Rumors

[BusterBunny]

The ducal court of Burgundy was very active. News had come that there was an Imperial Election and that, for once, Burgundy was a subject of attention.

The Count of Franche-Comté spoke up:

"Madame, here are a few lines, as written by the scribes, of a comment made public by Victor von Blommenstein.

Even now Burgundy threatens to break from us for a reason I have yet to hear of - I have been traveling much and may have missed it, but I personaly believe that no reason justifies breaking from one's lord unless he proves himself to be uncatholic or simply cruel or abusive to his relms, things that the Empire has not done to Burgundy."

The Count of Artois then started to laugh. "Well, this is completely ridiculous. My Lord is not the Empire, and the will of Burgundy will not be controlled by some minor electors, or some rhetorical-blabbering German. My duchesse, my fate is linked to yours, and I think I speak for all of the Counts here when I say that we only wished to be ruled by God and you!"

The duchesse stood up and said "We must let the Empire settle their issues internally. If you want to be truelly independant, you must not react to their attacks, and must even understand their concerns"

Everyone agreed with her words, but knew that, deep inside, this was a minor concern for her. The fate of her loved one was far more important.

 

[unmerged(5941)]

The news had spread, the Genovese Army had reached Crimea and defeated the rebels. The battle had been sort, and the casualties on the Genovese side were minimal. The rebel garrisons in both Kaffa and Kerch had disbanded with hopes of mercy at the hand of the Doge.

John II pardoned most of them, with the exception of the leaders. Most of the military leaders were put in prisons, or put to death. Count Molfetto was captured and beheaded. His possessions in Genoa had already been confiscated and given to a loyal supporter of the Doge, one of his Knights.

Dominic was captured as well, and beheaded for heresy and rebellion.

The provinces were regarrisoned by loyal troops, and the Doge took his personnal guard and returned to the Empire, to Pfalz.

 

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In Modena

At the cathedral of Modena, Duke Nicolò III kneels in prayer, joined only by two bodyguards barring all entrance to the structure. It had been a hectic week for him, and he needed the solace of a prayer.

"Oh Heavenly Father.........Bless my...Save the souls of ......May you see fit.........forgive me for this."

The guards could hear the prayer of their Duke. Most of it was silent, but words would pop up now and again. Was he praying for peace in his soul, or victory on the battlefield, or something different altogether? They had heard rumours of marching off to war in France. Were they true? They didn't like the idea of trading in the streets of Modena and Ferrara for the forests and plains of France, but they believed in their Duke and understood the power the king of France had to ensure the Florentines, or Venetians would not exert their influence over the ducal estates.

Ex-communication was a possible threat. Perhaps he was praying for God to soften the heart of the Pope. The thought of damnation send chills down the spines of both of the guards as they exchanged nervous glances.

At least Nicolò returned from the cathedral. Nodding to both men, the three walked through the streets of the city and headed back towards the Duke's estate at the center of the city.

 

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In England

King John, his visitors and their retinue move to Canterbury. There, Prince Charles-Phillippe of Naples is Christened and James is crowned for the first time. After his oath of fealty in Vassalage the procetion moves north to Scone.

Messengers arrive daily from France as Good King John keeps in close contact with his "Field commander" Giovanna of Normandy, third consul of the Federation of the Commonwealth of nations.

The weather is fine and the people rejoice. As a Christening present to his new God son, King John gives him a fine hunting estate and lodge in his new posetion of Strathclyde. He names the little boy Count of Gretna Green.

King James is escourted in fine style and with much pomp and ceremony. The Peasants seing two kings of the Brittanic Isles think the whole world must be rejoicing for the peace this seemed to forbear.

 

[Schlieffen]

Victor is walking through a hallway, one of his brother's advisors, a Bishop, walking beside him. "What do you think of the election so far sir?" he asks the noble.
"It isn't good," sighs Victor. "Regardless of who wins I fear the Empire may be torn apart."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"Well my only opponent is Italian, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"And he is feared by the northern Germans, right?"
"Yes, sir," repeats the Bishop.
"Well that's the problem," states Victor. "If the Doge wins then the more anti-Italian states may rebel, possibly breaking from the Empire. Livonia certainly proved that it can be done and, with the lack of support for the new Emperor, it would be fairly likely to succed.
"But if I were to win," he continues, "then the Italian states would feel like a great injustice had been done to them. The Doge is a good man, Bishop, and I am sure that they all see that."
"So what do you plan to do about it, sir?"
"I'm not quite sure. I was thinking of possibly giving the title of Archchancellor of Italy to the Doge, but then the Electors would feel slightly violated, even if my brother does agree to give the power up. It's simply a matter of what the Electors will allow me to do to save the Empire's Italian possessions from possible rebelion. After all, it's either Italy or Germany in this election, but, although Germany will undoubtly win in the end, we still must not win by too much lest we lose Italy."
"But what of Burgundy, sir?" asks the inquisitive Bishop.
"That, again, is another issue that will be difficult. I wrote to their Dutchesse just yesterday concerning the issue, but I think that Burgundy must be further "tied in" with the Empire. I was thinking of having the crowning ceremony in Burgundy like it used to be, strengthening the Imperial claims to be the crown of Lothairingia and allowing the whole matter to slide if the Dutcheese was to back down now, but there always is that chance that she will not.
"Next time you're praying, Bishop, ask God why he did this to the Empire and left people like me to attempt to clean it up."
"I will try, sir."

The Bishop turns around while Victor continues, alone, down the hallway.

 

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King James I returns to Scotland

The Royal carriage rolls up the hills of England north carrying King James I of Scotland. With him are his men and ladies in waiting, as well as the King of England and most importantly to James I Lady Joan Beaufort the kings of England's niece to whom he is to be married. Scotland is in jubilation at the thought of her King returning from 18 years of "capture" in England.
As the royal carriage rolls over the marker that separates England and Scotland, King James I exits the carriage. With tears in his eyes he bends to the ground and kisses his beloved Scotland for the first time since his youth. Word has spread that the King is on his way back to Scotland. Soon the assembled mass of carriages and royalty will make their way to Scone, for the King of Scotland to be crowned upon the ancient Stone of Destiny. There is much preparation to be done and many people who need to be dealt with once the King is back in his homeland.

 

[unmerged(5941)]

The words of the Germans rung through John II's head, as his spies brought more reports to him. They didn't want an Italian Emperor. John had big dreams for the Empire, but none of them could succeed without the support of the Empire. It now appeared as though his contributions to the Empire were forgotten. His victories in the name of the Empire were disregarded. His sacrifices for the Empire, taken for granted. His loyalty to the Empire unrecognized. The Empire that he has sworn to uphold was gone. He now fully understood Burgundy's desire to leave the Empire. A bunch of squabbling, arrogent Germans would rule this Empire, and any non-Germans were incompetant fools in their eyes. The Empire that John had sworn to protect was dead, and it would not rise again.

As John thought about this, he wondered why he worried about what happened in Germania. Only a few of the Germans had shown any care of what happened in Italy, or in Genoa's overseas possessions. Genoa had protected the Empire, but had the Empire protected Genoa? Perhaps it was time for Genoa to completely disregard what happened in the North. That was what he would do. He would pay his taxes as demanded, but no more. From this day forth, the Genovese military would be devoted to protecting Genoa. What happened with the other Imperial countries was their problem. Genoa would maintain its alliance with Venice, Constantinople and Modena, and the resources of Genoa would now go to strengthen that alliance. Genoa would be an Imperial country, but would not worry itself with the affairs of the Empire. If the Germans wouldn't accept the Italians, then the Italians would disregard the Germans.

John sighed, and began to write letters, and prepare himself for what would happen in the days to follow. He then returned to the Electoral council, to make his anouncement to the electors.

 

[Warspite]

ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL NATIONS

Doge Francesco Foscari of the Republic of Venice and head of the League of St Mark, Protector of Peace and Prosperity, Keeper of the Merchants of the east, Eastern Pillar of his Holy Father in Roma, soon to be brother-in-law to the Western Pillar of his Holy Father in Roma wishes all to know that he announces his engagement to the Beautiful and Gracious sister of Doge John II of Genoa, Claudia Grimaldi. The date by which these two Republics are to be united by this angel of heaven shall be announced soon. All nations and merchants are invited to join in a celebration in Venezia. The newly formed Holy Army of Venice will give honors to the lady Claudia. The Union of Venice and Genoa will be a momentous occassion and all friends are invited to join in the celebration.

 

[Sharur]

The King returns!

The King of Denmark has returned to his court in Copenhagen, and is now conducting business...

 

[Warspite]

Venice was teeming with activity as the celebration engagement of Doge Foscari and Lady Claudia got under way. For the first time many diplomats and visitors from afar got a glimpse at the Venetian splendor and perhaps a dark image of what the future held. From outside and within the Great Basilica of St Mark there were performers, artists, diplomats, many people and then to everyone’s surprise came the distant thunder of Doge Foscari’s marching and beating heart, the crowd watched in awe, and wonder as the answer to both the present and the future of Venice and Genoa's union was laid out before them.

“My goodness, what is that sound Gloria?” A lady asked while they watched Doge Foscari step upon a tall platform with his Lady Claudia.

“I am not sure, it sounds like thunder!”

Then at once, Gasps came from the large crowd

“Look, Look” the lady pointed to the end of the Piazza as tall flags waived by the hundreds and armed and uniformed men began pouring from around the Basilicas corners. Thousands of Drums beat loudly; the loud sound of thousands of marching feet could be felt and heard throughout the Piazza

“My God, Where have they come from Malady, certainly these are not Italian blood, so many of them, so loud”

The armies of men grew in number, they marched to surround the masses of people, the drums beat by the thousands and the people began to hold their ears as the sound of it became overwhelming. Atop the platform in front of the Basilica of St Mark, just below the bronze Roman Horses, Doge Foscari gave a hearty, gleaming smile of delight as his newly formed Army collected before him.

“I cannot hear you Gloria, the noise of the Drums is too much, Oh my I wish they would stop, My lord, there must be a hundred thousand men, what is this I fear?”

Suddenly the drums stopped at once, the once festive Piazza was now filled with confusion and silence as the people looked around them, nothing but soldiers and Cavalry surrounding them. A trumpet sounded that signaled the Doge was about to speak. The stone walls of the area helped echo his strong voice to his guests.

“I welcome you all to my celebration. Do not fear the glory that stands around you now. I want to introduce you to the Power that is the League of St Mark. We stand before his Holy presence and these brave men that stand around you now, many of them proud German Mercenaries that pledge their allegiance to the Glory of God, will soon Join with Genoa in her struggles against the forces of aggression. God blesses Venice and we have the blessings and support of Roma. Now, drink and celebrate with me, for soon the victories will be ours and the Union that stands before you now will be sealed before Gods battlefields.”

The speech sent mixed emotions among the anxious people. Some of them disgusted by his obvious message and others cheering and throwing flowers to the soldiers. The flag of War was raised in front of the Basilica where the diplomats of Genoa, Romans, Italians and Venetians stood. Only the future would tell how powerful the Doges speech would truly be and to whom that flag of War would be thrown upon.

Claudia leaned over and kissed Doge Foscari on the cheek as he sipped a Venetian glass full of new Scottish Wine. How he delighted in his army before him, as did she.

 

[Wulfram]

In Syria, the army of Shah Rukh ready for the inevitable counterstrike of the Genoan forces. The countryside is stripped of food and the proceeds taken to Damascus to improve the supply situation, while the wells outside the cities walls are poisoned so as to deny their sustenance to the christians.

In Damascus itself the walls are being hastily rebuilt, the population of the province having been pressed into this service. Elephant taken from India by Timur are used to pull the heavier blocks, while the architects formerly used to beautify the city of Samarkand turn their skills to improving the strength of the walls.

It is clear Shah Rukh intends the city to not fall easily.

Meanwhile, the main body of Shah Rukh's army ride on, though their next destination is undisclosed.

 

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TRADE EVENT

Venice's' position of Power in the realm of trade is well known and despite trading with countries at war, their extensive international efforts and persistence pay off. (-2 modifier for persistant RP in this field, good RP, and Historical relevance )

1. Trade routes bring in good revenue for the Nation this year ( +1Tech +1 Morale for 1 year. +1 to both starting and current econ for one year )

2. Good trade raises the morale of the populous (+1 Morale +1Tech for 1 year )

3. Good trade aids the artisans. ( +1Tech for 1 year )

4. Traders break even.

5. Pirates and Bandits took all the profit.

6. Bad losses by traders. Trade agreements collapse . (-1 Morale for 1 year. )

A 3 is thrown. (-2 modifier) = 1

Venice's Trade routes bring in good revenue for the Nation this year.........( +1Tech +1 Morale for 1 year. +1 to both starting and current econ for one year ) End Oct 1426

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

In the beggining

In one of the more, undesireable parts of the city, a man sits at a Tavern, he shifts around nervously, drinking his lager, until his wait is over.

So he has decided to grace me with his presence,, well I suppose the extra wait means nothing. after all, he does hold much influence with the other Members,,,

" Greetings Runar, tardiness aside, we have pressing issues to dicuss."

The second man takes his seat, wary of his surrondings, but takes up the conservation with its due seriousness.

" Well you know quite well Hjalmar what kind of things hold me up at this time of day. Yet you have summoned me, here of all places. For what? What can be said here that cannot be said at Ulkrisdal?"

Fool, can he be this naive

" As they say Comrade, the walls have ears."

" On to business however, it is obvious that we have suffered greatly under the Regentship of Knuttson, his compliance in keeping us subserviant to the Danes being his primary offense."

" He then goes on to enter us in a ruinous war within the Empire, which quite frankly, was none of our concern"

" You forget my good Marshall, as members of an alliance we are sometimes obligated to do things we would rather not, for the sake of honouring our agreements."

" That is exactly what I speak of Runar, foreign problems, foreign issues, how many thousands of MY soilders sacrificied their lives, for what? For Livonia? For Denmark? for our so called 'honor'?"

" The Regent may call it a victory, but all the peasant knows, is that their fathers, brothers, and sons, aren't coming back. How have we benifitted from this? I will tell you how, not at all. "

If he only knew what I knew, but cannot say, perhaps he would already understand

" The fact is, Sweden will never be anything more than a trivial vassal without change, and nothing will ever change whilst lackeys like Sven are in control of the Council"

" Before you go any further Tott, were I too agree with your,,views. There is nothing you and I can do, as long as Knutsson has the support of the Vasas....

With a somewhat mischevous countenance, Tott replies

" You needn't worry yourself about such matters, they have a way of,,, taking care of themselves. The important matter is, are you with me?"

A pause insues when the man tending the bar offers the men more lager, and after throwing back a glass Runar looks Tott in the eye.

" I must of course see where the others stand, but take it for granted. You will have our support."

" Very well"

well it has begun, perhaps all else will fall into place this easily

Their business concluded, the two men dissappear into the bustling streets of the city.

 

[BusterBunny]

The report had come in.

The siege of Paris had been successfull. The Federated forces of England had simply destroyed the city, leaving it in sickness, desolation and death.

Marie went to her window. The cold season was near, she could feel it in the air. Her attention was cought by a tree, whose leaves had almost all fallen. Only one was left. It was still red, hanging there as if it was the only one able to keep the tree alive.

A little like her dear Henri, duke of Anjou, brother of the King of France. Her beloved Henri, who had defended the walls of Paris. Who knew what happened to him.

She watched the leaf, and it suddenly broke off the tree.

At the same moment, she heard a knock on her door.

"Come in" she said, as she kept her eyes on the falling leaf.

"Madame, I have news..."

She didn't move. Those news were about Henri.

The leaf finally reached the ground. It had died there, like so many other.

 

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In the city of Modena a great bustle fills the streets. The word was out: The beloved Duke Nicolò was departing for Venice and was sailing off to Greece and the Holy land. A cousin of the Duke, Francesco d'Este would run the city with a council of hand chosen advisors by Nicolò. A small band of soldiers as well as fine provisions and wine were being loaded onto a large caravan that would soon begin moving east through Mantua and finally reach the realm of Venice. Hopefully ships could be commissioned there to sail the Duke and his party south. The Duke was known throughout Modena as a religious man and the greatest wish in his heart was to pray in the holy city of Jerusalem. A long and hard trip, but one worthy of Nicolò and his family name. Many people had gathered on the street to bid their Duke a good journey as the large guarded caravan reached and streamed out of the city's main gate.

 

[unmerged(8915)]

Rumour has it that the Bohemian rebels are ready and willing to sue for peace with the Emperor.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

"My lord, I have some papers for you to sign."

As usual Ernst von Herzwald intruded upon the acting duke of Bremen, Heinrich Küster, very early in the morning.
Also as usual, he carried huge amounts of paperwork, ranged from the most detailed and ridicoulus decisions, like ordering a new sail for one of the Navys ships or even sending an additional two men on watch during the night, to more important matters.
And also as usual, the clever Bremer noble stood to gain from most of the decisions, although never directly.

Johann II of Bremen had only been in Stettin for three months, and Ernst von Herzwald had decided to make the most of it, while the young and unexperienced Heinrich was acting duke.
Those merchants families who had openly or covert allied themselves to the von Herzwalds had secured important official orders, some minor noble families who had worked against the von Herzwalds had seen themself almost banned from the ducal court, and every order given was signed by Heinrich and stamped with the seal of Bremen.

Heinrich Küster didn't posses the experience to see that he was being used, and he most likely lacked the courage to do something against it, had he known.
Johann IIs father-in-law, the acting dukes grandfather, was terminally ill, actually dying, and thus unable to work against the von Herzwalds, and although both burgers and mertchants mumbled in the streets, noone could do anything, save pray that Johann II soon returned.

 

[unmerged(5941)]

Constable Richemont stood atop the hill overlooking the English armies as they marched from Paris. The casualties were surmounting, and the majority of the French military command was dead, leaving Richemont in charge of what was left of the army.

Only a handful of French knights and a couple hundred men-at-arms had escaped the English swords and prisons. They now marched the long journey south towards Grenoble. It was time that peace was made, with or without King Charles' consent.

______________________________

A few days later, Richemont and his soldiers had arrived in Orleans, where he met with the Duke. It was decided that the 'Mad King', as the English had dubbed him, had to be removed from the throne. It would not be difficult. He was in Rome with the Pope, and the French soldiers would ensure that he would not reenter the borders of France. The English would ensure that he never sat on the throne again. France would have to select a new monarch to rule the throne, or what was left of it. Diplomats were being sent to England to make peace, and only God knew the fate that was looking upon France.

 

[BusterBunny]

The closely garded horse carriage arrived in the "jardins intérieurs" of the castle of Dijon. When the door opened, Albert, former Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, walked out of the carriage. He hadn't lost his prestigious Imperial way of walking, and with the appropriate crown, one wouldn't have known he was a prisonner.

Alongside the many gards, a more soft figure stood out. Marie de Berri has decided to assist herself to the emprisonment of the traitor.

But as she approached him, she saw he was hurt, to a leg, and was probably very hungry, seeing how he only had skin on his bones. She then pitied the man more than hated him.

"Albert Von Habsburg, you will accompany me to your quarters, where you will wait for your trial."

He began to mumble in German, and walked forward.

--------------------

Upon reaching the room, Albert could see that he was not in the Papal prisons anymore. The room Albert was offered was not one that would be suitable for a duke, a king or an Emperor, but it was surely a very decent room, probably given to a German ambassador of some sort before, judging by the paintings on the walls.

Albert, tired, sat down on the bed.... a luxury he didn't have in the papal prisons. A servant gave him water, and fruits, and began to wash his feet.

As a show of respect, Marie began to speak in a broken German, a language she hadn't spoken for quite a while now.

"Noble Albert, you are now my guest in this castle of mine. Of course, I have to keep you under close guards, but I will try to make this journey as confortable as I can. What would you wish for?"

She then waited for his reponse.

 

[unmerged(6719)]

Marriage of King James I of Scotland

It was the first time a King of Scotland had been married as King in over two hundred years, and the Stuart court, for whom spectacle was second nature, suprassed itself. The entire city of Endinburg turned out to experience the colour, the sound, the richness of the show, and the great feasts of joy around the city.
According to medieval tradition, the wedding vows were exchanged ouside the church doors of St. Andrews, and solemnized by Mass within the church. A pavilion twelve feet high, decorated with tapestries and the tartan of the Stuart house was set up at the main doors of St. Andrews. The pavilion was approached by an arched gallery covered with green boughs along which the state officials, clergy, and wedding party proceeded to the sound of bagpipe and trumpet fanfare. First came the clans of Scotland in traditional Highlander garb, carrying their broadswords, follwed by bagpipers of their clan dressed in their tartans and royal blue and silver, the royal colors of Scotland. Bishop Stuart was accompanied by his cross-bearer and by chiorboys carrying lighted candles. There were more musicians, followed by a hundred gentelmen of the royal household bedecked in their finest attire, and the Royal Family of Stuart. Most noticable of all was the absence of Robert Stuart older brother of King James I, who at this time was in prisoned in Endinburg castle to await his execution for crimes against the King and state during his tenure as regent. In the procession there were also 12 bishops and abbots; all follweed by King James I, led by King John of England and accompanied by his younger brother Duke Henry of Endinburg, and advisors and family members.
Finally came the moment everyone was waiting for- Lady Joan Beaufort, dazzling in red and blue with the coats of England and Scotland emblazend together. It was the perfect choice for this beautiful woman. On her head she wore a crown of gold, set with sapphires, rubies and pearls of inestimable worth, and around her neck, diamonds and precious gemstones glittered, catching the sunlight. Two girls carried her exceptionally long train, and the crowd went mad with delight as this vision passed by, follwed by the Dowager Queen of Scotland and the Queen of England.
The Bishop of St. Andrews performed the wedding ceremony, and, when the couple exchanged vows, King James removed a ring from his own hand and passed it to the Bishop of St. Andrews, then placed it upon Lady Joan's hand. With that bagpipes and trumpets blared, and Scotland had a King, and a Queen. King James I and Queen Joan of Scotland. Let the festivities commence!!!!!!!!!