Brandenburg
In 1066 the Holy Roman Empire stood strong, its enormous size protecting it from external threats.
As a loose federation of lords it was far less centralised than its Roman namesake. This allowed Dukes to plot, bribe and stab to their way into postions of power.
This is the tale of one such Duke and his family's rise to prominence.
Lothar-Udo Staden, Duke of Brandenburg, was a man of action. He dreamed of a crown on his head, a sword in his hand and a vast army at his back. He dreamed of glorious battle, a prestigious empire, and loyal followers.
But more than anything, he dreamed of power. The power of life and death over his vassals, the power to seize anything he desired. The power to bring order to his homeland.
His territories consisted of the Duchy of Brandenburg, giving him legal jurisdiction over the counties of Brandenburg, Anhalt and Altmark. Only the first two were under his direct control however, as Altmark was governed by his vassal Friedrich von Goseck.
The greatest power of all is derived from law, and it was to this end that Emperor Heinrich tried to increase his own powers at the expense of the regional lords. Naturally, Lothar was opposed to this.
The Kingdom of Denmark had no such trouble with voting, and the King's word was law.
Political matters were delayed in September when Lothar encountered a rather odd man.
The second greatest source of power was familial presitge: the great Karling dynasty, descendants of Emperor Charlemagne, possessed great amounts of prestige but little actual power. Seeing their ancestry squandered Lothar negotiated to have his son Heinrich betrothed to Adéle Karling.
Legal reform continued to face resistance from the electors.
There had long been a rift between Germany and Italy, but nobody expected that war would come in January 1067.
In an attempt to garner fame Duke Lothar mustered his troops and marched South to help deal with the rebels.
Things went from bad to worse when Bologna, Bourgogne and Lombardy broke free.
A few weeks later it turned from a few private wars into a full-blown rebellion.
Twins were born to the Stadens in 1067, named Johann and Frederick.
Even at the birth of his sons Lothar continued to tangle with the mysterious book.