Rumors

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EVENT

In the east a Great eastern leader speaks to the Grandmaster of the Sassanians. He spends a long time with them and after a few days leaves. Only the Grandmaster and the Moslem monarch know what has been ordered, that the Grandmaster would send out his best man to warn the Genoese in the Sassanians anchient way. Perhaps he would listen and be warned. Perhaps not.

Weeks later, to the west, the Doge of Genoa retires to his bed after a long hard day. He speaks with the General of the Household gaurd on his way to his apartments, just to make sure the entire palace is safe and no enemies have been near.
The Doge arrives in his rooms to find his lovely suit in perfect shape, he is thankfull that he hired those "screaned" Servants. This perfect world is however ruined when he comes closer to his bed, to his supprise and great fear he finds an ornate curved dagger lying on his pillow. The Doge immidiatly storms out and orders the guards to search the entire palace.......

1. The Sassanian is caught but as he is trapped he falls on his sword. The Gaurd feel they rule supreme. (+1 morale for 2 turns to Genoa)

2. What does this meen? Some one in the east tries to scare us.

3. There is a definate threat. The gaurd is doubled.

4. The Sassanian easily escapes. He leaves a trail for the gaurd to follow that leads to a pig sty. A note is found. "Welcome to your new home" the trail then mysteriously disapears. The gaurd feel shamed (-1 morale for 2 turns to Genoa)

A 4 is rolled

The Sassanian easily escapes. He leaves a trail for the gaurd to follow that leads to a pig sty. A note is found. "Welcome to your new home" the trail then mysteriously disapears. The gaurd feel shamed (-1 morale for 2 turns to Genoa)

 

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EVENT

In Bremen the nation watches and listen attentivly to Johann IIIs coronation as duke. What of the future? What will the fates decree?
Great effort and expense is payed by the state to help things go well. ( 1 econ to modify)

1 Horst Töllnich drops the ducal coronet and has a violent coughing fit during the blessing.
No one can blame him for seemingly innocent mistakes, but the populations views it as bad omens. (-1 Morale for 2 turns )

2 Ernst von Herzwald creates a fullblown scandal at the coronation party, by insulting Pommern guests. What should have been a happy evening is somewhat spoiled. (-1 Morale for 1 turn )

3 The absence of the really powerfull, like Austria and the Emperor, does not bode well for the future.
The nobility is a bit shaken by Johann IIIs courting of small allies. People are disquietend.

4 The announcement of Royal Marriage between Pommern and Bremen somewhat heightens spirits. The duke starts his reign by securing an alliance, surely that most be a good sign of times to come.People have high hopes.

5 The population of Bremen is impressed with the large number of visiting dignites. A duke with so strong international support can only be good for the country (+1 Morale for 1 turn )

6 The celebration is an outstanding succes. Nobility and commoner alike are impressed by this show of international support and the dukes ability to handle it. (+1 Morale for 2 turns )

A 1 is rolled (+1 modifier )= 2

Ernst von Herzwald creates a fullblown scandal at the coronation party, by insulting Pommern guests. What should have been a happy evening is somewhat spoiled. (-1 Morale for 1 turn to Bremmen )

 

[driftwood]

After many weeks of discussion, John at last announced his interpretation of the synod's deliberations.

"Anathema upon the rulers of Muscovy and diminished Novgorod, the so-called Prince of Russia! Anathema upon their subjects who willingly live under such abominable apostasy! And though my predecessor vacilated on the matter of a crusade, let no prince with the true love of Christ in his heart shirk from bringing an end to this despicable heresy, be it by the quill or the sword!"

He exhaled deeply, his shoulders slumping, as if he had poured not only bile but his soul into the declaration.

"Before this synod retires, I will also call for the nomination of a new Metropolitan of Kiev and all the Lands of the Rus, to take up his see in Moscow as soon as possible."

 

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EVENT

General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan couldn't stand those mountain Berbers. Couldn't they appreciate the purity of cause that the Arab blood of the coast gave Algeria? The sea was the source of their future. Not the Eastern foreigners.

His coastal "interests" had been bearing fruits lately not only funds but strong support from the powerful merchants and nobles from the coast. It was time to make a move.

The current Emir had to go; and all his heirs if possible. The awaiting assassins were sought and the mission commenced. The power mongers and people of the coast were behind him and even a few mountain Berbers, through personal feud with the Emir.

Days later the news arrived. The Emir was dead. He had eaten from a bowl of rare mushrooms and indulged his family in the delicacies. They were all now dead but for one who had not been present.* Curses.... They would have to be found.*

His Heritage, Mercantile power, political position, strength of arm and prowess at arms ensured he was in good standing to take the Throne of the Emir. It just now stood for him to make it a fact.

1. Piratical activities and careful planning reap rewards. General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan is swept to position of Emir through popular acclaim. The future looks strong and bright (+1 Tech +1 morale for 2 turns ) No one is sure where these new pirates come from.

2. The Powerful citizens, Ayatollahs and armed forces back General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan (+1 morale for 2 turns ) No one is sure where these new pirates come from.

3. The Powerful citizens back General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan (+1 morale for 1 turn ) No one is sure where these new pirates come from.

4. General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan is suspected of foul play (-1 morale for 1 turns ) Locals wonder. "Is he something to do with these new Pirates abroad?"

5. General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan is suspected of foul play and piracy. (-1 morale for 2 turns ) No proof but evidence points in his direction.

6. Piratical activities and poor planning reap bad rewards. General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan is suspected of Murder and Piracy. (-1 Tech -1 morale for 2 turns ) Nations suspect Algerian pirates are more active again.


A 1 is thrown.

Piratical activities and careful planning reap rewards. General Kaleb l Rashid Ibn Azzan is swept to position of Emir through popular acclaim. The future looks strong and bright
(+1 Tech +1 morale for 2 turns to Algeria )

 

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The court of Baden is now open for foreign diplomats!!!!

 

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Bars arrives at the Hagia Sophia, thinking to himself how remarkable it was that the ancient church had survived a devastating fire, and then an invasion by the Horde. Truly, it was a miracle that the building still stood. As he approached, he could make out Greek and Turk workmen, as well as slaves, working to rebuild the once mighty temple. And then, no doubt, would come the arguments over which faith would use the church. Bars had little time to waste to listen to religious bicking between two faiths of the Book. It was not a terribly important decision, compared to others he must now make.

As he entered the area of the Hagia Sophia where he was quartered, whose damage in the fire had been minimal, he reflected to himself. "The Pope in Rome, Austria, Venice, Genoa. There is much opportunity for peaceful dealings in this land. An existance without the everpresent wars and trials of the steppe. Perhaps I should follow the example of Kublai..."

 

[driftwood]

It is midnight when the men swarm into the hulking fortress of Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı, which command the Bosphorus on the European and Asian shores respectively. Yet the next morning, their presence is unmistakeable.

*******************************

Tommaso Fiorentino, captain of the Cantankerous Cleric, read the message is disbelief. "They can't close the straits! They wouldn't dare! Has anyone heard anything about this?"

His first mate Mario Six-Fingers, so-called because he had lost a toe in a freak accident with a rusty harpoon and a monkey, shook his head.

"Nay ... but three Genoan traders sailed through jus' afore dawn, an' nary a peep from the Mohammedans."

"This is bullcrap!" Tommaso thundered. "It's a joke; steady as she goes," he called up to the helmsman.

They were drawing even with Rumeli Hisari and had just inched ahead of Andalou Hisari when the first cannon shots rang out. Although not very accurate, there were alot of the rudimentary guns, and the shores were very close together.

In a few moments, only stray timbers were floating in the water; part of the ship's load of silk washed ashore days later.

******************************

The Bosphorus is closed to all Venetian traders.

 

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After the recent conquest of Western Anatolia by the Golden Horde, the Venetian ruling class feared for the worst. Indeed, many had heard of the massacres in Constantinople, and feared that the Horde would do something similar there. Indeed, with the Ottoman army off in Albania, there would be nothing to stop the victorious horsemen from killing anything that opposed them.

Thus, the Venetians were terrified when the Horde began to round them all up, and force-march them away from their homes. Throughout Anatolia, Venetians were gathered up and marched to the north-west. They were given adequate food and water, and so surprisingly, very few died on the march. Finally, they reached a great mound of earth, with many large tents planted in it. Behind the small tent-town, they could see a thin strait that could only be the Hellespont. As the people looked into the distance, they could see galleys arriving pulling near to shore.

 

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A letter is sent to all the states of Gallia

Noble lord/duchess/regent of Gallia. We formaly invite you to send forth a candidate to become your Magistrate for the grand Palaise de Justice at the Louvre.

It is the intention of the Lord High Chief Justice of Gallia that the court consist of a representative from every state and Kingdom of Gallia with him presiding. Any apointed magistrate will have one vote on any issue and may bring matters to the attention of the court. The vote of any non attending magistrate will be cast by the lord high Justice.

The first session will be held in 6 months time. Please send your representative by then.

Frederick De Cryer. Chamberlain at Warwick.

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Kristiern Wasa is dead

These horrible news is read in every church in the country..In just 6 months of time, the entire Wasa family has been wiped out by the plague..Fortunately, Kristiern have written a will which state that Paul von Russdorf is going to take over as Grand Duke of Livonia..

The Grand Duke is Dead, Long Live the Grand Duke!!

 

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Rumor has it that the Golden Horde has placed a great chain across the Hellespont, and that any ship passing through must first seek approval from the Mongols there. They have been extracting great sums of tribute from merchants, particularily Italians.

They also seem to have a large slave market there, with many well-educated slaves for sale.

 

[Darth Tracid]

A few days ago, the court of Luxembourg had been bristling with activity. But then, suddenly, it all stopped. No more preperations, the duchess nowhere to be seen, and the scots preparing to leave, not happy at all while doing so. Why, nobody knew.

There were rumours en masse, of the emperor disapproving of the wedding of the duchess with anybody from outside the empire, of threats from neighboring realms, and a multitude of things concerning bohemia and austria. But only one thing was for sure: Duchess Elisabeth was not going to marry the scotsman.

 

[Longinus]

Rumor says that Duchy of Glere tries to become a friend or even a member of newely founded Greif-Schlussel Allianz. The negotiations are in progress.

It is also said that both Bremen and Pommern landlords want to backstab Victor von Blommenstain if a good occasion will appear.

Others say that both landlords want to support Victor with all their might and they even included a charter that recognises Victor as the only rightful Emperor.

However, all people wonder what both Houses want to gain by their actions.

 

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The ship of Nicolló reaches the Hellespontus, he calls his friend and translator Gabriele "We are there! Slow down the ship! Bear the white flag! Gabriele, do what you can mate!" When the ship halts a bunch of big and scary Mongols comes walking to the ship. "Payers! he speaks in bad Italian. Nicolló shows them his official diplomatic papers, bearing the Florentine Lily. The Mongols start to discuss in Mongolian:
-"Khali! Do we have to stop a red thingy on something white?"
*"No Murad, offcourse not, it was yellow and red!"
-"I don't think so! Mustapha, wasn't it a red thingy on white we had to stop?"
+"No Khali! It was a black flag!"
-"Should we fight for it?"
*"Good idea!"
>"Ehm, excuse me gentlemen" Gabriele answers in fluid Mongolian "We are in a hurry and..."
*"By Allah, you speak Mongolian!"
-"But you look like an Italian!"
>"Well, that's because I'm a translator, don't you have translators?"
*"Eh, what is a transerator?"
>"Someone who speaks other languages, surely there are Mongols who speak...Russian or something?"
-"Not that I know of!"
*"No!"
+"Yes! In my village there is an old lady, a friend of my aunt, and her daughter is married to a man near Kazan who's father was married to the sister of someone who speaks Russian!"
"Nooooh!" the other Mongols all gasp of amazement
+"Yes, and she knows..."
>"Eh, excuse me gentleman, but I come here to visit the Great Khan, Bars."
-"Bars is in Consansinopa!"
>"I know that, but could you please let my ship trough, so I can visit him?"
*"No."
>"Why not?"
+" He is having his nap!"
-"Not true!"
*"You can't get true because we don't know how the chainy thing works."
>"Should I help you?"
+"No!"
>"How am I supposed to get there then?"
-" I don't know..."
*"By foot?"
>"I think it's a bit too long to walk"
+"You sure?"
>"I think so..."
-"Wimp!"
*"Shut up! Maybe we can carry you?"
>"Eh, maybe you have a horse?"
+"We do!"
>"And... do you think I could borrow it?"
-"Maybe."
*"I'd have to acompany you!"
+"No me!"
-"Me!"
>"I have an idea, you could toss for it!"
-"Maybe"
After explaining the game to the Mongols and after 17 throws to decide that Murad would be the one to accompany him. First they drove next to the road, with many hungry Italians, begging for mercy (Vesuvians as Murad explained him) in chains. Then they followed a long and winding road before they finally reached the city of Constantinople where the Great Khan had his residence.
Murad was so kind to drop him of at the Khan's palace, but he still needed to wait until the Khan had finished his nap before he could speak to him. When waiting he rembered his adventures of today and with sarcasm he tought by himself: "I wonder why some people call these Mongols stupid Barbarians? "

 

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Rebirth of Sparta

It had been a month since the order had been given. Since that day they had toiled like slaves. Brick after brick, stone after stone. From earliest light to the early moonlight hours they carried lumber, stone, and marble from the forests and quarries. They had been building for hours each day and each day they came closer to completing their mammoth task.

So much had changed in the last year. Their milennium old capital had fallen to barbarians, they had lost 2 emperors. Thousands of their brother greeks had fallen to both the army of the Khan and fighting the corrupt state in Athens. Scores more had fallen to the plague. The year must be cursed!

Since the death of Demetrios there was no emperor. There was no empire either which made the whole arrangement that much more convenient. The first part of their project had been a large mausoleum that would house the bodies of Ioannes and Demetrios. Both of their bodies lay sealed in an old villa outside Napflion. Ioannes had died of the plague and had his body drained of blood and tightly wrapped in cloths from Emilia and Lombardy. What wealth the empire had left would be spent on this funeral. Their leader insisted upon that.

Not yet coronated, he was content to the title Despot. The energetic young man had inspired his people to fight on if only for a bit longer. Under his spirited leadership and the leadership of Archbishop Stephen they prepared and waited.

Armed with makeshift and the salvaged weapons from Constantinople at least 3,000 greeks manned a series of makeshift barricades and fortresses that stretched from Napflion to the south to the fortresse at Corinth in the north. They were ready.

After much sweat and hard work it was at least completed. Several towers and an impressive defensive wall had been built around the city they had built. The city they called Sparta as it was built upon the ruins of the old city. The Despot hoped to inherit its legacy.

The Despot awaited the arrival of the Archbishop Stephen. He would then be crowned by the grace of God as the next emperor: Constantine XI!

 

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The Bishop of Wurzburg is accepting foreign emmissaries.

 

[unmerged(6324)]

A bunch of priests gather after the afternoon mass of Sunday, and begin discussing their missions.

Priest 1:Do you think of success of Lord Henrique's goal of finding our brothers in Africa?

Priest 2:I believe he shall. For the power of God is great. This mission I believe shall be blessed and sponsered by the Holy See.

Priest 1:I hope that he succeeds, as it shall be a great accomplishment for the Church and Portugal. We will be able to crush the heretic scum in Africa, and force them to the Church.

Priest 3:Well, I do know that Algeirs is getting a bit overconfident at their position of peace with the Church, I shall pray for their conversion.

Priest 4:Who cares about Barbary. They are no threat to the Church. They suffer under the heat of God. I pray that they all suffer in the highest of Christ's just punishment.

Priest 1:You are right, we need not to worry about such pathetic scum. Come judgement, they shall all be burnt in the depths of Hell!

Priest 3:Hehe, well, we all have the same outlook, I know that the Muslims will suffer in the depths of Hell. I just hope that they will convert so they may not have to endure such a horrid fate.

Priest 2:Well I am off, I have to prepare for the next litergy. Please, go in peace my brothers.

The rest:May God be with you!

After the little convosation, the Priests bow to each other, and hug. They then leave for their masses they must prepare. They all think of how Portugal and the Church shall deal with the heretics in North Africa and Barbary.

 

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The doors of Count Sigismunds bedroom smashed up. At once the young Count sat up in the bad. With fast steps the Chief Servant entered the room, he had came to be a close friend with the young Count, so he sat down on the bed and looked with sad eyes at Sigismund. Sigismund saw that, and a fear grew inside him, he knew what he would be told know.

"Tell it, tell it Helmut, you must tell it."

After taking a deep breath Helmut spoke, slowly and with a sad voice.

"Your father will soon be gone, it is less than one hour left now, he wants to meet you and your Brother, but, I will send you first, you have a lot of decent things to talk about before that, that Friedrich arrives."

"Do not speak with that tone and words about me Broher. Me may be special, but, he is my brother and in less than an hour also our leader."

"I know, I know. Now run away to your fathers room, the clock is ticking."

Sigismund ran away up the stairs to his fathers room. When opening the door he was meet by an extremly smell. It was a smell of rotten flesh. Slowly he continued forward towards the bed where he could see his sick father. He sat down on the edge of the Bed.

"Sigismund, my son, listen now because this is the last thing I will tell you. You are a decent man, a man of honour, a man made to rule a country, to rule Saxony. But yet that will not happen, unfortunally you have an older Brother. A brother who believes that he can rule, but he cannot. He has none of the skills required, he is useless. Sigismund, my son, you must help him. You must stand by his side and advise him in every single question, that is your mission in this life, that is why God sent you. I will allways be with you, you know that..."

The door opened and Friedrich could be seen in the door opening.

"Helmut, fast, I need a wet towel to cover my nose, the smell is horrible."

Helmut ran away to get the towel and Friedrich could enter the room. He walked down to the bed and stood there looking at his father.

"Friedrich my son. Soon you are to become Duke, Duke of Saxony. It is a great assignment and no one can handle that alone, you will need help, and I..."

"Father, I do not need help with anything" Friedrich interrupted.

"Do not interrupt me, LISTEN!" The Sick Duke tried to scream.

"You will need help, and your young brother will help you. Both of you are young, Friedrich, you are only 15 years old, and Sigismund, you are 11. You two will toghether rule Saxony. I trust you, both of you. Sigismund your title will from now on be Margrave of Anhalt, and from Anhalt you will advise you brother and have a part in every decition made. Friedrich you will be Duke of Saxony from my Death. You are obligated to ask for your brothers oppinion in every single case. Your two younger brothers, Heinrich and Karl Wilhelm will be Margrave of Meissen and Landgrave of Thüringa. I have one castle for each of you. Friedrich, you will stay here in Dresden, Sigismund, you will go to the Castle in Halle. Heinrich will get the Castle of Leipzig and Karl Wilhelm will get the one in Meissen."

The sick Duke pauses.

"And my last wish, my last wish is to get this Bohemia problem sorted out. Promise me that Saxony never will accept an annexed Bohemia never."

Sigimund looks sad at his father.

"I promise father"

"And you Friedrich, will you promise me that?"

"Nothing is for me to promise I am the Duke now, I make the decisions, I rule this land, and you are nothing."

With a deep sight the old Sick Duke closed his eyes and gave up his breath. Sigismund burst into tears and layed his head on his dead fathers chest. A small smile could be seen on Friedrich's face as he left the room.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

In Windsor. England

After the warm reunion with his beloved the organiser of the day brings together the proceedings.
Richard De Vere speaks as the Arch Bishop and the King stand nearby.

"You are all very welcome to the Royal court at Windsor to celebrate the ending of the Hundred years of conflict that has beset the West."

"It is the mission of his royal Majety and First Consul of the Federation of the Commonwealth of Nations to bestow upon those honoured the title of "Champions of the West" and to continue by re instituting the Order of the Golden Garter.Those honoured as Knights will be sworn in and a Grand hunt held afterwards. The Orders' pledge of pious fidelity and Chivalry will take Western Europe into a new age of chivalry to match both Arthur and Charlemain."

"Some will receive thier honours by proxy and some grace us with their presence."

He smiles at those present.

Those to be awarded title "Champions of the West"

Pere de Portmany, Duke of Aquitaine
Prince Humphrey, Duke of Brittany (Postumous)
Carlos III, King of Navarre Navarre
The representatives from each land are brought forward to receive their honours in the chapel of St. George.

Those to be made Knights of The Noble order of the Golden garter stand to witness the bestowing.They are....

Austin MacRobert, King of Eire Eire,
Suzanna, Dowager Duchess of Normandy and Countess Giovanna of Normandy,
James I, King of Scotland Scotland,
Alfonso V, King of Aragon,
Pere de Portmany, Duke of Aquitaine
Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Brittany,
Carlos III, King of Navarre,
Marie de Berry, duchesse of Burgundy,
Kirsten Wasa, Archduke of Livonia (Postumous)
Queen Philippa of Portugal for His royal Majesty Dom João, Mestre de Avis of Portugal

The motto to be Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" or " Evil be to him that evil thinks."

The garter, which is of blue velvet, bordered with fine gold wire, (having commonly the letters of the motto of the same) is buckled upon the leg, at the time of the election, with this ceremony:

"To the honour of God omnipotent, and in memorial of the blessed martyr, St. George, tie about thy leg, for thy renown, this noble garter; wear it as a symbol of the most illustrious order, never to be forgotten or laid aside, that thereby thou may'st be admonished to be courageous; and having undertaken a just war, in which thou shalt be engaged, thou may'st stand firm, valiantly fight, and successfully conquer."

The garter being thus buckled on, and the words of its signification pronounced, the knight elect is brought before the Sovereign, who puts a deep blue riband beltwise over his left shoulder, whereunto is appendant, wrought in gold, within the garter, the image of St. George, on horseback, with his drawn sword encountering the dragon. The admonition is thus:

"Wear this ribband about thy neck, adorned with the image of the blessed martyr and soldier in Christ, St. George, by whose imitation provoked, thou may'st overpass both prosperous and adverse adventures that having stoutly vanquished thine enemies, both of body and soul, thou may'st not only receive the praise of this transient combat, but be crowned with the palm of eternal victory."

Having thus briefly spoken of the institution of the order, and of the garter and george wherewith a knight companion is invested at the time of his election, we shall now proceed to the ceremonial of installation, which is always performed in St. George's Chapel in the lower ward of Windsor Castle.

The commissioners appointed to install the knights elect, being robed in the complete habit of the order, meet in the great chamber of the deanery, where Garter, and the other officers of the order, attend in their habits; and the knights elect come thither in their under habits only, with their caps and feathers in their hands.

When there is a proctor, or proxy, he comes in his ordinary habit.

The knights not named in the commission, are first conducted to the Chapel, preceded by the poor knights, canons of Windsor, and officers at arms, all in their proper habits, who, on entering the choir, make their usual reverences of bowing, first to the altar, and then to the Sovereign's stall; after which, the knights are seated in their respective stalls.

Then the poor knights, canons, etc., return to the dean's hall, from whence the procession begins thus:

Poor Knights, two and two.
Canons, two and two.
Pursuivants, two and two.
Heralds, two and two.
Kings at Arms.
The knights elect, with their caps and feathers in their hands, the Juniors going first.
Register of the Order, with Garter King at Arms on his right hand, and Usher of the Black Rod on his left, in their crimson satin mantles.
Then the knights commissioners in their robes, and covered with their caps and feathers.

Thus the knights are conducted into the north aisle of the Chapel, where they all make a stand, while the knights elect retire to their seats placed behind the altar, and the three officers, Register, Garter, and Black Rod, enter into the chapter house, and after them the knights commissioners, who seat themselves at the table according to their seniority.

Then Garter presents the commission to the senior knight (commissioner) who gives it to the Register to read, which being done, it is returned to him again, who re-delivers it to the Register to be entered.

Garter is now sent to conduct the senior knight elect to the chapter-house door, where he is received by the commissioners; and the same manner the other knights elect are conducted, one by one, according to their seniority.

Garter then presents the Lords-Commissioners the surcoat of the senior knight elect, who invests him therewith, the Register reading this admonitions:

"Take this robe of crimson, to the increase of your honour, and in token and sign of the most noble Order you have received; wherewith you being defended, may be bold, not only strong to fight, but also to offer yourself to shed your blood for Christ's faith, the liberties of the church, and the just and necessary defense of them that are oppressed and needy."

Then Garter presents the crimson velvet girdle to the Lords Commissioners, who buckle it on over the surcoat. Then the hanger and sword, which they also gird on. The same is repeated to all the knights elect, according to their seniority, but the proxies are not invested.

The Commissioners then (leaving the knights elect in the chapter house) proceed to the choir, to offer up the hatchments of the deceased knights, in the following order:

The poor knights, two and two, enter first, and make their references all together, in the middle of the choir, first to the altar and then to the Sovereign's stall, and proceed up as near as they can to the rails of the altar, placing themselves below each other on each side.

The canons follow in the same order, making the like reverences, and stand below the poor knights, excepting two, who are conducted to the altar, in order to receive the hatchments as they are offered.

Pursuivants and heralds at arms, two and two, next enter, making their reverences also, and place themselves on each side below the canons.

Garter, Register, and Black Rod, follow next, and stand before their respective seats.

The last in this part of the procession are the commissioners, who enter in the afore-mentioned manner; and after making their reverences, stand under their banners, before their respective stalls.

Garter then advances to the middle of the choir, where he makes his reverences, and then repairs to the hatchment of the deceased knight, taking up the banner, which he holds almost rolled up; the two other kings at arms then meet, making their reverences, and pass down to the knights commissioners, who thereon join, and receiving the banner from Garter, make their reverences; and being preceded by the two kings at arms, carrying the same to the altar, where, kneeling down, they deliver it to the two canons, who place it upright on the south side of the altar; when the commissioners, having made the same reverences as before, return to their former places under their banners, being waited on by the said kings at arms, who return to their former stations.

Then the two elder heralds meet, and after the same manner conduct the commissioners, who carry up the sword, the hilt being upwards, which is offered in like manner, and return as before.

Lastly, the two next heralds meet in like form, and repair to the Lords Commissioners, to whom Garter delivers the helmet and crest, which are offered in the same manner; and being returned to their former stations, the procession is then made to and from the chapter house, in the following orders. The knights remain standing under their respective stalls.

The poor knights immediately join, make their reverence, and go out of the choir, two and two. Then the canons do the same. Next the officers at arms, as also the officers of the order, do the like. The commissioners, with like ceremony, (the Junior going first if they are not companions) close the rear of the procession, which is made through the aisle, towards the chapter house, when the Poor Knights make a stand, and divide themselves on both sides, at a distance from the door. The officers at arms in like manner, nearest the door.

The officers of the order then enter the chapter house, and after them the Lords Commissioners, who conduct the knight elect from hence to the choir, preceded by the Poor Knights, Prebends, Officers at Arms, and the officers of the Order.

The Poor Knights make their reverences and place themselves on both sides as before, near the altar.

The Prebendaries then enter, with the same reverences, and go to their respective seats. The officers of arms stand next below the poor knights.

The officers of the order follow, Garter in the middle, carrying on a cushion the mantle, hood, great collar, george, and book of statutes, having register on his right hand, carrying the new testament, and the oath fairly written on parchment, and Black Rod on his left: They enter with the like reverences, and proceed to the seat below the stall of the knight elect, where Garter places the cushion, with the ensigns, on the desk; and the officers of the order stand below in the choir.

The commissioners, having between them the knight elect, carrying his cap and feathers in his hand, enter and make the like reverences together; and then these go into the seat below, or under the knight's stall, the senior commissioner entering first.
The knight elect being thus conducted into the seat below his stall; takes the following oath, which is administered by the Register of the Garter:

"You being chosen to be one of the honourable company of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, shall promise and swear by the holy evangelists, by you here touched, that wittingly and willingly you shall not break any statute of the said Order, or any article in them contained, the same being agreeable and not repugnant to the will of God, and the laws of the realm, as far forth as to you belongeth and appertaineth, so help you God and his holy word."

Then the knight elect enters his stall, the senior commissioner going before him, and the junior commissioner following, Register and Garter entering into the seat under it, where Garter presents the mantle to the commissioners, who invest the knight elect therewith, Register reading at the same time the following admonitions

"Receive this robe of heavenly colour, the livery of this most excellent order, in augmentation of thy honour, ennobled with the shield and red cross of our Lord, by whose power thou may'st safely pierce troops of thine enemies, and be over them ever victorious; and being in this temporal warfare glorious, in egregious and heroic actions, thou may'st obtain eternal and triumphant joy."

Garter then presents the hood to the commissioners, who put it over the knight's right shoulder, bringing the tippets athwart his breast, and tucking them under the belt. This part of the investiture has no ceremony.

Then Garter presents to the commissioners the great Collar and George, which they fasten over the mantle and hood upon the knight's shoulders, Register at the same time pronouncing the following admonition:

"Wear this collar about thy neck, adorned with the image of the Blessed martyr and soldier in Christ, St. George, by whose imitation provoked, thou may'st so o'erpass both prosperous and adverse encounters; that having stoutly vanquished thine enemies, both of body and soul, thou may'st not only receive of this transient combat, but be crowned with palms of eternal victory."

Garter then presents the statute book, which the commissioners deliver to the knight, and the commissioners then place the cap and feathers on his head, and seat him in his stalls whereupon the officers of the order retire with the usual reverences, and stand before their seats.

The knight being thus installed, he rises up and makes his reverences, first to the altar, and then to the Sovereign's stall; the commissioners then embrace and congratulate him, after which they descend into the middle of the choir, and make their reverences, and return to their former stations, under their respective banners, from whence (if there be more knights to be installed) the procession is again made to the chapter house, as before; conducting each knight elect singly, according to their seniority, into the choir, where the same ceremony is repeated.

After all the knights are installed, the commissioners then ascent their stalls, which having done, they make their usual reverences; then the officers of the order, officers at arms, canons and poor knights, after having made their references, retire to their respective seats; then divine service is performed as follows:

Our Father, etc.
Venite exultamus domino.
Psalm the 21st.
Ecclesiasticus, chap. the 4th.
Te deum.
The apostle's creed.
A prayer for the Sovereign.
A Prayer for the Sovereign and Companions of the Order of the Garter.

Collect for peace. Collect for grace.
Anthem from Psalm 20, verse 5.
Communion service.
The three last prayers in the service for obiit Sunday.
The nicene creed.
Let your light 80 shine, etc

Regalia bestowed.

 

[driftwood]

An edict from the Ecumenical Patriarch John XV concerning the Organization of the Ecumenical Orthodox Church​

​

The Ecumenical Patriarch is the Bishop of Constantinople; he is the highest earthly appellate authority, investor of bishoprics, and head of the Enduring Synod.

Next in honor and authority are the Patriarchs of Antioch, of Alexandria, and of Jerusalem; the Patriarch of Rome, normally equal in honor and power to the Patriarch of Constantinople, persists in apostasy and heresy.

Next in honor are the Metropolitan of Heraclea, who presents the scepter of office to a new Ecumenical Patriarch and bears the title of Exarch of Thrace and Macedonia, and the Metropolitan of Caesarea.

There are three autocephalous churchs, granted autonomy by the compassionate grace of the Ecumenical Patriarch. In order of seniority they are: the Archbishop of Cyprus, at Constantia (called Salamis by some); the Metropolitan of Ochrid, in Bulgaria; and the Metropolitan of Pec, in Serbia. In addition, the Catholicos of Georgia, in Tblisi, has a great deal of autonomy.

The Metropolitan of Kiev, based in Moscow but currently in exile, has responsibility for all the faithful between the Carpathians and the Volga. However, the Exarch of the Volga and Crimea has special responsibility for the Orthodox who live within the realm of the Great Khan of the Golden Horde.

The other great metropolitanates are Corinth in Achaea, Larisa in Thessaly, Thessalonica in Macedonia, Crete in exile from the see at Gortyna due to the perfidious Venetians, Naupactos (called Lepanto by the Italians) in Old Epirus, Dyrrachium (called Durazzo by the Italians) in New Epirus, Ephesus in Asia, Tirnovo in Rumelia, Targoviste in Wallachia and Transylvania, and Suceava in Moldavia.

Also, the autocephalous Patriarch of Sinai, appointed by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, rules a single monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai.

Thus the following regions may send metropolitans to vote in synods:

Thrace - 1, Patriarch of Constantinople
Syria - 1, Patriarch of Antioch
Alexandria - 1, Patriarch of Alexandria
Judea - 1, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Sinai - 1, Patriarch of Sinai
Thrace - 1, Heraclea, Exarch of Thrace and Macedonia
Ankara - 1, Metropolitan of Caesarea
Cyprus - 1, Archbishop of Cyprus
Macedonia - 1, Metropolitan of Ochrid
Serbia - 1, Metropolitan of Pec
Georgia - 1, Catholicos of Georgia
Muscovy - 1, Metropolitan of Kiev (exercised by Pskov at present)
Volgograd - 1, Archbishop of the Crimea and Volga (subject to the Metropolitan of Kiev's authority)
Morea - 1, Metropolitan of Corinth
Hellas - 1, Metropolitan of Larissa
Macedonia - 1, Metropolitan of Thessalonica
Crete - 1, Metropolitan of Crete
Hellas - 1, Metropolitan of Naupactos
Albania - 1, Metropolitan of Dyrrachium
Smyrna - 1, Metropolitan of Ephesus
Rumelia - 1, Metropolitan of Tirnovo
Wallachia - 1, Metropolitan of Targoviste
Moldavia - 1, Metropolitan of Suceava

These are the leading primates of the Holy Catholic Orthodox Ecumenical Church, and such are their titles. All other sees are suffragens of these prelates. Any see allotted a special vote at the Enduring Synod, who chooses not to exercise it, will be represented by the Ecumenical Patriarch in his benign and expansive wisdom.