Rumors

[cccino]

A letter is sent, in private*, to each of the seven electors separately. They are sealed, but the wax has not been pressed with a signet. The author is obviously a person of some means, since it would take a not insignificant outlay in bribes to ensure an anonymous letter ever reached such men of import.

Your Grace,

Once again the reputation of the Holy Roman Empire is dragged down in the eyes of the rulers of Christendom through yet another chaotic and brief Imperial rule and yet another election. Emperors have in the past been elected for their strong will and independence in the hope that they rally the Princes together and rule the empire in the best interests of them all. Instead, what happens is such men act with drive but without direction, serving none but their own interests and upsetting certain elements by encouraging civil war and taking sides under the guise of the Martial Bulle, acting on it to the letter at times but against the intent of the law. It is, as I see it, more desirable to seek an emperor who will not ‘rock the boat’, who is without ambition, who in fear of surpassing the limits of his power will maintain a position well below what he could reasonably hope to achieve without interference or complaint.

There is such a man, and I name him: Leonhard von Görz. As an Imperial Count he is a valid candidate for nomination. His father Heinrich squandered the family fortune, losing the family estates to fund his gambling habits and ever-increasing debts. With the death of the father and the mysterious disappearance of his two brothers Leonhard is left alone, in debt, and impressionable. He has little to no knowledge of Imperial procedure or etiquette. These factors make him an impressionable and easily manipulated candidate.

A Wittelsbacher candidate, while more easily elected, would prove perhaps unpopular outside his kin; independent and forthright, wielding Imperial power to his own ends and unafraid of creating enemies. Von Görz, on the other hand would be unassuming, too timid to act outside the scope of his appointed power or against the will of his advisers. You may rest assured he will behave in concert with those who hold the purse strings. As a ‘neutral’ candidate, there would be no enmity against him from either the Wittelsbachs or their enemies (and I assure you, they are plentiful).

Do not underestimate the potential of an emperor too weak to act against the wishes of the men who advise and fund him. I urge you to take this time before the elections to ensure that you are in a position to take advantage of von Görz should he be elected.

If you accept these suggestions, this can be signified by having Leonhard von Görz called before the electors and put forward as a candidate for emperor. The man has no idea of this proposal and so you may take this action without making it impossible to cancel the scheme. If you wish to contact me to discuss this matter, send an emissary to von Görz, to publicly discuss any innocuous matter other than the elections (this will be the key indicating your intentions to me) and I will contact the emissary.

The letter is signed ‘a well-wisher’, but the author is adamant about the authenticity of the proposal. There is a post-script:

There may be questions about my identity and motivation in putting this proposal to you. The reasons for maintaining my anonymity should be obvious, but my motivation remains the good of the empire. We have all seen the havoc wreaked by emperors arrogant, irresponsible, or ignoring of the diet. Perhaps the empire would be better managed by a small group of men with a controlling interest, behind the façade of an elected emperor?

--------------------------------------------------
* OOC – My intention is that, to all IC intents and purposes, these letters are private. Only the Imperial electors could initially know the contents, and not even they will know the others have received a similar letter unless the topic is broached between them. Subject to mod ruling, naturally.

 

[Cecasander]

The Hedjazi defence in Egypt.

The Citadelle of Cairo

Ali ibn Usama overlooked the city from the great terrace. Cairo, being of of the greatest cities of the muslim world, stretched all the way to the eastern bank of the Nile river. A forest of minarets and domes, that's was it appeared to Ali, who though the even the splendor of Mecca could compete with this city. His eyes followed the Nile to the south, where three small squares were visible along the horizon. There was Gizeh and his home fortress, which his troops had named Fort of the Lion. But yet he was here, at the Citadelle. This was where the Second Army of the Hedjaz was stationed. The Royal Red and White Guards, that had created this army, had taken the old fortress as heir headquarters, as the Egyptian army was on their way to al-Andalus.

A thousand elite trained camel riders, conscriped from the best of the militia's of the Holy Cities, Bedouin tribes, and mercenary bands had taken their quarters in the al-Yublin fortress somewhat outside the city. Eight hundred horsemen, mainly archers and scouts were stationed in the stables of the Citadelle, as well as an infantry army of over 1500 archers, pikemen and swordsmen with scimicars. Four thousand militia's from Mecca and Medina, hand picked by Ali, were stationed in the southern part of the citadelle, near the mosque. These militia's would be the main forces to keep peace in Cairo as long as the war lasted.

Besides the Citadelle of Cairo, Ali's forces were based on six additional fortresses across Egypt, including his own main fort near Gizeh. However, these were mere task and peacekeeping forces, as they were to small to be able to repel a fullscale invasion.

Mehmed al-Sadr had command of an army that was about half the size, and he had spread his forces across Syria and near the Holy Lands. He was based in Damascus, but also occupied fortesses near Aleppo and Jeruzalim, and guard posts near the border with the Aragon-controled Holy Lands.

Then there was the Emir. Though he had officialy been relieved of command of the White Guard, this mysterious old rogue leader was send to Egypt to see the whole operation over. Prince Hasan had always been intrigued by the old, strange veteran, who was always dressed in scarf and desert gear, and he had given him command of a regiment called Horde Zero, which was in fact the White Guard's most disiplined faction. Horde Zero, also known as the Yellow Guard, often acted as the sultan's personal bodyguard, and also acted as very fast couriers. The Yellow Guard, of Horde Zero, formed the intelligence institution too, as they had strong tied with rogues, smulgers, zealotists and rebels.

The Emir had brought Horde Zero to the town of El Minya, along the Nile river, sufficently away from the prying eyes of Ali ibn Usama and his forces, the Abbasid bureaucrats, and the citizens of Cairo. From here he would maintian his strong hold on his foreign intelligence network, though he would travel more then he would be in El Minya

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The french fleet

Nuno Gomes arrived to Vendee right in the morning. He went quickly to see how his caravela, who brought him to France. It was an incredible site, compared with the small ships passing by it was enourmous, maybe 2 times bigger. And comparing the streght of that ship with the French fleet, it seemed that alone that one could defeat them all. The ships where small, and their conditions where not the best for fishing, less to warfare.

After seeing 'his' caravela he went quickly trying to find out where the other Portuguese were. He asked for informations to any villager he found out later thanking his father for making him learn french when he was little. When he found them, they were all in a local pub driking their morning beer.​

He found them conversation in their poor french with some french who seemd to be sailors. He quickly went to the table and in Portuguese talked to them "So I ordered you to stay here and work and this is what you have been dooing?" his eyes pass one by one over his 'students'. One of the less 'drunk' ones is the first and only to speak "Well master, I am sorry. But you took so much. We were just meeting the locals. How was the trip?
Nuno now focus only on that one person "*Yes* the trip as fine. But you shall stop *meeting the locals* we have work to do. I want you to gather all the students and etc to have a meeting. Also *you* will find a place to have that meeting. And I want this ready in three hours! *NOW* move your ass!"

 

[Petrarca]

Ladislav watched, curious as to what his Rhenish uncle sought him for. Clearly, there were crises afoot that screamed for both men's attention, but he was unsure about which the Pontiff intended to discuss. While they walked towards private chambers, Ladislav decided Rainmund, now Nicholas, probably had some news about the Barbary Wars. Given the efforts Ladislav had initiated in the Imperial Diet to achieve an Imperial stance on Lotharingia, despite the failure of Frederick's leadership, he presumed that Nicholas would ask him to rally his allies, if not the Empire, in support of the newest war against the Mohammedans.

The first words out of Nicholas's mouth would have taken him aback had he been any less serene. Ladislav did not expect a compliment, let alone such words from a man he sincerely respected. He had realized, to a lesser degree than von Ehrlichman, that to him Nicholas had been a genial, if distant cousin who served as something of a father. In his appreciation, however, Ladislav was distracted, a rarity for the cold-blooded monarch, and failed to note Nicholas's subsequent criticism of the failure of other lords.

Nicholas rushed into the meat of the conversation. His brusque condenmation of Frederick's failure stunned Ladislav. Cool nerves weren't enough to prevent some surprise at seeing the Pontiff write off the nephew he had groomed for greatness without even mentioning his name.

He still had the presence of mind to murmur an assent when Nicholas declared that the Empire was a concept in the minds of men. "It is not as constricted as you describe it. More share it, more prize it, but they stay silent and pursue other dreams because the offices are vacant, or their holders are vacant of wisdom, and the temptation of other lures draws them away. It is said that the Barbary Sultan took our Empire as a model, seeing it as the pinnacle of Christian strength and unshakable. Even the heathens recognize the truth and irresistibility of the Empire. The princes will help the Empire rise once more if they but have direction."

Ladislav listened while Nicholas spoke of the burden exacted by the position. Internally, he conceded that he had predicted the Pontiff's intentions wrongly, and realized that he had no idea Nicholas held him so highly. Perhaps his infatuation with Frederick had finally ended, and the Rhine's golden-haired boy had given his uncle the ultimate disappointment. In a flash of cynicism, he thought that the old man was running short of family members to anoint, and that after Erich, Frederick, and Albrecht all having their time only he was left.

With that bitter taste in his mouth, he thought back to the other affairs before him while listening to Nicholas. The von Cilli and von Hohenzollern demanded their time with him. Burgundy would play host to his armies, assuming that the Estates would pay their damn levies. Finally, there was Pommern, egging him on as ever, except for one. He sighed. While Nicholas had finished his plea, Ladislav sighed.

There was something to be said for duty and rising to the occasion, he thought. Maria-Katarina thought as much, and now the grandfatherly priest whose parish was all Christendom was asking him to accept the faith placed in him. Ladislav had never lacked for faith in himself; his courtiers could attest to his cold arrogance. The faith of others was a different matter, and he had dithered under that burden or outright rejected them. But Nicholas's words are the same as hers, he considered.

"Uncle, I have no desire to serve as the voice for the House alone and our interests," he said, dropping the pretensions of titles and self-plural in the company of his family. "I do this instead because I believe like you that it must be done and I must be the one to do it."

He paused. "I ask for your blessing in this." In a moment of intellectual frivolity, he added another comment. "Sic erunt novissimi primi et primi novissimi multi sunt enim vocati pauci autem electi.* The Little River and the Little City will continue their great labors, no?" he said with a faint smile.



*So shall the last be first and the first last. For many are called but few chosen

 

[Bagricula]

A Papal fiat sent to all the bishops of Christendom whether Western or Eastern, Latin, Greek, Armenian, or Coptic, et cetera arrives as Ordinary Time draws to a close and the Advent nears. The parchement is heavy, and the calligraphy exquisite, but the eyes are most immediately drawn to the official seal of the Holy See. The letter reads thusly:

"Pastores Grecum, Episcopati Ecclesiae, et Socii Servi Dei,

As shepherds of the flocks of Christendom, that divinely bestowed kingdom which extendeth without boundary either in space or time and who's Ruler is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, and as successors of the Apostles, who by His own Words took up the burden of spreading His Word without care for the persecutions of the ignorant or the wiles of the Enemy, you are summoned to Monte Cassino to join in solemn conclave by this fiat of His Holiness, Nicholas V, Vicar of Christ, Papa Universalis, Summus Pontifex, Pontifex Maximus, Servus Servorum Dei, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan of the Roman Province, and Bishop of Rome,

For the purpose of conversing on the following topics that the Holy Father might know the mind Totae Ecclesiae:

Primus - What forces can be mustered to defend Christendom from Islamic incursions and prevent the reestablishment of an Islamic beachhead in Europe from which they might launch attacks into the heartland of Christendom?

Secundus - What is the state of the Church in the many nations of Christendom?

Tertius - What methods are at the disposal of the Church of the West to bring the Eastern Churches into the light of Christ's salvation? Which should be employed, how, and when?

Quartus - What role should the Eastern Roman Empire, now practically defunct, play in Christendom? What should be done with the vacant Imperial mantle?

Quintius - What reforms necessitated by the new age we live are must be undertaken to renew the Church's mission of faith? What reforms must be made in the instruction of priests, in the rules of the religious orders?

Finally, when these issues have been resolved, the conclave will be opened to general motions from the council. At the conclusion of the conclave, the Holy Father will confirm those resolutions worthy of incorporation into the Canon of the Church.

Ad Maiorem Gloriam Dei, may this solemn bull be incorporated into the Law of Heaven and Earth, written three days before Kalends Octoberiae in Anno Domini MCDLIV a

Sanctissimus, Pope Nicholas V, Vicar of Christ, Papa Universalis, Summus Pontifex, Pontifex Maximus, Servus Servorum Dei, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan of the Roman Province, and Bishop of Rome"

Following the titles of the Holy Father, the dark red boiled Fisherman Seal can be made out affirming this document as the law of the Church. The question remained whether this conclave would be as the many consilia parva that had come in the last few decades, or whether it would truly address the many issues it sets out to.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The battle for Granada Part I

Disclaimar: What is about to be reported is one side of the Story, the Portuguese side, some parts are not confirmed by the other sides. And the dialogues between other parts that are not Portuguese may never happen. For that I apologize right now.
And so the story beggins​

In the Year of the of Lord Jesus Christ 1454 in the 30th day of July the biggest battle ever seen in this century in Iberia happened in a laked city in Granada, the name was not recorded by any of the people involved, in the end even the victorious armies of Christ wanted to forgot the slaughter of so many man.


General Antunes was in the Catilian basecamp when the first scout arrived. The castillian entered the tent sweating and breathing rapidly, the Marshall of Castille quickly said in castilian "What happened man? Speak! Are they here?" The man put his both hands in his knees, because of the tireness, looking down he replied "Yes they are here! They decieded to attack us by surprise. They are many I would say they are 3 000 strong, They have probably 500 more man that we do. But I was informed it could be worse. It seemed our ally the holy pontiff destroyed many ships and men at high sea." General Antunes looked happy to the Marshal and replied also in catillian "It seems we really have crist by our side" the Marshal replied making a nervous Smile "Yes it seems so." he looked to the man once more. The scout was up again but coughing because of the long and quick ride he made "But continue what can you tell us?" asked the Marshall, wich the man replied "Sir, they are on the other side of the City, preparing to defend it. It seems that some light infantary from Malaga is here to help. They are under the banner of Fez." This time the Marshall stops the man "Those will be the firsts to be slaughtered!" General Antunes then smiled and replied "This men here will make it even more easy to assault the Fortress!" "Yes it will!" quickly replied Juan the Marshall, now looking to the scout to whom he started speaking "Man you may leave now, go rest a little you will be needed soon! I want a scout group at the top of that montain as soon as possible!"
The man bows and leaves. General Antunes commander of the 690 Portuguese soldiers speaks one last time "Juan, it is time, both our armies are ready! It is time to give hell on them!"

The General calls his horse and rides away quickly looking one last time to the Castillian Army, this would be the last time he would see that day all those man, so few would survive.

Antunes rode quickly to his camp, allready his troops where ready. Everything was in place. His swordmen where in place, all with their hands nervouslly holding their swords and pikes, this where not mercenaries but the cremé de la cremé of the Portuguese men. All equiped for war, all far away from their families.
The general decieded to speak to his troops, a small speach but the speach that would lead them to victory. "Men! Look to your banners what you see that is the Cross of Crist! We are Portuguese and proud to be Portuguese because of that Cross! The simbol of your forefathers! The simbol of the Cruzaders who conquered our lands from the moors. The same moors who are now invading them again.
We are not fighting for Castille. We are fighting for Portugal! And for Portugal we will win this battle! For Portugal we will carry this cross to Africa and from Africa that Cross will never get out! For I José Antunes General of Portugal will if necessary carry that cross my self! This will be a dificult battle, but we will win it! And in the future many will speak about us.The turning point of this war! The battle who led the Armies of Portugal to Africa!
For the King, for God, for Portugal!" every soldier from the richest noble to the lowest ranked soldier scream an "Hurrah"

General Antunes Raises his sword to the Sky and then lows it, pointing to the city where the battle would happen. "Let's go men let's go!" With this words 500 Portuguese Heavy soldiers run to the battle field and right behind the Heavy cavalary followed, 190 of the best horsemen in the kingdom.

As General Antunes looked to his left seeing the armies of Castille advancing very quickly the cavary was allready advancing too fast. It seemed they wanted to kill the rebels very quickly. "He is beeing a foul! He should not have done that. He really want the rebels to pay" thought José to himself. He had no time to waste so he ordered the troops to move quickly!


*** On the other side of the battlefield ***

An scout in the top of the montain, was seeing the battle field in secret when the tired scout arrived there to see the enemy. The tired castillian speaks to the other scout "So man tell me what did you learned about the enemy?"

"Well Xavier" started the lonelly scout "They are heavy in cavalary. I would say arround 580, 300 horse archers 120 light desert knights and 160 heavy knights who look more European than anything."
Xavier replied, "Well, Marshall Juan have arround 300 European-style Knights and 250 Jinetes." The other scout noded and replied, I know but look, you see there? "They have then 500 Heavy soldiers and 500 light soldiers, they will not be easy!" Xavier smiled and coughed. "Well his majesty have 1100 midle equipded soldiers, so I can say we are even!
"But Xavier! replied suprised the castillian "You are forgoting the Fezians and the rebels!"
The tired man looks down to the rebels and spit in their direction with all the streghts he still hold in his chest

"Xavier over there, as you said 500 rebels and 300 more light infantary. They will be toasted! But the big problem is overthere" Xavier follows the hand of his commerade and sees the man of Fez with their bows and speaks "Yes, the Berber archers" the other man stoped the otehr by saing "yes, exacly 500 of those bastard!" "This will be a very dificult battle, yes" replied Xavier now, less tired.
"*look look* they are advancing! You need to warn the General! They are trying to flack our troops! you got to go Xavier! Go and warn the Marshall!"

Once again Xavier was on his horse riding as quickly as he could. He had to warn Marshal Juan!

To be continued​

 

[Longinus]

Call to Arms

April 1454, Duchy of Pommerania.​

It was more than decade since the knights of Pommern have fought in any conflict, almost entire generation passed in peace and prosperity. Pommeranian lands itself have not witnessed flames of war since the Austraian invasion in mid 30’s.

There were less and less people who remembered the siege of Danzig and the battle of Poznan. There were only few who remembered the great battle of Tannenberg, while nobody cared or remembered for whom Stettin fought in the battle.

Many Pommern nobles were transforming into landed gentry, especially giving the fact that Greifs acquired so many lands for them. They were growing fat, feeding on the glory of their Gryphon lords. However, even though Pommern grown a lot and matured as political entity, the way its army was formed did not change at all. Pommern dukes still had to rely on feudal levies, at least in theory.

*****​

Duke Boguslav was supervising the men arriving before him. “Much has indeed changed” he concluded. It was no longer the sight he would expect to see a decade or two ago. Decade or two ago he would see the ranks of knights, nobles of Pommern themselves with their sons and squires, but it was different now. Even though many nobles arrived in Stettin, few of them actually wanted to join the forces. There were of course many youngsters, especially poor ones looking for easy money and glory on the battlefield. However, there were very few more prominent nobles, instead they sent replacements for them, mercenaries.

Boguslav shook his head. “Where is this world heading to if the knight prefers to stay at home instead of questing for the good of his landlord and house.”

*****​

Gryphon forces were mobilizing for the whole of spring.

Pommern cavalry rose by the nobles, clergy and burgers was numbered in about 2500 horses, their equipment was varied from heavily equipped knights, wearing gothic or Italian plates in the manner of western Europe or lighter plates and half-plates, even chain mails like it was preferred by cavalrymen from Bohemia and Poland.

The infantry was numbered in about 6000-7000 and was mustered in Hussite style, which proved to be so effective and superior to other infantries during the last decades, especially the Hussite uprisings. Equipped in war wagons, huge number of firearms and polearms, among them fearsome Bohemian flails, they were well prepared for the battles in Burgundy, especially against the renowned heavy knights of Gual and the walls of Burgundian cities and towns.

The numbers would be even higher if only Pommeranian dukes had more time at hand and if they weren’t forced to send another considerable contingent abroad.

Capitan Zacharais Baumann, well known mercenary leader, was to embark on a long journey to Castile, together with a big portion of Pommern fleet. 70 ships were to carry 4000 men directly to Iberia, it was the help, which Casmir offered the king of Castile in his struggle against the Moors and Berbers, most of these men were simple mercenaries paid from the Pommeranian coffers, but there also was a considerable number of other knights who believed in the riches of Iberia or in the words of priests who were promising heaven to those who would fight against the Muslims.

Finally, there was “The Band of the Hawk”, the free company of fearsome mercenaries who fought for the Pommeranian Gryphons many times. Their military expertise and experience was soon to become in handy again, especially considering the fact that they once fought in Burgundy. They knew the terrain well and Burgundy knew them quite well.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The Battle for Granada part II

Disclaimar: What is about to be reported is one side of the Story, the Portuguese side, some parts are not confirmed by the other sides. And the dialogues between other parts that are not Portuguese may never happen. For that I apologize right now.
And so the story continues​

And so the Castillian Jinetes storm in the direction the the Rebels, they had little support from the rear, only some hundreds of infantary men went with them. They advanced, they had blood on their teeth of biting their lips in excitment, they were about to face the dreadfull rebels, who pushed them to war, who made their king to ask for help, who made their brothers and fatheres die in war. They were there to kill them all. Their anger blinden them. They could barelly see what was in front of them, the manouvers done by the Fezians. They would not be ready for the rain of arrows from the berber!

On a small hil,l arround half of the berber archers where preparing their bows and arrows. On the lower part of the hill the light moorish infantary lead by the rebel leaders themself, the center of the Fezian army was about to receive an historical charge by the Castillian Jinetes! The horses where comming to quick, so they stoped when they saw the first arrows comming from the sky, They would wait for the Infantary before continuing.

On the other side, in the Allah's side. The less equipted infantary started to treble some closed their eyes, praying for Allah, they knew they may not survive this battle, some in the front even looked to their back trying to find a way to escape, but that was not possible, they had Allah on their side, he would protect them on earth, if not on earth they would have the paradise for them!
One minute passed since they stoped when the first infantary soldiers passed running by the Knights. It was now! They were attacking NOW!

The first wave was Brutal, the ill equipted men where slaugthered by the better equipted infantary and with the cavalary on the rear. But this advantage quickly ended, those ill equipted men where also men full of faith and for that faith they would run for the battlefield and fight. The ones who survived the first wave where quicked back on their foot to attack the 'infidel' And the ones who were keeped on the rear were running for the front. Without passing many minutes what seemed a sure vitory became an enormous defeat, the men on the rear quickly were in the front and their overhelming forces simply destroyed the infantary from Castille. The Jenites only had time to try to releave them by attacking the left flack, but it was too late, the first wave was destroyed.

The Portuguese army decieded to go direcly by the town's city, maybe predicting something. On the front more Jenites arrive to the front trying to turn the ties, but still they were out-numbered they were in that moment just trying to hold enough untill more infantary could arrive. They could only hope that comming down the hill would not make the troops to tired for the battle!

The fight at the frong was terrible, the Fezians where holding like it was not expected, allmost half of the Castillian Army was there, so the Fezians where overhelmed, many houndreds lied on the ground. The Algerian army was still on the back without any action. Only a miracle could save the Fezians. And that miracle was about to happen.
A captain of the Castillian Army thought that part of the Battle ended and decieded to push right into the Algerian army. This could have been the end of the Battle with a quick win for the Cristians...

And the miracle happened, the captain by attacking, could and did have lost everything, on their back the algerian army as about to attack, it seemed that Xavier did not done what he should, he was killed my a lonelly fezian arrow. The algerian attacked with much surprize, nobody expected it. The great majority of the Castillian army was fighting, only a small reserve was sent to fight the algerians, with that reserve the Portuguese army. They turned their backs to the battle and started running trying to defend the rear. They knew the battle would be lost if the army was encircled.

Already did the Armies of Algeries beeing dooing damage, they quicky moved their cavalary and infantary destroying a small infantary company, the castillian fought with great courage, but they were overhelmed, they were outnumbers 2-1, it was the crucial the presence of the Portuguese heavy infantary with the rest of the Castillian reserves who saved the rear. They quickly went in streght and defeated the Algerians, saving the rear.

But those troops did not have time to rest, they needed to move to the front once again, their brothers were beeing destroyed near the lakes, the last Jinete cavalary were beeing destroyed they had to goquickly!

But it was too late, only less than a duzen survived the attack. They had to retreated, one of those who retreated was the Captain who ordered the slaughter.

To be continued​

 

[Blade!]

The End of an Era, Pt. 2

October 2nd, 1454 - The Emperor's Burial
The City of Fez


The Flag of Sultan Akbe Mohammed

In the Islamic faith, Muslims believe that death is a departure from the life of this world, but not the end of a person's existence. Rather, eternal life is to come, and they pray for God's mercy to be with the departed, in hopes that they may find peace and happiness in the life to come.

Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. The eyes of the deceased should be closed, and the body covered temporarily with a clean sheet. Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased.

Akbe Mohammed’s body was recovered from the empty, body strewn battle field abreast of the Gates of Malaga and evacuated to his ship and across the water to Fez, where the Almohad Council had arrived hours before in preparation of an immediate funeral. When the cold body of the Almohad Emperor arrived in the City of Fez, his eyes had already been closed in death, a calm look on his face, and a silken sheet covered him.

The burial was not as immediate as some mullahs wished. The burial of the Second Almohad Emperor, one of Dar-es-Islam’s most influential figures in the last two decades, was not one that could be rushed.

In the time leading up to the burial, important figures, politically, religiously, and perhaps most important… sentimentally, gathered. Those who gathered to wait, consoled each other, or silently rejoiced as the case might be. In general, the populace recited verses from the Qur'an, and remembered Akbe Mohammed through story.

It is forbidden for those in mourning to excessively wail, scream, or thrash about, though it is expected that sorrow will be felt and weeping will occur. When the Prophet Muhammad's, peace be upon him, own son died, he said: "The eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except which pleases our Lord." Moslems are encouraged to strive to be patient, and remember that Allah is the One who gives life and takes it away, at a time appointed by Him. It is not considered the place of man to question His wisdom.

It was many who wept openly, but of particular note were the Ladies Rebekka and Livia, though it was the later whose histrionics were more widely noted. The other and foremost consort, the Lady Kadija, was nowhere to be seen, until the day of the funeral, emerging from the desert with the entire bulk of the Zenata tribe. The young Halud Hasan, and the Lady Kajol Khan arrived by boat and came to the quarters of the Emperor’s sister, but only the later found any entrance.

On that same ship, came Naib Tomas, the Amira’s Champion. Upon his arrival in the Citadel Tlemscen from Tunis, a dispatch, which bore news of the Emperor’s death, demanded his presence at the Amira’s side. He, however, a Portuguese man long in residence and long since accepted, was swept away by the men to mourn in their own ways.

It was, however, the ruler of Algeria, the newly ascended Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate, The Night Jewel of Algeria, Amira-Elector Yasmine Mohammed… the Emperor’s younger sister, whose grief was told as unrivaled. The fury and weeping had eventually given way to a desolation so deep, that only her burden of duty entrusted to her by her brother brought her from the darkness that oppressed her.

Her eyes emptied of tears, Yasmine sat in Fez, where she was harangued by endless obeisances and consolations. Her exterior was presented regally, but within she still wept. Her only consolation was that her cousin dissuaded many of the visitors, and that her fiancé was somewhere nearby.

In preparation for burial, the family or other members of the community will wash and shroud the body. If the deceased was killed as a martyr, however, this step is not performed; martyrs are buried in the clothes they died in. The deceased are washed respectfully, with clean and scented water, in a manner similar to how Muslims make ablutions for prayer. The body will then be wrapped in sheets of clean, white cloth, called the kafan.

The deceased is then transported to the site of the funeral prayers, salat-l-janazah. These funeral prayers are commonly held outdoors, in a courtyard or public square, not inside the mosque. The community gathers, and the imam (prayer leader) stands in front of the deceased, facing away from the worshippers. The funeral prayer is similar in structure to the five daily prayers, with a few variations; there is no bowing or prostration, and the entire prayer is said silently but for a few words.

The deceased is then taken to the cemetery for burial (al-dafin). While all members of the community attend the funeral prayers, only the men of the community accompany the body to the gravesite. The deceased is laid in the grave without a coffin on his or her right side, facing Mecca.

Many of the men from the Zenata tribe and nobles from Tlemscen gathered to wash Akbe Mohammed’s body. With them, was Tomas Lopes de Castello-Branco, still being ushered from event to event. This was his first Moslem funeral, and it would probably be the most significant and regal most of them would ever see. The Caliph himself, Odchigin Sacha, freshly arrived with the Alima of the Holy Lands, from Jerusalem and oversaw the process. Akbe Mohammed was buried in his battle garb, the same garb he wore when he took Thrace with the Mujahir forces during the rule of his father.

The Battlegear Worn in Thrace

The Caliph led the community in prayer in place of a lesser Imam, and then led the procession the burial site in the heart of the Fezian City’s Gardens. After the body was entombed, the women rejoined the men, and speeches were given. It was Alima Aaminah Jamila al Umm-Hakim, who knew Akbe Mohammed when he was but Sharif of Oran, who gave the euology.

During the sea voyage, and with the counsel of the Caliph she had steeled her resolve, and prepared to speak for the only man she had ever known.

“Emperor Akbe Mohammed… Sultan of the Zayyanid Caliphate, Emir-Elector of Almohid Morocco, former Emir-Elector of Algeria, Lord-Protector of the Maghrib, Crimea, and Al-Andalus, Sharif of Oran, Guardian of Western Civilization, Defender of the Faith, and Premiere of the Almohad Throne… known as the ‘Lion of the Maghrib,’ and ‘Victor of Thrace snd the Holy Lands,’ holder of the Moldovian Order of Moldu'c… a martyr who died as he lived, in service of the faith.

Born in 1414 to Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II and Sultana Farooq Hafsid in the shining port of Al-Djazir, the prosperous capitol of Algeria. At the age of 15, Akbe Mohammed was appointed Sharif of Oran by his grandfather Emir Abu Abdallah Mohammed III. He was sent not only to train for further administration within the Zayyanid lands, but to solidify the bond with the Zayyanid's ancestral tribe, the Zenata...

He served in Oran for 4 years; when he returned to the capitol to pursue military training for 5 years, but then was sent back to Oran to settle the Muslims and Jews fleeing the barbarian hordes that had swamped the Maghrib with the fall of Granada in Al-Andalus. At the behest of his Uncle, Sultan Hasan bin Mohammed, he served as an escort on a pilgrimage to Mecca, wherein I first became aqquinted with the young man who would become Emperor.”

Aaminah paused for a moment, as she recalled the journey, and the spiritual calm of Mecca, as well as the joys of youth.

“He served with decoration during the chaos of the regent's rule under Sir Kareem Abdul, and then under his Uncle Sultan Abd Roukashi whom he had righteously supported. When his father, Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II, came to power, he took command of the Mujahir Armies and learned from their experiences in Al-Andalus; they called him the "Lion of the Maghrib," after he killed a beast terrorizing Oran in his Sharif days.”

She raised her arm to point at the famed tapestry, which the Lady Livia made sure had been brought from Tlemscen.

"He led the Mujahir Army in the assault on Thrace and won much decoration in the capture of that city from the Christians. Yet, even in victory, he was a man of compassion and faith; It was his piety that led him to rescue a Byantine Noble, and brought him to convince his father to spare the Orthodox churches. Upon his return from the Grecian lands, his father abdicated the throne and retired to Mecca.

Sharif Akbe Mohammed became Emir of Algeria, Sultan of the Zayyanid Caliphate, and Almohad Emperor in 1443. As Emperor he sought to reform and solidify the Empire, bringing the provinces together, melding them into a unitary body of commerce, prosperity, and security. He pursued reforms in trade and resisted Venetian overtures… eclipsing them in their collapse. It was he alone who granted succor to the Crimean Khan, when he was betrayed by his allies and debtees, and carried his case to the Caliph. He sent arms and aid to the Moslems oppressed by Venice in Drobudja, and struck at Lithuania when they dared to war on Islam.

In 1450, the Almohad Civil War erupted as the Emir-Elector of Morocco attempted to destroy the Emir-Elector of Fez. It was Akbe Mohammed, who rallied Algerian, Mujaheeri, and Fezian troops to put down the rebellion in a lightening campaign. Fresh in settling the civil war and brining peace to the Empire, he heeded the demand of the Ulama who asked for liberation of the Holy Lands; Morocco, Fez, Algeria, and Tunis marched the Almohad banner to the Holy Lands, to Greece, to Malta, to Sardinia, and the Balares.

Generous in peace, he struck an accord with the Christian powers to secure the Holy Lands for Moslems, Christians, and Jews for all time. Mosques are being built again, and Zayyanid garrisons guard the ways of pilgrimage. For some, however, the idea of peace and mutual existence is abhorrent. The crusader destroyers’ of Granada, declared war on the Almohad Empire. They soon learned, however, that the Almohad Navy was not a force that could be easily broached.

In hope, my people, the Moors of Granada rose up and asked the Emperor to be their champion and bring them into the Empire. Akbe Mohammed never had any pretension that the fight for Granada would be anything but difficult if not impossible. The Emperor however, a devout and committed Moslem, acted as always did; for the benefit of his brothers and sisters in the Ummah, the worldwide community of Moslems. Wherever they are oppressed, wherever little girls’ screams cry out in the night… it is the duty of every Moslem to help his brother and sister. To do otherwise is apostasy… Akbe Mohammed’s faith was only matched by his great compassion… he rode to their side in their hour of need.

Akbe Mohammed died as he lived. In submission to Allah, and in eternal sacrifice for his fellow Moslem. He died defending the innocent and weak, in front of the gates of Malaga, in 1454.

A true martyr, he fought with the last remnants of his troops to the very end. They destroyed the crusader army to a man… but his wounds were mortal. His final words were a testament to his life, and an inspiration to all of us."

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah."​

The Alima bowed her head, and crossed her palms in rememberance of the man who was Akbe Mohammed.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Interlude - The Continuing Construction of the Schloss Burghausen

The already impressive castle continued to raise on the ridge above the Salzach River and the town below it. Duke Heinrich XIII built the main castle (foundation wall, cellars, chapel) in 1255, but it has only been since 1430's that this grander construction has taken place. This has come about for two reason, first because Burghausen has slowly become the main residence of the Dukes of Bayern-Munchen, and second because Enrst, and later Albrecht, during the pervious martial decades sought to build the most defensible castle in Europe. Laying on the west bank of the Salzach, it is said to be the longest castle in Europe, stretching out over a full kilometer (1034 m). Parts of the defensive structure reached down to the village and are integrated into its town walls. The complex is itself is further divided into six courtyards which each has its own fortified gate, moat and wooden drawbridge.

In the first courtyard are located the Palace of the Duke's Residence, the Kemenate, The Durnitz (Gothic Hall), the Inner Castle Chapel and the Treasury. The Inner Castle Chapel was built during the 13th century, a time period when architecture changed from Roman to Gothic, hence the outer walls of the chapel were built in Roman style and the inner style of the chapel was Gothic. The second courtyard is very large and it contains the stables, a well, the main kitchen and the bakery as well as the lodges of the grooms and pages. In the third courtyard the smithy or forge and an arsenal are located. Grain is stored on the upper two floors of the arsenal. It has one of the most distinguished bridge and gate of any castle on the Continent, the George Bridge and Gate. It is the most narrow part of the castle and the wooden bridge has a length of 27 meters and covers a moat that is8 meters deep. In the fourth courtyard are yet another stable with grain storage on the second floor, the prison, Torture Tower or "Witches" Tower, and a deep dungeon. Burghausen is one of the few castles that has a separate torture chamber and it is said this was the idea of Duke Albrecht III, surnamed the 'Pious.' As far as anyone knows, this chamber has not been put to actual use as of now. The fifth courtyard contains the main Tower (Gardener's Tower), which also serves as a look out. Here can be found the tax office, where the tax payments of corn, wine and oil are stored. There are plans to build a small Gothic style chapel here, but no work has been started. The sixth courtyard is the largest courtyard of the castle. In its midst stands the recently finished Clock Tower with a well house attached to it. In this yard master officials, clergy, craftsmen and their families live and have their workshops. There is also a horse pond and a horse drawn mill. The towers on the right side of the yard were built during the last century and are square, whereas the towers on the left side now being built are of the modern circular type. While that may look patchwork, it goes toward making Burghausen all the more strong against any that dare challenge her.

The Arms of Burghausen​

 

[Voshkod]

The Funeral Oration for Akbe Mohammad by the Caliph of all Islam

Odchigin Sacha, the Caliph of All Islam and, as Regent Emperor of the Almohads, the successor of the fallen Emperor, stood before the crowd dressed in simple garb. His long mustache had been waxed to a fine point, and his Mongol appearance stood out in this crowd of Maghrib Arabs. A scribe stood nearby to capture his words.

He looked down and began to speak, his voice quiet, soft, and the mourners had to strain to hear him.

"There is no God but God, and Mohammed is his prophet."

He looked into the faces of the crowd, which was leaning forward to catch the fleeting, eternal words. His eyes were cast with dark fire, three blue puffs of the dragon's breath twining and igniting the pathways of his mind. Suddenly his voice bellowed, clear and loud and high, his odd accent piping around the swirl of his Arabic, reminding listeners later of a desert bird calling in the night.

"There is no God but God, and Mohammed is His prophet! And before us lies His soldier, Akbe Mohammed, martyred in His name on the fields of Malaga, fighting for the freedom of al Andalus."

He leaned forward, toward the crowd, his voice filled with passionate intensity. "Weep not for Akbe Mohammed! He has ascended into heaven now, into paradise, where he stands before God, and God is pleased with him! Even now, Akbe Mohammed receives his reward in paradise. Oh no, do not weep for him.

"Do not mourn for the Almohad Empire! Where one leader has fallen, others shall take up the banner of the Maghrib! The Lion left many cubs who shall grow into lions their father shall be proud of. And I do not speak only of his own children, but of all men and boys touched by the spirit of this man, all that remember his power and his humility before God. For they are all his cubs, and they are all his children, and they must all honor their father. Oh no, do not weep for the Empire.

"And do not cry for your own loss, for self-pity in a time of war is loathsome. Take those tears, bottle them in your hearts, let them kindle a holy wrath in your spirit that will carry us through the fell days to come. Do not cry for yourselves."

He stood straight, his black eyes flashing. "There will be a time for tears. There will be a time for peace. After we are victorious in al Andalus. Let your tears flow through the streets of Cordoba and Toledo, as you remember our victories and mourn the dead.

"If Akbe Mohammed's spirit could return to this body for a moment, what would he say? You know as well as I; 'Move on, slaves of Allah, move on from this graveside, lift your swords, shoulder your burdens, and return to the battle!'

"As I speak, the children of Timur raise their swords and mount their horses. As we stand here before this man, the fleets of Egypt ply the Middle Sea. As we say farewell to the Almohad Emperor, his soldiers stand watch on the shores of Africa.

"Some may say now is the time for peace. Does the lion step out of the fight to lick his wounds? No! He redoubles his wrath, and battles on, to victory or death. There is no retreat, there is no surrender.

"As Caliph of All Islam, and before God, His prophet and His soldier, I declare jihad for the liberation of al Andalus. Let all men faithful to God shoulder their blades, raise the sails of their ships, and prepare for battle. Let all rulers who proclaim their faith in God join this just war, offer up their soldiers and their gold to the furnace, so Islam can pass through this fire in strength! Let them come to war!

"From Mecca and Medina, bring forth the desert riders!

"From Cairo and Alexandria, bring forth the soldiers of the Nile!

"From Samarkand and Kabul, let the Horde ride into the West!

"From Ishafan and Fars, march our Persian brethren!

"From Bursa and Angora, set sail the fleets of the Osmanli!

"And Almohads, stand tall, know all Islam stands with you."

He stood before the crowd with his arms cast wide, his face locked in a rapturous rage.

"Let the word go forth to the halls and homes, marketplaces and barracks, ports and ships, of all slaves of God! It is as God told his prophet: 'whoever obeys Allah and His Apostle, He will cause him to enter gardens beneath which rivers flow, and whoever turns back, He will punish him with a painful punishment.

"Any who turn back from this call will be declared Irtidäd, apostate, and will travel alone into the darkness of Gehenna. And the faithful who come shall be rewarded on earth and in paradise with the grace and mercy of Allah! Jihad for al Andalus! Jihad against the Castilians and the Vicar of Christ! Rise up you slaves of God and take back these ancient lands for Allah!"

And then it was as if the light and energy passed out of the Caliph. He did not collapse, but shrunk, and his voice shrank with him. His last few words were quiet again, audible only to the family of the Emperor, seated in the front of the crowd.

"I have seen islands where men worship winds and ghosts, I have stood among the vast temples of the Khmer, seen stone altars of false gods among mountains unimaginable, walked on the wall of the Ming. I have been named Caliph of all Islam and the Emperor of the Almohads. I have lived. But I never knew Akbe Mohammad. I never shook hands with him. And I shall regret that until I die."

Odchigin Sacha walked slowly over to the body of the Emperor. "Farewell, and safe journeys beyond," he whispered. The Caliph and Emperor then took his seat.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

- EVENT -

Triggered by the naval battle of Granada

The Captain that Started a War.

​

It was an understandable mistake. The Papal navy had been ordered to prevent Algerian and Mameluke ships from landing their troops to support the Andalusian rebels, and they were determined to carry out that order.
When the first enemy vessels were spotted, and combat was joined by both sides, the captains of the christian ships stopped looking at their opponents banners.
As such, it was an honest mistake when christian sailors boarded a ship flying the banner of Fez instead of the Algerian or Egyptian flag. And as soon as that had happened, the Fezian ships joined the fray, and were as eager to defeat their christian foe as any of their allies.

In the end, the Papal navy was driven away. But the fact that ships under Papal banner had attacked ships flying the flag of Fez remained. And without war ever being formally declared, the two nations found themself on opposite sides of the battlefields.



RESULT:
War between Fez and the Papal states.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The Battle for Granada Part III

Disclaimar: What is about to be reported is one side of the Story, the Portuguese side, some parts are not confirmed by the other sides. And the dialogues between other parts that are not Portuguese may never happen. For that I apologize right now.
And so the story ends.​

The remaining castillian Army who as keeped on the back waiting to be called finally intervened, An enourmous mass of Jinetes and European style Cavalary went towards the main lines of what had survived in the Fezian army and the algerian Cavalary

On the other side of the Battle, the Portuguese foot soldiers were attacking in masses with the Castillian infantary on their left flack, with such a big attack the Algerian Cavalary did not have any chance but to retire

But in the mist of confusion, one muslim knight screamed "Allah Mahana, Jihadona Adel!" (Allah is with us, our cause is just) With that sentence he went direcly to the Portuguese Knights, the others looked at him and went with him, They had to fight back! They would not retire! They would fight to the death!

But they were the few who fought to the death. In both sides the moral was droping by each death. What survived of the Jinetes where running for their lifes and even still in a position of superiority the algerian were all escaping the battle, they had enough for death

Only a small part of the Armies where still fighting, only the Power and inflence of the Fezian General made his troops stick toguether and not run away, wave after wave of Castillians where beeing defeated, even with the ones who run away the Almohad troops where superior in numbers.

But the Portuguese commanders without fear and un-molested by the battle pushed foward. Right towards the Algerian Infantary and what survived of the Almohad cavalary.

But it was only in the moment the Portuguese heavy cavalry entered in cene that the battle was decieded, General Antunes and his Cavaleiros done all the diference with their perfect timing making the necessary final push.

It was in this moment that the great final push was done that the Almohad empire was we knew ended.
In his high horse, Abke Mohammed the emperor of North Africa was killed ( some say he was just injured and was evacuated to Malaga, but in the assault of the city he was killed, still holding his sword at the gates of Malaga ).
The Emperor was in the middle of the Battle Front, killing many Castillian soldiers when without noticing he start seeing Portuguese flowding the battle, soon he was surronded and with a quick cut in his horse, his mount was killed puting the brave emperor to the ground, five guards quickly surrounded the emperor trying to protect him, it was only when a quick Portuguese knight run to the emperor that ended the life of the great Emperor.
With his sword the knight went direcly to the emperor finding the emperor's chest, Abke Mohammed was on the ground. The Portuguese Knight put his sword up in the hair full of imperial blood when he felt for the last time In this life. With unhuman streght Mohammed's hand still holded his sword and in a lonelly attack the murdered of Abke Mohammed, the Emperor of the Almohad empire was alsio dead, by the hand of Abke himself.
Some say that was the last thing the emperor did, but no really knows, some say he did not die on the battle field, some say he is maybe still alive in Andalusia trying to find a way to come back to his homeland.

The only thing really true, was the shock the portuguese cavalary done to the battle. So overhelming in their streght, that even the castillian Jinetes saw it and went back to the battle. And in those last few minutes of Battle, General Antunes could see on his right Marshal Juan in his lonelly Horse Gooing Foward with the the Portuguese Cavalary. The enemy were runing away or death. The victory was their's.
The biggest victory of the Portuguese Army in many years. This victory was a turning point of the Portuguese and African history, for the good and for the worst this a battle that would change history.

The End​

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Enterprise of Ireland - A Few Sandy Isles

The grey pre-dawn hours in the marshy isles of the Southern sea was always a weird time. Fog and the lapping of the waters created a scene that appeared fantastical instead of real, making it all the more unbelievible that any land lay in that pea soup. Still, the islands were there and the fishermen of the region knew them well. This summer morning, the fishermen returned to there usual haunts, but not to cast there nets. They were there this time piloting barges instead of their boats, serving at the command of their lord, the Duke of Gelre.

Herr Heinrich von Danuben, the Battle-Captain of the Enterprise, were ready to draw first blood in the mission. He wanted also to test this hodgepodge force, especially is powder weapons. Since their only oppositon would be about a hundred men-at-arms and guardsmen, von Danuben chose to take 200 of the knights, 50 of the crossbowmen, and all of bombardiers and their weapons. At midnight the band boarded barges which Hendrik von Egmond had provided for them and made its way across the water to their destination. Once there, they spent a few more hours sittting in the barges trying not to make an noise that would signal their presence. Finally, about 5.30, the band split into three parties and made ready to attack the isles.

The Duke of Holland's men never saw it coming. Only a few were awake and on the walls when they were suddenly over taken by men out of nowhere. Every one of the garrisons on the isles were surprised in one swoop and ladders were the main means of gaining entry. At one of the bigger forts, someone was able to ring the alarm bell and a fierce but confused defense insued. At the attackers tried to force the gate, the confusion was all the more increased among the defenders when they thought they saw the banner of the English king in one of the barges. That had been Herr von Danuben's idea, for he could not use the Bavarian flag in this covert operation lest a diplomatic incident come shortly after it. For the Duke of Holland's men this was the biggest shock in this morning of shocks. Why would the King of England attack them? Was this the preliminary to an English invasion of Lotharingia? It did not matter that the attackers were clearly speaking southern German and Italian... the English had mercenaries just as well as any other army. At least ten men were able to get away in a rowboat and were able to get word of the attack to Jan van Bayern, but the rest of the 127 men who had held those little sandy isles were either dead or in chains (mostly in chains) by 7 that morn. Hendrik von Egmond said it would take five days to capture the places, von Danuben did it in two hours. He looked on it as a job well done with minimal losses, but it was a sideshow. The real battle was across the water in Eire. Now there would be no more delays to the Enterprise.

 

[cccino]

Five Years Earlier...

Installation of the Carinthian Duke
As Told By Poet and Historian Joze Klasinc

15th Century Illustration Portraying (Inaccurately) the Three Stages of the Ceremony​

The Free Holders of the Land, represented by an Assembly of Good and True
men, Observed and Partook in the Ceremonies, described here in Truth and
Accuracy according to man's limitations, written by the Hand of Joze Klasinc,
to the best of my Rememberances by my Oath before by the One True God,
that did take place on November the First, and following days, in the year of
Our Lord Fourteen Hundred and Forty Nine.


In These Times the Duke of Carinthia is not chosen by the Veca as in Older
Days but we the Carantanian people maintain the Priviledge of Confirming or
Rejecting Him who is offered to us as Duke. On this day the Assembly of the
Nation was gathered to wield this Privilege over Ulrich of Celje, presented by
His Majesty the King Ladislav of distant Bohemia and His Imperial Majesty
Joachim of distant Pommerania. These persons were not present on this day.
The Emperor's representative to Carantania the Palatine was present on this
day.

The events of the Ceremonies took place as in the Tradition of the Ancient
Rites.

At Krnski Grad under the sun and the sky the Veca was gathered to perform
the Carantanian Rites. From these Good and True men the Judge was chosen
to speak for them all, the man considered by all to be the Best; the most
Wise, the most Fair, the most Honest and the most Holy. This was done first
to observe their Oath to the Country.

The Judge chosen by the Veca did then ask that great Assembly whether he,
Ulrich of Celje, given to them by King and Emperor, was acceptable as their
Prince. The great Assembly then did give a Cheer and Warm Welcom to
signify that, Young and Old, Rich and Poor, by General Consent they did
please him as their Prince, and they welcomed him as is the Custom of the
land. Ulrich of Celje was then given precious vestments of his Office, and
accompanied by Knights and Noblemen, and followed by the free men and the
masses, he did proceed up the Hill to the seat which is called the Prince's
Stone. With him were carried a great number of banners, the black and silver
banners of all ranks of noblemen of Carantania, and the banner of Celje, and
the banner of the nation of Carantania.

To Ulrich of Celje the precious vestments of his Office, with which he walked
up the hill which is of great Spiritual and Cultural importance, were given: in
his left hand, a mighty Bull, of Brown and White and Spotted, signifying the
Land and the Farmers who do toil upon It, and in his right hand a mighty
Warhorse, of Black and White Blaze and White Socks, signifying the army and
the Prince's duty to defend the Land. Together, these did signify the
elements of the Carantanian Land and its rule.

Upon the hill, known as Krnski Grad, these vestments were put aside and the
Judge of the Assembly, acting as the People of the land, did proceed to dress
Ulrich of Celje according to the tradition, comprising of items grey in colour,
signifying the dust of the land and the Prince becoming as one with the land.
Also he was dressed in items red in colour, signifying all that is eternal and
the spiritual duty of the Prince to the people. All told, the items in which the
Prince were dressed were: a tunic, grey in colour, signifying earthly things, a
red belt from which is hung a red hunting bag, as suitable for a Master of the
Hunt, although in These Times the Imperial Master of the Hunt was not the
Prince of Carinthia. In the Hunting Bag was placed Bread and Cheese and
Foods to symbolise that upon which all men must subside. Furthermore, the
Prince was given a Horn hung from red cords, and upon his feet he was given
to wear two shoes of red thongs, and upon his back a cloak of grey.

At this time the Ducal crown had been taken from Carantania after the Final
War against the Dukes Habsburg in which the former Duke and the Duke
before him, and so on right back to the Duke Ernst whom was called the Iron,
all bearing the name Habsburg, were disgraced and had their lands and
estates confiscated. Although he was to be Duke and Prince of Carinthia,
Ulrich of Celje chose to wear in the ancient Slovenian Hat, making him
popular before the great Crowd. And so, in this manner, Ulrich of Celje was
given to wear the Slovenian Hat, which is grey in colour and from which is
hung cords, equally grey in colour.

Krnski Grad and the Prince's Stone​

From the great Crowd then emerged the man who is known as the Keeper of
the Stone, and to which the Duty belongs to him alone, and before him was
his father, and before him his father, and so on. The Keeper who is a peasant
and a free man and is given house and plot which to farm and keep himself as
payment for his duty, did then proceed to perform his duty according to the
Carinthian tradition.

Before the massed Crowd the Keeper sat upon the great stone Chair. Before
the Stone stood Ulrich of Celje, who was to be Prince, and also Henry of
Goerz who was the Palatine of Carinthia, and the other nobles of position and
importance. In his hand Ulrich of Celje held the stick which he had been
given, which was the Sceptre of the Prince. The Keeper of the Stone, who
represented the people of the Land to whom the Prince owes his rank, did
speak, and the massed Crowd did answer.

Said the Keeper in the common tongue, which is Slovenian: Who is he that
comes forward?

Said the massed Crowd, also in the common tongue: It is he who is the
Prince of the Land!

Said the Keeper: Is he an upright Judge seeking the Well Being of the
Country? Is he free born and Deserving? Is he a Foster and Defender of the
Christian faith?

Said the massed Crowd: He is, he is, he will be!

Said the Keeper: By what right can you displace me from this Seat?

Said the massed Crowd: He will pay you sixty Denari, and he will give you
your home free and without tribute!

At which the peasant who was Keeper of the Stone stood and approached
the Prince and struck him gently and with open hand, signifying the Right of
the people to Rebuke their Prince. At this the Prince then drew his sword and
climbed upon the Stone and held his sword aloft. The Prince pointed his
sword in each direction, East, South, West and North, that he would be a
Righteous ruler to All. The people then lifted him aloft and placed him upon a
horse, singing in the Slovenian language: Praise Be to God, Kirie-Eleison! And
the crowd marched around the Stone each of Three Times with the Prince at
their head.

In this manner Ulrich of Celje was accepted by the people as Prince of
Carantania and installed on the Prince's Throne according to the ancient
Slovenian traditions.


The Prince who had now assumed power over the country was taken over hill
and field to the great Cathedral Maria in Solio.

Wherein the bishop celebrated Mass, assisted by prelates of the land,
superiors, and abbots. The Bishop then blessed the Prince, who was dressed
in the grey clothing of the land and the red clothing of the eternal, according
to the instructions of the Pontifical Book. After the ceremony the Prince's
precious vestments were distributed among the poor according to the
instructions of his Chamberlain. Then the Prince proceeded to the Banquet
whereat the Marshal, the Chamberlain, the Seneschal, and the Butler
distinguished themselves with their Services. This was the middle of the day.

The Duke's Throne with the Cathedral, Maria in Solio, in the Background​

After the Banquet was completed the Prince and the knights and nobles and
the free men did walk to the Field nearby the Cathedral. There in the field
was erected the tribunal before which sat the Duke's Throne. Beside this sat
the Count Palatine's Seat. The Duke sat upon his throne and proceeded to
judge and render justice. In this manner the Duke took office as Supreme
Judge over the land, as he had taken office as ruler of the land at the
Prince's Stone.

From the Throne Ulrich of Celje, who was Prince and Duke, bestowed the
fiefs of the lands belonging to him. Whenever the Duke refused to confer a
fief the reject then protested to Henry of Goerz, who was the Palatine of
Carantania and the Emperor's representative. The Palatine conferred the fief
to the man who had been rejected by the Duke so as to not prolong the
Quarrel. This was done in accordance with tradition.

After the fiefs were bestowed, the Duke did judge and render justice to all
that would seek it. Now, the Duke was judge in both as the Prince of the
Country and in the King's Court, to which the Prince must submit. As he
rendered justice, a man who held a grievance against the Prince might
accuse the Duke of having not done him justice. On each occasion, the
Prince might claim: I do not understand your language, and so need not hear
your complaint. The plaintiff might then accost the Duke a second time, to
which the Prince could not ignore his complaint in the Slovenian Tongue. By
calling for judgement a second time, the plaintiff asked for his Case to be
heard before the King's Court in which the grievance had to be heard in the
Slovenian Tongue according to the Law of the land, for the Carinthian Duke
could only be accused under Slavica lex in this fashion.

The rendering of justice at the tribunal in Carinthia took five days, after
which was the Sabbath and all men rested, and the day after which the
tribunal was disbanded.

In this way Ulrich of Celje was accepted by the people as Prince of
Carantania and Supreme Judge of Carantania according to the ancient
Slovenian traditions. So says I, Joze Klasinc who did record these events as I
witnessed them, in Truth and Accuracy according to man's limitations on my
Oath before the One True God.​

 

[cccino]

In Lienz...

Leonhard was young, very young. Too young to be thrown into the chaotic mess in which his father had left the family, financially and generally. Twelve months ago he was a child, third son of a count and ignorant of the troubles which would be his destiny to inherit. Almost simultaneous with his coming of age, it seemed, his father had died, finally succumbing to the wages of his chosen lifestyle. His oldest brother and role model, Hans, heir to the county, had turned up dead; the middle brother's body was never found. His mother had quickly descended into madness.

With the destruction of his family, the boy was lost. But he had also inherited his father's titles and duties, his debts, and his reputation. And these had consequences almost as terrible as any other of the recent tragedies in his life, but at least they consumed his time and his energy, and helped him cast his grief aside. Leonhard was a simple boy, not stupid but inexperienced in the realities of life, and life was throwing him many harsh lessons. Diligently, he performed his duties as best he could, took what advice was given him and never thought to question the motives of his friends and counsellors.

At sixteen years of age, Leonhard was as tall and dark as Hans at twenty-one. At first, his mother had guided him as he received neighbours and creditors, insisting his age at eighteen or twenty, depending on the visitor, that he should not seem so young and naive as he was. Looking at himself now in the mirror, Leonhard did not think he could pass as twenty at close inspection. His mother had always been a strong woman, limiting Heinrich's indulgences as best she could, and working vainly to keep the family intact. If not for her, every last inch of ground, every last stone of the Görz estates, would have been lost to the Habsburgs or the Venetians when he was still an infant. As he continued to remember his family, and his childhood, Leonhard continued to stare blankly at the mirror. Suddenly he saw in his own face that of his brother, contorted in a frozen grimace as his body was found, bloody and white, murdered by man or beast in some epic struggle it could not be told. Leonhard turned away, fighting back the tears, and composed himself to meet the day's visitors, paying those who could no longer be avoided, and plying with excuses those whose demands for money were less urgent; all the while being cheated and deceived by his servants and vassals, burgraves who paid not their dues, castellons and chiefs who stole from town funds, advisers who schemed to accumulate von Görz properties for themselves.

Punished for the sins of his father.


Elsewhere...

Ludwig cast aside the goblet in disgust, wine splashing against the stones like so much blood. The candles on the table flickered with the movement, casting shadows dancing around the room, but never lighting the face hidden in near darkness at the far end of the table from which the lights stood. It had become a habit of his to sit in darkness. He rarely slept any more, and fatigue drove him to sleep during the day, in a room blanketed from all light and fresh air. At times he couldn't stop drinking, drinking to wash away the memories of his past, but right now the thought of it - of himself, he realised - disgusted and appalled him.

By what little he could gather from agents in Frankfurt, his letters had been received, but no further news followed. His soul was torn apart anew each day, for his self worth depended entirely on the scheme he had planned. It was a torment of his own making, and he longed for the days when he cared not for love or life, and his heart and mind were dead to his sins. He had no doubts but that he was headed for the eternal torments of hell, but the scheme was his repentance and his contrition to those still alive. Its failure would kill him as suredly as he had killed...

Ludwig had lied to the Electors. My motivation remains the good of the Empire. Perhaps it would be in its best interest, but what of that to him? Even as he considered the letter, he knew that he had done Leonhard a disservice in his portrayal. He had not lied, as such; God would no longer let him lie. Die, lie. Such things should not be said about one so innocent. That he would make a good puppet. That he was naive, and easily manipulated. Such things were best hidden, not paraded. But he had said only what he thought the electors wanted to hear.

A neutral candidate, uncorrupted by greed or personal agenda, unaligned and having no hatred held against him by the powermongers of either side, Wittelsbach or no.

Again, he justified to himself, he had said only what he thought the electors needed to hear. He had neither hate not love for the Wittelsbach; they were inconsequential. Neither had he any personal ambitions. Once the scheme was completed, successful or no, he would take his own life and meet his eternal punishment. This he had already decided. Even Leonhard was unimportant, in a way. How he might personally be considered by those in the know, or what he might go through by this scheme were unimportant. His duty was to restore the pride and reputation of the name von Gorz, in the most immediately glorious way possible.

But if he had failed, Oh if he failed! Suddenly he was filled with anguish. It was a stupid idea, an elaborate and optimistic idea. He had given himself only one chance - for every day before he took his life was a torment - only one chance and he had cast it aside it on this ridiculous plan!

Ludwig stood, and passed by the lights. Beneath his shaggy fringe of dark hair and unshaven beard, the hideous scars that pulled and twisted his face were suddenly revealed, eternal reminders of his shame.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Liza was once again free of pregnancy. The condition of the twins was secure and for the first time in six months João left Sintra. He left Sintra with his first-born, they went to Lisboa the 'Capital' to see what his son so much wanted, the mighty Fleet.
The most powerfull fleet in the World, the fleet so many wanted to copy, the fleet many dreamed of having.
For generations Portuguese Kings wanted to have an impressive fleet as this one, the moral was high with so many drills, the technics where allmost perfect. And the number of ships have tripled, never before so many portuguese sailors where on the sea.
And on the Lisbon's docks where so many soldiers, horses and artilary. Even people from other catholic lands.​

Little Pedro was amazed with all that people and the quickness of them. He was even more amazed with all the building and the ships. His mouth was wide open with all that suprise, many man in armor was there, comming from ships or entering some others.
Pedro and João walked slowlly near the harbor, the only thing that could notice that they were royalty was the small escort. Many people aprouch the king and bowed, asking to kiss his hand and blessing him for this endevor. João allways accepted the bow and smiled and said calmlly "thank you". Pedro was very suprised by all of this so he asked his father "Father, Father." João looked to his son with an hard eyes, which made Pedro think again and repeat his question "Your majesty, my father" The face of João was again soft and smiling, Pedro was starting to learn that in front of people he had to show respect, "Why are all this people kissing and bowing?[/i" asked little Pedro. João looked to one more servent who kissed his right hand, on the other hand Pedro was pulling the king's hand, like asking to have a reply soon, but his only reply was the eyes of his father, telling him to wait some more. And so did Pedro, waited some more time, when the King was finally hable to speak he did it "My son, you must be pacient, A king most be pacient. You will some day be the king of all you see. And I hope that when you became the king you shall be the king of more lands that just this in Iberia. For that reason I am preparing all this ships."
"To conquer more land for me?" asked Pedro suprised. "Yes," started repling João "To conquer it for you and for our Kingdom. And to give safetyto Portugal and Iberia. To give that land to Jesus Crist."
"My father. And what lands is that? Mongol?" asked full of innocency Pedro "No my son those lands are African, moorish lands." he smiles while speaking and adds in the final "It seems your mother have teach you well to hate the mongols."
Pedro blushes and looks down "Your majesty" restarted the prince "Will we attack the egyptians? Will we? They are so friendly." Pedro waits for the reply still looking to his own feets while walking. João puts his left hand over the little boys shoulder and replies "No my son we will not conquer egyptian lands, they are you say friendlly and we do not conquer lands of friends. I just hope the Caliph thinks the same you do." he now puts his right hand over Pedro's chin, that was still looking down, and speaks "My son you should never look down, even when you are uncertain of the answer or if you blush, you are royalty. You should never do that again!" The little boy then looks up to his father nods and speaks "Yes father" pedro then looks in front to one of the many ships and says "Your majesty can we enter that ship? I allways wanted to see one." João smiles and replies "Yes son, let's see it."

 

[von Streusser]

EVENT

Kandalashka is Founded

​

The next step toward the settlement and consolidation of the empty wildernesses of the Kolskeey peninsula is the establishment of permanent bases for future centralization of resources and exploration. It was to this purpose that the first two organized Kolskeey explorations were conducted, to discover an appropriate place for just such a settlement. Now the first few settlers have arrived and have begun to carve their lives out of this rich and untamed land.

MODIFIERS:
Pskov spends 1 current econ to trigger
+2 to roll for continued exemplary RP.

TABLE:

1. The colony never gets off the ground; before the settlers can even begin building, they are set upon by loyal Russian soldiers. Those not killed immediately are hauled off to the Moscow Kremlin for an even worse fate.
(-2 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

2. The colony fails, as a harsh winter, even for the Kolskeey Peninsula, sets in early and freezes many of the settlers. What's left of the expedition heads home, leaving a broken dream behind them.
(-1 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

3~4. The colony is built, but will suffer many hard winters in the future. Several die, and Kandalashka fails to gain a reputation for the New Vacation Spot of the Pskovan Nobility. Still, it is now in place, and the only way to go is up...
(no effect)

5. The colony is a success, as Mother Nature and Fate are kind to the settlers. They find ample building materials, game, and even a few mineral deposits.
(+1 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

6. The colony is a smashing success. All things fall into order for the Pskovan settlers, and Kandalashka grows at a remarkable rate. Nearby, useful and valuable commodities are readily at hand as well.
(+2 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

ROLL: 4 + 2 = 6

RESULT: The colony is a smashing success. All things fall into order for the Pskovan settlers, and Kandalashka grows at a remarkable rate. Nearby, useful and valuable commodities are readily at hand as well.
(+2 morale to Pskov for 1 year/4 turns)

Pskov spends 1 current econ

EVENT

Incorporation of Tver

​

Years have now passed since the marriage of Mina Andreyevna, Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod and Tver with Prince Ivan, Voevoda and Tsyatskeey. The initial differences of custom and practice between the two realms so joined were subtle but significant. The southern side of the Valdai hills that seperate the Novgorod and Tver region is much better suited for agriculture, creating a more landed aristocracy while even the most landed gentry to the north also to be prosperious must hold shares in trading guilds or possess key trade routes through his lands. Even laws and customs must see regulation across the now vanished border for truly efficient rule and control. Now the first child is born that can claim both lands as her inherent right as both lands are bound ever closer through the gradual processes of time.

MODIFIERS:
None

TRIGGER:
More RP and IC time devoted to topic than appears in most courts in total.

TABLE:

1. The nobles of Tver realize their future fate lies with the Czarina...but that doesn't mean they have to like it.
(Tver is diplo-vassalized by Pskov-Novgorod. -1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

2. The nobles of Tver realize that their future fate lies with the Czarina...and with the Mongols, Muscovites, and Lithuanians so nearby, is that really a bad thing?
(Tver is diplo-vassalized by Pskov-Novgorod.

3. The nobles of Tver not only realize their future lies with the Czarina, but they find themselves rather pleased by the idea. They wholeheartedly endorse closer ties to Pskov-Novgorod...but not *too* close all at once...
(Tver is diplo-vassalised by Pskov-Novgorod) +1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

4. The nobles of Tver enthusiastically endeavor to bind Tver to Pskov-Novgorod, swearing fealty to the Czarina. However, perhaps they are a bit too enthusiastic, and not bright enough. The merger is shaky, and some important revenues are lost to opportunistic looters and brigands while the kinks of the deal are being worked out.
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod. -1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

5. The nobles of Tver successfully bind themselves and their lands to the Czarina. All eyes of Tver now turn to Pskov for guidance and hope.
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod.

6. The union of Tver and Pskov-Novgorod is enthusiastically received and carried out. Those at the head of the operation administer to it skillfully, and the whole turns out to be worth far more than the sum of the parts...some successful and budding Voevodas await only discovery so their talents may be put to further use...
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod. +1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

ROLL: 4

RESULT:
The nobles of Tver enthusiastically endeavor to bind Tver to Pskov-Novgorod, swearing fealty to the Czarina. However, perhaps they are a bit too enthusiastic, and not bright enough. The merger is shaky, and some important revenues are lost to opportunistic looters and brigands while the kinks of the deal are being worked out.
(Tver is diplo-annexed by Pskov-Novgorod. -1 tech to Pskov-Novgorod for 1 year/4 turns)

 

[von Streusser]

EVENT

Inflation Warning

​

The King of Portugal has taken out massive loans to fund his war effort in North Africa...but this aggressive borrowing policy may soon lead to an undermining of Portugal's own currency. Flooding Portugal's mercenary markets with foreign coins has sent ripples throughout her economy, and may do far more in the future...

RESULT: (no effect - warning only)

 

[von Streusser]

EVENT

Fez Requests Diplomatic Annexation

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Following the horrific battle on the Iberian peninsula, the armies of Islam are in bad shape, and a newly invigorated Portugese Army approaches. Though a Mongol horde is said to be riding to their defense, who can say if those forces will even arrive?

But all is not lost. Fez still has their overlord in Algiers to plead to, and Algiers will answer their vassal's call. By incorporating the lands of Fez into the lands of Algiers, there is a hope that perhaps the Portugese forces may be resisted, and perhaps peace may be attained once more.

MODIFIERS:
None

TRIGGER:
RP, desperate circumstances and special case brought on by events outside of the game's scope

TABLE:

1. The merger is shoddy, and the people take it as a sign of surrender more than anything else. But the Emirs manage to hold the lands together through sheer force of will.
(-2 morale, -1 tech to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

2. The people and soldiers are unenthused, some grumble loudly about their Emirs' choice of actions, but many just go along with the merger.
(-1 morale, -1 tech to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

3. Most of the people pay little attention to the merger, as they're far too busy eyeing the Portugese ships off their coast...
(-1 morale to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

4~5. The Emirs manage to merge their lands successfully and rally their soldiers and citizenry behind them. Maybe they have a chance after all...
Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

6. The merger is pulled together with stunning administrative ability. The people rally behind their rulers and prepare for the desperate battle with the Portugese.
(+1 morale to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

ROLL: 5

RESULT: The Emirs manage to merge their lands successfully and rally their soldiers and citizenry behind them. Maybe they have a chance after all...
Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

Note: Algiers inherits Fez's seamil and eco for current stats of:
1/3/5/6/3

All wars with Fez carry over to Algiers. All wars with Algiers stand. Inflation events for both realms stand.

All complaints to my and/or BzAli's PM boxes.