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Hanseatic Chronicles - An Interactive Campaign

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At the town hall of Lübeck

"Ugh! A letter from Haas. What do they want", shouted Xaver when he noticed a letter from Friedrich Haas lying on his desk. "A Haas in the military? He has to be joking! Have they forgotten that the late Gustav Haas tried to invade Mecklenburg without Hanseatic support?! They never apologised either!"

((To Friedrich Haas))
I have to inform you that Alfred Haas is not to be trained as captain of the Lübeckian city guard. I have not forgotten the hefty accusations from your father towards my family.

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck

((To Hendrik van Buren))
We have been looking to expand into the cloth business. My family has been mostly active in the salted-fish trade but we have some contacts at Steelyard. The English are in need of goods from the continent and we could come to an agreement. I suggest you come over to the town hall so we can negotiate a treaty. If all goes well then this could be the start to a long-lasting partnership.

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck
 
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((Add me to your economic system pls! Also loans are a dirty business during this time just be warned. Usery is a sin so we should be mindful that giving or taking loans would hold a stigma.)
 
Lexgrad said:
((Add me to your economic system pls! Also loans are a dirty business during this time just be warned. Usery is a sin so we should be mindful that giving or taking loans would hold a stigma.)
Click to expand...
(( I have removed the bank loan system, atleast for now, until the reformation has happened probably. Also, if you see the google doc, you have been added :)))
 
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((Thanks!))
 
((Joint IC Between Xaver von Warendorf and Giovanni Cadorna))

Cadorna wondered what kind of man the Statthalter was, hailing from Genoa, he had dealt with patricians and the like, but Lübeck was very far from Italy. As he approached town hall, wondered why the Statthalter was so interested in military expertise. He assumed it was for defensive purposes, and that suited Cadorna’s interests nicely. Cadorna was escorted to a medium-sized room where the Statthalter was awaiting him.



“Good afternoon, you must be Xaver von Warendorf, am I correct?”

Xaver stood up and walked over to the man. “Hello, yes I am Xaver von Warendorf. It is a pleasure to meet you. How come you are so fluent in the common tongue?” He shook his hand.


“In my many years in this profession, I have fought all over Europe, and in my time fighting alongside the Teutonic Knights, I have grown rather proficient in your language. It is nice to meet you, Mr. von Warendorf, I am Giovanni Cadorna”


“Let’s have a seat.” The two walked over to a fire place and sat down.

“Captain Cadorna, as you know, the city is looking for men with military expertise. Lübeck is a small but wealthy city and this wealth needs to be protected.”


“As I suspected, though I am unfamiliar the diplomatic situation of your city, who threatens Lübeck?”


“Lübeck is under constant threat of outsiders who are jealous of our success. For decades, the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin has caused us problems. Recently, Saxe-Lauenburg began harassing League merchants, especially from Hamburg and Lüneburg. This has negatively impacted our business here in Lübeck as well.” Xaver took a small break. “Do you want some refreshments?”


“Of course, I haven’t had much to drink since I arrived.”


Minutes later, two servants brought wine, water and a local fish stew. “I had this stew made earlier.”


“Excellent!” Cadorna reached for a glass and asked, “And what of the Danes and there toll? Surely they wouldn’t attack, but I have to wonder if you had any thought of changing that arrangement.”


“Of course, we don’t like the sound toll but the Hanseatic League cannot engage the Kalmar Union. We are not madmen, Captain Cadorna. Attacking the Danes would not go well.”


“Excellent, I just wanted to ensure you had no plans for a foolish campaign, I have had experiences with, ambitious, rulers.”


Xaver laughed. “Good. You seem to be a reasonable man. I feel we would get along well. Would you want to work as general here in Lübeck? This would be a long-term position.”


“I have already left company in the hands of my son and my sub-captains. I will gladly defend your city.”


“Then this is settled. Here in Lübeck we settle business with a good shake hands.” Xaver approved the captain.


Cadorna reached out to shaked the Statthalters hand once more

“I’d also like to mention that I can reach an agreement with my former company, and cut you a deal should you be in need of men.”


“That is good to know. Should the time come and the trade conflict with Saxe-Lauenburg escalate then I will consider your offer. I suggest you meet the men and inspect the garrison.”


“I shall, once I have had a chance to rest. As I mentioned in my letter, a personal regiment of mine is making it’s way here, expect them to arrive late October. They are experienced men and will be able to help train your garrison.”


“Very well. I see you soon and except reports on how the army is progressing every now and then.” A servant entered the room to escort Cadorna out of the town hall.


“Goodbye for now, Mr. von Warendorf, you will receive my first report in a few days on the current state of your army”

Cadorna finishes off his wine and leaves the room with the servant.


((Stat focus for Giovvani: Shock))
 
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((Letter to Giovanni Cadorna))

Greetings my friend! While I am not all that used to a Cadorna that is not fighting for good coin, such as I, but still, I feel that a working relationship could be upheld between us. I have an offer for you, an offer that would do well for you. I have a man, a good man, perhaps to be your companion in war. A man known as Stefano Sforza, a name whose is known as a strong and great warrior by any measure. My trusted companion from all my years selling my sword. He would do well to be with you, and thus I offer him to you. I offer you two of my banners, cavalrymen, to serve in your army. I know most of my men, while here, will not be of used while others used our services. I'd rather them be used in something, to train and fight and to be of use.

The Black Knight
 
Lexgrad said:
((Also loans are a dirty business during this time just be warned. Usery is a sin so we should be mindful that giving or taking loans would hold a stigma.)
Click to expand...

((Thats what the Jews are for, I can provided loans))
 
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LadyAlyssa said:
((ECONOMIC POINT SYSTEM
Note: This is a system we are testing out, it will be in affect for two chapters, if it works, we will keep using it, if not, then the system will be abolished and removed.

ECONOMIC POINTS

Each player has a wealth rating dependent on their jobs, for example, if they work in the advisory council for the current Statthalter, this will give them a higher rating than for say, being a small merchant or craftsman. This allows them to then have a certain amount of economic points per turn, each event that requires money in the game will be took from the characters economic points (EP).
Each patrician family in the game has a minimum of two bribes they can give, these bribes can be used to make a character vote for them in an election, if accepted, the money comes from the Patricians Heads EP pool. bribes can be increased with the individual wealth of the head of the Patrician family.
Bribes can also be done by non-patricians, with a cap of two, the money given in the bribe has to be from the characters EP pool and cannot go over.
Economic points can be gained by taking loans from the government, or private bank, at a rate of interest, this will increase your economic points by a certain amount for a turn, but lower your gain the next.
Wealth Ratings

Peasants are the poor people working the land, usually on farms, usually under the much richer noblemen/lord mayors.
  • 0,5EP/chapter
Burghers are the people of the city, working in guilds, the smiths, weavers, dyers, seafarers and small merchants of the nation.
  • 2EP/chapter
Employees of Patricians are those who work directly under a patrician family, as either a captain of the ship, a general in their army, as well as merchants working for the patricians
  • 2EP/chapter
Unlanded Noblemen are those who come from a noble background, but do not have any land in their name.
  • 2.5EP/Chapter
Envoys are those working under the Statthalter and their family, but not directly advising them. This includes colonists, merchants, generals, admirals, conquistador and explorers.
  • 3EP/Chapter
Landed Noblemen/Lord Mayors are the large landowners of the republic, often having hundreds of peasants working on their land. This class also includes the clergy and missionary.
  • 3,5EPChapter
The Big Merchants are some of the richest in the republic, they are the engines and juggernauts of our economy. To become a big merchant you must have a minimum of 30 EP saved up, aswell as always having 30EP on you at all times, in addition, you must have more EP than any of the existing big merchants, with the lowest one being downgraded to a small merchant. There will be a maximum of three big merchants.
This class also includes those working directly under the Statthalter, such a their advisory council.
  • 5EP/Chapter
Patricians are the richest of the rich, the elite of the republic, our very leaders. Their wealth is immense, their political power extreme and even though there are many rabbits in Lübeck, Patricians are very rare.
  • 7,5EP/Chapter
EP will be tracked by@LadyAlyssa
Direct any queries or questions to her.
Click to expand...
((This system sounds interresting and i would gladly join:)))
Heinrich worked hard for his income. He heared informations, from all over the known world, sorted them and used them later to earn more money.
His best sold trade goods were cloth from London and grainfrom southern Italy. But he knowed that he couldn't resit the big Merchant Companys on his own. So he must find a rich and influencal man who Heinrich could work for (Sorry for my english, i am from Germany:p))
 
Rays of morning sun fell through the window of the grand Lübecker house, right onto Ivar's desk and the paper upon it. Ivar's feather dipped in the ink as he scribbled German words across the sheet. It was the most ambitious request he'd ever made. Yet it was a right one. His sons, his sons sons and their sons after them would benefit from this letter, if agreed upon, of course.

His hands were sore when he finally finished the letter to the Statthalter. He lay his quill on the desk and took the letter in two hands. He read it through to check for mistakes.

God dag, Herr Xaver.

I am unsure wether you have ever heard of me, as I'm not one of the more prominent families in our city. Yet if you've ever had a Herring, you can bet a hundred ducats that it's one of mine. I have written you with a request: I would like to be appointed as Merchant of Lübeck. I feel as though I am the best fit for a position in the Baltic Sea. My families connections stretch from Bergenshus to Riga, not to speak of my knowledge of both Danish and Swedish. My Herring Company has already led me to establish contacts in Stockholm and Visby. I hope you see the worth of an old Nore like me.

Yours truly,
Ivar Lovdal




 
((And speaking of Jews.... as discussed yesterday))
ferdinand-bol-painting-300px.jpg


Name: Isaac Solomon Dreyfus
Birth-Date: 19th of Av, 5174 (14. 08.1414)
Religion: Judaism
Biography:
Isaac comes from a family of tailors originating from Hamburg. His father, also called Isaac owned a medium sized business near the outskirts of the city and was a respected member of the Jewish community, but wanted more for his son and as such managed to enroll him into the University of Heidelberg to study jurisprudence.

In Heidelberg Isaac began to flourish, seemingly forgetting much of his background (even if those near him never did), embracing the rising humanist values espoused by the likes of Rudolph Agricola, Conrad Celtes, Jakob Wimpfeling, and Johann Reuchlin. Gaining a deep understanding of the 'Great Game' on the grand European stage, Isaac soon was presented with his qualifications as a diplomat and upon graduation returned to Hamburg where he looked for work, but not finding any turned his gaze to the jewel of the Baltic, and making the brief trip to Lübeck, hoping to find employment within the merchant State.
 
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Dearest Statthalter,
My name is Shmuel ben Mendel, one of our fair republic's many Jewish subjects. I have heard that the city is in need of a merchent to coordinate trade activities and I belive that I will be well sutied for such a job- not olny do I have plenty of experiance from my own personal ventures but I have also made plenty of contacts in the Jewish communities across the world meaning that I will effective art my task anywhere i am needed.
Your's Truely
Shmuel ben Mendel
 
((To Ivar Lovdal))
Mr. Lovdal,
Of course I have heard of you and your merchant heritage. The Hanseatic League's influence in the Baltic Sea has diminished over the decades, despite a strong presence in Riga. The Kalmar Union has made life difficult for us there so I am welcome your courage to go out there and represent the League's interests. With this letter, I grant you the title Hanseatic Merchant. I will see to it that you can work from Riga which is the League's most notable enclave in the Baltic.

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck

((Ivar will be deployed in the Baltic Sea as a merchant during the next update.))


((To Shmuel ben Mendel))
Mr. ben Mendel,
It is good to hear from the Jewish community. As I have promised during my election, I protect your religious group so do not hear persecution for as long as you obey to the laws.
The Hanseatic League would indeed need a capable merchant to coordinate its business in the Rhineland, especially in the Archbishopric of Mainz and the Free City of Frankfurt. Beware of the risks of working in Mainz. You might face religious persecution there. Not everybody city is as tolerant as ours. But should you still want the position then it is yours.
Alternatively, I could offer you employment through my family's connections. We have good connections to Steelyard, the Hanseatic kontor in London, and trade there regularly. Currently we are looking for experienced traders who'd be willing to buy cloth at favorable rates at Steelyard and then sell them in the League's cities, in particular in Bremen and Lübeck where demand for textiles is high.
No matter which offer you accept, I look forward to hear from you.

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck

((Basically if you become a Hanseatic merchant as a Jew in the Rhineland then you would run the risk of being persecuted. Mainz is an Archbishopric and would not welcome Jews.))

After Xaver completed his work, he played some chess with his nephew Torsten who was awaiting for him at their mansion. Xaver wasn't too good at the game and consequently lost but it was the company that mattered. A glass or two of Rhenish whine later and the defeat was already forgotten. The two chatted all evening long and were eventually joined by Xaver's brother Albrecht who had returned late in the evening from a business trip. Ever since Xaver had been elected Statthalter, Albrecht became responsible of maintaining the family's finances.
 
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Greetings Honoured Statthalter,
I am freshly arrived from the way of Heidelberg via Hamburg and am in search of employment in the area of jurisprudence. I'd been led to believe that the City of Lübeck was in need of well educated diplomats. As such, I.. a man of wealth and taste would like to present my qualifications and offer mine services to you and yon household so as to better establish myself in this jewel of the Baltic.

I await your response with breathless anticipation.

Yours truly,
Isaac Solomon Dreyfus
 
Friedrich was sitting in his office. He had received a letter from the Statthalter. It was a reply to the request Friedrich made earlier. And it was not the best possible reply.
Friedrich got up, and walked of the office. He asked one of his servants where his cousin Alfred was. After hearing that he was in his office, doing work, Friedrich went there. He knocked on the door and waited for Alfred to let him in. After a while Alfred opened the door. He was smiling, clearly waiting to hear if the Statthalter had replied to the letter.


Friedrich started the conversation "I got a reply from the Statthalter." Friedrich was quiet for couple of seconds "And it seems that Xaver von Warendorf doesn't want a member of Haas family in the military."

Alfred's smile disappeared "Why so? Doesn't he like us?"

Friedrich continued "He is angry of our family because of my father. He made some accusations of the von Warendorf family." Friedrich took a little pause "Our families have had feud back in his days... And seems like Xaver has not forgot it. I don't really understand why we need to think about the past. We are a new generation, we should get along with."

Alfred sat down on his chair "So, I don't get in the military? That's a shame..."

Friedrich made little smile "Well, I have one idea you might like. I heard that a mercenary band of more than 5000 men has arrived in Lübeck. They have a camp outside the city walls." Alfred was listening very carefully "They can train any person, who has the money, to a great warrior."

Alfred knew what Friedrich was going to say "So you suggest that I join them? As a normal soldier in their lines?"

Friedrich laughed "Not really. I am sure you could become something bigger there. You are a member of a Patrician family, I'm sure you will get better job than a normal line soldier. Maybe if you take one of our horses with you, you could become one of their cavalrymen. And if you prove them that you are a good fighter and a leader, you might raise in the ranks."

Alfred thought about it for a while "That sounds good. You can write a letter to the leader?"

Friedrich smiled "Of course. Actually I thought I could invite him here. I hope we get along well. He could be a good friend to have. I have some work for couple of soldiers, and maybe he could provide me those." Friedrich went back the door "I will also write a letter to Xaver and apologize for my father's words." and he left the room.


Good Statthalter

I'm very sorry for my father's accusations. I really hope our great families could work together, and forget the past. I also wanted to send you this gift, a beautiful painting from my personal art collection, as an apology.

Yours Truly
Friedrich Haas

Good Sebastian Hamilton

I'm not sure if you have heard of me, or my family, but I am Friedrich Haas, the head of one of the Lübeckian Patrician families.

I wanted to invite you to my mansion. I have couple of things to talk about.

I hope we will see soon
Friedrich Haas
 
((To Isaac Solomon Dreyfus))
Mr. Dreyfus,
The city's diplomatic corps is currently accepting new members. I suggest you head over to their headquarters where you are to be evaluated.
Best of luck,
~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck
((You can make an IC about being accepted into the diplomatic corps if you want. Either way you'll be added as in-game diplomat and sent on missions :) ))

((To Friedrich Haas))
Thank you for the painting but it does not repair what your father has broken and therefore I cannot accept it. It will be returned to you with the courier who delivers you this very letter.

~ ~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck
 
Great Statthalter,
I thank you for this opportunity to meet with you, and I gladly accept your invitation for Wednesday.
I will see you there.
Yours truly, Heinrich Lustenburg
 
((Hello guys!
I have a short announcement to make.Chapter 1 is about 2 years long in-game. The chapter needs only minor refining and then it is done. Release is planned for tonight (CEST) or tomorrow afternoon. It can be postponed if you guys want more time for character development and/or for discussing the events of the prologue.
It would be cool if you can give me feedback if you need more time for character development either by posting here in the forum or by messaging me on IRC. Thanks!))
 
Sebastian looked down at his desk, a couple of old Greek tomes, some other books in other languages, and a letter. Strange. It wasn't there when he first left. A messenge must have dropped it here during the usual grueling training. He noticed a strange seal, he opened it. A Haas... He smiled, hopefully they would get him rich beyond belief.

I have heard of your family, and I shall visit you.

The Black Knight

He stood up, and stared at his sword. It had a strange pattern, coming from its Eastern origin. He grabbed it, noting how light it was, and began walking towards Othello's tent. He would know, after all he was from the East.
 
Duke Dan "the Man" said:
((Letter to Giovanni Cadorna))

Greetings my friend! While I am not all that used to a Cadorna that is not fighting for good coin, such as I, but still, I feel that a working relationship could be upheld between us. I have an offer for you, an offer that would do well for you. I have a man, a good man, perhaps to be your companion in war. A man known as Stefano Sforza, a name whose is known as a strong and great warrior by any measure. My trusted companion from all my years selling my sword. He would do well to be with you, and thus I offer him to you. I offer you two of my banners, cavalrymen, to serve in your army. I know most of my men, while here, will not be of used while others used our services. I'd rather them be used in something, to train and fight and to be of use.

The Black Knight
Click to expand...

Greetings to you as well! I do remember both you and Stefano, we fought at Varna together. Though I don't think we had much chance to talk. I'd be glad to have your companion, should you be willing to part with him, but offer your banners to the Statthalter instead of me. Perhaps we wil have the chance to fight together before I grow infirm.
Giovanni Cadorna
 
Friedrich was relaxing in his garden. He had a glass of wine with him. He was looking at the horizon, thinking about the future. When he just had finished his drink, he heard steps coming towards him. He stood up and turned around. It was his son, Markus. He was just 8-year-old, but already a well-behaved boy. He had a letter for Friedrich. Actually two.


Markus started the conversation "Father, you have gotten two letters." He gave the letters to his father.

"Thank you Markus." Friedrich replied and quickly took a look who have sent the letters "Tell me, what have you been doing today? I have not seen you since the morning."

Markus thought couple of seconds what to say "I have been playing with my new friend..."

Friedrich got curious "Oh, that's nice. May I ask who he or she is?" He gave a little smile to his son.

"She is Amanda. A daughter of a local smith..."

"Oh..." Friedrich was little surprised, but he was also happy that his son can get along with almost anybody "That's nice. You can go now, I will read these letters." Markus quickly turned around and left.


Friedrich sat down to his chair. He loved its place. It was next to the pond, and it had great view. Friedrich looked at the two letters. First one was from Xaver von Warendorf, and the second one was from 'The Black Knight'. That must be Sebastian Hamilton.

Friedrich opened Xaver's letter first. He quickly read it and was surprised. Xaver didn't want to forget the past, not at all. He even sent the painting back to Friedrich. He was a stubborn person. Friedrich had already forgot the feud the two families had, but Xaver has not done the same...

After little thinking Friedrich opened the letter from 'The Black Knight'. The letter was rather short, "I have heard of your family, and I shall visit you". Well, at least the most important was written. Friedrich started thinking about Sebastian's nickname, 'The Black Knight'. It sounded like a character from a book. Character with big magnificent black armor, who rode to the sunset after saving a princess...

Friedrich thought that it was not necessary to reply to either of them. Instead he wrote a message to all Lübeckian merchants. He needed new merchants to work for him, as his family's trading 'Empire' has grown a lot in the last few years.

Message from Friedrich Haas to every merchant of Lübeck said:
I, Friedrich Haas, am looking for hard-working merchants who don't want, or can't, work alone. If you are interested in working for my family, please, write a letter to me, or just come visit me in my mansion. You are always welcome.

Friedrich Haas
Head of the Haas Family
Click to expand...
 
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