Rumors

[HJ Tulp]

HJ walked to the room of the Raadt van Staate.
He was back from Hungary since 2 days now.

"I hope I'll do better then the last time" He tought.
He was arrived at the room. He saw Reinald van Brederode, the minister of State, sitting next to his friend Dirck van Verwolde, the minister of treasure. He also saw his two friends Frederik van Kampen and Frank Brossel. Frederik was the the commander of the Gelren troops in Zutphen and Frank was admiral of the navy.
"Goodmorning gentleman"Greeted HJ the men.
"Goodmorning" said the men to HJ.
"We have serious matters to discuss. I need too know the strenght of the army and navy and how much money we have in the treasure."
"We have on this moment 2.000 soldiers under arms and strong garnisone's in the city." answered Frederik van Kampen.
"And enough ships too transport 1.000 men."said Frank Brossel.
"Good" said HJ. "And how about the treasure?"
"We have 10.000 ducat's too spend" anwered Dirck van Verwolde.
"Good, I'm asked by Livonia too lend them money. We shall lend them, do you agree?"He asked.
"Can't we raise more troops?" asked Reinald van Brederode.
"We can but it wouldn't help ending the war. We are locked up. Maybe if Friesland joins, then we can set up a joined campain. But not alone." explained HJ.
"Allright, if the Imperial army sends their main army then they will crush us, but if they do we must fight them the best we can, every death imperial soldier's is one. We must set up blockades and booby traps incase the Imperial army come's. If they come then we should sink the ferry's and blow up the bridges.
We can leave nothing intact!"

 

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15 miles north of Damascus

Geraldo Grimaldi sat upon his Syrian steed, looking upon the rabble besieging Damascus. Nearly four thousand muslim fanatics surrounded the city, making every attempt to breach the walls.

Geraldo looked around him. He had with him about twenty Lebanese Archers, thirty Syrian riders, and twenty Genovese swordsmen. Not enough to do anything to the rebel fanatics.

Pity, if only these fanatics knew that the Mongols were marching upon them, perhaps they would flee like the cowards they were. Already, much of the populace of Syria was fleeing to the south, north and the west, fleeing before the Hordes of Mongols. The cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Beirut had grown immensely, and the garrisons were armed to the teeth. Most of the populace of Genovese-Syria were fully aware of the history of the Mongols. Those who could read had read of the horrors of Genghis Khan and his descendants, and they had told the stories to those who couldn't read. The towers of skulls, the massacres, the sacking of Baghdad and the murder of its entire populace. These now blazed in the minds of the garrisons and only worked to strengthen their resolve. They knew that if the cities they defended fell, they would be faced with mass murder at the hands of the barbaric mongols.

As these thoughts went through Geraldo's mind, he ordered his small entourage to withdraw. Now, they would attempt to recruit the Catholic and Orthodox populations of Allepo and Lebanon.

 

[unmerged(1463)]

The Bishop of Compeigne about decay of power
Alas how the world has changed in the last years, bitter fighting emerges to bitter insults, quest for glory turns out to a drastic fight for protection. How the Pious are accused of heresy, how the valiant are called cowards and traitors.

In the last years we have seen the decay of the Empire followed by the strengthening of the Grand Duchy of Livonia and the Federation. We have seen the decay of the Crown of France, replaced by the federation power. Soon there will only exists three states, the Federation, The Empire and the Northern Alliance. Once these factions move into war it will be the end of the world.

The realms that existed and those that still exists are and where ruled by men whom only looked out for their own fortune. Men were not ruled by God, but by power, greed, honour and their ways of faith. These very men sit on the mighty thrones of the world, as we know it. From Lisbon in Portugal to Riga in the Grand Duchy of Livonia, men of perverted minds sits and rule their domain like Soddom and Gommorah.

Alliances are formed, followed by counter alliance, which is followed by a “neutral alliance”, when will this madness ever stop?

Even the church has become corrupt and perverted, Archbishops are fighting for titles, and not for God, Cardinals obeying their monarch instead of God, The Holy Father’s changes in thought and mind. Is there no light I ask myself?

Where there is a large state, the small state disappears, where there is one servant of god there is three servants of greed.

Oh God have mercy on us all, restore the world as an image of your world, not of what we live in today. I never thought I would see the day when it seems that God must restore the world to what it should be with the divine flood once again.

 

[Warspite]

Rumor is spreading from sea to sea from Merchants of Genoa and Venice. Doge Foscari is courting the young Claudia who is sister of John II of Genoa. Many are saying there is a Royal marriage being planned but others say that there can never be a marriage of such a kind between the two rivals.

The rumor has reached your ears now, what do you think could happen?

 

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Three great Wagons rolled into the Courtyard in Paris. They were guarded by ten soldiers on each side, and hundered yards behind the wagon a hundered more soldiers followed. King Charles VII looked out through his window when he heard the noise on the yard.

"Aha, finally he has arrived. Great, certainly great, I must welcome him to the City of all glory, Paris."

Slowly the King walkde down the stairs and out on the Courtyard. With long stepts he immidaitly took direction for the last, biggest and most beautiful wagon of them all. When he had five more yards to go, A tall man walked out from the Wagon, and looked at King Charles.

"Duke Friedrich, finally, it is really a pleasure meeting you. We have been waiting."

"So have I dear King Charles, so have I, and my family. But, it seams like this visit is not neccesary for my life, as the war seems to be over. But, still, it is neccesary for my brain. Visiting Paris is, well, it is an obligation for every Duke and King, Emperor, every noble within Europe."

"Your have so right my Friend."

Side By Side the King and the Duke walks towards the Castle. Behind follows the Duke's Family, and the hier Friedrich von Meissen.

Suddenly, almost inside the castle Friedrich, the Hier, sees the most beautiful creature in one of the windows. He cannot take his eyes away from here, until, ofcourse his mother the Duchess takes his arm and almost pushes him into the Castle.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

People near the ducal court in Bremen say that duke Johann II has received a lot of letters from, and sent lots of letters to, Pommern, France and Cologne recently.

It might just be a rumor, but both merchants and peasents, commoners and nobles spread it, so somewhere there might be a grain of truth in it.

Some say duke Johann II is plotting to revive the wars in the Empire, others that he is seeking support to put himself on the Imperial Throne.
But the couriers of the Bremer court are fanatically loyal, and no letter has yet to fall in the wrong hand.
All speculations on the contents remain just that; speculations.

 

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EVENT

The current economy of England is suffering from a devaluation of currency, due to extensive loans and beaurocratic coruption. The unbalanced and unfortunate way that the Treasurys agents run afairs causes lower quality Metals to be used in the mint. Flooding the market with poor quality coins that are hardly any use abroad.

INFLATION

It will cost England 2 econ to perform any act that would cost 1 econ otherwise. For the purpose of loans, 1 econ from states not affected by inflation is worth 2 econ from England. (Duration 2 years. End Jan-March 1427)

 

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EVENT

The Orthodox priest and all the nobles of Pskov show great displeasure in fighting those of their own faith, whilst siding with the Heathen "Horde". They suspect they might even be on the wrong side of a crusade called by the Patriarch. ("As the Patriarch of Constantinople I declare a Crusade against the Golden Horde and its allies") the word reaches the populous of Pskov. (-1 to roll )

1. The Nobles show dissent. The people border on open revolt and the priests need quietening with troops (-2 morale -1 tech for 3 turns)

2. The Nobles show dissent and the people border on open revolt (- 3 morale for 3 turns)

3. The Nobles show dissent (-2 morale for 2 turns)

4. The people are sullen (-1 morale for 2 turns)

5. No effect

6. The people are mislead to think this is a good thing. (+1 morale for 1 turn)

A 2 was thrown (-1 ) = 1

The Nobles show dissent. The people border on open revolt and the priests need quietening with troops

(-2 morale -1 tech for 3 turns to Pskov)END April 1426


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EVENT

Also the people of faith in the Horde react.
Fear and word of an alliance with the Infidel Christians trigger reactions in the "Faithful" and their orthodox subjects.

1. It is good to be part of such a mighty realm. We work for our future. (+1 Morale for 3 turns) ALLAH ACH ABA!

2. Fear of the Horde make the people work harder and warriors fierier. (+1 Morale for 2 turns)

3. This is how it's been as long as anyone remembers, it seems. (No effect)

4. This is how it's been as long as anyone remembers, it seems. (No effect)

5. The orthodox peoples of the region feel God has left them and neglect their work (-1 Morale for 2 turns)

6. Muslim soldiers are ashamed that they are considered equal to Infidel Pskov troops (- 1 Morale for 3 turns)

A 2 is thrown

Fear of the Horde make the people work harder and warriors fierier. (+1 Morale for 2 turns to the Horde)END Jan 1426

______________________

EVENT

The people of Muscovy and Novagrod react to the situation and the stirring speech of their lady. The idea of a unified Rus on their mind.

1. No more fear! Freedom! (+1 Morale for 3 turns)

2. We must not succumb, let us help where we can (+1 Morale for 2 turns)

3. This is how it's been as long as anyone remembers, it seems. (No effect)

4. This is how it's been as long as anyone remembers, it seems. (No effect)

5. God preserve us. We are next under the Heathens heal (-1 Morale for 2 turns)

6. God preserve us. We are next under the Heathens heal. They eat babies don't they?(- 1 Morale for 3 turns)

A 4 is thrown

This is how it's been as long as anyone remembers, it seems. (No effect)

 

[Longinus]

A secret Trade talks between Pommern and Livonia are being held in Riga.

Weeks of negotiations reached it's peek now and the agreement is almost ready.

Some say it will be the beginning ot the Trade war between Hansa and Baltic states.

Others that it will only benefit everyone.

Venetians fear of they new route through Poland and Lithuania as Pommern and Livonian merchants are already installed there.

One thing is certain - Stettin and Riga will gain even more friends and enemies.

 

[Longinus]

A secret envoy from Pommern talked with von Blommenstein brothers. Meeting lasts hours and was completly secret.

Some say that Joachim of the Greif want to be future Emperor and he seeks support for his case.

Others say that Cologne seeks support for their own ambitions.

One can even find somebody who will say that they simply try to befriend with one another.

 

[Schlieffen]

Out of a castle where the Archbishop and his brother are at for the night. Out of a room walks Victor von Blommenstein with a Pommern diplomat, after a meeting between the two.
"So I get Pommern's support, no deals involved at all?" asks Victor.
"That's the idea" states the diplomat. "We simply fear Genoa's attitude toward the position and have already seen Cologne's and your own during your stay in the Diet. Our independence has already been threatened and we'd rather not face that situation again"
Victor stops and thinks for a moment, rubbing his hand against his chin. "Well tell your Regent that I appreciate his support. Also tell him that his fears of certain things will not be forgotten and that I will try my best to avoid them from happening. I, too, fear the independence of certain nations at times and would hate to see another annexation within the Empire."
With that said, the diplomat walks out to return to his master in Pommern.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

The last of the days light slowly crept into the room, past the heavy curtains that guarded the window.

A maid had lit the candles, and they were now spreading a distinct smell of melting wax in the small room, a small that failed to drown the smells of sweat emating from the bed under the window.

If Johann II didn't know it, he would never believe that the old fragile man in that bed was the most powerfull merchant in Bremen, by some, especially envious nobles, even whispered to hold more power than the duke himself.
But now Tobias Küster didn't look powerfull. His skin was strechted thin over his aging bones, and had an unhealthy yellow colour.
Downstairs Silke Küster, Johann IIs wife, was talking softly with her brothers, but Johann II had asked for a momet alone with his father-in-law, the man who had given him so much advice over the years.

"Don't look so sad my boy, I'm an old man, and this is only to expected. But I guess you haven't just come to..."
Tobias' voice was drowned by yet another violent attack of coughing, and as usual the small piece of silk left his mouth bloodied.
There was no doubt about it, the head of the Bremer merchant guild, father of the Bremer dukes wife and most trusted and powerfull advisor in the citystate, was slowly dying.

"Take Erich Bruche with you to Stettin, he's a good negotiator, who'll speak well for us Bremers.
This Baltic trade union, if we can't beat them, and that would cost to much to be worthwhile, we'll have to work with them.
A marriage between Johann and some Pommern noble would be good, see that you arrange that. I hope I'll be alive at their wedding, but try to have it arranged here in Bremen, I guess I won't be travelling much.
As for the Imperial elections, I do believe you have taken the right path. From what I hear, that Kölner politician is just what we need. Just be carefull Horst do not think you're supporting increased power to the church, you're not. We just happen to prefer a candidate from an archbishrophic, that's all.
Now, if you would please send up my daughter, I believe she need some comforting."

Tobias Küster coughed again, and Johann slowly turned around and left the room. He noded to the court physician waiting outside the door, who had done all in his power to prolong the old mans life, and walked down the stairs.
Tomorrow he would leave for Stettin, and he had not dared to tell his father-in-law that he had appointed Ernst von Herzwald advisor to his youngest son Heinrich. The old man wouldn't like seing a noble so close to the ducal throne, and he was to ill for Johann II to enter an argument with him.

As Johann II reached the bottom of the stairs, he nodded to his wife, who walked up to speak to her father, and sat down to wait.

 

[Longinus]

Summer Harvest in Pommerania

Corps are excellent this year. Weather is good, sun shines not to little and not too much. Peasants and towns folks are happy since their land didn't suffered the war and their families are safe. They called this year "Wise Year". The threat of war and internal problems dissapeared almost completly.

Joachim of the Greif proved to be wise, good and just man. Not only he protected the country from the war but also gained Danzig without a single drip of blood (not counting poor Otto Flick who fell form his horse and break his neck on his way to Danzig). Trade prospers as never ever before. Taxes remained the same if not lowered.

Is there any reason to be unhappy? Only gravedigger complains that since people are healthy and well fed the mortality rate is very little and therefore they are loosing their jobs.

"Joachim is a good landlord." they say.

 

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EVENT

The current economy of France is suffering from a devaluation of currency, due to extensive loans and beaurocratic coruption. The unbalanced and unfortunate way that the Treasurys agents run afairs causes lower quality Metals to be used in the mint. Flooding the market with poor quality coins that are hardly any use abroad.

INFLATION

It will cost France 2 econ to perform any act that would cost 1 econ otherwise. For the purpose of loans, 1 econ from states not affected by inflation is worth 2 econ from France. (Duration 1 year. End July 1426)

 

[unmerged(6519)]

Giovanna had arosen from her sickbed. France was again open for attack. After catching up what had happened, she was at the head of her army once again, marching North of Poitiou.

 

[unmerged(5730)]

Duke Friedrich I had now left Paris and France, he was in Frankfurt, or at least on his way there to Elect the new Emperor, noone really knew where he was at that exact moment, but, they guessed that he had arrived. In Paris with the sad King, Chrles VII ha had left his family, his wife and children. His wife, Katharina was pregnent. And soon it was time for her ti give birth to the seventh child of Duke Friedrich.

Suddenly is begun, it was time for the Child to enter this world, a world full of war and conflicts. Immidiatly a letter was sent to Duke Friedrich, not so that he would come, but only so that he should know that his child was going to be born, soon.

King Charles immidiatly sent for the best midwifes in Paris.

It took some hours, but, now the child was born. He got the name Karl Wilhelm, after the French King Charles and the Dukes brother Wilhelm von Meissen. A great celebration begun in Paris. A son of Duke Friedrich I von Saxe-Wittenberg had been born.

 

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EVENT

Scotlands' break with the Auld alliance and their breach of vassalage to France takes a profound effect upon the populous.

- 2 Morale - 1 Tech for six turns to Scotland END Jan 1427

 

[BusterBunny]

Burgundy

A tear fell on the letter F.

And then one the letter E.

Crouching over the map of Europe on her desk, the duchesse was crying at the fate of France. She wanted to send her troops, but compared to the immense army of England, it was a lost cause. And she had to think of her people too. Why couldn't France and England be at peace? Why?

Henri walked next to her, and could see all of this was hurting her. He looked at the window and told her:

"I must go now... my duties..."

Marie turned to him, crying:

"YOUR DUTIES SHOULD BE TO BURGUNDY! NOT FRANCE!"

She knew how stupid that sounded. He was French, he was the brother of the King of France.

But he was a part of her heart now.

He turned back, and walked away. Tomorrow, he would be in the fields of France, waiting for the English troops.

 

[unmerged(1463)]

Charles VII met with his chancellor in Rome, and they immiedetly came to discuss the war.

Chancellor Rigaud commenced
We must fight actions with actions, words with words, steel with steel. Declare your old claims on the English throne valid, make every meens nessesary to crush them like the vermin they are.


Charles VII replied
We will not anger the English further, we have a claim on the English throne as much as the English has on ours. But we will not go as low as them and claim their throne. We shall show that the french heart is more noble then the English, and people will rally behind us. I know it sounds like a fantasy, but it is our only hope.


Rigaud replied
But sire !

Charles interupted him
Enough, i have an important meeting at the Papal gardens.. Dispatch this letter to my brother in Paris

 

[unmerged(9600)]

Rumors have been trickling out of the east, filling the plains of Europe with dread. According to some travelling merchants who have been in the lands of the Golden Horde, the Great Khan of the Golden Horde is returning from the east. To make matters worse, he is said to be bringing great chests of gold, and soldiers of the Grand Khan of the Mongolian Empire himself. Truly, if the Eastern Mongols start coming west, it would take all the men in Europe to stop them...