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How long had she been praying? One hour? Two, three? She didn't know. After the birth of her second son, Lúcia had spent more time in church than at Court. Even the baby himself didn't see his mother often. She could not bear to see him and cursed herself for the deal she had brokered with the de Soneta's, but there was no going back now. José, she had named him. José Isaque Simão de Maia... Her sacrifice to the Almighty God. João knew something was wrong, but he couldn't tell what, and Lúcia carefully kept it hidden from him. No one, except for Jerome, had known of this, and no one else should know what she had sacrificed.

At the same time, life at court went on. After winning the advice of her husband, she took the following positions.


Reglementation of Duels: Yes
Respect of Authority: No
Act of Generalship: Yes
-The position of the nobility needed to be strengthened, of that much she was convinced. It was a necessary step, for who could better serve the Emperor as her and the other nobles? Yet at the same time, she felt the Respect of Authority act was... unnecessary. If someone dared to insult her, he would face the consequences, and it would be far worse than a hearing at the Cortz.
Equal Status: Yes
-This matter confused her. While she wasn't exactly fond of Protestantism and Reformism, she had to admit that the mending of the Western Schism had already been accomplished by the Empire of Hispania, as her husband Jerome was keen to remind her of. So she voted in favour of the Equal Status.
Pacification: No
-Another internal conflict. She had sworn loyalty to the Emperor. Yet if we turn on our own people, stupid and misguided as they may be, what kind of rulers are we? And as well... Would the Emperor turn on the Portuguese at some point as well? Who knows what might happen to her or her children if such a thing would be tolerated?

-Vote of Lúcia Fernanda Manuela de Maia, Condesa de Lisboa, Diplomat of Hispania.
 
It seems my dinasty's will is for our name to remain as it is after all, though I have to admit that's mostly due to my nephews pressuring me. While I am not bound to meet their demands I do not intend to spark conflict. I quiet rule and a quiet people is my motto.

The marriage will proceed, upon my death the county will pass on to my brother Teofilo or his descendants Tullio or Lorenzo.
I look forward to our alliance,

Erodio Volturno, Count of Abruzzi
 
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((Now that I'm back from my exam, here are the results of the vote:

The Reglementation of Duels Act: Yes
The Respect of Authority Act: No
The Act of Generalship of 1630: No
Equal Status Reform: Yes
The Declaration for the Pacification of the Catalan People: Yes

With the passing of those three laws, courtiers may no longer challenge nobles to a duel without reasonable cause, all Christian faiths are considered equal, and all Catalan provinces will be culture-converted to Aragonese. It should be noted that with the latest religious reform, missionaries may no longer be used on provinces of those faiths, although players may still try to convert provinces themselves.

Edit: Almost forgot. Since alscon was the only Cortz member to nominate a Chamberlain and he chose himself, he's now the new Chamberlain.))
 
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1630 – Unburdened

The new year began with yet another increase to Hispania’s trade presence. The new grandmaster, Jean Gérard de Saint-Pierre, immediately expanded the Genoa fleet to 50 ships and tried drawing in more trade from the New World. More and more wealth was coming in from overseas and a smart grandmaster knew how to tap into that wealth.

One of the greatest experiments in Hispania’s administrative history began with three diplomats sharing the position of chancellor. Felipé de Alvaro, Lúcia Fernanda Manuela de Maia, and Petros Mandromenos coordinated efforts to draft a new plan for the chancellorship. Their initial focus was only improving relations with the colonies and allies while the army recovered, for then Tuscany and Savoy would be the focus. Austria already was coming to trust Hispania more thanks to the three diplomats’ efforts.

Emperor Pere V fully committed himself to his efforts against the Catalan people. While not going so far as to bring down military might on them, the administration was in a mess as all traces of Catalan were removed from local laws and Catalan literature disappeared overnight. Provinces closer to the capital received the most focus, and it proved much trickier to implement such measures up in the north in the mountainous region on the French border.

Over in Nova Hispania, a rebel army attempted to take out Nova Hispania’s tiny army. The small Hispanian force nearby tried to intervene, but they arrived too late. With no infantry to defend the artillery and the cavalry at a disadvantage, a retreat was forced. With only a few artillery left, the army was all but done. Since the emperor had put forth the idea of disbanding one of the Iberian armies to make room for more artillery and with the army’s manpower so low, permission was given to disband the Lisboa Exercit and leave Nova Hispania to fend off its own rebels for now.

On April 5, the leader of the Catholic Church and one of the most influential figures in Hispania, Pope Francis I, passed away. The College of Cardinals chose a Pole as his successor, who chose the name Paulus II. Emperor Pere took the loss quite hard and ordered a massive funeral held in Valencia for the late Juan II de Soneta. Afterwards, he took up the duties of prime minister himself, although it was starting to become clear that the strain was getting to him. ((Sorry @ML8991, but I guess you need to make a new character. Apparently you’re not allowed to be pope for more than six years. :p))

Genoa did not let its loss of its Italian provinces get it down, instead focusing on spreading its presence in the east. It continued its expansion by annexing Astrakhan, stretching its territory to the Caspian Sea.



Even as the leadership of the Church changed hands, the Inquisition continued its efforts in Africa. Both the heathens in Tangiers and Gharb came around to seeing the light of Catholicism, embracing the true faith.

The HRE had been a mish-mash of states for centuries, but consolidation had been occurring during the religious troubles of the past century. Munster was one of the few states excelling in this new environment, taking Hamburg from Lubeck.

The main fleet, neglected for so long, was completely refurbished. 45 of the 60 ships were taken to the dry-docks and outfitted with the latest ship designs. After the upgrades were done, the fleet would be ready to take down any threat.

Byzantium was facing with the first stage of rebellions as the citizens of its new Anatolian provinces rose up. Surprisingly many of these people rallied to the old Ottoman banner, despite the nation having fallen almost a century ago. The army in Mentese was ordered to assist, although it would not arrive until after the smallest army was defeated. Soon they would take on the larger army in Karaman.

As August neared its end, the stress of the past few decades finally got to Emperor Pere. While walking through the hallways of the palace, the emperor collapsed, having suffered a sudden heart attack. Servants carried him to his quarters, where his family and members of his court were able to say their last goodbyes. Before he breathed his last breath, Pere felt the need to unburden himself, and perhaps he unintentionally transferred them to the empire instead.



* * * * *

Emperor Pere lay on his deathbed, struggling for breath. His chest ached, his heart feeling as though it would burst from his chest at any moment. He couldn’t die like this. His children were still out there, captives to some unknown kidnapper. Tears came unbidden to his eyes. He wanted to see his children one last time, but knew that would never happen. He had failed them.

Members of his family started to filter into the room, along with some of the more influential members of court, his council members. He wished Juan II de Soneta was here. That loss still stung him, for the man had served both Hispania and the Christian world well.

Another sharp pain brought a hiss forth from his lips, making a few of those nearby gasp. His sister Clara moved to his side and grasped his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She was trying to hold back tears, trying to remain strong, Pere could tell. His other sister Francesca, was there too, although she was hiding behind her husband, burying her face into his arm. Francesc took it all in stoically, but a sympathetic look crossed his face from time to time. He held his wife close as Pere struggled on a bit longer.

There was so much Pere needed to say, so much left to do. His children came to mind again, but that only brought back more guilt. He still recalled when he had been blackmailed into changing succession to keep them alive. He had lived with that for years, and still after all these years deep down he felt he had gone against his heart. How he loved his children, but so too did he love the empire. Clara would have been a fine empress, and her children and grandchildren would have ruled just as well. Were his children even alive anymore? He had received no word from their captors in over a decade. Perhaps the mere thought of their continued survival kept him in line. Maybe it was time to let go.

Pere struggled for each breath, feeling compelled to take action in these final moments of his life. He squeezed Clara’s hand, eliciting a sad smile from her. “Clara,” he said, his voice parched and raspy.

“I’m here, brother,” Clara said, kneeling down next to him.

“I am so sorry,” Pere said, fighting off a coughing fit. “I should have told you the truth those years ago.”

Clara piqued her head to the side, curious at that last statement, but did not interrupt.

“You asked me why I did not tell you of my changes to succession, and I lied to you.” Pere licked his lips, finding even that small motion tiresome. “I did not want to change the laws, but I had to for my children.”

Clara nodded knowingly. “We discussed this before. I understand the loss of your children hit you hard and I forgave you for that.”

“No, not that,” Pere said, frowning slightly, for she was speaking of his children with Francine, his wife. “I loved another before Francine, and that union bore fruit, ones that did not die young.”

Clara stiffened a bit, glancing around at the others gathered. Pere’s voice was barely a whisper and no one else seemed to have heard. She had heard of rumours of royal bastards, but had seen no validity to those claims, at least until now. “Are you saying you want these children of yours legitimized?”

Pere shook his head, and hissed in pain as the motion made his chest spasm. “Bastards have caused too much trouble for Hispania.” Pere paused to catch his breath, drawing the strength to continue. Tears returned to his eyes as he thought of his children’s fate. “Clara, they have my children.”

Clara suppressed a gasp. “Who does? Do you know where they are?”

Pere held back a sob, needing to maintain some of his composure in this most difficult moment. “I don’t know. I received a letter telling me that if I did not change the succession laws, I’d never see them again, yet I have done so and they still elude me. I fear I have been manipulated in the cruelest sense.”

Clara yet again glanced at those around her. This was some dire news, something she wished she had known earlier. Kidnapping the emperor’s bastard children and holding them hostage to force the emperor’s hand was an outrage, and those responsible had surely committed treason. But if Pere had not heard from whoever was responsible since the succession changes, were his children even alive?

Before Clara could say anything else, Pere twisted in his bed and grasped her hand even more tightly. Speaking loudly enough for all to hear, he said, “Find my children, Clara, please find them. I won’t have them used against me, against the empire.”

Everyone watched Pere as he seemed on the verge of a fit. He fidgeted under the sheets, tugging at the blankets as he fought inner demons. He would not let the kidnappers win. He loved his children, but he would not let them be used against him. A sense of calm washed over him and he settled back down. Everyone watched him, wary that he was ready to pass on at any moment.

“I have been deceived, as have you all,” Emperor Pere said, his voice resonating with strength unbefitting his poor health. “My children were taken from me, and those responsible forced me to change succession. I should have never allowed myself to be manipulated, for a monarch cannot allow himself to be controlled by another.”

Gasps filled the room and a few eyed him as though he had gone mad. Clara’s eyes were wide and Francesca had pulled away from her husband long enough to show the shock on her face. Francesc seemed the calmest in the room, but the sympathetic look from earlier was still there.

The ache in his chest grew with each breath and Pere knew his time was short. He had so much regret and guilt to dispense of. With a deep sigh that make his whole body shake, he said, “Clara should have been my heir.”

Clara moved as though she wanted to respond, but he squeezed her hand and gave her a look that demanded silence. The rest of the room awaited his next words in eager silence. With as much determination in his voice as he could gather, he said, “No, Clara is my heir.”

That elicited gasps from nearly everyone in the room. Clara backed away and Francesca nearly toppled over, Francesc having to quickly grab her before she could faint. The room filled with excited whispers, for the implications of those words were deep indeed. Pere knew he may have well set up the empire for a succession crisis, perhaps even a civil war, for he had just gone against the very succession laws he had written into law and declared his own heir. Despite that, he knew it was the right thing to do. Perhaps his children would die for it, or perhaps they were already dead. He would not be used again. And with that burden released, he lay back and let the sweet embrace of death take him.

When those gathered realized what had just happened, that the emperor had named an heir and then died, they all went silent at the gravity of the situation. Everyone was staring at Francesc and Clara, for the two had inadvertently been set up as Pere’s successors. Neither moved or said anything, the two just staring each other down. Clara was still visibly upset from her brother’s passing, while Francesc seemed more confused than anything.

It was Francesca that decided to speak first. She tugged on Francesc’s sleeve and pointed at her sister, glancing at some of the guards in the room. “What are you waiting for? Arrest her.”

Clara’s mouth dropped wide open and even Francesc eyed his wife with shock. “You would see your sister arrested?” Francesc asked.

“She’s a claimant to your throne,” Francesca said. “You cannot let her go.”

Francesc and Clara eyed one another for some time. Tension filled the room, and Francesca seemed ready to stir up a frenzy if it continued for too long. Eventually Francesc sighed and then said, “Have Empress Dowager Clara escorted to her quarters, where she shall remain under guard until transport can be arranged for her back to Constantinople.” Francesc glanced at the fresh corpse of the late emperor and added, “After she has attended her brother’s funeral, of course.”

Following directions from the fiery Francesca, the guards gently guided Clara from the room. The woman glanced at her brother’s body as she left, holding back tears.

The various people that had come to visit the emperor on his deathbed slowly filtered from the room until only Francesc was left. He approached the late emperor and gave a wry smile. “I suspect you did not intend to insult me on purpose with your last words, and I do not fault you for your decision. You have certainly made the start of my reign an interesting one. I may not be your preferred heir, but I am your heir by law. I shall do my best to exceed the high standards you have put in place.”

Without another word, Francesc turned on his heels and left. The servants immediately went to work preparing Emperor Pere’s body for his funeral.

* * * * *















JpsioAG.png

Presenting His Imperial Highness, Francesc I de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, and Protector of the Greeks. ((Cynical, Ambitious, Strong))

We have lost a great man this day. Emperor Pere V ruled over Hispania for over 30 years, reigning as monarch back when Hispania was still a mere kingdom. He left his mark on our nation, and the world at large. It is a difficult reign to follow, but I will strive to rule as greatly as my predecessor.

I am certain that rumour has reached you all at court of the emperor’s final moments. I will be the first to admit that he did indeed name his sister Clara as his heir, but I ask you not to place any credence to this claim. Pere was on his deathbed, and surely the guilt for having denied her succession all those years ago must have troubled him so, for everyone knew that he cared deeply for his sister. I fear that he made the statement without a clear mind, and in opposition to the very succession laws he himself put into law. Clara herself has not come forth and laid claim to the throne, and neither should she. We must remain united and follow succession as dictated by our laws, laws that were supported by the court a decade ago.

Now it is time to mourn the loss of our late emperor, a man who shall be remembered for generations to come.


((Of course Pere decides to kick the bucket less than a year into the update. Typical. :rolleyes: Anyway, just wanted to clarify that the scene I wrote up is public knowledge, with perhaps the exception of the whispered words between Pere and Clara. Use that information as you wish. If you are a member of the council, feel free to write IC of your perspective of the scene. Everyone else can discuss the possible threat to succession.

On to business. Players have until Sunday at 6PM PST to propose laws and such. Ministers don’t have to worry about plans because we didn’t get far enough for them to require changing, and also since Francesc will be required to appoint a new PM and thus a new council. Also, I will be heading to Vancouver on Friday and won’t be available until Sunday night, unless the hotel has free wifi, so I might not be able to respond to comments or questions. Yet again, the ruler dies at such an inconvenient time.))
 
Felipé was sitting in his office when a quick knock was heard on the door and a court messenger alsmost bursted in.
"I am sorry sir, but the Emperor... The Emperor have collapsed. He is in his chambers right know. We are not sure if he will survive."
Without a word, Felipé rose and made his way to the Emperors chambers as fast as his old legs could bare him.
When he arrived, the Emperors family was already there, aswell as a few influential members of the court.

The Emperors sister leaned in and they talked softly. Felipé did not hear much, but when Clara sitffened, he pussled the pieces together. The Emperor talked about his bastard children. Felipé glanced over the remaining crowd, no one seemed to hear what they just said.

Suddenly, the Emperor began to spoke with a strenght unbefitting for a man in his condition.

“I have been deceived, as have you all,” the Emperor said. "My children were taken from me, and those responsible forced me to change succession. I should have never allowed myself to be manipulated, for a monarch cannot allow himself to be controlled by another.”

Gasps filled the room. I was right. Felipé thought silently. They were talking about the Emperors bastard children.

“Clara should have been my heir.”
The Emperor said suddenly. Felipé looked back quickly. This was really unexpected. Felipé waited for the Emperors next words.
The Emperor spoke with his final strenght. “No, Clara is my heir.” Felipé saw as the Emperor finally laid himself to rest for the last time.

He gasped. As did everyone else in the room.
He examined the situation. The Emperor had gone over the succession law that was decided on a decade ago. These words could not be taken lightly, for it was still the Emperor who had spoken. He looked over at the... Well, he didn't know exactly who was the ruler now.

Everyone went silent and awaited the next course of action. Everyone was staring at Francesc and Clara, unsure of what would happen know.

It was the late Emperors other sister who would speek first.

“What are you waiting for? Arrest her.”
Felipés jawed dropped. “You would see your sister arrested?” Know it was Francesc who spoke.

“She’s a claimant to your throne,” Francesca said. “You cannot let her go.”

Felipé just stared in shock. Silence filled the room. Eventually Francesc spoke. “Have Empress Dowager Clara escorted to her quarters, where she shall remain under guard until transport can be arranged for her back to Constantinople. After she has attended her brother’s funeral, of course.”

The guards present hesitated for a moment, looking confused, but then began to gently guide the Empress Dowager out of the room.
Felipé watched her as she was escorted out of the room. She was understandably upset but held back the tears.

When the current ruler, he was not exacly sure who was the legal ruler right know, had spoken to the court, he placed the late Emperors decision based on guilt for not naming the Empress Dowager successor. Felipé knew this was not the case. For it was because of blackmail.

Felipé headed back to his office. There, the reality hit him. The late Emperor had named a new heir, fully legal by the law. But in the meantime, stepped over a law that was written into law a decade ago.
He was unsure of what would happen next. Worst case scenario, this could mean civil war. He hoped it would not come to that.
He quickly pulled out some books regarding royal law and got to work.
 
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As Petros was walking to the Throne Room, to deliver his update to the Emperor, as he was acting Prime Minister since the death of the Pope. However, as he reached the door, a small party burst through, carrying a man, the aged Emperor himself. Petros's face whitened and he demanded answers. After hearing them, he decided to put his business aside to attend the Emperor's last moments on Earth.

As he stood in the small room, quickly filling up, he took notice of the reactions the other occupants gave him. Some gave light smiles in greeting, friends he had made in his time here. Others narrowed their eyes and quickly looked away, people who didn't approve of the upstart Greek having the authority he did. Others gave him glares, those who hated him for one reason or another. But they were not the main concern, after all, something big was happening in Hispania. Another Death, and with it another opportunity.

He watched as Clara, a woman he knew very well from their time in Byzantium, spoke to her brother. He caught a few words but could make nothing of them. But he could guess their conversation. He did have access to his predecessor's documents. Pere's bastards were of great concern to Duke Montsegur in his final days. He listened to Pere give his last order, and then pass away. Petros bowed his head in respect. Humans were prone to error, and his attempts to fix a perceived mistake was admirable, but Petros feared it was too late to change things now. Still the Emperor's attempt needed to be respected, after all better to die with your head held high than live with your knees bent.

He saw the exchange between Francesca and his husband, the Crown Prince. He saw the actions of the guards in the room. The military supported Francesc over Clara. It was clear that the Dowager Empress already lost, but how much damage could she do before she was broken? But this little succession crisis was second to another matter. Francesca, sister to Clara, husband to Francesc. The one who unilaterally had her daughter made Basilissa without her husband's knowledge, according to family in Greece. The one to strike at blood due to a mere threat so soon after their brother's death. Francesc did not look the type to kidnap bastards to blackmail the Emperor, but Francesa did. And she had something to gain from the affair. The Empress had won.

Petros was one of the last to leave. He left without having said a word. He had ambitions to fulfill and dangers to minimize and now was the time to act. He wrote quickly and made a proposal for a law for all to see.

Clarification of Imperial Succession
The Court of Hispania recognizes Francesc de Trastámara as the rightful successor to Pere de Trastamara as Emperor. All claimants to the throne as hereby considered in the wrong and are to publicly renounce their claim to the Throne. The Emperor is allowed to take the steps required to ensure that this happens.
And now a letter to the Emperor himself.

To Francesc I, long may you reign,

Greetings Emperor. I, Petros Mandromenos swear to serve you with the best of my ability as diplomat and co-Chancellor. It has been a troubling year, for we have lost two of the great pillars of the State, the Pope and your predecessor. Many will call the ability for the Empire to function, but I am sure that you will be an effective ruler. But I feel the need to make an recommendation for the post of Prime Minister. Felipé de Alvaro is a good man with much experience in the Council. Being Steward, Treasurer, Diplomat, and Co-Chancellor, he is knowledgeable to guide the Empire through a difficult time.

Also, I would like to speak to you in person. Alone. It is a matter that I do not want to inform you in a way that can be intercepted or known to another. I cannot stress the need that this must be secret. I swear that I only want the best for you and the Empire.

Your servant,
Petros Mandromenos.
 
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José had settled down and was enjoying his life as best as he good. Sure, he was not as rich as he used to be but he was doing well enough for a man wanted in Europe's largest empire.
He was full of joy when he heard about the death of Emperor Pere V who he used to serve faithfully but Pere V had not protected him from the corrupt chancellor which he had sent to an early grave. This was justice and a sign from the Lord. José went praying in a Protestant chapel. He thanked the Lord for his justice and praised His name.
 
To Francesc I, long may you reign,

Greetings Emperor. I, Petros Mandromenos swear to serve you with the best of my ability as diplomat and co-Chancellor. It has been a troubling year, for we have lost two of the great pillars of the State, the Pope and your predecessor. Many will call the ability for the Empire to function, but I am sure that you will be an effective ruler. But I feel the need to make an recommendation for the post of Prime Minister. Felipé de Alvaro is a good man with much experience in the Council. Being Steward, Treasurer, Diplomat, and Co-Chancellor, he is knowledgeable to guide the Empire through a difficult time.

Also, I would like to speak to you in person. Alone. It is a matter that I do not want to inform you in a way that can be intercepted or known to another. I cannot stress the need that this must be secret. I swear that I only want the best for you and the Empire.

Your servant,
Petros Mandromenos.

JpsioAG.png

I have considered Felipé de Alvaro for prime minister, but I need some time to gather my thoughts and assess the court. It is an important appointment that should not be made hastily.

You have intrigued me with this request. I will meet with you then if you feel this secret matter requires my immediate attention.

- His Imperial Highness, Francesc I de Trastámara, Emperor of Hispania, Caesar of Rome, & Protector of the Greeks
 
Juan's age was getting to him, before it had merely been his eyes that were failing him, but now it seemed that his body was slowly shutting itself down. It was enough to bring the man to a wheezing stint, just getting out of bed. However, he still kept face, and blessed and uphold the good mass every Sunday. But he knew his time was closing in, and thus he dictated a great will, akin to that his processor had crafted, hopefully pleasing and upholding the stability of the realm, and his family.

Copies are issued to @Michaelangelo @Raboude
It is my wish that the portion of my wealth to the sum of 100 ducats be passed to my great nephew, Alejandro III de Soneta, may he use it well
To the remainder, I offer to the Donna de Maia, as recognition of her partnership to Jerome de Soneta, my Great Nephew
of The Bishopric of Barcelona, I return it to it's people, in the hopes they can find another to take my place
To the Papal title, in it's entirety, I leave in the hands of my brothers in God to elect a new pontiff
To my titles of state, be this the Prime Minister, I ask that the Ruler of Hispania may chose wisely, the Saint Pierres or the Montsegérs may seem wise, for they are well versed in the control of affairs, but I would recommend unto you to choose Felipé de Alvero, as my successor. He hosts a great array of positions already, so he should be prepared for the role most well.

New character time ((at long last many of you may say :p))

Name: Alejandro III Lorenzo Maria Phillipe Alfons de Soneta
Born: 7th June 1592
Class: Noble
Religion: Catholic
Bio: Born as the Second, and first to survive birth, son to Alejandro II de Soneta, he has had a interesting upbringing. His father was very much a strong follower of his uncle's disciple, being in favour of reform both eccesatical and state, he distilled this philosophy into his son. As per de Soneta tradition, he is well versed in a variety of fields of study, but he is intrigued by the ancient histories quite keenly, perhaps as a result of his recent visit to Rome, to meet his Great Uncle, the pope. He is happily married to the Lady Anne Catherine de Montseger, his 3rd cousin once removed, and they are hoping for their first child soon
 
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((@Mach Twelve : I very much doubt that my Chancellor would leave documents like these at the Chancellory - my current character found them in his secret depository in the Valencian residence. If you want to know about the bastards, you will have to gain that knowledge from someone who has it...))

As Chamberlain, Montségur attended the last moments of Emperor Pere, standing a bit in the background. During his dramatical announcement, most in the room gasped, not noticing him cursing under his breath. No - it was still not out. What his father had tried to prevent as much as he could would not happen. Not a succession crisis, after the law had been set. The law had to be confirmed by the court. If every word from a dying monarch was law, much would have gone wrong. The new Emperor was Francesc.

Back at his residence, Louis went over his long-prepared plans ever since the controversy of his acts had ended. The best way to gather some court intrigue, forge or observe bonds or rivalries, or simply to show one's skill, one's mastery in this art. His planned fencing tournament. He could hold it in honour of Emperor Pere and the ascension of Francesc. Time to make his announcement.

myKh8vJ.png

Court of Hispania,

We are in a time of transition. Emperor Pere, who wisely led the realm through the last decades, has sadly met his end. But the Emperor is dead, long live the Emperor! In honour of the deceased monarch and our new one, I will host a fencing tournament at my residence in Valencia. I of course accept the decisions of the court and separation of the classes, so there will be one for commoners and one for the nobility. Besides the glory, there will of course be awards for the victors.
Emperor Francesc has decided to support the tournament, and so the winner under the nobles will gain admission to the Order of the Light.
The victor of the common people will have proven his skill in arms. I will offer said victor tutelage, so that he might become a great general in the Emperor's services one day. For we have all decided that only skilled men should serve as generals.

I look forward to seeing many participants, and wish those who do good luck.
General Louis François de Montségur, Chamberlain of the Cortz, Duke of Trinacria and Viceroy of Cusco

___________________________________________________________________________________

((With the approval of @Michaelangelo , this will be our weekly event.
One tournament for nobles, one for commoners, so there is no class bonus in duels. First blood, of course. Rolls are 50-50 in base.

Each player can send three participants. Nobles and commoners if they can and want.

The character description should contain name, class, age and fencing experience/training.
Characters aged between thirty and fourty-five get a bonus of 10% to their chances, characters aged more than sixty a penalty that grows by five percent each five years.

If the character has fencing training, he gets a bonus depending on the given intensity.
-light +5%
-medium +15%
-intense +25%

Nothing prevents the players from making their participants all master duelists but their RP.

Generals get 10% bonus too.

Now with these victory chances defined, there is a 33/33/33 chance that it is an easy/normal/difficult victory for the winner. Potential for some court drama and humiliation.

Should someone have ill intentions and tries to kill his opponent, there would be a 10% chance of success based on his victory chance, a 10% chance of a grave wound and as much for a light one.

______________________________________________

I'll include my characters as examples:
- Louis François de Montségur, born 1590, intense fencing experience (master of the family tradition)
- Jean Gaston de Montségur, born 1575, little experience (basic training, mostly forgotten)
- Maximilien Philippe de Montségur, born 1611, medium experience (trained in tradition, but no experience)
All three are nobles.

Character registration is open until Saturday, 22h CEST. Have fun, and may the best win.:)))
 
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My friend,

Sadly, I am too old to participate, but I will attend the tournament as spectator. My two sons are eager to join the tournament and try to prove their worth.

Felipé de Alvaro, count of Sassari, Imperial Treasurer, Imperial Steward and Co-Chancellor
Lux Tenebris Vincet

((My characters:
Andrés de Alvaro, born 1610, intense fencing training (a passion of his)
Augustín de Alvaro, born 1611, medium fencing training (trains to become a general, as per family tradition)
Both are nobles.))
 
((Private))

Emperor Francesc I read over the formal invitation to this tournament hosted by Duke Louis François de Montségur. Of course he had given his blessing to the event already. It would distract the court from the more troubling aspects of succession, giving Francesc enough time to cement his power and avoid a crisis. Clara had at least been well-behaved. She had not tried to stir up any trouble and accepted her confinement to her quarters without complaint. He suspected that just like him, she did not want a conflict from this. He personally had nothing against the woman, but Pere's final words had forced him to act.

Focusing back on the tournament, Francesc consider who he should send to represent the royal family. His son, Ferran, should participate, for Francesc was far too busy to participate himself. Of course that first required forcing his son into doing something, for the man was a lazy sot. The emperor's cousin, also named Ferran and the current count of Salento, had expressed interest in participating, so he would make a fine addition to the ranks. The last one he considered was an odd choice. After word of the tournament had gone out, a strange elderly knight had requested an audience and begged to represent the emperor. The man had seemed positively ancient, but how could he turn down such a request. The man went by the name Don Chesús and would hopefully prove that skill and experience trumped age. He drafted up something to send to the tournament officials so they knew just who was participating on the emperor's behalf.

((Crown Prince Ferran de Trastámara, born 1600, light fencing training (he has been properly trained as befitting a royal, but he's incredibly lazy)
Ferran de Trastámara, Count of Salento, born 1576, medium fencing training (received typical noble training and is fairly skilled with a blade)
Don Chesús, born ? (rumoured 1477), intense fencing training (the man is a martial genius and master duellist, despite his age)
The first two are obviously royals/nobles, while the last can be considered a noble.

I couldn't help bringing back Don Chesús for another tournament. He might be the original Don Chesús, or he could just be another old knight using his name. Whatever the case, the legend lives on. :D))
 
(( My characters
Teofilo Volturno, born in 1597, medium fencing training (he was trained by his father, but not long enough to reach his level)
Emiliano, born in 1579, intense fencing training (he his a commoner, he was the second in command of Lorenzo Volturno, he has great experience)
myself, Erodio Volturno, light fencing training (not much of a fighter as I said in the bio, but he thinks it is a good way to introduce himself to the Hispanian court) ))

This fencing tournament is a great idea, I will take part in it myself. My younger brother Teofilo and a friend of my father will be there too.
 
((-Eduard Villanova, born 1580, relatively skilled in swords but has no military experience. All his experience is from defending against native incursions. Medium Training

-Javier Torto, born 1560, an old soldier who retired after an accident took one of his arms in battle. He has a nervous tick that makes his actions easily readable. His rank prior to discharge was caballero villain, or commoner knight. Intense Training

-Don Diego Fajardo de Mendoza y Guzmán, born 15??, Baron of Polop, a disgraced minor noble who is attempting to win the tournament to bring honor back to his name. (He is actually a real historical baron, but everything else is made up.) Medium Training

Edit: forgot to specify training.))
 
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((@alscon Well then its a good thing that I did not plan to use that fact in my meeting with the Emperor. But he did admit to an outside force forcing him to change the law, a force that kidnapped his children.))

Participating in the commoners duel:

Petros Mandromenos, born 1600, medium experience (stats are 2/6/6, the Mandromenos are from Mystras (which is close to Sparta) and train all their male children in the ways of the blade but Petros has no military experience)

@Michaelangelo

((Secret Meeting with the Emperor))

Petros stood silently in the room where he planned to speak to the Emperor. The walls of the room were thick and the door heavy and there were no windows, he had long verified that no sound could escape the room. Also, the room was in a distant corner in the Chancellory, at the end of a long hallway easily guarded by a single man. And he also had a man who would be that guard, whose loyalty he had already gained. The secrecy was absolute. While this room usually had fine furniture and could be stocked with good food and wine, Petros had it all removed. He wanted to convey the gravity of the situation.

My Emperor, glad you could make it.

As you know, your predecessor made it known that his decision to change the succession laws was due to manipulation from an outside source, one that took his children from him. This act is treason, there is no other way to describe it. But who did you, you may ask. Crimes of this magnitude are committed for two reasons, revenge and gain. I am not aware of any rivals Pere had, so I discard the first. This leaves gain, that the one who struck at the Emperor was doing so to get something. And I do not believe you were the one to do so, too obvious to everyone, especially after the law change favoring you. But, you were not the only one to gain from this. I apologize in advance, but the one I believe who appears to had the motive and the ruthlessness to do such a thing is your wife, the Empress herself. She did not grieve for her brother's death, this is telling when compared to her sister's agony over this tragedy. Also, my family in Greece informed me that she alone arranged the marriage between your daughter and the Basileus. Empress Francesca has proven that she has a willingness to act and a lack a compassion that I find distributing. Also, as the sister of the Emperor, she would know where her nephews or nieces location. I know that my claims are only circumstantial, but I fear that she was the one behind your ascension.

My Emperor, regardless of the methods, I see you as the rightful Emperor. But I must ask your permission to do something distasteful. I want to investigate the Empress, in secret, to find direct evidence linking her to the crime of treason against her brother. And I ask you to limit her power at court, power is only a means, and I fear to see what her end is. I am only looking out for the benefit of the Empire and I hope that you see things my way.
 
((Secret Meeting with the Emperor))

Petros stood silently in the room where he planned to speak to the Emperor. The walls of the room were thick and the door heavy and there were no windows, he had long verified that no sound could escape the room. Also, the room was in a distant corner in the Chancellory, at the end of a long hallway easily guarded by a single man. And he also had a man who would be that guard, whose loyalty he had already gained. The secrecy was absolute. While this room usually had fine furniture and could be stocked with good food and wine, Petros had it all removed. He wanted to convey the gravity of the situation.

My Emperor, glad you could make it.

As you know, your predecessor made it known that his decision to change the succession laws was due to manipulation from an outside source, one that took his children from him. This act is treason, there is no other way to describe it. But who did you, you may ask. Crimes of this magnitude are committed for two reasons, revenge and gain. I am not aware of any rivals Pere had, so I discard the first. This leaves gain, that the one who struck at the Emperor was doing so to get something. And I do not believe you were the one to do so, too obvious to everyone, especially after the law change favoring you. But, you were not the only one to gain from this. I apologize in advance, but the one I believe who appears to had the motive and the ruthlessness to do such a thing is your wife, the Empress herself. She did not grieve for her brother's death, this is telling when compared to her sister's agony over this tragedy. Also, my family in Greece informed me that she alone arranged the marriage between your daughter and the Basileus. Empress Francesca has proven that she has a willingness to act and a lack a compassion that I find distributing. Also, as the sister of the Emperor, she would know where her nephews or nieces location. I know that my claims are only circumstantial, but I fear that she was the one behind your ascension.

My Emperor, regardless of the methods, I see you as the rightful Emperor. But I must ask your permission to do something distasteful. I want to investigate the Empress, in secret, to find direct evidence linking her to the crime of treason against her brother. And I ask you to limit her power at court, power is only a means, and I fear to see what her end is. I am only looking out for the benefit of the Empire and I hope that you see things my way.

((Private - Mach Twelve))

Emperor Francesc listened carefully to every word the Greek said, trying his best to hide his emotions, a difficult task seeing as the man was practically accusing his wife of treason. He had known of the kidnapping of Pere's bastard children beforehand and had even looked into it briefly, but had found nothing. He found the Greek's logic both disturbing, and perhaps even worse, somewhat believable. Francesc had feared that many would suspect him, for who else better benefited from the change to succession than he? Yet he could not discount what he was hearing. With the changes to succession, his wife had gone from princess to empress. He had also not failed to notice his wife's behaviour over the years. She had always been a spirited woman and somewhat heartless at times, but to arrange such an important marriage without his approval had alarmed Francesc. He had been heir to the throne at the time, and thus his input should have been crucial. Despite all this, he did not think his wife capable of kidnapping, nor of blackmailing her brother. She may not have shown the appropriate level of emotions at her brother's death, but that did not make her suspect of treason. No, Francesc would have to tread carefully. He did not want to accuse his wife of treason, let alone let on that he suspected her of anything. But if these claims turned out to be true, Francesc would regret not pursuing them further.

After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Francesc said, "That is a serious accusation to make. Yet if others are thinking the same thing, that puts my own position in jeopardy. I cannot have people thinking that my wife committed treason. I will allow this investigation to proceed, if for no better reason than to dispel such rumours before they spread far and wide. Make certain she does not become aware of your presence, for surely her wrath will outmatch anything I could do to you."

((I'll try to think up something for the chance of finding evidence or not. I'm pretty sure I have a mechanic somewhere that fits this scenario. If you want, you may try to recruit others to aid the investigation to increase the chance of finding something. Francesca may also become aware of the investigation and take action. Unless you want this finished soon, I'll probably delay any outcome of the investigation until after I return from my trip.))
 
((private))
Almudena knew that King Pere and Clara were talking about the children. He wished he could tell everyone, but he didn't have the courage. But, was it even a good idea. Exposing the Truth could lead to instability. Besides, Frances was a competent ruler. But, Almudena still felt like the wicked were winning, and that the truth was the only thing that could stand up to them. But should it? Was the Truth worth the unrest and damage it would cause? Is safety and peace worth ignorance? Could it be that the blackmailers had a sinister plan which would further harm Hispania if they were not stopped now? So many questions, but no answers.

Hours of thought later

((
public))
Almudena announced he would enter the tournament. Though it brought back memories of his brother's death, he thought it would be symbolic that Almudena bore no grudge against King Pere.

((character for tournament
Almudena Hashem- Training INTENSE (as stated in bio)
Age: 62))
 
Hernando Francisco de Leon announces that he is entering the tournament. When asked for a reason why, he is reported to have said "You only live once" and something about "hashtags" and "swag." His grandson Marti will also enter the tournament.

((Characters:

Hernando Francisco de Leon: Intense fencing training, general, about seventy years of military experience and tactical training, age 88

Marti de Leon: Intense fencing training, age 21))
 
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((Here's hoping that Hashem doesn't win the commoner's tournament, or I'll have to tutor the second :p.

@Mach Twelve : Isn't Petros a noble? @DragonOfAtlantis : I still need the baron's age for the bonus/malus.

The tournament ranks are filling nicely :).))
 
Robert Johann Lübecker ((Liu Jiarui*)), after one last voyage to Cathay, has died somewhere in Hangzhou of natural causes.

((*刘佳睿,Adopted this Chinese name while in Cathay))
* * * * *

((Character time!
Name: Dietrich Vinzent Lübecker
B.o.D.: September 19, 1601
Religion: Catholic
Class: Courtier
Forget the bio already. :p ))
* * * * *
((
For the tournament:
My own character (intense training), 29.
His older brother, Hermann (medium training), 36.))
 
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