Rumors

[Longinus]

ANNUAL TRADE
EVENTS​

MAJOR TRADE EVENT TABLE​

The leaders of certain trade organizations reap the rewards of their hard work. Some merchants are more active and some are less. Certain states and organizations signed profitable deals and agreements. Trade is flourishing in their realms.


1. Thriving trade routes bring in hitherto unseen revenue for the realm, this year. (+1 econ, +1Tech and +1 Morale for 1 year )

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

3. Excellent trade aids commerce at every level... +1 eco for one year)

4. Trade is flourishing, huge incomes. (+1 Tech for 1 year )

5. Trade is flourishing

6. Trade is average this year.

7. Trade is average this year.

8. Traders break even.

9. Pirates and Bandits took all the profit ( -1 Morale for 1 year 1 in 2 chance of effect)

10. Crippling losses by traders. ( -1 Morale, - 1 eco for 1 year)


NOTE: Good RP will regularly affect these rolls.



MAJOR trade events:


* Bremen: consistent and good trade RP, lots of good agreements, prime chairman of Hansa, Imperial Trade Commissioner, good and persistent RP, end of war with Denmark, good terms (-2 to the roll) A 3. is rolled 1. Thriving trade routes bring in hitherto unseen revenue for the realm, this year. (+1 econ, +1Tech and +1 Morale for 1 year )

* Portugal: most excellent and brilliant RP, very skillful play etc. what can I say more? (-4 to the roll) A 6. is rolled 2. Astronomically prosperous trade raises the morale of the entire populous... (+1 Morale +1Tech for 1 year )

* Venice: careful and consistent “never to loose anything” RP, good agreements etc. (-1 to the roll) A 7. is rolled 6. Trade is average this year.

note to BzAl: all Eco bonuses and loses are semi-permanent, it means that max nation eco rises/drops by one for one year.

MINOR TRADE EVENT TABLE

Some nations are not as active as others but still their merchants are quite active or those countries simply occupy important spots. They may have also signed some good agreements or are part of certain trade organizations.


1. Good trade raises the morale of the
populous......... (+1Tech and +1eco for 1 year )

2. Good trade aids the artisans........... (+1eco for 1 year )

3. Trade is flourishing, huge incomes (+1 Tech for 1 year )

4. Trade is flourishing.

5. Trade is average this year

6. Trade is average this year

7. Traders break even.

8. Pirates and Bandits took all the profit ( -1 Morale for 1 year 1 in 4 chance of effect )

9. Bad losses by traders. ( -1 Morale for 1 year 1 in 2 chance of effect - 1 econ for one year)

10. Bad losses by traders. Your nations incompetance seems to blame ( -1 Morale, 1 in 4 chance of effect, -1 tech 1 in 2 chance of effect, - 1 eco for one year )


NOTE: Good RP will regularly affect these rolls.


Minor trade events:


* Gelre: member of Hansa, active and finally RPs trade, end of war with Denmark, good terms (-2 to the roll) A 2. is rolled 1. Good trade raises the morale of the populous......... (+1Tech and +1eco for 1 year )

* Pommern: leader of WHU, end of war with Denmark with good terms, RL pushed me back from Rping at all, I promise I will improve (-1 to the roll) A 4. is rolled 3. Trade is flourishing, huge incomes (+1 Tech for 1 year )

* Bavaria : some trade RP, keep it up Bocaj (-1 to the roll) A 3. is rolled 2. Good trade aids the artisans........... (+1eco for 1 year )

* Siberia: as usual nice RP and interaction with others but less active? (-1 to the roll) A 2. is rolled 1. Good trade raises the morale of the populous......... (+1Tech and +1eco for 1 year )

* Golden Horde: little trade RP, good spots etc. (straight roll) A 2. is rolled 2. Good trade aids the artisans...........
(+1eco for 1 year )

* England: ahhh that is only a beginning I suppose, an excellent one, pact with Hansa being ratified in favor of England (-2 to the roll) A 4. is rolled 2. Good trade aids the artisans........... (+1eco for 1 year )

* Hessen: agreements with Hansa, overall little trade RP but (straight roll) justified. A 2. is rolled 2. Good trade aids the artisans........... (+1eco for 1 year )

* Eastern Roman Empire: very good work, although a bit chaotic I feel ERE merchants are less active huh? (straight roll) A 10. is rolled 10. Bad losses by traders. Your nations incompetance seems to blame (no morale loss (3 rolled), -1 tech (rolled 1), - 1 eco for one year )

* Ottomans: Turks are not as active as Wurtmbergians huh? Still their hub is so precious and Auspend know it quite well. (-1 to the roll) A 6. is rolled 5. Trade is average this year

* Mameluks: Buck in good form and shape, as well as Mam’s traders . (-2 to the roll) A 5. is rolled 3. Trade is flourishing, huge incomes (+1 Tech for 1 year )

* Hungary: Generally I like it, good job Hungary, it is nice to have Venice as friend huh? (-2 to the roll)
A 1. is rolled 1. Good trade raises the morale of the populous......... (+1Tech and +1eco for 1 year )

* Castile: Good, very good, carry on mate (-2 to the roll) A 8. is rolled 6. Trade is average this year

* Aragon: Good start in the Iberia KW please continue. (-2 to the roll) A 5. is rolled 3. Trade is flourishing, huge incomes (+1 Tech for 1 year )

note to BzAli all Eco bonuses/looses are semi-permanent, it means that max nation eco rises/falls by one for one year


All rolls were done by Ladislav



NOTES:

If there is no RP in the setting up and continued use of the
agreement there will be penalties to the roll. With excellent or good play, the opposite will be the case.

If an alliance, trade agreement or anything else springs from nowhere, there will quite probably be a bad event (or simply bad modifier) if I notice.

Any complaints or comments and suggestions on these events send to my (Longinus') PM inbox, please.

If you decide to play the trade aspect of the game, RP it. Otherwise, there will be negative modifiers upon the rolls (Trade is collapsing, merchants are being pushed back etc.) or simply there will be no roll for them.

Massive production of trade agreements is okay but will often lead nowhere.

Thank you for attention

Longinus, Your friendly trading auto-bot

Ps. I can’t wait for the struggle in the Med, hehehe, we have excellent players there, Genua, Venice, Mams, Aragon, Portugal, Castile, Ottomans… who will garb most? Mwahahahaha

PPs. What do you think about Lad’s rolls? I think they rocks! Only one negative effect this turn.

 

[Lord E]

In Grenoble

A rumour is flying over France these days. A rapport has arrived with the King stating that the Duke of Orleans, outlawed by his planes to murder the King has been seen several times in the province of Nivernais. Therefore several army groups had been transferred there to look for the Duke.

Louis was walking around in his palace in Grenoble waiting for news from the armed forces in the province. I had never though that he could hate anyone like he had started to hate his uncle after he had learned about his uncle’s murder plans against him and his Queen.

Louis had promised him self that his uncle would pay, and now he hoped that this time was close....

 

[cccino]

While King Matthias was resting in his throne room, signing papers for one of the Royal Counselors, he was alerted by a courtier of a request for audience. Upon hearing who it was who needed to see him, the King waved away the documents and called for the visitor to be brought in immediately.

An old man, probably in his sixth decade of life, shuffled in. He wore the robes of an archbishop, and leant heavily on his pastoral staff. In fact, this man was the Archbishop of Csanád.

"Archbishop Elemér, what a pleasure to see you!" Announced the King. "Had we expected your grace's presence, we would have seen you in more comfortable surroundings." Matthias ordered a seat be placed near the throne for the old man's comfort. Once he was seated, the King asked his purpose.

"Your Majesty, you are most kind to allow me to sit. Forgive me if I waive further formalities and go straight to my narrative." The King bade him continue, for this was also what he wanted. "As you know, my lord, I have been investigating the records of the Church and the records of government, and correcting the chronicles of the realm."

This was indeed known to the King, who had arranged it. The archbishop was a booklover, and had been excited by the prospect, as large as the project was. With a number of highly dedicated scholars under his orders, Elemér had been sorting through the documentary chaos. What he had not been told, but suspected, was that Matthias wanted to take lessons from the past and apply them to improve the status of Hungarians - which was honourable - and to strengthen his authority (where in the past Kings of Hungary had lost theirs to the nobles) - which was understandable. At any rate, the archbishop enjoyed his dual role as Keeper of the Royal Archives and as Archbishop of one of the nine dioceses of Hungary; hence he was one of the most powerful and respected men in the Hungarian Church.

Continuing in his story-teller style, the religious leader explained every step of his research so far, despite his initial urgency. This was just his way, sighed Matthias to himself. Right now he was talking about King Bela IV, who had ruled during the Tartar invasion. "You may know, sire, of Bela's daughter Margaret. The Royal couple dedicated their child to God in return for sparing Hungary from the invaders. In all His mercy, the Lord saved Hungary, and margaret was given to the Dominican Convent in Veszprem. Margaret's whole life was an unbroken chain of devotional exercises and penance." Elemér told the tale of the life of the woman.

"It seems, sire, that Margaret was to be canonised, but proceedings were never completed..."

 

[Schlieffen]

In Kazan...​

​

The Khan of Kazan, Sugadai, is walking through the doors of the palace, being greated by one of his advisors. "Welcome back, Khan," he says as he beings walking alongside Sugadai. "How was your trip in Egypt?"
"It was a quite nice, Toqta. The weather was excellent, and the new Sultan quite accommodating. I also was able to meet the Siberian Khan for the first time."
"Oh? And what was he like, Lord?" They now approach an empty room, excepting two guards, with a large throne at the end of it.
"An excellent representitive of the Horde -- I see no reason why I was even sent, but I suppose the pagan undertones of Siberia may have made some uneasy."
He reaches and sits in the throne, his advisor standing beside him. "But we can speak of this later. I returned because of the conflict with Russia, and desire knowledge of what will become of our relm after its reconquest."
"Khan?"
"You know what I speak of. I am currently the Horde's overseer of our Russian lands, but the whole of Russia... well, I fear that Damdinsuryn may feel us unequiped to deal with such such a large area of land, and not unfairly so."
"...I have not yet recieved any mention of such matters from the Great Khan."
"Then I request that you attempt to do so. Send an envoy to Astrakhan to request attention to the matter from the Great Khan's Regent."
His advisor bows before walking away. "I shall do so, my Khan."

 

[Bagricula]

Muhammed Ghazi had been in the ship repair industry in Alexandria for thirty years. Nowadays his son Selim ran most of the business, but the elder Ghazi still liked to visit the shipyards every once in awhile. When he arrives he is startled.

"Five full galleys! Five galleys at once! Selim! This is mad! We can't afford this...how're we going to get all the timber.."

Selim smiles at his father, "This isn't like the old bad days under Sultan Hasan, father. With Ulgulekh the Sublime's new proclamations from Cairo, timber has been arriving from Lebanon like the flies on at a noonday meal. These two galleys are for House Kiamil, the grain factors, to open up their trade in Anatolia, and these two are for the Abdul-Jalil family, and this beauty, this beauty father is for us."

Muhammed frowns, "What do you mean son? We don't need ships."

"No, father, don't you see? Why buy our pitch and timber from others when we can go get it ourselves? Sure we'll only make a dent in our costs at first, but if we start taking a few goods both ways, we'll make a tidy side profit."

Muhammed's wrinkled face smiles and he pats his son on the back. Prosperity had come to Egypt.

 

[unmerged(9945)]

In Nizhgorod.....

The Khan sits upon his mount surveying the city he has captured as bodies of fallen Boyars surround him. Then, a messenger arrives from The Golden Horde.

Messenger: I bring news from Moscow....

Baraq Khan: Ah has Damdinsuryn triumphed already?

Messenger: On the contrary....The Khan lies dead in the field, his army decimated........cut down by Russians.

Baraq Khan is shocked, but his feelings about Damdinsuryn's death are unclear, he has oppressed Siberia, but he was a good ruler.

Baraq Khan: You come here!!!!!!!!!

A lone scout comes to Baraq's side.

Scout: Yes my Khan?

Baraq Khan: Burn the city and its people in his honor, let all Russians know what fear I bring towards their lands. Baraq Khan shall be the bane of all Russians!

The scout is seen informing the soldiers of the orders and many torches are lit. The gates are then locked, so no Russian can escape. Screams erupt from the citizens of Nizghorod and the town is set ablaze by The Siberian troops.

Baraq Khan: Come we must return to The lands of The Golden Horde, to hold a kuriltai and ensure none of the Minor Khans attempt to cease power without being elected by their fellow Mongols......and get me a scribe! I must write to The Czar immediately!

 

[Bagricula]

All along the Iraqi border with Jordan and Arabia, Mameluk cavalrymen could be seen riding and setting up camps. Their patrols are constant and tense as if waiting for some command. Two of them speak at a campfire as the desert sun slips beyond the horizon.

"Is it true that the Khan of Baghdad has been purchasing tar and pitch to make naphtha?"

"Yeah, that's why we're here. To block any shipments. With a weapon of mass destruction like that, the usurper could rain fiery terror down on not only his neighbors but his own people."

"I also here he keeps plague corpses to spread the pestilence into the villages of his enemies."

"That can't be true!"

"It is...heard it from the commander myself."

"Good thing we're here to contain mad Khanates like Iraq."

"It's with Khans like this, that we need preemption. Striking first, for our own security."

They nod knowingly, wondering when the order will come.

 

[Mettermrck]

Lagos Harbor

Lagos is louder these days, thought the poor fisherman. All that racket...the banging, yelling, and creaking. It scares the poor fish! Pablo continued to mutter as he tied his string around the makeshift pole. Town bullies had literally pushed him off the last dock he had fished off of. Now look at him...reduced to looking for tiny smelly fish on the edge of the harbor.

He had noticed the changes for some time now. Lagos was growing. At first it was an increase in traffic. His friends and acquaintances shared rumors in a network of gossip. They told tales of caravels and galleys from Rabat and Tangiers, and some from Algiers. Salt ships began to be a regular sight in the harbor, and every so often, a ship would put in from Tlemcen, bearing spices from as far away as the Nile.

Pablo heard that the city fathers liked the Mameluke ships, giving them good prices for their goods. He spat, detesting the thought of trading with infidels. Which is probably why I am a lowly fisherman, fishing off this dirty outcrop. Peering into the outskirts of the dockyards, he could spot several locations where new warehouses were being built. Once in awhile he would walk through the market district, where he liked to look at and smell things he could never buy. He’d give dirty looks at the Muslim traders with their fancy chains and jewelry and look amusingly at the Englishmen with their long woolen coats, too hot for Lagos weather.

But all of that activity did him no good. It merely scared the fish.

 

[unmerged(8915)]

Events

Maghreb Trading Event​

In the mid-1430's, the first of Prince Enrique's captains began the great exploration of the African post. By land, the first lucrative caravans came north out of Timbuktu, bringing untold wealth and goods to the markets of Morocco and Portugal. Its neighbor Castille, with its strategic possessions in the Canaries, began to exploit its proximity to Morocco through trade.

It was at the crossroads of these historical developments that Portugal and Castille began to cooperate on matters of trade in northwest Africa. It was a lucrative partnership, and both kingdoms stood to benefit greatly. But plans are but schemes in the minds of men, how will fate cast the die this time?

1. Major backlash against Portuguese and Castillian trade in Morocco and Fez! Merchants killed or expelled (-2 morale to Portugal and Castille for 1 year)

2. Backlash against Portuguese and Castillian trade in Morocco and Fez! Merchants expelled (-1 morale to Portugal and Castille for 1 year)

3. The route is too dangerous and Christian traders fear to journey (no effect)

4. Morocco and Fez demand great tolls from the Christians and so the trade route is not profitable (no effect)

5. Morocco and Fez allow Portuguese and Castillian trade routes to develop ( +1 current +1 starting eco for 1 year)

6. Portuguese and Castillian trade routes prosper (+1 morale, +1 starting +1 current eco for 1 year)

Castille spends 2 eco on the roll.

Roll:5+2 = 6; Portuguese and Castillian trade routes prosper. The elusive and rich trade of Magreb is channeled through the winding paths of the Sahara and the Iberian nations become great benefactors of the inflow of luxurious items such as ivory, spices, gold. The ducats and work spent by the monarchs of Hispania were well awarded by their generous profits. (+1 morale, +1 starting +1 current eco for 1 year to Portugal and Castille)

* * * * *

Russian Winter Event​

The harsh winter of the Northern extremities of the known world are covering themselves in thick blankets of unceasingly falling snow. But the drums of war are being heard from the Khanate to the East – the Golden Horde is on the move, followed by their allies – Siberian Tatars. The Orthodox Russians are huddled behind the city walls of their town and brace themselves for the onslaught of the Tatars. Fierce warriors on their ponies they lay devastation across the Rus. Alas, these are no longer the brave and organized soldiers of the Temujin. They have grown accustomed to rich palaces of their splendid capital. How will they fare in the biting Russian frost?

RESULT: The Mongols have wisely attacked as the harshest winter snows are beginning to thaw. It is spring time before the Mongols and Russians clash.

* * * * *

 

[unmerged(547)]

Word has it that the Royal Navy is at full sail!

 

[unmerged(4640)]

Prince Amory walks the halls of Wittenstein Castle, then suddenly he was alerted by the frantic running of some page. Turning, he sees the man running towards him. At last, and out of breath, the messenger delivers his news;

"Your Grace, the King is dead!"

A look of shock and pain could be seen on the young Princes face, at first not knowing what to say, he finally speaks;

"As long as he dies in peace. Well, call the nobles, sadly we must have a coronation so soon, but the fate our young Kingdom depends on it. Also, speak with the Chancellor, my father is to have a most splendid funeral."

With that, they both went their seperate ways to prepare for the coming days.

 

[unmerged(7849)]

The sun was beaming down on the open fields, and the eye could see for miles onto the horizon. The fields were barren as winter had just ended and the farmers had yet to plant the wheat. The small band of soldiers with the Russian crest were leading several wagons across the border into the Hordes territory. The wagons were loaded with weapons, armour, and food.

The captain of the group rode his horse to a small hill with his officers and gazed at the wide expanse of the Hordes lands.

"Do you think the Horde will colapse sir," one of the men said.

"It is too soon to tell, and I think the earlier events in this conflict have proven to us all to well that war is to unpredictable," the Captain said.

"Well then, let us hope, sir, that some of the Hordes own people sympathize with us and against the Horde in this unjust war," a different officer said.

"We must turst in God, for he has already given us one victory in this war, may he give us another," the captain said.

They then rode back to the group and traveled on.

 

[cccino]

In Vienna...

Vallentinus Bertolom waited patiently for an audience with the Archduke. Despite several letters from the King, and the Hungarian's presence in the court for some weeks, not even the lowliest Austrian clerk seemed motivated enough to reply. Perhaps this apathy was the result of the current low esteem of Austrians under the heavy load of the current political situation, but surely some where interested in the welfare of Austria? Respite could not come from within, so why ignore the hope provided by neighbours? So far, the ambassador had not even been acknowledged. If this kept up, Bertolom anticipated, it would not be long before relations soured dramatically. What man can predict the length of a monarch's patience?

 

[Lord E]

Sunset in Nivernais

A group of riders are riding true the woods in Nivernais. They have the borderline to Ile de France to the north. The men are dirty and dusty and it is clear that they have been riding for a long time.

"Milord!
To the north is Paris and England can't we go there?
Although we have had our problems with the English before I am sure that their new King will accept us!"

The leader of the group, the outlawed Duke of Orleans, takes his sword, and screams:

"WHAT!!
I will never make any alliance or any relationship with thos English bastards.
We will fight this bastard of a Queen and this English loving nephew of mine, as Frenchmen not as English puppets!"

"But sir.
That might be our only way get rid of Louis. After what I have heard the new English King is planning something."

"Didn't you hear me?!
I said NO!!
No English bastards shall helps us and the next man to say something like that, I promise you, I will kill with my own sword.
Now we can't stay here for long, since one of you idiots manage to be spotted by that peasant this area is covered by royal soldiers. We must move on now."


"Yes, milord!
We will carry on, but one day we will have to stand up against thus Louis loving men, and then we will win, or what?"

"Yes, we will!
We will fight on the fields and in the hills and we will never surrender!"

The Duke of Orleans smiles and the men with him cry out.

"HURRAY!!!"

The suddenly a large group of horses are heard coming true the woods. One of the Dukes men are galloping towards the group.

“Milord! Milord!
Soldiers! Everywhere, they are coming. We must flee!”

The Duke cry out in fear, then he kicks his horse and starts galloping away. The men are galloping with him. The suddenly a scream comes from one of the royal soldiers.

“Over there! I can see some riders trying to get away. After them!”

As the Duke look back he can see soldiers coming out of the wood right behind them. Several knights and archers are there. The suddenly he see an archer one the way just in front of them.

The archer takes for his bow, lay and arrow on it and aim. The Duke can see the arrow as it fly true the air. It only takes a couple of seconds before the arrow makes it way to the group of riders, but for the Duke is looks like it is hours. The arrow hits, the man next to him. He fall of the horse, but the Duke doesn’t think about it, he just rid on, on to safety. The archer loads again.

Nooooooooo!

The Duke scream as he charges on the archer. The archer takes cover behind the three so that the Duke can’t touch him, but before the archer can fire his next arrow the Duke and his men are gone. One the ground behind them lays one of the Dukes men. The man is injured, but not seriously. The arrow had hit his shoulder, but it wouldn’t kill him. The royal soldiers takes him captured, and after sending some knights after the Duke and his men, they bring the injured man back to their barracks so that the can help him, and then send him to Grenoble for Louis’s orders was that all men that was together with the Duke should be send there to stand trial.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

"I will decorate my main hall as I want to. I crushed the Danes, and I want everybody to know that."
Johann almost shouted, but years of training had tought him that servants would spread the word if he did, and thus he managed to keep his voice calm.
It didn't help his temper that his wife, Maria-Elisa of the Greif, duchess of Bremen, didn't let any trace of anger show in her voice. She spoke as if she were explaining something to a child.
"All of Europe know you defeated the Danish. All of Europe knows that your ships sail through the Sund without paying the due. Everybody knows you are now overlord of Skaane.
Nothing will be gained from humiliating the Danes once again."
"Everybody, that is, expect for Penelope and her advisors. They refuse to accept the defeat, even when I held their capital, and my armies were marching through Norway. A lowly nobleman, without any title in the Danish goverment, was all they could send to sign the surrender."
"And that surprises you. Remember what you did to the Danish envoy to the Hanseatic council..." Maria-Elisa was interupted, as Johann replied almost automaticly, reminded of a thing he had been forced to defend so many times it had become almost instinctive for him. "That man deserved to be whipped. He had not asked for diplomatic status, and he did break the law by insulting me and my guests."
Maria-Elise knew she would never win this particular argument. She thought to herself that Johann knew he had acted wrong that time, but now, years after, he couldn't admit it, not without admitting that the whole string of events that had lead to them holding this banquet, was wrong. It was silly. Some of the events had good justification, but Johann had lead the Hansa into some decisions she knwe he regretted. The best way to deal with it was to steer the conversation away fro this particular topic.
"Your armies killed her husbond, dear. Is it any wonder she hates you? You have dealt the Danish kingdom the single most devastating blow since they became christians. Of course her advisors fear you." It was an old tactic, but if worked, as so often before. Johann, used to flatter and sweettalk from foreign diplomats and native nobles alike, still had a soft spot for kind words from his wife. And then she played her trump.
"And I refuse to let you give the announcement concerning me if you go ahead with that plan of yours."
That settled it, and later that evening, the shields of the defeated Danish nobles, battered and broken, that had been picked up from the mud of Jutland, was not shown on the walls of the great hall.

The same evening​

Everybody who was anything in Bremen was there. Foreign diplomats, members of the Hanseatic Council, every noble family in Bremen was represented.
Special guests of honour were Count Link of Oldenzaal, who had signed the peace for Gelre, and Heinrich Zakrzycki, who had acted as Pommern delegate at the peace talks.
The decorations, even without the shields of defeated Danish nobles, left little doubt as to the reason for the celebration.
Those Bremer noble families who hade been represented on the field of Jutland had their arms proudly displayed, and right behind the seat of the duke was a Danish banner displayed.
Everybody knew, and those that didn't were quickly made aware, that this was the very banner that had once flown over the Kronborg. It had been brought to Bremen along with the loot, which also included the original Danish flag, Dannebrog, fallen from Heaven in Estonia in 1219.
It had been a reason for some debate whether or not to take this relic with them, but in the end, Johann had personally ordered it so. However, this relic was deemed to valuable to display in public at this occasion.

The celebration went as planned. Toasts were offered to Dieter von Shwarzwald, general of the Bremer army, Holger Dahlke, commander of the Bremer navy, and to various nobles who had distinquished themself. Klaus von Grünenwald had conquered the Danish standard in the battle of Jutland, Andreas Dönitz had commanded the group of soldiers that had taken Lund in Skåne, almost without casaulties, and so on.
Rewards were given. Several lesser nobles younger sons were granted estates in Skåne, and Freiherr von Liebenstein, former ambassador in Denmark, was apponted viscount of Skåne, the head Bremer official in the area.
Then silence fell on the gathering as Maria-Elisa rose to speak. This was unexpected. Everybody knew she had detested the war, and bloodshed in general, and was here only because it was her duty as duchees.
Her speech was short; "Today, we celebrate the defeat of the Danish Kingdom at the hands of our glorious armies.
This war has brought death and destruction to many, far to many to mention, but as we emerge from the shadow of war into the light of peace, so does life continue. I am proud to announce that I am pregnant, and that within 6 months, the duchy of Bremen will be blessed with another child of the throne.".
The assembly erupted in cheers, and if the duchess said anything else, nobody heard.
Once thing were quieted down, duke Johann rose again.
"Before we continue the celebration, I have one more announcement to make.
Many proud and brave Bremers have fought in this war, and today we have rewarded many of them with lands in Skaane. But there is one man with us today, who has served Bremen before, with honour, and who helped our cause in this war as well.
This man once avenged my sister, by claiming the life of one of the worst heretics Northern Germania has ever seen, and even though I have never rewarded him for doing so, he has continued to be a worthy friend of Bremen.
Baron Link of Oldenzaal, please rise, and receive from my hand the deed to the Rönnebérgs estate in Skåne, along with the title as knight in the Bremer army. As a special case, being commander of an elite compagny of the Gelren army, you are, even though being now a noble of Bremen, not required to field men in the case of war.
All hail Baron Link of Oldenzaal and Rönnebérgs".

 

[unmerged(547)]

Richard continued to peruse the various documents. He did not quite expect this much work in taking the crown of England. Certainly he had been born into leading realms, whether it be York, Normandy, and now as God had intertevened; England. How he longed to be hunting in the wood for wild game....

"And this one here your highness" said the rather young boyish attendent as he passed one more document before Richard. With an upturned brow, Richard peered towards the youngster. Smiling broadly, if not nervously, he continued. "Sire, it is the last one from Parliament this sesssion. It is merely your approval in securing payment for the Hanseatic League; for the Guild Houses and expenses, should the discussions fail."

Nodding, Richard sat the document aside and peered out the window. Soon winter would be returning, and he would ensure that he was on the hunt.

Warwick, who had been sitting at the far end of the table queried with a lilt in his voice, perhaps half expecting a favourable answer to his own elevation of office. "Sire, can we expect any news of a new appointment of Duke to Normandy?"

With a casual wave of his hand, Richard answered rather flatly. "Indeed old friend. Normandy has been a royal possession since William the Bastard as the French say, Conqueror as we know him, took possession of the Isles in 1066. It passed through Stephen on down the line intact through the Angevins on to our own dynasty. The madness of John caused him to separate that divine possession, but Elionor righted this grievous mistake. In the waning days of House Lancaster, she once again set it into a semi autonomous state."

"Since I ruled Normandy and now am King of England, I shall recombine that which was almost lost. Let it be known, that Normandy shall be henceforth ruled directly from Windsor, as was intended by the hand of God in the field of Hastings!"

 

[unmerged(547)]

Apparently a large military entourage has left England en route to Aragon.

 

[Mettermrck]

Road to Marrakesh

They came at night. Two of the guards were down before they even noticed. And by the time Rui’s men arrived, the damage had been done. Two more camels down, which made five for the trip. He swore, and stamped his meet. Not much further to Marrakesh now, but he was already doing mental calculations in his head...how much less profit would he make.

Pedro Nobarae wasn’t thrilled about the situation either. “Damn Berbers...they certainly know how to ruin a good thing. What happened to the guards?”

Rui shook his head. ”Mercenaries, thugs, the best I could scrape up in Sijilmasa. The fellows Ali brings up from Taoudenni are far worse. You don’t want to know how much salt is lost on these trips. The guards can be brutal enough against the Berbers, but only if they’re roused. Most of the time they sleep, gamble, and occasionally steal.”

Pedro frowned. ”I think I am going to pass along our concerns to the factor in Ceuta. We need to see about a regular system of guarding these caravans. I can’t see how we can trust our fortunes to the whims of some Tuareg scum.”

Rui nodded. We need real guards here, he thought.

 

[Lord E]

In Nivernais
A large group of soldiers was standing outside their barracks; next to them was a caged wagon. The soldiers were looking closely around them self, before the lieutenant whistled the signal.

Out of the barracks came the prisoners and the guards. They took him over to the wagon and closed it, and then the prison guards mowed back inside. The lieutenant looked around again.

"Well sergeant. I look like this little rebel didn't have any friends after all. Or at least they haven’t tried to get him out."

"Now lieutenant you are right...
But it is now the really danger begins, what if they tried to free him in on the road a head. It is a long way to Grenoble you know sir!"


"Yes, I know. But I also know that it is extremely important to Louis that he gets to Grenoble alive and with out any problems. He is one of the Dukes closest friends you know."

"Yes, sir!
And that scares me even more, the Duke has got many friends..."

"Yes, but none of them can go a bow the King, and we are in the Kings service. So I guess it will go as planned, but should any thing happen it is a reason why we have all this guys here."

He smiles and looks out over the square. It is filled with knights, and they are all going to escort the prisoner to Grenoble, where he shall stand trial for planning to murder the King.

The lieutenant gives a signal and the entire group knights’ mount their horses, he and the argent mounts as well. The he gives a new signal and the group starts moving on their way to Grenoble in the south.

 

[unmerged(8915)]

Events

Hapsburg Throne in Peril​

The people of Austria are wary. The armies of the emperor are marching into the lands and there are precious few loyalist troops in their way to defend the Hapsburgs and their patrimony. Yet, Albrecht the Austrian archduke refuses to give in to the demands of the emperor. The double colors of red and white stand proud against the coming tide of Imperial banners, thick with the crimson gryphon of Pommern. The desperate Duke races throughout his diminishing holding, rallying nobles and cities for his cause. For long have the Austrian Hapsburgs been the fear of Central Europe and the Empire, now they quake before the onslaught.

1. Following the execution of the other three Hapsburgs and the decision of the archduke to refuse peace, the nobles have lost faith in the house and soon a spontaneous palace coup takes place, funded by dissatisfied aristocrats of Salzburg. (Austrian government falls, House of Hapsburg dethroned)

2. The nobles listen to Albrecht, but they see the folly of his words, cities refuse outright to support him further (-1 Land Mil –1 Morale for 1 year)

3. The nobles listen to Albrecht, but see the folly of his words, cities fear the loss of revenue when Mars sweeps under the Austrian sky (-1 Morale for 1 year)

4. The nobles listen to Albrecht and are coaxed to support him still. The cities, however refuse any direct aid (no effect)

5. The nobles and representatives of the cities listen to Albrecht and find hope in his fiery speeches. The land braces for a long struggle (+1 morale for 1 year)

6. The nobles and representatives of the cities listen to Albrecht and find ferocity in his fiery speeches. The land braces for a protracted struggle as peasants, townsmen and nobles alike reach for sword, crossbow and pike to defend their homes against invasion (+1 morale +1 Land Mil for 1 year)

Roll:3; The nobles listen to Albrecht, but see the folly of his words, cities fear the loss of revenue when Mars sweeps under the Austrian sky. Dark clouds indeed have been covering the skies above the Alps as ill tiding are afoot for the House of Hapsburg (-1 Morale for 1 year to Austria)

*****

Hapsburg Bohemia​

The armies of the Emperor are descending upon the strongholds of the Hapsburg, bane of Bohemia. Thrice has the ancient land been subdued by the Austrians, but now the Emperor is no longer in Vienna. Instead the might of the Empire is for the first time bent against the Hapsburgs. The puppet kingdom of Bohemia, with little land around Prague is a shadow of its former self. Its king, an Imperial elector, a source of pity from other Holy Roman states. But as the pikes, halberds and flails are marching onto Austria the Bohemians once again ponder the path of violence to free themselves from the shackles from beneath which they have emerged so many times prior.

1. The Imperial call is heard and although the Kingdom of Bohemia does not heed it, flocks of volunteers, many of whom are seasoned Hussite mercenaries, answer (+1 Land Mil +1 Morale for 1 year)

2. The Imperial call is heard, but Czech volunteers are not many, alas the Imperial troops are treated most kindly in the former lands of Bohemia (+1 morale for 1 year)

3. The Imperial troops are greeted with indifference by the Bohemians. They have been defeated too many times. (no effect)

4. The Imperial troops are greeted with indifference by the Bohemians. They have been defeated too many times. (no effect)

5. The Emperor and his marshals have counted in the support of the Bohemians against the Austrians, but the Czechs reaction proves a disappointment.

6. The Imperial troops have mistakenly avoided the ancient lands of Bohemia and the mountaineers of Austria greet them with stones and curses at best (-1 morale for 1 year)

Roll:2; The Imperial call is heard, but Czech volunteers are not many, alas the Imperial troops are treated most kindly in the former lands of Bohemia. They are feasted with fine Czech beer and a few mercenaries join their ranks. The Imperial troops feel that they are fighting for the right cause (+1 morale for 1 year to Pommern)

*****

Orthodox Uprising​

The screaming of the burning citizen of Nizgorod was heard far and wide across the Russian steppe. The Tatars, violent and brutal oppressors that they are have marched again into Russia. But this time is one too many and the peasants along the Volga have had enough. Money from Catholics has filled the coffers of Russia and the Czar has used these funds to aid his fellow believers living beneath the yoke of the Musulman. Soon the church bells across the land are tolling. Is it a sign of the coming revolt?

1. Rebellion; Provinces rebel. No armies are formed by the rebels, but provincial capital guards refuse to follow orders. Local nobles and merchants betray their oaths to the lord of the land. (Provinces ‘Kazan, Ufa, Saratow’ rebel, and - 2 Tech, -2 to morale to Golden Horde for 1 year)

2. Local nobles and merchants betray their oaths to the lord of the land. (-2 Tech, -2 to morale to Golden Horde for 1 year)

3. Merchants and nobles alike express displeasure. (- 2 Tech, -1 to morale to Golden Horde for 1 year)

4. Merchants and nobles alike express displeasure. (-2 Tech to Golden Horde for 1 year )

5. Merchants, and nobles alike express displeasure. (-1 Tech to Golden Horde for 1 year )

6. The revolt is suppressed by the army before it gathers any considerable strength (no effect)

Aragon spends 3 eco to trigger event.

Roll:3; Local nobles and merchants alike display displeasure. But for the ruthless rulers, the population of the Horde is Orthodox and they aid the Russian army of the Czar in any way possible (-2 Tech, -1 to morale to Golden Horde for 1 year)

*****

Annexation of Normandy​

The Duchy of Normandy was always part of the English realm and the short vassalage was never really considered a long term solution by the English or Norman nobility. With the uneasy state of affairs and confusing policies of the former Duke, the English king offers the nobles of Normandy an outright annexation. But have the Normans tasted the sweet taste of freedom for too long to give it up now, however little of it they have?

1. The noblemen agree and Normandy accepts annexation by the English crown (Normandy is annexed by England)

2. The noblemen refuse an outright annexation, but continue their strong ties with the English crown as vassals (no effect)

3. The Normans are outraged by the audacity of the new English king and break their vassalage with their former ruler (Normandy ceases to be a vassal of England)

England spends 3 eco to trigger the event.

Roll:3; The Normans are outraged by the audacity of the new English king and break their vassalage with their former ruler. The English king has moved too swiftly after his recent coronation and the nobles from across the channel fear that this abrupt attempt to bond them closer to the crown will be followed by stricter measures still. ‘It is better to break with them now, while we can lest we will be reduced to mere stable boys’ is the phrase oft heard in the ports of Normandy. They have tasted freedom for too long, despair the Englishmen (Normandy ceases to be a vassal of England)