Ducal Court of Bavaria

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Ducal Court of Bavaria

Welcome and Enter

Das Herzogtum Bayern

Burghausen: Residence of the Dowager Duchess and Regent Elisabeth along with our young Duke

Our Noble Master

Ulrich I von Wittelsbach, Herzog von Ober-Bayern-München, Graf von Ansbach, Graf von Nuremberg, Lord of Munich, Lord of Sulzbach, Lord of Salzburg, Sole Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence and Imperial Emissary Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (almost 11 years of age)

Religion

The Most Holy and Apostolic Catholic Church

Culture
German
Current Stats
2/0/4/4/2 --> [2/0/5/5/2]
Provinces
Four owned
Bayern, Ansbach, Salzburg, Tyrol
Four claimed
Holland, Zeeland, Flandern, Brabant
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[Elias Tarfarius]

The Ducal House and Members of the Court

Haus Wittelsbach

1180 - 1183 Otto I
1183 - 1231 Ludwig I
1231 - 1253 Otto II
1253 - 1294 Ludwig II "der Strenge"
1294 - 1317 Rudolf I
1302 - 1347 Ludwig IV
1347 - 1351 Ludwig VI
1361 - 1363 Meinhard
1363 - 1375 Otto V "der Faule"
1375 - 1397 Johann II
1397 - 1436 Ernst I
1436 - 1448 [deposed] Albrecht III
1448 - [regency till age of majority] Ulrich I

The Ruling Family

Ulrich I, Herzog (Duke) von Ober-Bayern-München (b. 1443, r. 1448 - )
Ulrich was the firstborn and only son of Albrecht III and Elisabeth, concieved after the two had been married for seven years. Since his father's abdication, Ulrich has spent his time learn the way of the ruler while his mother does the actual running of the country. He shows signs of having the peity of his father and work ethic of his mother via his love of Mass and his restless activity. While he is yet to young to know the joys of women and drink, he does hunt, fence, and reads incredibly well for a person of his age. Bayern may be assured to have a safe future in his hands.

Elisabeth (Ilse), Dowager Duchess and Regent (b. 1417)
Before her marriage to Duke Albrecht, she was Countessa of the Rhine, Ducatrix Imperii, Regentess of Pfalz, and Lily Swan of the Rhine; A truly astounding beauty. The marriage in 1436, shortly after the death of Ernst served to bind the Palatinate and Bavarian branches of the Haus Wittelsbach closer together. In 1443 she produced the single heir to the duchy, Ulrich, and in 1448 gracefully made her husband "abdicate" in favour of a regency for Ulrich when he was found to be incompetent. She was naturally the Regent and there was a swift sweeping aside of the old guard of Albrecht's and Ernst's reign in favour of her "new men" as they are called. Even as young Ulrich speeds toward his coming of age, few can see a day when Elisabeth is not the power in the land, despite her attempts to cloud that fact.

Albrecht III 'the Pious' (b. 1410, r. 1436 - 1448)

Once grand and righteous Duke of this realm until his attempted public suicide before the Pope. Albrecht, though spoken of as if he were dead, has resided in a small hemitage in the Alps under the care of two guards until his recent escape.

The Other Children of Ernst

Levi von Wittelsbach (b. 1412)
Herzog von Bayern-Ansbach and Herzog von Bayern-Tyrol

Ambitious, cunning, and deciteful are but a few word to describe the former Duke's brother, Levi. In former times, he played the calm fool, but since becoming Duke of Tyrol, he has not even bothered to inform the Regent Elisabeth about any of his actions therein. He rules as a free prince and hates that he should ever have to bend to a woman's orders, even if she is his cousin, his brother's wife, and his leige lord. Levi is such a free wheeler that he has yet to marry, but he is far to busy plotting new conspiracies to aggrandize himself to think about such lowly things as procreation.

Anna von Wittelsbach (b. 1414)
Married to Landgraf Otto II von Hessen (Feb. 1433)

Katrina von Wittelsbach (b. 1415)
Married to Prince Donnchad O`Neill, son of Hugh O`Neill, King of Eire (Feb. 1433)

Martin von Wittelsbach (b. 1418)
Married to Joanna von Irle and is Herzog von Salzburg

Martin was the youngest of Albrecht's siblings and therefore lived in fear that he would end up with nothing when it came to the claiming of estates. He never dreamed he would be a Duke, but Fortune stayed with him (reward for his pious ways) and Salzburg fell upon him shortly after it was joined to the Duchy after the war with Austria. Since the abdication of Albrecht, Martin has also kept his distance from Munich and has instead paid attention to his lands and his wife, Joanna. They have three children as a result; Ludwig Albrecht (b. 1445), Brunhilde (b. 1448), and Heinrich (b. 1450).

Ministers

After the death of several in the court and the Duke's own illness, a new group of ministers were appointed. It is unknown if any foul play resulted in this restructuring, but so far the "new men," as they are called, have served as a moderating force the governing of the Duchy and to the ambitions of their master.

Großartiger Marschall - Herr Werner Eriks
The origin of Herr Eriks is unclear, although his name sounds Scandinavian. He rumored to be a former mercenary captain who, after fighting in France, the Low Countries, the Empire, and Iberia, hung up his hat for safer duties. He only arrived in Munich in 1448, shortly after the beginning of the Regency, but soon made himself known at court and won the trust of the Duchess.

Kanzler - Herr Jakob Kaunitz
Herr Kaunitz a recent emigre from the court of Bohemia. Rumor has it that he left his post as an asisstant steward there because he was a closet Hussite. Nonetheless, the Duchess was not about to reject him over baseless hearsay and hired him as the new Kanzler. He tends to be a singularly jolly figure in court whose cunning is matched only by his ability to contain alcohol... and lots of it.

Chamberlain und Verwalter- Herr Hans Albrecht
Shifty and spend-thrifty are the only terms to describe Herr Albrecht. He is from Munich, a well known money-changer, making him the only Bavarian among the ministers. It is rumored he is oft to demand a mark in change for eighty pfennig.

Nobles of the Realm

Keztler von Shillech (b. 1386), Lord of Augsburg
Keztler is the son of robust Hertund von Shillech, who died a few years ago in tragic jousting accident. Herr von Shillech follows in his father's path, though being short, is an expert with an hand arms and easily tosses stones the size of a sow. Even as master of Augsburg, he rarely interferes in the affairs of the city and spend a great deal of his time hunting with either lance or his beloved falcons.

Heinrich von Danuben (b. 1407)
The Haus Danuben is quite old in the duchy and owns a huge estate along Ansbach side of the Danube near Nurnburg. Heinrich tends to stay at his castle, Kreigeberg, either practicing his swordplay or being locked away in his library with old scrolls he has brought in his travels. Some say he is trying to turn lead to gold while other say he summons the Devil, though the Duchess has laughed at that idea. Heinrich is favored at court and is always assured a prominent command whenever war comes.

Johannes Schroder (b. 1399)
He is of another old Bavarian noble family with a big land strip near the Danube just above Munchen on the Bayern side of the river. He has previously served as a delegate to the Diet and currently has gone to Stettin as ambassador to the Duchy of Pommernia.

Graf Ulrich von Regensburg (b. 1437)
The young count of Regensburg has not done much until recently with his appointment as ambassador to the Kingdom of Bohemia.

Karl Maurer (b. 1413)
Minor noble and former ambassador to Württemberg

Mark Klein (b. 1401)
Minor noble and former ambassador to Saxony

Otto von Kestrer (b. 1398)
Minor noble and current ambassador to the Duchy of Gelre

Tobias Mantel (b. 1403)
Minor noble with a bad reputation as a generaly wicked man. He has served formerly as ambassador to Hessen and now as current ambassador to the Kingdom of Ireland.

Great Clerics of Bayern

Sachen von Truwerg, Cardinal-Archbishop of Munich (b. 1385)

Sigismund von Volkersdorf, Archbishop of Salzburg (b. 1405)

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[Elias Tarfarius]

The State of the Realm

The Ducal Army

Total - 20,000 men ready to be fielded
5,000 knights
8,000 men-at-arms
1,500 light armed men
2,000 Genoese crossbowmen
3,000 Swiss pikemen
500 bombardiers

Technics and Infrastructure

4 + 1: While we are not the new Rome, we have safe roads and bridges to travel on. We also are, as all princes are doing, looking into the new weapons of war that some are selling.

Morale of the Realm

4 + 1: The recent reforms of the Landtag have strenghted the Duchy as a whole and limited the power of the agrarian nobles in their distant manors and castles. The burghers and the freelandholders are now prospering all the more and are happy to be subjects of their Overlord in Munchen.

The Treasury

Income (per season)
20,000 florins

The Lands of Bavaria​

"A most splendid country, brilliantly charming, wealthy in forests, plentiful in wine, rich in iron, gold, silver and purple; the men tall and powerful, but good-natured and hardworking; the land blessed with rivers, with cattle and herds thick as grass; even the mountains are fruitful and ready for pasture; good herbs abound; the woods teem with deer, elk and auerochs, with chamoix and ibex, and game of every kind."
- Bishop Arbeo of Freising, around the 8th century A.D.

Most of Bavaria is made up of gentle rolling hills. The biggest river that runs through Bavaria is the Danube which goes right through the capital of Munich. Also the Bavarian mountains are never far away, from wherever you are in Bavaria. Many other Rivers run through Bavaria, most are tribularys for the Danube river. These rivers include the Isar which runs through Munich, the Inn river in the east, the Traun in Salzburg, the Altmühl, the Naab, the Regen and the Lech river on the west near Wurtümburg.

Bayern
Main City: München (Ducal Court)
Culture:German
Religion:Catholic
Population: Large
Produces: Grain

Ansbach
Main City: Nurnberg
Culture:German
Religion:Catholic
Population: Medium
Produces: Iron

Salzburg
Main City: Salzburg
Culture:German
Religion:Catholic
Population: Large
Produces: Salt

Tyrol
Main City: Innsbruck
Culture:German
Religion:Catholic
Population: Small (more spread out)
Produces: Copper

Towns of Bavaria​

Augsburg

Augsburg is a city at the confluence of the Lech and Wertach rivers. The city takes its name from the Roman Emperor Augustus, who founded it about 15 years before the birth of Christ and called it Augusta Vindelicorum. Augsburg became a free city in 1276. The city's 2.500 weaving shops produced vast quantities of linen and fustian (a blend of cotton and linen) for export. It was also prominent in the arts, noted for fine gold and silver products.

Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, sits on the Isar River. It was founded in 1158 as a mint and marketplace by Henry the Lion, duke of Saxony. In 1255, the powerful Wittelsbach family, who ruled as the dukes of Bavaria, made the city their residence. Munich was destroyed by fire in 1327 and later rebuilt by Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor.

Nurnburg

Nürnberg is the Imperial capital on the Pegnitz River near Fürth. The city is a commercial city which connects the Danube and Main rivers. Among the city's points of interest are the Hauptmarkt, the main market square; the Gothic Saint Sebald's Church (mainly 13th century); a castle (begun 11th century); and extensive parts of the city walls (chiefly 15th century).

First mentioned in 1050, Nürnberg was made a free Imperial city in 1219 and after 1356 became the de facto capital of the Holy Roman German Empire. It subsequently became known for its manufactures, especially woodenware.

Bamberg

Bamberg is on the Regnitz River. Manufactures include beer and textiles. The city is famous for its many fine examples of German architecture from the 15th. Bamberg is the site of an 11th-century cathedral and two episcopal palaces. It has been a bishopric since 1007.

Fürth

Fürth is a city at the junction of the Pegnitz and Rednitz rivers, near Nürnberg. Manufactures include toys, clothing, and glass products. Notable buildings in Fürth are Saint Michael's Church, completed during the 14th century. Reputedly founded by Charlemagne, Fürth was for a time in the possession of the burgraves of Nürnberg and later of the archbishopric of Bamberg

Ingolstadt

Ingolstadt is a city near Munich. Located on the Danube River, the city was an important fortress in the Middle Ages. Points of interest include the old city walls (chiefly 14th and 15th century), a 14th-century gate (the Kreuztor), and a 15th-century cathedral. Ingolstadt was chartered in 1250. The city's massive defense system of three walls made Ingolstadt one of the best fortified towns in southern Germany.

Landshut

Landshut is 63 km (39 miles) northeast of Munich, on the Isar River. Landshut became a town in 1204, and it was the seat of the Duke of Bavaria from 1353. It's the home of Burg Tausnitz, seat of the German Wittelsbach dynasty. During the late Medieval era, Landshut was an important center for the making of armor.

Passau

Passau is a city situated at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz rivers, 150 km (90 miles) northeast of Munich. Built on a narrow rocky tongue of land between the Danube and the Inn, Passau faces the wooded cliffs and the fortress of Oberhaus on the left bank of the Danube.

Passau originated as an ancient Celtic settlement named Boiudurum, later becoming a permanent Roman military camp, Castra Batava. After the foundation by Saint Boniface of the bishopric of Passau in 739, the town grew rapidly and was an important commercial and religious center during the Middle Ages. It was created as a city in 1225, and shortly thereafter the bishop became a prince of the empire.

Regensburg

Regensburg is a port city at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. Many shipyards are situated here.

Around 500 years before Christ, Regensburg was a settlement of the Celts. The Romans later utilized the community as a fortress city from the 2nd century to the 5th century. Regensburg became a free Imperial city in 1245.

Among the many historical buildings here are Saint Peter's Cathedral (begun 13th century), the city hall, Saint James's Church (early 12th century), and Saint Emmeram's Church (5th century). Its abbey of the Benedictines became an important center of European learning, and the abbey's library contains more than 200,000 books and illuminated manuscripts. The city's Stone Bridge across the Danube (completed 1146) was the only Danube crossing for hundreds of years, and was the starting point of the Second and Third Crusades.

Innsbruck

The Inn river valley's advantageous geographical position made it a natural choice for settlements from the earliest times. A market place was established by the Andechs Counts in 1180 downstream from the district of Hötting. The first recorded mention of the name 'Innsprucke' dates back to 1187. Innsbruck was granted city status in 1239. The name of the city is derived from the original meaning 'bridge over the Inn'. This bridge was a key factor in the development of trade and the movement of goods between regions both north and south of the Alps. The counts of Andechs built a fortress opposite the present-day Ottoburgin order to protect the settlement.

In 1248, Count Albert III gained control of Tirol together with Innsbruck. This heralded the unification of the counties around the Brenner pass. The year 1248 has therefore gone down as 'the year of Tirol's birth' in Tirolean historiography. Duke Friedrich IV built the impressive ducal residence of Schloss Tirol at Meran. Innsbruck became the capital of all Tirol in 1429 and when Tyrol became part of Bavaria again during the dissolution of Austria, Innsbruck became the seat of the new Duke of Tyrol or Bayern-Tyrol.

Salzburg

Situated on both banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is bounded by two steep hills; the Kapuzinerberg on the left bank and the Mönchsberg on the right. The city was originally a Celtic settlement and later a Roman trading centre called Juvavum. In about 696 the Frankish missionary St Rupert established a bishopric in Salzburg, which was subsequently made an archbishopric, with authority over the dioceses of Bavaria. Over time the archbishops became increasingly involved in temporal matters and in the 13th century each was granted the title of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. With peace between Austria and Bavaria in 1435, the city came under the rule of a secular Duke while the Archbishop returned to a spiritual role.

Salzburg was built on mining, of both gold and salt, although salt (the so-called 'white gold') has always been more important. Salz is German for salt and Salzburg literally means 'Fortress of Salt'.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Chronicles of Bayern

​

By the monk Otto Lettermann of the Dominicans

I. ANCIENT BAVARIA​

The earliest known inhabitants of the district afterwards called Bavaria comprised a people, probably of Celtic extraction, whom the Romans subdued just before the opening of the Christian era, when founding colonies among them and including their land in the province of Raetia.

The Emperor Augustus Caesar​

During the 5th century after Christ the troops of Odoacer, King of Italy, ravaged Bavaria. Almost denuded of inhabitants, it became occupied by tribes who, pushing along the valley of the Danube, settled there between 488 and 520.

The Domination of the Franks​

The Bavarians soon came under the dominion of the Franks, probably without a serious struggle; dukes of the Agilolfing family, possibly of Frankish descent, ruled from 555 to 788. For a century and a half a succession of dukes resisted the inroads of the Slavs on their eastern frontier, and by the time of Duke Theodo I, who died in 717, had achieved complete independence from the feeble Frankish kings. When Charles Martel became the virtual ruler of the Frankish realm he brought the Bavarians into strict dependence, and deposed two dukes successively for contumacy. Pepin the Short likewise maintained Frankish authority and several marriages took place between the family to which he belonged and the Agilolfings, who were united in a similar manner with the kings of the Lombards. The ease with which the Franks suppressed various risings gives colour to the supposition that family quarrels rather than the revolt of an oppressed people motivated the rebellions.

Christianity had lingered in Bavaria from Roman times; but a new era set in when Rupert, bishop of Worms, came to the county at the invitation of Duke Theodo I in 696. He founded several monasteries, as did St Emmeran, bishop of Poitiers; with the result that before long the bulk of the people professed Christianity, and relations commenced between Bavaria and Rome. The 8th century witnessed indeed a heathen reaction; but the arrival in Bavaria about 734 of Saint Boniface checked apostacy. Boniface organised the Bavarian church and founded or restored bishoprics at Salzburg, Freising, Regensburg and Passau.

Tassilo III, who became duke of the Bavarians in 749, recognized the supremacy of the Frankish king Pepin the Short in 757, but soon afterwards refused to furnish a contribution to the war in Aquitaine. Moreover, during the early years of the reign of Charlemagne, Tassilo gave decisions in ecclesiastical and civil causes in his own name, refused to appear in the assemblies of the Franks, and in general acted as an independent ruler. His position as possessor of the Alpine passes, as an ally of the Avars, and as son-in-law of the Lombard king Desiderius, formed so serious a menace to the Frankish kingdom that Charlemagne determined to crush him. The details of this contest remain obscure. Tassilo appears to have done homage in 781, and again in 787, probably owing to the presence of Frankish armies. But further trouble soon arose, and in 788 the Franks summoned the duke to Ingelheim, and sentenced him to death on a charge of treachery. The King, however, pardoned Tassilo; and he then entered a monastery and formally renounced his duchy at Frankfurt in 794.

II. THE IMPERIAL DUCHY​

The history of Bavaria for the ensuing century intertwines with that of the Carolingian empire. Given at the partition of 817 to the king of the East Franks, Louis the German, Bavaria formed part of the larger territories confirmed to him in 843 by the Treaty of Verdun. Louis made Regensburg [which remained capital till the 13th century] the center of his government and actively developed Bavaria by providing for its security by numerous campaigns against the Slavs. Bavaria, the centre of the East Frankish kingdom, passed in 899 to Louis the Child, during whose reign constant Hungarian ravages occurred. The resistance to these inroads became gradually feebler, and tradition has it that on 5 July 907 almost the whole of the Bavarian race perished in battle against these formidable enemies.

During the reign of Louis the Child, Liutpold, count of Scheyern, who possessed large Bavarian domains, ruled the Mark of Carinthia, erected on the southeastern frontier for the defence of Bavaria. He fell in the great Fight of 907; but his son Arnulf, surnamed the Bad, rallied the remnants of the race, drove back the Hungarians, and became duke of the Bavarians in 911, uniting Bavaria and Carinthia under his rule. The German king Conrad I unsuccessfully attacked Arnulf when the latter refused to acknowledge his royal supremacy, and in 920 Conrad's successor, Henry the Fowler recognized Arnulf as duke, admitting his right to appoint the bishops, to coin money and to issue laws. A similar conflict took place between Arnulf's son and successor Eberhard and Otto I the Great; but Eberhard proved less successful than his father, for in 938 he fled from Bavaria, which Otto granted (with reduced privileges) to the late duke's uncle, Bertold; also appointing a count palatine in the person of Eberhard's brother Arnulf to watch the royal interests. When Bertold died in 947 Otto conferred the duchy upon his own brother Henry, who had married Judith, a daughter of Duke Arnulf. The Bavarians disliked Henry, who spent his short reign was spent mainly in disputes with his people. The ravages of the Hungarians ceased after their defeat on the Lechfeld (955), and the area of the duchy temporarily grew with the addition of certain adjacent districts in Italy.

In 955 Henry's young son Henry, surnamed the Quarrelsome, succeeded him; but in 974 Henry the Quarrelsome became involved in a conspiracy against King Otto II. The rising occurred because the king had granted the duchy of Swabia to Henry's enemy, Otto, a grandson of the Emperor Otto the Great, and had given the new Bavarian East Mark, afterwards known as Austria, to Leopold I, count of Babenberg. The revolt, however, soon failed; but Henry, who on his escape from prison renewed his plots, formally lost his duchy of Bavaria in 976 to Otto, duke of Swabia. At the same time Carinthia became a separate duchy, the office of count palatine re-appeared, and the church became dependent on the king instead of on the duke.

Restored in 985, Henry proved himself a capable ruler by establishing internal order, issuing important laws and taking measures to reform the monasteries. His son and successor, chosen German king as Henry II in 1002, gave Bavaria to his brother-in-law Henry of Luxembourg; after whose death in 1026 it passed successively to Henry, afterwards the Emperor Henry III, and to another member of the family of Luxembourg, ruling as Duke Henry VII. In 1061 the empress Agnes, mother of and regent for the German king Henry IV, entrusted the duchy to Otto of Nordheim, whom the king deposed in 1070, granting the duchy to Count Welf, a member of an influential Bavarian family. In consequence of his support of Pope Gregory VII in his quarrel with Henry, Welf lost but subsequently regained Bavaria; his sons ruled in succession to him: WeIf II from 1101 and Henry IX from 1120. Both these dukes exercised considerable influence among the German princes.

Henry IX's son Henry X, called the Proud, succeeded in 1126, and obtained the Duchy of Saxony in 1137. Alarmed at this prince's power, King Conrad III refused to allow two duchies to remain in the same hands; and, having declared Henry deposed. he bestowed Bavaria upon Leopold IV, margrave of Austria. When Leopold died in 1141, the king retained the duchy himself; but it continued to be the scene of considerable disorder, and in 1143 he entrusted it to Henry, surnamed Jasomirgott, margrave of Austria. The struggle for its possession continued until 1156, when King Frederick I, in his desire to restore peace to Germany, persuaded Henry to give up Bavaria to Henry the Lion, a son of Duke Henry the Proud [It was also at this time that Munich was founded by Henry the Loin.].

Emperor Frederik Barbarossa and Henry the Lion at Chiavenna 1176

Das Haus Wittelsbach​

A new era of government set in when, in consequence of Henry being placed under the imperial ban in 1180, Frederick I gave the duchy to Otto, a member of the old Bavarian family of Wittelsbach and a descendant of the counts of Scheyern.

When Otto of Wittelsbach gained Bavaria at Altenburg in September 1180 the duchy's borders comprised the Böhmerwald, the Inn, the Alps and the Lech; and the duke exercised practical power only over his extensive private domains around Wittelsbach, Kelheim, and Straubing.

Otto only enjoyed his new dignity for three years. His son Louis I succeeded in 1183, took a leading part in German affairs during the earlier years of the reign of the Emperor Frederick II, and died (assassinated) at Kelheim in September 1231. His son Otto II, called the Illustrious, the next duke, found that his loyalty to the Hohenstaufen saw himself placed under the papal ban, and Bavaria laid under an interdict. Like his father, Otto II increased the area of his lands by purchases; and he had considerably strengthened his hold upon the duchy before he died in November 1253. The efforts of the dukes to increase their power and to give unity to the duchy had met with a fair measure of success; but they were soon vitiated by partitions among different members of the family, which for many years made the history of Bavaria little more than a jejune chronicle of territorial divisions bringing war and weakness in their train. The first of these divisions occurred in 1255. Louis II and Henry I, the sons of Duke Otto II, who for two years after their father's death had ruled Bavaria jointly, split their inheritance: Louis II obtained the western part of the duchy, afterwards called Upper Bavaria, and Henry secured eastern or Lower Bavaria.

In the course of a long reign Louis II, called "the Stern", became the most powerful prince in southern Germany. He served as the guardian of his nephew Conradin of Hohenstaufen and, after Conradin's execution in Italy in 1268, Louis and his brother Henry inherited the domains of the Hohenstaufen in Swabia and elsewhere. He supported Rudolph, count of Habsburg, in his efforts to secure the German throne in 1273, married the new king's daughter Mechtild, and aided him in campaigns in Bohemia and elsewhere. For some years after Louis' death in 1294 his sons Rudolph I and Louis, afterwards the emperor Louis IV, ruled their duchy in common; but as their relations were never harmonious a division of Upper Bavaria occurred in 1310, by which Rudolph received the land east of the Isar together with the town of Munich, and Louis the district between the Isar and the Lech. It was not long, however, before this arrangement led to war between the brothers, with the outcome that in 1317, three years after he had become German king, Louis compelled Rudolph to abdicate, and for twelve years ruled alone over the whole of Upper Bavaria. But in 1329 a series of events induced him to conclude the treaty of Pavia with Rudolph's sons, Rudolph and Rupert, to whom he transferred the Palatinate of the Rhine (which the Wittelsbach family had owned since 1214) and also a portion of Upper Bavaria north of the Danube, afterwards called the Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz). At the same time the two lines of the Wittelsbach family decided to exercise the electoral vote alternately, and that in the event of the extinction of either branch of the family, the surviving branch should inherit its possessions.

Henry I of Lower Bavaria spent most of his time in quarrels with his brother, with Ottakar II of Bohemia and with various ecclesiastics. When he died in February 1290, the land fell to his three sons, Otto III, Louis II, and Stephen I. The families of these three princes governed Lower Bavaria until 1333, when Henry II (son of Otto III) died, followed in 1334 by his cousin Otto IV; and as both died without sons the whole of Lower Bavaria then passed to Henry III. Dying in 1339, Henry III left an only son, John I, who died childless in the following year, when the Emperor Louis IV, by securing Lower Bavaria for himself, united the whole of the duchy under his sway.

The consolidation of Bavaria under Louis lasted for seven years, during which the Emperor was able to improve the condition of the country. When he died in 1347 he left six sons to share his possessions, who agreed upon a division of Bavaria in 1349. Its history, however, was complicated by its connections with Brandenburg, Holland and Tirol, all of which the emperor had also left to his sons. All the six brothers exercised some authority in Bavaria; but three alone left issue, and of these the eldest, Louis, margrave of Brandenburg, died in 1361; followed to the grave two years later by his only (and childless) son Meinhard. The two remaining brothers, Stephen II and Albert I, ruled over Bavaria-Landshut and Bavaria-Straubing respectively, and when Stephen died in 1375 his three sons governed his portion of Bavaria jointly. In 1392, on the extinction of all the lines except those of Stephen and Albert, an important partition took place, which sub-divided the greater part of the duchy amongst Stephen's three sons, Stephen III, Frederick and John II, who founded respectively the lines of Ingolstadt, Landshut and Munich.

Albert I's duchy of Bavaria-Straubing passed on his death in 1404 to his son William II, and in 1417 to his younger son John, who resigned the bishopric of Liege to take up his new position. When John died in 1425 this family became extinct, and after a contest between various claimants,the three remaining branches of the Wittelsbach family partitioned Bavaria-Straubing between themselves. The government of the country and the control of the finances at this time passed mainly into the hands of an assembly called the Landtag or Landschaft, organized in 1392. The towns, assuming a certain independence, became strong and wealthy as trade increased, and the citizens of Munich and Regensburg often proved formidable antagonists to the dukes.

The Events of this Century​

It was in this decentralized, every-man-for-himself environment, that Ernest, son of John II, rose to be Duke of Bavaria-Munich in 1397. During the first twenty years of his reign, he spent much of his time building up his capital, seeing that he had little control over his fellow duke and no control over the cities (only in theory did he). This changed in the 1420's when Ernest became a favorite in the Imperial court, bringing him the power and the prestige he needed to unite the Duchy again in the hands of one man.

When in 1423 the King of Hungary renounced his oath of vassalage to the Duchess of Luxembourg, Duke Ernest lead the Bavarian army (along with Genoa, the Liga von Nurnburg, the duchies of Gelre and Pommern, and Austria into Hungary, joining the Duchess herself present with her troops) to aid her in regaing her rightful lands. In that battle summer, the Hungarians fell before the allies like wheat before a sycthe. Genoa took Krain while the Duchess took Pressburg, Genoa then took Pest, and it all came to a climax
when the armies combined and marched on Eger [in the province of Maygar], which quickly capitulated. The flags of the Holy Roman Empire fluttered outside the gates while the Duchess Elisabeth entered the city victorious. Ernest was to reap the rewards of this and the Hussite campaign (1424) in the years to come.

The Duke soon returned home to prove himself as adept at the arts of peace as at those of war. His only act during this time in the nature of foriegn affairs was in the year of Jerusalem's fall (1433); he married off both his daughters; one to the crown-prince of Ireland and the other to the crown prince of Hesse-Kessel, furthering Bavaria's ties across Europe by blood. Even the call for crusade to free Constantinople in 1428 did not move him from Munich where he was slowly reasserting his power. It helped that he had no brothers, which always led to the division of the Duchy. Yet, he by now had three sons and declared that not one would be left without lands. This meant sooner or later, war would again come for the sake of the Duchy's united future. The bungling policy of Albert V of Austria presented the perfect situation and Enrest happily joined the new Emperor, Joachim of the Haus Greif, in his war against the Archduchy in November of 1434. The armies of the Duke, the Emperor, and the Duchy of Gelre simply swept away all opposition and Salzburg along with the title Legatus Imperii Plenipotentewere the rewards for the Bavarian Wittelsbach's aid in returning the Imperial peace.

Restoration of Imperial Peace between archduchy of Austria and duchies of Pommern, Glere and Bavaria

In his remaining years, the Duke focused on improving commerce and government. He was one of the charter members of the Danube Syndicate, a Hansa-like league of states along the course of the great river, and he also reopened the great assembly of the Duchy, calling it the Reichstag instead of the older names. Yet, his extensive assembly with its huge membership and diverse departments only served to sow confusion and corruption in his final year, though the Duke often boasted of it as his greatest accomplishment. Shortly after the betrothal of Elisabeth of the Rhine was secured for his heir, Albert, the old Duke died in his sleep in July of 1436 [though some chronicles date his death as March of 1438].

Albert III, soon to be known as the 'Pious', began his reign as his father had his, quitely improving Munich and his castles while organizing the government of the Duchy around himself and his two younger brothers, Levi and Martin (the Reichstag was immediately disbanded upon the death of Ernest. Albert had always viewed it as unnecessary). This transition period even held up the wedding of Albert and Elisabeth for many years.

For four years it seemed Albert's reign would be one of peace and stability, even with the end of the Duchy's republican institution. Yet, the troubled decade of the 40's was around the corner the first sign of it turbulance came in April of 1439 when Markus von Jager, a bastard spawn of the Hapsburgs, was elected Duke of Austria. He was determined to restore the glory of his house and that set him on a collsion course with the Emperor and Duke Albert. Yet, for awhile in 1440 it did not look as if the two would be allies against anyone. After a rather calm and uneventful spring, a war against Denamrk as well as two princes of the Empire broke out. Throughout the conflict there was a raging war of word in the flurry of letters that passed between Duke Albert, the Duke of Bremen, and the Emperor (who supported Bremen). Nonetheless, this did not at all prevent the Emperor and the Duke combining their forces against von Jager and marched to oust him thats summer. They proved victorious in the first battle of Vienna after which the armies laid seige to the city and the Austrian Duke fled to the Tyrol, making sure his son's escape abroad. He returned that autumn in a attempt to lift the seige but was replused, sealing the fate of the Haus Hapsburg by 1442. Except for the Tyrol and Steirmark, the former which was held by the Emperor until a later date and the later which was given unto the Haus Tilly, the lands of Austria were bestowed upon the Elector Palatinate.

In the meantime, in a grand and well attended ceremony in Munich, Albert and Elisabeth were finally and officially joined in holy matrimony March of 1441 [see here]. That year also saw Albert draw closer to Rome and Venice; in the former agreement, the Duke gained the grand title of Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence which was later modified with the word Sole at the beginning as the other signatorary (Palatine Ugo of Hungary) came under the suspicion of the Inquisition [see aforementioned treaties below]. 1443 marked a bittersweet year in the annals of the Duchy as it marked the birth of the Duke's first and only heir, Ulrich, but also marked the start of the great conflict known variously as the War of Dalmatia or the War of the Adriatic or the Hungarian-Venetian War, the horrors and politics of which would in the end destroy the son of Ernest.

The following year saw the first sack of Venice by the armies of Hungary. In an attempt to counterbalance this, Duke Albert formed a trading association with the Archbishop of Wurburg and the Margrave of Baden. The lower of tarrifs and their other plans for commerce in southern Germany were ruined because the main trade partner of the Duchy as in a struggle for its very existance. The immediate results of the pact were therefore predictible.

The Making of the South German Understanding of Trade - Nurnburg June 1444
The Understanding bears no fruit - 1444

The next two years saw the second sack of Venice and an destructive occupation of the Veneto by the combined armies of Hungary, Bohemia, and the Palatinate. All of Christendom decried the horrid acts done there, most notably Duke Albert, who in doing so offend his cousin, the King of Bohemia, as well as worring the new Pope (and also cousin), Nicolaus V, about the unity of the Haus Wittelsbach. The horror of this war among Christians only made Duke Albert long for something he had always dreamed of; another great Crusade. Yet, the Pope seemed not to listen and all the knights of Europe were to busy lining up to fight in the great war as it spread now to Savoy and Genoa. The result of this world gone mad was the increasing depression and insanity of the Duke, which culminated in his attempt of suicide before the Pope during a visit to Rome in 1448.

Albert's Fit at Rome
The "Abdication" of Duke Albert following the incident at Rome

With a few strokes of a pen, Albert was sent away to a secret hermitage in the Alps and his son was announced as Duke with his mother serving as Regent till he was "ready to rule." The first years of this Regency were spent just making sure the Duchy did not fall into tens of feuding principalities. This job became all the more difficult with the long hoped for cession of Tyrol to the Duchy (Ladislav had promised Albert he would do so as soon as the War of the Adriatic was over) in 1450. Still, the Swan of the Rhine, Elisabeth, did not bend under the weight of the job and in the coming years would make the Duchy the most unified it had been since the reign of Louis VI (Emperor Louis IV).

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Diplomacy and Treaties

Diplomats

Envoys at Our Court
Father Jaromir - From Bohemia

Envoys in Other Courts
Tobias Mantel - Ireland
Konrad Dietrich - Saxony
Karl von Munchen - Bradenburg
Graf Ulrich von Regensburg - Bohemia
Johannes Schroder - Pommeria
Heinrich Grumbach - Carinthia
Otto von Kestrer - Gelre

Treaties

The Danube Syndicate
Anno Domini 1436, June

ARTICLE I - MISSION:

1. To protect and promote the interests of Central-European, land-based merchants, especially focusing on the Danube River trade artery.

2. To improve the status and wealth of the member-states of the Syndicate.

ARTICLE II - GOVERNING BODY:

1. The Syndicate will be led and managed by a council of delegates from member nations, with the Hungarian representative as its chairman. The Syndicate is not a political
organisation.

2. All decisions are made by democratic process. Simple majority vote is required to pass any decision. Unanimous vote is required to pass changes to this charter.

3. All member votes have equal weighting. In the case of a deadlock, proposition will not pass unless deadlock is broken.

4. Buda, Hungary is to be the technical capital of the Syndicate.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

1. In order to be considered for membership, potential members must have either: a) access through the Danube River; or b) a trade reliance of at least 75% on river/overland routes and be geographically adjacent to an existing syndicate member through whom the Danube flows. This is to ensure all members can be focused on common issues.

2. New members must invest in establishing and improving overland trade routes for Syndicate merchants in their country. New members must contribute 1 eco (all money goes to events). This is to ensure that ALL members contribute to keep the Syndicate sustainable and efficient - thereby, all members have a stake in the continual success of the Syndicate.

3. In being a member of the Syndicate, all members have signed a non-aggression pact with all members. In any case where members are at war with each other, they are temporarily suspended from the voting priviledges of Syndicate Council. The remaining members of the council may take whatever means are necessary to ensure trade is not disrupted by the war.

4. Members may sign trade agreements with other nations provided the Syndicate Council is given ample notification of its terms prior to its signing, so that potential problems may be identified at an early stage.

5. Any member may sign military agreements with other nations provided they do not cause conflict with the Syndicate or its members. Member states must reserve the right with their allies to remain neutral should any conflict arise with the potential to draw Syndicate members into war, etc.

6. Any member may make proposals to the Syndicate Council.

7. No member may engage in trade embargoes, banning of merchants, imposing of extraordinary taxes or tariffs - or any other act deemed to be inappropriate - without approval of
Syndicate Council.

7b. States of the Holy Roman Empire, where required to enforce Imperial embargo, are excepted from this rule. Affected members must inform the Syndicate Council within 1 week of the Imperial ruling. The Syndicate itself is not required to enforce the embargo outside of the HRE.

8. Members agree to abide by this charter and any resolutions of the Syndicate Council regardless of their date of signing.

9. Members must accept all rulings of the Syndicate Council.

10. Any member state has the right to ask for a loan from the Syndicate. All members of the Syndicate are obliged to contribute to providing the funds for any loan where appropriate (as determined by vote of the Syndicate Council).

ARTICLE IV - TRADE GUIDELINES:

1. Members of the Syndicate trade with each other under certain general priviledges and conditions. Members of the Syndicate trade with foreign nations under certain general priviledges and conditions. The Syndicate will increase trade between member nations, increase trade with external nations, provide incentives for private merchant groups, reduce costs involved with trade and therefore prices, and provide fair and equitable trade opportunities.

2. All merchants from member-nations of the Syndicate are to be considered as native freemen of the country they are operating in. This means no additional taxes, duties or tariffs that would normally be applied to foreign merchants.

3. Merchants who are members of this syndicate are to be given priority over foreign traders where necessary.

4. Base prices for goods traded between members, within all territories belonging to members, will be negotiated yearly and fixed for that year.

5. Trade between member nations will be regulated for maximum efficiency. It is an aim of the Syndicate to reduce haphazard merchant trade and introduce an organised and well managed import/export system.

6. Member nations may not compete unethically or predatorily in foreign nations against merchants of members.

7. Sales to and purchases from non-Syndicate nations will be carefully controlled to ensure all members recieve maximum benefit from syndicated buying power.

ARTICLE V - INFRASTRUCTURE:

Members must invest in improving the infrastructure and security of trade routes.

1. Every member must provide free docking facilities for merchants of the Syndicate along the Danube and other major river trade routes. It is the responsibility of the Syndicate member to ensure the safety and security of river trade routes in his own realm.

2. Every member must build in his own nation a quality road highway which will connect the capitals of each member. It is the responsibility of the Syndicate member to ensure these trade routes in his own realm are patrolled regularly by security forces for the protection of merchants and other travellers from bandits, and danger.

The French Agreement

Once: As long as both countries are accountable to God, the treaty stands. If either country wants to change any part of the treaty, it must be approved by all affected sides.

Secunda: France agrees to sell premium French wine at a reduced rate to Bavaria. In exchange Bavaria sells its best beers at a reduced rate. Bavarian wheat and French grapes must be sold at cut-rates as well.

Tercia: Both France and Bavaria agree to reduce tariffs on trade 75% to promote trade between both countries. Both counties must agree to having all roads must also be open to each merchant of France and Bavaria as well as the other. Any quarrels shall go to the Reichstag, the imperal court for disputes.

Quarta: In event of a famine or a war, both countries must help each other by trading food at lowest possible rates that can be sustained. By the grace of God this shall not happen though.

Anno Domine 1441
League of Christ

All members of the League swear to protect the most holy Papal States by all means humanly possible. First priority shall be of a direct, military manner, but should this for some reason not be possible, His Holiness can choose to accept aid in the form of coin, either directly to His Holiness' own armies or armies of the allies.

This is purely a defensive League to keep the Papal States safe from the demonic aggression which man is so capable of committing. Should His Holiness decide to embark on an offensive campaign, the members of the League have no obligation to join him, but are nonetheless encouraged to do so, in the spirit of the holy nature of His Holiness.

All members shall grant other members right of passage in time of defence of the Papal States

Should two members of the League be at war against each other, they are in their right to be so. However, should His Holiness need their help via the League, the parties at war must sign a peace, temporary or permanent, so that they can focus on defending the Papacy. The protection of Rome and the church holds supreme priority. Should they still wish to conduct war after the defence of the Papacy is concluded, they are free to do so.
However, His Holiness urges the members of the League to remain on friendly terms for the sake of Christian love and brotherhood, in accordance with the teaching of Christ our saviour.

Never shall any member in any way work against the welfare of the Papacy. Members of the League shall not aid the enemies of His Holiness with forces, with coin or even moral support, be it in private or diplomatically. This League is a matter of protection of Rome in both body and spirit. All who support it, shall recognise the supreme dignity and holiness of the Papal States.

The rulers in the League shall be granted the honorary title of "Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence", which they shall bear with pious zeal, holy dignity and honourable commitment. This shall forever more be known as the greatest title to be granted by the holy church, and thus the greatest honour in all the lands of Christianity, surpassing all other signs of privileges and honour.

Any ruler that honours their oath shall be spared from 100 years in Purgatory upon joining the League, and be spared an additional 200 years for every time they come to the aid of His Holiness. Should they chose to aid His Holiness in a war with His Holiness as aggressor, this will spare the ruler from an additional 300 years in Purgatory.

Should a member not honour their holy oath, they shall be condemned to 2000 years in Purgatory, unless His Holiness grants them dispensation from their holy duty. Should a ruler in the League die or otherwise step down from power, the responsibility shall pass to the ruler that takes over, be he heir, protector or something third. Should he chose not to honour his predecessors commitment, he shall face an additional 1000 years in Purgatory on top of the punishment for what else his sorry soul may have done.

Signed January-March 1441 by Papal States (Molleby), Hungary (cccino) and Bavaria (I_Killed-Kenny).

Anno Domini 1441
Central European Trade and Loan Pact

Part I - Purpose: To reaffrim Venetian, Bavarian ties as well as create a trade foundation to profit all parties.
Article I - The parties involved are the great and pious nations of Bavaria and Venezia.
Article II - The parties have joined together to strengthen their friendship and thusly do.

Part II - Trade: Venice and Bavaria shall join in trade.
Article I - Venetian merchants shall be permitted to purchase Bavarian commodities not exceeding 25% of the total volume available for purchase which shall include, salt, grain and iron. Bavaria shall not have a profit on the sale of these goods Higher than 25%
Article II - Venezia shall supply the number of Cloths and textils the Duchy of Bavaria asks from Venice
Article III - Venezia shall ensure a permanent, sufficient and cheap flow of Eastern goods to the duchy of Bavaria. Venice shall not make more than a 35% profit on the sale of these goods, ensuring the best possible prices for the people of Bavaria.
Article IV a - Venice shall have the monopoly of this goods for the time of five years, after this time have passed the Duke of Bavaria shall desiede if the monopoly shall continue to exist.
Article IV b - If Venice losses the port of Dobrudja the Article IV a is void.

Part III - Loan and aid agreement
Article I - Both parties shall do everything in its power to loan the other members with monies in the case of need.
Article II - Both parties shall join in the purpose of mutual assistance.
Article III - After the signing of this treaty Bavaria shall send 20 of the best weapon artisians in the Duchy for the time of one year to show to the Venician weapon artisians the way weapons are created in Bavaria.
Article IV - After the signing of this treaty Venice shall send 20 of the best Cloth artisians in the Duchy or in other places of Europe like artois etecetera for the time of one year to show the Bavarian cloth artisians the way cloths are created in the best places in Europe.

[x] Paul von Wittelsbach, Bishop of Munich, in behalf of Albrecht Von Wittelsbach Duke Of Bavaria, Count of Ansbach, Count of Nuremberg, Lord of Munich, Lord of Sulzbach Lord of Salzburg, Sole Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence and Imperial Emissary Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
[x] Doge Francesco Foscari, Doge of Venezia, Duke of Dalmatia

Signed July-Sept 1441 by the Venice (Ramius) and Bavaria (I_Killed-Kenny).

South German Understanding of Trade - 1444

Article the First. Bavaria and Wurzburg shall free their border controls against the other nation. Quotas shall be lifted completely, and tariffs shall be reduced by 10% by each government.

Article the Second. A national highway shall be built between Munich and Wurzburg passing through the imperial city of Nuremburg. Jointly financed, it should be owned by both governments, and be free of tariffs for Bavarian and Wurzburgian citizens. It shall be built as soon as possible.

Article the Third. As well as the 10% reductions on tariffs, a further 5% tariffs shall be lifted in goods of wool, wine, iron, salt and grain.

Article the Fourth. In event of famine, any surplus wheats shall be dedicated to the other nation over any other.

Article the Fifth. Bavaria has priority on Wurzburg's eastern goods, especially on spices.

Article the Sixth. Both Governments shall not hinder trade between our two most imperial states at any time.

Article the Seventh. If there is a dispute on trade between the two nations, it shall go to the Imperial Commerce Commission. If the result is not satisfactory, then it shall go the the Danube Trading Syndicate headquarters in Pest.

Article the Eighth. This treaty lasts until 1550, from when it shall renegotiated on point of merit.

x. Signed, Duke Albrecht III, Lord of Bayern, Ansbach, Salzburg, Loyal Imperial Servant.
x. Signed, Johann III von Brunn Prince-Archbishop of Wurzburg, Duke of Eastern Franconia.

The Kassel Accord
Anno Domini 1454, March​

In order to establish friendly relations between Bavaria and Hesse-Kassel the two states agree to the following clauses. The breach of any article will be sufficient grounds for repercussions, should such a tragedy occur. Further, this treaty will open the markets of Bavaria to Hesse-Kassel and likewise.

Article I, Should a nation attack Bavaria then Hessen will regardless of the situation declare war upon that nation to aid their ally. Further, should Bavaria wish to form an offensive against a state Hessen will be obligated to aid in this conflict.

Article II, Should a nation attack Hessen then Bavaria will regardless of the situation declare war upon that nation to aid their ally. Further, should Hessen wish to form an offensive against a state Bavaria will be obligated to aid in this conflict.

Article III, Tariffs set by both states will be reduced to 65 percent of the current rate, for the participating state’s merchants.

Article IV, Both parties shall promote the trade of and provide each other goods unique for each country.

Article V, Changes to this agreement have to be in accordance with both signing parties.

Signed with hopes of a long lasting friendship between the two dukedoms.

[x] Elisabeth, Regent of Bavaria and Herzogin von Ober-Bayern-Munchen on behalf of Ulrich von Wittelsbach, Herzog von Bayern, Graf von Ansbach, Graf von Nuremberg, Lord of Munich, Lord of Sulzbach, Lord of Salzburg, Sole Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence and Imperial Emissary Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
[x] Otto II von Hessen, Landgraf von Hesse-Kessel

Proclamation of Zutphen​

We, the undersigned proclaim the following.

That we greatly despise the regicides and rebels who rose against their most rightful King and Queen, acting against their will and the will of Almighty God who put the Royalty on the throne to take care of his sheep. Truly there is no excuse for those who act against the will of their God.

That we hold in highest disregard those who provoked this shameful act and will never let them into our lands, and should they tresspass our lands they shall be hunted down as the worst criminals and eventually find their death through humiliation and strangulation.

That we support the only and true Queen and Duchesse, that is Marie II du Berry, daughter of the late King Louis du Berry and Queen Anna du Griffon.

That we call upon all nobles, burghers and peasants of Lotharingia who foolishly followed the regicides or were fooled by them, to renounce any ties to them, if they have any, with the devilish imposter and murderer styling himself as Philippe du Berry. Should you not do so, not only hellfire awaits you in the miserable afterlife, but also your lands will be treated with fire and sword, until such time comes that the rightful Queen shall be restored to her throne. Those who hesitated before, raise your arms against the usurper and beg your rightful Queen for forgiveness. Those how will do so shall undoubtedly meet their rewards both in the mundane and after lives.

Signed on this 28th day of February in the Year of Our Lord MCDLIV [1454] in Zutphen, on the Saints Romanus and Lupicinus day, God Almighty be our witness.​

​

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Days of Future Passed

Elisabeth stared longingly out the window of her study in the castle. "When will rest come," she thought to herself. Being in charge had not been a thing of ease, especially when she had no one to lean on. She had her new ministers, but they knew where their bread was buttered. They would serve her more as yes-men than learned advisors. There was young Ulrich, knowledgible beyond his years already, but he was not yet ready for ruling directly. He still had growing to do... and there would need to be arrangement of marriage. Elisabeth smiled at that thought, remembering how late poor Albrecht had married her. Yet, another thing to do on top of figure out how to run a realm the size of Bavaria.

Turning to the silver cup of wine beside her on the desk, the Duchess continued to trying and think of anyone that could help her in governing. The Dukes, Albrecht's brothers... no, they were distant and cold to Elisabeth ever since the removal of the Duke, pleased to cement their power in their lands. Perhaps they were to be watched all the more closely. Finally, the answer came in the Regent's head with such force that it made her spin about. "We shall have an assembly again!"

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Opening of Court

A crowd of envoys and courtiers had gathered ourside the castle gate this day, having heard court was going to be opened. While there were still plenty of workmen running about, putting stones here and laying on plaster there, the castle in general was complete and habitatable for a court as renowned in Europe as the Bavarian. Then, all eyes looked up to one of the tallest towers of the edifice were a herald had so conscipiously placed himself. He gave three firm blast of the trumpet and then exclaimed:

"Here ye, Here ye! The Ducal Court of his Grace, Ulrich I, Herzog von Bayern, is now open. Come one, come all... people of all professions are invited... err... well not all professions, only the good ones, like bear-baiters. *smiles nervously* Enter the Court!

With that, the little man retreated into the tower and the gates of the castle were thrown open to any who would enter.

 

[unmerged(35921)]

​

A man arrives upon the doorstep of the Bavarian court. He is clad in a drab long black travelers cloak. He eyes are deep and black like pools of rich ink. As he awaits a representative of the Bavarian Duke to greet him the diplomat unrolls his credentials. Henrik hails from the city of Kassel in the German dukedom Hessen. Recently, following Bavaria’s reemergence in to politicsm he had been dispatched to this dukedom to speak with its ruler, or one of his underlings. Affairs of state are what he wishes to discuss with someone of power. When a guard eventually inspects the foreigner Henrik queries as to the possibility of a conference with a person of power in the state?

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The two guards escourted the inquisitive Hessian up to the office of the Kanzler, Herr Jakob Kaunitz der Bohem (called so because he was from Bohemia). Kaunitz was happy to finally recieve a foriegn vistor after years of helping the Duchess with internal quarrels that seemed to plauge the realm. He rose to meet the Hessian envoy and clasped him by the hand with a welcoming smile.

Welcome, Herr Henrik. What tidings do you bring from Hesse and how is the Landgraf and his wonderful wife? How does Lord Franz and his wife, Anna, who is the aunt of our noble lord? There is much such news to go over, but forgive my haste.

*gesturing* Sit down, good sir. Tell me what brings you to Bayern? It must be of import for you to travel so long away. Would you care for some wine?

 

[unmerged(35921)]

Henrik is impressed with the Bavarian presentation and is glad to see that his travels may not have been in vain. Sitting as his host has indicated to do the diplomat inspects the man whom he hopes to conduct business with.

“Fair Anna is in good health and sends her greetings to your lord. My master is well as could be, but aging quickly. Though such matters are not my business. Good sir there is a strong unwritten bond between our realms at the moment. Perhaps this bond should be recorded and made proper. What I propose on behalf of and with the backing of my lord is a mutual defensive alliance to help in what may become troubled times. This could of course be in the favor of both Bavaria and fair Hesse-Kassel. Do you have an opinion upon the mater? I am most sorry if I seen perhaps rushed. It is merely that there are things in need of care within the holy empire”

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Kanzler poured some wine in a silver cup for the envoy and then returned to his seat behind the large oak desk, leaning back as he responded, as if relaxing from a long day of work.

Indeed, I understand your condition. These are very uncertain times. There is no Emperor in Nurnberg... only an empty throne and crown. Therefore, I welcome Hesse-Kessel's offer of alliance as we have allies except the fellow branches of the Haus Wittelsbach. Yet, it is sometimes men of the same blod that can be the utmost fickle. Now, does Hesse-Kessel have any women of marrying age. We could make the bond between our rulers all the stronger with such a marriage. You see, the Regent has decided it is finally time to seek a wife for my lord Ulrich so that he be married already when he reaches the age of majority and is officially made Duke. Yet, I ramble. that is but a side matter for your consideration. Shall I draw up said treaty or shall you? If I, may I ask what provisions you would like to see there in?

 

[unmerged(35921)]

The diplomat is enormously pleased with the Bavarian support of his words. Thinking back to his master’s court he think of how his lord's daughter is in need of a husband to provide for her. Grinningly openly the slightly balding man speaks at a fast clip.

“I can draft a treaty if it is your will sire. Now thinking over my lords house I recall his fair daughter Anna is in need of wedlock. She would make a fine wife for your lord I believe. Perhaps the young man should visit Hesse to speak with her? As for clauses within my proposed treaty let us keep it simple. If a realm’s security is breached then the other state must come to its aid immediately. Do you see a flaw with this? In all fact sir I have the draft of a treaty. Could you formulate an opinion upon it please?”

The Kassel Accord​

​

In order to establish friendly relations between Bavaria and Hesse-Kassel the two states agree to the following clauses. The breach of any article will be sufficient grounds for repercussions, should such a tragedy occur. Further, this treaty will open the markets of Bavaria to Hesse-Kassel and likewise.

Article I, Should a nation attack Bavaria then Hessen will regardless of the situation declare war upon that nation to aid their ally.

Article II, Should a nation attack Hessen then Bavaria will regardless of the situation declare war upon that nation to aid their ally.

Article III, Tariffs set by both states will be reduced for the participating state’s merchants.

Article IV, Both parties shall promote the trade of and provide each other goods unique for each country.

Article V, Changes to this agreement have to be in accordance with both signing parties.

Signed with hopes of a long lasting friendship between the two dukedoms.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Kanzler looked at the parchment, scratching his hairy chin as he went line by line through the document.

Everything seems agreeable, there are only minor details to be worked out. What you have laid out here seems to be a defense alliance. is this all you intent, or could either member of the treaty call on the other of... offensive operations shall we say. *smiles and looks at the document* Another thing is the provision on the lowering of tarrifs. This is indeed a very useful thing since both our principalities lie on major river which carry great traffic for both states, yet i see no reference as to how much they are to be lowered. 50%, 100%, 15%, what is it to be and when shall it be decided, now or at a later time. I say not to chide you, Herr Henrick but to make sure my lord afixes his mark to a clear and well defined treaty.

 

[unmerged(35921)]

"Ah, no problem at all my good sir. Perhaps with these small revisions the agreement will be more to your liking? My liege requests that at some point dispatch a diplomat to his realm, if possible, to serve on your behalf."

The diplomat bends his head as hastily he scribbles several revisions onto the piece of parchment the two men are discussing. When he is finished the paper is given to the host for inspection

The Kassel Accord​

In order to establish friendly relations between Bavaria and Hesse-Kassel the two states agree to the following clauses. The breach of any article will be sufficient grounds for repercussions, should such a tragedy occur. Further, this treaty will open the markets of Bavaria to Hesse-Kassel and likewise.

Article I, Should a nation attack Bavaria then Hessen will regardless of the situation declare war upon that nation to aid their ally. Further, should Bavaria wish to form an offensive against a state Hessen will be obligated to aid in this conflict.

Article II, Should a nation attack Hessen then Bavaria will regardless of the situation declare war upon that nation to aid their ally. Further, should Hessen wish to form an offensive against a state Bavaria will be obligated to aid in this conflict.

Article III, Tariffs set by both states will be reduced to 65 percent of the current rate, for the participating state’s merchants.

Article IV, Both parties shall promote the trade of and provide each other goods unique for each country.

Article V, Changes to this agreement have to be in accordance with both signing parties.

Signed with hopes of a long lasting friendship between the two dukedoms.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

This is all agreeable, Herr Henrick. Her Grace, the Regent, and therefor my noble lord shall approve of this. As soon as possible, we send a man to Kessel to represent Bavaria before his Grace.

[x] Elisabeth, Regent of Bavaria and Herzogin von Ober-Bayern-Munchen on behalf of Ulrich von Wittelsbach, Herzog von Bayern, Graf von Ansbach, Graf von Nuremberg, Lord of Munich, Lord of Sulzbach, Lord of Salzburg, Sole Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence and Imperial Emissary Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

[unmerged(35921)]

"Very well. May this fine treaty be signed into law within both our realms! I bid you farewell and preach many thanks onto you for your generosity. May you be guided by God good sir.”​

With this the diplomat at last departs for another area of Germany where he has business to conduct.​

​

(OOC) Confirm in Nat Stats please.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Curtain Republic - A New Landtag

Elisabeth, after a short conference with Kanzler Kaunitz, decided to immediately put her plan for the calling of a new Landtag into action. The last time something like this hand been tried under Enrst, it blew up in the Duke's face. Elisabeth clearly remembered this and was determined not to have that happen to her. The Landtag had three simple purposes in her mind; first, it would give relief to the overworked Duchess-Regent and her minister, second, it would bring the Dukes out of their provincial castles doing only God know what to Munich where an eye could be kept on them, and third, the Landtag would be a illusorary give away of power. This would make both the towns and the Dukes happy. What they would not realize till much later was that the new assembly would be a much smaller... easier to control, body. Elisabeth had planned it that way all along.

A Proclaimation Corncerning the Reopening of the Langtag of Bavaria for the Purpose of Better Governance​

Upon the first of April, anno domini Fourteen hundred Four and Fifty, the Landtag will again be convened in Munich. They from hence shall be the legislative body of governance for the entire Duchy, not just Bayern-Munchen.

I. Members
i. The Dukes of Bayern-Munchen, Bayern-Ansbach, Salzburg, and Tyrol will all serve as the only representatives of their estates in the Landtag.
ii. As the Duke of Bayern-Munchen is not yet of age, the Regent of Bayern-Munchen, Elisabeth, shall sit in his stead.
iii. Each of the cities of Bavaria shall elect one representative via their governing councils for the Landtag. Every city, no matter its ancient prestige, shall only have one representative in the assembly.
iv. The clergy shall be represented in the Landtag by the Archbishop of Munich.
v. The presiding member of the assembly shall be the Kanzler of Bavaria (ie Bayern-Munchen). He shall have the right to vote, but not the right to speak freely during sessions.

II. Powers
i. The Landtag shall have the right to decide the level of taxes upon all the lands of the Duchy.
ii. The Landtag shall have the right to approve or disapprove a declaration of war made by the Duke of Bavaria (Bayern-Munchen) or his fellow Dukes.
iii. The Landtag shall have the final approval of all treaties concerning giving foreign powers the right of passge of the Duchy.

III. Amendments
i. This charter for the Landtag shall only be amended by the majority vote of the assembly and the approval of the Duke of Bayern-Munchen.

Signed,
Elisabeth, Regent of Bavaria and Herzogin von Ober-Bayern-Munchen on behalf of Ulrich von Wittelsbach, Herzog von Bayern, Graf von Ansbach, Graf von Nuremberg, Lord of Munich, Lord of Sulzbach, Lord of Salzburg, Sole Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence and Imperial Emissary Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

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A letter arrived from Brandenburg.

Onto Her Grace Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Regent of Bavaria and Herzogin von Ober-Bayern-Munchen

Up until now our two great realms have not had very close ties. This despite of the fact that the Hohenzollern lands of Ansbach and Bayreuth borders the Wittelsbach lands of Bavaria.

It is my hope that this situation can be rectified, and with Your Graces permission I would like to send an ambassador to Your court. Your Grace is also likewise encouraged to send an ambassador to Brandenburg.

With the Empire headless it is now more than ever important that the Empire stands together.

May God be with You.

Johann IV Hohenzollern
Duke of Brandenburg, Fürst of the House of Hohenzollern, Margrave of Ansbach, Burgrave of Nürnberg, Prince of Bayreuth, Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Arch-Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Empire.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Interlude - The Hermit

Three men stood on a sun drenched Alpine hill ouside of a simple stone house. Two of the men were clearly soldiers, dressed in chain mail and arm plates, carrying swords at their sides and grapsing halberds. The third man was unarmed (with good reason) but dress in plain cloth tunic and pants with fine leather boots; a sign of his former station. Suddenly he raised his hands up to Heaven and screamed.

How shall I make amends, LORD??? GET ME OUT OF THIS! If I am here, who shall free Jerusalem and Constantinople? Who shall hold together the Empire? I had duties but now...

He trailed off as the guards looked at him strangely. Albrecht III, the Pious, had fallen far and was at a loss as to why it happen come to this. Why had his own wife forced him into this life and why did his brothers do nothing? He had heard there was a regency and that Ulrich was to be made Duke eventually. That was what he had wanted, but everyone judged him as insane after the incident at Rome. What did they know? God would tell him what to do. It would all just be a matter of escaping from the hemitage... escaping the guards and then running... running somewhere to someone. The new Crusade had to happen, it had to.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Curtain Republic - Spinning A New Web

The Schloss Tirol lay silent as the sun went down over the mountains. In his study, the Duke of Bayern-Tyrol, Levi von Wittelsbach, read over the declaration of the Regent concerning the Landtag with a mixture of anger and satisfaction in his mind. Anger rose in him because the Landtag would immediately be dominated by the burghers and rich town professional who would be "elected" by their fellow citizens for the job. They would be a pain to any self-respecting noble, as always, and would only stand for one interest, money! Yet, on the other hand, he was satisfied that this had come to pass. It meant that the Duchess was admitting she could not rule the state alone and that she would need help... help (from himself and Martin mainly) she had foolishly rejected when she first came to power. Who did that woman think she was? Ulrich was his nephew and with time, Levi thought, he would ween the boy from his mother and bring him into his camp. Anyway half of the country lay in his control, both Ansbach and Tyrol. Levi smiled, thinking of how far he had come and how much further he wished to go.

Verwalter (Steward), ready my horses and prepare the baggage. I must away to Munchen for the first is fast approaching. Also, get me some ink and parchment while you are at it. I have many letters to write... uh, one more thing.

Yes, my lord

I want the truth now. Do you... do you think I am too old to marry?

Of course not, my lord. Your bearing is much desired and your wealth shall make goodly comfort for any women that takes your offer. Age is no problem for a man of status when seek marriage, it is the women who suffer that great Damoclean sword hanging over their heads. Will that be all, my lord?

It shall be indeed, good Herr Verwalter. *mutters* Sycophant! Oh, well, that is what I wished to hear. He is right... I am a great man of wealth and none can reject a florin in the hand. But who shall I ask... I would hate to be in competition with my dear nephew *laughs* Elisabeth is far to hasty in trying to marry him anyway... let the boy wait until I can choose a worthy and useful woman for him. *bigger laugh*