Rumors

[BusterBunny]

On the desk of the Prince Regent

The Prince Regent Alexandre de Beaufort looked outside. The heat in the castle was unbearable. He wished he could swim outside, in the great lakes of the mountains stretching in the horizon.

Cold lakes, probably. Cold... refreshing. Remembering a time when he was free, a mere noble in the court of England. But now, he had to face the fact...

Somewhere, passed those fields of wheat, and the villages, layed 800 dead men. All dead for the glory of the House of Berry. All dead because a madman wanted his role as regent of Burgundy, and held his son as hostage.

"Damn him" he whispered.

He took a large feather, dipped it in ink, and began to write notes. First, he crossed out the army of the Count of Romont. Sure, there was probably survivors of this battle, but the soldiers would have defected, or simply went back to their houses and familly. Only a handfull would arrive in Dijon....

He looked at the armies he had numbered on the map, a few days earlier. He crossed out Chateau Luzin, and marked an X on its location between Artois and Champagne. He then crossed out Chateau Guyon, and marked by a bigger X its location... Chateau Guyon was a real fortress. The rebels probably ended up attacking all at once there.

"What a massacre" he thought.

He then marked the location of Mousset, and encircled it... that was a MAJOR setback. The Count of Romont was out, as were the armies of the Count de Bern, who had encoutered the rebels of Holland, following closely the Count of Artois. The Count de Bern had lost probably the most professionnal armies of all Burgundy. A combination of bad weather, attrition, and bad position to defend in the mountains of Alsace had had reason of the Count of Bern's army.

As he underlined many time the dividing line between Franch Comte and Lorraine, he thought "This must end there!" The advance of Maximilien of Artois' armies had to stop before the nobles of Dijon could hear the horns of Artois at their door. And this meant attacking in Franche Comte.

The new Duke of Auvergne would have to move his troops to Dijon. The Armee Royale would have to advance directly to Franche Comte, and meet whatever resistance there would be.

Meanwhile, he hoped the letter sent to the Bishop of Nancy had reached its destination. While the Duchesse of Lorraine, Myriam de Montainblanc was in England, the Bishop was in charge of Lorraine, and their armies had yet to appear in the fields of Lorraine.

Was Lorraine still allied with the House of Berry?

He shook his head at the idea of the massive armies of Lorraine joining the Count of Artois.

He looked on the wall, and his sword, given by his cousin Eleanor, Queen regent of England, was still there, unnafected by time.

"Eleanor... you are so far from me now..."

He looked right beside the sword, and a small painting of Eleanor was hanging in a dark corner.

He began to cry. He didn't want any of this. He pushed the map on the ground, as if to say that all of this cursed land could go to hell. He then sat just under the painting of Eleanor, his back against the wall, and lookep up.

"Eleanor... save me."

He loved her so much. This marriage with Marie de Berry, a woman almost twice his age, was really just another diplomatic move. His cousin had everything. He was rich, he was the King of England. He had servants, and cardinals, and castles... and he had the most precious jewel of Europe, his wife...

"....save me..." He cried and screamed again. The heavy weight of the most powerfull nation of continental Europe was too much.

He stopped suddenly, and looked at his sword again. A wild ferocious golden lion was sculpted on the sword. He once saw the good king John of England carry a similar sword to battle, and his men would have followed him to hell if they had to, just for the glory of following the King of England.

Never would that happen to him. He was a stranger, in a strange land. A land of mountains, and low lands, a land of Germans and French, and Friesians and Dutch.

A land far away from it all.

A land far away from her.

He stood up, and sat at his desk. He took some paper, and composed a letter. He knew what he had to do now.

 

[cccino]

Something had woken Coenraad, but he didn't know what it was. His head felt terrible, and there was a bitter taste in his throat. He supposed he must have overdone it last night, for he couldn't remember going back to his lodgings from the tavern. All this sudden hospitality from the Burgundians had taken him by surprise, and he hadn't kept his head. A nagging thought occurred to him, but he dismissed it.

It must be about 3 in the morning, he guessed, and he was thirsty. He needed a mug of water. Trying to get up, Coenraad it difficult. Like he couldn't breathe. He gave up. Thinking... what happened at the tavern. He was sure he hadn't drunk that much. He remembered... a man... buying him drinks... The Frisian was really having trouble breathing now. His throat was parched, he couldn't see. Smoke filled his lungs.

Der Wal coughed viciously, and sat up. Smoke! The bloody room was on fire. He stumbled about the room, thick with smoke, trying to find the window. No! He was on the second floor, he could break his legs. Dammit, Coenraad, he thought. Just find the bloody window and jump out! Instead, he found the door. A firey beam fell in front of the man, blocking the door and throwing him to the ground.

As he struggled to his feet, unable to breathe, body racked with pain, some small part of Coenraad der Wal's brain remembered where the window was in relation to the door. He never felt his flesh burning, for all thought had shut down completely now, yet something very deep within kept his legs moving up to, and through, the window. Coenraad would never remember hitting the ground.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

The Adventures Of Morten Hansen
Morten Hansen stood at the south dock of Copenhagen, discussing with the captain of the ship named Oksehoved, a kogge type ship bound for Latvia.
“Right, 10 it is, you devil. But you better get me there in one piece! And my horse too!” Hansen demanded in a strict tone of voice.
The captain looked at the funny man and his horse. Morten wasn’t very tall, actually somewhat fragile, dressed and simple travelling clothes. His horse wasn’t much better, skinny, but tough. To think that this man was Denmark’s greatest explorer. Well, that was what the letter from the king said, and the captain really didn’t care. All he had to do was to sail the silly guy to Riga for 10 golden crowns. A sweet deal for the captain, since it would be a quick journey.
The horse, which Morten had named Jokum, was pushed over to the ship with great difficulty, but eventually they managed. Also Morten’s equipment was loaded aboard the ship. His new musket, his sword, his cooking equipment, his papers and writing equipment. His secret maps, acquired with great difficulty. All sorts of stuff.

On the 5th of July, Oksehoved embarked for Riga...

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck reads throguh some letters from Bremen, and when he has finished those, he rise and walks towards the Emperor.
He bows respectfully and speaks:
"Your August Imperial Majesty, can I, on behalf of the Imperial High Treasurer, have a word in private with you?"

The Emperor nods, and the two withdraw somewhat, allthough not more in private than the various delegates in the Diet can hear the words "Nantes" and "Friesland" mentioned, and some are even prepared to believe they heard Ullrich Dyck apologize to the Emperor, allthough none are close enough to hear for what.

 

[Bagricula]

"In the sloping hills of the Rhineland, it was common for ceremonies, parties and festivals to be held outdoors."​

The pale golden glow of the midmorning sun shone down on the sleepy hillside overlooking the broad blue waters of the Rhine. Clumps of courtiers, noblewomen, knights, and servants moved lazily about the flower strewn meadow chatting listfully, occasionally glancing back for the bride. The groom, Sir Berowalt von Edel stood stoically next to Lucius Witteger, an elderly priest who had served the von Wittelsbachs for decades. Across from Herr von Edel stood Marina von Wittelsbach with her sons Rainmund and Siegmund who had just arrived from Denmark, where they had been vacationing before the spectre of war shadowed the Empire. Josephine, their youngest sister was speaking in soft tones with some of her companions off to the side, giggling whenever a nobleman would glance her way.

A walkway had been made of white petals through the cut grass of the meadow and at the end opposite Berowalt and the priest stood a strawberry blonde angel named Inge and her father Lothar. They moved steadily down the pathway until they reached the others and with a nod to Marina, Lothar placed Inge's small hands in Berowalt's. The ceremony began, using the same vows and words that had united man and woman since the birth of Christ. With some intellectual flare, Inge showed her classical prowess with the traditional, "Ubi Gaius es, Gaia sum" binding them together as the ancient Romans did.

 

[cccino]

In Burgundy...

The Frisian clerk had spent the night poring over documents in one of the court's small study rooms. He knew ambassador der Wal wouldn't mind it for at least it gave the man a night free of his snoring. The clerk smiled at this thought. Coenraad hadn't really had a nice time so far in Burgundy. Being forced to stay in lodgings down the street for the next few days wasn't so bad, he had insisted. After all, he had reminded the ambassador, the Duke was paying... His thoughts trailed off and soon the assistant begain to snore.

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

"Wake up! Wake up goddammit!" The clerk found himself being roughly shaken awake. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and raised one eyebrow - and then the other; "There's been a fire..."

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

Coenraad groaned, and stirred. His thoughts were muddled. He knew there'd been a fire, and he knew he was in pain. His lungs burned from the smoke like the flames that had licked at his body. Trying to take stock of his surroundings, it became apparent he was in the back of some sort of cart. He could smell hay, and dung... and... something else. God! he thought, What is happening?! He was sure someone had been trying to kill him last night. The cart ran through a hole in the road and the sudden pain through Coenraad's body sent him back into unconsciousness.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

The Adventures Of Morten Hansen
Riga
The journey had been like sailing through Hell and back again. Harsh winds had thrown the Oksehoved up and down, and from side to side. Morten was not the greatest sailor, and most of the trip for his part had consisted of constant sea sickness. He had tried to write in his journal, but sea water continued to splash down under deck, soaking his papers. It had been a constant battle to ensure the safety of his maps from the salty waters of the Baltic.

As he finally set his foot on stabile land in Riga, he felt really, really landsick. He greeted the land of Latvia by throwing up on the dock. Jokum, his horse, actually managed the trip quite well, to Morten’s great annoyance. He got a room in a suspicious tavern house, where he spent two days emptying his stomach. God had forsaken him, even before he had left the lands of Christianity.

 

[Longinus]

Joachim of the Greif was approaching Nurnberg with great anticipation. He was summoned by the Emperor, his brother-in-law and he knew very well why Erich summoned him. Joachim was also looking forward to meet with Marcin Moscicki, Cardinal-Archbishop of Cologne who was old friend of the House of the Greif and his career in Church’s hierarchy was growing along with the Greif’s star.

*****​

After his arrival in Nurnbug he didn’t manage to meet with Moscicki since Erich immediately took all Joachim’s time, both men met in Erich’s private chambers and talked long hours. Situation in France was still unresolved and Empire still had to be at full alert. Now, when Martial Bull was passed, Imperial Army lacked only one thing, skilled and trustworthy leader.

Soon rumors were confirmed as Erich I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire announced his decision, Joachim of the Greif was to become first Imperial Feldmarshal, leader of Imperial Army, right arm of the Empire and Kaiser, it’s fist and humble servant.

*****​

On the eve of the Ceremony Joachim spend some time in St. Katherine’s Cathedral. It was a time of the vigil, it was a time of prayer and contemplation. And a time for introspection to consider the responsibilities and joys of accepting the accolade. This was a time for reconciliation, speaking with the Chivalry, Peers and wise nobles present. This was roundtable on Chivalry where those present discoursed on the meaning, exemplars, symbols, duties, and responsibilities of knighthood and leadership. Joachim fasted on the vigil, he prayed unto God, and confessed of his difficulties that he has done against God.

The vigil as well as the rest of the oncoming ceremony resembled knighting for as Joachim was to become a knight, first among all knights in Empire. He was to become their leader and leader had to confirm his purity and good intentions.

A mass was called in the end of Joachim’s vigil and blessings were casted upon him.

"Blessing of the Imperial Lance, we pray, O Lord, our prayers, and see fit to bless with the hand of your majesty this Lance with which your servant desires to be girt, to the end that he may be a defender of the Church and Empire, of widows, of orphans, and of all the servants of God, against the cruelty of godless heathens, and that he may be the terror and dread of his enemies, ensuring for him the performance of equitable prosecution and just defense. Amen.

"Blessing of the Candidate O Lord, omnipotent father, eternal God, who alone establish and lawfully rule the order of all things: who to put down the malice of reprobates and to defend justice have, by your beneficent disposition, permitted men on earth the use of the sword, and have willed to institute a Chivalric Order for the protection of the people: and who said by way of the blessed John to the soldiers who came to him in the desert that they should do violence to no man, but be content with their pay: we humbly pray that, just as you granted to your child david the power to vanquish Goliath, and as you caused Judas Machabbeus to triumph over the nations who did not call upon your name, so grant, through your heavenly bounty, to this your servant, who comes a new recruit to put his neck under the chivalric yoke, the power and valor to defend the faith and justice, increase him in faith, hope, charity, the fear as well as the love of God, humility, perseverance, obedience and good patience, and direct him lawfully in all things, so that he will never injure anyone unjustly with this or any other sword, and so that, just as he is raised from an inferior station to the new honor of knighthood, so, putting off the old man with his deeds, he will put on the new man, to fear you and render you just worship, to avoid the society of the wicked, to pour out his charity upon his neighbor, to obey the articles of his oath lawfully in all things, and to fulfill his office justly at all times. Through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen."

After the mass and blessings all knights, nobles, Imperial delegates, clergy and guests followed Emperor and future Feldmarshal to the Imperial Diet where the Ceremony was to be concluded.

*****​

That was it, a moment of glory to the House of the Greif. Joachim was deep into his thoughts. Eight long years passed since he returned to Stettin and saved Pommern from the danger of absorption and vassalage. Pommernia was to once again become realm of prosperity, peace and security. Although wars were fought all around Europe, rulers were ascending to thrones and were falling from them, The Greif was like a stone in the middle of the storm. His ambition guided him. His allies and friend were growing with him, suddenly Joachim become important person in the Empire, even in Europe. His pride grown so much that he even dreamt about Imperial purple when time of the election came.

However, he stepped back and removed himself to the shadows for his character changed during this years also. He became calmer, more retrospective. Joachim always cherished family but when he found his mistress this feeling evolved into deep love. Lioness of Pflatz changed his life greatly, she was bright and intelligent, she wasn’t stiff as her brother used to be. The time when Lioness of Pfaltz and Griffin of Pommern married, affected Joachim so much that his once fire character calmed.

He started to believe in Erich’s ideas and dreams and become his supporter; some said that Erich bought Joachim’s heart with Christine’s hand, flattery and titles. However, even if he did buy him, The Greif was satisfied with this transaction.

*****​

“His Serene Majesty, Erich I, Emperor of Humanity, calls forth Joachim Zbigniew Friedrich of the Greif, heir to the ducal throne of Pommerania, Regent and Protector of the Country. Duke of Poznan, margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland.”

Joachim awoken suddenly from his thoughts and after hearing his name approached the throne slowly.

He was wearing a light chain mail and white tunic with Red Griffin in the front, he had belted a fine sword and wore leather gloves. He wore also a golden coronet, which represented his rank.

After approaching the throne he bowed slightly before Erich, however skilled eyes could see that there was no submission in this bow, only respect. He bowed like equal to equal, nothing more and nothing less.

Erich’s eyes and body remained still, like the statue of Roman Caesar from the ages before Christ. He nodded gently to Joachim and spoke.

"I bid welcome Noble Knight, and with me you are welcome by all nobles in this very hall as I speak the voice of the Empire through I am their Emperor,

Right mindful of your prowess on the field, and responsive to the wishes of your peers, having the knowledge of your noble deeds, loyalty to the Empire and devotion to the faith and holy mother church, we are minded to make you knight above all knights, leader of leaders on the field, Imperial Feldmarshal.

Know that to bear Imperial Standard, hold Lance and sword of marshal is to hold a sacred trust; that the obligations of knighthood will demand your efforts every moment of your life. Know that Empire will require even more devotion and care from you.

You are a knight and as knight above all knights I shall remind you the rules you should obey even more now.

You must respect all those who are weak or defenseless, whether because of age, infirmity, poverty, or vow, and be steadfast in defending them.

You must love his Kingdom and his province, and fulfill most faithfully your duties to your lands, Empire and Emperor.

Your word must be dependable beyond doubt or question. You must never flee from the face of your foes.

And, always and everywhere, you must be the champion of the right and the good.

The Laws of Empire and the customs of the Our Lands require that marshal be prow, as you have demonstrated you are upon the field, that marshal be loyal, as you have shown yourself to be, and that marshal be son of Empire as you are Pommeranian Griffin son of Casmir V. Do you then desire to accept the burden of leadership and swear an oath of loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor and Empire, you are now standing before them and their eyes are upon you, do you accept this burden and honor?"

Joachim replied to Erich.

“Your Serene Majesty, Yes, I do accept this burden and honor Empire cast on my shoulders, I do swear loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor and Empire.”

Then he turns to the rest of the Diet.

“Your Graces, Imperial Delegates, I do accept this burden and honor Empire cast on my shoulders, I do swear loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor and Empire.”

Erich continued.

"Then swear fealty to the Imperial Crown and Reichstag."

Joachim kneeled before the Imperial throne and said.

"I hereby swear fealty to the Imperial Crown and Reichstag; to ever be a good knight and true, reverent and generous, shield of the weak, obedient to Imperial orders, foremost in battle, courteous at all times, champion of the right and the good. Thus swear I, Joachim of the Pommern Griffons son of Casmir V Duke of Pommern."

Erich nodded.

"This to We hear and shall never forget nor fail to reward that which is given fealty with love service with honor and oath breading with vengeance."

He pauses for a moment.

“Now we need to give you tokens of good will and your positions, that is why I ask, Is there a fine sword which we can offer Joachim of the Greif in service to your crown?"

An old knight steps forward holding a fine longsword in scabbard made of leather spotted with precious gems, gold and silver.

"Yes my liege there is a sword worthy of him, in the safe keeping of your servant Lukas von Folger."

Erich replies.

“Lukas von Folger will hold this sword for the candidate.”

Emperor then asks

"Is there a Lance?"

Another knight steps forward holding a lance made of oak and long point.

"Yes my liege there is a Lance worthy of him, in the safe keeping of your servant Albreht von Manstein."

Erich replies.

“Albreht von Manstein will hold this lance for the candidate.”

Emperor then asks,

"Is there a baton?"

Tall knight in light armor steps forward holding a baton made or iron spotted with gems and incrassated with gold.

"Yes my liege, there is a baton for him, in the safe keeping of your servant Helmut von Wittelsbach. This feldmarshal’s baton is his symbol of power on the field and hierarchy of army. With this baton he can direct and order."

Erich replies.

“Very well, Helmut von Wittelsbach shall now give this baton to the candidate along with Imperial blessing.”

Then Emperor rose from his throne and said.

"The candidate has been invested with the trappings of the office I shall ask. Is there a banner which he will carry into the battle and Imperial armies will follow?"

A young knight steps forward and unfurls the standard, white cross on the red field.

“Here it is Your Serene Majesty, Cross of Saint George, Defeater of Dragon, Imperial War Flag”

Erich approaches the young knight, takes the banner from his hands and deliver it to Joachim’s hands.

"Feldmarshal, Here is Sankt Georg Fahne, Reichskriegsflagge. I hereby grant you the title of Bearer of the Imperial War Flag, should the war break out I pray you lead us into the victory.

Pray let your behavior and deeds charge this our symbol with as great a reverence and respect.

Be thou a good bearer, leader and marshal."

After saying this Erich takes sword from von Folger’s hands and strikes Joachim’s right and left shoulder.

After that he speaks up.

“You are now Imperial Feldmarshal, first knight of the Empire, supreme leader of the Imperial Army, Bearer of the Imperial War Flag.

Be thou a good bearer, leader and marshal."

 

[Auspend]

In Dijon

Dekkeret von Lichtenstein looks at the letter he recently recieved from Stuttgart.

*What is that boy thinking?! And he wants me to command his armies. Ha! Well, I'll need to go back, if only to keep my men from fighting with him. It'll be fun to see Ulrich suffer because of this.*

All the various noble diplomats from Württemberg , with one exception, have been recalled from their posts by the supposed Grand Duke of Württemberg. Many of them shared similar thoughts with Dekkeret von Lichtenstein. The sole diplomat not recalled was poor Ion Radulescu in England. He has been forgotten yet again by the powers in Stuttgart.

 

[unmerged(547)]

The word is that His Holiness is meeting with his advisors and several leaders from the Papal-Balkan states.

 

[cccino]

In Dijon...

Jared, the Frisian ambassador's clerk, was devastated. His master was dead, killed in a fire. The guilt he felt was something he could almost touch, almost smell. The clerk shivered despite the open fire. The lodgings were gutted, burnt to the ground. At this very moment there were men still stamping out embers, lest the fire rekindle and engulf the street. Three bodies had been found, but the half-burnt carcasses had been identified and none resembled Coenraad. The flames had been fiercest in the region of Coenraad's bedroom, however, and the man had been declared dead. No-one could have survived that fire, it was said. Afterall, the flames had reduced his body to char hadn't they? Jared's face fell into his cupped hands.


In Drachten...

A soldier demands to see the Stadtholder. From his bearing and his costume, it is obvious the man is Bruus der Wal, Captain of the Army of Friesland - a permanent division consisting of 500 mounted infantry, with a few thousand futher men available under his command in times of war.

"I recieved this letter from Coenraad der Wal some months ago. At the time, I... I ignored his fears as fantasy. Ahem. I read from the letter now." The man traces the letter with his finger as he reads.

"'...Accept my apologief, dear brother but thif place if awful. Dijon is a city of mud and dung. Yesterday...' ...ahhh, he goes in the this manner for some time," apologises the soldier. He skips a section and continues further down the page: "'I met a man in the tavern recently. He appeared friendly but I found him, like all Burgundianf, to be most unpleafant, in odour and in cusftom. I will not bore you of the detailf but since that time my situation has worfened. I find myfelf conftantly looking over my shoulder. I have been warned away from something I did not know of. I have heard of plotf to kidnapp me to some place of torture in the low north. I have been set upon by men. I would have been beaten to incapacitation I fear but for the interruption of the city guardf. Frankly dear brother, I fear for my safety here. With the rebellion of the Count of Artois the whole city is in anarchy. I must leave. I write to you again when I arrive in a safer place, wherever that may be. God willing I write to you again. Your brother, Coenraad, in Dijon.'"

Bruus der Wal looks up. "Sir, I believe that my brother is not dead. I believe in the name of God that he has been captured, for some devilish purpose we cannot understand, and his lodgings burnt to the ground to obscure the trail. With your permission, I wish to lead a group of men into Burgundy to search for Ambassador Coenraad." His tone is that of an accuser.

Lukas replies, "Captain der Wal, whatever you may think, it is not my fault what has happened to your brother. I did not deliberately send him into, ah, this dangerous situation. Please understand that. As for your request, you cannot simply lead a column of armed men into a foreign country. I will petition the Duke of Burgundy for your admission. You may prepare your horsemen, but you are not to leave the borders of Friesland until you are given the authority to do so."

 

[unmerged(1463)]

Sparre stands up, with a grin, and looks at Christoffer with surprise in his eyes. And he speaks

King Christoffer how far is the self-governance; do you see it, as all your sub nations, Norway and Sweden, must aid their monarch in any endeavour he chooses to commence? In any war you are either commencing, or forced into? Do you see it as a law that your .. sub nations must send troops to aid you in expansion of the Nordic Kingdoms ?

As you have showed such.. Forgiveness, as you so well put it. I will tell you my vision, bluntly.

I dream for a Sweden totally free and with a monarch of their own, a sovereign Sweden with its people paying taxes to Stockholm, not to the Danish capital. I dream of a Sweden able to do as themselves wishes, without consulting foreign monarchs.

I dream of a Sweden, where the peasants elect their own monarch, freely, without restrains. A Sweden where the Swedes rules themselves totally, without any foreign monarch supervising them.

As you might understand I am against the Union and hope for a free Sweden, not forced to be tied up in distant conflicts due to our monarch, the Danish King.

However, I have sworn allegiance to the King of Sweden, you Christoffer, and I am a man of honour and noble manners and will keep it. But I will fight for a free Sweden in every possible and permitted way. I will try to reform the Union, as there seems to be no way to get out of it that is a noble manner. We have had Sture, whom did the dishonourable thing as a downright rebellion. Damn him to hell.

Sweden has an old tradition of self-governance; this Union is less then 50 years old. And as far as I am concerned been a failure. The very reason for the union was to counter the Hanseatic League’s domination of the trade. This has been done by the Sound Due, and many other acts. The Hanseatic League is still strong, but they are not what they used to be. They can be spoken to, treaties can be done. The Union has outlived its purpose. And is nothing more then a symbol of the troubles in the late 14th century. Denmark is strong enough to deal with their issues alone with Norway.

You see, Christoffer, I am not against Denmark, or You. I am against the Union and it’s existence. I believe it would be much wiser and more fair with a Free Sweden, but with a strong and eternal alliance with Denmark. With no tributes or taxes, we are ourselves, not someone else’s.



A sudden silence struck the room, had Sparre gone to far? Or was his honesty good?.. The moods of the nobles started to change, Sparre could have gone to far…
Bielke himself was very glad for the last statements of Sparre and he arose and spoke with a loud voice.

Nobles, and other gathered here today. What we have seen could be branded as treason towards Denmark, and he could be beheaded. IF we had an tyrant monarch, and not such a loving, peaceful and gracious monarch as Christoffer himself.

Christoffer has proven time and time again that he values our opinions very highly. Has he not acted against the viper Galt ? Has he not let our nobles speak freely, no matter what they say ?

And at every time, responded in the most noble and friendly manner. And answered all our questions?

Lord Sparre you are a great orator, and a perfectly skilled politician, you are a great asset for the union. And you are also a man of honour and would never betray the Danish monarch. You know this, and I know this.

No one here disapproves of your strife to reform the Union, but most of us probably do not share your dreams.


After the speech by Bielke, some nobles applauded, and others sat silent. But it seems Bielke is getting more popular.
And Brahe himself observed everything but said nothing. Brahe received a note from one of his clerks, where it read:
Report of attitudes of the Nobles

Your Grace, the nobles are in two main camps for the moment.

There are those criticising the Union, and wants it absolved, and other people whom share some or all of those ideals.

The camp that wants the union absolved has, as more or less leader, Sparre himself.
Sparre is one of the three barons of Sweden, it has been a while since people where made nobles, and he is one of the few that has a noble title. During the wars of rebellion under Sture, Sparre was bailiff of Bergslagen and fought for Denmark. And his hatred for the union began here, when his father, the governor of Bergslagen was brutally murdered by soldiers outside Falun. And his mother raped, she is currently at an abbey up north, apparently insane..

And today, as you know, Sparre is Ståthållare of Stockholm, and Governor of Gästrikland and Västerbotten, and also bailiff of Lappland. And in the government he is the foreign advisor.

His camp is very strong, according to my sources his camp, today, has at least ¾ support within the diet.

The other camp is those whom are fully for the union, and has great economical gains for it remaining; this camp is lead by Bielke, whom is a well-known supporter of the Union.
During the war of rebellion under Sture, Bielke was imprisoned in the dungeons of Stockholm by Sten Sture and his followers, as they realised he would be a big problem for them.

When the Danish invaded Stockholm, the released Bielke and for a while Bielke served as commandant over Stockholm. Today, as you very well know, Bielke is Governor of Finland, Tavastehus and Savolax.. As he is one of those most familiar with Finland. He also holds the position as Lord Treasurer.



The report had been written for Brahe to give to Christoffer, and Brahe crossed over certain sections of the text, and a new text was given to Christoffer where some sentences had been changed:
And his hatred for the union began here and his dislike for the status of the union began here.
And his mother raped, she is currently at an abbey up north, apparently insane.. And his mother raped, she is currently in an abbey up north praying for Sweden
Has at least ¾ support within the diet. has some support

 

[Longinus]

Certain individuals speak with the lesser and higher Swedish nobility on many occasions. Certain documents are read before them; soon it is clear that pamphlets are written on King Christoffer. One of these pamphlets is getting increasingly popular.

"Is it a frog or a toad that lies on our throne?
I remind you on that throne he is not alone!

He lives with a poisonous Plant
That is a wicked cunt!

Perhaps he is a bastard
Conceived in a heap of turd

He devours monies and lands
Although he speaks of grants

He is like Christ offer–ing much,
Although he does not know of such

He gives with one hand and takes away with five
How long this six-handed monster will be alive?

He took the crown and speaks of Rome
He is with his throne not alone

He speaks of mercy for he has none
His only mercy is his private nun.

He wears a deceptive veil
But is disastrous as hail.

He speaks sweet words sweet as honey
But his only interest is the money

He prays for unity
He prays for peace
But only war will him appease

Who's in Smaland?
And who's in Bergslagen
Danes come your way
To take your land away!"​

 

[unmerged(4640)]

A herald once more comes forth to read the fourth and final draft;

The Knights of the East​

​

The Knights of the East are an order of bravest and most respected knights of all member realms. They all represent the greatest attributes of their cultures, and are the loyal servants of the lord our God. Their duty is that of protecting all Catholic nations in our sphere of influence from the aggressions of conquering heretics and pagans. Their duty is to help the spread of the one true faith throughout eastern Europe.

Articles of the Order​

Article I

Only states of Scandinavia, Holy Roman Empire and all Catholic nations east of the Holy Roman Empire may join.

Article II

Countries that distinguish themselves as loyal servants to His Holiness the Pope, and have proved their valor on the field of battle, may be invited by the order. This will require a majority vote by the High Council of Knights.

Article III

The High Council of Knights will be chosen in the following way:

~The Knight representing the Order of Teutonic Knights.

~One Knight of North Germany.

~One Knight of Scandinavia.

~One Knight of Holy Roman Empire (Not North German).

~One Knight of Eastern Catholic Lands outside of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Knight, with the exception of Teutonic Knight, will be voted on by all member nations, majority vote will win.

The High Council of Knights will be made up of those states whose monarch pledges full support in times of war.

The order will be headquartered in Jurmala, at the Castle of the Eastern Knights. Now nearly finished. It will house the High Council of the Knights and High Court of the Knights and the Council of Lesser Knights. It will also have elaborate living quarters for knights and training grounds to refine their skills. Along with a beautiful court and landscape.

Article IV

There will be a second Council, the Council of Lesser Knights. This will be proportional to each countries relative military strength. They will vote on things of lesser importance, that do not require the High Council.

The Lesser Council of Knights will be made up of knights of those lands not allowed in the High Council. Meaning, those whose monarch does not pledge to divert all resource to the Order should it be called upon.

The states that make up the Lesser Council of Knights will not be obligated to give any support outside of diplomatic. Though, knights of their lands will fight for the Order (OOC: The HAVE to give 1 eco to simulate all the knights that left to join the order)


Article V

All member nations must be Catholic. If suspected of heretical beliefs they will be sent before the High Court of Knights, to chose their fate.

They may be tried before the High Council of Knights, or request to take their case before his holiness the Pope, if he agrees to here it.

If they are proven heretics, they will be cast out of the order and a Declaration of War bestowed upon them.

Article VI

All member nations will be required to immediately Declare War upon any heretical or pagan nation that dares to Declare War against a member nation.

Article VII

Any Declarations of War against non-member nations in our sphere of influence by heretical or paganist nations will be reviewed by the High Council of Knights. They will decide the best course of action via a unanimous vote of all three councils.

Article VIII

A non-member Catholic nation may appeal to the High Council of Knights for help against any aggressive heretical or pagan foe. This request will be reviewed by the High Council of Knights and unanimous vote of all three councils will decide the best course of action.

Article IX

The monarch of each nation will chose the knight(s) to send as official representatives to the Councils. It should be one of their bravest and most respected of knights. The knight should hold the qualities most highly looked upon by their culture, and must be a devout Catholic ready to give his life in the name of God.

Article X

The actions of the knights will be a direct representation of the member nation. They are expected to follow the Codes of Chivalry at all times and uphold the values of their people.

Any who do not, will after the first offense be warned to watch their words.
A second offense will result in the knight being sent back home with a stern letter of warning to their leige lord.
A third offense will result in the banishment of his member nation and the possible arrest of the knight.

Article XI

There will be two ranks of Knights:

-Knight of St. Michael
Devote their lives to the Order and to God

-Knight of the Sword
Come to fight for the glory of the lord our God, but do not devote their entire life. May leave whenever, marry, etc.

Article XII

Amendments to the Order's charter may be made by a unanimous vote of all member nations in both Councils.

Code of War​

Article I

The order shall never spill the blood of any True Catholics. Those proven heretical, pagan, or saracen in their beliefs and whom are hostile to Catholic nations, are our foe.

Article II

No member nation shall begin hostilities against a fellow Catholic nation whilst engaged in a war for the Order.

The exception to this is if war is declared upon them.


Article III

The Knights of the East will fight to free their Catholic brethern to the death, they shall never make an unfavourable peace.

Article IV

Upon conquering our ungodly foe, no member of the Knights of the East shall gain any land, unless they have good claim. The target country will be vassalized by the Knights of the East, not by any single country.

During their vassalization period, they will be christianized untill they are true Catholics.

The vassalization period will last ten years. After this time, the High Council of Knights will review the situation. If they are deemed true Catholics then they will be released. If proven still heretical, they will begin another ten year period.

Article V

Any tribute received from the target nation will be distributed evenly thourghout the order.

Posts of the Order​

-High Councilmen
Will be the major governing body. The Knights that make this up will have to final say in all affairs.

-High Priest
Will be the spiritual leader of the Order

-Diplomatic Advisor
The Diplomatic Advisor will be responsible for diplomatic efforts on behalf of the Order to other nations.

-High Treasurer
The High Treasurer will be responsible for handling the financial aspects of the Order.

-Grand Knight of the Order
The Grand Knight will be responsible for the military in the event of a war. He will act as highest General in the Order.

-Grand Admiral of the Order
The Grand Admiral will be responsible for the navy in the event of a war. He will act as the highest Admiral in the Order.


Those monarchs from nations that pledge to support the Order if called upon, sign here so that all may see.

[X]Walter I, King of Latvia
[X]Hermann von Erlichshausen, Grand Master of the Teutonic Order
[X]Christoffer III, king of Denmark, Norway and Sweden


Those knights that pledge to devote their lives to the Order and to God, sign here.



Those knights that pledge to fight for the Order and for God Almighty, sign here.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

The Dinner

“Ahh, thank God, a friendly soul!” Christoffer went towards the duchess of Dalarna. “My lady, you look absolutely adorable. Your husband is a fortunate man indeed,”
Christoffer sighed. “If only my wife was as fair and gentle. Damn woman, she ou…” The king stopped himself in the middle of a hard sentence. “Never mind, I am for once in good company. Brahe… Elisabeth… let us have a drink!”
The rikskansler signalled a servant, who came rushing with glasses filled with delicious wine. The tired king took a good sip, then turn towards Brahe. “Well, my good man, when can we eat?” Brahe looked over to the chief of service, who signalled that everything was ready in the dining hall.
“Well, my friend, all is ready. Shall we?” Brahe informed him.
They went into the hall. Given the circumstances surrounding the civil war, this dining hall was well equipped, but not Kronborg-standard. Two servants were designated to each person, and the first thing Christoffer did, was to demand a good bottle of French wine. He hadn’t eaten all day, so he was actually drinking on an empty stomach. Several cheers was exchanged between the dinner participants, before the first course was served.
“Brahe, I have to say that I am getting a bit tired of this entire situation. We need to get some results soon,” Christoffer said as he was trying to rip apart the well-cooked bird in front of him.
“Don’t worry, it’s just a matter of time. You should be more patient. You need to rest before you go any further,” Brahe says smilingly to his king. Elisabeth nods.
“You men shouldn’t talk about politics any more, you should enjoy yourself when you can. A well balanced ruler is worth much more that way.”
She took the hand of her husband, and they exchanged loving eyes at each other. Christoffer stared down into his food, drinking more wine. Even in this wartorn land, his own rikskansler knew more happiness, than the king did, one of the most powerful men in the world. Life was not just, especially for those with power.
“Cheers for the happy couple. May God grant you plenty of happiness… and children of course!” Christoffer raised his glass, and the two other followed. Or though Elisabeth didn’t seem to enjoy Christoffers company too much. Well, Christoffer would hate himself too, if he were her.
After the bird dish, the wild boar was born in, and huge chunks of good, ripe meat was served each person.
“You killed it yourself, Brahe?” the king asked politely. He was something of a hunter himself.
“Of course, in the woods just Northeast of here.”
“Excellent, we should go hunting together some time.”
The dinner proceeded with normal pig, roasted lightly in lovely honey and covered in a light shower of powdery cinnamon. An excellent dish, and they all feasted joyesly, with good German beer. Brahe informed Christoffer that he was actually drinking beer imported by Hansa merchants. Christoffer then sat there with his mouth full of beer, then he laughed, and eventually all the beer ended up all over the floor with a big –pffff-.
They all laughed, but none more than Christoffer. “Yes, I thought I could taste the bitterness in the ale. Nahh, seriously, damn good beer.”
The dessert was of course pigeon eggs, covered with a nice honeylike substance, very sweet, and it went quite well with the more rough beer that was served to it. After finishing her part, the duchess asked for her leave, and her husband kissed her goodnight. Christoffer also received a proper goodnight. She went out of the hall, and up the stairs.
The king looked at Brahe. “Well, I guess some more wine would be in order, eh?”
“Absolutely! Waiter!” Brahe continued.
They placed themselves in front of the fireplace in Brahe’s private library, with three meter high shelves around them filled with books of all sorts. The two men of power started to talk about this and that, philosophy and that kind of things, but in the end their talk fell upon the Union and the current meeting.
“Brahe, I strongly suggest you keep Sparre in a more tight leash. He is very close to crossing the line, and when he does I have to punish him.”
“Ahem, well, that would create a lot of problems for any further negotiations, my lord.”
“Doesn’t matter. If he represents the majority of the nobles, then my cause would have been lost anyway. I cannot allow myself to negotiate on these terms. Sending Galt home was bad enough, considering my domestic opposition.”
“You did the right thing. Galt is a swine and should be treated so. He needs to…”
“Yes, yes, yes! But this is politics. I thought that sending Galt home would smooth things over, but that cursed Sparre keeps smelling my blood. I trust the future of Sweden to you and Bielke. If Sparre ever becomes even a slightly bigger problem than he is now, he is finished. And you can tell him that!”
The alcohol was beginning to kick in, and when Christoffer fell asleep in the chair, Brahe had two servants carry him to the guest suite.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

The winds roared that night in Kattegat, and the small ship rolled on the high waves, as it plowed through the sea.
Adolf tasted the salt on his lips as yet another wave crashed over the bow, but both he and Gustav were seasoned sailors, and they knew when to grap and hold on to their dear lifes.
Despite the danger they were in, both men smiled. They enjoyed the danger, felt the thrill of it in their blood, and exactly that kind of traits were among the chief reasons they were on this boat this stormy night.

Adolf was originally from Bremen, where he had made a meager living as a deckhand on one of the navy ships, and he had taken the chance the very moment he was offered it. He had been sitting in a tavern, drinking watered ale, when an stranger had walked up to him and offered him a small purse filled with silver, with a promise of more to come. They had talked quietly in that tavern, and the next day, Adolf had not returned to his post, having left the Bremer harbour in the dark of the night.
Adolf didn't knew why Gustav was there, the skinny man with a Swedish accent to his bad german wouldn't talk about it, but the branding on his left hand named him as a thief. It didn't matter, Adolf thought, they were all thiefs now, and damn good at it...

The small ship rolled again, and the look-out yelled with a strong voice, that even then could barely be heard over the storm:
"There she is... Oh my, she's a beauty."
Adolf and Gustav both looked the direction he was pointing, and there she was indeed. A two-masts merchantmen, flying the Danish flag. Her sails were down, as she was trying to ride the storm, and knowing what to look for, the two men saw three more of their little ships, all parts of the same improvised squadron. It was obvious the Danes never suspected anything, and why should they... Only fools or daredevils would even attempt to actually navigate in such conditions, but daredevils were exactly what the small ships were crewed by.

The first roar of the cannons were almost deafened by the lightning, but the second and third shots came so close together that even a deaf man could hear it. Off course, for Gustav and Adolf, it helped that they actually stood right next to one of the cannons firing the shots.
Adolf grinned as he imagened the horror the Danes would feel right now. The gunners aimed high, in order not to sink their prize before they had a chance to plunder it, but the shots tore through the oaken planks of the merchantman. It took four more shots before the Danes lowered their flag, and that was proparbly because the officer on watch had to make the decission by himself, and didn't have time to wake the captain.

Adolf wasn't in the boarding party, but he grinned as he saw his comrades swarm over the side of the Danish ship, and even more so when the first loot was loaded onto their small ships. In less than one hour, the captured Danish sailors had been forced to empty their cargo holds onto the pirate vessels, and the Danish sailors found themself locked in the holds that was now complety empty of cargo.
The four gunboats then left their victim, without any men free to crew her, and at the mercy of the wind and waves...

Two days later, the Danish merchantman "Caroline af Sælvig" sank outside the Norweigan coast. Brave fishermen managed to save four of her crewmen, for the rest a memorial stone were erected at the local graveyard.

 

[Auspend]

It has been nearly a month since Ulrich began mobilizing the army, and due to the stupendous leadership of such men as Dekkeret von Lichtenstein and Ludwig von Bebenhausen the armies have managed to be assembled despite the oncoming winter. In the Schloß in Stuttgart, Ulrich is meeting with his generals.

"Gentlemen, it is good you are all here. We good Württembergers must all stand together against the foul forces of Imperial oppression. The Emperor will not recognize our power for what it is, and we must show him our might. Yes Herr von Reilingen? What is it?"

"What about Frederick? Why aren't we fighting for him?"

"Why should you. Heinrich never should have been ruling in the first place. The whole realm should have been mine. Now it is, and you owe me your alleigance."

"I beg to differ boy. We owe Frederick our alliegance. And we owe Emperor Erich our alleigance. You are just a spoiled boy with an overinflated ego. Don't you know that "pride cometh before the fall?" Why should we let you lead us to our doom?"

Ulrich glares at Dekkeret. He slams his fist down on the table and speaks with venom in his voice. A vein begins throbbing on his forehead.

"What... did... you... call... me?"

"You heard me the first time. I do not have to repeat myself."

Now Baron von Bebenhausen begins to speak.

"Indeed, why should we follow you. Your record in warfare is rather weak. I don't think you heard the soldier's gossip when we were in the Balkan campaign, but I remember. 'What a whinly little brat.' is one example. 'I've seen women fight better than him' is another. You have no respect among us. Were it not for my regements and the armies of Rainmund von Wittelsbach you would have been dead many times over. I saw no reason to follow your orders then, and I see no reason to bring my men to death needlessly now. I would wish you luck, but I suspect that I'll soon be facing you in battle."

The Baron turns and begins walking out of the room. Ulrich begins moving towards him and swings his fist. It is caught in the air by Dekkeret von Lichtenstein.

"Tsk tsk tsk. It's not very honorable to strike someone from behind." Dekkeret pushes Ulrich back a few paces. He turns his head to face the Baron and the other generals, though he keeps an eye on Ulrich. "I guess we should go talk with His Imperial Majesty as we discussed? And you others? Do you support Frederick, or this witless excuse for a Count?"

Dekkeret, Baron von Bebenhausen, and all but 3 of the 12 nobles in the room leave. Ulrich, breaking out of the stupor the events put him in, screams out commands.

"Guards! Arrest them! Stop them!"

As the generals leave, the guards look at Dekkeret for a sign. He nods and the guards escort the generals out of the castle. Ulrich stands in the meeting room, still stunned. He slowly backs into the nearest corner and slumps down, beginning to cry. The 3 men left in the room look at each other and then look at their Grand Duke. One of them speaks.

"My lord, we still support you. I am sure we will persevere. God is on our side."

Ulrich takes no notice of the pronouncement, and the three turn and speak quietly for a moment before walking out of the room. There are no guards left, all of them having gone with the nine Imperial generals. The servants were told not to enter this part of the castle for the rest of the night. The three loyal generals have retired to their rooms. There is only Ulrich, crying in the corner.



Alone.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Kronborg
Gjedde was reviewing the reports he had received from Norway. The local sherif had interrogated four sailors, that as the only ones had survived the attack of four pirate gunboats some weeks ago. The chancellor looked at the statements over and over again. Something wasn’t right here. According to the sailors, most of the attackers had been Swedish, but Gjedde had thought, that after the last war had blocked the Swedes from the Skagerak and Kattegat, their pirating days were over. Well, apparantly not, Gjedde then reasoned.
But where could their base be? A close eye was kept on all Danish and Norwegian ports by local officials, and any civilian gunboat would have been spotted immediately. Four of them constituted a small navy, even more impossible to hide. Gjedde walked over to a large shelf, where a number of charts and maps lied. He took a larger map of Northern Europe and laid it on the big oak table in the middle of his office. He scanned all coastal settlements, from the smallest fishing villages, to the big cities of Bergen, Stavanger etc. No, wouldn’t make any sense if they sought refuge there. And where would they sell their stolen goods? Not in Denmark or Norway, that was for sure. Ever since king Christoffer had restricted all trade by sea, the local magistrates had kept a close eye on all incoming ships. After the recent trade conflict, this had only ben furtherly enforced. There was no way that they could avoid the patrols in the three narrow straits to the south, so they wouldn’t head for Lübeck, where the best market for such things were.
The chancellor let his eye wander south. Holstein maybe? No, the king’s ally in Kiel would never let such a thing slip. Maybe in Hamburg, but then again, it was under Holstenian protection. Besides, the pirates would know, that Denmark had its eyes everyone in Holstein, official and unoffical ones. They could have sailed to England, but even there, Denmark had several age, and the trip itself was too long. The first thing pirates would do, was to dump their cargo at the first convenient occation. Friesland? No, also too far away, and the free cities there knew, that if they bought anything resembling stolen goods from Denmark, they could kiss their trade agreement goodbye.
Gjedde suddenly smiled and poured himself a glass of water. Johann, Johann, Johann. You should know better, my old friend, he thought for himself and let his fingers tap on the spot of the map, where the city of Bremen was positioned. Of course, made perfect sense in a twisted kind of way. A quick journey up the west coast of Jutland, then into the Kattegat. It took a special kind of daredevil and/or idiot to attack that way, but apparantly it had paid of. After taking care of the merchantman, they could easily return to the North Sea and back to Bremen. No patrol ships guarded those waters, since it was no logical place for a pirate.
Someone knocked on the door. A rather large man entered, and bowed. He had a big, thick beard, black as tar, and his eyes sparkled with brown colours. Gjedde smiled. They shook hands and went over to the map. Gjedde informed the newly appointed admiral of the situation. He, Magnus Konradsen, was to take the reserve fleet, some 30 ships, and sail it to Århus. There he would receive further orders, when the chancellor had decided further meassures. The admiral bowed and went immediately to Copenhagen harbour, where ten large navy kogges awaited.
Gjedde emptied his glass and walked over to his desk, finding a good pen and a piece of paper. King Christoffer would be most interested in this. Later that day, a dispatch was sent to Stockholm.

 

[unmerged(1463)]

Coup d’etat in Stockholm
Brahe was standing in the Audience hall when a messenger entered, all covered in blood. His gloves were all red, and a horrible wound could be seen in his stomach, he moved forward by will, not by strength.
My lord, they are coming, they are coming.
Brahe looked pretty shocked by the sight of the man covered with blood, and with a surprise and with a look filled with wonders, he asked,
WHO, who is coming

The messenger managed to say Sparre and the Germans before he fell down on the floor, dead.
Brahe acted swiftly, turned to Christoffer and yelled out
We must get out of here, Christoffer follow me, I know of a secret path
Brahe ran out of a back entrance, and into the secret fireplace portal, together with Christoffer, and just as they where about to flee, the door opened, and in came Erik Sparre along with five German soldiers. Sparre grinned and spoke superior as the German guards surrounded the two men.
Lord Brahe, you Danish puppet, it is all over. You have been found guilty of corruption, and support of a traitor. You are to be imprisoned here at the palace. Imprisoned to face your destiny later.
He walked towards the King, he got really close, and with a smile he spoke,
And King Christoffer, you have been found guilty of breaking the Union treaty, and are therefore a traitor for the union.
He made a short pause.
Also you will face the same destiny as Herr Brahe. Guards, arrest these men, these scum.
The guards drew their swords and over manned Christoffer and Brahe, who not had any chance at all defending themselves, it was like Sparre had told them, they had to trust their destiny, a destiny at the moment in the hands of their greatest enemy, Ståthållare Sparre.

Meanwhile in the assembly hall, the Danish lifeguards were making a stand for it, but as the German soldiers poured into the palace they surrendered after a bloody battle. After the bloody victory, Erik Sparre stood up before all the nobles that now had gathered in the hall, and addressed them.
King Christoffer is no more, is no more King of Sweden. It has showed that he is a traitor, one of the worst kinds. His repeated violated the agreement of Kronoborg, he has committed the murder on our beloved, rightful King Erick, and now is the time to put an end to this. Now is the time to stand up for our country, to free us from the Danes, to show who is superior around the Baltic Sea. We need to crush the oppression from Copenhagen.
I have already ordered and successfully been involved in the arrest of King Christoffer of Denmark and the now former Riksföreståndare Axel Pedersson Brahe. They are to be moved from Stockholm and imprisoned on secret location, handed over to their destiny.
The same thing is to happen to Magnus Bielke, who as I speak should be under arrest by my soldiers, and on his way to the dungeons. These two Gentlemen, Brahe and Bielke, has been plagued by false promises by the one whom you for a time has called your King.
Is there anyone here who wishes to keep calling this traitor his King he better live in Denmark or follow the three recently by me told persons in the dungeons. Anyone?
Several of the nobles showed support, but many of them was opposed to these actions, but where put into house arrest. Sparre had foreseen all of this, and had during his time as Foreign Minister managed to exchange most bailiffs of Sweden with friends of himself. His deception of Brahe was, what he himself called it, a masterpiece.
He had thought about everything, hired pirate ships had already intercepted the Danish ships outside Stockholm and was engaging in battle against them, the Pirates was better then the Danish ships and victory was near.
Sparre, now he was sole ruler of Sweden, until the trials. What a glorious action on his behalf. He had not only overthrew the Riksföreståndare, he had overthrew the very symbol of the Swedish oppression, the King himself. Sparre had made sure the provinces would take up arms for him, by managing to imprison the nobility not loyal to the cause.
Sparre had even prepared two decrees.
Decree to Pommern

Friend under Christ, King of Friendly Friends, Joachim of Pomerania.
As Pommern did not recognize the treaty of Kronoborg, neither do we. And therefore we ask our most gracious Prince Protector to protect us during these troubled times, against any aggressions. Our Lord has guided us to this endeavour, and we truly are blessed.
Joachim of Greif, come to us, you are our Protector, our Prince, our Friend and ally.
Decree to the People
People of Sweden, I, Erik Sparre, has seized control over the government of Sweden by peaceful means. Your hatred towards the Danish occupation force and their brutal war against us is justified, and I have heard your pleads and taken action. The very King that ordered the death of your parents, children, wife’s and brothers will be brought to justice. Join me, noble and great people of Sweden and we shall triumph.
I especially addressed the occupied and oppressed people of Bergslagen, you whom now is a part of the evil Danish kingdom. Rise up, take your axe, hammer or sword and rise up against your oppressors. Sweden shall once again be a state, and not a puppet.
Glory to the people. Glory to Sweden


Sparre walked up to his captain and said
Sehr gut meinen kapetän, now Sweden is secured, without your aid i would not have succeeded.

The captain replied
Natürlich , all is prepared, everything is in order.

Sparre stared out of the window and out over the sea, and said
Alea Iacta est, the dice is thrown. There is no return now. We must triumph or I shall die. But my life matters little; I do all for my homeland. I tried to make Christoffer understand, but he would not listen…

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- Swedish Severance of Vassalage -​

Erik Sparre leads a worried Sweden down the same road as Sten Sture - in open rebellion against Sweden's overlord, Denmark. But too many Swedish nobles have grown fat and comfortable at the Danish table. How popular (or not) will the brave move prove to be?

1. Large rebellion. Many provinces in Sweden revolt against Sparre's rule. No armies are gathered in them, but provincial capital guards refuse to follow orders and city officials hold no sway over merchants, nobles and churchmen alike. Merchants, Nobles and churchmen actively express displeasure.
(50% (rounded down) of Swedish provinces revolt: Sweden suffers - 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 4 turns. )

2. Minor rebellion. Some Swedish provinces revolt.No armies are gathered in them, but provincial capital guards refuse to follow orders and city officials hold no sway over merchants, nobles and churchmen alike. Merchants, Nobles and churchmen actively express displeasure.
(25% (rounded up)of provinces owned revolt and Sweden suffers - 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 3 turns )

3. City officials hold little sway and nobility that favours Danish overlordship agititates due to Sparre's aggressive defiance. Merchants, Nobles and churchmen alike express displeasure. (Sweden suffers - 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 4 turns )

4. City officials hold little sway and nobility that favours Danish overlordship agititates due to Sparre's aggressive defiance. Merchants, Nobles and churchmen alike express displeasure.
(Sweden suffers - 2 Tech, -1 to morale for 4 turns )

5. City officials hold little sway and nobility that favours Danish overlordship agititates due to Sparre's aggressive defiance. (Sweden suffers -1Tech, -1 to morale. for 4 turns )

6. Nobility that favours Danish overlordship agititates due to Sparre's aggressive defiance. (Sweden suffers -1 morale for 4 turns )

7-8 No effect. Sweden unites behind Sparre and prepares to gamble everything in the fight for independance.

+1 to roll for good RP by Mik.
A 2 is rolled. 2 + 1 = 3

3. City officials hold little sway and nobility that favours Danish overlordship agititates due to Sparre's aggressive defiance. Merchants, Nobles and churchmen alike express displeasure. (Sweden suffers - 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 4 turns )