Ducal Court of Bavaria

[HJ Tulp]

A letter arrives from Gelre by courier.


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

Your Majesty, I would like to invite you or a representative of your Noble House to my coronation next month (Thuesday). This event will not only be a chance to strengthen the bond between our two nations but also to discuss the recent affairs in Burgundy.


Regent Jan van Egmondt, Heir to the Ducal Throne of Gelre

 

[unmerged(945)]

A letter arrived from Brandenburg.

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

We think Your Grace for the kind words in the last letter. An evoy shall be sent to Bavaria as soon as possible to strengthen our ties.

About a possible marriage, my youngest daughter is nineteen years old, but Your Grace would perhaps prefer someone younger for Your son?

We are confident that these new diplomatic ties will prove beneficial to both our realms.

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]

The Curtain Republic - All Fool's Day

The first of April had come far too quickly and the date of opening of the Landtag would have had to have been delayed for at least a week if it had not been for the haste with which everyone made it to Munchen. The Dukes came to make keep watch on the Regent-Duchess and the Burghers, the Regent-Duchess wanted to make sure neither the Dukes nor the Burghers got out of line, and the Burghers wanted to get only over on the aristocrats in general since they felt Bavaria's latest bound of prosperity was due to their hard work. The clergy (represented now by both the Archbishop of Munich and the Archbishop of Salzburg, who had thrown a fit when he read the charter of the Landtag listing only the aforementioned as the only clregy member) felt themselves as shepherds over the whole affair, hoping the Church would not lose any ground to the laymen if they presented a strong, united front.

So it was this mixed band that poured into the upper room of the Town Hall on the morning of the first. At the head of the table sat the Regent-Duchess in the old Ducal throne while young Ulrich sat besides her in a smaller chair and Herr Kanzler Kaunitz sitting behind them in a semi-pulpit chair presiding as speaker. On either side of Elisabeth were the brothers of her departed husband, Levi and Martin, looking at each other with faces that did not reveal their inner thoughts. After them sat down the representatives of the eleven great cities of the Duchy, including a few non-burghers, such as Keztler von Shillech. He had been 'elected' by the town council of Augsburg to be their representative at the assembly instead of the popular mayor, much to the joy of the nobility. After these came the two Archbishops, contrasting in their manner of dress; the Archbishop of Munich practically floated in his red robes and vestments while Salzburg came without his regalia but only his simple black cossack with red sash wearing his skull cap. That Archbishop had not always been so humble, but under the hand of Duke Martin, he had learned the ways of a plain and poius life (especially since his temporal power had been ripped away). Around the room hovered many other people, members of the court, curious nobles, priests, clerks, etc waiting to so see what might happen this day and if their interest, if they had any, would be effected. After the benediction by the Archbishop of Munich and the formal opening of the Landtag by Kanzler Kaunitz and Ulrich, who read off a small piece of parachment what he was to say, the Regent-Duchess rose quitely to begin the real business of the meeting.

We are exceeding that you good gentlemen have taken the time to come to this assembly which shall from henceforth shall sit, from time to time, to decide great matters of internal and external import to all of Bavaria. As our first order of business, it is necessary to call upon the both our lesser Dukes to report on the state of their lands as it has not yet been done. *looks at Levi and then Martin*

I do believe that means I shall go first. *chuckles* Erm... my lands prosper, especially Tyrolia, which has taken well to actually being ruled instead of mismanaged as it was under its former Haspburg owners. Innsbruck is one of Bavaria's greatest cities of commerce, helped all the more by its close proximity to the merchant-states of Italy...

Have you done well in taxes, your Grace? *stares*

Well... in a way, yes. Ansbach and Tyrol together produce much but...

So where is our share? It has not been seen since Albrecht abdicated. You know well that in time of war, you have no need to send knights becaue you give... or rather are supposed to give half of your tax shares to the treasury. Yet, because of greed, I have had to tax the cities more than I wished. Is that just, your Grace?

*clears throat* No, your Grace... yet, times have been confused and the roads are not all that well or safe. How was I...

*rolls eyes* I will hear no more excuses and half-truths from your mouth. *waves hand* Let us make this official so that no one shall disobey any longer. We propose that we make it a law that the Dukes of Bavaria pay 50% of their estates income to the main Ducal treasury for the uses of the Duke of Bayern-Munchen, Overlord of all Bavaria, as he may see fit.

Keztler von Shillech: I second this proposed law! *raises hand and smiles at the Regent-Duchess*

Then the proposed law must be put to a vote of the members. All in favor say AYE and all against say NAY. Sit silent if you abstain. All in favor...

Every hand except that of the Archbishop of Salzburg and the two Dukes went up in favor of the law.

and all opposed...

Then the hands of the brother Dukes shot up, but to no avail. The first vote of the Landtag had gone horribly for the high nobles of the realm. They were a little less independent now and surely this was but the prelude. This is what Elisabeth had wanted all along. The Archbishop of Salzburg meanwhile had sat silent, neither wanting to offend his lord nor to offend his burgher friends at home who surely would support the new law. The most amazing of the votes was that of von Shillech who, in order to curry favor with the Regent-Duchess (who, it is said he aims at marrying) and the burghers of Augsburg (who would see that he stood for their interests instead of aristocratic greed), voted agains the two men who secretly were behind him being in the assembly. Levi and Martin looked at each other now with clearly sullen face, knowing that this was only the first defeat of the day. They would have to do a bit more 'fixing' of the system next time.

And so the day passed with issue after issue passing without much rancor. Taxes on the cities were lowered by 25%, the matter of the civil strife in Burgundy was discussed briefly, money was set aside for the continued construction on Burghausen, and the titles of the Salzburg and Tyrol duchies officially became Bayern-Tyrol and Bayern-Salzburg, thus recognizing them as intergral parts of the Bavarian state. The assembly elected to send Duke Levi to Gelre and a slate of ambassadors were approved to be sent abroad. It was then that the Regent-Duchess rose again to present a new matter.

Gentlemen, my good son and your leige lord, Ulrich, fast is nearing the age at which he may take power. We wish that his spouse be decided now so that the line of succesion may be assured before... before... we leave this earth. *sniffles* Therefore inquires have been made and are still being made. Lithuania is for the time closed to use, although the join of our two houses would have been promising. Brandenburg has two daughters, one of 19 years and the other younger. The House of Hesse lacks sons completely, but has two daughters, Ulrich's gracious first cousins Anna and Clara. We have heard of late that the ruler of Scotland seeks Anna for his wife, which is concerning. If there are any suggestions or if any of you know any other possible brides, make it known now.

I cannot hold my peace on this matter. Young Ulrich is but barely eleven and yet to talk of pawning some foriegn woman off on him when he is hardly weened from you, your dear Grace. Let the boy grow without these matters on his brain. Did Albrecht marry you late and was not the line of our house still assured? Leave him be and let him be a boy. Then, when he is come into power, let him choose for himself a bride worthy of the Duke of all Bayern! Take this a meer advice and not an attack.

*smiles* We know you have the best interest of our son at heart, your Grace. We shall well consider what you have said. *turns and nods at the Kanzler*

The business of the day is concluded and this mee...

Messenger: WAIT! *runs in breathless* Good sirs and lady... whew... I must tell you bad news. The old Duke... Albrecht... has escaped from his place of exile, having drugged the drinks of his guardian by an Alpine root and made his flight by night. *sigh* No one has any idea where he might have gone.

We thank you for the news... Gentlemen, we are ajourned for the time being. Godspeed to you all.

The Regent-Duchess grabbed Ulrich by the hand and left the room, speeding down the hall as if driven. The members of the assembly, meanwhile, loitered behind, discussing the news they had just heard. Levi and Martin went to a corner to discuss all the more privly.

 

[von Streusser]

A messenger bearing the standard of Moldavia-Wallachia enters the court.

"I bring a message from the Voivode of Moldavia-Wallachia, and from the Syndics of the Danube. After routing your message to Vienna to the Council of the Danube Trade Syndicate, they have sent me with apologies and this offer. Though Bavaria was invited to the initial re-consideration and re-organization of the Charter, apparently the message was lost somewhere along the lines as no Bavarian representative was able to attend.

The Danube Trade Syndicate has re-organized and is now headquartered in Vienna. I have been authorized to offer Bavaria the opportunity to join and send a representative to the Council there. Here is a copy of the Charter, have you any questions that I may address, m'lord?"

The Danube Syndicate

• 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 chairman to be decided by vote. The Chairman will lead the organization for life. The Syndicate is not a political organisation.
  
  1.A. If the Syndicate determines the current holder of the office of Chairman to be ill-suited for the task, detrimental to the interests of the organization as a whole, or for any other reason it sees fit, it may remove the Chairman of the organization from his post at any time and hold immediate elections for a replacement. In order for a motion to remove the Chairman to pass, it must receive the votes of every member of the Syndicate with the exception of the Chairman himself.
  
  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. The technical capital of the Syndicate is Vienna.
  
  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.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Duke gives the charter a good look over for about 15 minutes and then response to the Moldavian.

We had no idea it had moved to Vienna. The Regent here is not the most organized of persons, so the letter may well have been lost *sighs*. Is not Vienna in Palatinate territory? Is the Elector Palatinate now a member of the Syndicate? These are be minor question on my part, but all else appears fine with the charter as it stands. We don't have to pay the amount for new members, do we?

 

[von Streusser]

"Vienna is within the territory of the Palatinate, and the Holy Roman Emperor in fact. There has been a slight delay with their ratification of the treaty due to the internal problems the Holy Roman Empire is facing at the moment, but we expect it to be ratified once those problems are dealt with. In the meantime, we have every assurance of being allowed to operate in Vienna, and have even procured the buildings and necessary writs to do so.

As for the 'new member fee', I'm afraid it will be required of Bavaria...but it will also be required of Moldavia, Hungary, Bohemia, Carinthia, and Bulgaria. With the lapse into inactivity the Danube Syndicate suffered recently, there is discussion of taking out the fee from all member states to revitalize the infrastructure of the area and make sure it is once again properly maintained. It is a small cost, especially when compared to the benefits we expect in the long term.

But the fee would be extracted at some later date, once the Council has met and decided on what exactly to do with the assembled funds."

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Well then it is agreed! Bavaria will rejoin the Syndicate. The final approval of the Regent-Duchess is a sure thing. I thank you for the promptness of your response and I bade you to have a drink with me to all of our future commercial ventures upon this might river! *holds up glass*

 

[von Streusser]

"You did WHAT?!?" bellowed Doucestu. The red faced man, recently returned from Bulgaria, tried to explain but was hastily cut off. "I will not have your incompetence ruin me!" he said, gesturing to several of his retainers who dragged the man outside. Several muffled screams could be heard moments later as he was stuffed into a bag and beaten with sticks.

Letters were sent out, asking all members of the Danube Trade Syndicate to convene in Vienna. [Use Moldavia Court]

Members of the Danube Trade Syndicate,

As some of you may have heard, a most incompetent former underling of mine recenly committed a gross violation of Syndicate protocol in attempting to admit a new member to the Syndicate without bringing it to the attention of the Syndicate Council as a whole. I apologize for his incompetence, and have rectified the problem by sacking him. I assure all members of the Council such a gross violation shall not occur again.

Now, in accordance with proper protocol, I hereby request the presence of all Syndicate representatives in our new Council houses in Vienna where we may discuss the following agenda.

1. Admission of Bulgaria to the Danube Trade Syndicate
2. Re-Affirmation of Bavaria's status in the Syndicate
3. Discussion of allocation of funds to maintaining and rebuilding depleted infrastructure from the Syndicate's lapse into inactivity.

And anything else the Syndics may bring to the table.

Bavaria and Bulgaria may also send representatives to oversee the proceedings.

Dragos Doucestu, Chairman Danube Trade Syndicate
Vienna

 

[Longinus]

In Stettin

A man, clearly from the south German speaking lands, enters the court and kneels before Casmir.

Your Grace, I am Johannes Schroder of Bavaria and I have been sent as the permenent ambassador to your fair realm. Here are my credentials. Is there anything you wish of me, your Grace?

Casmir, together with his mother Christine welcomes the diplomat warmly.

"Greeting in Stettin sire, we hope that you will enjoy your stay here." says Casmir.

Christine smiles at him and speaks up. "How does my sister Elise fare? I haven't heard from her lately, though I must admit I didn't have much time to write to her anything as well. This will change soon, we might need her thoughts on the Burgundian crisis as she is the Duchesse-Regent.[/i]

 

[Longinus]

A letter arrives from Stettin.

"Elisabeth, Regent and Dowager Duchesse of Bavaria,

Dear Ilse, beloved sister,

While I pray for meeting you again and spending time on some more pleasant things, I have decided to write this massive as the news from Burgundy grow more and more alarming with each passing day. I have recently received the letters from my son, Henryk of the Greif from Italy, who was at that time marching towards Torino in Piedmonte and a preachment from my daughter Queen Anna Gryphon herself, retelling the events and occurrences in Dijon, which all happened in the winter last year.

It would appear that rebels, led by a certain imposter, who is styling himself on Philippe du Berry, son of Marie du Berry, took Dijon and the Royal Court by treachery. The rebels killed good king Louis with cold blood, showing no mercy. Fortunately my daughter, Queen Anna, managed to escape though and is now trying to stand against the odds in a secured place somewhere in Burgundy.

Thus, I, in the name of the House of Gryphon and my daughter, ask you to help your immediate family, to counter the foulness of regicides by all means possible. Through your political influences and perhaps even military might, should we decide to send our own knights with the order of quelling the rebellion and restoring the peace there.

On another note, I would like to inform you that the envoy of yours, Johannes Schroder, arrived in good fortune and health.

I await your insights with great anticipation.

Given in Stettin,

February 10th Anno domini 1454.

Christine von der Greif-Wittelsabch, Dowager Queen of Sweden, Dowager Duchesse of Pommernia, Hannover and Poznan."​

​

 

[Longinus]

In Stettin

Herr Schroder rose to respond...

Her Grace does well despite having the weight of running the whole country on her shoulders. It has been made easier recently by the calling of the Landtag, our assembly or council rather of Dukes and burghers and churchmen. She also now looks for a wife for our lord Ulrich, which has only added to her. Yet, she continues and will be exceeding glad to her from you in these times, especially on the Burgundy matter. When news first arrived, her Grace was ready to intervene with whatever force we could muster, but better judgment restrained her. That has been the vote of the Landtag as well. We shall wait and see, but if call upon, Bavaria shal raise to the call.

Both Casmir and Christine smiles at Bavarian. Camir nods.

"I would love to hear some more about this landtag of yours later one. I must admit my vassals weren't particularly nice in my last meeing with them, actually, they were rather terrible.

As for Burgundy we are not even sure if such call will be needed, so far we send the warning to the rebels, perhaps they will listen to reason."

 

[Longinus]

Swift reply arrives from Stettin.

A letter arrives from Stettin.

"Elisabeth, Regent and Dowager Duchesse of Bavaria,

Beloved sister,

Thank you for your haste and swift reply; you are the first to answer the call of Pommeranian Gryphons. Most definitely we must meet in the near future, feel yourself already invited to Stettin for the coronation of my son in the summer.

As for Bavarian involvement in the Burgundian affairs, fear not, I am not asking for any extreme moves so far. Your nobles, clergy and burgers were right in restraining you. Alas, I might as for such help in the future, so far we are trying to reason the rebels. Most importantly however, I need your political support in this venture, especially now, when the Empire is in disarray after the death of Joachim, my beloved husband.

As for Karl of Alsace I have not heard for him in long time, I can only pray that he is fine and is helping the rightful Queen in her quest. I intend to send him a letter later on, hopefully it will find him all right.

Your loving sister,

Chrsitine.​

​

 

[unmerged(23474)]

Her Esteemed Grace, Elisabeth, Regent of Bavaria.

I have received your letter and I respond with mixed feelings.

You see, Irish politics are quite complex. During the 'reign' of Hugh O'Neill, he was opposed by the O'Brien family, whom supported a King of their own. Ultimately, we won, and therefore we refuse to recognize Hugh as King of Ireland. However, as I am sure that was a mere oversight, I will ignore that and respond to your inquiry:

Banphrionsa Eilís Ó Néill (or Princess Elisabeth von Wittelsbach - O'Neill if you prefer) is still alive and well. Her husband, unfortunately has not been so blessed. He succumbed to madness and was deemed unable to rule over his lands, so their son Eoghan has taken that burden from him.

Eoghan rules over Tir Eoghain in central Ulster, directly west of my castle residence. Both Elisabeth and Donnchadh reside in Tir Eoghain as well.

I would gladly arrange an escort should you or any of your relatives wish to see their Aunt or her Son.


Signed on the Twelfth day of the Fifth month of the year MCDLIV Anno Domini;

Toirdhealbhagh Bog Ó Briain
Ard-Ri Gaidel Erenn, Gall, Bretan, August iarthair tuaiscirt Eorpa uile
(High King of the Gaels of Ireland and of the Foreigners and the Welsh, the Augustus of Northwestern Europe)

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Curtain Republic - Pyrrhic Victory?

There she sat again in the study, drinking a glass of Gascon wine. The Duchess was not as busy as she had been before, but that by no means meant she was any less worried. Her husband, the man she had sworn to be with for better or for worse all those year ago, was now on the run to God knows were. It would have been good if he had died that day in Rome. He would live on in people's minds as the good, righteous prince instead of a lunatic who had to be put away by his onw wife. She wondered if he hated her now, if he wanted revenge for the abdication and anything else he might have heard about.

That just reminded Elisabeth of how much see missed Keztler. There was truly something between them, but the Duchess would not and could not carry their tyrst beyond its current tentative stage. She needed the release of a man's touch but adultery would be a brigde too far and marriage was not even a question. There could only be one man to rule Bavaria after the Regency and that man would be Ulrich, none else. Still, the sooner Ketzler returned from Egypt covered in glory, or alive at least, the better. She would keep him in her prayers... God would protect her lover, no?

Taking a sip of the wine, the Duchess returned her thoughts to business. Tobias Mantel! It struck her... he would be the perfect man to send to Ireland. He had been part of the party that negociated the marriage of Katrina in the first place, so he knew those strange island people the best of anyone in Germany. The Duchess also knew Tobias to be one of the most two-faced men in Germany, another needed skill for the mission she had in mind. There was also the matter of where Albrecht had gone and what was he up to? As long as it was not a coup, Elisabeth would be happy and wish her old mate Godspeed.

What had the Landtag done for her then? Blond hair was still turning to grey. The Dukes were even more distant to her now. The burghers were well pleased and the clergy made no noise, but that could have been done without the calling of the assembly. Why was politics always so messy? Why was it so stressful? The task of Sisyphus looked easy by comparison now.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Enterprise of Ireland - Prelude

The Duchess-Regent was known to be an ambitious woman, but no one knew how deep that ambition went, except for herself. So far, since the beginning of the Regency, she has meerly tired to administer the Duchy as best she could, finally seeming to reign in the free-wheeling Dukes at the recent session of the Landtag. She has talked briefly of intervention in Burgundy,b ut she had been talked out of it. She had wished to have a great meeting with her relations from across the Empire, but it had yet to come to fruition. She had wished to wed her son to the Princess of Lithuania, but there had been no response. She had ambition, she had to have it as any woman ruler in a vicious world of men, but there looked as if it had no outlet... that was until she wrote to the King of Ireland. What had been a simple inquiry as to the welfare of a distant relation (whom she had met only twice in her life) grew in the Duchess' mind into a grand plan to benefit Bavaria and (less importantly) the Haus Wittelsbach. Burgundy and her son's marriage were put on the back burner as she thought more on it. Everything would have to be done just right because of the circumstances involved, beginning with the leader of the mission.

The Leader

Tobias Mantel was a minor Bayern noble and a former ambassador to Hesse-Kassel. He looked to be in his sixties, but was only just turned fifty-one. He had not gotten that white hair by saintly contemplation though. He had taken four wives in his life in vain attempts to enlarge his holdings. It was rumour that he had done away with two of them; the first by poison in her wine and the second by throwing her out of the castle tower (he said she had tripped on her dress and fell). Still, he was a good friend of the Ducal household and so he got away with his scandalous doings. Not so at the Imperial court, where in his younger days he was banished after a short stay there for certain "ungentlemenly" acts and alledged theft, though it was never proven outright. Most recently, he had finally inherited many goodly acres of land from his neighbor, with whom he had never gotten along with. The son of the neighbor wanted to take the matter to court by the Duchess-Regent intervened and called Mantel to Munchen to better serve the Duchy abroad.

The Object

Eoghan O'Neill (b. 1435), King of Tir Eoghain​

For what possible mission would the Duchess call such a man of low character? A mission that would involve much guile and treachery to be a success and that would depend on the quick thinking of a few over the arms of many. The Duchess-Regent in her letters had made the common statement of amity that one was suspose to make to a crowned Christian prince; she had even apologized for calling Hugh O'Neill King of Eire in her first letter. Yet, it pained her that the house of O'Neill, which was a wise one to have tied itself to the most powerful line on the Continent, had been disposed by some country clowns. She had prevented such from happening when Albrecht went insane and so it would be in the case of that far island. But, what had she or Bavaria to gain in giving the High Kingship back to the O'Neills. That was certainly was Herr Hans Albrecht, the penny pinching Chamberlain and Verwalter of the Duchy, said when informed of the Enterprise. The Duchess only replied, "Because it pleases me!" Still, she knew she would have to explain the thing in part to the Langtag and her ministers, for they all would be involved in the preparations for the Enterprise.

Reasons
I. To restore Eoghan O'Neill of the House O'Neill to the throne of the High King of Ireland, which was unjustly usurped from his house by those of the House O'Brien.
II. To set up a peaceful state in Ireland so that her warlike men may be put to better use in the Ducal army of the Duke of Bayern-Munchen, Overlord of all Bavaria.
III. To set up a peaceful and strong state in Ireland for the general peace of the western Isles and the north of Europe.
IV. To strengthen the word of God in those lands and the jurisdiction of the Church, lead by our Holy Father, Vicar of Christ, at Rome.

The Means

500 goodly knights (with their squires and other servants)
200 Genoese crowbowmen
20 bombadiers with 1 bombard (with cart) and 4 light or hand-cannon along with enough powder to last six months

Großartiger Marschall Herr Werner Eriks was called upon to figure what would be the least amount of men and material needed for the Enterprise. He guessed that the Irish would be able to provide all the footmen needed, so the focus would be upon horse and missile troops. Having "alledgedly" been a mercenary commander, Eriks knew well how to build a small, reliable force that could easily give a relatively poor army victory in the field. The main advantage of this force would have to be their powder weapons, since it would be expensive and inconvicible to take more than a few hundred knights anywhere. It would be a give away to anyone that something was up. The same would certainly apply if Swiss pikemen were seen on the march. So the force would have to hope that their powder did not fail them and that none of the bombadiers would be hoisted on their own petards.

The other matter was the means of reaching Ireland. The Mediterranean was still engulfed in war and God only knew how many Musselmen had taken to the sea as corsairs by now. That left only two options, a trip up the Rhine to one of the ports of the Low Countries or an long overland march to the Baltic ports. The length of the trip to the Baltic almost immediately eliminated it, except for the fact of the tulmult in Lotharingia. What if some petty rebel duke decided to seize the party on its way downriver? Could they attack or should they? They would have to turn back, wouldn't they? The Duchess only said to Mantel to deal with such a situation as, "the mood strikes you." They, therefore, would reach the sea, by any means since Tobias Mantel had never been one to take no for an answer. From the North Sea, they would go around Britain in order to land in Ulster, closer to Belfast, the royal captial, and the lands of the O'Neills. It would be nothing but an Enterprise of Peace... a peace by guile and arms.

 

[BusterBunny]

A letter arrives from Strassbourg. It reads:

Unto Her Grace, Elisabeth, Regent of Bavaria, Herzogin von Ober-Bayern-München,

Dearest cousin,

We live in interesting times.

Only a few years ago, we were celebrating the marriage of our cousin Frederick in the very city where today rules what is the most legitimate usurper of all time. Philippe du Berry, which I have seen with my own eyes, strikes too much resemblance with his mother and sister that there can be no mistake about it. Same red hair, greyish green eyes and soft smile as his mother, and the nose and chin of the Montfort. Somehow, this man is the legitimate King of Lotharingia. The fact that Louis de Montpensier was able to buy us all to grant him the Crown had little to do with legitimacy, but rather politics. In the end, the man with the crown right now is far more legitimate than Louis de Montpensier, than Anna di Savoia, and her daughter Marie.

And yet, usurper he is also. He allied himself with the worst lords of our kingdom, killed a nobleman with his own hands, and has put a price on the head of a noble woman and her children. Few in the Directoire want to associate with such a man, with such… legitimacy.

And so we are being asked to choose. And whatever we choose, we loose. The forces of the League of Arras are enormous, and yet if they prevail, we face total invasion of our lands from outsiders.

The Directoire is a powerful tool, perhaps too powerful for us to wield. Politics allow us to control the king at our will, and the King of Lotharingia bears much weight everywhere. As such, being the vassal of the Crown of Lotharingia gives me actually much more power as being free within the Empire. I know it is difficult to understand, but we have grown used to manipulating the King to our will, and as we see the poor state of the Imperial Diet, who can blame us?

I have with me the most interesting child I have ever seen. Roxanne di Savoia, a young girl, not 10 yet, and perhaps the best tool in my arsenal right now. She is the daughter of Anna di Savoia, the exiled Queen of Lotharingia. With simple mimics, and clever words, she charmed the whole assembly of my duchy, and convinced them, partly out of pity, to follow her to “Free her mother”. Clearly, God sent me a sign in this young girl, and I am assembling one of the largest forces ever raised in Alsace since the conquest in the 1420s.

I cannot ask much of you, except to send my regards to my cousin Frederick in Heidelburg, His Holiness my cousin in Rome, His Majesty my cousin Ladislav in Praha, and let them know that I continue to make sure the voice of the Wittelsbach is heard within the largest Kingdom of Europe. Word has it that Éléanore du Berry, wife of our cousin Frederick (your nephew) is now supporting Anna di Savoia and the Royal Family despite past animosity between the two. If Éléanore allied herself to Anna, then it means that the Wittelsbach are supporting are indeed supporting the Royal Familly. LET THIS BE CLEAR, as at this point, this would mean that we can perhaps reclaim the throne without outside help. But the wolves are everywhere, even in the north as we speak. Rumours of armies being recruited as the frontier between Holland and Gelre makes us believe that the Duke of Gelre is attempting an illegitimate land grab, thus weakening the Royal Familly as well as the Wittelsbach themselves. This must be stopped before it is too late. Tomorrow, I leave Strassbourg, and any time you can buy for us will be appreciated.

Sincerely yours, in God,
Karl.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Enterprise of Ireland - Stepping Off

At the courtyard of the new Mantel manor...

Tobias Mantel walked out of the front door of his manor dressed in his ambassadorial finery, hoping to impress the gathered bunch of warriors and servants. Behind him came Herr Großartiger Marschall Werner Eriks and Herr Heinrich von Danuben. While the former repeated his wishes to come along on the expedition, the Duchess has demanded he not, especially with things on edge as they were in Lotharingia. Insted she chose her second favorite, von Danuben, to be the military commander behind the cunning Mantel. And so Eriks was only there see that all was set right and to watch the band disappear over the horizon like a proud father watching his son for off to make something of himself in the world. Herr von Danuben looked at the bombard and the now ten hand-cannons that had been perchased and turned to Eriks...

By God, that must have cost you a pretty penny, Herr Großartiger Marschall! That are well made as well, it seems. No sudden explosion will come from them, I guess.

Only from their mouths toward the enemy, your excellency. These were made, in fact, at an ironworks near Augsburg. Fine productions indeed... their cost was slight then it ought been... with a bit of convincing. Erhm, in all, the arms and the power only cost 10,500 florins to the treasury, half our seasonal taxes and tolls.

How did you ever get the tight wad Herr Albrecht to agree to that??

Simple, I left it in the hands of the Duchess and the next day I had the funds I needed for the weapons. All we had to do was buy the guns and powder as these *pointing to the knights and crowbowmen* provided their own arms along with the expectation of certain rewards in Ireland.

Naturally, Herr Großartiger Marschall. *smiles* Ah, what a woman commands our land? She is Minerva surely and not a mortal.

Save that blasting praise for her ear and not mine, good sir! I have come to see an army, not to hear a romantic ballad.

Sorry, Herr Großartiger Marschall.

Gentlemen, if you would... I am about to give a speech to the party. I am sure it will serve as an inspiriation to all. *turns to the assembled*

You men of war, lend me your ears! I know you have doubts in your minds about this journey abroad to a far country which you think concerns you not. "What business have we there," say you and, "I only go because I shall be well paid!" says another. Yet, this is not our mission for our mission is one of justice and right, one ordained by the Lord God himself! In that far land, there was once a great king by the name Hugh of the Haus O'Neill. He was a wise and godly king and married his son to the sister of our beloved former Duke, Albrecht the Pious. But then Hugh died and the wicked usurpers of the Haus O'Brien striped the throne from Hugh's son, Donnchad. The poor man was driven mad by his ill luck and even unto this day remains in his castle in bed with only his wife and son to care for him. His son, Eoghan, is as wise and godly as his grandfather before him and the blood of the Haus Wittelsbach, the house of your leige lord *looking at the Genoese* and your paymaster! If by arms it be done or by meer persausion, we shall go to that land and set the rightful heir upon that throne! We shall do God's work and purify the land of the wicked O'Brien. What is their great evils, you ask? The current king alone is an oathbreaker, a kinslayer, a murderer, a whoremaster, a coveter, and a foul drunkard! Who could even think that such one could reign as a king in Chrisendom!?! So let your very souls be bound to this mission, a mission of grace and duty unto your brother Christians, almost like unto a crusade except we fight not heathens, but worse, the backslidden. Yet, for those who have no duty to God but only to Mammon, I can assure you that the Irish are among the richest peoples upon the earth, having cities and abbeys full of gold and silver. If a city resist or a abbot give you an wrong look, we shall take them for everything! Also, Eoghan, as I said, is a saintly man like unto King David and shall will pay you dearly for the throne of Eire. Come now, gentlemen, let us to march and get the business underway. God and Mammon ride with us!!!

With that, a grand cheer went up from the band, even from the servants, and the long procession got under way with Herr von Danuben leading the vanguard and Herr Mantel in the midst of the crowd, exhorting as he rode alongside. They were on their way to the Rhine and taking the first step in their grand venture to Ireland.

 

[Petrarca]

The ducal court at Munich was once again visited by the unlikely pair of Bohemian envoys. The Franciscan friar named Jaromir, a Czech trained at St. Clement’s College in the University of Praha, came dressed in his humble brown habit, accompanied by a much younger German counterpart, Heinrich Landrgott, a Captain-Lieutenant of the Infantry who had first arrived in Munich a few years ago to coordinate the planned campaign in the east. The aged cleric and the ambitious officer were by no means rivals, as age and occupation meant their aims were not competing. Their entrance into the court was utterly unmemorable, being familiar figures to many Bavarian officials.

“My lords, I beg upon you to ask Her Ladyship the Duchess to grant an audience to us, envoys of her cousin the Bohemian King,” Father Jaromir asked quietly to the indigenous courtiers.

Landrgott, by contrast, did not speak. He preferred action to words, and anyways he thought he noticed something like fresh blood in the air. If the rumors were true, then the Duchess had won a victory over her brothers-in-law, but had embittered them as well. Others said that sometimes a battle was not worth fighting if victory only brought further enemies. Heinrich considered that sort of talk manure. Victory was something to be celebrated, not avoided. And this court smelled like freshly-won battle.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Two Gentlemen of Bohemia

The two Bohemians were met by another Bohemian, the Kanzler Jakob Kaunitz. He knew Father Jaromir well but the second man, who had remained silent, he had never seen before.

Her Grace has been expecting you for months now and she will be exceeding glad to see you. Right this way... your rooms shall be ready for you presently as well. Good day to sirs.

With that the Kanzler swung open the door of the study revealing the Duchess-Regent sitting behind her grand oak table with a cup of Gascon wine by her and an open window at her back. She rose to greet the two men, extending her arms directing them to the chairs before the table.

Come in, good envoys and dear friends. Ah, Father, what a joy it is to see you again and still in good health. What have you been doing since we last spoke? Is all well in my cousin's lands, especially troublesome Hungary? Shall we also discuss what business you gentlemen have here or shall we forbear that till later? Take some wine, if you wish it, gentlemen. This is a happy occassion, no?

 

[Petrarca]

Kounic. Cousin to Jiří in some regard, and for some reason in Bavaria instead of Bohemia, Jaromir thought. Perhaps he found more opportunities in Munich for his services. But Jiří z Kounic was the last of his branch left and the family estates would probably pass to this Jakob, styling himself with the German version of the name, Kaunitz. Jaromir wondered if the Chancellor would return to Bohemia, or whether other considerations would prevent that. The Franciscan knew the reasons that a Czech lord might depart from Bohemia and settle elsewhere, reasons that might put the priest in opposition to the courtier. Interesting, but Jaromir was not too concerned. He noted the reference to the months-delay and ignored that as well, following Kaunitz to the chamber.

When they arrived at the room, Father Jaromir bowed and responded to the Duchess. "Your Ladyship, it has been entirely too long since we last spoke. The local chapter of the Friars Minor have kept me well enough busy."

"As for the lands of His Majesty- Bohemia and the Incorporated Territories remain blessed with peace and good harvests. Hungary, by contrast, is an unruly territory that brings tears to the eyes of good men who must watch that noble kingdom rend itself apart thanks to the ambitions of various warlords."

Landrgott followed as well, and while the Franciscan spoke he took in the scene. The Duchess seemed well-situated in her study and comfortable enough with the open window and wine. So this was the woman who had defeated her rivals and sat unchallenged in Bayern. He approved of such strength and made only a short comment. "Yes, it is a pleasure to make Your Ladyship's acquaintance once more, particularly after the success enjoyed by Bayern in its reforms."