Prologue: Defender of the Empire?
My name, as I am certain you all know, is Friedrich von Hohenzollern, Baron of Zollern and Graf von Nürnberg. Feast upon my lands!
My family have held Zollern for generations, and have toiled to see that the Empire grows strong. We have been loyal vassals to the Hohenstaufens, and I count the Kaiser as one of my closest friends. It therefore comes as no surprise that I was named Graf von Nürnberg late last year.
I do not recall the precise date of my birth -- who, indeed, does? -- but I knew, even as a boy, that I wanted to be a soldier in the Kaiser's armies. As the oldest son of the Hohenzollerns, my father was somewhat reluctant to grant me my wish, but in time, he realized how brave I had become and eager I was to prove myself a man. When I am not in battle or improving my skills, I rely upon the word of God to guide me. I work at being a better soldier and a better Christian every day. Without constant improvement, my enemies may strike at me. My soldier's instincts will protect me, I am certain, but I worry for my young sons. I have already lived a good and long life, and I know the Lord will likely call me back into His arms soon.
This is Sofie von Raabs, my young wife. Although she is very beautiful, I do not entirely trust her. There are rumors that she, the only daughter of the last Graf von Nürnberg, was not pleased with marrying an old man such as myself. Even darker rumors suggest a... proficiency with things women ought not be proficient in. I cannot help but suspect that she intends to hasten my departure from this world in order to gain authority through my sons. It is a constant worry, but I must endure. I do not believe she would act against me herself, but she has a way with words and would join others to defy me.
Here is my family. I have two strong, strapping boys, Konrad and Fritz, as I call him. My daughter Elizabeth shall surely bring a fine husband into our family and raise many children. I am about as blessed as any man has a right to be.
My rule is tough but firm. Prior to my attaining this exalted status, the nobility in Nürnberg enjoyed exemption from taxes. That shall not last long; a man who cannot contribute to the defense and glory of his realm is a man I do not wish to know.
My people are industrious, as you can see.
I am well pleased with my armies. I can call upon nearly 3000 loyal soldiers from my own lands in Zollern and Nürnberg; my vassals, particularly the Baron of Hohenburg, command sizable forces of their own.
My fondest wish, if God saw fit to grant me such a boon, would be to become the Kaiser's shining knight, the leader of his forces. I know I am not worthy, but if I were selected to this prestigious office, I would do my best to prove my valor and bravery in battle.
Here is my court. I have done my best to place my vassals in positions of power, where I can keep an eye on them. The other two positions in my court are filled by my cousins, Friedrich and Burchard.
As I look upon the winter snow, I dream of the glory I shall surely bring my Kaiser and, perhaps, my family. Who knows where the Hohenzollerns could be in another generation or two?
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I didn't investigate my court for traits as closely as I probably should have; they will likely be a small part of the story for the time being.
I hope you've enjoyed this small taste of what's to come! As I've mentioned, I'm not the very best CKII player, and welcome any advice. In particular, I'd love to know exactly how techs work. I just cannot figure that out for some reason. Also, if somebody knows how to get my Marshal to lead my forces, that would also be welcome. (That'll be a problem later, but not now.)
