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Wow, Thames 
This is the best AAR I've ever read. I love you way of storytelling. Keep it up!
PS: Why didn't you just capture all of Burgundy, exept Artois (Was controlled by Rebels). When the gevernment falls, you get the entire state exept Artois and Bourgogne. That's a lot better then just Artois or Flandern. ???
This is the best AAR I've ever read. I love you way of storytelling. Keep it up!
PS: Why didn't you just capture all of Burgundy, exept Artois (Was controlled by Rebels). When the gevernment falls, you get the entire state exept Artois and Bourgogne. That's a lot better then just Artois or Flandern. ???
General Feedback
I’m sorry about my lack of updates lately, but:
As Orleans now is at peace a problem presented itself - the next few years are extremely boring (peace) - I therefore stopped to think a little about format (dialogue versus 'history book') - without reaching a definite answer…
That was early last week. Normally I would have updated after a couple of days, but all of a sudden I was actually busy at work – an excuse really –and generally feeling lazy. I had stopped playing EU as well by now, thus the whole AAR was in trouble from my lack of (EU) interest and knowing it will never be finished (not the whole 400 year period anyway).
What saved it – of sorts – was that I finally got the Venice files – and for the first time in two weeks played a little – and that update was actually fun to do.
Later today I will do a small update basically written a week ago – 99% of it anyway – it was written before I started to discus format with myself. As I’m rather satisfied with the format in my Venice story – I will probably use it here as well to tell the boring years until the next war. Hopefully the next update will not take nearly as long…
And now we resume our regular program:
HJ Tulp: Sometimes the AI does help a little…he he
MrT: No, but I did rob the fridge…beer anyone?
pln73: thanks!
Sharur: Yup; I did deserve a break though, don’t you think?
Blackmamuth: thanks…
HITO: Yeah, I hope so too.
Bramarius: thanks (and welcome)
True, but it wouldn’t have happened. When the rebellion in Artois succeeded, Artois reverted back to Burgundy instead of being Rebel Controlled, because when the rebellion started it was controlled by France…
AugCaesar: I’m back!
Update
…later today!
I’m sorry about my lack of updates lately, but:
As Orleans now is at peace a problem presented itself - the next few years are extremely boring (peace) - I therefore stopped to think a little about format (dialogue versus 'history book') - without reaching a definite answer…
That was early last week. Normally I would have updated after a couple of days, but all of a sudden I was actually busy at work – an excuse really –and generally feeling lazy. I had stopped playing EU as well by now, thus the whole AAR was in trouble from my lack of (EU) interest and knowing it will never be finished (not the whole 400 year period anyway).
What saved it – of sorts – was that I finally got the Venice files – and for the first time in two weeks played a little – and that update was actually fun to do.
Later today I will do a small update basically written a week ago – 99% of it anyway – it was written before I started to discus format with myself. As I’m rather satisfied with the format in my Venice story – I will probably use it here as well to tell the boring years until the next war. Hopefully the next update will not take nearly as long…
And now we resume our regular program:
HJ Tulp: Sometimes the AI does help a little…he he
MrT: No, but I did rob the fridge…beer anyone?
pln73: thanks!
Sharur: Yup; I did deserve a break though, don’t you think?
Blackmamuth: thanks…
HITO: Yeah, I hope so too.
Bramarius: thanks (and welcome)
True, but it wouldn’t have happened. When the rebellion in Artois succeeded, Artois reverted back to Burgundy instead of being Rebel Controlled, because when the rebellion started it was controlled by France…
AugCaesar: I’m back!
Update
…later today!
Free at last
It was a mournful army that came to Orleans on February the 14th, where we were met by delegation of concerned local nobles and magnates, chief among them Lord Blackmamuth – bringing much needed supplies and surgeons for our wounded. I left them outside the city to care for our soldiers and took Duke Charles and Antoine straight to ducal palace.
Next day the much-loved and missed Connétable d’Orleans, Comte Jacques VI de Monet of Loiret was carried in state on a black carriage through the streets of Orleans to the Cathedral Sainte-Croix. The streets were packed solid with our citizens paying their last respect to the Comte de Monet. The service was led by our local Bishop, who also did the traditional Te Deum Victory Mass.
Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur.
Te, aeternum Patrem, omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli, tibi caeli et universae Potestates,
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth…
I didn’t pay that much attention to it as I had heard it all before. Instead I started to plan out the next move. Recalling the law of vassalization, I knew we could actually cancel it now – thus increasing our revenue. The problem I wrested with was how to convince Duke Charles until I realised he wasn’t fit to rule anything, but faced a long convalescence period. And he was not the only one. I realised I was the only one left of the Ducal Council still standing – so to speak – leaving me in charge of it all. I started to laugh wickedly. My neighbours on the hard bench look askance at me, but I couldn’t care – I am now in charge!
Early next morning I visited Duke Charles in his sickbed. He still looked dreadful, but the surgeon assured me he was recovering nicely – whatever that meant – and that he was awake for longer periods each day. Just then he opened his eyes and looked straight at me. “Seneschal, I need you to run the Duchy for the time being.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Not that it changes much, I know, but I’m still nominally in charge. So you have to check back with me for serious policy changes.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Do you have any thing?”
“Yes, I do. I want to cancel our vassalage with France. I even have plausible excuse.”
“It better be good!”
“Yes, well...we must repay two loans next year. Even with all money going to the state coffer, it wouldn’t be enough. So we must cancel the vassalization to maximise income.”
“Will that be enough?”
“Actually no, we would probably only be able to afford to repay one of the loans, and thus extend the other to 1434. That will be enough. I recommend we stay at peace until then.”
“Fine,” Duke Charles said contentedly slipping back into sleep. “You seem to have matter in hand. Draft the letter to King Charles and I will sign it after looking it over.”
“Yes, my Lord and thank you. Be well.”
“Zzzzzzzzzz…”
* * * * *
I drafted this letter to King Charles of France and sent it posthaste the moment Charles was lucid enough for me to hold his hand and sign it:
To King Charles VI of France.
Orleans, a.d. XV Kal. Mar. 1429
We now have peace! It was costly. At the Battle of Caen, we lost almost all of our southern army. Even more serious, the battle claimed the life of our resident military genius – Connétable Comte de Monet.
Our economy is ruined after nine years of war, we need to rebuild the army as well as my cities – and one year from now I must repay two costly loans. I have therefore decided – after long discussions with my surviving Council members – and much soul-searching – to cancel the vassalization.
I am sorry, my King, but there is no other way – I need the money. Rest assured, this is not then end of our relationship – just a temporary setback.
Your friend
Charles,
Duc d’Orleans et de Flandre.
The people of Orleans actually reacted negatively to the cancellation – perhaps they had looked forward to joining France – I don’t know. What I do know it took the city guards several days to regain control of the city and the mood of the people were depressed for months.
In May enough new merchants had joined our guild that I could send out several together to our CoT in Flandern, where we gained two places. It was a great time for Orleans and I was feeling unstoppable.
* * * * *
OOC: the auto notes
14 February 1428 : Armee Orleanaise has arrived in Orleanais.
15 February 1428 : Orleans cancelled the Vassalization she had with France.
1 March 1428 : Our stability increased.
1 April 1428 : Our stability increased.
3 May 1428 : Our merchants successfully expanded our trade in Flandern.
3 May 1428 : We have competed for trade in Flandern and Mainz lost a merchant.
3 May 1428 : Our merchants successfully expanded our trade in Flandern.
1 June 1428 : Our stability increased.
It was a mournful army that came to Orleans on February the 14th, where we were met by delegation of concerned local nobles and magnates, chief among them Lord Blackmamuth – bringing much needed supplies and surgeons for our wounded. I left them outside the city to care for our soldiers and took Duke Charles and Antoine straight to ducal palace.
Next day the much-loved and missed Connétable d’Orleans, Comte Jacques VI de Monet of Loiret was carried in state on a black carriage through the streets of Orleans to the Cathedral Sainte-Croix. The streets were packed solid with our citizens paying their last respect to the Comte de Monet. The service was led by our local Bishop, who also did the traditional Te Deum Victory Mass.
Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur.
Te, aeternum Patrem, omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli, tibi caeli et universae Potestates,
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth…
I didn’t pay that much attention to it as I had heard it all before. Instead I started to plan out the next move. Recalling the law of vassalization, I knew we could actually cancel it now – thus increasing our revenue. The problem I wrested with was how to convince Duke Charles until I realised he wasn’t fit to rule anything, but faced a long convalescence period. And he was not the only one. I realised I was the only one left of the Ducal Council still standing – so to speak – leaving me in charge of it all. I started to laugh wickedly. My neighbours on the hard bench look askance at me, but I couldn’t care – I am now in charge!
Early next morning I visited Duke Charles in his sickbed. He still looked dreadful, but the surgeon assured me he was recovering nicely – whatever that meant – and that he was awake for longer periods each day. Just then he opened his eyes and looked straight at me. “Seneschal, I need you to run the Duchy for the time being.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Not that it changes much, I know, but I’m still nominally in charge. So you have to check back with me for serious policy changes.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Do you have any thing?”
“Yes, I do. I want to cancel our vassalage with France. I even have plausible excuse.”
“It better be good!”
“Yes, well...we must repay two loans next year. Even with all money going to the state coffer, it wouldn’t be enough. So we must cancel the vassalization to maximise income.”
“Will that be enough?”
“Actually no, we would probably only be able to afford to repay one of the loans, and thus extend the other to 1434. That will be enough. I recommend we stay at peace until then.”
“Fine,” Duke Charles said contentedly slipping back into sleep. “You seem to have matter in hand. Draft the letter to King Charles and I will sign it after looking it over.”
“Yes, my Lord and thank you. Be well.”
“Zzzzzzzzzz…”
* * * * *
I drafted this letter to King Charles of France and sent it posthaste the moment Charles was lucid enough for me to hold his hand and sign it:
To King Charles VI of France.
Orleans, a.d. XV Kal. Mar. 1429
We now have peace! It was costly. At the Battle of Caen, we lost almost all of our southern army. Even more serious, the battle claimed the life of our resident military genius – Connétable Comte de Monet.
Our economy is ruined after nine years of war, we need to rebuild the army as well as my cities – and one year from now I must repay two costly loans. I have therefore decided – after long discussions with my surviving Council members – and much soul-searching – to cancel the vassalization.
I am sorry, my King, but there is no other way – I need the money. Rest assured, this is not then end of our relationship – just a temporary setback.
Your friend
Charles,
Duc d’Orleans et de Flandre.
The people of Orleans actually reacted negatively to the cancellation – perhaps they had looked forward to joining France – I don’t know. What I do know it took the city guards several days to regain control of the city and the mood of the people were depressed for months.
In May enough new merchants had joined our guild that I could send out several together to our CoT in Flandern, where we gained two places. It was a great time for Orleans and I was feeling unstoppable.
* * * * *
OOC: the auto notes
14 February 1428 : Armee Orleanaise has arrived in Orleanais.
15 February 1428 : Orleans cancelled the Vassalization she had with France.
1 March 1428 : Our stability increased.
1 April 1428 : Our stability increased.
3 May 1428 : Our merchants successfully expanded our trade in Flandern.
3 May 1428 : We have competed for trade in Flandern and Mainz lost a merchant.
3 May 1428 : Our merchants successfully expanded our trade in Flandern.
1 June 1428 : Our stability increased.
Excellent thames.
I agree with your decision that you mentioned above - to do "gloss-overs" during the quiet times since it's devilishly hard to maintain interest (ours and yours) otherwise.
I was wondering when you'd decide to cancel the vassalisation. Re the loans, though, remember that you can take out a new loan just prior to having to pay the old one and use that money to pay of the loan that's due and you'll find the interest rate is far lower than renewing a loan would be.
Looking forward to your next instalment.
I agree with your decision that you mentioned above - to do "gloss-overs" during the quiet times since it's devilishly hard to maintain interest (ours and yours) otherwise.
I was wondering when you'd decide to cancel the vassalisation. Re the loans, though, remember that you can take out a new loan just prior to having to pay the old one and use that money to pay of the loan that's due and you'll find the interest rate is far lower than renewing a loan would be.
Looking forward to your next instalment.
Feedback
everyday.
Update
...later today
Thanks
So I found out...this feels more like work
everyday.I know...
Update
...later today
The Alliance is broken
The Struggle for France
by Master Eckhard, Paris University Press 1551
What Orleans started in desperation soon spread to the rest of France’s vassals for purely selfish reasons. On January 21, 1429, both Provence and Auvergne cancelled their vassalage with France, though the latter soon re-entered into France’s sphere of interest by marrying a French princess to the Duke’s eldest son.
Seneschal de Coucy had not lied when he in the letter to King Charles gave a financial reason for cancelling the vassalage. In May he once again loaned 20,000 livres in order to repay both old loans, thus leaving just the one, which would be repaid in 1434.
By the summer of 1429 Duke Charles had regained enough strength to be seen in public again, but he was no longer interested in the day-to-day running of the duchy leaving that to Raphael de Coucy – who didn’t mind at all.
Seneschal de Coucy next arranged a trade agreement with France – proving that the friendship with France was still excellent. Unfortunately, Orleans skill when it came actually do trading was sadly lacking. It took no less than three new member of the merchant guild to gain one trading place in Flandern.
It became increasingly clear to the population at large that Duke Charles was redrawing from the public light all together while Seneschal de Coucy took over the running of the duchy. He was not a popular man and in December 1429 matters came to head when a group of disgruntled nobles demanded a say in the affairs. Seneschal de Coucy was not amused. He arrested the ringleaders and after a show trial condemned them all to death. The population reacted badly to the news and once again riots flared up in the city. Seneschal de Coucy used the army and crushed the riot. By his swift reaction a full-scale rebellion was avoided, but the citizens of Orleans would never forget it. Nor would Seneschal de Coucy, but he drew the wrong conclusion…
* * * * *
I was already up on cold day in January, when a messenger from Scotland reached me with a letter from King James I.
To Charles,
Duc d’Orléans et de Flandre
Greetings.
I have declared war against Eire, my traditional enemy and invoke Article I of the Alliance Treaty – namely wishing for all of you to participate.
Kindly declare war against Eire at once!
James I,
King of all Gaellia.
Well, really, I thought. “So, how did the other partners take it?” I asked the messenger.
“Ahem…well…eh…I’m happy to announce Provence honoured the alliance…”
“But that means France, Auvergne and Bourbon didn’t…doesn’t it?”
“Ah…well…yes.”
“I see….guards, show the messenger his room where he can freshen up and eat and whatever. I need to consult Duke Charles before replying. It will take a while.”
“Yes sir,” the sergeant said and showed the messenger out who bowed before leaving. I didn’t really noticed. No sooner did the door close behind them before I fell over laughing. This was a golden opportunity.
It took awhile, but I located Duke Charles in a garden surrounded by the fair ladies of the court – most of whom were married. I knew it was high time Duke Charles remarried, before a scandal broke.
As I dragged Duke Charles away on business, as I put it, almost all the ladies sent me hateful glances, but I couldn’t care less. Women couldn’t compete with me, besides I was safely married.
“What is it?” Duke Charles asked angrily as soon as we were out of hearing.
“An opportunity, my Lord. Scotland has declared war against Eire.”
“Let me guess – France as some other has denied the request and you want to do the same – forging an alliance in our name.”
“Very good,” I mumbled. Sometimes the old boy surprised me still. He might not be interested in politics anymore, but the mind still clearly worked. “Yes,” I said aloud. “I too want to refuse the request and form an alliance of our own.”
“If you are sure France said no…”
I nodded.
“…then go ahead. Make me alliance leader.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
What I didn’t know was that France had had a change of heart, and rejoined the alliance on the same day she first said no. And next day, the duke of Bourbon declared war on the duke of Auvergne as they now were both free of alliance obligation. That was a war just waiting to happen, I knew. Even though the dukes in question were family – they hated each other with passion bordering insanity – if you ask me.
But all that left me a problem. I was not the most loved man in France and unfortunately – even if Duke Charles was a great man – his diplomatic skill could have been better. I looked around, but no country presented itself as a candidate for my alliance. They couldn’t be located too far away in order to be of use, of course – preferable with a common border with our provinces somewhere. That was the problem.
Little did I know how long it would take – but that was perhaps just as good…
First I tried to approach Auvergne and Bourbon – secretly of course – I didn’t care which one accepted as long as one did – but they both turned me down. I left matters rest a little – I had no choice really as my messenger boys were really slow in reporting back – and let our great nation recuperate a little. [OOC: stab up on 1 March, 1 June & ! August]
In early August I got a clear indication Burgundy was on rise again when she inherited – yeah right – Brabant. If I was not careful, Burgundy might still prove a formidable enemy. Next month – as my messenger had finally turned up again – I sent them to Auvergne, who was still available – and Provence, who had by now left the alliance. I’m not sure why, but once again we were turned down. Clearly the French didn’t like us much.
A change tactics perhaps?
The Struggle for France
by Master Eckhard, Paris University Press 1551
What Orleans started in desperation soon spread to the rest of France’s vassals for purely selfish reasons. On January 21, 1429, both Provence and Auvergne cancelled their vassalage with France, though the latter soon re-entered into France’s sphere of interest by marrying a French princess to the Duke’s eldest son.
Seneschal de Coucy had not lied when he in the letter to King Charles gave a financial reason for cancelling the vassalage. In May he once again loaned 20,000 livres in order to repay both old loans, thus leaving just the one, which would be repaid in 1434.
By the summer of 1429 Duke Charles had regained enough strength to be seen in public again, but he was no longer interested in the day-to-day running of the duchy leaving that to Raphael de Coucy – who didn’t mind at all.
Seneschal de Coucy next arranged a trade agreement with France – proving that the friendship with France was still excellent. Unfortunately, Orleans skill when it came actually do trading was sadly lacking. It took no less than three new member of the merchant guild to gain one trading place in Flandern.
It became increasingly clear to the population at large that Duke Charles was redrawing from the public light all together while Seneschal de Coucy took over the running of the duchy. He was not a popular man and in December 1429 matters came to head when a group of disgruntled nobles demanded a say in the affairs. Seneschal de Coucy was not amused. He arrested the ringleaders and after a show trial condemned them all to death. The population reacted badly to the news and once again riots flared up in the city. Seneschal de Coucy used the army and crushed the riot. By his swift reaction a full-scale rebellion was avoided, but the citizens of Orleans would never forget it. Nor would Seneschal de Coucy, but he drew the wrong conclusion…
* * * * *
I was already up on cold day in January, when a messenger from Scotland reached me with a letter from King James I.
To Charles,
Duc d’Orléans et de Flandre
Greetings.
I have declared war against Eire, my traditional enemy and invoke Article I of the Alliance Treaty – namely wishing for all of you to participate.
Kindly declare war against Eire at once!
James I,
King of all Gaellia.
Well, really, I thought. “So, how did the other partners take it?” I asked the messenger.
“Ahem…well…eh…I’m happy to announce Provence honoured the alliance…”
“But that means France, Auvergne and Bourbon didn’t…doesn’t it?”
“Ah…well…yes.”
“I see….guards, show the messenger his room where he can freshen up and eat and whatever. I need to consult Duke Charles before replying. It will take a while.”
“Yes sir,” the sergeant said and showed the messenger out who bowed before leaving. I didn’t really noticed. No sooner did the door close behind them before I fell over laughing. This was a golden opportunity.
It took awhile, but I located Duke Charles in a garden surrounded by the fair ladies of the court – most of whom were married. I knew it was high time Duke Charles remarried, before a scandal broke.
As I dragged Duke Charles away on business, as I put it, almost all the ladies sent me hateful glances, but I couldn’t care less. Women couldn’t compete with me, besides I was safely married.
“What is it?” Duke Charles asked angrily as soon as we were out of hearing.
“An opportunity, my Lord. Scotland has declared war against Eire.”
“Let me guess – France as some other has denied the request and you want to do the same – forging an alliance in our name.”
“Very good,” I mumbled. Sometimes the old boy surprised me still. He might not be interested in politics anymore, but the mind still clearly worked. “Yes,” I said aloud. “I too want to refuse the request and form an alliance of our own.”
“If you are sure France said no…”
I nodded.
“…then go ahead. Make me alliance leader.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
What I didn’t know was that France had had a change of heart, and rejoined the alliance on the same day she first said no. And next day, the duke of Bourbon declared war on the duke of Auvergne as they now were both free of alliance obligation. That was a war just waiting to happen, I knew. Even though the dukes in question were family – they hated each other with passion bordering insanity – if you ask me.
But all that left me a problem. I was not the most loved man in France and unfortunately – even if Duke Charles was a great man – his diplomatic skill could have been better. I looked around, but no country presented itself as a candidate for my alliance. They couldn’t be located too far away in order to be of use, of course – preferable with a common border with our provinces somewhere. That was the problem.
Little did I know how long it would take – but that was perhaps just as good…
First I tried to approach Auvergne and Bourbon – secretly of course – I didn’t care which one accepted as long as one did – but they both turned me down. I left matters rest a little – I had no choice really as my messenger boys were really slow in reporting back – and let our great nation recuperate a little. [OOC: stab up on 1 March, 1 June & ! August]
In early August I got a clear indication Burgundy was on rise again when she inherited – yeah right – Brabant. If I was not careful, Burgundy might still prove a formidable enemy. Next month – as my messenger had finally turned up again – I sent them to Auvergne, who was still available – and Provence, who had by now left the alliance. I’m not sure why, but once again we were turned down. Clearly the French didn’t like us much.
A change tactics perhaps?
There are a lot of big fish around for you to be swimming alone...
I don't suppose a little bribery would do the trick would it?
Of course the other possibility would be to join England's alliance and then, when it expires, reform it. That would be a long project and not 100% in character...though it wouldn't be excessively bad as you have at least some standing with them and you will definitely need some help when Charles inevitably comes calling (with 40,000 infantry and Richemont at their head).
Every once in a while when I'm reading this I have to chuckle as I think of your first Orleans AAR.
I don't suppose a little bribery would do the trick would it?
Of course the other possibility would be to join England's alliance and then, when it expires, reform it. That would be a long project and not 100% in character...though it wouldn't be excessively bad as you have at least some standing with them and you will definitely need some help when Charles inevitably comes calling (with 40,000 infantry and Richemont at their head).
Every once in a while when I'm reading this I have to chuckle as I think of your first Orleans AAR.
What was wrong with his first Orleans AAR? A literary masterpiece, I tell ya!
I like your style here, thames. I wouldn't know about the Venice AAR, as I have tons of catching up to do (and the three days I have to do it before I'm off again isn't nearly enough *sigh*), but I personally think that a history and narrative combo is one of the best approaches to an AAR
I like your style here, thames. I wouldn't know about the Venice AAR, as I have tons of catching up to do (and the three days I have to do it before I'm off again isn't nearly enough *sigh*), but I personally think that a history and narrative combo is one of the best approaches to an AAR
*blows the thicker layer of dust off cover, and almost has a haert attackt, for he is heavily allergic to dust*
"uch, uch!! Where are you thames???? Uch, uch!!"
"uch, uch!! Where are you thames???? Uch, uch!!"
thames, old friend, we feel a little (just a little) bit left alone. Please come back!
Today’s update is really short, I know, but I have to start somewhere you know…
Ready?
Relations
“So you are back already!?” Duke Charles said sourly as I entered his study.
“Yes, my Lord.” What else could I say?
“Had a nice and long vacation, yes?”
“Partly, Charles. The first few weeks were indeed a holiday of sorts – besides I needed time for family matters. Then as I travelled around my land, I realised I needed to upgrade my estates to more modern farm-techniques – which cost me far more in time and money than I initially realised – not to mention having to read all kinds of manuals and what not.”
“So when did you come back to town?”
“Several weeks ago actually, but I have only briefly visited my office, as I have been mainly occupied with the work set out last time we met.”
“That’s nice,” Duke Charles said sarcastically. “But you couldn’t find the time to drop in on an old friend?”
“I’m sorry, but I been feeling slightly down as well – or rather shall we say…lazy. Blame it on the warm weather…”
Duke Charles grimaced. “Fine, Seneschal, I’ll forgive you this once, provided you settle right into work again. I need you.”
“Yes, my Lord…I have been busy actually. Besides surveying our lands up north, I also took the opportunity to check up on our neighbours and have tentatively concluded several marriage alliances provided you agree. You did want me to marry off your various relatives – did you not?”
“Indeed. What do you have?”
“Luxembourgh, The Palatinat, Cologne, Münster and Friesland. All of these independent Counties are more than happy marrying into your house, my Lord.”
“Excellent. See to it?”
“Eh…which one?”
“All of them, Seneschal. You will have a busy spring.”
As so I did.
All the nobles of Orleans joined our northern progression as one after the other of Duke Charles minor relatives were safely married into various northern counties I had designs on. My wife, as well as my friends the Count and Countess de Monet, kept up the social obligation of the progression while I – sometimes aided by Duke Charles – looked after the State of Orleans. Royal Marriages I’ll tell you are no walk in the park, even if that too is part of it…
I soon felt ready for another vacation. At the end of the season, Duke Charles surprised me though and named me Viscount of Hainaut.
At the end of 1431 some Artisans infighting spilled out into the street and I was forced to arrest and after a brief trial – execute a few of them. I didn’t like that and neither did the people. The year did not end well…
* * * * *
the auto notes:
23 April 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Luxembourgh.
3 May 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with The Palatinat.
12 May 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Cologne.
4 June 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Münster.
16 June 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Friesland.
1 July 1431 : You were promoted to Viscount.
28 November 1431 : We went with Execute the Troublemakers in Unhappiness among the Artisans.
[edit: damn typos]
Ready?
Relations
“So you are back already!?” Duke Charles said sourly as I entered his study.
“Yes, my Lord.” What else could I say?
“Had a nice and long vacation, yes?”
“Partly, Charles. The first few weeks were indeed a holiday of sorts – besides I needed time for family matters. Then as I travelled around my land, I realised I needed to upgrade my estates to more modern farm-techniques – which cost me far more in time and money than I initially realised – not to mention having to read all kinds of manuals and what not.”
“So when did you come back to town?”
“Several weeks ago actually, but I have only briefly visited my office, as I have been mainly occupied with the work set out last time we met.”
“That’s nice,” Duke Charles said sarcastically. “But you couldn’t find the time to drop in on an old friend?”
“I’m sorry, but I been feeling slightly down as well – or rather shall we say…lazy. Blame it on the warm weather…”
Duke Charles grimaced. “Fine, Seneschal, I’ll forgive you this once, provided you settle right into work again. I need you.”
“Yes, my Lord…I have been busy actually. Besides surveying our lands up north, I also took the opportunity to check up on our neighbours and have tentatively concluded several marriage alliances provided you agree. You did want me to marry off your various relatives – did you not?”
“Indeed. What do you have?”
“Luxembourgh, The Palatinat, Cologne, Münster and Friesland. All of these independent Counties are more than happy marrying into your house, my Lord.”
“Excellent. See to it?”
“Eh…which one?”
“All of them, Seneschal. You will have a busy spring.”
As so I did.
All the nobles of Orleans joined our northern progression as one after the other of Duke Charles minor relatives were safely married into various northern counties I had designs on. My wife, as well as my friends the Count and Countess de Monet, kept up the social obligation of the progression while I – sometimes aided by Duke Charles – looked after the State of Orleans. Royal Marriages I’ll tell you are no walk in the park, even if that too is part of it…
I soon felt ready for another vacation. At the end of the season, Duke Charles surprised me though and named me Viscount of Hainaut.
At the end of 1431 some Artisans infighting spilled out into the street and I was forced to arrest and after a brief trial – execute a few of them. I didn’t like that and neither did the people. The year did not end well…
* * * * *
the auto notes:
23 April 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Luxembourgh.
3 May 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with The Palatinat.
12 May 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Cologne.
4 June 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Münster.
16 June 1431 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Friesland.
1 July 1431 : You were promoted to Viscount.
28 November 1431 : We went with Execute the Troublemakers in Unhappiness among the Artisans.
[edit: damn typos]
Last edited:
Military and other Alliances
Early in 1432 the Count of Kleves paid me a visit and brought his daughter Marie with him. Apparently I had acquired a reputation as a marriage broker due the plethora of Royal Marriages last year.
“What can I do for you, my Lord?” I asked the Count of Kleves.
“It’s only a small thing, my Lord Seneschal. My daughter wants to be introduced to the glittering Court of Duke Charles.”
“That’s all?” I enquired raising both my eyebrows. In my experience nothing is ever that simple.
“Well, not quite, my Lord Seneschal. My daughter wants to be married and soon – preferable to the gallant Duke of Orleans himself. She feels a proper introduction – perhaps with a dance of two – and he will be more…eh…shall we say susceptive of female charms…”
I laughed loud.
“Is something the matter, my Lord…” the Count of Kleves asked worriedly.
“No, my dear Count, but I’m afraid your daughter will be severely disappointed. I have tried – believe me I have really tried – to get Duke Charles interested in being married again, but he still morns his dear departed wife. If he gets his will, she will probably be sainted.”
“I see…she died in the war with the English did she not?”
“Indeed, my Lord. Officially by accident, but Duke Charles blames the English. He has never really forgiven them.”
“How sad,” the lovely daughter of the Count of Kleves said rising up. “I’ll leave the details of arranging the Reception in my honour to you two old gentlemen. What I want to know…is there a decent dressmaker in this town? Leave the wooing of Duke Charles to me, gents. I will succeed.”
I looked over at her father, who just shrugged. “Fine, young lady. You will get your introduction,” I said and bowed.
She smiled beatifically and swept out of the room leaving the two old gentlemen – to borrow her dreadful description – I for one neither was nor felt old – to discuss arrangements.
“Now, my dear Count of Kleves, I want a favour in return.”
“Oh?” he said inquiringly.
“Yes,” I said. “If your daughter does indeed manage to entice my Lord Duke Charles into marriage – which I feel is highly unrealistic – I want you to join our Military Alliance.”
“I didn’t know you had one.”
“Not yet no, but we been planning it for awhile. After all, both our nation are unaligned.”
The Count of Kleves studied his cup of wine intently before replying. “Does it have a purpose beyond mutual self defence in case of war?”
“Indeed it does, my Lord. If anything, our Alliance is anti Burgundian, something all the Low Counties should appreciate.”
“Yeeees,” the Count of Kleves admitted. “Unless someone stands up to Burgundy she will run us all over, I’ve always said…very well, my Lord Seneschal, I will ally Kleves to Orleans – if and only if…and after the fact…my daughter marries the duke of Orleans. Does the Alliance have a name?”
“I haven’t decided. Something like the League of Flandern.”
“No, Orleans is of course the dominant partner and as such tempting to name the alliance after yourself, but I think it’s better to mention the Low Counties implicit. Say the Low Counties Defence League.”
I nodded. “Excellent. The Low Counties Defence League it is.”
“It’s settled.” We shook hands and banged our wine-cups together. “Now, you will ask other to join as well?”
“But of course…as soon as they break away from whatever alliance they are part of now.”
“Good.”
I wondered if I should speak to Duke Charles before meeting Marie of Kleves, but I realised the futility of that. Better to let them meet first and then introduce him to the deal with the Count of Kleves. Perhaps then he would mellow.
Hopefully they wouldn’t hate each other on first sight…
* * * * *
I must be born under a lucky star. They met and instantly fell in love. They decided to get married before I had the chance to explain the deal with the Count of Kleves to Duke Charles. He took it nicely though.
The happy couple was married March 26. The cathedral was packed with people and the week long party raised the foul mood of the people up to most high again. I was very pleased with myself.
The Duke and Duchess of Orleans then went away on a long honeymoon, before I could arrange the signing of the alliance leaving the Count of Kleves and I waiting nervously for them to come back.
Fortunately they were still in love and actually liked each other as well. The Military Alliance was still on and on the 23rd of June 1432 the Duchy of Orleans (and Flandern) and the County of Kleves established the Low Counties Defence League with much pomp and ceremony in Antwerpen. I insisted they inserted a clause explicitly saying it was open for all Low Counties and other small countries that would stand against Burgundy. The local Burgundian representative was not amused and was last seen riding fast out of the city gate…
* * * * *
I had other marriages to arrange this year as well – to Provence, Oldenburg and Gelre – which was good. It prepared the way to increase the membership of our alliance in the years to come – or so I hoped.
* * * * *
OOC: for the historical minded of you – we are actually briefly within reach of real history here. Duke Charles of Orleans was indeed married to a “Marie of Kleves” after he was released from English captivity in 1440…
The auto notes:
12 March 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Provence.
26 March 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Kleves.
1 April 1432 : Our stability increased.
23 June 1432 : Kleves entered our Military Alliance.
25 July 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Oldenburg.
24 August 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Gelre.
Early in 1432 the Count of Kleves paid me a visit and brought his daughter Marie with him. Apparently I had acquired a reputation as a marriage broker due the plethora of Royal Marriages last year.
“What can I do for you, my Lord?” I asked the Count of Kleves.
“It’s only a small thing, my Lord Seneschal. My daughter wants to be introduced to the glittering Court of Duke Charles.”
“That’s all?” I enquired raising both my eyebrows. In my experience nothing is ever that simple.
“Well, not quite, my Lord Seneschal. My daughter wants to be married and soon – preferable to the gallant Duke of Orleans himself. She feels a proper introduction – perhaps with a dance of two – and he will be more…eh…shall we say susceptive of female charms…”
I laughed loud.
“Is something the matter, my Lord…” the Count of Kleves asked worriedly.
“No, my dear Count, but I’m afraid your daughter will be severely disappointed. I have tried – believe me I have really tried – to get Duke Charles interested in being married again, but he still morns his dear departed wife. If he gets his will, she will probably be sainted.”
“I see…she died in the war with the English did she not?”
“Indeed, my Lord. Officially by accident, but Duke Charles blames the English. He has never really forgiven them.”
“How sad,” the lovely daughter of the Count of Kleves said rising up. “I’ll leave the details of arranging the Reception in my honour to you two old gentlemen. What I want to know…is there a decent dressmaker in this town? Leave the wooing of Duke Charles to me, gents. I will succeed.”
I looked over at her father, who just shrugged. “Fine, young lady. You will get your introduction,” I said and bowed.
She smiled beatifically and swept out of the room leaving the two old gentlemen – to borrow her dreadful description – I for one neither was nor felt old – to discuss arrangements.
“Now, my dear Count of Kleves, I want a favour in return.”
“Oh?” he said inquiringly.
“Yes,” I said. “If your daughter does indeed manage to entice my Lord Duke Charles into marriage – which I feel is highly unrealistic – I want you to join our Military Alliance.”
“I didn’t know you had one.”
“Not yet no, but we been planning it for awhile. After all, both our nation are unaligned.”
The Count of Kleves studied his cup of wine intently before replying. “Does it have a purpose beyond mutual self defence in case of war?”
“Indeed it does, my Lord. If anything, our Alliance is anti Burgundian, something all the Low Counties should appreciate.”
“Yeeees,” the Count of Kleves admitted. “Unless someone stands up to Burgundy she will run us all over, I’ve always said…very well, my Lord Seneschal, I will ally Kleves to Orleans – if and only if…and after the fact…my daughter marries the duke of Orleans. Does the Alliance have a name?”
“I haven’t decided. Something like the League of Flandern.”
“No, Orleans is of course the dominant partner and as such tempting to name the alliance after yourself, but I think it’s better to mention the Low Counties implicit. Say the Low Counties Defence League.”
I nodded. “Excellent. The Low Counties Defence League it is.”
“It’s settled.” We shook hands and banged our wine-cups together. “Now, you will ask other to join as well?”
“But of course…as soon as they break away from whatever alliance they are part of now.”
“Good.”
I wondered if I should speak to Duke Charles before meeting Marie of Kleves, but I realised the futility of that. Better to let them meet first and then introduce him to the deal with the Count of Kleves. Perhaps then he would mellow.
Hopefully they wouldn’t hate each other on first sight…
* * * * *
I must be born under a lucky star. They met and instantly fell in love. They decided to get married before I had the chance to explain the deal with the Count of Kleves to Duke Charles. He took it nicely though.
The happy couple was married March 26. The cathedral was packed with people and the week long party raised the foul mood of the people up to most high again. I was very pleased with myself.
The Duke and Duchess of Orleans then went away on a long honeymoon, before I could arrange the signing of the alliance leaving the Count of Kleves and I waiting nervously for them to come back.
Fortunately they were still in love and actually liked each other as well. The Military Alliance was still on and on the 23rd of June 1432 the Duchy of Orleans (and Flandern) and the County of Kleves established the Low Counties Defence League with much pomp and ceremony in Antwerpen. I insisted they inserted a clause explicitly saying it was open for all Low Counties and other small countries that would stand against Burgundy. The local Burgundian representative was not amused and was last seen riding fast out of the city gate…
* * * * *
I had other marriages to arrange this year as well – to Provence, Oldenburg and Gelre – which was good. It prepared the way to increase the membership of our alliance in the years to come – or so I hoped.
* * * * *
OOC: for the historical minded of you – we are actually briefly within reach of real history here. Duke Charles of Orleans was indeed married to a “Marie of Kleves” after he was released from English captivity in 1440…
The auto notes:
12 March 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Provence.
26 March 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Kleves.
1 April 1432 : Our stability increased.
23 June 1432 : Kleves entered our Military Alliance.
25 July 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Oldenburg.
24 August 1432 : We entered a Royal Marriage with Gelre.
Feedback
Sharur:Yeah, okay...
Note: I have just finished writing the first draft of the update - which means I will probably post it later today and I'm HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE: it's the final one before the next war. It so boring writing about years when nothing happens...
Sharur:Yeah, okay...
Note: I have just finished writing the first draft of the update - which means I will probably post it later today and I'm HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE: it's the final one before the next war. It so boring writing about years when nothing happens...
Peace Exhaustion
By late summer of 1434 my very good friend Count Antoine de Monet, who had taken over his father’s title as well as his job of Connétable d’Orléans, dropped in on me with some very good news. Someone in the masons’ guild had been experimenting when rebuilding the walls of Orleans after the war and we now had the ability to build even better fortresses. Not that we could afford to do so yet, but I was sure it would be useful some day.
“So what else is new?” Antoine asked. “I’ve been out of touch lately.”
I shrugged. “Who hasn’t!? Duke Charles doesn’t do anything but entertain his new wife. I ha…”
“You did want him to marry.”
“Yes yes yes, but…I mean – must he go overboard just because his new wife is young and pretty and willing?”
Antoine laughed. “Bored probably – as I am – with politics, as nothing happens anymore. We are all eagerly awaiting the next war.”
“I know,” I said annoyed. “I must have said a hundred times we cannot go to war until our debts are paid and preferably with a large alliance at our back. As you know, we do have one now, but I want it bigger before we engage the wealthy Burgundians and the mighty English in war.”
Antoine shrugged. “I know all that, friend, but it’s still hard to sit still while the world change around you. Speaking of which – give me some juicy war news!”
“Well…let’s see. The silly little war between Auvergne and Bourbon finally reached a peace agreement with Auvergne paying Bourbon a paltry sum of 2,300 livres for the pleasure.”
“Stupid people,” Antoine muttered. “If I…”
I knew that sentiment well. “The war between Eire and Scotland with France and Provence helping has been forced into a White Peace.”
“What? Nothing happened?”
“As far as I know – no. It could be argued by some parties we dishonoured ourselves for nothing.”
“True, but at least we have our own alliance now.”
“Exactly and that is much more important. Now this war ended on April 1st of all the days in the calendar…” We both chuckled. “…and the next one started a fortnight later when Provence declared war on Brittany with France and Scotland both joined in. So far nothing much of importance has happened in that war either.”
“Damn,” Antoine said. “Brittany would have made a fat target for us if we had still been in the alliance.”
“I know,” I sighed tragically. “Elsewhere, our trade guild is doing okay, but nothing spectacular. We win a place and we loose a place regularly. “
Antoine snorted. “What else is new? Incompetent fools!”
I nodded.
* * * * *
The Ducal council met in February of 1434 in Antwerpen this year to discuss with the representatives of Münster about joining our alliance. They weren’t completely uninterested, but we hadn’t so far been able to finalise a deal.
As we all met on the 20th of February, a guard came hurriedly into the hall and spoke briefly to Duke Charles.
“Well, show them in,” Duke Charles said to the guard and rose up. We followed suit. A richly dressed party made up of representatives of Friesland and Gelre were showed in. We bowed to one another before sitting down again. Some liveried servants went around pouring wine and serving fruit.
“My Lord Duke Charles,” the Count of Friesland yelled. “Burgundy has declared war on me. These traitorous dogs from Gelre refused to join as they want to join your alliance instead and broke our alliance.”
“True?” Duke Charles said to the Count of Gelre.
“Ye-es, as you had promised us a place in your alliance if we could dissolve the present alliance amicably…as we weren’t strong enough to stand up to Burgundy and England, I decided the moment had come…”
Duke Charles turned to the Count of Friesland. “You are in trouble, my friend. If you will, you can join our alliance.”
“Yes, thank you, I will.”
“Excellent. Now, understand, I cannot declare war against Burgundy yet, due to a heavy financial burden that needs to be repaid first, but rest assured., it will happen.”
“When?” the Count of Friesland asked.
“Seneschal?” Duke Charles said.
“The final loan will be repaid in late May, my Lord. But we will have to wait a little further as we need time to recruit and train the new armies first as we have almost none. I suggest autumn.”
“Can you hold out that long?” Duke Charles asked.
“Do I have a choice?” the Count of Friesland answered.
I shook my head. “No, my Lords, you have not.
Duke Charles stood up. “Now then, who wants to join the Low Counties Defence League with the clear understanding of declaring war against the Burgundian oppressor in the autumn?”
“I do,” whispered the Count of Gelre first.
“I do,” said the Count of Friesland angry for being beaten to it.
“I do,” said the Count of Münster calmly.
“Excellent,” cried Duke Charles and drew his sword. “Death to Burgundy!”
* * * * *
All through the summer of 1434 we recruited and trained our new armies up to standard. By September we were ready to declare war against Burgundy. Unfortunately, someone else knew.
The local nobles in Flandern and Artois, more Burgundian than French, had been loosing money since we took the provinces over – or so they claimed. On the 10th of September 1434 they presented their demand of Increased Pension from the State at precisely the moment we had none due to heavy recruiting. The coincidence was peculiar to say the least.
Without money we had no choice but to refuse their demand – not that we would have paid them anyway. Unfortunately for us, these traitorous bastards then pressured their peasants to work even harder lowering morale. If we were not careful, we would have a full-blown rebellion at our hand.
Thus we had no choice but to postpone the war until the following spring. Neither Duke Charles, nor our partners nor I were in any doubt who the real culprit was…
* * * * *
the auto notes:
8 March 1433 : Auvergne accepted peace with Bourbonnais on the following terms : Auvergne pays 23$ in indemnities.
1 April 1433 : A White Peace was signed between Eire and Scotland, Provence and France.
15 April 1433 : Provence declared war upon Brittany.
15 April 1433 : Scotland joined the war on the same side as Provence in their war against Brittany.
15 April 1433 : France joined the war on the same side as Provence and Scotland in their war against Brittany.
1 August 1433 : Our land technology increased to Late Medieval (2). We can now build level 2 Fortresses.
18 February 1434 : Burgundy declared war upon Friesland.
18 February 1434 : England joined the war on the same side as Burgundy in their war against Friesland.
18 February 1434 : Gelre dishonored a Military Alliance she had with England and Burgundy.
20 February 1434 : Gelre joined our Military Alliance with Kleves
20 February 1434 : Friesland joined our Military Alliance with Kleves and Gelre
20 February 1434 : Münster joined our Military Alliance with Kleves, Gelre and Friesland
10 September 1434 : We went with Refuse their demands in Nobles Demand Increased Pensions.
10 September 1434 : Our stability dropped.
10 September 1434 : Our stability dropped.
By late summer of 1434 my very good friend Count Antoine de Monet, who had taken over his father’s title as well as his job of Connétable d’Orléans, dropped in on me with some very good news. Someone in the masons’ guild had been experimenting when rebuilding the walls of Orleans after the war and we now had the ability to build even better fortresses. Not that we could afford to do so yet, but I was sure it would be useful some day.
“So what else is new?” Antoine asked. “I’ve been out of touch lately.”
I shrugged. “Who hasn’t!? Duke Charles doesn’t do anything but entertain his new wife. I ha…”
“You did want him to marry.”
“Yes yes yes, but…I mean – must he go overboard just because his new wife is young and pretty and willing?”
Antoine laughed. “Bored probably – as I am – with politics, as nothing happens anymore. We are all eagerly awaiting the next war.”
“I know,” I said annoyed. “I must have said a hundred times we cannot go to war until our debts are paid and preferably with a large alliance at our back. As you know, we do have one now, but I want it bigger before we engage the wealthy Burgundians and the mighty English in war.”
Antoine shrugged. “I know all that, friend, but it’s still hard to sit still while the world change around you. Speaking of which – give me some juicy war news!”
“Well…let’s see. The silly little war between Auvergne and Bourbon finally reached a peace agreement with Auvergne paying Bourbon a paltry sum of 2,300 livres for the pleasure.”
“Stupid people,” Antoine muttered. “If I…”
I knew that sentiment well. “The war between Eire and Scotland with France and Provence helping has been forced into a White Peace.”
“What? Nothing happened?”
“As far as I know – no. It could be argued by some parties we dishonoured ourselves for nothing.”
“True, but at least we have our own alliance now.”
“Exactly and that is much more important. Now this war ended on April 1st of all the days in the calendar…” We both chuckled. “…and the next one started a fortnight later when Provence declared war on Brittany with France and Scotland both joined in. So far nothing much of importance has happened in that war either.”
“Damn,” Antoine said. “Brittany would have made a fat target for us if we had still been in the alliance.”
“I know,” I sighed tragically. “Elsewhere, our trade guild is doing okay, but nothing spectacular. We win a place and we loose a place regularly. “
Antoine snorted. “What else is new? Incompetent fools!”
I nodded.
* * * * *
The Ducal council met in February of 1434 in Antwerpen this year to discuss with the representatives of Münster about joining our alliance. They weren’t completely uninterested, but we hadn’t so far been able to finalise a deal.
As we all met on the 20th of February, a guard came hurriedly into the hall and spoke briefly to Duke Charles.
“Well, show them in,” Duke Charles said to the guard and rose up. We followed suit. A richly dressed party made up of representatives of Friesland and Gelre were showed in. We bowed to one another before sitting down again. Some liveried servants went around pouring wine and serving fruit.
“My Lord Duke Charles,” the Count of Friesland yelled. “Burgundy has declared war on me. These traitorous dogs from Gelre refused to join as they want to join your alliance instead and broke our alliance.”
“True?” Duke Charles said to the Count of Gelre.
“Ye-es, as you had promised us a place in your alliance if we could dissolve the present alliance amicably…as we weren’t strong enough to stand up to Burgundy and England, I decided the moment had come…”
Duke Charles turned to the Count of Friesland. “You are in trouble, my friend. If you will, you can join our alliance.”
“Yes, thank you, I will.”
“Excellent. Now, understand, I cannot declare war against Burgundy yet, due to a heavy financial burden that needs to be repaid first, but rest assured., it will happen.”
“When?” the Count of Friesland asked.
“Seneschal?” Duke Charles said.
“The final loan will be repaid in late May, my Lord. But we will have to wait a little further as we need time to recruit and train the new armies first as we have almost none. I suggest autumn.”
“Can you hold out that long?” Duke Charles asked.
“Do I have a choice?” the Count of Friesland answered.
I shook my head. “No, my Lords, you have not.
Duke Charles stood up. “Now then, who wants to join the Low Counties Defence League with the clear understanding of declaring war against the Burgundian oppressor in the autumn?”
“I do,” whispered the Count of Gelre first.
“I do,” said the Count of Friesland angry for being beaten to it.
“I do,” said the Count of Münster calmly.
“Excellent,” cried Duke Charles and drew his sword. “Death to Burgundy!”
* * * * *
All through the summer of 1434 we recruited and trained our new armies up to standard. By September we were ready to declare war against Burgundy. Unfortunately, someone else knew.
The local nobles in Flandern and Artois, more Burgundian than French, had been loosing money since we took the provinces over – or so they claimed. On the 10th of September 1434 they presented their demand of Increased Pension from the State at precisely the moment we had none due to heavy recruiting. The coincidence was peculiar to say the least.
Without money we had no choice but to refuse their demand – not that we would have paid them anyway. Unfortunately for us, these traitorous bastards then pressured their peasants to work even harder lowering morale. If we were not careful, we would have a full-blown rebellion at our hand.
Thus we had no choice but to postpone the war until the following spring. Neither Duke Charles, nor our partners nor I were in any doubt who the real culprit was…
* * * * *
the auto notes:
8 March 1433 : Auvergne accepted peace with Bourbonnais on the following terms : Auvergne pays 23$ in indemnities.
1 April 1433 : A White Peace was signed between Eire and Scotland, Provence and France.
15 April 1433 : Provence declared war upon Brittany.
15 April 1433 : Scotland joined the war on the same side as Provence in their war against Brittany.
15 April 1433 : France joined the war on the same side as Provence and Scotland in their war against Brittany.
1 August 1433 : Our land technology increased to Late Medieval (2). We can now build level 2 Fortresses.
18 February 1434 : Burgundy declared war upon Friesland.
18 February 1434 : England joined the war on the same side as Burgundy in their war against Friesland.
18 February 1434 : Gelre dishonored a Military Alliance she had with England and Burgundy.
20 February 1434 : Gelre joined our Military Alliance with Kleves
20 February 1434 : Friesland joined our Military Alliance with Kleves and Gelre
20 February 1434 : Münster joined our Military Alliance with Kleves, Gelre and Friesland
10 September 1434 : We went with Refuse their demands in Nobles Demand Increased Pensions.
10 September 1434 : Our stability dropped.
10 September 1434 : Our stability dropped.