Ducal Court of Bavaria

[Elias Tarfarius]

This is true and we thank you for the complement. Reform was needed, at the very least to make the Duke realize they are not free prince be subjects to one overlord, Ulrich, Duke of Bayern-Munchen. It is also good to have the burghers and the Church on one's side as well. It is but a first step... I fear things wil have to be secured even more before the Regency is dismantled. Yet, we shall let matter alone for the time being in order to better the full results thereof.

The Duchess gently took up her cup and took a sip before continuing.

But enough of our particular business here, what matters shall we discuss today? The Burgundian... no, all that can be said has been said, no? Perhaps it is the matter of the Emperor... alas, Frederick seems to have failed us. An retiring Emperor is worse than no Emperor at all really! It cannot be explained as to why he does nothing. Although, perhaps it was he that sent the Empress to Upper Savoy to talk to Queen Anne. What say you, Father and you sir?

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- EVENT -

Assembly of the Bavarian Langtag

​

Under the Regency of Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, in order to relieve her tiring workload and appear to share power with the other notables of the Duchy, the Duchess-Regent called for the opening of a new Langtag, but it was to be a much more limited assembly than that of Duke Ernst (which failed because of its unwieldy size and factionalism). The body had to be small enough for the Duchess-Regent to control but big enough to appear as if she did not control it. Its composition was also tilled heavily in favor of the towns, a counterbalance to the power of the Duke, especially Levi von Wittlesbach (who now owed half of Bavaria as Duke of both Ansbach and Tyrol). The Duke had, since the abdication of Albrecht III reigned freely in their territories, yet Elisabeth was sure that the central power and wealth of the Duchy could only be strengthened by the assembly. Even if that meant raising the ire of Dukes Levi and Martin, she would use her new assembly to the fullest for the good of Bavaria.

MODIFIERS:
Bavaria spends 1 current econ to trigger.
+2 to roll for continued exemplary RP.

TABLE:

1. Duchess-Regent Elisabeth finds the Langtag Assembly not quite the lapdog she had hoped it would be. In trying to tame the gathering of provincial potentates, she reveals her lack of understanding of regional issues and her inability to control her subjects. The trust and confidence placed in her by her underlings is directly harmed as a result.
(-2 morale to Bavaria for 1 year/4 turns)

2. Although she grooms the assembly as carefully as she can for control, Duchess-Regent Elisabeth is not careful enough. The members of the Langtag are not as simple-minded and trusting as she would like. Rumours quickly spread that the assembly is little more than a means for Elisabeth to tighten, rather than devolve, her control of the land.
(-1 morale to Bavaria for 1 year/4 turns)

3~4. The burghers are not really impressed by the acts of the new assembly in Munchen. Life goes on as usually for people across the Duchy, whether peasant or citizen. Ho hum!
(no effect)

5. The convention of the Langtag comes at a good time. The meeting of minds provides an excellent opportunity for the sharing of much common ground. Bavaria becomes a slightly more cohesive and well-run Duchy as a result.
(+1 morale to Bavaria for 1 year/4 turns)

6. The towns flourish with the heavy hand of the Dukes lift off of them by the Landtag. The power of the central government at Munchen has been shown and the loyalty of the towns to their Overlord is greatly increased.
(+1 morale to Bavaria for 1 year/4 turns; +1 tech to Bavaria for 1 year/4 turns)

ROLL: 4 + 2 = 6

RESULT: The towns flourish with the heavy hand of the Dukes lift off of them by the Landtag. The power of the central government at Munchen has been shown and the loyalty of the towns to their Overlord is greatly increased.

(+1 morale to Bavaria for 1 year/4 turns; +1 tech to Bavaria for 1 year/4 turns)

Bavaria spends 1 current econ

 

[Longinus]

A letter arrives.

Onto Elisabeth, Regent and Dowager Duchesse of Bavaria,

Dear Sister,

I am most grateful for your support and kind words. In these times, when unfaithful nobles rebel, Houses of Europe must stand united.

Surely, you have heard of the Royalists finally raising their heads and defending her Queen against the rebels? I have contacted with Karl of Alsace and he is standing behind all of it. Noble Wittelsbacher blood prevailed again, proving how superior we are to other unfaithful Houses. It is my belief that we must help my daughter and the Union of Starssburg with all our might and to put the rebellion down without mercy.

Enclosed, I send you a text of the proclamation we have prepared during our stay in Gelre. Sometimes, political pressure means more than the swords and lances. Please sign it and show your support the sake of the future Queen Marie and her mother. (ooc: in the Nat Stats thread)

If only you will find some Bavarian knights deciding to help our cause, please do send them. We need every single man to end this uprising quickly.

United we shall prevail.

Love,

Christine.​

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 in Zutphen, on the Saints Romanus and Lupicinus day, God Almighty be our witness.​

​

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Enterprise of Ireland - A Matter of Ships

The Harbor of Antwerp...

The over month-long trip down the Rhine had been surprisingly boring and uneventful except for a few collisions and near sinkings of a few of the barges do to the poor quality of pilots Herr Mantel had hired in order to save money for the biggest expense of the expedition, hiring ships in some city of the Low Countries. Mantel went to Antwerp first, being that it was the virtual commercial center of Northern Europe. There he found that most of the merchants were much to busy carrying wool, cloth, wine, leather, and all manner of other goods to be interested at all in transporting an armed band. They had no interest in ruining their trade traffic in favor of an expedition that might have little return especially against, "as good a trading partner as islanders." Although Mantel protested that the party's intentions were only of a diplomatic nature, the merchants saw through the disguise. "Envoys don't have cannons with them usually," said one to Herr vvon Danuben. It was decided they would have to hide those powder weapons better, but that would not solve their problem. There were two other great states in the Low countries that could provide the number and type of ships required by the Enterprise, Frisen and Gelre. Frisen had fall into inactivity as of late leaving only Gelre as the canidate of supplying the ships. The whole problem of getting the ships was a bit of a delay but they could not fly to Ireland. So now to Gelre...

 

[Petrarca]

"Men should know who their commander is, and their leader deserves proper respect and obedience from them. Anything else is unacceptable. Your Ladyship is right to work towards those aims," Landrgott responded. He smiled as he bowed his head down quickly in deference to her station.

Jaromir took the opportunity to reinsert himself back into the conversation. "With all due respect to His Imperial Majesty, the Empress Eleanore seems the type to have gone because of her concern for Burgundian affairs rather than a mission from Heidelburg. After all, it was not too many years ago that she held that very crown..."

While the Franciscan paused, Landrgott jumped back in: "The failure of the Emperor to govern as an Emperor should is a tremendous weight upon the princes who serve as his lieutenants. There can be no order without direction by the sovereign, a situation replicated on a smaller scale in both Bavaria and Bohemia, where lords and ladies direct their realms to greatness."

"Yes, His Majesty has expressed no small concern that the Imperial Diet lies quiet in this time of crisis in the West and that the Emperor too remains silent. This is but one issue that carries great import with him. Another, related, is the state of the Wittelsbach family. Frederick is silent in Pfalz, the Pontiff is naturally concerned with the state of the Church, and communication between Munich and Praha has in the past been so sorely lacking. Take the Low Countries and Straubing, for example. His Majesty's father was Count of Holland and Seeland, but those territories were alienated from him and he perished by an assassin's venom. Those lands are now held apart from the house, a lamentable situation to be clear. And Bayern-Straubing- notice that it was included in the Landtag's levy reached us only in casual conversation with a courtier who had attended the Landtag as an observer. Straubing will pay taxes to Munich now, but surely the two Bavarian lines of the Wittelsbach, in Munich and in Praha, can act more in concert?"

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Duchess nodded with pleasure at Herr Landrgott's soldierly, simple praise and listened with interest to Father Jaromir's appraisal of the situation of the Emperor. She furrowed her brow at the mention of Bayern-Straubing and the lands of the Low Countries, which she considered part of her son's realm as it had been his ancestor, Emperor Ludwig IV (Duke Ludwig VI of Bavaria) that had been master of them, but she kept this distrubance within herself and smiled at Father Jaromir.

It is said that Nurnburg as been virtually abandoned by the Imperial government. I am told the burghers there cry themselves to sleep every night over the loss of business. Therefore, it is to the great princes of the Empire, such as his Majesty and ourselves... to revivify that dying body, the Imperial Diet. Let all the representatives gather there and carry out the business before us, Burgundy and the like. Perhaps if things go well enough, the election of a new Emperor would be unecessary. *smiles*

The Duchess let that radical idea hang in the air for a moment before chuckling and going on.

Yet, God help us if things were every so! Alas, poor Frederick, he allows his realms to go rudderless, but for what cause, it is insane. He could have been the most powerful man in Chrisendom, like Karl der Grosse and yet he has thrown it away like throwing pearls unto swine. Shall there indeed be a new election if this continues and what shall be the reaction of Queen... Empress Elenore?

Of course Bavaria and Bohemia can work together on these matters and must, because of the state of the Imperial government. Bayern-Straubing... we are sure some agreement can be made over the lands, although his Majesty would seem to be more an absentee-landlord than actual master thereof. Would it not be our knights that would protect that territory in time of war? And the Low Countries... this is most interest as my husband and his brothers hold similar claims from their great-great-great-grandfather, the Emperor Ludwig IV, but this as well can be easily settled. Those lands should be and will be returned to our house, God help us in that! Yet, in order for us to help our dear cousin in Praha, we must hear from him more often, no?

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Interlude - The Continuing Construction of the Schloss Burghausen

The already impressive castle continued to raise on the ridge above the Salzach River and the town below it. Duke Heinrich XIII built the main castle (foundation wall, cellars, chapel) in 1255, but it has only been since 1430's that this grander construction has taken place. This has come about for two reason, first because Burghausen has slowly become the main residence of the Dukes of Bayern-Munchen, and second because Enrst, and later Albrecht, during the pervious martial decades sought to build the most defensible castle in Europe. Laying on the west bank of the Salzach, it is said to be the longest castle in Europe, stretching out over a full kilometer (1034 m). Parts of the defensive structure reached down to the village and are integrated into its town walls. The complex is itself is further divided into six courtyards which each has its own fortified gate, moat and wooden drawbridge.

In the first courtyard are located the Palace of the Duke's Residence, the Kemenate, The Durnitz (Gothic Hall), the Inner Castle Chapel and the Treasury. The Inner Castle Chapel was built during the 13th century, a time period when architecture changed from Roman to Gothic, hence the outer walls of the chapel were built in Roman style and the inner style of the chapel was Gothic. The second courtyard is very large and it contains the stables, a well, the main kitchen and the bakery as well as the lodges of the grooms and pages. In the third courtyard the smithy or forge and an arsenal are located. Grain is stored on the upper two floors of the arsenal. It has one of the most distinguished bridge and gate of any castle on the Continent, the George Bridge and Gate. It is the most narrow part of the castle and the wooden bridge has a length of 27 meters and covers a moat that is8 meters deep. In the fourth courtyard are yet another stable with grain storage on the second floor, the prison, Torture Tower or "Witches" Tower, and a deep dungeon. Burghausen is one of the few castles that has a separate torture chamber and it is said this was the idea of Duke Albrecht III, surnamed the 'Pious.' As far as anyone knows, this chamber has not been put to actual use as of now. The fifth courtyard contains the main Tower (Gardener's Tower), which also serves as a look out. Here can be found the tax office, where the tax payments of corn, wine and oil are stored. There are plans to build a small Gothic style chapel here, but no work has been started. The sixth courtyard is the largest courtyard of the castle. In its midst stands the recently finished Clock Tower with a well house attached to it. In this yard master officials, clergy, craftsmen and their families live and have their workshops. There is also a horse pond and a horse drawn mill. The towers on the right side of the yard were built during the last century and are square, whereas the towers on the left side now being built are of the modern circular type. While that may look patchwork, it goes toward making Burghausen all the more strong against any that dare challenge her.

The Arms of Burghausen​

 

[Longinus]

A letter arrives from Pommern.

Onto Elisabeth, Regent and Dowager Duchesse of Bavaria,

Dear Sister,

Thank you for the support given to Anna and her daughter, it means a lot to us. I am sure that one day Stettin will be able to repay his debt of gratitude.

Anyway, I was told by our military men that with the beginning of Spring we intend to start a campaign against the rebels of Burgundy, the foul League of Arras.

Most of the Imperial realms already expressed their support to Queen-Regent Anna and rightful Queen Marie II du Berry. We are now wish to coordinate our moves and decided to set a meeting point for the Allied forces. If you eventually decide that you can spare some troops, please send your men to the Free Imperial city of Strasburg in Alsace. By the end of Spring there should be no less than 3000 cavalrymen and 7000 infantry from Pommern, we do not know yet the numbers coming from Brandenburg, Carinthia, Gelre, Bremen, Saxony and others. Pommern army is led by general Otton von Blumentritt, well known and respected individual who faithfully served Emperor Joachim and House of Gryphon for years.

We intend to eventually meet up with the forces of Anna von der Greif-Savoy (consisted from the Royalist forces, Piedmontese and Neapolitanian reinforcements.) somewhere in French Comte. We pray that the King of France will keep his word and send his men to help as well.

I would also like to enquire you, to whom you are going to give your support when the Imperial Elections starts? I respect your words on the matter and perhaps our efforts could join in this enterprise.

Lastly, I must say that it pains me that our correspondence is dominated by wars and politicks. Hopefully it will end soon, with peace in Lotharingia and the new Emperor.

Hope you and your children are well,

Love,

Chrsitine.”​

 

[von Streusser]

EVENT

Attack on the Burgundian Waddeneilanden

​

The Duchy of Gelre has always held claims on the Burgundian owned Low Countries, but has rarely had the means to carry out its desire to join them to their lands. So when the offer of Herr Tobias Mantel to use his Bavarian troops as part of their payment for a passage to Ireland give came, the new Duke and his brother, Hendrik, dared not pass up such an opportunity. The Bavarians have been commissioned to attack islands in the Waddenzee that belong to the Duke of Holland and Zeeland, Jan von Bayern. This will enable the Gelrians to protect their shipping lanes and aid a possible blockade against their southern adversaries, the League of Arras. Hendrik von Egmond has predicted the action will only take five days and Heinrich von Danuben has chosen 200 of the knights, 100 of the crossbowmen, and all of the gunners, armed with a few hand-cannons and the expedition’s two bombards, for the attack. It is reported that only 100 men defend the isles.

MODIFIERS:
Bavaria spends 1 landmil to trigger

TABLE:

1. Disastrous failure! The island garrisons are much larger than anticipated, and the army is cut down like sheep at the slaughter. Both Bavarian and Gelrian involvement is uncovered.
(-1 tech, -1 morale to Gelre for 1 year/4 turns), Burgundy gains a Casus Belli against Bavaria and Gelre

2. Not disastrous, but failure nonetheless. Most of the expedition is killed, and the remainder is driven off. Instead of returning, they move on to take up lives of piracy and brigandry. Bavarian involvement is uncovered, and the attack is pinned quite solidly on the Gelrians.
(-1 morale to Gelre for 1 year/4 turns), Burgundy gains a Casus Belli against Bavaria and Gelre

3. Well, shame it didn't work out. The attack is driven off quickly, and the Bavarian forces return to their master with a shrug. Bavarian involvement is NOT uncovered. However, someone forgot to remove the Gelrian flags from the ships used, and the Burgundians are not pleased with their neighbor's conduct...
Burgundy gains a Casus Belli against Gelre

4. The attack is driven off quickly, and the Bavarian host returns. Neither Bavarian nor Gelrian involvement is detected, and the Burgundians are left with no leads as to what sort of well-organized pirates attacked them. Some soldiers on the scene assume that it was simply more rebels.
(no effect)

5. Success! The garrison is small and not ready for the attack, though they rally and fight well inflicting a number of casualties. Despite the losses though, the Bavarians seize the islands for Gelre. Bavarian involvement is NOT uncovered.
(+1 morale to Gelre for 1 year/4 turns), Burgundy gains a Casus Belli on Gelre until the islands are returned

6. Quite possibly the most brilliant amphibious assault in history! The Bavarians overwhelm the Burgundians with only nominal casualties, and the Gelrian flag now flies over the islands. No Burgundians escape. Bavarian involvement is NOT uncovered.
(+1 tech, +1 morale to Gelre for 1 year/4 turns), Burgundy gains a Casus Belli on Gelre until the islands are returned.

ROLL: 5

RESULT: Success! The garrison is small and not ready for the attack, though they rally and fight well inflicting a number of casualties. Despite the losses though, the Bavarians seize the islands for Gelre. Bavarian involvement is NOT uncovered.
(+1 morale to Gelre for 1 year/4 turns), Burgundy gains a Casus Belli on Gelre until the islands are returned, the Waddeneilanden belong to Gelre for RP and Flavor purposes only.
Bavaria spends 1 landmil

Note: The islands are too small to represent a province, and as such any sort of territorial gain in this event is Flavor and RP Only. The Mechanical Owner of the islands before the attack is Burgundy.

 

[Bagricula]

A second bull arrives bearing the heavy red seal of the Holy See, summoning all the bishops of Christendom to an ecumenical council in Monte Cassino. In both Greek and Latin it reads thus:

"Pastores Grecum, Espicati Ecclesiae, et Socii Servi Dei,

"And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me." Today my brothers, your Church calls you yet again to fulfill your vows and sit in a congress blessed by the wisdom of the Holy Ghost. Tarry no longer on worldly matters. Although, the cares of your homeland press against the confines of your mind and batter your spirit, remember the words of Our Lord, "But Jesus told him, 'Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.'" Without the salvation of Christ, all the world is condemned to the death of eternal separation from the Most High.

Failure a second time will result in just and proper penalties according to the forms and will be considered in the revisions of the Collegium Cardinales.

On the following topics, you are commanded to meditate during the journey to Monte Cassino where the Church now gathers to sit in council:

Primus - What steps must be taken now that victory has been won against the infidel Africans to bring the Word of God to the nascent Christian communities of Africa?

Secundus - What is the state of the Church in the many nations of Christendom?

Tertius - How may the Church of the West and the Church of the East be reunited in holy and sisterly communion as the true bride of Christ?

Quartus - What role should the Eastern Roman Empire, now de facto impotent, play in the new Kingdom of God? What should be done with the vacant Imperial mantle?

Quintus - What reforms necessitated by the new age we live in must be undertaken to renew the Church's mission of faith?

Sextus - What reforms must be made in the instruction of priests, in the discipline of the religious, in the education of the faithful?

Septimius - What should be done regarding the martial disputes of temporal powers? What can be done to prevent such disputes from arising?

After these seven questions have been addressed, the conclave will open to new business and general motions from the assembly. The Holy Father will conclude the conclave by confirming those worthy resolutions into the Canon of the Church.

Ad Maiorem Gloriam Dei, may this solemn bull be made the law on Earth as it is in Heaven, written in the Abbey of Monte Cassino a

Sanctissimus, Pope Nicholas V, Vicar of Christ, Papa Universalis, Summus Pontifex, Pontifex Maximus, Servus Servorum Dei, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan of the Roman Province, and Bishop of Rome"