Ducal Court of Pommerania

[Longinus]

January 1454.

County of Ingermanland, half-finished schloss Narvenguard.

Henning von Schwerin, Count of Ingermanland, sneezed loudly. “Damn weather and cursed draughts!” he braked at his knights as if they were guilty of his sickness. All of them politely lowered their heads in silence.

”Will this damned thing be ever finished? It’s like what? 22 years huh? My father started it and it seems my son will still have this burden on his head.”

His advisor remained mute. Henning spat on the floor.

”Anyway, I will be off to Stettin tomorrow, young Casmir is finally back and everyone is eager to test the kid. The meeting of Pommeranian landlords is scheduled for the 10th of February. Now, I called you all here to hear your thoughts on the matter.”

And so it went, all his pitiful vassals expressing his thoughts aloud, pituful yes, but all fine and tough Pommeranian nobles who fed well on Gryphon’s table. Fortunately they didn’t have much to say, only that damned Gunter von Dewitz, he always had something to say, what was worse, he usually had something smart to say, what was ultimately bad however, Gunter von Dewitz was usually right.

”Your Grace” he began making Henning sneezing even more. ”I have this project I am working on since few months now and wanted to share with the council now.”

Count von Schwerin sneezed again. “Get to the point Gunter, it’s not that we want to be here any longer!” Couple of other knights nodded swiftly.

“All right, all right sire. I would like to propose to ask His Majesty Casmir for grants and help in attracting more settlers to our lands.” he paused for a second while inspecting dumb faces of his companions. ”Well, we all know that after initial flood of Pommeranians to Narva, we experienced a steady decline in this course, all I propose is to found new villages and towns in these lands; to clear more forests and dry more swamps. In the end it will be all towards our own good, taxes, peasants etctera.

I have planned to attract free subjects from all over Empire, the only problem would be the funds, but as I have said we could ask Stettin for that, with a new Duke in charge this might as well succeed.”

”Bloody smartass” Though Henning but said aloud. ”All right, all right, come to me later today and I will hear more of this enterprise of yours,,, hmmm ours.

And now, off to your homes, wives and eiderdowns gentlemen!”

 

[Longinus]

The Council of Pommeranian Dukes

February 10th 1454, Stettin, Duchy of Pommerania.

The Pommernian Dukes’ Castle in Stettin​

“And so they came again, this time to lay their eyes on Casmir.” sighed Christine silently, while observing all the nobles swarming in the Great Hall of the ducal palace. Almost all of the most prominent persons for the entire House of the Grief were in fact present.

Branim, Duke of Rügen was having good fun in the corner of the chamber, speaking aloud in Scandinavians with the emissaries from Gotland, his son was throwing sharp looks at everybody. Boguslav, Duke of Stolp and Stargard was standing beside Christine and Casmir, scanning the gathering like Chrstine was doing, as usual she could count on the old duke. Wratislav, Duke of Wolgast was seating in the other corner, surrounded by his advisors and unusually large delegation of nobles from Poznan. Count Piotr Podewils herbu Kasztan from far Kexholm was engaged in conversation with his new father-in-law, Henning von Schwerin. Count Ludwig von Drakenberg, representative of the Hannoverian diets, was seating alone sipping the wine from his goblet. In the far end of the hall the burghers from Danzig, Visby and Narva were seated, sticking in one group as usual. Duke Friedrich von Hohenzollern, together with his heir, was enjoying the conversation with some other Pommernian noble, which name Chrstine couldn’t recall right now. Bishop and Cardinal Hieronim Revenberg of the Pommern diocese was also present. Only the Swedish delegation was lacking, most likely due to the horrible winter and the fact that Baltic was a one big iceberg.

Finally, there was Christine, occupying the chair next to the Ducal throne, where Joachim and all his predecessors used to sit. Now her first born son sat there, just as it should be.

Duke Boguslav raised and silenced everyone.

“All right Your Graces, there is no point in waiting any longer, let the meeting begin.”

And so it begun.

*****​

Casmir was doing well in the beginning, but only in the beginning. He got carried away while speaking about Iberia and the sea ventures and the ships and the... hmmm... everything. What was even more annoying, his accent and even whole words, didn’t sound German at all. He was too emotional, all he was still inexperienced young gentleman.

Finally came the time for the hearings and discussion.

The nobles were obviously testing him, trying how sharp he was if he could bite back and bark. Sadly, even though Christine and Boguslav did their best to teach him all of it, he failed their teachers almost completely. If it wasn’t them they would eat Casmir alive, he obviously wasn’t prepared to take the responsibility after Joachim. Sending him to Portugal might have turned to be the biggest mistake of her beloved husband. Fortunately, later Casmir regained some of his composition and covered the initial, bad impression a bit.

*****​

In came the issue of Ingermanland settlements. One of Count von Schwerin vassals, certain knight Gunter von Dewitz, depicted in colorful words the new enterprise which would, hopefully, result in founding new villages and towns in the county. This, ultimately, was to bring wealth to the County of Ingermanland, and House of Gryphon in general. The plan had one flaw though, its scale required the monies the Count von Schwerin alone didn’t possess, he needed to tale loans from the bankers and these loans needed to be secured, they also requested for some direct grants from Ducal coffers.

Casmir was exceptionally interested in the idea and won himself the day, at least among the nobles from the far marches. Duke Wratislav didn’t seem pleased at all.

In the end, the idea was passed. A huge action was to be launched soon, trying to attract settlers from all over Empire.

*****​

The issue of the official coronation was discussed as well. They all agreed on the late summer this year, after the harvests. Formal invitations were to be issued in a few months time.

*****​

Finally the time has come, she decided to show them the letters from Italy and Burgundy, it was about the right time.

The hell broke loose for a short period of time, at first many voices of disagreement arose, even though many did not have even the vaguest idea regarding the Burgundian uprising, they did want to say something. However, some words definitely prevailed upon the others. The nobles were disgusted in the idea of blood-money for the heads of Anna and her children. Such thing was against their understanding of the world. The initial outrage was strengthened when they actually understood who was endangered, that it was Chrstine’s step-daughter who was supposed to secure favorable relations with Burgundy.

That was enough for the all of the Dukes, the blood bonds and the understanding of family by them prevailed over their little quarrels and feuds. The way of thinking Joachim inculcated in them, left a burning mark. After all they still were the Imperial House of Greif, did they not? Joachim made them proud and important. Their House was something to be reckoned with and they definitely didn’t want to let it fade away, at least not now when Joachim’s mark was still burning them.

Only Wratislav had some minor reservations at first, strengthened by Poznan’s nobles, who definitely weren’t interested in some distant country, yet ultimately Greif blood prevailed, especially after he witnessed Boguslav and Branim agreeing on the matter, this could work miracles really.

Some steps must have been undertaken and they all agreed on that. Casmir had their blessings in supporting Anna in her fight.

Later that day, he and Christine started to compose first letters.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

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?

 

[Longinus]

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.

 

[Longinus]

The Council of Pommeranian Dukes

February 11th 1454, Stettin, Duchy of Pommerania.

The Pommernian Dukes’ Castle in Stettin​

The grand meeting of all Pommernian dukes and counts continued the next day.

The nobles were now more or less aware who actually was their new princpes, and to Christine disgust, most of them started to make little breaches in Ducal authority, all done through seemingly meaningless remarks and discussions.

This had to be dealt with some other time though as the general assembly had some other issues at hand. Most importantly the Crown of Denmark. With this question brought in, endless discussion and general disorder arose for long two hours. Each and every one seemed to have its own idea what to do. Some demanded to drop the claim at all others speak for immediate action, including the blockade of Kopenhagen and military offensive.

The whole discussion ended in a stalemate, all parties promised to return to in the summer.

*****​

Lastly, the Dukes spoke about Casmir’s journey to Gelre. Most of the advisors liked the idea of renewing the old bonds with Zupten and possibly officially admitting House of Hohenzollern to the Greif-Schlussel Allianz.

With their “blessings” Casmir and Christine embarked on their trip to Gelre a week after the meeting.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

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.

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 workload. 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.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

A letter arrives by a rider from Bayern...

UNTO Christine von der Greif-Wittelsabch, Dowager Queen of Sweden, Dowager Duchesse of Pommernia, Hannover and Poznan
FROM Her Grace, Elisabeth, Regent of Bavaria, Herzogin von Ober-Bayern-München

Christine, dearest sister

How long has it been seen we have written one another and how much longer has it been seen we have lain eye upon one another. Too long, much too, say I. If only we could write of better things than of the regicide and treason that rages to the west of us here. When I first heard tell of King Louis being slain, I did not believe but took it all for a peasant's drunk tale got out of hand. Now, reading this report of yours, I must face it as deadly truth, unimainable in past ages. I have spoke on this matter with my assembly of notable, but they all told me to forbear intervention. The burghers told me so because they do not want to ruin trade, the nobles told me so because they do not want ill reputation with their friends in other lands for having invaded the kingdom first, despite the goodness of the cause, and the clergy told me not to do it because they had no orders from Rome on the matter. So, for the time being, our force of arms is withheld, but I shall use all the clout of our house and our friends in Burgundy to aid you and the general peace of that realm.

Speaking of that realm, have you as yet heard anything from the Duke of Alsace, good Karl von Wittelsbach. No one, as far as I know has. We ernestly hope that the murderers have not visited him or, worse yet, that he is now one of them. Please let me know if you hear from him and God keep you safe. As you are on your way, no doubt, to Gelre, you shall meet Levi, Duke of Bayern-Ansbach and Bayern-Tyrol, poor Albrecht's brother. I sent him in my stead as I have much work to do and must always look after Ulrich in his studies. Levi is a peerless man and I am sure you will enjoy his company.

In Love,
Elisabeth, Regent

 

[AugCaesar]

A letter arrives from Castile.



Casmir Gryphon Duke of Pommerania and King of Sweden,

It pleases me to hear that you think so highly of the land that I love, and know that hearing of its plight your heart must break as mine has been crushed for sometime now. Your offer of assistance bolsters my spirits and reveals your true and great noble spirit. As a peer I would be loathe to ask you spare for my sake anything that would pain yourself, but I find myself in a situation of some desperation. Certainly the vessels of Pommern could be of great utility to Castile, particularly if manned by fighting men who could aid in the suppression of the rebellion in Andalusia, and act as stalwart defenders if the infidel did invade. I shall ask for nothing specific, but say only that the assistance of so grand a principality as Pommern would be welcome here.

As regards Portugal, I can say that I have found Joao Duarte to be a staunch ally, and defender of the faith. I know not of the rumours of his uncle, but if they were indeed true I should have to think long and hard on this situation, but I find my mind drawn now to more immediate matters. Know that it was I alone who was largely responsible for the removal of the vile Joao Garza from the throne he usurped from the House of Witau, and that I shall always be the defender of one who's claim is most righteous and respectful of God. Certainly in such matters I know stand as the strongest claimant to the throne of Aragon, so such things are often on my mind.

I shall include you always in my prayers and await patiently your response.

Enrique IV de Trastamara, Rey de Castile y Leon

 

[unmerged(945)]

A letter arrived from Brandenburg.

Onto His Royal Majesty, Casmir of the Greif, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, Grubenhagen and Wolfenbüttel, Duke of Poznan, Margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland, Kexholm, Memel and Gotland, Master of the Imperial Hunt and the Ducal Council of Pommerania.

Your Majesty, Most honorable Graces of Pommerania,

News of the evil deeds commited in Lotharingia has also reached us here in Brandenburg. At first only as unconfirmed rumours, but after doing some inquiries we too came to much the same conclusions that you did.

Such a vile act of regicide and rebellion can sure not be accepted, not while there still exists men of honor in the world. We have considered to take this matter before the Imperial Diet, but it is feared that with the current state of the Empire it will not be able to accomplish anything.

While it is sad that the lack of a strong Emperor shall paralyze the Empire in such a way, it is good that such a great house as the Greifs are ready to do something about this wrong.

Brandenburg shall aid that cause with all means at its disposal, political, military, and otherwise.

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

 

[Longinus]

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."

 

[Petrarca]

A series of letters, intended for various members of the Haus von der Greif, were dispatched. One was sent in friendship. A second was sent in expectation. And a third was sent in love.

In Stettin came the first:

Unto His Majesty, Casimir, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, &tc.

We find it difficult to begin this missive. The legacy of Your Majesty’s late father looms large for us, as he was to us ally, opponent, hero, but most of all, friend. We desire to continue the typically close relations so far shared by Pommern and Bohemia, and in this spirit we shall continue to hold Pommern in the same high esteem that we have for decades. We retain our ambassador in Stettin for the express purpose of support for our northern neighbor.

We extend our felicitations to Your Majesty on the accession to the hallowed crowns of your house, and we hope for continued happiness and prosperity for Pommern under your reign. Should it be possible for the Dual Monarchy to aid you in any way in this, we are willing to help. It would be both a pleasure and an honor.

Furthermore, we invite Your Majesty and the royal family to visit Praha, our fair capital on the banks of the Vltava. We would consider it a great mark of distinction to host Your Majesty, and we would greatly enjoy the opportunity to speak with Your Majesty in person. Your response is warmly anticipated.

Ladislav, Lord of the Kingdom of Bohemia, King of Hungary, &tc.

Another note is delivered, this one by the commander of the vast armies encamped around Naples:

Unto His Majesty, Prince Henryk von der Greif,

Your Majesty, we currently celebrate the victory achieved over the treacherous Aragonese and their Sicilian allies. Our forces, numbering almost ten thousand, have kept watch over Naples and Campania since the Pontiff first called us to Your Majesty’s aid, and their sentry-duty has been in sufficient force to deter our enemies from contesting the control of Naples.

We hope that Your Majesty shares in this joy that the enemy has been repelled, but many other forces remain arrayed against those who sought to save Naples. From without, heathens besiege Christian territory, and from within, usurpers overthrow the legitimate rulers of kingdoms.

We consider it a terrible affront that after preserving Naples, evil would raise its head in Burgundy and seek to overturn its rulers. To the best of our knowledge, King Ludwig is dead, and Queen Anna stands in some Alpine town, besieged by pretenders and traitors. We ask Your Majesty for any aid possible as we seek to restore some measure of justice and protect Anna.

Ladislav, King of Bohemia and Hungary

A third, final letter is delivered in Stettin to the Princess Maria-Katarina:

Your Gracious Majesty,

I answer wholeheartedly to Your Majesty that I do share the same sentiments as Your Majesty. I have long cherished hopes that Your Majesty would at some future point be reunited with me, and I pray as you do that such an event will take place and also that I be as kind, noble, and honorable as possible. I have invited your brother to come to Praha with your family to visit me, and I devoutly wish that you in particular see fit to come.

Your father, in a letter only delivered to us after his death, beseeched us to mend ways with Anna, no matter how many times we were turned away. We have done this the best we can, but now the terrible news in Burgundy has reached us as well. The events there seem very grave—as best we may tell, Anna and her children are safe for now.

We have dispatched our finest men to reach Anna, a difficult task for she is encamped in a high Alpine city, in order to defend her and lead her to safer regions if necessary. We have sent ambassadors to Dijon, warning the usurpers that violence against Anna is unacceptable and will be met with war. Once this crisis is past, I hope that she realizes that I do sincerely wish for reconciliation. I ask for your prayers in this, and I myself pray that I may see you soon.

Ladislav

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A letter arrives from Stockholm.

"Christine von der Greif-Wittesbach

My dear sister-in-law

Nothing more would please me so much then to come myself thus I will immideatly start to prepare for the journey. I will look forward to meet you aswell as Casimir.

signed by

Marius of the Greif, Vice-Roy of Sweden"

 

[Longinus]

Casmir tore apart the envelope from Castile and tread the response three times. After that he sat before the desk and started to write in Castilian.

“Onto Enrique IV, King of Castile and Leon,

Your Majesty,

I have spoken with some of my advisors and sadly they made me realize that Pommeranian and Swedish direct involvement is next to impossible, mainly due to the proximity and possible opposition of the nobles to my idea. Yet, I figure, it would be possible to send some German and Italian mercenaries hired and paid from my own coffers, strengthened perhaps by some knights from my own demesne. I think that the fastest way would be to send you them, along with two dozen of ships as I have learnt ships became necessity in this conflict. Sadly, German designs are nothing in comparison to Iberian, especially Portuguese vessels. I shall inform Your Majesty about the progress of my enterprise. Let’s pray for the best.

As for the issue of Portuguese inheritance, I would like to highlight only, that I respect His Grace Jaolo Duarte, alas, if the rumours of Prince Alphonso turned to be alive, should not he be the natural heir to the Crown. I am well aware however that Your Majesty keeps the laws in such a high regard, which evidently was proven by your earlier intervention on behalf of the House of Witau-Duarte.

I shall leave this subject to Your Majety’s further consideration. For now I will focus on the one most important agenda, how to help Castile in her righteous struggle.

I pray for Your Majesty’s victory, best fortune and health.

By his own hand in Stettin,
Casmir Gryphon duke of Pommernia and King of Sweden.”​

*****​

”You Did WAHT?” Few days later Christine finally found out about Casmir’s plans regarding Iberia.

”I sent only reassured him of my support and promised our help, soldiers, ships, supplies,,,

Christine sighed. ”Do you actually understand what you did? Such a massive enterprise without consulting anyone? Without consulting with me or your uncle Boguslav?”

”Well, I did speak with some military men.”

Christine didn’t mention that it was how she found out about his plans. ”I am no knight, but I am well aware of the problems attached to such enterprise! Good God, Iberia is not our business! Especially not now with problems arising in Burgundy etcetera.”

He didn’t reply. Christine added. ”Though a promise is a promise, we’ll have to work something out. We’ll speak about it during our trip to Zupten.”

”At least my son isn’t such a softball, after all, he just proved he is capable of working on his own and making sovereign decision.” She smiled to herself after Casmir left the chamber.

 

[Lord E]

A letter arrives from Paris

Casmir of the Greif, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, Duke of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, Grubenhagen and Wolfenbüttel, Duke of Poznan, Margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland, Kexholm, Memel and Gotland, Master of the Imperial Hunt.

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

Boguslaw IX of the Greif, Duke of Stolp and Stargard,

Wartislaw IX of the Greif, Duke of Wolgast,

Barnim VIII of the Greif, Duke of Rugen.

Your Graces,

We are fully aware of the potential danger of Lotharingia, and we are glad to inform Your Grace’s that we are already involved in Lotharingia, but it seems like our envoys might have fled Dijon to Strasbourg in company with Karl von Wittelsbach.

We have also just received letter from Her Majesty, where Her Majesty informs Us that Her Majesty can’t flee from Lotharingia now, and therefore She can’t take Our offer for protection in France.
But Her Majesty has agreed to Our suggestion that We send Her Majesty men, material and gold to aid Her Majesty’s cause against the rebels. Just as We write to Your Graces We have ordered a company of the finest French chevaliers to ride for Saint-Claude where Her Majesty are currently situated.

We are sorry to inform Your Graces that although We have some information We would have liked to have more, but Lotharingia is a realm at war and it is difficult to get any real information. But We do know that this “Philippe” has written to Us, saying that he has given the title of Grand Duke of Burgundy to Charles the Bastard of Nevers. These two men are of great dangers, and We will do anything in Our powers to destroy them, and We would love to have them as Our guests in the Bastille. This “Philippe” has also threatened Our Royal person and as such We see him as Our personal enemy!
We also know that unfortunately, when the rebels took the castle of Chaumont, where Her Majesty was hiding, that some of Her Majesty’s children was lost and have passed away killed by the rebels.
Also We have been informed by Her August Majesty Éléanore du Berry that Her Majesty have entered Lotharingia to meet with the Directorie and try to force the rebels into submission. We also know that Her Majesty is doing it on Her Majesty’s own free will, and therefore We hope Her Majesty will succeed.

We hope Your Graces are at good health and keeping well.

Given in Louvre, Paris, the Kingdom of France, February A.D. MCDLIV

Louis XI, Roi de France, par la Grâce de Dieu Roi, Comte de Paris et du Val de Beck, Seigneur d’Asti, Chevalier de la Jarretière

 

[unmerged(35921)]

A Script Arrives Bearing the Seal of the Saxon Elector

​

Good day sire. I send you this script in reply to a letter that recently arrived at my residence bearing your seal. While I will try my best to inform you of my opinions upon the matters which you wish to discuss I must say I am ill informed in the ordeal. The rebel imposter you speak of it seems has created a grave affair.

Seeking a swift end to his mischief in the empire I would be willing to pledge mild support to the cause. Merely outline a course of action. Should my advisors and allies see it as sane and logical we will gladly aid you in your task.

May God guide you sir and this find you and your charming family in the best of health possible.

Duke Frederick II the Gentle of the elector Saxony

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Casimir of the Greif

For each letter I became more and more happy. But still I do not fell secure. I am afraid that a man enters in my house and tries to kill me and my sister. Even if the search missions became less and less. Probably João Already gave up on me. Or simply considere me a to small treat I do not know. But still I am Afraid, brother, I am. About the help you may give to me. I can not ask anyone to rebel against João right now. The muslems are on the attack. What kind of King would I be if I rebeled and let Portugal lose a war against the Muslims!
But I see some hope with your man in Iberia, I know that the germans are good fighters I am sure we shall win against the muslims! And probably with this war it is the best time to leave Portugal. To a safer place. I know that in any place in Iberia I am not safe. João have spies everywhere and Castille is an ally! Please help me leave Portugal untill I can be at a safe place to negotiate with the usurper!
Maybe the General can escort me to somewhere else safer!
I can only hope I can see you soon

Prince Alfonso Duarte

 

[unmerged(18481)]

Onto Her Radiant Majesty Christine von Wittelsbach-Greif, Dowager Queen of the Romans, Dowager Queen of Sweden, Dowager Duchess of Pommerania and Stettin, Duchess of Lüneburg, Grubenhagen, Wolfenbuttel, Margravine of Danzig, etc. etc.


Your Majesty,

We have not the intention of fleeing from Our own realm, We shall not leave the country when Our daughter’s throne is endangered. We shall not leave our loyal subjects to their fate, We shall not leave the Crown of Lothar up for grabs. We shall remain where We are.

Your support, however, We appreciate. What do We need exactly? An army. Send Us mercenaries, as many as you can, and send me money, much money, and send these to here, to St-Claude, flying Our banners. Before taking any other steps, await Our further instructions.


Dictated in St-Claude, A.D. MCDLIV.

Anna von der Greif​

Dowager Queen of Lotharingia, Dowager Duchess of Burgundy and Piedmonte, also on behalf of her well-beloved children: Her Majesty Maria II von Berri, Queen of Lotharingia, Duchess of Burgundy, Duchess of Montpellier, Countess of Montpensier, etc, etc; His Grace Joachim von Savoy, Duke of Piedmonte, Marquis in Italy, Prince and Perpetual Vicar of the Roman Empire, Marquis of Torino and Ivrea, Count of Aosta, of Nizza, etc. etc.

 

[N Katsyev]

Correspondance from the north...​

​

​

"Unto Her Majesty Christine von der Greif-Wittelsbach
Copied to His Honour Count Piotr Podewils herbu Kasztan

I have been instructed by my associates and employers in Pskova to explain to you the undertaking of the Swedish and my associates and employers. Our efforts are to improve upon the natural waterways that connect the Finnish heartlands with the markets of Pskova and Novgorod. Thusly we can encourage greater investment and attention to this difficult and terribly isolated land as well as providing transport for goods year round which at present, if they ever reach a port at all are restricted from movement for a great portion of the year.

As for benefits for the crown, this is self-evident in the project. This new trade route shall have taxes applied by both the Swedish officials on their end and our officials on our end. As well, i'm sure we are all aware that what is prosperous for a constituant land, is often prosperous for the heads of state as well. Enclosed is a copy of the treaty signed in person with the Viceroy Marius.

Respectfully and Humly in Stockholm,
Rurik Romanivitch Breshev, Representitive of Sovereign Mina Andreyevna Polotovskaya and the Trubetskoi Organization"

 

[AugCaesar]

A letter arrives from Castile.



Casmir Gryphon Duke of Pommernia and King of Sweden,

I thank you for your last missive, and the heartening content of your words. I do pray that your preparations go well and swiftly and patiently await further news of any aid. I should like also to inform you that I have despatched several agents to investigate further into the status of Alphonso, or any usurpers who may claim to be him. I must always be vigilant of foul play on all sides, for truelly the politics of Iberia have seen no shortage of debauchery in the last few years. I pray that the deposition of Garza and "the Greek" served to end such pitifulness amongst my fellow christian rulers, but I shall remain careful and always keep an open mind, as your grace suggests.

I should like also to speak of a more peaceful matter, but one which I find it hard to burden my mind with when so many more matters of war and faith demand my attention. Alas it is one of sheer importance to myself, my family, and my Kingdom. I am now well beyond the age of manhood, and still preoccupied by much else find myself without wife. I would ask if your Grace could perhaps act as representative for me in finding a suitable bride within the Empire? I hope to hear from you soon as your letters are always a joy to read.

Enrique IV de Trastamara, Rey de Castile y Leon

 

[BusterBunny]

A letter arrives from Grandson, a border town between the County of Bern, the duchy of Alsace and the France Comté. It reads.

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

Dearest cousin,

it is good to hear from you again. Often have I thought of you in the past years, hearing striffe between the Griefs and the Wittelsbach, and I thought that you would be the most affected from this. And then came the death of your husband, and it seemed that nothing was heard from you again. And now I am blessed with your letter, and for that, you give me hope.

Are we supporting the Queen Marie II? I do not know anymore. I am loyal to her, obviously, but she makes it very difficult for me to contain my men. Her and d'Hallot are not commanders, they are not men of war. I am, I have fought on the different battlefields, including the last civil war. I know how it is... and I know the necessity of good organization.

We have received news as well that the Queen was alive. We also received news that she had freed all lords and peasants of their duties to join her. In essence, it is a good move, except that I'm trying to organize an army to support her, and some amongst my peers find this to be time consumming. But a well organized army will defeat all, and there I have lords abandonning me to go support the Queen right away. And then I see them a few days later, dead in the snow, completely frozen.

I am loosing many men because of her, rash men unable to organize themselves because of their sudden "freedom".

But, I have a secret weapon, and that is your grand daughter Roxanne. What is it with this young child that makes it with only a few words, she inspires my men against the usurper of the throne? I have heard she was not like that before, but now she is quiet, but when she speaks, all my men are ready to follow her. She looks innocent, and yet speak like a queen. She orders my men around, with her pale skin and scrawny look, and they obey without a word. And they brave the hardest of snow storm in the direction she points to.

I simply do not know what it is. It seems the only person who dare disobbey her are her two brothers.

Of course, she inspires my men, but the noblemen have other views. They cannot be convinced as easily, and many of them fear irrationnal decision from Anne de Savoie. After all, she did dispossess them from all their Many feel that Éléanore and Philippe have the only claim to the throne, and rumors regarding this move faster than any other news. If both were to unite, the war would be lost, for my noblemen miss their past queen. But in a letter we received yesterday, she asks us to join Anna. I am not sure she realises the power she has on the Directoire. And perhaps it doesn't matter. Soldiers fight this war, not the Directoire.

There is not much you can do, except to wait. Lotharingia doesn't lack troops. Perhaps it lacks leadership... noblemen. Enter a full army in Lotharingia, and all hell will break loose. Enter elite forces of noblemen, even in small number, and you might just tip the war in our favor, without provoking all out rebellion in lands already acquired to our cause. We're going to win this war, one way or the other. The only matter is will there be lands to rule afterward or not...

We're leaving tomorrow for St-Claude.

Sincerely yours, in God,
Karl.