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When presented with the choices, Maximilien de Montségur was preparing to leave for the army. Some training to do, with veterans from the League War, finally something else than the colonial troops. Though each time he looked into the chest he brought with him from Ceylon, he knew he was worth it. The Eye of Fortuna, sparkling as the first day he saw it. He would deposit it safely in the palace before assuming command. But first, instruct his son about the matters to vote on.
'There can only be one direction for Hispania to take - the offence! Cowards may hide behind their walls, in their forts, they will fall. So we have to take care that the military is as good as possible and focus on this path. Good muskets, professional uniforms, mortars, as many funds as necessary. The reform. Putting Rome under martial law.
You said that the Prime Minister's constitution is a good idea, so I support it. Anything I've forgotten?'
Félicien sighed. 'The Cortz, father. I do wish you wouldn't neglect what grandfather cared for so much.'
'Ha! Petty politics are not much more than nuisances on the battlefield. If anyone wants to defend our rights, let him do it. Remind me of the candidates?' Félicien told him the names. 'Who is that Burgundy guy? I thought we dealt with them!' Maximilien laughed again. 'Only Saint-Pierre has earned my respect, son. If that is all...'
'Wait!', Félicien shouted, but the duke was already leaving the courtyard on his horse, not stopping to listen again. 'Then I'll just deal with it myself...'

Most esteemed Chancellor,

unlike my father, I am not a bellicose soul, but rather more adapted to the use of the pen then of shouting commands on the field. But I still do wish to serve Hispania as good as my abilities allow it, and that would be in the Chancellory. I have read the Prime Minister's works as well as other fairly interesting books on the subject of the state, such as the Leviathan of Hobbes. And each Leviathan needs his servants, so that no human may be another's wolf. It is the diplomat's task to avoid unnecessary tensions and bloodshed, and it is for that noble goal that I wish to be taught the necessary knowledge so that I may fulfil such a task in the future. I would be honoured to be tutored by you and therefore humbly ask to consider my request.

Respectfully,
Félicien Pierre de Montségur, Count of Messina and Siracusa, Heir to Trinacria


((National Focus: Military
Idea Groups:
1. Offensive
2. Aristocratic
3. Quantity
Equipment Standardization Act: Yes
Muskets: High
Uniforms: Professional
Artillery: Mortar
Military Reforms of 1678: Yes
National Military Academy: Full Funding
Rome Martial Law: Yes
Constitution: Yes

Cortz: Gaston Jacques de Saint-Pierre

[Duke, general]


@zenphoenix : Would you consider a betrothal of Maria to Philippe Charles (*Feb 1673)? He's Félicien's second son.))
 
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In 1678 he arrived in his new county. His brother Juan (5/0/1) were the Administrator for him and secured the lands. In Marseille he landed and went to the old palace. He looked out of his window and were tiered. His work at the Imperial court had shown no process. He only learned one thing: nobody seems to trust him. Maybe because he was newcomer but it seemed like he never would reach a high position with that little bit influence he had. "But i will never give up. I will fight and fight. Nothing will stop me!" he thought, walked out of the room and ordered his brothers and some of his advisors to him. The great architect Michael Ketterer (5/2/1) a man from Germany wich fleed to Hispania, the Merchant Louis Charles Muller (3/3/2) from Alsace, Franek Wójcik a Polish philosopher (1/3/2) and the two brothers Jóse(5/4/2) and Antonio (4/4/1) Fernández, two Men from Badajoz, good Advisors in economic Things. He said to his advisors:"My Friends. I know you all a long time and want you to thank you for your services for my houses. I have a last wish: don't ask why i am doing this what i now will explain you. As you all know the real politics are made on the Imperial Court. So i have to be a part of it. And that is the reason why i will leave you in the next two days and go back to Valencia. My great Architect Michael Ketterer you have to follow me and come with me to Valencia. Louis Charles Muller you have to secure our trade routes, our spring of wealthy. Franek Wójcik you also will come with me. Jóse and Antonio Fernández you are the new "Advisors for Economy" and you will advise my brother", he looks at Juan ,"in economical questions. Our Chaplan Padre Martin Rodriguez (2/4/1)will come with us and the Professor Francisco Martinez (6/3/1) from the University of Marseille will be able to build sacral and buildings for education after his decisions." Than to his brothers:"My brother Juan will be the administrator and the head of state. But he have to listen to the small council and you have to accept my decisions. Do you understanded that?" Juan noded with his head "Great! My sister Maria de Burgundy-Ivrea-Orange (4/2/2;15 years; W) is still not married and so our Diplomatic Genius Alvaro de Goudon (2/6/2), who is still at a mission, will ask every count if somebody wants to marry his son or nephew with our little countess. Our youngest brother Hernando (1/2/1)will go to a monastery and lesrn to speak with god and pray for our souls. Our Cousin Isabel de Chalon-Nassau (5/5/1) is with 9 years to young to be married but the Professor Francisco Martinez will teach her in The French,Italian, Latin,Greece, Spanish, Aragonese, German and English language also in history, geography, Theologian discussion and so on. Her servants will tell her something about the dutys of a woman. He hope you all accepted your roles, and play them well. Sengors you can now go and sleep. Tomorrow in the morning i will leave you. Adieu." Than he left the hall and went to his room. He did all he could do at home. But he were nervous and not fell in sleep. At 4 am he arrived at the "Santa Maria" his flag ship. Three other ships with servants, Food and a twentyth of the treasury followed, escorted by the a fourth of the Guard and one Galley.

At the same time Samcho were thinking of who visit first. Oh yeah it was clear that he had to show his loyality first to the his imperial Highness and than he would visit the prime minister if possible. But than... The Marshall and Spymaster were both very important... He would look. And he had some special...presents st his ship. He grined a little bit... If everything would go how he planned it
 
@alscon
sassari_prov_coa_n5059.gif

To Félicien Pierre de Montségur,

It is an excellent request, one I will gladly fulfill. We are always in need of more help in the Chancellory.
I will appoint you as a diplomat-in-training, and in time, you will take over my role as diplomat.
I hope this position will serve you well.

Your friend,

Andrés de Alvaro, Duke of Sardinia, Chancellor of Hispania and Imperial Diplomat
Lux Tenebris Vincet
 
Etxeto-arms.gif

A Message from Duque y Conte y Conte Guillen II B.X. Etxeto of House Etxeto

For the Cortz:

Guillen II Barros Ximon Etxeto (Dadarian)
Gaston Jacques de Saint-Pierre (05060403)
 
((Well then I'll name Hawaii Ferdinand's Rest or something more suitably German, can anyone make that more German or more suitable for the great Ferdinand Xaver Lübecker. ))
((*triggered* (because you put one extra i :mad:)))
((For the name, maybe something along the lines of Isles of Ferdinand (too lazy to translate to German :p)))

* * * * *

National Focus: Military
Idea Groups:
1. Naval
2. Diplomatic
3. Offensive
Equipment Standardization Act: Yes
Muskets: High
Uniforms: Middle Path
Artillery: Heavy
Military Reforms of 1678: Abstain
National Military Academy: Abstain
Rome Martial Law: Abstain
Constitution: Abstain

* * * * *

Dietrich, after a trip to Lübeck, came back to Valencia with an arrow in his left eye. No one would know the reason why.
 
((FYI, Isles of Ferdinand probably translates to something like Insel von Ferdinand, from what Google Translate tells me.))
 
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((Isles would be plural - which makes sense - so "Ferdinandsinseln" would fit.))

Félicien Pierre de Montségur accepts the honour of being appointed diplomat-in-training and is glad to announce the betrothal of his son Philippe Charles to Maria de Leon.
 
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((Time to close the vote.

National Focus: Military
Idea Groups: Quantity
Equipment Standardization Act: Yes
Muskets: High
Uniforms: Middle Path
Artillery: Heavy
Military Reforms of 1678: Yes
National Military Academy: Full Funding
Rome Martial Law: Yes
Constitution: No
Cortz (Nobles Only): Guillen II Barros Ximon Etxeto (Dadarian) & Gaston Jacques de Saint-Pierre (05060403)

I'll start the playthrough in a couple hours. Hopefully it's be a peaceful one. :p))
 
"With the implementation of the military reforms of 1678, I, Gaston Jacques de Saint-Pierre, Marshal of the Empire of Hispania and it's first field marshal, have decided to promote Marti de Leon to the rank of field marshal for his long and loyal service. I also have decided to grant the rank of Captain General to Louis de Soneta and Maximilien Philippe de Montségur, while promoting Demetrios Madromenos to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Gaston Jacques de Saint-Pierre,
Marshal of the Empire of Hispania, first field marshal of Hispania, count of Roussillon and member of the Cortz d'Hispania"

(( So @zenphoenix will be our first field marshal that's also not a marshal on the council, @ML8991's NPC general and @alscon will be our first Captain Generals, thus placing them one rank bellow the field marshals and @Mach Twelve's general will be two ranks bellow the field marshal. ))
 
1678-1684 – The Inevitability of Death

The military drew the most attention following the Second League War, becoming a national focus and pushing talk of constitutionalism into the background. The Hispanian army had served admirably, but faults were pointed out and ideas were drafted by several leading generals, including Marshal Gaston Jacques de Saint-Pierre. Of particular note was the mass loss of men, with over 100k men killed in action, draining Hispania’s reserves. A large empire needed to field plenty of men. One of the military reforms instituted first was to open the army to a wider range of recruits. Any man willing to serve, could. This would help to fill the army’s ranks and provide a larger pool of reserves.

The standardization of the army was also a prime concern of Marshal Saint-Pierre. The court was consulted on the various equipment used by the army and choose what they saw as the best path for Hispania. For muskets, the court was unanimous in its support for the best quality muskets available, despite the increased costs. A more muted opinion was made on uniforms, with the decision made to keep the current ones which were neither too uncomfortable nor too professional, but just right. As for artillery, the court was quite divided. The voices in support of heavy artillery turned out to be the loudest, wanting artillery that was both effective in sieges and battles, despite costing more and reducing the mobility of their armies. As for the proposed National Military Academy, the court was also in full support of state funding for the establishment. The Crown had to take out a loan to afford its construction and maintenance, but it was believed that the academy would be the best way to train a new generation of generals.

Marshal Saint-Pierre also introduced a massive change in the army composition, combining the various armies of Hispania into a fewer larger forces. It was decided that the Exercits Castilla La Vieja, Granada, and Africa would be disbanded and their men merged into other armies. Regiments were sent marching across the empire to their new positions, while the Exercit Colonial was recalled to be part of this process.



With all eyes on the army, the matter of Rome was overlooked by some. Martial law was declared, reducing unrest in the region, although greatly displeasing the Pope who felt Hispania was using the situation to intimidate the Catholic Church.

While the army took up much of the limelight, there were still those discussing constitutionalism. The constitution presented by Prime Minister Petros Mandromenos was rejected by such a small margin that its supporters felt that measures had been taken to keep it from passing. Emperor Joan III stressed that was not the cause, but the more he spoke about it, the more those supporting the constitution blamed him.

Despite the slight debt the Crown had found itself in after the establishment of a military academy, it found itself receiving a large windfall as the growing coffee trade suddenly exploded. Coffee beans had been slowly introduced into Hispania’s colonies, but had never really caught on until now. With the opening of coffeehouses across the empire, a growing desire for it came about, raising the price and greatly bolstering Hispania’s trade.

Tunis was finding itself in troubled times as rebels rose up against their westernization attempts. The possibility of their collapse would be a great boon to Hispania.

Although an official agreement had never been reached over the Caribbean, since Emperor Louis XVIII blocked it at every turn, colonization continued as usual. France set up its own colonial nation, Antilles, in the region and continued a push to claim the rest of the Lesser Antilles.



Persia, Hispania’s old ally against the Mamluks, found itself losing ground in the east as they were forced to give up land to Baluchistan.

The Church of Jesus Christ had increased its presence in the empire’s European provinces, with focus shifted to northern Italy and then to some of the farther colonies and Africa.

Nova Hispania held many ambitions and declared another colonial war, targeting Zapotec. It seemed likely that the colonial nation would have little difficulty expanding at their inferior neighbour’s expense.

Near the end of 1678, a glaring problem with the Marshal’s reorganization of the army became apparent. While the European armies had a sizeable number of infantry, a decent amount of artillery, and some cavalry to fill in the ranks, the Exercit Colonial had simply been given the scraps. The army reorganization had accounted for 20k men being left over to serve as the new Exercit Colonial, but Marshal Saint-Pierre had evidently not accounted for the fact that this would consist of 3k cavalry and 17k artillery with no infantry. Emperor Joan, upon hearing the news, had the Exercit Colonial reassigned to North Africa and refused to have it used for anything until it was given adequate infantry. 3k cavalry was surely not enough to protect such large numbers of artillery. The Marshal was told to fix this, although the emperor was willing to wait until the remaining military reforms were completed. ((Not sure if you intended this @05060403, but the army reorganization has made the Exercit Colonial mostly ineffective. Might want to shift some of the infantry and artillery regiments around or replace some artillery with infantry.))

Thanks to the influx of money from the coffee trade, the loan was paid off in October.

Nova Hispania’s war with Zapotec did not take long, with the colonial nation only seizing one province and extracting war reparations.



Despite the inner turmoil within their nation, Tunis still managed to westernize their administration.

Smelling weakness, Kiche leapt on Zapotec, although Xiu came to their defence.

Although the Church of Jesus Christ only covered Christians, the spirit of tolerance embraced by the empire was starting to spread to heathens as well. While there was still a desire to get them to follow the true path, such efforts were not as hostile as before. The encouragement of dialogue, a sharing of all ideas, would only benefit Hispania.

Seeing as the Crown had not received any instructions from the steward or his predecessor for quite some time, the emperor took the time to arrange the renovation of the empire’s ailing naval infrastructure, expanding shipyards throughout Iberia and Italy.

In November of 1679, France declared war on Flanders. France clearly intended to strengthen its presence in the rich Lowlands, and only had to deal with a few minor states standing in its way. The war was a minor one and France did not see a reason to call on its allies this time.



Events back home were fairly quiet as military reforms continued on. When the French easily dispatched an Alsatian army, it received national attention.

The Trans-Atlantic Trading Company was finding its hold on East Africa becoming increasingly tenuous. When pressed for military support to expand Hispania’s holding in the area, Chancellor Andrés de Alvaro remained silent. The TATC would have to struggle on with what it had. This, however, did not make the issue go away. When the TATC continued to press the issue, the Crown reduced its support for the trading company. Trade in East Africa suffered and the TATC found itself losing control of its monopoly in the region.

France at least was doing well in their war. A sizeable Bavarian and Mainz army was bested on the field of battle in a decisive victory.

The beginning of 1680 brought the first of what was to be a string of royal deaths throughout Europe. Empress Helgi had given birth to a young girl the year before, but the girl succumbed to illness shortly after and passed away. The empress was inconsolable for months. The fact that the royal couple’s second son, Alfons, kept suffering a string of illnesses greatly worried the two.



In the summer of 1680, the colony at Alcantara was formally handed over to Sanchonia. Despite tensions with the TATC, Emperor Joan decided to show some support for the trading company by utilizing Crown resources to fund a colony in Inhambane on Mutapa’s southern border. Hopefully another port on the coast could strengthen the TATC’s hold on East Africa.

The presence of French La Plata so close to Nuevo Leon was causing problems. The settlers in the region had gotten into the habit of freely exchanging goods, which in turn allowed the French settlers to send Hispanian goods back to France while avoiding using Hispania as the middleman. This leak of goods was damaging to Hispania, so the colonies were ordered to cut off trade with French La Plata unless permitted.

Kiche’s attack on Zapotec backfired. With Xiu’s help, the two native states reduced Kiche to a fraction of its former size, allowing Zapotec to recover from its loss to Nova Hispania.

In the series of military reforms, the minimum age to serve was lowered to allow for more young recruits to join up, filling the ranks of the army quicker than before.

A meeting between Emperor Joan and the leader of Cusco saw the two sitting down in joint prayer before discussing the Church of Jesus Christ, for Cusco was the only colonial nation to willingly embrace the new Church.



In the New World, Britain annexed Powhatan, bringing attention to the vast growth of British colonies. They had managed to establish a large colonial presence all along the east coast.

France signed a peace with Alsace first, only emptying their treasure and demanding war reparation. A few months later they annexed Flanders, securing their position in the Lowlands.

In July of 1681, word from Bangka, a colony off the coast of Sumatra, revealed that the tiny rebel state of Siak had revolted from Pasai. However, the old ambition to control a piece of land on Sumatra had long since died. ((I cancelled our mission to conquer Pasai, since it has obviously been forgotten and isn’t happening any time soon. We’ve even lost the CB.))



God decided to show the world that not even those who sat on thrones could escape death. King Gustav IV Soop of Sweden passed away, leaving his six-year-old son, Karl Gustav, on the throne. The following month, Louis de Valois, Emperor Joan’s uncle and the heir to the French throne, died childless and left his wife Marta de Trastámara widowed.

While the TATC struggled in East Africa, its presence in West Africa was not in dispute and the trading company held strong there.

Two months after the death of King Gustav, Archduke Albrecht VI von Habsburg of Austria passed away, leaving his 33-year-old son Albrecht VII on the throne, fortunately avoiding a regency unlike Sweden. Albrecht had a seven-year-old son, Georg, as his heir. Before the month had ended, another Habsburg died, this time Joan’s grandmother Adelaide, who was 75 at the time of death. The emperor held a funeral service in honour of his late grandmother.

The colony in Trinidad became self-sufficient, with its founder Andrés de Alvaro having it renamed Felipias. The next colonial venture was sent to Chumash on the other side of the continent at Grand Admiral Dietrich Vinzent Lübecker’s request.



Some of the settlers in Inhambane did not like living so close to Mutapa and moved south to Matsolo. The Crown, despite the additional costs, was willing to back this colonial venture.

Less than a week after the loss of Archduke Albrecht VI of Austria, the infamous Emperor Louis XVIII of France died a sudden death, thrown from his horse during a parade celebrating France’s conquest of Flanders. With the passing of his cousin and heir the month before, this left the future of the French throne in doubt. While the empress had never bore the emperor a child, his mistress had. Between the time that Emperor Louis’s cousin had died and his own untimely demise, Louis XVIII had made arrangements to have his bastard son legitimized. The Pope’s response in favour of this motion arrived shortly after the emperor’s death, but to many this was not enough. A regency council consisting of loyalists was established for the future Henri II, but a pretender rose up to dispute this. His army was summarily crushed and chased down by the French army, ending that problem. Now France had to deal with a bastard on its throne.

Hoping to end tensions with the Crown, the TATC offered the Crown an investment opportunity to restore faith in the company. Joan had already taken measures to mend ties starting with the Crown colony in East Africa, so he was willing to accept this as well.



Lithuania, still miffed about its defeat in the Second League War, decided to take up piracy, sending ships to raid trade in the Mediterranean. It did not take long for Admiral Dietrich Vinzent Lübecker and his fleet to set sail to send those ships running back to the Black Sea.

In Manila, a new system called the Encomienda System was put into use. Colonists were given the duty of educating the local natives, and in turn those natives would provide labour for the colonists. It was a way to enlighten the native population and deepen ties with them, and it seemed to be working fairly well. Soon the colony was self-sustaining thanks to this policy.

Conflict and tension amongst the nobility was seeing their power at court diminish, while the clergy started to flourish more with the spread of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The Crown had usually only supported a certain number of colonial ventures at a time, but permission was given this time for the Mandromenos family to back a colony in Manado.

After suffering through yet another illness, Joan’s second son Alfons passed away early in 1683, leaving him with just his daughter Peronella and son Ferran.



In April of 1683, Aachen declared war on Trier. While insignificant to Hispania, it did bring attention to the sudden expansion of Cologne, who somehow managed to reclaim their lost land from Trier, possibly through rebellion.

A much more damaging war occurred in East Africa, with Ethiopia mostly dismantled by Kaffa and Yemen.

The army reforms truly allowed Ramon Fernandez de Hijar to do his work, instilling a level of discipline in the army that was unheard of. The whole empire could admire the state of the army.

Speaking of military reforms, one policy that had taken time to implement and was finally being utilized was the requirement of nobles to provide a number of recruits for the army. This draft of sorts forced more people into the army, making it easier to form new regiments when needed.

The colony in Matsolo continued to flourish, with the settlers who had already moved south deciding to set up yet another settlement. This was only further encouraged, for it meant more people to tax.

As the year turned to 1684, the last in a line of tragic royal deaths occurred. The heir to the Hispanian throne, young Ferran de Trastámara, suffered a fatal accident. The boy had been climbing a tree out in the palace gardens and fell to his death. With the crown prince’s passing, Joan’s brother Pere became the heir apparent yet again, although he had no children of his own yet. While there were still plenty of Trastámara males in succession, it seemed that the male line of Alfons VIII and Ferran V would die out if the two brothers did not sire an heir.











JpsioAG.png

Presenting His Imperial Highness, Joan III de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, and Protector of the Greeks.

My wife and I mourn the loss of our children, taken from us so young. We are grateful though that God has chosen to spare our beloved daughter Peronella, for I could not bear to lose all my children so suddenly. Our allies abroad, I have heard, have experienced similar misfortune and my condolences will be with them as well.

Our military has been drastically reformed, mostly for the better I hope. I am looking forward to seeing how it performs now with its improved muskets and heavy artillery. The matter of the Exercit Colonial should perhaps be dealt with first before we seek any military engagements afar.

As for matters of state, perhaps it is time we establish a direction for this great empire. I believe our colonial empire should take precedence, but where exactly? Matsolo has proven promising, so perhaps we should focus our resources on the small colony. We could also turn our gaze towards the Spice Islands again, but this time go for an easier target, like Makassar. If we feel daring enough, we could poke the Chinese dragon and attempt to take the port of Canton from Ming, although that would be a lengthy taste that will most likely cost many lives to achieve.


((RNGesus really had a vendetta against royalty this update. Three monarchs offed all within months of each other, and all allies too. I’m not sure what happened with France. From what I can gather from the save file, the heir died shortly before the emperor based on when the low-legitimacy heir appeared. I can only assume an heir with 20-ish legitimacy is a bastard. It should be noted that the death of Prince Ferran was my doing, for he was not supposed to make it past eight.

As always, ministers have until Monday at 12PM PST to post their plans, and players may post any laws or reforms during that time. Players may still present constitutions, although it is suggested they be modified from earlier versions so we don’t keep voting on the same thing. Just a note, we will be voting on a new mission later, since I felt it was time to pick a new one we might actually complete. I’ll include screenshots of them below.

Pensioners:
@05060403
@Mach Twelve
@wzhang29
@Jkonstantin
@delpiero1234

))
 
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((Public letter from the Emperor Henri II, approved by the Regent of France))

CqtOYoW.png

It has come to our attention that our father neglected to conclude negotiations with Hispania in regards to the Caribbean. The ambassador to Hispania has provided us with the partially completed agreement negotiated with your prime minister and the clauses included are most reasonable to us and our regent. We thus propose that our two nations conclude this matter with the following agreement.

The French-Hispanian New World Concordant

I. The entire Caribbean shall be declared open to colonization by both France and Hispania. Both nations will agree to joint control of the region and all claims on each other's current territory shall be revoked.
II. Hispania shall recognize France's legitimate claim to Louisiana, including all land currently not occupied by France within the designated region.
III. France shall recognize Hispania's legitimate claim to Peru (Cusco), including all land currently not occupied by Hispania within the designated region.
IV. Due to the large British presence in North America, if Britain interferes in any of the above regions, both France and Hispania shall agree to defend their claims to the regions mentioned in the previous clauses. France and Hispania will coordinate efforts to remove any British threat to these claims and will consult on possible military ventures, and will carry through with such ventures only with the consent of both parties.

We hope that this agreement is satisfactory to both you and your court. We eagerly await your response.

- His Imperial Highness, Henri II de Valois, Emperor of France

((I figured that the negotiations with Prime Minister Petros Mandromenos should probably conclude now that Louis XVIII is dead, so here is a resolution of sorts to go before the court.))
 
((1680))
Lieutenant General Demetrios Mandromenos, still upset over his "demotion", came down with a nasty cough. He hoped it would pass.

((Feb. 1681))
Demetrios's sickness worsened. It became clear that his condition was caused by the dreaded consumption.

((January 6 1682))
Demetrios Philaretos Mandromenos, Hero of Hispania, passed into the arms of the Lord. The funeral ceremony was private and was rumored to be done under Christian rites not Catholic, Protestant, or Reformed. The family, especially the father Petros was wracked with grief.

((1683))
Petros had become bitter with the death of his son. The servants soon avoided the man. The Prime Minister made sure to update his last will for his passing.

((Present, assume to be at the beginning of the turn.))
The ancient man sat in his office. Absentmindedly, he took an apple from a nearby bowl and bit into it. Unexpectedly, the piece was larger than normal, and it also slid into his throat. The man began to choke. He could not cry out, and as he started to hurry out of the room he tripped and his cane flew out of his reach. Unable to find help and with the servants avoiding him, Petros could not get the apple out of his throat. And so, the Iron Chancellor, famous throughout Europe for his uncompromising nature and successes, died on his back, beaten not by Man but by a simple Apple.

To my Grandson, I leave the County of Athens and its wealth and responsibilities.

I leave the Nobility of Hispania my positions of Member of the Cortz and Chamberlain.

I leave the Emperor my position of Prime Minister. May you choose the next wisely.

I leave the Chancellory two parts of ten of my assets outside of my titles, may they use it to Hispania's benefit

I leave the Military Academy another two parts in memory of my son.
 
Sancho de Burgundy-Ivrea-Orange ((if this character dies the family will be called de Chalon, but i still have to find a good RP reason. But i will find :p )) arrived at the port of Narbonne in evening. He were invited to an old friend in the city, a rich merchant, and got an bedroom for himself. He felt a little bit sick and cold, so he wanted to stay two or three day. In the night he heard some noise, maybe a cat. Than he were a little bkt nervous. He felt like somebody would look at him. He turned his head left and right... He saw nothing. His eyes turned to the window... Two eyes were looking back and than they were hidden in the dark. Sancho was scared and shouted for his Guardofficer and Franek Wójcik to stay with him. He remebered the days were he laughed about his brothers wenn they saw somebody at the window. He now understood their fear...

Three years later: Sancho forgot the eyes in Narbonne. He had build a palace near Valencia (i am so rebelious and did that ;) ) and wrote messages to his brother Juan and the small council,warnend his youngest brother to accept that he would be a monk, asked the University Professor how his cousin Isabel practiced the languages and were happy as he heard that a French count was interested in marriage between Sanchos Sister and the counts son. He also heared of the death of the childs of his Imperial Highness. He ordered to pray for their souls and to pray for the Emporer to stay strong. He was sad: He and his brothers still not married anyone. If he would die their would be no chance for the House of Burgundy-Ivrea-Orange to survive.
After the prayer in the chapel he left to his room. But he walked in he felt cold sweat and looked around. There were eyes at the window... He cried, the last thing he saw was a dark hand wich punched him at the head, then he only saw darkness...
 
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((thanks for ICing @Michaelangelo , helped to fill out both of our characters :) ))
The Emperor and the Dowager


Emperor Joan III was reading over a report from the Hispanian army on the recent reforms, trying his best to keep his mind off the death of his two sons. Work kept his mind distracted. He had tried to keep strong for his wife, but she had hid herself away in her chambers, unwilling to see or speak with anyone. It was understandable, for she had lost her father a few years ago and now her own children. How does a parent come to terms with the loss of their own children?

Joan thought back to his childhood. He remembered having another younger brother and two sisters who had not lived long. At the time, he had not fully understood their loss, but surely his parents must have gone through a similar struggle. It was unfortunate that he did not have his father to speak with, but at least his mother was still with him. Joan found himself wandering the halls towards his mother’s room in the palace.

The Dowager, who had taken an interest in her grandchildren, was equally saddened by the loss of many so young, she felt the deaths of her own children come back to haunt her, and she couldn’t help but feel as though somehow these series of royal deaths were as a result of her, but she could see no reason to this, but she was distraught none the less. Thus it was a surprise that her reprieve was broken by a gentle knocking at the door to her chambers.

“Mother, are you there?” Joan asked through the door. He knocked again.

Surprised to hear her son’s voice, and so timidly, she immediately rose from her sewing, and greeted her son with a warm smile. “Your grace, to what do I owe the honour to see you this bright afternoon?”

“I was hoping to speak with you,” Joan said as he entered her cozy room. He sat himself down, feeling the weight of recent events resting on his shoulders. He looked up at her, bags under his eyes and a downcast expression. “Does it ever get any easier?”

With the dejected tone of her son’s tone, and so much going on at court, she was unsure to his meaning, and asked him to clarify what gets easier.

“The loss of a child.”

Immediately Caterina’s eyes began to water, but she retained her strength, if only for her son, but she had to be truthful. “No, it doesn’t. But you must learn to hold in these emotions. It was hard to lose your siblings, even though you were young, but after time you accept they have gone, and respect and look back at them in quiet good memory, you must be strong for them” She concluded with her hands resting firmly on her sons shoulders, until she brought him into a tight hug, nearly dislodging both of their crowns.

“I suppose I can take solace in the fact that they are with God now,” Joan said, doing his best to hold back tears. “I guess all I can do is cherish the time I had with them and continue on. I fear that my wife will not be able to move on so easily.”

“You must find comfort in each other, as we did when your father passed. You are stronger united, do not come undone by your loss, my grandchildren and the realm need a strong figure to look up to. Show respect for the lost, but don’t lose faith. An heir still sits awaiting your succession, the line is safe. Take comfort in what the Lord has kept for us, for it will make us strong.” Caterina said encouragingly, whilst not stopping in her strong grip on her son, who she could feel was holding back his emotions, most amiably she felt deep down.

“I will try to reach out to her, when the time is right,” Joan said. The mention of the realm and succession brought something to his mind that he had wished to discuss. The emperor took a moment to compose himself. “I was also hoping to speak to you about Isabel. I know that Father never pushed her to marry, but it is considered unbecoming of a princess to remained unmarried for so long. Now that I am emperor, I am unsure if I should be pushing my sister to marry.”

Caterina actually found a ironic nature to her son’s question. “My deceased father, Duke Alejandro, never saw fit to marry off my sister, so take some heart in that. I would say that you should at least offer her a say, after all she is a Princess of the realm, she deserves some degree of decision making. But perhaps you could marry her to the British, it has been too long since the Iberian and the English bloodlines have overlapped, and with their sizable lands to the eastern expanse of the Northern New World, it could potentially be a profitable marriage also for the realm, on both ends.”

Joan let out a light-hearted laugh, one that mildly brightened the mood. “If I want to declare the French our mortal enemy, I surely would. No, it would be unwise to seek any match with the British at this time.” He took a moment to ponder things. “Perhaps you are right and I should just let her decide, although it seems she is disinclined to make any decision.”

“Just gently encourage her, she is a sweet thing, and it would be a shame to see such gentleness go unloved” dotted Caterina.

“I will speak to her,” Joan said. He was about to say something else when there was a commotion out in the hallway. Joan rose from his seat and opened the door. A servant rushed past and the emperor beckoned him closer. “What is going on?”

“It’s the Prime Minister, Your Imperial Highness,” the servant said. “He’s dead.”

“Dear God,” Joan said, turning back to his mother. “Will these travesties never end?”

The loss of Petros was quite a shock to the Empress Dowager, the man had seemed oft so full of life, it was if an iron rod was thrust up his back, with his ever proper presentation and diction. She chose to retain her piece from her son, as she imagined he had wanted to say more, before this… unfortunate circumstance, came to their attention.

Joan rubbed at his forehead. Nothing was ever so simple at court. After letting out an exasperated sigh, he said, “It seems that I have some duties to attend to now that the realm is without a prime minister. I must excuse myself then. I hope we can speak later, Mother.”

Caterina resigned herself to the fact she must have been imagining what her son had wanted to say, and so she graciously bid her son goodbye, and returned once more to her knitting, hoping that the young ones would like it when it was done.
 
((With the death of Petros Mandromenos, we now have an opening on the Cortz and no chamberlain. Any landed nobles are free to nominate themselves for the position, while the two current Cortz members can appoint any noble as chamberlain. I'll appoint a new prime minister tomorrow, most likely. Most of you are all so damn old that it's hard to pick a new one that won't drop dead on me. :p))
 
Sancho opened slowly his eyes. He were confused: in the first moment he was in his room and now in a closed room only lighted by a torch and some candels? He lied in a bed and tried o stand up from it, but a heavy headache told him that it would be smarter to lie back. He Guard were standing at his right side and shouted for a doctor.

The man came and Sancho asked:"What is this? Were am I? Please i need to know it!"

"My Count", the Vocie of the doctor were shaken:"We heard your voice last night and you cried. Your Guardsofficer ran into the room and saw a man who wanted to kill you. But than he saw the gun of your Guards and fleed. The first thing we thought was that you were killed bit than i saw a big break at your head. We brought you here and you sleped for 13 hours. And we were still very sad, the Imperial childs and than the death of the Iron Chancellor..."

"You said what?!"

"The Iron Chancellor died"

"What? I can't believe it. I said he would reign still ten years more. "

"The Emporer rescted very fast and wrote a public letter for every noble. And there is no a seat free in the Cortz..."

"In the Cortz?? But first: do you killed the guy who wanted to kill me?"

"Ehm... No my...my...count" The doctor said.

"Hmm... I want to sleep every night still in my own room."

"But..."

"No disscusion! I want it so... Please?"

"And what is with the seat in the Cortz?"

" I will talk with my Advisors about it.And now bring me to my room!"

- - - - - - -

1 Hour later all of Sanchos Advisors met in Sachos Room. He was still lieing in his Bett and looked out the window.

"My Friends. I think you all had heared that the Iron Chancellor is dead? I want to take his seat in the Cortz. Is somebody against it? I never expected an other reaction. So you can..."

"My count", John Brewer, a english merchant and newest Advisor of Sancho, said:" This also means that you could also take the seat as an Chancellor. I mean you are young and..."

Sancho laughed loud:" Hahah a good joke man. I think you have to know that i can't take a seat in the council so easy. I need trust from the Imperial Family, Influence, Great Territories. And i have... A little County, my age and nothing else... I would be a terrible Chancellor, because nobody would exept this. So now go. I just need Franek Wójcik."

At the evening a Servant of Sancho brought a letter to the Imperial Court. It said that Sancho de Burgundy-Ivrea-Orange would try it again and want to get into the Cortz