Hanseatic Chronicles - An Interactive Campaign

[ThePatriotOfDreumel]

Hendrik walked towards the Town Hall. He tried to enter the building but was stopped by a guard.

Guard: “Who are you and what is your business here?”

Hendrik: “Hendrik van Buren, and I…”

The guard interrupts Hendrik

Guard: “And your business is?’

Hendrik: “I am here for a meeting with the Statthalter”

Guard: “Do you have any weapons?”

Hendrik hands over a small knife.

Hendrik: “All I got.”

Guard: “I’ll ask the Statthalter about the appointment.”

The guards walks inside and comes back a couple of minutes later.

Guard: “Everything seems in order. Come inside. I’ll take you to the Statthalter soon.”

The statthalter let Hendrik wait for an hour and a half before he received him. He certainly was a busy man whose time was precious. Because of the hour, it was noon, Xaver and Hendrik met in a dining area inside the town hall.

Xaver: “Good day, Mr. van Buren. I am happy to see that you made it here in one piece. I hope you brought some hunger to the table. Please, help yourself.”

Hendrik wasn’t that hungry, he took only a little bit of food.

Hendrik: “Good day, Sir von Warendorf. Thank you for welcoming me with this great meal. How is Lübeck doing?”

Xaver took a bite of the grilled rabbit before he responded. “Lübeck is as prosperous as ever before. Prosperity also has its shadow-sides but you surely know that. Let’s come to our business agreement. What exactly did you have in mind?” Xaver ate more of the rabbit. It tasted delicious.

Hendrik: “I was thinking of gaining the support needed to really make use of my opportunities in the trade. My profits are steady, but I am lacking the necessary ships to make use of everything that I could trade. I was thinking of being able to use some of your ships in exchange for me giving some of my profits to your house.”

Xaver was surprised. He expected to make business with Hendrik with goods from Steelyard as was agreed in the letter but it seemed the drunkard had forgotten all about it. He played along - for now. “So you want some of my ships? Alright. Why would these ships be more profitable under your command?”

Hendrik: “Flemish Textile is worth a lot, and I can get it at a good price. It is plentiful. I make good profit on my trade, but ships, with crews and protection, are expensive to buy and maintain. I have slowly been growing my trade, but I could achieve much more with a larger fleet.”

He smiled at Hendrik. Then looked at the rabbit and then at Hendrik again. This continued for like 30 seconds and was quite odd. “How many ships are we talking about?” He was more focused on the rabbit now then on Hendrik.

Hendrik: “I was thinking about 3 or 4 ships. I currently got 2 under my command.”

Xaver was now listening to the Dutchman again. “If I were to give you 4 ships then that would increase your fleet by 200%. How large is my cut of the profits?”

Hendrik: “I was thinking about 60%, although I am willing to negotiate your share.”

Xaver: “Given that my ships would make up two thirds of the fleet, I ask for two thirds of the profits. Furthermore, if any of my ship sink you have to reimburse me. What do you say?”

Hendrik: “I am willing to give two thirds of the profit.” Hendrik took a bite of his meal. “But that about pirates? I have heard that a captain was recently attacked by pirates around these parts. Are the ships well protected?”

Xaver: “Tragic that pirate attack near the shores of Denmark. My vessels are armed but they are no warships. Otherwise they would not be useful for transporting large quantites of cargo.”

Hendrik took another bite of his meal.

Hendrik: “I then trust that your ships are as well armed as mine, maybe even better armed. I think we got a deal?”

“We do. However, my ships are currently all on missions. It can take a few months before you can have the four vessels. Let us shake on it before signing the documents.”

The two shook hands and signed a treaty.

((Thank you @delpiero1234 for making this joint-IC with me!))

 

[Rapop101]

"You mean to tell me that an entire mercenary force of seven thousand men, have set up camp right out the city." Exclaimed Albrecht to the Guard who and just delivered him the news.

"Yes sir, there leader who calls himself as the Black knight even went to the Statthalter, that's where I saw him. Its heard that they came from the disastrous last crusade and fought in battle against the Turks. Meaning they cant be to bad." Replied the Guard.

Albrecht knew this, but had also heard of the disastrous things Crusaders had done. The only reason that this last crusade had to happen was because of the fourth crusade, where the crusaders forgot about their purpose and attacked and conquered Constantinople. Forever harming the Byzantine empire, that allowed the Ottoman empire to rise. "Even so I wish for there to always be a patrol, make sure that the Mercenaries don't do anything that may harm the people of Lubeck. Also I want an inspection of the Guards to make sure that everyone is prepared, in case of a scuffle." Albrecht gave his orders and the man saluted by raising the visor on his helmet and walked out.

This left Albrecht to think, Xaver was looking for a general for the army. Due to him being the captain of the guards, Albrecht was obviously the most skilled out of all of the participants. Unless one of the mercenaries went for the roll and beat Albrecht to ask for it, to stop this Albrecht would make haste in writing the letter.

Spoiler: Letter to Statthalter Von Warendorf

To Statthalter Xaver Von Warendorf

This letter has been written to you, to ask you about the position for General of the army of Lubeck. I believe that I would be the best person for the job.
My loyalty is indisputable and I would likely die for this country if needed to be. Plus I have had years of command as captain of the guards and thus would know how to command the troops in a battler. Finally I can also hold my own in a fight and be able to win, for these reasons I believe that I would be the best person for the role as general, though if you have already given the job to someone, I will stand down from the role.

Also I have written the letter to ask what is your opinion of the seven thousand mercenary company that has set up camp outside of the city walls and what your personal feelings of the matter should be. Mine would be to have close surveillance on them and be ready to remove them by force at any time, if needed.

I will be awaiting your response, though due to you being a busy man. I will be fine by waiting.

From Albrecht Holzmann, Captain of the Guards of Lubeck

 

[GhostKiller01]

Johann von Graswelder was overlooking the accounts, checking in the imports of fur from Novgorod and seeing their distribution going in line with his predictions. One of the servants knocked on the door and brought him a letter. It bore the seal of House Haas, but was adressed to common merchants. One of his merchants must have gotten one, and passed it on to his men. As he read it, he felt disgust. Friedrich Haas was trying to gather up merchants under him, and had sent letters to set up a cartel under him even to merchants that worked for him. He picked up his quill and wrote a quick, but well made letter

Spoiler: To Friedrich Haas, Patrician

Patrician of House Haas,

One of my men has brought to my attention that you have attempted to increase your influence into my own sphere of merchants. While I hope this was meerly a mistake, I suggest you do not attempt to control the clothiers, tailors, and tanners within the city and neighbouring settlements, and the "Schraeger", "Cornucoptia", and "Natilius" trading companies as they are part of my House's sphere. Should you attempt to do so, I will drive your businesses bankrupt in those sectors with swift efficiency. Naturally, as long as you stay out of my way, I will stay out of yours. I hope that this disagreement will not be pursued.

From the Patrician of House von Graswelder,
Johann von Graswelder.

 

[Rabbit Burgher]

((Joint IC between myself and @delpiero1234 ))

Klaus’s platoon of knights arrived at gates of Lubeck and halted ten yards away, allowing Klaus and two of his men to stride up to the gate.

“Hail! I am Klaus von Mainz, a landkomtur of the Teutonic order. I request entry and an audience with Statthalter Xaver Warendorf,” Klaus declared to the guards at the gate.

“Very well. You may enter the city. Statthalter von Warendorf is at the town hall in the city center. Go there to see him”, replied the gate guard.

Once permitted into the city, the platoon proceeded through the city until they arrived at the town hall. After repeating the procedure at the gate when requesting entry with the guards of the town hall, Klaus and two of his officers were permitted to wait inside for an audience with Xaver. After an hour , they were finally allowed an audience with the Statthalter.

Klaus’s two officers waited outside whilst he marched into the hall, bowing slightly before the Statthalter of the republic. “Greetings, Statthalter von Warendorf, I am Landkomtur Klaus von Mainz of the Teutonic Order”.

Xaver stood up from his comfortable chair as the man walked in. “I welcome you to the city of Lübeck. You are with the Teutonic Order? What brings you to our flourishing town?” Xaver showed the Teuton to a chair and the two set down.

“After the Crusade of Varna, the order lost many men and we learnt that our former numbers were evidently insufficient to contribute enough men to make a major difference. My mission is to set up a new chapter in a rich and prosperous city, such as Lübeck, so that the order can recover and exceed its former membership”.

“A tragic story, this crusade. Lübeck is not affiliated with the Teutonic Order. People from various religious backgrounds conduct their business here. I fear your presence would endanger our prosperity should you convert or persecute them.” Xaver reached for some water which he chose over wine as his head had to stay clear.

“Whilst we do not allow heathens and heretics within the borders of our controlled territory, I believe that we could show the restraint of peaceful attempts at conversion of non-Catholics in the city. Although Lübeck is currently not affiliated with the Teutonic Order, the republic did help in settling the city of Elbing in Prussia so we have at least some ties. Also, we have balleis in other parts of the empire that have no political ties to the order but allow us to recruit there,” Klaus decided to follow the example of his host in water over wine, both for the reason of not placing himself above his host and of avoiding alcohol outside of religious ceremonies.

“If the Teutonic Order was to establish its own community within the walls of Lübeck then those not believing in our Lord and Saviour would eventually be persecuted. However, what I can offer you is a plot of land outside the city walls where you may build a few houses for your community, under the condition that you don’t convert the non-believers for the sake of our prosperity.”

“I see, I understand your reasons for preferring that we establish ourselves outside the walls, of course. On the matter of conversion, if we refrain from doing it ourselves but instead fund churches who attempt conversion, would this be an acceptable compromise? After all, the heret- those who do not believe in our Lord and Saviour would not fear unarmed priests”.

“I don’t want to see missionaries using violence. Peaceful attempts to bring them on the right path are of course welcome.”

“Thank you, Statthalter. The last matter that I would inquire, may we have your consent to recruit from the population of Lübeck?”

“Lübeck is currently endangered by jealous rivals. In particular the Duchies of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Saxe-Lauenburg are causing us problems. This is why the city guard is currently being expanded. Lübeck cannot spare recruits for the time being. After the situation with Saxe-Lauenburg has been settled you may do so though but only in limited numbers.”

“I understand your reasons for not allowing us to recruit soldiers immediately. I would wonder, however, does the same apply for recruiting non-combatants such as clergymen? Those that we would recruit would most likely not be viable recruits for the military so it would not undermine the efforts of the city guard to expand. And such an expansion would help the poor of the city get onto a more financially stable and productive ground when they are helped by the charity we provide”.

Xaver did not like the idea of the Teutons recruiting in Lübeck so he was in his thoughts before replying. “You can recruit non-combatants but on Sundays only. You may only recruit them if this does not interfere with the well-being of the city. Is that understood?”

“Understood.” Klaus responded with only a slight hint of annoyance in his tone. The Statthalter would evidently not allow the order to flourish under his rule in Lübeck’s current state but expansion might come in the near future, or he could simply wait until a new Statthalter was elected. The elections of the republic could prove to be useful after all.

“So do you want the plot of land outside the walls? It is fertile and suitable for your chapter, I believe. You could inspect it first before you make a decision.”

“I trust your word, Statthalter von Warendorf. I am most grateful for your generosity and I am certain that the land will be perfectly useful for the order.” Klaus thought that it would be best to at least keep the Statthalter in a favourable disposition to the order instead of offending or annoying him further.

“Then it is settled. A formal treaty shall be signed in the next days. Then you can begin with the construction of your enclave. May God bless you.”

Spoiler: Treaty between the Hanseatic City of Lübeck and the Teutonic Order

Treaty between the Hanseatic City of Lübeck and the Teutonic Order

1. The Teutonic Order is granted land to build an enclave outside the city walls of Lübeck.
   
   
2. The Teutonic Order may recruit non-combatants but only on Sundays.
   
   
3. The treaty becomes invalid should there be any sort of violent conversion attempts or if the Order recruits on days which are not Sundays.
   
   
4. The Teutonic Order may recruit combatants in limited numbers after the threats of Saxe-Lauenburg and Mecklenburg have been dealt with.

Signed with his own hand by Xaver von Warendorf

Signed with his own hand by Klaus von Mainz

 

[LadyAlyssa]

((IC between me and @delpiero1234))
Wednesday afternoon came and the sun, and the city looked gorgeous, Heinrich made his way to Xaver von Warendorfs manor, to discuss a possible job. Heinrich was excited, and ambitious, as well as eager to make a good impression.
He arrived at the door where two guards stood, eyeing Heinrich up.

‘Excuse me gentlemen’ Heinrich uttered ‘I’m here to see Xaver von Warendorf’

They looked at him up and down and gave him a stare, quickly he took out the letter Xaver had sent him previously and showed it to the gentlemen in front of him. They looked at eachother and nodded.
The guard examined the letter careful. “Come inside. He is expecting you in the garden.”

Heinrich nodded and thanked the gentlemen, and made his way inside, inserting the letter back into his pocket, before scanning the foyer for the garden, once noticed, he walked towards it, adjusting his shirt and running his hand through his hair. He entered the garden and looked around, it seemed so surreal, the colours were intense and the entire place was like a dream.
He saw the Patrician standing, admiring the garden as well

‘Statthalter von Warendorf,’ Heinrich started ‘It is a pleasure to meet you.’

“The pleasure is all mine. Let’s sit on this bench over here so we can discuss your possible employment. Water and wine will be brought in a minute.”

Heinrich nodded, and followed Xaver to the bench, sitting on it and taking off his hat ‘This is a beautiful garden you have, do you tend to it yourself?’

Xaver laughed. “Oh, no. I don’t have the time for such work. But thank you. How did you escape the pirate raid? You were presumed dead, I believe.”

Heinrich smirked, then looked down in dismay ‘According to the Kaiser, I am dead, as is my crew, the latter is true.’ He looked up slightly, with sorrow on his face ‘Pirates boarded and ransacked the ship, executing my crew in the progress. They then threw me overboard, hoping I’d die at sea. Luckily, for me, a merchant ship was sailing past and they picked me up and brought me back here.’ He then smiled ‘I want to stay in this city, it is gorgeous in so many ways, and I love it.’

“Lübeck is indeed prosperous . What kind of work do you want to do for my family? Tend the gardens?” Xaver took some refreshments as he was quite thirsty. He chose wine after drinking some water first.

Heinrich chuckled softly, before taking a glass of water, he would rather not get drunk in front of his possible employer, ‘Gardening is not my forte, but maintaining a ship is, I would like to be a captain for one of your trade vessels, it’s been a while and I miss it.’

“Yes, yes. A captain.. My ships are all on a mission at the moment but once they return you can work on one of the ships which I am providing the merchant van Buren. We have a joint-venture for a cloth-trade. If you work well then I could give you a permanent position. What do you say?”

Heinrich nodded, this did seem fair to him ‘I agree, that sounds ideal, I thank you for this opportunity.’

“Then it is settled. The ships should return in about six to eight weeks. Until then you can work in the warehouse.”

Heinrich nodded, yet again ‘If that’s all there is to do, then I will, thank you again.’

Xaver escorted his guest out of his mansion after everything was settled.

 

[Olligarchy]

Standing before the Foreign Office of Lübeck, Isaac takes a moment to wipe the sweat from his face with a handkerchief. He was not truly perspiring from the heat, but from a lack of nerves. All his studies and work had led him to this point in time, and for once he had a decent chance of making something of his education. The Statthalter had in his generosity chosen to ignore the clearly Jewish name in his letter, and bid him to make his case at this foreign office which upon closer look appeared somewhat... empty.

Opening the oaken double doors and entering the chamber, Isaac found them empty indeed, with, but a single balding bone thin clerk manning a pulpit near the entrance, his penetrating grey eyes finding Isaac's with a speed that hastened to the unnatural. There was a look about the man that reminded Isaac of his years in Heidelberg, and the wise if callous eyes of many of his teachers.

"And who's you then?" The man questioned, never ceasing to scribble with his quill on some parchment.
"Isaac." Isaac responded, trying to hide his nerves,"Isaac Solomon Dreyfus. I was sent here by the Statthalter for an interview for a diplomatic posting."
"Well, find a desk and get to reading." The man notes, much to Isaac's surprise,"Ain't none of those communications nor tasks going to be getting done with you gaping at me there."
"What about... the interview?" Isaac stares at the man, a part of him still not quite comprehending the situation.
"You just passed it. Now get to work and be good at it and you might even make some coin and not lose yer head."

Later in the evening as he looked around the small townhouse he'd purchased with the leftovers of his inheritance, Isaac took a deep breath and a sip of the foul beer he'd gotten from the inn, wondering what he'd gotten himself into this time...

 

[delpiero1234]

Xaver had received a letter from his friend Albrecht Holzmann, the man he made captain of the city guards. It seemed he wanted to become general. Naturally a man with Holzmann's experience was suited for the position but Xaver had already given it to the Italian Cadorna. Then he found a solution that could make both happy. Quickly, he grabbed ink and quill.

((To Albrecht Holzmann))

Spoiler

Dear Albrecht Holzmann,
how have you been doing? I am very happy with your training of the men ever since you became captain and I see no reason why you should not be general if it wasn't for the sole fact that I appointed Giovanni Cadorna already. But do not worry, my friend. Seeing as you have a good tactical understanding and enjoy the respect of the men, I was wondering if you are interested in working as Lübeck's Commander of the Forces. As you might have heard, the late Josef Winter passed away last week.

The mercenaries outside the city walls are led by a Scott. I meat their leader recently who has offered his company to the city but I declined his offer, as we are in no position to hire that many men. Sure, they would make it so much easier to take Lauenburg from the Askanias ((the ruling dynasty of Saxe-Lauenburg)). I hope the Black Knight, as the leader of the mercenary calls himself, leaves soon. Your suggestion to watch their movements closer is a good idea. Try to find out what they have in mind.

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck

 

[delpiero1234]

Chapter 1 - The First Step
1444 - 1446​

In the year 1444 of our Lord, Statthalter Xaver von Warendorf sent Dieter Meyer, one of the League's leading diplomats, to the Brandenburgian capital city of Berlin to improve relations with Prince-Elector Friedrich II whom Xaver would like to befriend. Brandenburg was a major force in the Holy Roman Empire and an alliance or a defensive pact with them would deter the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin to make a move against the pride of the Hansa anytime soon. Vick departed with the best wishes on a difficulty mission.
A second delegation under Isaac Solomon Dreyfus returned enthusiastically to the town hall: The defensive pact with Hamburg has been turned into an alliance! It was this friendship with the Hamburger people that was the foundation of the Hanseatic League. The two merchant cities also shared a common rival: Saxe-Lauenburg. It seemed that Dreyfus, a relative new member of the diplomatic corps, was a good asset despite being Jewish.

The city's merchant fleet was working tirelessly. It was stationed in Lübeck and brought goods from the Baltic Sea through the Öresund to Northern Germany. Dozens of nations traded at the ports of the Hanseatic League and Lübeck controlled only about 20% of the total trade. The mighty Kalmar Union was the city state's fiercest competitor. But for as long as everybody paid the sound toll the Danes remained peaceful. Unlike Saxe-Lauenburg which, just like Lübeck, was expanding its army.
In early December 1444, prominent League's members asked Xaver von Warendorf to issue an embargo on Lauenburgian goods after they intervened in the lucrative salt trade between Hamburg and Lüneburg. Xaver was a vocal supporter of the embargo himself and signed a decree on 05 December. The very same day, the news of Polish noble claiming the throne after Władysław III was killed at the Battle of Varna spread through Lübeck. Alexander Teczynki became the sovereign of Poland.

The city of Bremen was looking to turn the defensive pact between them and Lübeck into an alliance. Not much negotiations were needed and the treaty was signed.
On 20 January 1445, the Papacy saw it fit to excommunicate Duke Ludovico di Savoia. Apparently Ludovico was caught worshiping the devil himself! Of course, that was never confirmed. Some say Eugenius IV simply wanted to get rid of one his rivals in the Italian Peninsula. The Pope was not to be messed with.
Later that month, plans to establish spy network in Saxe-Lauenburg were approved in secret by the Statthalter who only entrusted this information to his closest confidants.

Dieter Meyer's mission in Berlin was a disaster. He failed to improve relations with the Brandenburgians who had instead signed an alliance with Lübeck's rival Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Disappointed by the prince-elector, Meyer returned to Lübeck and departed for Rome to appease his Holiness Eugenius IV who was not happy about the Statthalter's decision to allow the Jews to stay in the city. In his eyes, the Jews had to be expelled at once.
The Statthalter enjoyed a good relationship with the Jewish community and had promised not to expel them during before he was elected. Lübeck's relations with the Pope were not the best. Time to change that.
Despite the embargo on Saxe-Lauenburg, Lüneburg felt that it was not enough protected by the Hanseatic League and decided to leave. Xaver was very disappointed. "Otto von Welf must have gone mad", thought Xaver when he was informed by his decision.

The spy-network was growing established steady and so far it remained a covert operation. After Brandenburg decided to join forces with Mecklenburg, Xaver saw the need to improve the army further. A general was needed and as fate had it, an a retired mercenary captain of Italian heritage was just the right candidate for that position. Giovanni Cadorna became General of the Lübeckian city guard in March 1445.
About five and a half month later, an elite regiment of Cadorna's ex-company arrived at the city gates. The men were welcomed and joined the Lübeckian forces.

Meanwhile the Hanseatic Merchant Ivar Lovdal had arrived in Riga. He had been given the task to establish a stronger presence in the Baltic Sea, in particular in Visby. Visby, however, was in the hands of rebels. A difficult task lied ahead of Lovdal but he had the trust and support of the League.
The diplomatic corps believed though that independence of Gotland was an unlikely scenario and that Visby would therefore soon return to the Danes.

General Cadorna trained together with Captain Albrecht Holzmann the men of the city. The spy-network in Lauenburg was growing larger and larger and it was only a question of months until they would succeed with forging the necessary claims to make an invasion possible. Sure, Emperor Friedrich III would not approve of this but nobody believed that he would intervene either. The empire was not as strong as it used to be. This was especially true when looking at its (former) possessions in the South. Much of the Terra Ferma had been lost to the Venetians and the Papal State had claimed Romagna with the University City of Bologna.
On 7 December 1445, the papers to claim Lauenburg had been forged. The army, 6.000 men strong, was expanded by another infantry regiment. Xaver was ready to incorporate Lauenburg into Lübeck.

Isaac Dreyfus departed on a mission to Frankfurt in mid January to increase relations with the Free City. Georg Ickstadt, the mayor of Frankfurt, welcomed him. Dreyfus had diplomatic immunity and was fairly safe from religious persecution. His task was to invite Frankfurt into the trade league and for that he had to convince the mayor first. Frankfurt with its strategic position in the Rhineland was an important center of trade. If the Free City were to join the Hanseatic League then this would be a great coup for Xaver.
Meanwhile in Lübeck, Statthalter von Warendorf met with General Cadorna to discuss whether the city would require additional sell-swords but given that the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg had no allies it was agreed not to hire Cadorna's former mercenary company. Maybe in a future war they would benefit the Hanseatic League more.

The Rhineland is not only very beautiful but also rich.​

On 1 February 1446, General Cadorna led 7.000 men out of Lübeck's city gate. They marched south towards Lauenburg and soon engaged the army of House Askanier which was led by Silvester Sölter. The war was underway!
1310 Lübeckians died fighting the Lauenburger army but on the bright side Cadorna crushed them all! A camp was built outside Lauenburg and the siege began. Hopefully the city would starve due to food shortages.
Two months into the siege, the walls had been breached by Lübeck's engineers. God was watching over Lübeck!

Archers were deployed during the victorious battle of Lauenburg by General Cadorna.​

To everyone’s surprise, a very large war broke out in the spring of 1446 in Western Europe. The French king, Louis XI, believed that Cambray was rightfully his. However, the Burgundians ruled over the province. Louis XI recruited a large army and invaded the Duchy of Burgundy and their ally Brittany. Burgundy was caught off guard. Rumors said that the French army was better-equipped than the Burgundian one.

​

During the siege of Lauenburg, a traveling minstrel arrived in Lübeck. The statthalter permitted him to go where he wished. He entertained the locals and brought joy to them. Stability increased. The war had only limited negative effects on trade. After all, the salt route from Lauenburg had been closed for years. So the effects were only small. On the bright side, the cloth imports from Steelyard were now more profitable than ever with wars in France and the Hanseatic League. Many textiles were needed for the armies. However, it was not Lübeck which profited from the cloth trade the most but the Dutch countries, especially Utrecht and Brabant.

The traveling minstrel was a welcomed guest at a Lübeckian banquet. ​

The victories of the French armies demoralised Burgundy. The Burgundians and their allies had a larger army but lost almost every single battle of greater importance. Word was that they were contemplating to hire mercenaries. Would Cambray soon become a possession of the Valois? In Lübeck, the statthalter was not too much concerned with the on-going war in Western Europe as he had to win his own war against Saxe-Lauenburg. After the walls of the city had been breached, more good news arrived in the Hanseatic City: The population of Lauenburg was suffering from water shortages! Hopefully, they would surrender soon.

​

To support the merchants in the Baltic, the merchant fleet was expanded by additional barques. These trading vessels were constructed in the harbor of Lübeck.
Unfortunately for Xaver, his son Heinrich got caught bribing guards. Usually the judges looked away because bribery was fairly common in Lübeck but this time charges were pressed. Xaver immediately thought that House Haas was behind this but he could not prove it. Heinrich von Warendorf got acquitted before the situation got tarnish his family's reputation.

​

The statthalter was informed in September 1446 that the mansion of the von Graswelders had been liquidated after the family ran into financial troubles. Even the sale of their home could not save them from bankruptcy though. Days later, Johan von Graswelder disappeared together with his family and was never again seen in Lübeck.

On 17 October 1446, the siege of Lauenburg ended with General Cadorna raising the Lübeckian flag over the Ducal Palace. Isaac Dreyfus had returned briefly from the Rhineland to oversee the signing of the treaty of annexation. Lauenburg was now a Lübeckian possession! The salted-fish business could flourish again. It was not long though before Emperor Friedrich III sent an ultimatum to the city to return the city. Otherwise it would be considered unlawful territory. Xaver had no intentions of giving up Lauenburg again but before replying to the imperial demand he called for meeting of the city council.

Emperor Friedrich III von Habsburg was not amused about the latest Lübeckian conquest. ​

Spoiler: ((Map of the area))

Spoiler: ((Overview Screenshots 08. November 1446))

((
Current open positions

• 1x diplomat
• 1x missionary
• Chancellor
• Master of Coin
• Commander of the Forces (unless Albrecht Holzmann @Rapop101 took the position)
• Judge (up to 3)

There is going to be a legislative voting round between Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. You are more than welcome to propose new laws. The city council will vote on the Emperor's demands to return Saxe-Lauenburg and on any laws that have been suggested. I also want to point out that holding a minister position gives you more direct control over the nation.

Last but not least I have an announcement to make concerning the iAAR: @GhostKiller01 decided to retire from the Hanseatic Chronicles completely before chapter 1 was even out. Unfortunately, he played a Patrician family. As a first consequence, House von Graswelder has been removed from the game with immediate effect. A new Patrician House will hopefully be founded in the future so that we are back to three.))

 

[mrlifeless]

((This takes place during 1444))
When Shmuel read the Statthalter's letter he was quite perplexed. "Why does he warn me of intolerance in the Rheinland and yet offer work for me in England, where the Jews have been expeled?" he thought. "Regardless it would be best to focus on buying imported to Hansatic cities and reselling them in other cities. (( Deploy in lubeck Trade node))

 

[ThePatriotOfDreumel]

((1445, in the Flemish city of Brugge))

Hendrik walked across the market, looking for his friend Urbanus.

Hendrik: "Hallo! Urbanus! How have you been doing these last months?"

Urbanus: "My trade has been going great! How has yours been going?"

Hendrik: "Very good, I have recently gotten a deal with a huge merchant family in Lübeck."

Urbanus: "What family, may I ask?"

Hendrik: "The Warendorfs."

Urbanus: "Ah. I suppose you are here to buy some of my textiles, as usual. The usual amount too?"

Hendrik: "No. I need 6 ships worth of textiles."

Urbanus: "Did you get those new ships in your deal with the Warendorfs?"

Hendrik: "You are correct, atleast for now, if my trade goes well I might be able to keep this deal going."

Urbanus: "Hmm. I do only have about 3 ships worth of cloth. It'll take a couple weeks before I got enouh for your ships."

Hendrik: "Sorry about that. Do you know a good place to stay for those couple of weeks?"

Urbanus: "Yes, there an inn down the road of here, where you can stay until I have produced the necessary cloth."

Hendrik: "Thank you for the continued trade, my good friend. I will pay you some extra for the hassle with the cloth, if you wish so."

Urbanus: "It's not needed, only a lot more cloth that I am guaranteed that it's gone!"

Hendrik and urbanus shaked hands, and Hendrik stayed at the inn until the cloth was done, paying urbanus for his cloth. He also left some bastards behind in Brugge, but noone knows this...

He managed to sell all his cloth throughout the entire Hansa, his trade mission was a success. He would give von Warendorf his share of the profits soon.

((If it wasn't clear, my trade mission to Flanders succeeded.))

 

[Janha]

((Letter from year 1444, before the downfall of the Patrician House von Graswelder))

Spoiler: Letter to Johann von Graswelder

Johann con Graswelder

I'm most sorry for the letters your merchants have gotten. They were meant to be shared to merchants who were not working for you or the Statthatler. I think my servants didn't understand my instructions properly. I hope this little event won't worsen our families' relations.

Friedrich Haas
The Head of Haas Family

 

[Sithlent]

((I'm unfortunately leaving this game))

 

[LadyAlyssa]

((With the next chapter out, EP has been updated
Xaver von Warendorf - 7EP
Klaus von Mainz - 3.5EP
Hendrik van Buren - 2EP
Heinrich Lustenberg - 2EP
Shmuel ben Mendel - 3EP
Sebastian Hamilton - 2EP
Friedirch Haas - 7EP
Giovanni Cadorna - 3EP
Hermann Baasch - 2EP
Ivar Lovdal - 3EP
Heinrich Harnischer - 2EP
Albrecht Holzmann - 2EP
Isaac Solomon Dreyfus - 3EP ))

 

[ThePatriotOfDreumel]

((Set after van Buren returned from his expedition))

Hendrik walked towards the town hall of Lübeck. Xaver wanted his share of the profits. He took a horse to the Town Hall, as it was quite a lot of guilders he had to give to Xaver. He asked the guard to make an appointment with Xaver, he said this is important business to get them to make an appointment somewhat earlier. He still had to wait an hour before he could meet with the Statthalter though.

Hendrik thought that his profits were high enough to warrant an extension of the time the deal ran. He also had way less competition in the trade now that the Graswelders were gone. Maybe he would be able to let him, and the Warendorfs take over as much of the Graswelder share of the trade.

The guard escorted Hendrik to Xaver’s office for the meeting. Hendrik started talking to the guard

Hendrik: “How is your job working for the Statthalter?”

The guard was surprised about the question. “I don’t work for the Statthalter, I work for the city of Lübeck.” He gave van Buren a grim look. “Come, follow me.”

Hendrik: “Does ‘the city of Lübeck’ pay you well for your important work?”

Guard: “My financial situation should not concern you. Have you met Gottfried?” The guard pointed at his sword. “You and him could meet someday.”

Finally the long walk was over and the guard left as van Buren entered Xaver’s office.

Hendrik: “Hello there, sir von Warendorf.”

Xaver: “Good afternoon.” Xaver shook Hendrik’s hands. “Please, have a seat.”

Hendrik: “I will take a seat. I am here to talk about my trading mission, and give you your share of the profit.”

Xaver: “I see you returned in one piece. How did your expedition go?”

Hendrik: “Very good.”

Xaver: “That’s good.” He wondered if van Buren was a reserved man as he was not too talkative. “Do you mind sharing some details?”

Hendrik: “I will. I normally find some merchants working for the von Warendorfs in Flanders. However, I didn’t have to compete with any this time, giving me even better prices than normal. Also, due to the increased amounts of cloth I had to sell, I had to sell them all over the Hansa, from Steelyard to Riga.”

Xaver: “Excellent. It seems that partnering with you was not too bad after all. Honestly, I had doubts you would succeed. It is good that you proved me wrong. Have you brought my coin?”

Hendrik: “Yes. Here it is.” Hendrik hands over a large bag of guilders.

Xaver: “It was a pleasure doing business with you.”

Hendrik: “You most likely know that the Graswelders went bankrupt lately, leaving their share of the cloth trade behind. I feel like I may be able to take over a large share of their trade. Having a large share of the cloth trade may be extremely beneficial for both our houses.”

Xaver: “I don’t want to invest too much money in the cloth trade as it marked the downfall of the Graswelders, as far as I know. Rumor has it they got a few bad deals which ruined them. I don’t mind expanding slowly but I won’t rush things.” Xaver was a businessman through and through but he believed that the Graswelders’ legacy should be left alone. The devil had cursed them.

Hendrik: “Would you like to redo our agreement, or do you want maybe a smaller deal, or none at all?”

Xaver: “One moment, I need to go over my shipping routes.”

Xaver studied a journal for about fifteen minutes in a neighboring room, leaving van Buren waiting in his office. Upon his return the Dutchman was still put.

Xaver: “I am sorry for the short wait. I feel we can redo our agreement soon. I have two barques and a cog which are expected to arrive in Lübeck in five to six weeks.”

Hendrik: “Then I will give you three fifths of my profits, at the end of my next trade mission.”

Xaver: “Let’s shake on it! Do you want some wine?”

Hendrik shakes Xaver’s hands.

Hendrik: “I would like some wine, yes.”

Xaver and Hendrik toasted with a glass of wine to their flourishing business relationship.

((Joint IC between @delpiero1234 and me.))

 

[ThePatriotOfDreumel]

Spoiler: Letter to Xaver von Warendorf

Sir von Warendorf, I would like to take the vacant position of Master of Coin. I think that I am the most qualified for the position, as not only am I a succesfull merchant, I also am a skilled administrator and very good at spending coin as efficiently as possible. It will also take some work of your back, as you are quite busy it seems.

- Hendrik van Buren

He send a small bag of guilders with the letter.

((I am trying to bribe @delpiero1234 with 1.5EP for a Master of Coin position.))

 

[themoomaster]

Spoiler: Report on the Army, January 1446

Mr. von Warendorf,
I am pleased to inform you that the preparations for the invasion of Saxe-Lauenburg are complete. I am satisfied that the past two years your men have been adequately trained for individual combat, but nothing beats real experience. Expect a follow up report upon my return to Lubeck.
~General Cadorna

The Battle of Lauenburg, 1446
The Armies of Saxe-Lauenburg had been prepared and ready to fight the Lubecker invasion, and stood firm outside the city. Cadorna had his men deployed in three lines, a front line of Lubecker pikemen, followed by archers, and in the back his elite Italian infantry awaited to reinforce. The cavalry was place on his right flank.

The battle opened with a volley of arrows from both sides, the Lubecker infantry charged forward during the first volley, as such, most of the arrows fired from Saxe-Lauenburg hardly hit the infantry, who reached the enemy before they could take significant casualties. As expected, the Saxe-Lauengburger cavalry charged the exposed archers, who fell back as Cadorna's elites held forth their pikes and slaughter the cavalry, the remains of which where chased away by Cadorna's own cavalry. by this time, the infantry had slowly been encircling the enemy, and the Lubecker Cavalry had turned back to complete the encirclement. This was no Canae but Cadorna was pleased at the classic encirclement.

Spoiler: Report on the Army, February 1446

Mr. von Warendorf,
The battle was an outstanding success, we have annihilated the enemy and now lay siege to their city. I estimate nothing more than a thousand poorly trained guardsmen stand in my way now. Approximately 1300 of our own soldiers have died, and will need to be replaced.
~General Cadorna

​

 

[delpiero1234]

Spoiler: ((To Giovanni Cadorna, Jan. 1446))

These are excellent news, General Cadorna! I have the utmost confidence that you will lead the men to glory and once and for all reopen the salt trade between Lauenburg, Hamburg and Lübeck.
Make their walls crumble!

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck

Spoiler: ((To Giovanni Cadorna, Feb. 1446))

This victory is nothing less than we deserved! I congratulate you and all the brave men who fought against House Askania on the battlefield for their courage. Many Lübeckians paid with their lives and their contributions will be remembered. Now it is time to break these walls and make House Askania pay not only for their unwillingness to allow free trade between our cities but for killing our men.

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck

Spoiler: ((To Hendrik van Buren, Sept. 1446))

Mr. van Buren,
how thoughtful of you to apply for this position - the work was getting over my head. I am convinced of your qualifications and you caring for my well-being is most kind. Keep doing that and the job will stay yours for a long time.
The Master of Coin's office is near the old warehouse. It could use some remodelling but I am sure you got the assets to restore it to its former beauty. Please give me a report on our financial situation after you settled in.

~ Xaver von Warendorf, Statthalter of Lübeck

 

[Duke Dan `the Man`]

((PRIVATE!!!!!!!!!!))​

"Othello, what are you doing here?" The Black Knight turned around to face his Moorish friend, he smiled at him.

The Moor walked over to his commander's desk."Messy... as usual" he thought to himself. He put down a sword there, the same sword that Sebastian gave him earlier. "This is some of the finest steel I've ever come across in my time. Expensive though, but it's quality is unmarveled, even in Tabgach."

He smiled at the Moor. "You know where we could get this my friend?"

"The City of Jasmine... Dimashq... Damascus... It's in the Western name for this. Damascus steel I've heard it called. "

"Ah. Do you know anyone who would sell this to our army" He asked him.

The Moor began walking around, "Yes, I have a friends who sells this sort of stuff. But everyone? Not a chance."

"Very well. Could you send word to George and Lennox to come here? You are dismissed."

"Yes sir." He saluted his commander and left to do what he was asked. Sebastian himself followed him, he needed to get Caterina and Sforza. The coming meeting would be quite important to the future of this company.

***

Sebastain looked across the table he set up in his tent, he saw everyone here. Good...

"Friends. I have brought you here to discuss our upcoming plans for the time. We had several options," He moved his hand to Burgundy on the map in the middle of them, "Burgundy. We would be sure to gain much from this contract. They still have the larger force, and with our leadership, surely we can succeed. And get quite rich. However, I have noticed another opportunity for us. One closer to us."

"Sebastian, where would this be?" asked Napier, in an inquisitive manner.

He moved his hand to Lubuck. "Right here. The Emperor has afforded us a great opportunity. With his will, we can rise up and besiege Lubeck-"

"-while Cadorna is still in Laurenburg. I see where your going with this frien-"

"But what if the garrison inside comes out? They would outnumber us and outflank us!"

"That is true, but maybe we could be troops from the Emperor?"

"Perhaps, but why would-"

"To restore Laurenburg to the Empire of course. It is known that he wishes this."

"But what would we get out of this?"

"Maybe they see the current government as a lia-"

"Get to the damn point Sforza."

"I was going to get to th-"

"Just say it."

"a liability, perhaps they could give us this land?"

"An interesting proposal Stefano, are you saying they could give us the county?"

"Exactly, although we would need to be certain. Perhaps you could send a letter to the Emperor?"

"On it. We shall meet again when I receive a responce."

They all left Sebastain alone in his study, he took out a quill, some ink, and a paper, and began writing to Freidrich.

Stefano Sforza
Catarina D'Monterrat
George Napier
Othello
Sebastian​

Spoiler: A Letter to Emperor Freidrich of the Holy Roman Empire

Your Imperial Majesty, I know of the troubles that the Hanseatic state of Lubeck has caused you and your Empire in the past months, and I offer you a chance to amend this. You see, my forces are right on the doorstep of the city,and with some more men, we could easily rectify the wrongs done by them, if you were so inclined to agree to our terms. I simply ask for you to cast out the ruling class from their lofty position on top of the city, and rather provide the city to me, to be its ruler. This would solve the problem of the unruly patricians of the city. With Warendorf gone, so goes the troublemakers that has harassed you subject, and in its wake, a man you can trust with the reins of power, me.

With Grace,
Sebastian Hamilton, Commander of La Forza del Ravenna

P.S I also request, eh, about 4,000 men to be safe. I do not know what tricks they may pull, but it's better to be safe.

 

[ThePatriotOfDreumel]

Hendrik followed the instructions that Xaver gave him. He found the old warehouse, now he had to find the office of the Master of Coin. After a couple minutes of searching, he thought that he had found it. He managed to open the door, and looked around in the office. It was in a worse shape than he had thought. It really hadn't been used for years. The wood was rotting, there were rats everywhere, the roof clearly leaked as it had rained a couple hours ago, with half of the records being completely wet. He agreed that it would need a major renovation. He would need to get a floor, roof, and would have to see which of the records were most trustworthy. It was a lot of work, but he had the money to do the renovation.

A week later, the office was completely renovated, and he could get to work with his economic plan.

***
Report on the State of the Lübecker Economy:

Lübeck is currently running a slight surplus, with most of our money, 65%, coming from trade, our next biggest source of income is from taxation.

Our biggest expenditure is paying for the defense of our city, making up 55% of our expenditures. This includes the army, navy, and city guard, nut also the money spend on the maintence of our city walls.​

***
Van Buren's Economic Plan of 1446

1. The amount of money spend on the army shall not change, however, when Lübeck finds itself in a war, offensive or defensive, we shall increase it to the maximum affordable.

2. The amount of money being spend on the navy shall not change.

3. Over the coming years, the Lübecker fleet shall be expanded by 4 brand-new barques.​

***
​

With the report and economic plan now done, he copied the letters and put the copies in the new archive. He made another copy of his economic plan and send it to the Stadtrat. The original letters were send to the Statthalter.

((To make it more clear, only the economic plan is public. Only @delpiero1234 has access to the report on the economy.))​

 

[BelisariustheGreat]

Heinrich left his house to welcome a 'Kogge' he had sent out to sail towards London and to bring as many cloth as possible back to Lübeck. His first Destination was it to install a special 'Kontor' in London, and as a diplomat with an official mission he could reach it easy.

Spoiler: Letter to Xaver von Warendorf

Mr von Warendorf,
you've maybe heared of meand my actions aswrll as i heared that there is an position as diplomat vacant. I would be appreciate if you would grant me this title. Also i wanted to discuss something with you from eye to eye
With veneration
Heinrich Harnischer