Well, having resigned myself to the departure of the poor house of Briesgau, I started a game as the County of Luxembourg. I am pleased with the story that has developed thus far, and am prepared to begin an AAR.
Chronicle of the House of Luxembourg
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Yay! Luxembourg was the first country I played, and Ive still got a softspot for the old County. Go Conrad!
You should go for inheriting Bohemia and Hungary and getting the HRE. You wouldn't want to fall behind your historical counterparts, would you? 
The Happy Reign of Conrad
25th of December, 1066
The Lands of Luxembourg, at the time immediately following the conquest of England by the Normans, was ruled by the noble family for which the lands were named, the House of Luxembourg. The family itself had shrunk greatly in recent years, having been withered by disease and tragedy. The Luxembourgs controlled only the province that held their name. The County of Luxembourg was a wealthy and populous land, and as such was esteemed highly by Luxembourg's peers and betters. The Luxembourgs owed their fealty directly to the Duke of Lower Silesia, and indirectly to the King of Germany.
The Luxembourgs were ably lead by one Conrad de Luxembourg. He was noted as an extremely energetic and excitable fellow, but also noted as one whose morality was not so strictly by the Church's ideas of right and wrong as religious authorities would like. Conrad loved to dabble in politics, though he tended to see it more as a diversion than anything else. It was also said of them that even though he ruled a land peopled by German folk and served German Lords, Conrad always felt more kinship to the Frankish lords to his south. Indeed, the personal lands of le Roi abutted upon the lands of Luxembourg, which helped to assure that the Luxembourgs highly valued good relations with the French.
Conrad de Luxembourg- a dashing fellow
The most notable member of Conrad's court was his wife, Clementia d'Aquitaine. Like most people important to Conrad, she was French. She was a gifted manager of estates and wealth, and gave her husband valuable advice on such things as his Steward. It was whispered that she guided the good Count in many other matters as well, as Count de Luxembourg's arbitrary nature often left him open to suggestion.
Several of Conrad's cousins populated his court, but they were all minors. Conrad had taken them in following the deaths of their parents.
1066-1088: The Happy People of Luxembourg
The first thing on Conrad's mind was securing the future of his House. While he had several cousins he could hand the County over to if he had to, he would much prefer to see his lands pass to a son. Thus Conrad resolved to put his boundless energies towards siring an heir. His efforts were quickly rewarded when, in February of 1068, Clementia gave birth to their first child. It was a boy, whom his mother named Simon after the apostle that became the Rock upon which Christ built his church.
Conrad valued many things in life. He valued his wife, he valued his wealth, and he valued the support his people gave him. But above all else, Conrad valued peace. Conrad was not a bellicose person but, more importantly, he knew that Luxembourg was a small place. While Conrad had the utmost faith in his liege, to whom he was immensely loyal, he also had no desire to tempt fate by putting himself into harm's way. Thus, when the Pope sounded the call to Crusade, Conrad paid no notice. As a relatively obscure Lord of a single county, nobody really expected Conrad to take up the Cross against the heathen and Muhammedeans. In the face of such low expectations, Conrad found it exceedingly easy to overlook his duties to crusade. A slight increase in the level of financial support to the Church seemed to almost completely cover over any concerns the local clergy might have had about the Count's lack of zeal.
That settled, Conrad turned his energies back to his domain and his family. The Lord, however, seemed decided to send Conrad a warning about his disinterest in crusading. Shortly after Conrad increased his donations to the Church and considered his crusading duties settled, Clementia gave birth to a stillborn male. Naturally they were upset, but the fact that Clementia was pregnant again a few months later greatly helped to bury their sadness in the tiny grave they buried their son in. During the time of Clementia's pregnancy, Conrad oversaw a reclimation of wasteland and forest. The pesants were pleased to gain more land to farm, and Conrad was pleased to see the wealth of Luxembourg increase.
Clementia was very careful during her pregnancy, and on the 14th of July in the year of our Lord 1071, Clementia gave birth to the Luxembourg's third child. He was named Philippe in honor of one of Conrad's favorite deceased cousins. Around that same time, one of Conrad's adopted cousins- Ermentrude de Luxembourg- came of age. Conrad was exceedingly pleased with himself when he was able to arrange a marriage between Ermentrude and Hughes Capet, younger brother of the King of France. That joy was short-lived, though, as the Lord decided to take Philippe as further payment for Conrad's refusal to take up the sword. Philippe died in his crib in November of 1071. The infant was buried alongside his brother, and the black banners of moruning flew from the tops of the Luxembourg's manor for many months following.
The next several years went by in a blur, as the Lord seemed to feel that Conrad's debt to him was paid and thus spared the House of Luxembourg further vexation. Conrad financed the building of a sawmill, and the woodsmen of Luxembourg were able to grealy increase their productivity. Conrad witnessed the developemnt of the 7 liberal arts in his lands, and soon comissioned the building of a library in order to further spread the flame of learning through his lands. Pesants devloped the 2-field farming system, and merchants from neighboring counties shared their innovations of annual sailing with the burghers of Luxembourg.
Clementia gave birth to two more children in 1074 ( Berthold in February, and Yolande in December.) Along with her duties managing a steadily-growing brood of children, Clementia also encouraged her husband's devotion to his people and his family. Courts and roads were build through the county, which helped the spread of further ideas like business contracts. After a few years, in 1077, Cecile was also added to the happy House of Luxembourg. Clementia's insightful council lead to a steady increase in support from all four stands of society, and before long the Luxembourgs enjoyed the unquestioned devotion of all their people.
Clementia's devotion to her husband did not go unnoticed, and before long people began to comment and praise Conrad's chaste devotion to his wife. In particular, an incident in which a pretty pesant girl sought to seduce her Lord and Count only to be turned away- much to the amazement of Conrad's entourage, who all admitted that they desired the wench themselves- caused people to praise their Lord as an example of Christian fidelity.
Conrad spent much time with his children. Some made him proud.
Berthold proves to be a good lad...
Some worried him greatly.
...unlike his sister.
Each he sought to treat with an even hand, though encouraging in them a belief in the same Christain faith that his arbitrary nature caused him to take with only a grain of salt.
Before Conrad realized it, it was time to find his oldest a bride. Simon was quickly coming of age. Simon was the pride of his father. He was wise and just, and had masteted all four spheres of noble focus- matters martial, matters financial, matters political, and matters best left unspoken- to a far greater degree than his father ever had. Simon's teachers hailed him as a grey emminence, and proclaimed that he was destined to be one of the greatest leaders of his generation.
An heir anyone could be proud of...
Conrad felt that he had to find a worthy match for his eldest son. He found it in the form of a woman named Etienne. Etienne was a young and beautiful lass, and the only child of the elderly Count Folques of Tourraine. The young couple were wed in February the 24th, in the year of our Lord 1084. Within months, Etienne was pregnant, and gave birth to a daughter in the middle of 1085. She was named Agnes. Only a few months passed before Etienne was pregnant again.
During Etienne's second pregnancy, she fell ill. Simon, in particular, was troubled by this, and solace in the scriptures. Simon found inspiration in those sage words, and recomitted himself to be a model of Christian nobility. Many remarked after Etienne's illness at Simon's zeal and devotion to the message of Christ.
God seemed pleased by the future Count of Luxembourg's faith, and saw fit to give him a son on September the 11th, 1086. He was named Philippe after the younger brother that Simon had dim recollections of. Conrad and Clementia were touched by their son's thoughtfulness.
The birth of Philippe was fortuitous for Luxembourg, but it was particularly fortuitous for Tourraine. The aged Count Folques had no heirs before Philippe's birth, and had feared that his lands would pass to one that did not bear his blood upon his death. The birth of Philippe alleviated this fear, and allowed Folques to die in peace. Barely a month after Philippe's first birthday, his grandfather passed away. The infant was taken from his mother, dispite her tearful protests, and sent to Tourraine to rule in minority as Count of that land. Philippe's older sister, Agnes, was stressed by the departure of her baby brother, but there was little she or anyone else could do. The Luxembourgs paid regular visits to Tourraine to check on the progress of young Philippe, but his fate put him in the hands of others.
1088- 1101: Rise of the Duke
In the year of our Lord 1088, Luxembourg found itself thrust into turmoil. King Heinreich of Germany, eager to secure lands enough for his sons, began to depose and usurp the titles of many of his vassals. One of those that fell to the King's avarice was Conrad's lord, the Duke of Lower Lorraine. King Heinreich had under-estimated the bad will his greed would breed, however, and soon found almost all of the vassals of the Duchy of Lower Lorraine rising in rebellion against him. Even Conrad, though he loathed the idea of war, was outraged by the blatent violation of the feudal contract shown by the King.
As thoughts turned towards rebellion, or at the very least a switch of allegiances to the King of France, Conrad stumbled upon an interresting piece of information. It seems that, at it's inception, Luxembourg had been chartered as a duchy. Surprised, Conrad sent envoys to King Heinreich saying that he could retain Luxembourg's support if he recognized them in return as Dukes. King Heinreich, who was being besieged by a rebellious Duke from Saxony, quickly agreed.
Conrad, now a Duke, resolved to come to the aid of his liege. However, true to Conrad's nature, he decided to wage his campaign to return the wayward vassals of Lower Lorraine through the pen rather than the sword. Conrad began to write his former peers that had broken their ties with Germany, and urged them to return to the fold. He offered them fealty, and pledged that he would support them against the King of Germany. He quietly agreed with them that the King had acted in an unchivalrous nature, but argued that another's failures does not excuse one's own.
The first letters sent by Conrad struck a chord. Gotfried, Count of Andersnach, and Fransisco, Bishop of Liege, immediately agreed to return to the German fold as Luxembourg's vassals. Amazed as the effect of his words, he immediatly began to send out his envoys- lead by the extremely persuasive Simon, who served his father as Chancellor- to bring others into the fold.
While Simon oversaw a persistant campaign to cajole other counts into returning to Germany, Conrad set out to find a bride for his second son, Berthold. After an exhaustive search, trying to coordinate the diplomatic campaign along with the search for a suitable spouse, Conrad found a girl that met with the approval of himself and Clementia. The girl was named Euphrosine, and she was a daughter of Duke Thierry of Upper Lorraine. She and Berthold were wed in October of 1090.
Conrad's devotion to his family and to peace impressed many of the nobles whom Conrad was seeking to win over. At the very end of 1090, Count Dirk of Zeeland decided to rejoin Germany under Conrad's protection and pledges of justice. Count Albert of Breeda, now wedged between two vassals to the Luxembourgs, quickly followed suit in the first weeks of January, 1091.
After the successes in 1088 and in 1091, Duke Conrad settled down for an extended political campaign. His efforts were not helped much by his second son, Berthold, who brought great shame on his father by killing a servant in a drunken frenzy on a cold night in March of 1094.
Berthold is put in Alcoholic's Anonymous.
Conrad was enraged, because the event set him back considerably in the eyes of those he was seeking to sway. However, true to form, Conrad swallowed his anger and sought to coucil his son in a reasonable manner rather than in harsh tones. After the talk, many remarked how Conrad's words had inspired Berthold. Conrad's second son became a model of Christian mercy.
It seems, however, that Conrad's mesured response and attention to his family once again served to impress those he was speaking with. By the end of March, Bishop Adelaide of Julich decided that Duke de Luxembourg would be a worthy liege. His change of heart also won over Count Godfried of Brabant, who had always respected the opinions of Bishop Adelaide, and in October Brabant also joined her fate to Luxembourg's.
That, to Conrad's mind, left only one County left- Loon. The Count of Loon had long been both one of the most adamant opponent of King Heinreich and at the same time one of the most vocal doubters of Conrad's good intentions. Conrad focused all of his time on winning the Count of Loon over, but Count Jacob was completely uninterested. The death of Heinreich and subsequent ascent of his son Sigfried- who seemed a much more reasonable person than his father- seemed to have no effect on Count Jacob. Conrad continued his efforts to sway Count Jacob back to Germany, but his efforts became more infrequent as he began to doubt that Jacob would ever acede to the request for his fealty.
In the spring of 1098, Duke Conrad attended a tournament in the County of Kleves. Kleves, for reasons that none understood, proved to be an extremely insulting fellow. Letters were exchanged, and before long Duke Conrad was acting uncharistically open in his disagreement. He publically announced that the people of Kleves deserved better leaders, and that the Luxembourgs would be the best people for the job. A short time later, an inheritance lead to Conrad also gaining a claim to Koln. Conrad was not tempted to press his claim in either place, but neither did he relinquish them. The matter did not sit well with Conrad, though, and stressed him considerably.
The next few years were quiet, save for the continued irregular communication between Conrad and Jacob of Loon. The persistance of Conrad, and his dedication to his cause, impressed Jacob. It took almost five years, but on May 22nd in the year of our Lord 1100, Jacob of Loon decided that Duke Conrad would make a worthy Lord after all.
Conrad was content. After twelve years of near-constant diplomatic struggle, Conrad had consolidated and brought back almost all of Lower Lorraine back into the Kingdom of Germany. Conrad relaxed, and spent the next year puttering about his manor and minding his children and grandchildren.
On June 1st, 1101, Conrad de Luxembourg, Duke of Luxembourg died peacefully in his sleep. The people of Luxembourg mourned greatly the passing of their Lord, for they knew that the fact that Luxembourg knew a generation of peace dispite the wars and crusades that swirlled around them. The people of Luxembourg were very supportive of their new Duke Simon, but they also feared that his reign would not be so peaceful...
Luxembourg at the end of Duke Conrad's reign.
25th of December, 1066
The Lands of Luxembourg, at the time immediately following the conquest of England by the Normans, was ruled by the noble family for which the lands were named, the House of Luxembourg. The family itself had shrunk greatly in recent years, having been withered by disease and tragedy. The Luxembourgs controlled only the province that held their name. The County of Luxembourg was a wealthy and populous land, and as such was esteemed highly by Luxembourg's peers and betters. The Luxembourgs owed their fealty directly to the Duke of Lower Silesia, and indirectly to the King of Germany.
The Luxembourgs were ably lead by one Conrad de Luxembourg. He was noted as an extremely energetic and excitable fellow, but also noted as one whose morality was not so strictly by the Church's ideas of right and wrong as religious authorities would like. Conrad loved to dabble in politics, though he tended to see it more as a diversion than anything else. It was also said of them that even though he ruled a land peopled by German folk and served German Lords, Conrad always felt more kinship to the Frankish lords to his south. Indeed, the personal lands of le Roi abutted upon the lands of Luxembourg, which helped to assure that the Luxembourgs highly valued good relations with the French.
Conrad de Luxembourg- a dashing fellow
The most notable member of Conrad's court was his wife, Clementia d'Aquitaine. Like most people important to Conrad, she was French. She was a gifted manager of estates and wealth, and gave her husband valuable advice on such things as his Steward. It was whispered that she guided the good Count in many other matters as well, as Count de Luxembourg's arbitrary nature often left him open to suggestion.
Several of Conrad's cousins populated his court, but they were all minors. Conrad had taken them in following the deaths of their parents.
1066-1088: The Happy People of Luxembourg
The first thing on Conrad's mind was securing the future of his House. While he had several cousins he could hand the County over to if he had to, he would much prefer to see his lands pass to a son. Thus Conrad resolved to put his boundless energies towards siring an heir. His efforts were quickly rewarded when, in February of 1068, Clementia gave birth to their first child. It was a boy, whom his mother named Simon after the apostle that became the Rock upon which Christ built his church.
Conrad valued many things in life. He valued his wife, he valued his wealth, and he valued the support his people gave him. But above all else, Conrad valued peace. Conrad was not a bellicose person but, more importantly, he knew that Luxembourg was a small place. While Conrad had the utmost faith in his liege, to whom he was immensely loyal, he also had no desire to tempt fate by putting himself into harm's way. Thus, when the Pope sounded the call to Crusade, Conrad paid no notice. As a relatively obscure Lord of a single county, nobody really expected Conrad to take up the Cross against the heathen and Muhammedeans. In the face of such low expectations, Conrad found it exceedingly easy to overlook his duties to crusade. A slight increase in the level of financial support to the Church seemed to almost completely cover over any concerns the local clergy might have had about the Count's lack of zeal.
That settled, Conrad turned his energies back to his domain and his family. The Lord, however, seemed decided to send Conrad a warning about his disinterest in crusading. Shortly after Conrad increased his donations to the Church and considered his crusading duties settled, Clementia gave birth to a stillborn male. Naturally they were upset, but the fact that Clementia was pregnant again a few months later greatly helped to bury their sadness in the tiny grave they buried their son in. During the time of Clementia's pregnancy, Conrad oversaw a reclimation of wasteland and forest. The pesants were pleased to gain more land to farm, and Conrad was pleased to see the wealth of Luxembourg increase.
Clementia was very careful during her pregnancy, and on the 14th of July in the year of our Lord 1071, Clementia gave birth to the Luxembourg's third child. He was named Philippe in honor of one of Conrad's favorite deceased cousins. Around that same time, one of Conrad's adopted cousins- Ermentrude de Luxembourg- came of age. Conrad was exceedingly pleased with himself when he was able to arrange a marriage between Ermentrude and Hughes Capet, younger brother of the King of France. That joy was short-lived, though, as the Lord decided to take Philippe as further payment for Conrad's refusal to take up the sword. Philippe died in his crib in November of 1071. The infant was buried alongside his brother, and the black banners of moruning flew from the tops of the Luxembourg's manor for many months following.
The next several years went by in a blur, as the Lord seemed to feel that Conrad's debt to him was paid and thus spared the House of Luxembourg further vexation. Conrad financed the building of a sawmill, and the woodsmen of Luxembourg were able to grealy increase their productivity. Conrad witnessed the developemnt of the 7 liberal arts in his lands, and soon comissioned the building of a library in order to further spread the flame of learning through his lands. Pesants devloped the 2-field farming system, and merchants from neighboring counties shared their innovations of annual sailing with the burghers of Luxembourg.
Clementia gave birth to two more children in 1074 ( Berthold in February, and Yolande in December.) Along with her duties managing a steadily-growing brood of children, Clementia also encouraged her husband's devotion to his people and his family. Courts and roads were build through the county, which helped the spread of further ideas like business contracts. After a few years, in 1077, Cecile was also added to the happy House of Luxembourg. Clementia's insightful council lead to a steady increase in support from all four stands of society, and before long the Luxembourgs enjoyed the unquestioned devotion of all their people.
Clementia's devotion to her husband did not go unnoticed, and before long people began to comment and praise Conrad's chaste devotion to his wife. In particular, an incident in which a pretty pesant girl sought to seduce her Lord and Count only to be turned away- much to the amazement of Conrad's entourage, who all admitted that they desired the wench themselves- caused people to praise their Lord as an example of Christian fidelity.
Conrad spent much time with his children. Some made him proud.
Berthold proves to be a good lad...
Some worried him greatly.
...unlike his sister.
Each he sought to treat with an even hand, though encouraging in them a belief in the same Christain faith that his arbitrary nature caused him to take with only a grain of salt.
Before Conrad realized it, it was time to find his oldest a bride. Simon was quickly coming of age. Simon was the pride of his father. He was wise and just, and had masteted all four spheres of noble focus- matters martial, matters financial, matters political, and matters best left unspoken- to a far greater degree than his father ever had. Simon's teachers hailed him as a grey emminence, and proclaimed that he was destined to be one of the greatest leaders of his generation.
An heir anyone could be proud of...
Conrad felt that he had to find a worthy match for his eldest son. He found it in the form of a woman named Etienne. Etienne was a young and beautiful lass, and the only child of the elderly Count Folques of Tourraine. The young couple were wed in February the 24th, in the year of our Lord 1084. Within months, Etienne was pregnant, and gave birth to a daughter in the middle of 1085. She was named Agnes. Only a few months passed before Etienne was pregnant again.
During Etienne's second pregnancy, she fell ill. Simon, in particular, was troubled by this, and solace in the scriptures. Simon found inspiration in those sage words, and recomitted himself to be a model of Christian nobility. Many remarked after Etienne's illness at Simon's zeal and devotion to the message of Christ.
God seemed pleased by the future Count of Luxembourg's faith, and saw fit to give him a son on September the 11th, 1086. He was named Philippe after the younger brother that Simon had dim recollections of. Conrad and Clementia were touched by their son's thoughtfulness.
The birth of Philippe was fortuitous for Luxembourg, but it was particularly fortuitous for Tourraine. The aged Count Folques had no heirs before Philippe's birth, and had feared that his lands would pass to one that did not bear his blood upon his death. The birth of Philippe alleviated this fear, and allowed Folques to die in peace. Barely a month after Philippe's first birthday, his grandfather passed away. The infant was taken from his mother, dispite her tearful protests, and sent to Tourraine to rule in minority as Count of that land. Philippe's older sister, Agnes, was stressed by the departure of her baby brother, but there was little she or anyone else could do. The Luxembourgs paid regular visits to Tourraine to check on the progress of young Philippe, but his fate put him in the hands of others.
1088- 1101: Rise of the Duke
In the year of our Lord 1088, Luxembourg found itself thrust into turmoil. King Heinreich of Germany, eager to secure lands enough for his sons, began to depose and usurp the titles of many of his vassals. One of those that fell to the King's avarice was Conrad's lord, the Duke of Lower Lorraine. King Heinreich had under-estimated the bad will his greed would breed, however, and soon found almost all of the vassals of the Duchy of Lower Lorraine rising in rebellion against him. Even Conrad, though he loathed the idea of war, was outraged by the blatent violation of the feudal contract shown by the King.
As thoughts turned towards rebellion, or at the very least a switch of allegiances to the King of France, Conrad stumbled upon an interresting piece of information. It seems that, at it's inception, Luxembourg had been chartered as a duchy. Surprised, Conrad sent envoys to King Heinreich saying that he could retain Luxembourg's support if he recognized them in return as Dukes. King Heinreich, who was being besieged by a rebellious Duke from Saxony, quickly agreed.
Conrad, now a Duke, resolved to come to the aid of his liege. However, true to Conrad's nature, he decided to wage his campaign to return the wayward vassals of Lower Lorraine through the pen rather than the sword. Conrad began to write his former peers that had broken their ties with Germany, and urged them to return to the fold. He offered them fealty, and pledged that he would support them against the King of Germany. He quietly agreed with them that the King had acted in an unchivalrous nature, but argued that another's failures does not excuse one's own.
The first letters sent by Conrad struck a chord. Gotfried, Count of Andersnach, and Fransisco, Bishop of Liege, immediately agreed to return to the German fold as Luxembourg's vassals. Amazed as the effect of his words, he immediatly began to send out his envoys- lead by the extremely persuasive Simon, who served his father as Chancellor- to bring others into the fold.
While Simon oversaw a persistant campaign to cajole other counts into returning to Germany, Conrad set out to find a bride for his second son, Berthold. After an exhaustive search, trying to coordinate the diplomatic campaign along with the search for a suitable spouse, Conrad found a girl that met with the approval of himself and Clementia. The girl was named Euphrosine, and she was a daughter of Duke Thierry of Upper Lorraine. She and Berthold were wed in October of 1090.
Conrad's devotion to his family and to peace impressed many of the nobles whom Conrad was seeking to win over. At the very end of 1090, Count Dirk of Zeeland decided to rejoin Germany under Conrad's protection and pledges of justice. Count Albert of Breeda, now wedged between two vassals to the Luxembourgs, quickly followed suit in the first weeks of January, 1091.
After the successes in 1088 and in 1091, Duke Conrad settled down for an extended political campaign. His efforts were not helped much by his second son, Berthold, who brought great shame on his father by killing a servant in a drunken frenzy on a cold night in March of 1094.
Berthold is put in Alcoholic's Anonymous.
Conrad was enraged, because the event set him back considerably in the eyes of those he was seeking to sway. However, true to form, Conrad swallowed his anger and sought to coucil his son in a reasonable manner rather than in harsh tones. After the talk, many remarked how Conrad's words had inspired Berthold. Conrad's second son became a model of Christian mercy.
It seems, however, that Conrad's mesured response and attention to his family once again served to impress those he was speaking with. By the end of March, Bishop Adelaide of Julich decided that Duke de Luxembourg would be a worthy liege. His change of heart also won over Count Godfried of Brabant, who had always respected the opinions of Bishop Adelaide, and in October Brabant also joined her fate to Luxembourg's.
That, to Conrad's mind, left only one County left- Loon. The Count of Loon had long been both one of the most adamant opponent of King Heinreich and at the same time one of the most vocal doubters of Conrad's good intentions. Conrad focused all of his time on winning the Count of Loon over, but Count Jacob was completely uninterested. The death of Heinreich and subsequent ascent of his son Sigfried- who seemed a much more reasonable person than his father- seemed to have no effect on Count Jacob. Conrad continued his efforts to sway Count Jacob back to Germany, but his efforts became more infrequent as he began to doubt that Jacob would ever acede to the request for his fealty.
In the spring of 1098, Duke Conrad attended a tournament in the County of Kleves. Kleves, for reasons that none understood, proved to be an extremely insulting fellow. Letters were exchanged, and before long Duke Conrad was acting uncharistically open in his disagreement. He publically announced that the people of Kleves deserved better leaders, and that the Luxembourgs would be the best people for the job. A short time later, an inheritance lead to Conrad also gaining a claim to Koln. Conrad was not tempted to press his claim in either place, but neither did he relinquish them. The matter did not sit well with Conrad, though, and stressed him considerably.
The next few years were quiet, save for the continued irregular communication between Conrad and Jacob of Loon. The persistance of Conrad, and his dedication to his cause, impressed Jacob. It took almost five years, but on May 22nd in the year of our Lord 1100, Jacob of Loon decided that Duke Conrad would make a worthy Lord after all.
Conrad was content. After twelve years of near-constant diplomatic struggle, Conrad had consolidated and brought back almost all of Lower Lorraine back into the Kingdom of Germany. Conrad relaxed, and spent the next year puttering about his manor and minding his children and grandchildren.
On June 1st, 1101, Conrad de Luxembourg, Duke of Luxembourg died peacefully in his sleep. The people of Luxembourg mourned greatly the passing of their Lord, for they knew that the fact that Luxembourg knew a generation of peace dispite the wars and crusades that swirlled around them. The people of Luxembourg were very supportive of their new Duke Simon, but they also feared that his reign would not be so peaceful...
Luxembourg at the end of Duke Conrad's reign.
Looking good, looking good.
Quite an impressive diplomatic campaign with all those new vassals. And looks like there are a couple of promising marriage relations, as well.
Is Kleves still a part of Germany, or is there another reason why the Duke wasn't tempted to press claims?
Quite an impressive diplomatic campaign with all those new vassals. And looks like there are a couple of promising marriage relations, as well.
Is Kleves still a part of Germany, or is there another reason why the Duke wasn't tempted to press claims?
Very nice start, will definately keep reading this one.
But where's the blood, we want blood!
But where's the blood, we want blood!
I see you still have it in you good job Judging by the hints I think you dropped the next reign of the cruel drunken arbritrary son will involve alot more violence than the reign of the good diplomat?
Judging by the hints I think you dropped the next reign of the cruel drunken arbritrary son will involve alot more violence than the reign of the good diplomat?
AKjeldsen: The Duke didn't press his claim partly because Kleves remained German. But mainly, because the way I was playing Conrad, I was just trying to avoid declaring war on anyone or anything. I wanted to try and make the rule of "Conrad the White" as peaceful as possible.
Zeno, Boshko: Simon actually has the traits "Just" and "Wise", so I intend on playing him even more honorably (if possible) than I did Conrad. However his "Zealous" trait has already pushed him into Crusading, which somehow has created trouble between Luxembourg and the King of Germany. Simon's rule is coming soon-ish, and it is decidedly less peaceful than Conrad's.....
Zeno, Boshko: Simon actually has the traits "Just" and "Wise", so I intend on playing him even more honorably (if possible) than I did Conrad. However his "Zealous" trait has already pushed him into Crusading, which somehow has created trouble between Luxembourg and the King of Germany. Simon's rule is coming soon-ish, and it is decidedly less peaceful than Conrad's.....
Just, Wise and Zealous? With any luck, Simon will be Beatified (Canonised in-game).
From bondage to liberty
1101-1107: Simon's First Crusade
Simon de Luxembourg inherited his father's lands upon the death of Duke Conrad. At first, the people of Luxembourg had hope in their hearts that Duke Simon would follow in his beloved father's footsteps. Simon took up residence in Luxembourg, and began a campaign to win over the many vassals he had helped his father win over in the twelve previous years. Many of those that swore fealty to Luxembourg had serious doubts about Simon, and made little effort to conceal that fact. Thus, Simon initially decided to hold quiet and watch- making sure that the Duchy of Luxembourg would not disentegrate into the same internal feuding that ripped the Kingdom of Germany into so many fractious pieces.
Simon at the beginning of his reign.
During this time of quiet, malaria worked its way into Luxembourg, sewing great malaise upon the people under Simon's care. Simon remembered the plagues that had been visited upon his father shortly after the Crusades had been called. Like his father, Simon believed that the misfortune was a message from the Lord, calling him to take up the Cross. Unlike his father, though, Simon was eager to do so.
By July of 1103, however, Simon's tremendous dimlomatic talents had won over the loyalty of his men. Though doubts were still expressed, none suggested treachery or rebellion any longer. Thus, Simon resolved to follow his heart and convictions. He sent word north to the pagans of Mecklemberg that he intended to bring them to Christianity, and that those that resisted would be sent screaming to Hell. King Heinreich quickly followed suit in supporting Luxembourg, as Duke Simon was arguably the King's most powerful vassal. As King Heinreich was far too involved in fighting against the rebellious Dukes of Schwabia and Saxony, though, his echoing Simon's call to war was more perfunctory than heart-felt.
As the loyalty of his vassals remained tenuous, Simon decided that he would at first probe the defenses of Mecklemberg with his small force of 450 men. If scouts reported that the pagans greatly outnumbered him, he would call to his vassals. If he stood a chance of victory alone, he resolved to seek to glorify the Cross on his own.
Much to Simon's surprise, the lands of the pagans were completely devoid of soldiers. Simon inquired among the local tribesmen as to where their men-folk were. They replied, with obvious pride, that they were driving the King of Germany from his lands in Franken. Simon settled down to besiege the pagan heartland, and kept a wary eye out for the returning army of Mecklemberg.
However, the pagans seemed occupied. The only people that approached Mecklemberg were envoys from Luxembourg, who came in early December to report to Duke Simon that his eldest daughter, Adelinde, had caused the death of a servant through false accuasation. Simon's only reply was, "Send her to me." His daughter arrived in Mecklemberg a month later, and took her place at her father's side. He patiently explained to his daughter the duty of a noble to their lessers, and stressed to her the importance of noble actions. He told her that the lower classes cannot be expected to be moral if their leaders were not. Guilt welled up in the girl, and she pledged to her father that she would act only in Mercy from then on.
While at her father's side in the still strangely vacant Mecklemberg, Adelinde came to her father and expressed an interest in learning more of their faith. Simon applauded the girl, and encouraged her to study the scriptures while they remained in these pagan lands. Her time was well spent, and before long the Luxembourg soldiers began to note that Adelinde's faith and zeal for the message of Christ soon rivaled her father's.
Much to Simon's surprise, the army of the pagans never returned. Mecklemberg fell to Luxembourg on August the 11th in the year of our Lord 1105. Shortly after the fall of Mecklemberg, Simon finally sent his daughter away, arranging a marriage between Adelinde and the younger brother of Simon's vassal, the Count of Zeeland. Simon did not get to witness the wedding of his eldest daughter, though Simon's wife recounted the beautiful cerimony (as well as a detailed accounting of the duty and gifts that came to Luxembourg in honor of Adelinde's wedding) in letters. Simon had taken his army north, drawing what recruits he could from Mecklemberg, and began an assault of Lubeck. The pagans still made no effort to return to their lands, and Lubeck fell to Simon on the 18th of April in the year of our Lord 1106.
Simon did not complain about the rather bloodless siezures of pagan lands in the name of God, but did grow bored with the eventless sieges. Thus, while his armies left Lubeck and set about securing Rostock, Simon spent a good deal of time in correspondance with his home and family. Simon's wife wrote that she had organized a fake consipracy against Luxembourg during Simon's absence, and that the Count of Loon had uncovered and reported the conspiracy to Luxembourg. Simon was proud of the honor the Count had shown, and praised him highly in letters. Simon also spent time writing his son Philippe. What his son told him shocked the Duke.
Philippe had been raised by court functionaries. It is something that Simon regretted, but also something he knew could not have been avoided. Philippe wrote that he had taken as his bride a woman of great beauty. Simon had heard of the woman his son wrote of- she was indeed a beautiful older woman, but she was also reported to be a woman of little scruples and less morals. She was said to be selfish and also to hold a lust for all men in her heart. She encouraged Philippe to indulge himself, and the Philippe that wrote his father was a reckless man that had already sired three bastards (though no legitimate children.) Simon was greatly disappointed in his son, and told him so. After that, Simon and Philippe spoke no more.
As Simon's spirits began to sink, word came that changed his mood greatly. Hetmen from the peoples of Lubeck sent word to their new liege in late August of 1106 that they admired him greatly. They thought Simon was a man of honor and of strength, and they wanted to emulate him. Thus, the people of Lubeck had decided to abandon their pagan ways, and began to act in the manner befitting good German Catholics. This good news was followed two weeks later by the capitulation of Rostock.
Simon thought he had finally destroyed the Mecklemberg menace, but advisors told him otherwise. Simon sent out scouts to locate the remaining stronghold of the pagans, and was stunned to find that it was in Franken that the pagan warlords were holed up. During Simon's campaign, it seems that the King of Germany had lost his ancestral lands to pagan armies, and had been forced to flee to Gent. Simon set forth immediately, and eagerly met the pagan hordes in what proved to be Simon's only battle of his Crusade. The out-manned pagans were quickly dealt with, and Simon's armies brought Franken back into Germany's arms on April 7th, 1107. With the fall of Franken, the pagan Chieftans of Mecklemberg were no more.
1107-1118: Tool of an Unjust Man
Simon disbanded his armies soon after the fall of Mecklemberg, but they got little rest. On the 4th of July in the year 1107, King Heinreich sent word to Simon that he needed to fulfill his feudal obligations to him. Simon happily agreed, and gave his permision to King Heinreich to send out a call to arms to his lands.
Simon took command of his armies yet again, and then waited for his liege's orders. And then he waited for a while more. Simon was pleased to witness the recession of malaria from Luxembourg during the waning days of the spring of 1108, but he was displeased that his Lord had called his men to arms and then did nothing with them. Doubt crept into Simon's mind, and he began to ponder the actions of King Heinreich.
After a while, it became clear to Simon what was happening- King Heinreich was seeking to weaken Luxembourg before he moved to sieze his lands and titles. Simon rememberd that Conrad said the same thing had happened to the Duke of Lower Lorraine just before King Heinreich's father had stolen all that was his. Simon resolved that he could not let his lands fall to such treachery if that was indeed the King's plan.
Simon began to research his position, and learned that he held the rights to claim that he ruled the historic (but presently defunct) Duchy of Brabant. He also found old documents chartering a Duchy of Mecklemberg many years before. Simon presented these claims to King Heinreich, who had little choice but to recognize Simon's claims. Simon also increased the scuttage paid to him by his vassals in order to protect the Luxembourgi treasury from falling into debt to the Jews. If there was anything that Simon would never do, it was borrow money from the Israelites.
Heinreich made no move against Luxembourg, but just left their armies standing at ready. Simon, frustrated but unwilling to do anything more against his Lord, turned his attentions back to Luxembourg. Simon studied, as did the thinkers of his land, and before long stumbled upon ideas to advance the state of fortifications in Luxembourg. Notions of the divine right of the nobility also caught on, coming in from neighboring counties, and brought the nobles of Loxembourg closer to their Liege. Simon also took the time to find a good wife for his nephew Dietrich, who would be inheriting Luxembourg eventually if his worthless son continued along his current path.
On the 8th of August in the year of our Lord 1110, Evil Omens were seen in the sky. Simon turned to the Church for an explination, and they told him it was a warning from the Lord that many of Europe's nobility were forgetting their duties to the Church. Simon took this warning seriously, and decided to make a show of his devotion to the mother church. He decided to dispatch his cousin Heinreich de Luxembourg, who had studied years ago in a monistary and served Simon as his diocesean priest, to Franken. Simon's cousin was quite taken aback upon his arrival in Franken to learn that Simon had given the lands to the Church and had installed him as the first Bishop of Franken.
The lingering suspicion Simon held about the King of Germany's insistance that Luxembourg's armies remain in the field dispite his disinterest in utilizing them ate away at the faith Simon held in his King. By June of 1111, Simon had lost even the most vestigial traces of feudal love for his King. Still, Simon held his tongue.
In February of 1112, Simon decided that he needed to take precautions, both against his worthless son dying from his debauched lifestyle and from King Heinreich seeking a seizure of his lands. Simon gave Lubeck to his brother Berthold, a brilliant man who had served Simon capably as his steward for over a decade. He also gave Rostock away, to Berthold's only son, Dietrich. Simon knew that he had to ensure that his family would retain land in some way, whatever may come.
Frustrated that he could not take up the crusade again, Simon decided to begin another campaign of negotiation with neighboring counts that had taken up arms against King Heinreich. Simon made no effort to hide his contempt for the German King, which impressed many of the rebellious counts that he spoke to. Count Markvard of Koln swore fealty to Simon after only a short negotiation on April 20th, 1113. Bishop Nicollo of Sticht followed suit in July of that same year.
Much to Simon's surprise, Bishop Nicollo sent his men to attack the army King Heinreich had raised in Luxembourg. Simon was surprised to see his vassal attacking an army he commanded, but the Bishop explained that he attacked only on a matter of principle- Simon's army flew the banner of the King of Germany- and Sticht pledged to make no effort to besiege Luxembourg. Satisfied, Simon allowed his army to flee.
The actions of the Bishop of Sticht caught the attention of King Heinreich, and the German King finally decided to utilize Simon's Luxembourg army. Simon was ordered to the south of France, where King Heinreich was locked in a fierce battle against the Duke of Province. While marching south, Simon recieved word that his mother had died. Simon was deeply moved by his mother's death, but had little time to mourn her. By April, Simon was fighting in Viviers.
Heinreich personally lead the assault on Viviers, which fell in October of 1115. After that, Heinreich felt he could rely on Simon to continue the war. Simon was given command of a sizable German army and ordered to continue prosecuiting Germany's war against Province. Heinreich then departed for the east, where he was pressing his interests in Italy. Simon marched into Dauphine Viennos, where he was met by a most unexpected guest.
As Simon's army set about assaulting the the Frankish county of Dauphine, runners reported to Simon a heavily-guarded liter was being assailed by bandits. Simon immediately set out with but a handful of men to relieve the distressed noble. Simon fought with ferocity, and the bandits were soon driven off. Simon went to meet the noble, but as he approached the men he realized that the livery was not that of any mere Count or King. The men bore the marks of the Bishop of Rome, the holiest man in all of Christendom. Among these men stood none other than Pope Eduardo.
The Pope and the Duke spent many days in conversation before the Pope took his leave of Simon. Simon's faith and honor deeply impressed the Vicar of Christ, and soon it was said that Pope Eduardo valued the opinions of Duke Simon de Luxembourg, whom he referred to as "the Just", above all other men in Christendom.
Inspired by his conversations with the Pope, Simon's men quicly took Dauphine Viennios. Simon then marched onto Province itself, to meet the Duke in battle. The Duke of Province was ready for the German army and, though he took heavy casualties, he was able to drive Simon off.
As Simon returned to Dauphine, he recieved new orders- King Heinreich wanted his army to travel to the Bodensee. Simon's army marched for several months from the south of France into the Alps, where they were to march on the County of Aargau.
During his march, Simon recieved word from Rome that his friend, Pope Eduardo, had fallen gravely ill. On March 27th, 1116, Simon heard word that the Pope had finally died. Another letter soon followed, this time from Luxembourg. It informed Simon that his vassal, the Bishop of Liege, was adding his territories to the Papal lands. He also informed his Lord that he had been elected as the new Pope. Simon sent his congratulations to Pope Theobald, once the Bishop of Liege and now the Bishop of Rome. Theobald had long been devotedly loyal to Simon, and that loyalty extended beyond the end of their vassal-lord arrangements. Once again it was said that Simon's opinions held more weight with the Pope than any other man's.
Simon reached Aargau on June 9th, 1116. By September, Aargau belonged to the King of Germany. Simon, who had long bit his tongue at what he was doing, grew even sicker at the thought that he was helping King Heinreich steal from those that had placed their faith in him. The feeling grew ever deeper over the next two years as the King of Germany repetedly ordered Simon to assault Bearn, and then to withdraw, only to assault the lands again. Simon wrote his friend in Rome often about his feelings, and the Pope wrote back that he had long believed that the King of Germany was an unfit lord. He reminded Simon that when they had first met, Bishop Theobald had just declared his independence from the Kingdom of Germany. It was only the honor of the House of Luxembourg that had brought him back. The Pope repetedly encouraged Simon to cut his ties from the King of Germany, and to seek the fate of his people alone.
1118-1121: Freedom
On July 11th, 1118, the Pope told Simon that he needed to break ties from the King of Germany. He praised Simon's devotion to a Lord he hated, and Simon certainly had no love or loyalty for the King of Germany, but he reminded Simon that a Duke only owed his King dealty so long as the King was a just man. To make his point even clearer, Theobald excommunicated King Heinreich. Heinreich was devistated, and died several weeks later. Heinreich's son, Almerick the Cruel, took the throne.
Pope Theobald did not long survive King Heinreich, and died on the 21st of August. The papal elections that followed were one of the swiftest ever, and lead to the election of Simon's cousin, Rorek de Luxembourg. Rorek immediately excommunicated King Almerick, and told Simon in explicit terms that his service to the King of Germany was at an end. Simon, who was in the County of Grissons at the time, claimed that the people of Grissons (who were ruled by the King of Germany) deserved a leader that was not reviled before the eyes of God. He proclaimed that Luxembourg deserved a Leige that was not an affront before the body of Christ. Simon proclaimed that, from this dat forth, Luxembourg was free and that Grissons would enjoy worthy leadership. Almerick responded in the only way he knew how. He declared war upon Luxembourg.
Simon quickly returned to Luxembourg and raised his army. He also raised his army in Mecklemberg, and the army of his most faithful vassal, the Bishop of X. Simon had the army gather in Luxembourg, and then he set out for Gent, which was at this time the capital of the King of Germany. Simon's army fought ferociously, and Gent fell on May 24th 1119. On that same day, Mecklemberg sent word that they wished to honor the greatness of their Lord in the only way that would truly please Simon. The tribal leaders organized mass baptisms, and the people of Mecklemberg proclaimed their faith in the one true faith of Jesus Christ. Simon took this as a sign from above that his cause was indeed just.
Simon took his army south and east, where King Almerick held most of his land. Besancon quickly fell to the Luxembourg, and was secured by the 14th of September. Simon marched onto Aargau, which he had helped bring into Germany's fold just a few short years ago. Simon met a German force there, but quickly swept them away. Aargau was under Luxembourg occupation before the year ended.
By the end of January, Simon was back in Grissons. As Simon marched on Grissons, the remnants of the Aargau force sought to regain Besancon for Almerick. Simon quickly siezed Grissons in a siege that lasted only a month and a half, and then set out to drive off the Germans in Besancon. Simon reached Besancon on June 16th, 1120. By the next day, Germany's army had taken flight.
Simon soon learned, however, that the force in Besancon had been a ruse. While Simon marched north, a large German force moved in from France. Simon headed back south as soon as he learned of the new force, but word reached Simon while still in the Alps that the Germans had retaken Grissons. Simon pressed on, and the Germans decided to head north to meet them. Simon encountered the German host on October 7th, while in Bearn. The enemy commander was an incompetent of tremendous proportions, however, and it took only three days for Simon to rout them. The German host defeated, Simon pressed on to Grissons.
Grissons fell again on December 5th, 1120. Resecured, Simon offered peace to the King of Germany. Almerick had no interest in discussing the matter, so Simon pressed on into Piedmonte. Simon arrived in the early days of january, 1121. As Simon set about preparing to besiege the province, scouts reported another German army approaching. The scouts reported that the army was lead by King Almerick himself. Simon was pleased. It seems that God had decided that the time was ripe for a reckoning.
Battle between the King of Germany and the Duke of Luxembourg was joined on January 22, 1121. King Almerick had sorely underestimated the strength of the Duke's army, and found himself seriously outnumbered.
The outcome of the battle was never much in doubt. By February 4th, King Almerick had been completely humiliated by Simon. By February 12th, Piedmonte had fallen to Luxembourg. Simon sent another envoy to Almerick. This time, the German King was ready to talk.
Negotiations took only a month, with Simon and Almerick signing peace accords on the 13th of March in the year of our Lord 1121. In the peace treaty, King Almerick conceded Grissons to Simon, and foreswore any claim he might have to Luxembourg. He also expressly recognized Duke Simon as the lawful lord of an independent Duchy.
Simon quickly gave Grissons away to the Church, installing his cousin Eudes de Luxembourg as Bishop. Simon considered Grissons ill-gotten goods, and wanted to clean his hands of it by giving it to the same Church that guided him to independence in the first place.
Duke Simon was pleased. Luxembourg had finally come into it's own.
Duke Simon shortly after his successful war for independence.
1101-1107: Simon's First Crusade
Simon de Luxembourg inherited his father's lands upon the death of Duke Conrad. At first, the people of Luxembourg had hope in their hearts that Duke Simon would follow in his beloved father's footsteps. Simon took up residence in Luxembourg, and began a campaign to win over the many vassals he had helped his father win over in the twelve previous years. Many of those that swore fealty to Luxembourg had serious doubts about Simon, and made little effort to conceal that fact. Thus, Simon initially decided to hold quiet and watch- making sure that the Duchy of Luxembourg would not disentegrate into the same internal feuding that ripped the Kingdom of Germany into so many fractious pieces.
Simon at the beginning of his reign.
During this time of quiet, malaria worked its way into Luxembourg, sewing great malaise upon the people under Simon's care. Simon remembered the plagues that had been visited upon his father shortly after the Crusades had been called. Like his father, Simon believed that the misfortune was a message from the Lord, calling him to take up the Cross. Unlike his father, though, Simon was eager to do so.
By July of 1103, however, Simon's tremendous dimlomatic talents had won over the loyalty of his men. Though doubts were still expressed, none suggested treachery or rebellion any longer. Thus, Simon resolved to follow his heart and convictions. He sent word north to the pagans of Mecklemberg that he intended to bring them to Christianity, and that those that resisted would be sent screaming to Hell. King Heinreich quickly followed suit in supporting Luxembourg, as Duke Simon was arguably the King's most powerful vassal. As King Heinreich was far too involved in fighting against the rebellious Dukes of Schwabia and Saxony, though, his echoing Simon's call to war was more perfunctory than heart-felt.
As the loyalty of his vassals remained tenuous, Simon decided that he would at first probe the defenses of Mecklemberg with his small force of 450 men. If scouts reported that the pagans greatly outnumbered him, he would call to his vassals. If he stood a chance of victory alone, he resolved to seek to glorify the Cross on his own.
Much to Simon's surprise, the lands of the pagans were completely devoid of soldiers. Simon inquired among the local tribesmen as to where their men-folk were. They replied, with obvious pride, that they were driving the King of Germany from his lands in Franken. Simon settled down to besiege the pagan heartland, and kept a wary eye out for the returning army of Mecklemberg.
However, the pagans seemed occupied. The only people that approached Mecklemberg were envoys from Luxembourg, who came in early December to report to Duke Simon that his eldest daughter, Adelinde, had caused the death of a servant through false accuasation. Simon's only reply was, "Send her to me." His daughter arrived in Mecklemberg a month later, and took her place at her father's side. He patiently explained to his daughter the duty of a noble to their lessers, and stressed to her the importance of noble actions. He told her that the lower classes cannot be expected to be moral if their leaders were not. Guilt welled up in the girl, and she pledged to her father that she would act only in Mercy from then on.
While at her father's side in the still strangely vacant Mecklemberg, Adelinde came to her father and expressed an interest in learning more of their faith. Simon applauded the girl, and encouraged her to study the scriptures while they remained in these pagan lands. Her time was well spent, and before long the Luxembourg soldiers began to note that Adelinde's faith and zeal for the message of Christ soon rivaled her father's.
Much to Simon's surprise, the army of the pagans never returned. Mecklemberg fell to Luxembourg on August the 11th in the year of our Lord 1105. Shortly after the fall of Mecklemberg, Simon finally sent his daughter away, arranging a marriage between Adelinde and the younger brother of Simon's vassal, the Count of Zeeland. Simon did not get to witness the wedding of his eldest daughter, though Simon's wife recounted the beautiful cerimony (as well as a detailed accounting of the duty and gifts that came to Luxembourg in honor of Adelinde's wedding) in letters. Simon had taken his army north, drawing what recruits he could from Mecklemberg, and began an assault of Lubeck. The pagans still made no effort to return to their lands, and Lubeck fell to Simon on the 18th of April in the year of our Lord 1106.
Simon did not complain about the rather bloodless siezures of pagan lands in the name of God, but did grow bored with the eventless sieges. Thus, while his armies left Lubeck and set about securing Rostock, Simon spent a good deal of time in correspondance with his home and family. Simon's wife wrote that she had organized a fake consipracy against Luxembourg during Simon's absence, and that the Count of Loon had uncovered and reported the conspiracy to Luxembourg. Simon was proud of the honor the Count had shown, and praised him highly in letters. Simon also spent time writing his son Philippe. What his son told him shocked the Duke.
Philippe had been raised by court functionaries. It is something that Simon regretted, but also something he knew could not have been avoided. Philippe wrote that he had taken as his bride a woman of great beauty. Simon had heard of the woman his son wrote of- she was indeed a beautiful older woman, but she was also reported to be a woman of little scruples and less morals. She was said to be selfish and also to hold a lust for all men in her heart. She encouraged Philippe to indulge himself, and the Philippe that wrote his father was a reckless man that had already sired three bastards (though no legitimate children.) Simon was greatly disappointed in his son, and told him so. After that, Simon and Philippe spoke no more.
As Simon's spirits began to sink, word came that changed his mood greatly. Hetmen from the peoples of Lubeck sent word to their new liege in late August of 1106 that they admired him greatly. They thought Simon was a man of honor and of strength, and they wanted to emulate him. Thus, the people of Lubeck had decided to abandon their pagan ways, and began to act in the manner befitting good German Catholics. This good news was followed two weeks later by the capitulation of Rostock.
Simon thought he had finally destroyed the Mecklemberg menace, but advisors told him otherwise. Simon sent out scouts to locate the remaining stronghold of the pagans, and was stunned to find that it was in Franken that the pagan warlords were holed up. During Simon's campaign, it seems that the King of Germany had lost his ancestral lands to pagan armies, and had been forced to flee to Gent. Simon set forth immediately, and eagerly met the pagan hordes in what proved to be Simon's only battle of his Crusade. The out-manned pagans were quickly dealt with, and Simon's armies brought Franken back into Germany's arms on April 7th, 1107. With the fall of Franken, the pagan Chieftans of Mecklemberg were no more.
1107-1118: Tool of an Unjust Man
Simon disbanded his armies soon after the fall of Mecklemberg, but they got little rest. On the 4th of July in the year 1107, King Heinreich sent word to Simon that he needed to fulfill his feudal obligations to him. Simon happily agreed, and gave his permision to King Heinreich to send out a call to arms to his lands.
Simon took command of his armies yet again, and then waited for his liege's orders. And then he waited for a while more. Simon was pleased to witness the recession of malaria from Luxembourg during the waning days of the spring of 1108, but he was displeased that his Lord had called his men to arms and then did nothing with them. Doubt crept into Simon's mind, and he began to ponder the actions of King Heinreich.
After a while, it became clear to Simon what was happening- King Heinreich was seeking to weaken Luxembourg before he moved to sieze his lands and titles. Simon rememberd that Conrad said the same thing had happened to the Duke of Lower Lorraine just before King Heinreich's father had stolen all that was his. Simon resolved that he could not let his lands fall to such treachery if that was indeed the King's plan.
Simon began to research his position, and learned that he held the rights to claim that he ruled the historic (but presently defunct) Duchy of Brabant. He also found old documents chartering a Duchy of Mecklemberg many years before. Simon presented these claims to King Heinreich, who had little choice but to recognize Simon's claims. Simon also increased the scuttage paid to him by his vassals in order to protect the Luxembourgi treasury from falling into debt to the Jews. If there was anything that Simon would never do, it was borrow money from the Israelites.
Heinreich made no move against Luxembourg, but just left their armies standing at ready. Simon, frustrated but unwilling to do anything more against his Lord, turned his attentions back to Luxembourg. Simon studied, as did the thinkers of his land, and before long stumbled upon ideas to advance the state of fortifications in Luxembourg. Notions of the divine right of the nobility also caught on, coming in from neighboring counties, and brought the nobles of Loxembourg closer to their Liege. Simon also took the time to find a good wife for his nephew Dietrich, who would be inheriting Luxembourg eventually if his worthless son continued along his current path.
On the 8th of August in the year of our Lord 1110, Evil Omens were seen in the sky. Simon turned to the Church for an explination, and they told him it was a warning from the Lord that many of Europe's nobility were forgetting their duties to the Church. Simon took this warning seriously, and decided to make a show of his devotion to the mother church. He decided to dispatch his cousin Heinreich de Luxembourg, who had studied years ago in a monistary and served Simon as his diocesean priest, to Franken. Simon's cousin was quite taken aback upon his arrival in Franken to learn that Simon had given the lands to the Church and had installed him as the first Bishop of Franken.
The lingering suspicion Simon held about the King of Germany's insistance that Luxembourg's armies remain in the field dispite his disinterest in utilizing them ate away at the faith Simon held in his King. By June of 1111, Simon had lost even the most vestigial traces of feudal love for his King. Still, Simon held his tongue.
In February of 1112, Simon decided that he needed to take precautions, both against his worthless son dying from his debauched lifestyle and from King Heinreich seeking a seizure of his lands. Simon gave Lubeck to his brother Berthold, a brilliant man who had served Simon capably as his steward for over a decade. He also gave Rostock away, to Berthold's only son, Dietrich. Simon knew that he had to ensure that his family would retain land in some way, whatever may come.
Frustrated that he could not take up the crusade again, Simon decided to begin another campaign of negotiation with neighboring counts that had taken up arms against King Heinreich. Simon made no effort to hide his contempt for the German King, which impressed many of the rebellious counts that he spoke to. Count Markvard of Koln swore fealty to Simon after only a short negotiation on April 20th, 1113. Bishop Nicollo of Sticht followed suit in July of that same year.
Much to Simon's surprise, Bishop Nicollo sent his men to attack the army King Heinreich had raised in Luxembourg. Simon was surprised to see his vassal attacking an army he commanded, but the Bishop explained that he attacked only on a matter of principle- Simon's army flew the banner of the King of Germany- and Sticht pledged to make no effort to besiege Luxembourg. Satisfied, Simon allowed his army to flee.
The actions of the Bishop of Sticht caught the attention of King Heinreich, and the German King finally decided to utilize Simon's Luxembourg army. Simon was ordered to the south of France, where King Heinreich was locked in a fierce battle against the Duke of Province. While marching south, Simon recieved word that his mother had died. Simon was deeply moved by his mother's death, but had little time to mourn her. By April, Simon was fighting in Viviers.
Heinreich personally lead the assault on Viviers, which fell in October of 1115. After that, Heinreich felt he could rely on Simon to continue the war. Simon was given command of a sizable German army and ordered to continue prosecuiting Germany's war against Province. Heinreich then departed for the east, where he was pressing his interests in Italy. Simon marched into Dauphine Viennos, where he was met by a most unexpected guest.
As Simon's army set about assaulting the the Frankish county of Dauphine, runners reported to Simon a heavily-guarded liter was being assailed by bandits. Simon immediately set out with but a handful of men to relieve the distressed noble. Simon fought with ferocity, and the bandits were soon driven off. Simon went to meet the noble, but as he approached the men he realized that the livery was not that of any mere Count or King. The men bore the marks of the Bishop of Rome, the holiest man in all of Christendom. Among these men stood none other than Pope Eduardo.
The Pope and the Duke spent many days in conversation before the Pope took his leave of Simon. Simon's faith and honor deeply impressed the Vicar of Christ, and soon it was said that Pope Eduardo valued the opinions of Duke Simon de Luxembourg, whom he referred to as "the Just", above all other men in Christendom.
Inspired by his conversations with the Pope, Simon's men quicly took Dauphine Viennios. Simon then marched onto Province itself, to meet the Duke in battle. The Duke of Province was ready for the German army and, though he took heavy casualties, he was able to drive Simon off.
As Simon returned to Dauphine, he recieved new orders- King Heinreich wanted his army to travel to the Bodensee. Simon's army marched for several months from the south of France into the Alps, where they were to march on the County of Aargau.
During his march, Simon recieved word from Rome that his friend, Pope Eduardo, had fallen gravely ill. On March 27th, 1116, Simon heard word that the Pope had finally died. Another letter soon followed, this time from Luxembourg. It informed Simon that his vassal, the Bishop of Liege, was adding his territories to the Papal lands. He also informed his Lord that he had been elected as the new Pope. Simon sent his congratulations to Pope Theobald, once the Bishop of Liege and now the Bishop of Rome. Theobald had long been devotedly loyal to Simon, and that loyalty extended beyond the end of their vassal-lord arrangements. Once again it was said that Simon's opinions held more weight with the Pope than any other man's.
Simon reached Aargau on June 9th, 1116. By September, Aargau belonged to the King of Germany. Simon, who had long bit his tongue at what he was doing, grew even sicker at the thought that he was helping King Heinreich steal from those that had placed their faith in him. The feeling grew ever deeper over the next two years as the King of Germany repetedly ordered Simon to assault Bearn, and then to withdraw, only to assault the lands again. Simon wrote his friend in Rome often about his feelings, and the Pope wrote back that he had long believed that the King of Germany was an unfit lord. He reminded Simon that when they had first met, Bishop Theobald had just declared his independence from the Kingdom of Germany. It was only the honor of the House of Luxembourg that had brought him back. The Pope repetedly encouraged Simon to cut his ties from the King of Germany, and to seek the fate of his people alone.
1118-1121: Freedom
On July 11th, 1118, the Pope told Simon that he needed to break ties from the King of Germany. He praised Simon's devotion to a Lord he hated, and Simon certainly had no love or loyalty for the King of Germany, but he reminded Simon that a Duke only owed his King dealty so long as the King was a just man. To make his point even clearer, Theobald excommunicated King Heinreich. Heinreich was devistated, and died several weeks later. Heinreich's son, Almerick the Cruel, took the throne.
Pope Theobald did not long survive King Heinreich, and died on the 21st of August. The papal elections that followed were one of the swiftest ever, and lead to the election of Simon's cousin, Rorek de Luxembourg. Rorek immediately excommunicated King Almerick, and told Simon in explicit terms that his service to the King of Germany was at an end. Simon, who was in the County of Grissons at the time, claimed that the people of Grissons (who were ruled by the King of Germany) deserved a leader that was not reviled before the eyes of God. He proclaimed that Luxembourg deserved a Leige that was not an affront before the body of Christ. Simon proclaimed that, from this dat forth, Luxembourg was free and that Grissons would enjoy worthy leadership. Almerick responded in the only way he knew how. He declared war upon Luxembourg.
Simon quickly returned to Luxembourg and raised his army. He also raised his army in Mecklemberg, and the army of his most faithful vassal, the Bishop of X. Simon had the army gather in Luxembourg, and then he set out for Gent, which was at this time the capital of the King of Germany. Simon's army fought ferociously, and Gent fell on May 24th 1119. On that same day, Mecklemberg sent word that they wished to honor the greatness of their Lord in the only way that would truly please Simon. The tribal leaders organized mass baptisms, and the people of Mecklemberg proclaimed their faith in the one true faith of Jesus Christ. Simon took this as a sign from above that his cause was indeed just.
Simon took his army south and east, where King Almerick held most of his land. Besancon quickly fell to the Luxembourg, and was secured by the 14th of September. Simon marched onto Aargau, which he had helped bring into Germany's fold just a few short years ago. Simon met a German force there, but quickly swept them away. Aargau was under Luxembourg occupation before the year ended.
By the end of January, Simon was back in Grissons. As Simon marched on Grissons, the remnants of the Aargau force sought to regain Besancon for Almerick. Simon quickly siezed Grissons in a siege that lasted only a month and a half, and then set out to drive off the Germans in Besancon. Simon reached Besancon on June 16th, 1120. By the next day, Germany's army had taken flight.
Simon soon learned, however, that the force in Besancon had been a ruse. While Simon marched north, a large German force moved in from France. Simon headed back south as soon as he learned of the new force, but word reached Simon while still in the Alps that the Germans had retaken Grissons. Simon pressed on, and the Germans decided to head north to meet them. Simon encountered the German host on October 7th, while in Bearn. The enemy commander was an incompetent of tremendous proportions, however, and it took only three days for Simon to rout them. The German host defeated, Simon pressed on to Grissons.
Grissons fell again on December 5th, 1120. Resecured, Simon offered peace to the King of Germany. Almerick had no interest in discussing the matter, so Simon pressed on into Piedmonte. Simon arrived in the early days of january, 1121. As Simon set about preparing to besiege the province, scouts reported another German army approaching. The scouts reported that the army was lead by King Almerick himself. Simon was pleased. It seems that God had decided that the time was ripe for a reckoning.
Battle between the King of Germany and the Duke of Luxembourg was joined on January 22, 1121. King Almerick had sorely underestimated the strength of the Duke's army, and found himself seriously outnumbered.
The outcome of the battle was never much in doubt. By February 4th, King Almerick had been completely humiliated by Simon. By February 12th, Piedmonte had fallen to Luxembourg. Simon sent another envoy to Almerick. This time, the German King was ready to talk.
Negotiations took only a month, with Simon and Almerick signing peace accords on the 13th of March in the year of our Lord 1121. In the peace treaty, King Almerick conceded Grissons to Simon, and foreswore any claim he might have to Luxembourg. He also expressly recognized Duke Simon as the lawful lord of an independent Duchy.
Simon quickly gave Grissons away to the Church, installing his cousin Eudes de Luxembourg as Bishop. Simon considered Grissons ill-gotten goods, and wanted to clean his hands of it by giving it to the same Church that guided him to independence in the first place.
Duke Simon was pleased. Luxembourg had finally come into it's own.
Duke Simon shortly after his successful war for independence.
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Arr, me hearty.
Actually, my computer decided to shut down and I had to save it as quickly as I could so I wouldn't lose what I had. It's done now, though.
Actually, my computer decided to shut down and I had to save it as quickly as I could so I wouldn't lose what I had. It's done now, though.
Mecklemburg AND an independent Duchy - most impressive! Now that the Duchy is free, I wonder where it will go next?
Great now I sound like a lunatic. Arr me matey, forsake ye underpants and join the pirate life. Free and easy, 'tis the only way to live. Arrrr.
Ah well the finnished storey is worth it.
Ah well the finnished storey is worth it.
Simon's Twilight Years
1121-1130: A Well-Deserved Rest
Once Simon's war with Germany was completed, Simon craved for nothing so much as home. He travelled the short distance from Gent back to Luxembourg, and happily met with his family. Simon settled down, and sought peace.
While Simon sought a peaceful life, he did not seek to lounge indolently about. Simon busied himself with the work of politics, writing letters and seeking brides for the many cousins that peopled his court. He also took the time to write independent Counts in the area, encouraging them to join their fate with Luxembourg.
Luxembourg's offer of protection against a German King eager to reclaim lost lands proved to be a potent lure. On January 29th, 1123, Count Gozewijn of Gerele swore fealty to Luxembourg. Count Gozewijn also gave away several of his courtiers as brides to Simon's cousins, though Simon had to wheedle him a bit on some of his less appealing cousins.
Simon also organized a campaign of provincial improvements. The crowning achievement of Simon's efforts was the expansion of Castle Luxembourg, completed on August 17th, 1123. Simon also built roads into Mecklemberg, and generally set about making the lives of his people easier.
Simon also took time to observe his neighbors, knowing that their fortunes would affect his own. The King of France had lost almost everything, and was a King in name only. None of his vassals remained loyal to him- indeed much of southern France was controlled by Germany. Navarre and Castille had been overrun by the Moors. The King of Germany had lost almost all of his northern vassals. In the north, Brandenburg, Saxony, and Luxembourg stood fiercely independent from King Almerick of Germany, as did the Duke of Schwabia. The King of Germany had, however, managed to strengthen his hand in the south, including southern France and Italy.
It was at this time that Simon's son came home. In the chaos following the disintegration of France, his county of Tourraine had been overrun by a rival count, his lusty wife had died to disease, he owed a great ammount of money, and his bastard sons had reached maturity and had hopes for their futures. Simon took his prodigal son in without comment, arranged a good marriage for him between a solid and pious courtier of his realm, and gave him Mecklemberg. He also set about finding brides for his illigitimate grandsons. Philippe's reputation made it difficult to find good matches, but Simon eventually succeeded.
As Simon's efforts to marry off his cousins and gransons drew to a close, Simon looked north. His vassal, Gelere, had been locked into a stagnant war with Frisia for several years. Eager to see his man stand down, Simon began to send courtiers to the latter county. Simon patiently worked the Count, until he decided that it was in his best interest to end his war against Gerele and join Luxembourg. On September the 3rd, Anno Domini 1129, Count Ludolf of Frisia sent word that he wished to swear fealty to Luxembourg.
Simon was pleased by the way the matter had settled itself out, but he was also restless. He was aging, and knew he hadn't many years left. Simon wanted to perform one last noble deed before the end of his days. Simon spoke with his advisors, who sought to dissuade him from heading out. They encouraged him to end his days in peace, and to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Simon knew, though, that the Lord looked poorly on sloth. He could not end his days wasting away in Luxembourg. Simon raised an army, travelled north to Mecklemberg, and commanded his son, nephew, and brother to draw forth their men. On Aprl 24th, 1130, Simon declared war upon the pagans of Samitoga, hired a fleet, and set sail on one last crusade.
1130-1132: The Last Crusade of Simon
The Pagans of the east had grown powerful over the years. The orthodox Principalities of Potlosk and Keiv had fallen to pagans years ago, and the fierce Prussians had halted the campagns of Bohemia and Poland in the Baltic lands. Simon gave some thought to challenging the Prussians directly, but they were strong. He decided it would be more prudent to seek to circle them, picking off their weaker neighbors before attacking them directly. The Samitogans were the weakest of the tribes, so the land of Memel became the destination for the crusading Luxembourgers.
On June 28th, 1130, the Luxembourgers reached Memel. They were immediately met by the pagan forces of the Warlord of Samitoga. The pagans were decidedly outnumbered, however, and were slaughtered by Duke Simon. By the middle of July, Simon had begun his siege. The Samitogans made a weak attempt to oust Luxembourg in the beginning of September, but they were quickly brushed aside. By the 20th of the month, Memel was finally secured for the crusaders. Simon immediately declared war upon the pagans in Kurs and headed north.
The battle is Kurs was quick and lop-sided. As Simon was settling in to occupy Kurs, Simon recieved an interresting missive. A group of warriors calling themself the Order of Teutonic Knights wished to fight for Simon, whom they all admired as a shining example of noble chivalry. Simon accepted their offer, and the Knights set out to join Simon's campaign.
On January 22, 1131, Kurs fell to Luxembourg. Simon declared war upon the tribe of the Lettiglians dispite the fact that they greatly outnumbered the number of soldiers Simon had with them. Undaunted, Simon headed towards the province of Zemiglians, where the largest force of pagan warriors were gathered.
Simon met the Chieftan of Lettiglians on the 20th of April, 1131. The pagans were almost evenly matched to the Luxembourger force. The pagan soldiers drew a grim line, preparing to fight tooth and nail for their lands. Simon feared that the battle would not be easy. It wasn't.
Teutonic Knights come to reinforce Simon.
The battle raged for nearly a month. Simon took notable losses, but inflicted even harsher wounds on his foes. The pagans finally broke on May 28th, unable to hold their battered men together any longer in the face of the disiplined soldiers under Duke Simon's command.
Simon settled in for another siege. As he oversaw the effort to root out the vestiges of resistance in Zemiglians, a second envoy from the Teutonic Knights. The messangers, who arrived in Zemiglians on June 2nd, informed Duke Simon that the Order was siezing Memel for the purpose of establishing a base to crusade from. Simon accepted the news gladly, for he firmly believed that the Teutonic knights were eager to fight in the name of the Lord. Simon sent missives back to the Grandmaster of the Order, offering him fealty and support from Luxembourg. The Grandmaster, who greatly admired Simon, immediately agreed. Simon decided to show his appreciation for the goals of the Order by adding Kurs to their holdings.
Unable to match up to the Luxembourgers on the field of battle, Simon's pagan foes resort to treachery. Through sabotage and deciet, they are able to destroy one of Simon's regiments. Many of the Knights sent by the Teutonic Order are all found dead one morning in early July, presumably from poison. Simon is appaled at the base tactics of his foes, but there is little he can do but continue his efforts.
Another disturbing piece of news reaches Simon's ears on July 27th, 1131. A letter sent directly from Rome informs Duke de Luxembourg that Pope Rorek went on to his final reward. His succesor, Bishop Dietmar of Niederbayern, is not one particularly close to Simon. However, the tremendous popularity and support Simon enjoys among the College of Cardinals ensures that the Pope continues to pay careful attention to any opinions Simon might have on things.
Zemiglians finally falls to Luxembourg on August 6th. Simon immediately presses onward to Lettiglian to the north. Simon meets the pagan host on the field of battle shortly thereafter. Once again, the Lettiglian pagans put up fierce resistance. However, they are eventually broken on October 6th. Due to the losses suffered by Luxembourg in the two stiff fights during the past year, the remaining defenders manage to hold out in Lettiglians until January 17th, 1132.
The siege of Lettiglians is itself uneventful. Events beyond do not follow that same pattern. Pope Dietmar dies after a reign of only 105 days, and so the Collegium is forced to reconvene on November 10th. Another cousin of Simon, Wigand de Luxembourg, Bishop of Franken, is elected. Simon gladly releases his cousin's lands to the Holy See, glad to see the Church growing ever stronger. In gratitude for his magnamity, the Pope creates the Duchy of Frieseland, and recognizes Simon as said Duke.
More troubling, however, is reports that the King of Germany has begun to prey on Simon's vassals. Koln, who has been at war with King Almerick of Germany even before, is attacked by German forces shortly before Christmas. Simon sends word to his Chancellor to keep him appraised of the matter, and that he will come to Koln's aid if they cannot handle Germany on their own.
Still paying careful attention to affairs back home, Simon presses on to West Dvina with his crusading army. The pagan army there is quickly dispatched with, and Simon returns his thoughts back to his homeland. He is briefly diverted in early March, as he returns to Lettiglians to celebrate Easter with his new subjects and to witness mass conversions to Frankish Catholicism. Simon also keeps in close contact with his cousin, the Pope, who long has held a distaste for King Almerick. Pope Wigand decides to speak to the King of Germany, and persuade him to cede his claim to Koln peacefully. When King Almerick refuses, the German monarch finds himself excommunicated for the second time in his life.
The King of Germany- not a popular man.
While continuing his campaign in West Dvina, Simon sends notice to the people who matter in Europe that as payment for attacking one of his vassals, Simon expects King Almerick to cede control of Gent to him. King Almerick flatly refuses, and so Luxembourg declares war once again upon the Kingdom of Germany. Simon sends word to Count Marcus of Julich that he needs to raise an army and lift the siege of Koln while Simon finishes his campaign in the east. Count Marcus is only too pleased to serve his liege, and quickly complies.
West Dvina falls on June 27th, 1132. Count Marcus finally drives the Germans out of Koln on June 30th. The Lettiglians still hold Osel, and fear that Duke Simon has designs upon finishing them off. They offer Simon 1245 crowns to spare them. Simon, eager to return to Luxembourg to defend his vassals, accepts the peace offered to him. Simon accepts, and makes plans to return his army to western Europe to prosecute his war. However, Simon never gets that far.
Simon de Luxembourg is found dead in his bed on August 28th, 1132. He died peacefully, in lands newly won for Christianity. He died while on Crusade, which is what he wanted more than anything else. As the Pope had promised, his death as a crusader ensured his immediate entrance into Heaven. For the living, though, trouble still roiled. Philippe de Luxembourg, the failed Count of Tourraine, found himself thrust upon the Ducal throne and forced to prosecute a war he had not started.
1121-1130: A Well-Deserved Rest
Once Simon's war with Germany was completed, Simon craved for nothing so much as home. He travelled the short distance from Gent back to Luxembourg, and happily met with his family. Simon settled down, and sought peace.
While Simon sought a peaceful life, he did not seek to lounge indolently about. Simon busied himself with the work of politics, writing letters and seeking brides for the many cousins that peopled his court. He also took the time to write independent Counts in the area, encouraging them to join their fate with Luxembourg.
Luxembourg's offer of protection against a German King eager to reclaim lost lands proved to be a potent lure. On January 29th, 1123, Count Gozewijn of Gerele swore fealty to Luxembourg. Count Gozewijn also gave away several of his courtiers as brides to Simon's cousins, though Simon had to wheedle him a bit on some of his less appealing cousins.
Simon also organized a campaign of provincial improvements. The crowning achievement of Simon's efforts was the expansion of Castle Luxembourg, completed on August 17th, 1123. Simon also built roads into Mecklemberg, and generally set about making the lives of his people easier.
Simon also took time to observe his neighbors, knowing that their fortunes would affect his own. The King of France had lost almost everything, and was a King in name only. None of his vassals remained loyal to him- indeed much of southern France was controlled by Germany. Navarre and Castille had been overrun by the Moors. The King of Germany had lost almost all of his northern vassals. In the north, Brandenburg, Saxony, and Luxembourg stood fiercely independent from King Almerick of Germany, as did the Duke of Schwabia. The King of Germany had, however, managed to strengthen his hand in the south, including southern France and Italy.
It was at this time that Simon's son came home. In the chaos following the disintegration of France, his county of Tourraine had been overrun by a rival count, his lusty wife had died to disease, he owed a great ammount of money, and his bastard sons had reached maturity and had hopes for their futures. Simon took his prodigal son in without comment, arranged a good marriage for him between a solid and pious courtier of his realm, and gave him Mecklemberg. He also set about finding brides for his illigitimate grandsons. Philippe's reputation made it difficult to find good matches, but Simon eventually succeeded.
As Simon's efforts to marry off his cousins and gransons drew to a close, Simon looked north. His vassal, Gelere, had been locked into a stagnant war with Frisia for several years. Eager to see his man stand down, Simon began to send courtiers to the latter county. Simon patiently worked the Count, until he decided that it was in his best interest to end his war against Gerele and join Luxembourg. On September the 3rd, Anno Domini 1129, Count Ludolf of Frisia sent word that he wished to swear fealty to Luxembourg.
Simon was pleased by the way the matter had settled itself out, but he was also restless. He was aging, and knew he hadn't many years left. Simon wanted to perform one last noble deed before the end of his days. Simon spoke with his advisors, who sought to dissuade him from heading out. They encouraged him to end his days in peace, and to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Simon knew, though, that the Lord looked poorly on sloth. He could not end his days wasting away in Luxembourg. Simon raised an army, travelled north to Mecklemberg, and commanded his son, nephew, and brother to draw forth their men. On Aprl 24th, 1130, Simon declared war upon the pagans of Samitoga, hired a fleet, and set sail on one last crusade.
1130-1132: The Last Crusade of Simon
The Pagans of the east had grown powerful over the years. The orthodox Principalities of Potlosk and Keiv had fallen to pagans years ago, and the fierce Prussians had halted the campagns of Bohemia and Poland in the Baltic lands. Simon gave some thought to challenging the Prussians directly, but they were strong. He decided it would be more prudent to seek to circle them, picking off their weaker neighbors before attacking them directly. The Samitogans were the weakest of the tribes, so the land of Memel became the destination for the crusading Luxembourgers.
On June 28th, 1130, the Luxembourgers reached Memel. They were immediately met by the pagan forces of the Warlord of Samitoga. The pagans were decidedly outnumbered, however, and were slaughtered by Duke Simon. By the middle of July, Simon had begun his siege. The Samitogans made a weak attempt to oust Luxembourg in the beginning of September, but they were quickly brushed aside. By the 20th of the month, Memel was finally secured for the crusaders. Simon immediately declared war upon the pagans in Kurs and headed north.
The battle is Kurs was quick and lop-sided. As Simon was settling in to occupy Kurs, Simon recieved an interresting missive. A group of warriors calling themself the Order of Teutonic Knights wished to fight for Simon, whom they all admired as a shining example of noble chivalry. Simon accepted their offer, and the Knights set out to join Simon's campaign.
On January 22, 1131, Kurs fell to Luxembourg. Simon declared war upon the tribe of the Lettiglians dispite the fact that they greatly outnumbered the number of soldiers Simon had with them. Undaunted, Simon headed towards the province of Zemiglians, where the largest force of pagan warriors were gathered.
Simon met the Chieftan of Lettiglians on the 20th of April, 1131. The pagans were almost evenly matched to the Luxembourger force. The pagan soldiers drew a grim line, preparing to fight tooth and nail for their lands. Simon feared that the battle would not be easy. It wasn't.
Teutonic Knights come to reinforce Simon.
The battle raged for nearly a month. Simon took notable losses, but inflicted even harsher wounds on his foes. The pagans finally broke on May 28th, unable to hold their battered men together any longer in the face of the disiplined soldiers under Duke Simon's command.
Simon settled in for another siege. As he oversaw the effort to root out the vestiges of resistance in Zemiglians, a second envoy from the Teutonic Knights. The messangers, who arrived in Zemiglians on June 2nd, informed Duke Simon that the Order was siezing Memel for the purpose of establishing a base to crusade from. Simon accepted the news gladly, for he firmly believed that the Teutonic knights were eager to fight in the name of the Lord. Simon sent missives back to the Grandmaster of the Order, offering him fealty and support from Luxembourg. The Grandmaster, who greatly admired Simon, immediately agreed. Simon decided to show his appreciation for the goals of the Order by adding Kurs to their holdings.
Unable to match up to the Luxembourgers on the field of battle, Simon's pagan foes resort to treachery. Through sabotage and deciet, they are able to destroy one of Simon's regiments. Many of the Knights sent by the Teutonic Order are all found dead one morning in early July, presumably from poison. Simon is appaled at the base tactics of his foes, but there is little he can do but continue his efforts.
Another disturbing piece of news reaches Simon's ears on July 27th, 1131. A letter sent directly from Rome informs Duke de Luxembourg that Pope Rorek went on to his final reward. His succesor, Bishop Dietmar of Niederbayern, is not one particularly close to Simon. However, the tremendous popularity and support Simon enjoys among the College of Cardinals ensures that the Pope continues to pay careful attention to any opinions Simon might have on things.
Zemiglians finally falls to Luxembourg on August 6th. Simon immediately presses onward to Lettiglian to the north. Simon meets the pagan host on the field of battle shortly thereafter. Once again, the Lettiglian pagans put up fierce resistance. However, they are eventually broken on October 6th. Due to the losses suffered by Luxembourg in the two stiff fights during the past year, the remaining defenders manage to hold out in Lettiglians until January 17th, 1132.
The siege of Lettiglians is itself uneventful. Events beyond do not follow that same pattern. Pope Dietmar dies after a reign of only 105 days, and so the Collegium is forced to reconvene on November 10th. Another cousin of Simon, Wigand de Luxembourg, Bishop of Franken, is elected. Simon gladly releases his cousin's lands to the Holy See, glad to see the Church growing ever stronger. In gratitude for his magnamity, the Pope creates the Duchy of Frieseland, and recognizes Simon as said Duke.
More troubling, however, is reports that the King of Germany has begun to prey on Simon's vassals. Koln, who has been at war with King Almerick of Germany even before, is attacked by German forces shortly before Christmas. Simon sends word to his Chancellor to keep him appraised of the matter, and that he will come to Koln's aid if they cannot handle Germany on their own.
Still paying careful attention to affairs back home, Simon presses on to West Dvina with his crusading army. The pagan army there is quickly dispatched with, and Simon returns his thoughts back to his homeland. He is briefly diverted in early March, as he returns to Lettiglians to celebrate Easter with his new subjects and to witness mass conversions to Frankish Catholicism. Simon also keeps in close contact with his cousin, the Pope, who long has held a distaste for King Almerick. Pope Wigand decides to speak to the King of Germany, and persuade him to cede his claim to Koln peacefully. When King Almerick refuses, the German monarch finds himself excommunicated for the second time in his life.
The King of Germany- not a popular man.
While continuing his campaign in West Dvina, Simon sends notice to the people who matter in Europe that as payment for attacking one of his vassals, Simon expects King Almerick to cede control of Gent to him. King Almerick flatly refuses, and so Luxembourg declares war once again upon the Kingdom of Germany. Simon sends word to Count Marcus of Julich that he needs to raise an army and lift the siege of Koln while Simon finishes his campaign in the east. Count Marcus is only too pleased to serve his liege, and quickly complies.
West Dvina falls on June 27th, 1132. Count Marcus finally drives the Germans out of Koln on June 30th. The Lettiglians still hold Osel, and fear that Duke Simon has designs upon finishing them off. They offer Simon 1245 crowns to spare them. Simon, eager to return to Luxembourg to defend his vassals, accepts the peace offered to him. Simon accepts, and makes plans to return his army to western Europe to prosecute his war. However, Simon never gets that far.
Simon de Luxembourg is found dead in his bed on August 28th, 1132. He died peacefully, in lands newly won for Christianity. He died while on Crusade, which is what he wanted more than anything else. As the Pope had promised, his death as a crusader ensured his immediate entrance into Heaven. For the living, though, trouble still roiled. Philippe de Luxembourg, the failed Count of Tourraine, found himself thrust upon the Ducal throne and forced to prosecute a war he had not started.
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You know, that Almerik is obviously in league with the devil. Whilst Simon prosecutes a just war against the heathen hordes of the north, this petty King seeks to slaughter other Christians. I say that he must be deposed, and his throne given to the most suitable contender...
And if that contender happens to be a certain new duke in Luxembourg, then what of it?
And if that contender happens to be a certain new duke in Luxembourg, then what of it?
Ooo Philippe the new Duke. You havent exactly ben writing him up, what are his stats?