallachia. I have reason to believe this is an untruth; which makes your comment even worse.

"You claim that Wallachia has more of an interest in the Danube than others. Firstly, the Syndicate is not solely focussed on the Danube, as Niccolo d'Medici's presentation would surely have suggested to you. However, as the river is a primary factor in the formation of this syndicate, please explain how your state has more trade influence because it lies adjacent to the Danube, bearing in mind that it flows also through Hungary, Ostmarch and Bavaria - every other state represented here?

"As I have said, Councilor, I have no power on this board. There were two jobs that needed doing. I recommended the two men here I considered the most proficient and with the most resources at their disposal. I cannot enforce positions upon anyone, and left it to the Council to approve or disapprove of my suggestions. Personally, I would have thought you would have been offended if you had been given some trivial 'keep-busy' job, therefore I didn't suggest one. You are free to make suggestions of your own, if you feel there is a specific job that needs doing."

 

[unmerged(7924)]

Chairman Linczak,

Why Wallachia is more interested in trade along the Danube? Because it lies just next to our land. It is our life-bread. Just look at the Rhine-Palatinate. They lie far away, thought their interest might be as big as ours, it is not there life bread. They can make it without the Danube.
I meant no offence, von Wittelsbach, if you feel like I offended you.

I feel that this is some trade organization wich do not have any interest in making life better in Wallachia. It is now controlled by the majors, while we, must yield after you majors. You pointed out the other commisioners, so don't say you don't have the power.
And how do you know that they have better resources? You just think that I'm a pesky farmer from Wallachia. You think that they have better skills, just because they are from the west. That is discriminating.

And you claim your King doesn't threten My Voivode? Let me read the letter up loud.

I consider the Duke of Athens a personal friend of mine. If he is killed in battle I will hold you personally responsible

That sounds like a threat to me, and so did it to my Voivode. Luckily, the Duke was captured by the Byzantines. What will happen next is out of Dracul's power to decide, so that threat is as empty as the wall of Athens at the moment.

That said, Wallachia has lost much of it's believe in this Syndicate.

 

[unmerged(6719)]

A letter arrives bearing the seal of the Kingdom of Aragon.



King of Hungary,

I apologize at the lateness of my response to your ambassador in my court. As you may well have heard the nation of Aragon finds itself fighting a revolution in the Kingdom of Naples. I am leading the forces personally to return Naples as my kingdom. I however do wish for nothing more than peace and trade with the Kingdom of Hungary. Also I feel a non-agression pact of no more than 5 years would benefit us both. What say you upon this king? Have you some specific agreement in mind?


By his own hand in Apuila.
Alfonso V

 

[Bagricula]

Siegmund von Wittelsbach, a better diplomat than economist, interposes himself in the debate between the Wallachian and the Chairman.

"There is a very important duty that has been overlooked, Charman. A job, which in my opinion, Herr Casteliu, is most fit to undertake. As you all know, the mouth of the Danube is in Dobrudja, territory now held by the Hansa. I believe that someone should investigate whether it would be more profitable for the Syndicate to divert it's trade through the Palatine port of Varna in Rumelia instead of paying Hansa tariffs."

 

[cccino]

He replied to the Wallachian as kindly as he knew how:

"Councilor, please don't make me ask you again - do not bring political matters to this Council unless they are directly relevant to the course of trade. If Wallachia is concerned about the relationship between the two respective monarchs I suggest you have your ambassador contact Royal Regent Ugo at the King's palace.

"Just for the record, Ur von Wittelsbach represents here Ostmarch, Wurtemburg and Rumelia moreso than the Palatinate on the Rhine itself."

He looks at directly at the Wallachian.

"Frankly, I don't understand you. We have not yet as a group begun to do anything. How can you say this organisation isn't improving life in Wallachia? It is your duty as a member of this council to ensure that Wallachia becomes a more secure, efficient trader. Let me make a proposal to you. Have your staff analyse the current trade routes in and out of your country. Where does Wallachia get its food? What are its prime imports and exports? How does it make money, and what areas need to be improved? Bring these specific issues to the council, that we may then work to improve the status of Wallachia. How can we do this without your positive input? It is not my duty but yours to see that this trade organisation works to do what you want it to do for your people.

"There, my friend, now you have two jobs. Analyse how and why the Syndicate is failing to support Wallachia, founding member and thus a very important member, and bring to us a proposal of what can be done to alleviate the situation." He looks at the other delegates for approval. "Secondly, prepare a committee to analyse trade from the Black Sea and the most efficient trade routes to bring goods into the Syndicate. Councilor Casteliu, is this acceptable?" Turning to the group: "What say you to the appointment of Ioan Casteliu as Foreign Trade Commissioner, East?"

 

[unmerged(10894)]

Councilor Bäumer came back to the committee and told them,
"I find that certain areas of the infrastructure are needing of improvement, while other areas are better.

Most notibly, I find that a road needs to be constructed across from Nurmburg through Ostmarche and into Buda. This area was not taken care of by the Hapsburgs and now we need a road to run along the Danube to connect the cities.

The Danube will be able to do in many places, but certain places will need to have upgraded ports. The ones I see most needy of these are: Munich (on the Isar River), Linz, Bratislava, Bucurusti (on the Dimbovita) and Galati.

As for roading, I see another problem. That being linking Hiedelburg to the main grid, i.e. Wurtemburg and Bavaria. The problem in being that it is not running along the Danube or even adjacent to a province or nation that runs along the river. Any road would have to be foreign nations. We fear that any trade from Hiedelburg will have to bear being tariffed by the nations that come between seeing there is no other alternative.

Other than that, the Danube will serve it's purpose well, I feel. Especially in the eastern parts, where there are many tributaries that will make roading not so much needed."

Councilor Bäumer then stops and listens to the other members talk about the many processes needed to begin the DTS.

 

[unmerged(7924)]

Hmm... wery well. I will interfer in trade with the East. The Black sea is in our interest, so I'll make sure we can get some deals regarding trade eastwards.

You gave us some work to do too, so now I am happy. I am glad we could solve this like gentlemen. I apologize for being a little aggressive. That is my nature.

As to you, Councilor Bäumer, the city of Bucuresti, is steadily growing, as the city will soon probably been used for the center of USA (Union of Saint Andrew). Vlad want Bucuersti to grow, as it lies closer to the Danube than Tirgoviste, our capitol.
It's harbour shall be worked on immediately. Aragonese labourers will do the job, as we have many of them in Wallachia.

Therefore, goods will be brought to Tirgoviste, throught Bucuresti, by road. That will save merchants approacing from west a much shorter road for their goods.

Galati is a most important city, as it lies were the rivers Danube and Sereth meets. However, the city lies adjacent to the borders of Moldovia. Nevertheless, I will make sure we can get that port built up as well, as it never hurts to build up more infrastructure.

My Voivode has also seen the construction of a road from Tirgoviste to Timisoara, so that our capitols are better connected. This will also be good for every day use.

I now see a brighter future for Wallachia. I can smell what Dracul smelled; improvement.


Councilor Casteliu smiled a little, for the first time. He now saw what the Voivode saw, what the meaning with the Syndicate would be.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

The ambassador from Genoa meets briefly with the king of Hungary...