Rumors

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Bremer habour​

The cold weather had driven the dockworkers into the many taverns that lined the harbour. Normally, these men would wait outside, ready to swarm around any newly docked ship, ready to help in the unloading for a small payment. Today, they spent their meager earnings on lousy beer and lost it to each other playing dices.
Suddenly, theire drinking and gambling were interrupted, as their lookout, who had been given a warm beer to stand outside in the piles of snow, watching for ships, opened the door and yelled "Ship", before running to the next tavern in the line and delivering the same message.
Some got up, other would wait and hear news from those who had risen, and others took the opportunity to steal from the piles of coins that had been placed as bets on the throw of dices.

The men who stepped outside pulled their coats together as protection from the cold. It had snowed for several days now, and still did. There was just a bit of wind, and the snowflakes fell into the faces of the dockworkers, as they tried to climb piles of crates, desperate to determine the nationality of the ship.
The ships docking place would be determined by its flag. Thus, when one man, who had unusually sharp eyes yelled: "It's Hanseatic"

As the ship neared the dock, men were gathering at her estimated landing place. It had been a slow week, proprably due to a winter storm which had forced ships away from the coast and its dangers. Men were getting desperate to bring home some coin to their wifes, or to the inn-keeper, as it would more often happen.

"It's Die Gesochte Medchen" somebody suddenly yelled, as the ship had drawn so close this was recognisable. Noone of the dockworkers knew how to read, but they could recognize the ship, since it had its homeport in Bremen.
Several of the men ran towards the "Hanseatic Dream", knowing full well that some of the patrons there would pay them for this information.

And thus, when Die Gesochte Medchen docked, it had drawn an unusual large crowd. Plenty of dockworkers, though most of these dispered when it became clear who would get todays jobs, but also men who were not usually to be seen on the harbour. Men such as Otto Kaufmann, the Head of the merchants guild, and Daniel van Straussenberg, Gelres representative in the Hanseatic Guild. Men who waited in silence, as the ship was unloaded, and who walked to greet Karl, the captain, as he disembarked.
"What have you brought?" Asked Otto Kaufmann, without wasting time on introducing himself, nor asking for Karls name. Everybody knew who Otto was, and if he talked to somebody, he would have found out who they were, and if they were worthy of his time, before doing so. Thus Karl simply answered, but not without wondering why the mighty Otto Kaufmann was interested in his trip to Aragon.
"I've brought 7 boxes of spice, but they are allready sold. Then I have...", but Otto was appearently not interested any longer.
Without saying a word, he turned to Daniel van Straussenberg, and handed him a heavy purse.
"50 Solidi. Let me know if you will give me a chance to win them back". And like that, the richest man in Bremen had just lost what for others were a fortune, but for him was just something to be lost on a random bet.

 

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in the private chamber of the Pskovian court

The three dukes, Oleg, Alexandr and Fyodor sit around a small oak table. Grand Duke Pytor is at its head. Their conversation has been continuing for several hours...

Oleg, Duke of Pskov: My Lord, can you not see the root of this problem? They are a catholic organisation built on their heretical ideas of the superiority of Rome and the Papacy. Given one chance they should sweep our great orthodoxy and our noble Patriarch from here to the depths of hell!

Alexandr, Duke of Olonets: Oleg, my dear friend, it is your naivety that should be swept to hell. Rome cares no longer in uniting Christendom, they have other matter to attend to. Any fanciful ideas of Catholic conspiracy should be laid to rest now.

Alexandr turns to the Grand Duke

Alexandr: My Lord, the basic matter here is not that of religion, or other, frankly ridiclous, notions, (Oleg sneers at him) it is that of the true structure of the situation, it is obvious, my Lord, that we must sign. Pommern would be a valuable ally in any conflict. My Lord, it is not certain that Czar Vassily will remain so cordial in future matters.

Fyodor, Duke of Novogrod: My armies will crush all with or without catholic assitance!

Alexandr: Fyodor! You hae not ridden a horse in 6 years! How could you command an army!

But Fyodor is already not paying attention, he has entered his typical semi-dosing state.

Grand Duke Pytor of Greater Pskov: Cease, Alexandr

The Grand Duke speaks slowly and quietly. His hands shake as he cluthces his goblet of imported Ukranian wine. However, he still posses an unquestionable aura of power and intellect that was overwhelming in his youth.

Grand Duke: The military advanmtages are there for all to see, Alexandr, I may be old but my reading of latin is superior to yours, my friend. (The old Grand Duke grants himself a smile) Yet two things concern me, that we should aid Pommern with either a detatchment numbering half our forces or 10,000 ducats in the time of war, and that the lower merchantry have been complaining about their inability to make profit with so many foreigners given the privaliges detailed in this document at the Novogrod markets. Is this not correct, Fyodor?

Fyodor awakens from his half-slumber and answers in the affirmative. Despite being Duke of Novogrod he finds economic matters tiresome and, ultimatley, insignificant.

Grand Duke: Hmm... In any case we must take heed of the complaints of the lower merchantry, for they are the true people. and no matter how much power is affordeed to the nobles, if the true people are disssatisfied with my government it shall cease with much rapidity.

Oleg: My Lord, despite my brief rebuttal, reigious matters must take a role of importance in these discussions. Whilst some of us believe otherwise, (he glares at Alexandr) the common people still hold great mistrust of the Papacy and all connected with it. hey would see any signing asa betrayal of our Patriarch.

Grand Duke: For once, you may be quite correct Oleg.

Alexandr: My Lord, this disscussion has me concerned. Is the treaty not to be re-afirrmed? Surely, it is the best interests of Greater Pskov?

Grand Duke: I have made my decison Alexandr. I care more for Pskovian merchants that foreign ones.

The Grand Duke leaves his chair and moves to walk out of the chamber into the public debating hall. Oleg gets up quickly and bounds after him jovially, whilst Alexandr walks meekly after. Fyodor, is left at the table, soundly asleep.

 

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By Royal Decree

"By Royal Decree of His Majesty King Amory I von Stadion, King of Latvia; all former treaties and agreements with foreign nations are hereby declared null and void.

Henceforth, from this date, all royal ambassadors in a foreign realm our recalled to Riga immediately without any delay. All foreign ambassadors in Riga are welcomed to stay, but His Majesty shall not be conducting foreign policy at this time."​

 

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- EVENT -

Pskov and the Wendische Handes Union

​

The Grand Duke Pytor enters the public chamber to the tune of trumpets. His personal guard file in and hold the door whilst he and his wife Emilia stride through confidently to take their seats at the head of the chamber. The three provincial dukes follow, almost meekly embarrassed at their lack of grandiose reception.

The Grand Duke looks around and sees Konstanty Makuszynski herbu Leliva, the acting ambassador of the Wendische Handes Union present, he then turns and hands a rolled up parchment to the Ducal Speaker, who receives it and moves forward to address the waiting chamber members,

"The Grand Duke has given me this prepared speech to read to you all forthwith.

"I, The Grand Duke of Greater Pskov, have conferred with the three noble provincial dukes of Pskov, Olonets and Novogrod, to reach this grave and significant decision regarding the agreement signed by the previous government involving Pommern and the Wendische Handes Union and the question of unting our defensive forces. The discussion was frank and long and it was not reached without difficulty or disagreement between the Dukes, but they all now agree that we are taking the course of action in the best interests of Greater Pskov and their people. For we have decided, in council, to not re-affirm the treaty and to declare it void on the reasoning that a previous, illegitimate government ratified the treaty and it no longer has bearing.

This annulment is in effect as of this moment. May Christ and the Patriarch bless us all."

The members murmer to themselves quietly as the Dukes exit the public chambers and leave their separate ways. The door closes and the chamber erupts with argument and counter-argument, insult and counter-insult. The members shall discuss the decision for weeks and months to come, but it shall not matter, for it has already been made.

TABLE
1 econ spent by Pskov to give +1 to the dice roll.

1 Many merchants in Pskov who owed their enriched livelihood to the Wendische Handes Union find themselves priced out of business soon after the Grand Duke’s forthright denunciation.
(Pskov suffers -1 morale and -1 starting econ for 1 year/until Jan-Mar 1437 and also suffers -1 current econ)

2 Some merchants in Pskov who owed their enriched livelihood to the Wendische Handes Union find themselves struggling to stay in business soon after the Grand Duke’s forthright denunciation.
(Pskov suffers -1 morale for 1 year/until Jan-Mar 1437)

3 The markets fluctuate and there is a slight downturn in profits, but the Grand Duchy remain stable.

4 The markets fluctuate, there is a slight upturn in profits and the Grand Duchy remains stable.

5 The protectionist policy greatly bolsters Pskov’s own merchants’ stake in the Grand Duchy’s market-place. Every strata of pskov’s society benefits from this new found, home-grown dynamism.
(Pskov gains +1 morale for 1 year/until Jan-Mar 1437)

6 The protectionist policy greatly bolsters Pskov’s own merchants’ stake in the Grand Duchy’s market-place. Every strata of pskov’s society benefits from this new found, home-grown dynamism. Not least the Grand Duke himself, who reaps a fine harvest of his very own when the export taxes are gathered.
(Pskov gains +1 morale and +1 starting econ for 1 year/until Jan-Mar 1437 and also gains +1 current econ)

RESULT
6 + 1 = 7

6 The protectionist policy greatly bolsters Pskov’s own merchants’ stake in the Grand Duchy’s market-place. Every strata of pskov’s society benefits from this new found, home-grown dynamism. Not least the Grand Duke himself, who reaps a fine harvest of his very own when the export taxes are gathered.
(Pskov gains +1 morale and +1 starting econ for 1 year/until Jan-Mar 1437 and also gains +1 current econ)

 

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It was a late cold night in Russia. The snow was now falling in a steady downpoor and everyone in the court was settling down for the long winter months that awaited them. The Czar however, had been growing anxious, anxious of his enemies, and mostly anxious of his grip upon Russia. Russia was still a land of towns and villages spread apart across a large Empire. Only Moscow seemed to show any resemblence of centralization.

However, by using the title of Czar, Vasily had asserted himself as the sole ruler of Russia, a ruler of absolute power. He now knew that he would have to wield this power to force Russia to centralize. He already had the Argonese coming to his Empire to modernize it, but now he needed loyal gaurds to enforce his power.

The Czar finally came to a room with a single desk and one man sitting on top of it. He was a very muscular person and had a rough beard. The manner in which he carried himself was imposing and some would say evil. But in the presense of the Czar he resigned himself to subordination. He was the same man who was responsible for the raids into Pskov killing hundreds.

The Czar began, "You are aware of what I seek to do."

"Of course my lord," the captain said.

"Good, I have brought you here because I have heard that you were the one who led those terrorizing raids into Pskov."

"I serve Russia, my lord. I serve you."

"You are loyal, good. Loyalty is something hard to come by these days.... You are going to be the leader of my most loyal men, a group designed to assert my power across Russia. I am currently drawing up a procolimation of the creation of this gaurd to let the people, and most of all the Boyars, know of its existance. Are you ready to take on a burden of collosal scale."

"I am always ready to do what my Czar asks of me."

"Are you ready to kill your own country men should I ask of i."

"I live for one purpose, to serve the Czar of Russia."

"Good, you shall be called the Oprichniki, the Czars secret police."

 

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The men were dressed in full black robes, each one of them over six feet tall, towering over the peasents and boyars alike. Two of them rode into a town in Tambow and dismounted in the town square. They strode up to post in the middle of the square and posted this official proclimation.

Imperial Decree of the Oprichniki​

In the year of our lord 1435, Vasily II, Czar of Russia, Caeser of the Russians, created into being the Oprichniki. The Oprichniki are the most loyal of the Czars men and are dedicated to the protection of the Czar, the Empire, and Orthodox.

Let it be known to all citizens of Russia; the Oprichniki are a representation of the Czars power in the land. They answer to only the Czar himself. The Oprichniki have the power to enforce the Czars word over all peoples of the Empire, peasent and Boyar alike.

Anyone who is summoned before the Oprichniki must come under penalty of death.

Any time a person is contacted by the Oprichniki for investigative purposes they must obey as if they were talking to the Czar.

If the Oprichniki catches a criminal then they reserve the right to punish the criminal in any way they see fit, including death.

Any person who attacks an Oprichniki will be put to death immedately, and his families posetions will also be confiscated as an attack on the Oprichniki is an attack on the Czar himself.

The Oprichniki are the highest form of law in the land, aside from the Czar himself, and are to have access to any part of the country they want short of the Czars posetions. Anyone who denies the Oprichniki help or access will be put to death.

signed,
Vasily II, Czar of Russia, Caeser of the Russians

As soon as the men in black has posted this message they mounted their horses and rode out of the town and headed to a boyar estate.

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

The Czar had just woke from a nap. As soon as some of the men in the court knew he was awake they delivered a message to the Czar.

He took the message and read it in his private quarters with one of his aids.

"Good, it appears the proclimation of the Oprichniki has been put up across the Empire. Now.... it is time that we draw up a uniform law code for us to enforce with absolute brutality," the Czar said smiling at the aid.

 

[Hamilcar]

Originally posted by KingWittelsbach
King Alfonso smiles and speaks:

You will have a place of honor as is proper for a representative of the Byzantium Emperor. I ask you what say you of your government ways?

A week later, the King received Rhadino in the palace gardens.

Your Majesty asked me about the ways of government back in the Empire. I have spend the last week observing Your court and I have come to some conclusions about how You might increasre Your influence and power - is that not why You asked me about our ways?

The King nodded.

Your realm is based on three pillars of power: The king, the clergy and the nobles. Each have power of their own kind, and each have money and soldiers.

These two other groups have power and they use this power to steer the realm in a direction favourable to them by limiting Your ability to command. The Cortes, as you call it, is an example of this. There the nobles may discuss and make law that can limit royal power, even as far as diplomacy. Your Majesty could not go to war without their approval.

This is all very different in the Empire. We too have the Basileus, the clergy and the Senate. But since the days of the old Roman Empire, it has been made clear that the Emperor is the supreme and only source of authority and power. The clergy are submitted to His judgement in both temporal and spiritual matters and so have rarely managed to oppose an Emperor. For what are they but government officials in the pay of the Emperor?

The Senate is similar to the Cortes but it has no power, for the Emperor has the right to appoint and expel it's members at will, so he can always have a majority there. He must keep the old, powerful families represented there, but just so that they can have a taste of power but no real authority. Thus, all decisions are made only by the Emperor alone.

This disregard for the ambitions of the nobles has cost many Emperors their eye-sight or even their life, but it is a price they all were willing to pay for supreme authority.

Now the question is: why can the Emperor command this authority and You cannot? I believe I have found the reason during my stay here: The Army

Your Army, as might as it may be, is not loyal to You. Not directly at least. Each soldier and knight swears loyalty first and foremost to his local baron, who swears loyalty to a count who swears loyalty to a duke who in the end claims to be Your loyal servant.

But these knights feel little personal obligation to You, for it is their immediate superiors who ensure they are fed and paid, not You. This feudal relationship ensures that the nobles may oppose You without fear of facing their own soldiers. This gives them power, power beyond their due.

The Emperors have never had this problem, for the Legions are made of commoners and low-born nobles who may rise to the rank of general through skill and ambition. They never obligate them through a feudal relationship with any highborn noble and thus are loyal to the Emperor only. This gives power to the Emperor, power of the kind that You desire.

But let me war You. Your nobles will not give up their privileges voluntarily, for they surely understand well why the current arangement is beneficial to them. What You require is a permanent army of commoners loyal to You and You only.

That is my advice to You.

 

[Mettermrck]

Timbuktu

"It hasn't been the same since the Berber governor was installed."

Ali looked surprised. "A Berber governor? Are they that blatant?"

The merchant frowned. "That's what the word is."

I'd better pass this along.


Taoudenni

"Tell Rui that the Berbers have taken over Timbuktu. They govern the city in strength."

The Portuguese caravaneer, frequently hired by Ali and Rui to run the middle routes, nodded thoughtfully.


Sijilmasa

"It's true. The Berber army entered Timbuktu to govern it. They're in great strength."

Rui looked concerned. This was important news.


Marrakesh

"Probably at least several thousand, great strength for a Berber army. If they're in Timbuktu with such ease, they can take over Mali!"

His factor jumped up. "I'll go tell Senor Nobarae at once!"


Rabat

"Thousands of Berbers are overrunning Mali. They're setting up a great empire in Timbuktu."

Pedro's eyebrows rose. He'd better tell Prince Enrique. They could threaten the trade routes.


Madeira

"A Berber empire in Mali? They're marching against the trade routes, against Taoudenni?"

The courier bowed. "That's what Senor Nobarae instructed me to tell you."


Lisbon

WHAT?!? Duke Alfonso look stunned.

"That's correct, Your Excellency. The Berbers are invading Fez."

 

[Bagricula]

The Inquisition! A Bohemian Excursion

After four days of intermittent rain, the sun finally beams its warm lifegiving rays on the Czechian copses that surrounded the road north into Prag. The travelers who plied that road welcome the sun with a silent nod and the heavy footsteps of a peasant's toil. Even though politics and war can change the face of nations in a few hours, very little can change the life of the peasantry and the poor. The Pommeranian soldiers have left months ago, and at least for the moment, the Bohemians can look up into the sky and see the white clouds of peace.

Today, special travelers come to Bohemia; from the shores of the Danube, a band of morose Benedictines led by Cardinal Arzt marches northward in the name of the Holy Mother Church and her inquisitive zeal. They search for Jan Huss's followers or any remnant of his teaching left among the Czechian forests. At least four wars had been fought over the Hussite heresy; Having grown not just as a threat to the Church but as a threat to the established political hierarchy, Jan Huss's teachings were and are anathema to most of feudal Germany. Ironically, the same house that grants limited democracy to its burghers and peasants in Bavaria funds an effort to ensure that the freedom-loving message of Hussitism has been stamped out permanently.

Though the monks murmur prayers as they shuffle down the road, their downcast eyes remain keenly sharpened for heresy and its fruits.​

When the Rhenish delegation reaches the great gates of Prag, many of the monks, accustomed only to the frugality of the monastery, gawk at the wealth and extravagances of the city. A few murmur that the merchants must have made pacts with Lucifer to secure wealth when so much of the land was spoiled by war. Familiar with the opulence of Rome, Cardinal Arzt remains aloof of the discussion of greed and usury. Shortly they come to the palace of the old Kings, now undergoing restorations interrupted by war prosecuted by King Joachim against the House of Habsburg. Pommeranians bearing Imperial seals scurry over the surface of the palace like bees to honey, speaking here and there for King Joachim and the Empire. None however give the Pfalzians trouble; at least, they don't after Cardinal Arzt presents his documents from the Officium Inquisitori. Few would dare to question an Inquisitor, especially in the turbulent land of the Czechs.

Cardinal Arzt marshals his troops.​

A blood red cloud of scarlet silk billows into the office of the Pommeranian administrator for Prag followed by many smaller black clouds. Cardinal Arzt removes his wide-brimmed red leather hat and holds it at his side. Removing the dark shadow from his countenance, he smiles beatifically, speaking in a voice comforting and unnervingly paternal:

"Governor-General, I have come from Ostmark with the sufferance of the Reichstag and with a holy mandate from the Officium Inquisitori to ensure for all time that the Czechians are free from their misguided ideas. The Mother Church desires only the safety and welfare of her children in Bohemia and seeks to free them from lies that have only proved perilous to their health. These holy brothers are experienced and will aid me in my work. I, the Pontiff, and the King, have anticipated your generousity and will gladly take up your offer to use the palace as a base of operations from which we might conduct our inquiry.In nomine patri, et filii, et spiritu sancti. Amen."

Hiding his frustration, the official relents to Cardinal Arzt's "requests." Soon the monks can be seen trudging through every street asking questions and sticking their noses where they don't belong. A few have traveled to the local churches and cathedrals, recruiting a larger workforce to begin sweeping the hinterland. All the time, Cardinal Albert Arzt, High Inquisitor of the Empire, watches and waits.

 

[slugo]

Its been 2 years since the disappearence of the king Hugh O'Niel I, Queen Rosie and heir Donnchad, lost at sea while on the way to the wedding of the french king to an english princess. some say lost in a storm, the will of god. others whisper of more earthly and treacherous means. with no news as to the truth and the final end of the king, the country has been in chaos.
the affairs of state have lanquished while the great clans vie for power. but with the renewed threat of the english coming beyond the pale, and the future of ireland drenched in blood and tears, the clans must come together and decide the country's fate.

Ashford Castle-County Mayo

in the smokey great hall, the debate has raged for days. who will lead ireland! Each clan has put forth one of their own as the next High King that will save the country, only to be shouted down by the others. swords have been unsheathed several times, open civil war is near.

To the head table strode a man, who had been listening to all of this infighting, and had finally had enough. Short in stature, but highly regarded by all in attendance, he stood on the table and held his hand high. slowly the din subsided and people gave their attention to Matteo O'Shea.

the highly regarded bishop of Connaught province, spoke in a thin voice.
gentlemen, we must put aside our differneces for the good of eire, but you already know this. we must find a person who is acceptable to all. such a man is here. his clan may not control vast tracts of land, but thier honor and love of eire is boundless. his clan can trace roots to the early high kings who repelled the viking invaders.
and they can call several of the great clans kin. i beg you set aside your differences and select Paddy O'Slugg from county Sligo as the new High King of Eire!

a tulmut went up in the room, but seeing as this was the only viable compromise, and that the choice had been brought up by a noble and pious bishop who was seen as non partisan. the choice was finally made

Paddy O'Slugg is the new High King of Eire. His 1st step to consolidating power will be to open a new court, and appoint the appropriate ministers, that will hopefully guide him through these trying times

 

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Castle Pskov

On the Walls of the Ducal Fortress, Pskov​

Two men stand watch on this frosty february evening. The sun is just setting behind the hills due east of the castle, affording reasonable visibility for the lookouts, Petr and Sergi. To pass the time they are playing a relativley new game to Pskov imported from Iberia via the Moors, chess.

P: I think I will... no, too obvious. Maybe then... hmmm, slighty too suicidal for my tastes...

S: Come on, *He glances at his clock* you have had a full 6 minutes now.

P: Patience dear Sergi, you would not wish me to make a mistake now would you? *He grins* Besides, you have no reason to be in a hurry. The Captain did assign us duty for the whole night, or have you forgotten already my mindless comrade?

Petr scratches his head a moment. Suddenly his eyes light up as he takes grip of the Queen, sliding it 3 spaces diagonaly. A Rook-Knight fork. As Petr once more smiles boldy, Sergi does not look impressed.

S: What makes you so jovial tonight? You do know that watch duty is meant to be a punishment.

P: I call it making the best of a bad situation. You could do with some help in that particular field. That and what got us into this situation in the first place, if only you had...

S: Hey! Just because I am a little low, you said you compensated in it with your plan beforehand!

P: No, I said YOU would have to compensate when you sta...

A voice echoes across the courtyard

Quiet you too! Some people are trying to sleep here!

The two solders look sheepishly at each other and get back to their game in silence. 20 minutes or so later and after Three or four moves each are made, the game is nearing the end of the middlegame as the battle for control of the center draws to a close. Both sides are threatening the exposed kings heavily. Petr ponder his next move a moment.

Petr as Black (To Play)

Sergi as White​

S: Do you hear that? Sounds like a horse.

P: Stop trying to put me off, I've already got you, it's no use delaying the inevitable you know.

S: You haven't got me! You'll be hung, drawn and quatered by my Queen in a minute, just you wait and...

Another voice shouts from below the wall. His voice's crisp, cleaness betrays him as a nobleman.

Messenger: Hello there! I come with haste from Ostrov, not 20 miles due south.

P: Yes, I know of it, what is your buisness?

M: As you may have hazarded your good selves, I am a member of the Metropolitan's order.

To Petr

S: Metropolitan of Kiev? Hasn't he left for Moscow?

P: No, he is still living in the ducal palace just outside Ostrov.

He turns to the Messenger

P: What news bring ye of the good Metropolitan?

M: I am afraid I must relay that only to your good lord, the Grand Duke. It's confidentiality must be kept absolute.

P: Answer me this then. What is the password this month. The Metropolitan would surely have told you if he did send you.

M: The password I know not. He did.... He did not have time to confide the password in me, only his message.

Sergi decides to assert himself on the situation

S: We are afraid that until you tell us the password, you shall not pass through this gate. Message or no message.

The Messenger thinks

M: Then tell your Grand Duke this. The Metropolitan is dead. He was found so this afternoon at his writing desk.

The messenger, pauses, then swings his horse round and rides off into the distance.

P: I will tell the Grand Duke, you stay here.

And with that, Petr, visibly shaking, runs off into the courtyard. Sergi is bone white, sitting alone atop the gate, barely moving.

 

[unmerged(7849)]

As Vasily was waiting for the Catholic priest to begin a man rushed in and gave the Czar a letter. The man was of the Metropolitan of Kievs court; the Czar recognized him from when he resided in Moscow before. As he read it his face grew long, but then a slight smurk came across his face. He put down the letter and turned to his Oprichniki gaurd.

"It appears that the Metropolitan of Kiev has passed on. This letter does not say the cause of death, but being that it was in Pskov at a time when I requested him to return I can only wonder."

The Oprichniki gaurd responded, "Pskov is proving to be a treaterous place these days my lord. I think it would be best if we keep an eye on them my lord; to make sure no more Russians die in their lands."

"Quite right, but let us hope that Pskov is only cursed with bad luck, and has not done this themselves. But for now this death has offered me an opening to appoint a new Metropolitan of Kiev, one that resides in Moscow."

The Czar then motioned for one of his priests to step forward.

"Go and gather all the high ranking priests in Moscow. The time has come to elect a new Metropolitan of Kiev."

The Czar then motioned him away.

 

[Innocent]

In the cold of late Winter the long awaited exit of the Pope from Nuremberg begins, with the Papal train slowly making its way out of the confines of the Imperial city.

The Pope himself rides near the front, covered now with a thick winter coat to protect his health he nonetheless waves to the Germans who turn out to send him off. An aide rides just behind him, distributing coins by throwing them to the those who have lined the streets. Behind them are the carriages of the accompanying Cardinals and dignitaries, the Papal secretaries, the Papal guard, members of the Roman aristocracy, several representatives of the Roman Merchants, and cart after cart of supplies, both food and wine.

A gentle snow begins to fall as the last of the train leaves the city, the Pope’s stay has come to an end.

What lies ahead is a much easier road than that which brought him here, mostly low countries and flat terrain to the French Royal Court at Grenoble.

 

[unmerged(16514)]

The Grand Ducal Court in Pskov

Grand Duke Pytor: ...the whole idea is proposterous! What would I have to gain in such a situation?

Informer: My Lord, surely you of all nobles realise that their does not even need to be the faintest whiff of truth about a rumour for the people to believe it. Many an illegitimate tale has casued disruption in these very courts.

GD: That is the past Grishka, that you know full well yourself.

I: But my Lord, it is not me who must be persuaded on the matter. When the news sellers receive word ofb this it will not be easily controlled. I am sure you agree, easily controlled rumours are in your best interests.

GD: So the news sellers have not yet spun this tale of lies?

I: No, my Lord. However, it is but a matter of time.

GD: What measures could we take to prevent this spreading further into the populace?

I: Ahhh, my Lord. Why the naivety? You act as if you have never done this before. To many, My Lord, you came to your position with a clean record, but to me, well, as you know I think differently. A pause Limited measures had already been taken prior to this meeting, sire. I need of course your approval to exort to the... more extreme techniques?

GD: Very well, Grishka. I have trusted you for many years, I shall not let that trust wane now.

I: Of course, my Lord. You do realise that word of these 'techniques' could also become more widley known. As they say, a guilty man does not hide the evidence, no?

GD: And an innocent man does not stand idly by watching his reputation destroyed before him! I rule only through my popularty amongst the common folk, you know that, the Dukes know that, the members know that, everyone does. It is both my biggest strength and most obvious weakness, especially after the WTU decision. If they lose faith in me, I will fall as an eagle with clipped wings.

I: Your enemies know this also, my Lord.

GD: You have information? Tell me.

I: My Lord, you know that I cannot do that. For if I give away every card I get, how can I keep all the aces for the endgame?

GD: Grishka, tell me now. I will have you out in the stocks for a week!

Grishka smiles deviously. He turns abruptly and exits the room, his long coat swishing behind him as he exits into the cold, snowy coutyard.

 

[unmerged(7751)]

An open letter to the surrounding continental nations of Brittany, including those friends in the Hansa from Charles of Brittany

"My friends, due to the passing of my aunt I ask that all diplomatic and business relations between our countries be placed 'on hold' until the mourning period of 3 months is over. I also invite you to her state funeral in 3 months time.

Sincerely Charles"

 

[Lord E]

In France

The King has been very busy lately. I had got reports from Nuremberg that the Papal train had begun moving towards France, and since Louis him self wanted to meat the Holy Father preparations where made for that the King should ride out together with the court to meat him.

At the same time Grenoble was made ready for the arrival of the Pope. Everywhere you could see people washing and decorating. In the castle the all of the court where very excited. I had been very long since the Pope had last been in France, and this visit was sure to have make Grenoble the place to be for some time.

All the people of France was trilled by this visit, and some was also wondering what this could mean, some where speaking of that maybe the Pope was going to return the French vassal he had been in control of after the "Peace of Calais", others though that His Holiness just wanted to visit, but no one really know. But they all agree on that they would find out, and mostly this made the public happy.

Now the city was almost ready to welcome to the Pope, and Louis could not get him self to wait any more, therefore I decided to ride out. This was going to be a great time for him and for France. And now the time had come, Louis, his royal court and many members of the court rode out to meat His Holiness.

 

[Hamilcar]

Alexios lay awake in his bed in the barracks just a stroll from the palace. He did not know what time it was, but judging by the bright moonlight passing through an open window, he judged it to be past midnight.

He had a headache, and he knew where he had obtained it. As the Drungarios ton poimon, the commander of all Imperial forces, he had many feasts and receptions to attend and Lord Lascaris was known for hosting the most extravagant dinners in Sparta - even in these rough times of exile.


He never liked spiced wine, the expensive poison of choice of the rich. And now, the Basileus was stirring them all into action. Talk of war was everywhere and he had been given secret orders to ready the entire Sparta and Mykene Themes to be ready for battle and siege within three weeks. Three weeks! It was an impossible task, but he had to try, for the Basileus was easy to anger these days and his punishments severe.

"We should be searching allies, not enemies at this time. The Turks are stirring again, and we are preparing to march against some minor Duchy. What use is that? Expending our strength that way," he thought.

He shifted his body around and tried to fall asleep.

* * *​

The next day, he was called to the palace to report to the Basileus. Fearing punishiment, or even more outrageous demands, he walked there with a sour face.

 

[slugo]

a confrontation for a new king

Sligo Castle- The Kings Den

The King is dictating drafts of various letters that are overdue, with the help of his sister, when the door flies open. the gaurds are pushed aside by a tall burly man with fire in his eyes.
ha de yu, iwonna appn shouts the man.
Paddy looks up at the commotion, what is all this Robert? i cant understand a word your saying
Walter O'SLugg follows the Earl of Ulster, Robert O'Niell into the room you might be thankful for that, i wish ihadnt understood most of what he said to me on the way here
O'Niell scowls you know what i said! what is all this. you request that i goto london? to deliver a letter? to that..that norman king? i wont do it.
the gaurds start to unsheath their daggers, as does Maureen.
the king puts up his hand.no need for that. my dear cousin, eire needs you. Richard is chafing at what he sees as disrespect. if it goes on longer, he'll try to teach us manners. you will accept this errand, and do so gladly. or your landed gentry may feel the earth move under their feet., to someone else. or we may need to audit the amount of tribute you need pay.
Robert looks around fine ill go deliver your mail, but i do so for eire, not you. you havent heard the last of this ,slug
thats HighKing O'Slugg, i expect you to remember that and treat me accordingly, Earl of Ulster
Robert whirls around and stomps out of the room .
that went as well as i expected. im glad he didnt call my bluff.
Moe sheaths her dagger, im glad too

 

[unmerged(9167)]

The rumor ran raged on that Muslims are going to join the war in order to destroy the Roman Empire and secre the beachhead in Europe. The people in Constantinople are getting scared. They went to churches, even unfinished Hagia Sophia to pray. When the rumor arrived at Emperor Alexius' ear at the army's camp. He was shocked,

Have they forgot about the Eastern Bulle?

The blank faces were obvious on the messagers and people. Only few among them suddenly realized what Emperor refered to, they were relieved. However, most didn't know what he is talking about. Emperor saw that. So, he turned to the page,

I issue the decree that the Eastern Bulle be posted in public so that people may know that Muslims are not going to invade, not with the whole Europe ready to come down upon their heads if Eastern Bulle is being breached so clearly. Yea, even informate the priests to speak about this. The people must be calmed and relaxed. May, you may go to Constantinople and make the necessary arrangements.

The page bowed, and left for Constantinople on the horse. Belisarius whispered to Emperor with approvement tone,

Don't forgot about the army.

Emperor nodded,

You will do it by yourself, the soldiers trust you more than I. I will be there, to confirm your words but the soldiers would prefer to hear it from your own lips.

Rest of the days, Belisarius and Emperor let the whole army know about teh Eastern Bulle, to put them at ease.

In Constantinople. the people are reading about the Eastern Bulle, and became relaxed. The decree are posted all around the City. There are even joyous prayering in the churches. No longer a prayer for salvation from Muslims but for the Roman and her friends' army fighting in Hellas. The reactions are same all over the Roman Empire.

 

[slugo]

a trip is planned

As the privy coucil is taking care of daily business, the representive for the earl of munster sir paul mccarthy, his son edward, brings up a new subject.

i have recieved a note from my father, asking for royal permission to prepare a trip to iberia and the mediterrainian to discuss the matter of trade. as we all know, our recent trials have affected trade very negatively, and for eire to remain stable and solvent, we must expand our trade in these rich areas.

the murmurs around the room showed noone in objection.

the newly appointed chancallor of the exchequer, alec guinness, a brillinat and well educated merchant spoke up m'lord, it would be wise to persue this endevour, the kingdoms of that area are rich indeed, with well established trade routes to the orient. if we can secure some agreements, it will keep the people busy, the lords happy and the coffers full, and that will stabalize your position on the throne.

the king says very well, edward send a note to your father to request any help he needs, and we shall dispatch letters to the lands in the south