The Known World [IC|Closed]

[Liecthenbourg]

"What did you have in mind, Duke" said Tyrol as he pulled up a chair to sit down on

"Well i assume you know how expensive such a crusade is dont you?"

"I am well aware of it Duke, but the Papal vaults contain enough money to fund a Crusade on this magnitude 3 times over, Sicily and France already pledge support, increasing money"

[The Jonathanian States]

"Well i assume you know how expensive such a crusade is dont you?"

"I am well aware of it Duke, but the Papal vaults contain enough money to fund a Crusade on this magnitude 3 times over, Sicily and France already pledge support, increasing money"

"I think you misunderstand.Maintaining the Venetian fleet and the mercenaries for the crusade isnt so cheap as one may think."

[Liecthenbourg]

"I am well aware of it Duke, but the Papal vaults contain enough money to fund a Crusade on this magnitude 3 times over, Sicily and France already pledge support, increasing money"

"I think you misunderstand.Maintaining the Venetian fleet and the mercenaries for the crusade isnt so cheap as one may think."

"Maintaining the Venetian fleet?, do you require money for this?"

[Riserland]

"Sire"
"What, is something wrong?"
"Vikings!!!"
"Vikings, call out the guards and fortify the coast. And send over the Engineers to get defenses up"
"Yes Sire" Justin looked at his ma and then Louis walked in
"My lord his here"
"Good send him in".................

The landing parties encounter heavily fortified French positions not far from where they landed, rather than charge head on into certain death they instead set up a small encampment and wait starring scornfully at the men atop the wall.

after several days food supplies begin to run thin but still the chieftain commands "wait."

[The Jonathanian States]

"I think you misunderstand.Maintaining the Venetian fleet and the mercenaries for the crusade isnt so cheap as one may think."

"Maintaining the Venetian fleet?, do you require money for this?"

"Theoreticaly.And thats why I thought of an Idea.
Have you heard of the Imperial bull of 1082 or of the latest agreements Venice made with france and the ayyubid sultanate?

[Liecthenbourg]

"Maintaining the Venetian fleet?, do you require money for this?"

"Theoreticaly.And thats why I thought of an Idea.
Have you heard of the Imperial bull of 1082 or of the latest agreements Venice made with france and the ayyubid sultanate?

"No I have not, but I heard the ayyubids cut of trade due to the fact they think you are involved in the Crusade"

[The Jonathanian States]

"Theoreticaly.And thats why I thought of an Idea.
Have you heard of the Imperial bull of 1082 or of the latest agreements Venice made with france and the ayyubid sultanate?

"No I have not, but I heard the ayyubids cut of trade due to the fact they think you are involved in the Crusade"

OOC: It was the abbasid and the khwarezm no the ayyubid.(or am I misinformed)
IC:
"I think you then heard a rumor of what could happen as only their neighbours did that."

[Liecthenbourg]

"No I have not, but I heard the ayyubids cut of trade due to the fact they think you are involved in the Crusade"

OOC: It was the abbasid and the khwarezm no the ayyubid.(or am I misinformed)
IC:
"I think you then heard a rumor of what could happen as only their neighbours did that."

OOC:Yea I just read over what he posted, my mistake, sorry
IC: "Well I suppose, but Duke please take this decision into consideration, the last Crusade was an ultimate failure yes, but now I am sure this one will succeed, in pushing the Heretics back into the desert, you will then have access to all these resources for yourself without someone else having to give them to you"

[The Jonathanian States]

OOC: It was the abbasid and the khwarezm no the ayyubid.(or am I misinformed)
IC:
"I think you then heard a rumor of what could happen as only their neighbours did that."

OOC:Yea I just read over what he posted, my mistake, sorry
IC: "Well I suppose, but Duke please take this decision into consideration, the last Crusade was an ultimate failure yes, but now I am sure this one will succeed, in pushing the Heretics back into the desert, you will then have access to all these resources for yourself without someone else having to give them to you"

"And that is what I needed to know before i order all troops to start.
I mean, I respect your words your holyness but I dont know if the other crusaders and the state themselves will do so too.
Should they do so then i have a way to finance my fleet and to aid the crusade, should they not agree... well a fleet and army are expensive to maintain so I may just let my mercenaries go with the pay for the 4th crusade and then just continue my everyday trading.

[Liecthenbourg]

OOC:Yea I just read over what he posted, my mistake, sorry
IC: "Well I suppose, but Duke please take this decision into consideration, the last Crusade was an ultimate failure yes, but now I am sure this one will succeed, in pushing the Heretics back into the desert, you will then have access to all these resources for yourself without someone else having to give them to you"

"And that is what I needed to know before i order all troops to start.
I mean, I respect your words your holyness but I dont know if the other crusaders and the state themselves will do so too.
Should they do so then i have a way to finance my fleet and to aid the crusade, should they not agree... well a fleet and army are expensive to maintain so I may just let my mercenaries go with the pay for the 4th crusade and then just continue my everyday trading.

"I will make sure they do so too Duke, dont you want to be remembered as the Pope's Sword he who cast the infidels back to hell!, he who retook the Holy lands for the Mother Chruch!. I will also give you complete control over the port cities such as Tyre and Acre(I think that was a port city)."

[The Jonathanian States]

"And that is what I needed to know before i order all troops to start.
I mean, I respect your words your holyness but I dont know if the other crusaders and the state themselves will do so too.
Should they do so then i have a way to finance my fleet and to aid the crusade, should they not agree... well a fleet and army are expensive to maintain so I may just let my mercenaries go with the pay for the 4th crusade and then just continue my everyday trading.

"I will make sure they do so too Duke, dont you want to be remembered as the Pope's Sword he who cast the infidels back to hell!, he who retook the Holy lands for the Mother Chruch!. I will also give you complete control over the port cities such as Tyre and Acre(I think that was a port city)."

OOC: It was. But you know that acre still is in the hands of the crusader states dont you?
I mean you may be influental enough there to convince them, and if not I can do so by force with your blessing but you know that right?
IC:
"So Venice would get the recources, and the port cities of Tyre and acre right?"
*The Grand Duke started collecting a plan in his mind.not only he has the ability to funnel almost all of the middle-eastern trade to Venice, but also to own the recources of the holy land.And he knew, that is a deal he may not get again.*

[Liecthenbourg]

"I am...old Duke, I want to see Jerusalem returned to us before I go where God intends on me going and yes, you will get those port cities, and the trading resources that you wish, or atleast the largest share , now on a more lighter note, can we eat?, I am quite hungry and I've always wanted to try famous Venetian food"

[The Jonathanian States]

"I am...old Duke, I want to see Jerusalem returned to us before I go where God intends on me going and yes, you will get those port cities, and the trading resources that you wish, or atleast the largest share , now on a more lighter note, can we eat?, I am quite hungry and I've always wanted to try famous Venetian food"

"Of course.It will be a honour to dine with you."*stands up*should we go to the dining hall?*then looks at a servant*Tell the chefs that we will dine with the pope who wants to taste Venetian food.Tell him to make the best food he can."*looks back at the pope*"I am glad we managed to decide this now.Will you stay for the conference, after the coronation, to tell the message to the other crusaders, or will you do this by a letter?"

[Liecthenbourg]

"I am...old Duke, I want to see Jerusalem returned to us before I go where God intends on me going and yes, you will get those port cities, and the trading resources that you wish, or atleast the largest share , now on a more lighter note, can we eat?, I am quite hungry and I've always wanted to try famous Venetian food"

"Of course.It will be a honour to dine with you."*stands up*should we go to the dining hall?*then looks at a servant*Tell the chefs that we will dine with the pope who wants to taste Venetian food.Tell him to make the best food he can."*looks back at the pope*"I am glad we managed to decide this now.Will you stay for the conference, after the coronation, to tell the message to the other crusaders, or will you do this by a letter?"

"I think I will stay at the conference, if it is ok" *gets up* "I would like to do this in person"

[The Jonathanian States]

"Of course.It will be a honour to dine with you."*stands up*should we go to the dining hall?*then looks at a servant*Tell the chefs that we will dine with the pope who wants to taste Venetian food.Tell him to make the best food he can."*looks back at the pope*"I am glad we managed to decide this now.Will you stay for the conference, after the coronation, to tell the message to the other crusaders, or will you do this by a letter?"

"I think I will stay at the conference, if it is ok" *gets up* "I would like to do this in person"

"Of course it is."

Dining Hall,Dukes Palace,Venice
"And today, we Venetians, dine here with the pope, but tomorrow, tomorrow we either dine in Jerusalem or in Heaven."*cheers*
"Venice has made its decision.We will honour the pope and his crusade and join it."

[Liecthenbourg]

Tyrol smiles before sipping on his wine and then gets up himself "I would like to thank you Venetians, you are very pious indeed, you have been at the Churches side for a long time, you even had your home taken from you, and I apologise for not assiting you enough to get it back sooner, but tomorrow as the Duke said, Jerusalem is waiting, for us to take it"

[Black Marshes]

Longships begin landing in northern France, eastern Britain, northern Germany/ Denmark (Both under the holy Roman Empire's jurisdiction if i'm not mistaken).

They are armed to the teeth with broadswords and battleaxes yet appear to be peaceful, merely looking around and occasionally slaying wild animals. They appear to be making maps.

An English scout arrives at York. "Sire! Vikings! They've landed on the Eastern Shores!"
"The bastards! Send word to London, how many are there?"
"Not many, but more could be on their way."
"Send 500 horsemen to drive them out. I don't want any Norwegians at my doorstep. Make sure we ask them to leave first, only attack if they refuse, I don't want any 'Political Incidents'."
"Yes , sire." and the scout sped off to London to inform the King that Norwegians had landed, and as he left 500 horsemen rode to the beach where the Norwegians had landed.
At the same time England begins building its new device.

[Liecthenbourg]

"Dear King Justin
This is Standing in Head of the Church, Cardinal San-Clair, and I would like you to confirm to me, the Pope and God, that whilst England is Crusading in Iberia (To draw any potential reinforcements away from the Holy Lands) that you will not attack them."

[Riserland]

Longships begin landing in northern France, eastern Britain, northern Germany/ Denmark (Both under the holy Roman Empire's jurisdiction if i'm not mistaken).

They are armed to the teeth with broadswords and battleaxes yet appear to be peaceful, merely looking around and occasionally slaying wild animals. They appear to be making maps.

An English scout arrives at York. "Sire! Vikings! They've landed on the Eastern Shores!"
"The bastards! Send word to London, how many are there?"
"Not many, but more could be on their way."
"Send 500 horsemen to drive them out. I don't want any Norwegians at my doorstep. Make sure we ask them to leave first, only attack if they refuse, I don't want any 'Political Incidents'."
"Yes , sire." and the scout sped off to London to inform the King that Norwegians had landed, and as he left 500 horsemen rode to the beach where the Norwegians had landed.

The landing party is overwhelmed at the sight of 500 horsemen galloping over the horizon, the 20 men and a single dog hastily gather the maps and make for the longships, the British appear to have won the day....

Meanwhile back in Norway, King Gunterson has made Oslo his permanent residence and his plan to increase Norway's population and military might is working like a charm. Days become weeks as his unified collection of warriors grow restless, he sees his neighbors are quite powerful and is faced with a difficult decision. Eventually his blood-lust and desire for riches can be denied no longer....

"Cardinal San Clair, I have reconsidered your offer. My warrior ache for the opportunity to fight- any opportunity at all. I am willing to pledge 2000 of my finest warriors to your little "Crusade" but only for the right price. We accept payment only in silver but in return you will have some of the most brutal and feared fighters in all the north at your disposal."

[Liecthenbourg]

An English scout arrives at York. "Sire! Vikings! They've landed on the Eastern Shores!"
"The bastards! Send word to London, how many are there?"
"Not many, but more could be on their way."
"Send 500 horsemen to drive them out. I don't want any Norwegians at my doorstep. Make sure we ask them to leave first, only attack if they refuse, I don't want any 'Political Incidents'."
"Yes , sire." and the scout sped off to London to inform the King that Norwegians had landed, and as he left 500 horsemen rode to the beach where the Norwegians had landed.

The landing party is overwhelmed at the sight of 500 horsemen galloping over the horizon, they hastily gather their maps and make for the longships, the British appear to have won the day....

Meanwhile back in Norway, King Gunterson has made Oslo his permanent residence and his plan to increase Norway's population and military might is working like a charm. Days become weeks as his unified collection of warriors grow restless, he sees his neighbors are quite powerful and is faced with a difficult decision. Eventually his blood-lust and desire for riches can be denied no longer....

"Cardinal San Clair, I have reconsidered your offer. My warrior ache for the opportunity to fight- any opportunity at all. I am willing to pledge 2000 of my finest warriors to your little "Crusade" but only for the right price. We accept payment only in silver but in return you will have some of the most brutal and feared fighters in all the north at your disposal."

Cardinal San-Clair began chuckling
"THE PAGANS RECONSIDER? AND FOR A PRICE?!!!!"

"Dear Pagan Heretic
This is Cardinal San-Clair responding, and I am not paying you and I never gave you an offer, I asked you if you needed help such as in finances to send us a letter, but you denied being a Catholic, my messanger told me that you burnt the letter and took up Paganism!, so no I will not pay you. Burn in hell"

[Riserland]

The landing party is overwhelmed at the sight of 500 horsemen galloping over the horizon, they hastily gather their maps and make for the longships, the British appear to have won the day....

Meanwhile back in Norway, King Gunterson has made Oslo his permanent residence and his plan to increase Norway's population and military might is working like a charm. Days become weeks as his unified collection of warriors grow restless, he sees his neighbors are quite powerful and is faced with a difficult decision. Eventually his blood-lust and desire for riches can be denied no longer....

"Cardinal San Clair, I have reconsidered your offer. My warrior ache for the opportunity to fight- any opportunity at all. I am willing to pledge 2000 of my finest warriors to your little "Crusade" but only for the right price. We accept payment only in silver but in return you will have some of the most brutal and feared fighters in all the north at your disposal."

Cardinal San-Clair began chuckling
"THE PAGANS RECONSIDER? AND FOR A PRICE?!!!!"

"Dear Pagan Heretic
This is Cardinal San-Clair responding, and I am not paying you and I never gave you an offer, I asked you if you needed help such as in finances to send us a letter, but you denied being a Catholic, my messanger told me that you burnt the letter and took up Paganism!, so no I will not pay you. Burn in hell"

"If this is the case then I'm certain you wont miss the support from the British or the French, goodbye."

Raiding parties assemble in every village, the maps will soon be put to good use.

[Liecthenbourg]

"What does that mean Norway? are you seriously thinking about invaded France and England?"

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

The Great Kievan war fleet was almost done ferrying the armies of the Rus back to Kiev. The epic failure of the Catholics to take Byzantine had boosted moral and irregular recruitment. Now the eyes of Kiev lay upon the Khanates to the East. Already reports of battles between the other Rus countries and the Cumans were coming in. At the order of King Yuri, a Army of 8,000 men was dispatched to the border.

To: Venice
From: Kiev

The Kingdom of Kiev wishes to notify that Venetian Vessels will no longer be tolerated in the Black Sea.

To: Papacy
From: King Yuri

I regretfully inform you that Kiev will NOT participate in said Crusade.

[Liecthenbourg]

The Great Kievan war fleet was almost done ferrying the armies of the Rus back to Kiev. The epic failure of the Catholics to take Byzantine had boosted moral and irregular recruitment. Now the eyes of Kiev lay upon the Khanates to the East. Already reports of battles between the other Rus countries and the Cumans were coming in. At the order of King Yuri, a Army of 8,000 men was dispatched to the border.

To: Venice
From: Kiev

The Kingdom of Kiev wishes to notify that Venetian Vessels will no longer be tolerated in the Black Sea.

To: Papacy
From: King Yuri

I regretfully inform you that Kiev will NOT participate in said Crusade.

To:King Yuri
From:SHC San-Clair

It is alright, I did not expect you to, as you are engaged in your own conflicts correct?

[G-Tech Corporation]

Novgorod, Novgorod Province, Great Russia

The Duke of Nilsky-Novgorod looked intently at his charts as his few military commanders stood by and watched. Reports from merchants from Scandinavia- the few enterprising traders that visited the Norsemens' domain- had spoken recently or military musterings, of longboats putting to sea. In the past Novgorod had been troubled by Viking raiders, but no longer. The few fishing villages on the Baltic and Artic seas that ships could reach each now bore at least a small garrison.

He nodded to himself. Trouble was not anticipated from the Northmen, but if they came he would be ready.

Venetian border, Venice
The Lady Krasta sighed in boredom, affecting ennui, but in reality her spirits were soaring. Duke Alexei Romanov had finally decided to go home, after waiting nearly half a year for the Venetian Duke's coronation. It wasn't proper perhaps, but he and the courtiers had grown too restless and homesick to stay any longer. Though the Venetian winters had been less harsh than those of Great Russia, the nobility were decidedly boring- at least in the Marchioness' mind- and she couldn't wait to get back to some real social engagements. She knew Alexei had left a suitable coronation gift and his apologies, though she couldn't fathom why. Any ruler who would make foreign dignitaries wait after delaying an event again and again hardly deserved the notice of the high blood of the Rus. She sniffed, glad to be gone from such a boorish place.

The caravan rolled north and east, surrounded by armed guards. She was glad; in a months time or so Krasta would be home.