Here I Stand [IC] [Historical]

by **Austria and Bavaria** » Sat Sep 03, 2016 7:24 pm

Here I Stand

"Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other, may God help me. Amen." - Martin Luther

"You know that I am born of the most Christian Emperors of the most noble German nation, of the Catholic kings of Spain…true sons of the Roman church, defenders of the Catholic Faith of the sacred decrees and customs of its worship, who bequeathed all this to me as my heritage and according to whose example I have hitherto lived. Therefore I am determined to hold fast to all that has happened since the Council of Constance. For it is certain that a single monk must err if he stands against the opinion of all Christendom, otherwise Christendom itself would have erred for over a thousand years."- Emperor Charles V

It is the Year of Our Lord Fifteen Twenty One, and Christendom has been cloven asunder. Beginning as a protest against the corruptions present within the Clergy of the Catholic Church, has now flared into a full revolt. Pope Leo X has excommunicated the rogue monk Martin Luther, whose posting of his 95 Theses sparked the beginning of the religious strife that now divides Europe. Hoping for a peaceful settlement, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V has called for an Imperial Diet to be held in the City of Worms. But the young emperor, ruler of the largest demesne in Christendom, has even greater troubles on the horizon. King Francis I, the King of France, greedily eyes the Habsburg holdings in Italy, and seeks to enrich France at the expense of all others. The German Princes bicker among themselves, some earnestly adopting Luther's teachings, while others support the Protestant cause for personal gain. Little is done to correct the abuses of the clergy, simony and nepotism run wild even in the Vatican itself, despite the efforts of men such as John Eck and Thomas More. The cracks in the unity of Christendom may soon well grow to be great gulfs, and alas, soon all Europe shall now the fury of the Wars of Religion. It is too late for resolution by words, despite the efforts of some noble few. Now cometh the sword.

Greetings, and welcome to Here I Stand, a Roleplay of the turbulent years of the early 16th Century. Players will take control of the nations of Europe and the Near East. Rulers will have to face the political and religious strife of the great upheavals as a result of Martin Luther's defiance of the Catholic Church. Furthermore, one can also sponser artists, scientists, and philosophers who appear in the various courts of Europe from time to time. In this Age of Discovery, one can also fund expeditions to the New World, from which tales of veritable cities of gold have trickled back to to Europe. Indeed, Spanish Conquistadors led by Hernan Cortez are already conquering the Aztec Empire, allying themselves with the numerous enemies of the Aztecs. The Princes of this age have many paths to glory, but also to ruin. The choice is yours.

MAP
OOC THREAD

OP - Austria and Bavaria
Co-OP - Of the Quendi

~ Rules ~

1. The word of the OP (Me) and Co-OP (None atm) is law.

2. No Powergaming, Metagaming, etc.

3. Be polite, rudeness is not appreciated. Be considerate and kind towards your fellow players

4. Be reasonable and retain historical accuracy and realism.

5. Please, post regularly. Inactivity is what kills RPs.

6. Don't be too fast. Rome wasn't built in a day, and major changes do not happen overnight.

7. Please, use proper grammar and spelling. Typos and other errors are tolerable from time to time, but consistent poor spelling/ grammar is not acceptable.

by **Paketo** » Sat Sep 03, 2016 8:25 pm

Duke Ulrich
Duke of Württemberg in exile

January 1521
Near Paris, France

How long had it been since Ulrich had been forced into exile by that accursed Swabian league. Forced from his homeland because of those bastards and his former wife. Now all he had left was several thousand loyal men, his son and his daughter. Ulrich had been traveling throughout Switzerland and Germany coming into the court of Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse, who he had found a friend in. Over his travels, his dreams had never been extinguished wanting to reclaim his rightful place as Duke. After leaving Hesse, he found himself now near the capitol of the French Monarchy. This was a land that opposed the Hapsburgs and potential partner in restoring Württemberg to its rightful ruler.

They had pitched camp for the night about half a day away from the capitol. When night fell, Ulrich's son Christoph came to his father's tent followed by a peculiar man. The boy was only the tender age of six and could have been in the Hapsburg court if not for his own intervention keeping Christoph close by. That Hapsburg court was the very one who placed him under imperial ban twice and didn't stop those bastards of the Swabian league from exiling him. As his thoughts shifted to the man behind his son, his attire reminded him of those reformers he met while in Hesse. While the teachings of these men's did resonate a little with him, the real reason he had thought of conversion was the monetary gain. No longer would the clergy be able to grow their coffers so large and he would be able to size these great hordes of loot. He was driven out of his thoughts as his son began to speak to Ulrich. "Father, this man wanted to see you." stated Christoph in a tone of near reverence. The boy highly respected his father as any young boy does. "Thank you Christoph" responded his father to the boy before the boy ran off, no doubt to rejoin his sister who he seemed to stick close with during their journey.

Ulrich waited for the man to speak and he seeing he was expected to speak first, the man began "Good Duke Ulrich, my name is Hans Baldung and I wish to take service under you. I believe your travels will be great use to me for material and you will have your quest to restore your title onto canvas". Ulrich thought he heard that name before, Hans Baldung. "Wasn't he a rather renowned painter?" thought Ulrich which would be confirmed by Hans' words a moment later. Ulrich took a look of thought on his face though he had already made his decision. "I don't have much in the way of money to pay you but if you choose to take service as my court painter, you will get your fair share of bread and wine. Do we have a deal good sir?" answered Ulrich sticking out his hand. Hans shook Ulrich's hand gladly before responded "I will gladly take the position my lord.".

by **Vaaz** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 6:43 am

*Reserving intensifies for future IC post*

by **Greater Slavic Union** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 8:25 am

Ludvik had just attended a diet with the Hungarian nobles, while a duke came to him. He was not Hungarian.

"Yes, Duke?"

"Your Majesty, I come here from Bohemia."

"Really? I always loved Bohemia. Go, tell me."

"Some of the Bohemian nobles have revolted."

"Why? What do they ask?"

"The recognisation of the Bohemian language and the recognisation of the Hussite heresy."

"Is not the Catholic Chirstianity supposed to have agreements with the Hussites, which recognize their claims?"

"We should."

"Good. Give the Czech, Hungarian, Croatian, and Latin Languages the status of official languages, and give freedom of religion for the Bohemians and everybody who is not Catholic."

"It will be done."

In that moment, Ludvik knew he had made a very riskious step. But the following one would have been far more riskious.

In the meanwhile, a 2,000 strong reinforcement column from Croatia started heading towards Belgrade, as the Commonwealth ordered 50 cannons to be built.

by **Austria and Bavaria** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 9:42 am

Events, January, 1521

England
The scientist and mathematician Johannes Schoner has travelled to the court of England seeking patronage and funds for his research into mathematics and astronomy.

Julich-Cleves-Berg
The famed painter and engraver Albrecht Altdorfer has journeyed to the court of Cleves seeking commissions.

Wurttemberg
Hans Baldung, noted for his paintings and prints, has arrived at the court of Duke Ulrich seeking commission.

Ottoman Empire
The Turkish Admiral and Scientist Piri Reis has petitioned the Sultan for funds to create a great atlas of the known world. Piri Reis is already famed for his maps, which are renowned for their detail and quality.

France

A number of sea captains, mainly from Brittany and Normandy, have petitioned the King of France to issue them Letters of Marque, which would allow them to raid English and Spanish shipping in the North Atlantic, as well as an opportunity to raid the famed Spanish Treasure Fleets.

by **Austria and Bavaria** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 10:43 am

The United Duchies of Jülich-Cleves-Berg

Duke John III had high hopes for the Imperial Diet in Worms, having just departed on his journey to Worms. He had put all his affairs in order before leaving, including commissioning the recently arrived Albrecht Altdorfer to paint a series of Old Testament scenes. Given the great wealth of the United Duchies, the Duke was more than happy to fund the arts and sciences. He had also written letters to his old friend and famed humanist Desiderius Erasmus, asking advice on ruling the realm he had so recently inherited. Like Erasmus, the Duke earnestly hoped for a peaceful resolution to the religious conflict, something he would strive hard to achieve at the Diet. While certainly Catholic, the Duke understood where many of Luther's grievances came from. The corruption and nepotism of the Pope Leo X was nothing short of scandalous, and the recent memories of the shameless immorality of Pope Alexander VI and the military campaigns of Pope Julius II did little to help the situation. An authentic reform of the church was needed, but if the Princes and Clerics bickered, or God forbid, began warring each other, the situation would only deteriorate. John also hoped that the Diet would provide the opportunity to arrange advantages marriages for his children, given that nearly every Prince of the Empire would be in attendance. He could now only pray that the others would keep cool and level heads, and find a reasonable solution to the crisis.

The Duke was travelling with a small escort of knights, along with three score reiters. He wore travel clothes, but had brought finer clothes to wear at the Diet. His wife had remained in Cleves with the children, but he had brought his half-brother Heinrich along. Heinrich was a bastard, one of over sixty children the late Duke John II had scattered around Germany. Heinrich had shown a considerable proficiency with arms at a young age, and was one of the few illegitimate children of the late Duke to gain any position within the House of La Marck. He now acted as a bodyguard of sorts to John, and also as the master of the Ducal Household Cavalry. The priest Conrad von Emmerich was also in attendance; the court chaplain of Cleves as well as a Dominican noted for his humanist ideals, who would hopefully prove useful at the council.

by **Greater Slavic Union** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 10:49 am

Ludvik had just now realized what did he do when he ordered the beheading of the Ottoman ambassador the previous year.

He asked for one of his diplomats to speak with him.

"We will officially excuse with the Ottomans, go to Istanbul and tell them this. Tell the Sultan we will not, however, pay any tribute. We wish, instead, to build peaceful and good relations between our two countries. Thus we will pay a 200,000 florin reparation to your country for the beheading of his ambassador. But he should not attack Belgrade or Szabacs, in our lands."

"The message will be given"

Later that day, the creation of the Bohemian-Hungarian Comonwealth - Česko-Maďarský Společenstvi in Czech, Czeh-Magyar Nemzetközösség in Hungarian - was proclaimed.

Just Ludvik, as king of Bohemia, started his trip to Worms.

by **Pacific Brotherhood of Steel** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 12:04 pm

- KINGDOM OF POLAND -

Wawel Castle, Krakow
Sigismund the Old

Sigismund walked carefully through his castle, making sure not to disturb any of the workers bringing in paintings and sculptures. Bona was absolutely engrossed in this 'Renaissance' as they called it in her native tongue. She had been constantly commissioning new works of art that were now being placed in the castle. Though they were nice to look at it cost a lot of money to have all this done, but it made Bona happy so Sigismund was content with paying a bit of money.

Sigismund turned the corner to the sound of gleeful giggling. Sigismund knew that sound by heart. It seemed Hedwig and Bona were getting along well. It was good seeing as Barbara had died and left her without a mother. Sigismund reached the end of the hallway and opened the wooden door before him. "Daddy" was all he heard before Hedwig slammed into him at full speed. Sigismund hoisted her up in one hand as she wrapped her hands around his neck. "Ah, how is my little bear? Been good for mom while I was gone?" Hedwig bobbed her head up and down affirming what Sigismund had said. He gently put her down and looked up at his wife. She sat in a rather large oaken chair, their son sleeping in her lap.

Sigismund walked beside Bona and planted a kiss on her forehead. He then bent down and whispered into her ear, "I bear bad news, Bona. I think it would be best if Hedwig took Little Sigis to his room." Bona waved at Hedwig who skipped over towards the two. "Take your little brother while your father and I talk." Hedwig scooped up little Sigismund into her arms and promptly left with her little brother.

Bona stood up from the chair and wrapped her arms around Sigismund's waist pulling him towards her. "What has happened my love?" Sigismund sighed heavily, looking out of the window to his left. "Rumors of war hang in the air like a foul stench. The Hungarians, brash as they are, killed an Ottoman diplomat and refused to pay tribute. Though I can't say I'm not against sticking it to the Turkish bastards, they chose an inopportune moment to do so." Sigismund looked down back at Bona. "And even worse the Ruthenian's grow restless in the east. I fear we may also face a rebellion. Troubled times lay ahead and I dread of what may happen."

Bona looked up into Sigismund's eyes. They were dark and full of fear. Not only for Poland and it's peoples, but for his family. The Turks were unforgiving. "What of our allies? Could we not strike the Turks down?" Sigismund shook his head answering her question silently. "The problem is the damn French and Muscovites. They would surely take oppertunity against us."

Sigismund then pulled away from Bona and shook his head yet again. "I'd rather not speak of this anymore. I need something to take my mind off of all of this." Bona smirked slightly and walked to the door. She found the Brass lock and twisted it with ease. She brought herself to the bed in the room and beckoned over Sigismund. "I know of something we could do for that." Sigismund all the while smiled. He had a wonderful wife, he thought. But in the back of his mind dread pulled against him. It seemed as if the world was coming down around him. No matter though, he had far more important matters to attend to.

by **Paketo** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 1:09 pm

Duke Ulrich
Duke of Württemberg in exile

January 1521
Near Paris, France

Daybreak the next day, Ulrich was up to watch the sunrise. It became something of a daily ritual to him. Something routine that he could do while in exile. The brilliant orange and red hues streaked across seeming to paint a picture. Ulrich was unaware of the painter Hans about 25 meters behind him painting the scene. It would be the first in a hopefully long list of pieces the artist would make while in the service of Ulrich. This was a time of though for Ulrich and he had very important thoughts on his mind currently. He had begun to doubt whether his decision to try and gain service under the king of France was truly a good idea. Sure the French king was powerful but could he beat the Hapsburgs? This was also a new emperor, not the one who had banned him twice. Was turning his back on emperor he was supposed to serve truly a wise idea?

The Duke was deep in thought and stood in place watching the sunrise for nearly a hour though the sunrise had been long over by the time he finished his contemplation. He remembered hearing of a certain Duke named John who was nicknamed the peaceful. He had heard passing remarks about him while ruling Württemberg but never truly learned about him till Ulrich spent time in the court of Phillip I of Hesse. Ulrich had also heard he recently inherited two other duchies allowing him a powerful voice in the matters of empire. This Duke John was also renowned at being truly amicable to the reformists though catholic himself. If there was a someone who could help Ulrich get back his rightful land, it would be John of House La Marck. He was not involved with Swabian league and his indifference to reformists meant he would not hold anything against Ulrich. This was the one man who could help Ulrich gain back his duchy without having to ally with the French and go into open hostility with the house he used to serve.

With these thoughts in mind Ulrich pinned a letter to Duke John and sent it by rider which would most likely reach him at the diet within a week. Ulrich would make camp here for a month and if his efforts to win back his duchy diplomatically failed, he would go to Paris and take service with the French.

by **Max Empire** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 1:24 pm

Suleiman the Magnificent
January 1521
Topkapı Palace, Kostantiniyye, Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Sultan smirked as he looked over several maps in the map room. In his sight was a map of the North-Western Balkan. Specifically the border with the Kingdom of Hungary. He had originally planned on sieging Rhodes, but that was going to have to wait. The Hungarians had refused to pay tribute since 1520 and made that clear by sending him his ambassador's head. He was going to get revenge. He was going to crush the Hungarians and make them pay for the insult. He was going to beat them down so hard the rest of Europe would just surrender! They even had the nerve to send a diplomat to apologize but refuse to pay tribute! He just had the man cut up and sent back to the King of Hungary in pieces.

Besides, he had a large army and a navy and he needed to do something with them. Piri Reis for example had offered to make a great atlas of the known world. Something which Suleiman just couldn't say no to. He had given the man everything he needed and his seal of approval. He had also requested extra attention be paid to the Mediterranean, so he would know what was in store for him when he expanded there.

He had heard that the infidel leaders were all meeting somewhere in Germania, so he was going to use that as a distraction and attack Belgrade. He had begun assembling troops and was going to be ready to leave by the end of the month with a small force, with small amounts of troops arriving as reinforcements as time went on. He also wanted to see some new military tactics his military officers had come up with. He had also ordered more artillery be built for his army. He was going to need all the firepower, tactical edges and help from Allah he could get to fight the infidels.

by **Western Pacific Territories** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 8:42 pm

Saõ Cayin de Dódrequez, Costa do Ouro
Coast of Gold Colony, Portugal

Saò Cayin de Dódrequez was by far one of the most important Portugese cities located outside of mainland Europe itself. Portugal had a well functioning colony here that had been in existence for several decades already, and was certainly one of Portugals cash cows. It was the spice trade that made the nation so glamorously wealthy off of trade. However though, that wasn't to say that it was only the spice trade that brought in wealth. All other kinds of markets contributed, ivory, gold, slaves, jewels, relics, all of it flowed into the colonial capital in the Portugese dominated Gold Coast. On the other hand though, the political situation was getting a bit more complicated. Manuel I's previous reign had left a train wreck in the colonies and John the Third was determined to reshuffle the governorships to his use, so that perhaps the precious, and tenuous bureaucracy could be simplified and stabilized.

This colony only made up some of the spice money flowing into Lisbon, the numerous trading posts in the Far East and Ceylon, under Portugals control played a huge part. Such a huge part in fact that the island of Socotra was conquered in part because ships to and from India could result there. On the other side of things, Socotra also was near a Ottoman held Mecca. It was thought that that may become a asset later in its own time. To add insult to injury, Karaman Island was taken in 1513 as well, bolstering the presence there.

Portugal had further ambitions in the region that could hopefully be achieved as well. A new land was discovered in where Porto Seguro now was, but of the time being Portugal would rather focus in a better known West Africa. As the maps showed, Portugals colonies were in the east of the long coastline of West Africa. The long term goal would be to expand west and establish more trade outposts and colonies there to enrich Portugal.

Goa, Índias Orientais
East Indies Colony, Portugal

Goa was the center of trade on the Indian Ocean for Portugal. Here was the capital of all the settlements and ports in India, of which there were numerous, among them being Dui and Kochi. Here, here Portugal dominated the region. England, France and Spain all did not have colonies in the region. Goa was both one of the first outposts and the capital and administrative center. Colonization wouldn't happen here, the region was far too numerous with potential enemies and Portugal had little hope against them.

Here as well was a merchant fleet of the Kingdom of Portugal, attempting to imitate the Spanish Treasure Fleets but not really trying too hard. The merchant fleet, led by the Nuestrõ Seina del Orientais, a large warship with cannons, similar in appearance to a Venetian galleass, which escorted maybe a dozen other merchants. This fleet would be carrying a large amount of gold and spices such as pepper to Socotra, then south to Sofala, around the Cape of Good Hope and northwards to Saõ Cayin de Dódrequez, then to Lisbon.

by **Austria and Bavaria** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 8:43 pm

The United Duchies of Jülich-Cleves-Berg

The Duke was glad to rest a few days in Julich after his ride southward. Not only did he have a chance to exchange horses and get a good rest, he would have a chance to meet with the castellan and the mayor of Julich, who ruled the city in his stead. He could also make some public appearances to the people, nearly always an excellent method to gain popular support. Indeed, the next few days went very well, for the Duke was able to hold court for three days, addressing the grievances of various subjects and judging several cases brought before him. On the fourth day, he departed, travelling southward to Koblenz, a city owned by the Bishop of Trier, where he rested for a day before continuing onward to Mainz. Upon arrival in Mainz, his party joined that of the Prince-Bishop of Mainz, Albert of Brandenburg, who was also headed to the Diet. They talked little, especially since Duke John had a considerable distaste for the elector, who borrowed over twenty-one thousand ducats from the Fugger banks to purchase his pallium, as well as to pay for his expenses of his elevation. The Elector had also procured the services of Johann Tetzel, who the Duke utterly despised. Tetzel was a Dominican monk infamous for his abuse of indulgences which led directly to Luther's revolt. The thought of riding with the elector positively galled the Duke, but there was no way to avoid it, at least not a polite way.

Upon arriving in Worms, the Duke was rather surprised to find that there was a letter waiting there for him, from the exiled Duke Ulrich of Wurttemberg, in which the Duke asked for John to intercede for him before the Diet, and stating that he would be forever in the debt of the Duke of Cleves should the Duke, though his influence, obtain the forgiveness that Duke Ulrich so desired. It certainly sounded promising, the Duke had been in exile for some time, and his quarrel had been with the now-deceased Emperor Maximilian. Furthermore, Cleves would do well to have allies, and this was a chance ripe with prospects. The Duke asked one of his servants to pen a letter to the Duke confirming that he would intercede on his behalf, and then took a short nap, before he would at last head to the Heylshof Garden where the Diet would be held in a few days.

by **Second Helghan Empire** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 4:17 am

The Kremlin of Moscow, Seat of the Arch Duchy of Muscovy Greatest of the Principalities of Rus, and the Eastern Orthodox Church

The Grand Prince craned his neck to see the well drawn maps placed before him. Works done by one of his finest cartographer, a man who was rightfully proud of his work, and who currently stood along the Grand Prince and answered questions and pointed out important marks. Vasili III carefully traced his finger over the thick pages and followed outlines of borders, roads, and rivers. He had small amounts of troops southeast of Moscow tied up in the act of consolidating his claims to Ryazan, having jailed it's leader in the Kremlin for refusing to pay his tribute and recognize Vasili as the Grand Prince. A requirement of course should he wish to retain Ryazan's pseudo autonomy. Yet now as Muscovite soldiers ensured that Ryazan transferred into Vasili's direct control by seizing de facto control and command over the fighting force and governing nobles of the minor Principality their power became a portion of his. A simple solution to ensure even more control was to move the Ryazan troops now also under his command but not directly loyal to him to move to the Crimean Khanate border. He felt any incursion there would be one the Rus of Ryazan would be equally happy to fight as a Rus of Kiev or even Moscow.

While he did wish to visualize the route his men there took southward to bolster any defenses that needed it, he had more pressing matters. Europe as always was a mixed bag of problems and gifts. To his direct West the Poles seemed to waver on the point of supporting their allies in hungary, the Hungarians, in their evident wisdom had refused tribute to the Turks and insulted the Sultan in Constantinople with their return of a diplomat's head only. An Interesting and possibly helpful instance. Furthermore, cracks were forming in the Holy Roman Empire as new forms of Christians seemed to emerge. Those calling themselves, Lutherans. That would undoubtedly fracture Europe in ways unimaginable.

Vasili with his nearby advisers, including one of his brothers worked on the point of what course of Action should be taken at present. With Ryazan weeks away from total control and a possible war between Hungary and the Turks brewing Vasili felt as if his decision was made for him. He gathered a collection of riders guards and diplomats and briefed them of what he wished them to do.

A diplomat along with guard and riders to expedite communication between himself and the diplomat was to travel to Krakow, and Meet with the King of Poland. They were to discuss a possible alliance to stall and reverse Ottoman and Ottoman Vassal expansion into Europe. To Further that same train of thought, another Diplomat along with entourage was sent to Aachen to meet with the King of Hungary and deliver a claim of support for any move of Hungary breaking from the hegemony of the Turks. It was in this that Vasili hoped he could leverage against the Ottoman Empire and there by his own growing influence in Eastern Europe, For surely Europeans would wish a powerful Christian nation as the dominant one in the nation as compared to a powerful muslim nation.

Following this He retired to his personal chambers and went to sleep for the night.

North East of Kursk, Ryazan Reinforcement Force Bound for the Southern Border.

Youngest brother of Vasili III, Prince Andrey led his new command southwards. His destination was Kiev, his direction from Vasili had simply been to move the excess forces built up in Ryazan south to the border and wait. Not something Andrey was fond of doing but something he was obligated to do by his oath and support of his brother. Andrey simply hoped that whatever it was Vasili was working on, would come to fruition. His force was not large in all honesty, it's main purpose being to siphon power from the disgruntled Ryazan Duchy and secondary to add a bit of canon fodder to the more veteran Kiev region fighting forces. His troops numbered only three thousand Moscow Infantry, and only another four thousand Ryazan Infantry. His power was mostly behind the 600 Muscovite cavalry and 1,200 Ryazan cavalry. He had never been in command of such a force before, though he had painted the thought of his first force that contained different forces of Rus soldiers, this would be a good experience for a fresher military leader whether he saw combat or not.

by **Tracian Empire** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 6:54 am

The Most Serene Republic of Venice
Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia
Serenìsima Repùblica Vèneta

"Pax tibi, Marce, Evangelista meus. Hic requiescet corpus tuum!"

Theme

One Flag, one Language, one History!
Give us culture, strenght and glory!
And they feed the future brightness,
Of the great People sons of Saint Mark!
Young and old, boys and girls,
Who hold the Lion in their hearts!
They never give up,
They build up the foundations of a new tomorrow!

Ah. Venice. Venezia. Perhaps, the richest city in the known world. The capital of the Most Serene Republic... a center of trade, of arts, of culture.. the city of water, the city of canals. Venice was truly a wonder. As Philippe de Commines wrote of Venice, “It is the most splendid city I have ever seen, and the one which governs itself the most wisely." Under the rule of the wise republic, Venice had expanded, becoming one of the greatest powers of the Mediterranean, the richest Italian state.. the only state able to keep the Ottomans at bay in the Mediterranean Sea. Although weakened by the expansion of the Infidels, and the endless Italian Wars... Venice was still a power that couldn't be easily ignored. But its situation was rather tricky, as the Serenissima is surrounded by possible friends and enemies from everywhere... the ever expanding infidel Ottomans, which however knew how to earn the friendship of the Venetians through negotiations. The Papal States, at odds with Venice due to religious issues and the problem of Romagna.. which, led the Pope however, could serve as the center to a new call for a Crusade. Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburgs, eager to weaken the power and influence of Venice, but also possible allies against the Ottomans. Hungary, Venice's old regional rival, still in tense relations with Venice due to the War of the League of Cambrai, could really use Venice's help against the Ottomans. France, once an enemy of Venice was now formally allied with the Serenissima... but with the clouds of a new Italian war at the horizon, would Venice profit more from neutrality?

Leonardo Loredan, the current Doge, was old, but he was still the formal leader of the Most Serene Republic. Before he died at least, he was going to at least try to convince the other powers of the necessity of a crusade against the Ottomans, which for now at least, threatened the Venetian possessions in the Eastern Mediterranean. At the very least, he could buy some time this way... time to prepare Venice for a new Italian War, in order to avoid the disasters of the past. But whatever would happen, the Most Serene Republic would endure, as it did in the past. For not many where those who could truly threaten the Serenissima..

by **Of the Quendi** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 7:24 am

The Papal States
The City of Rome

Cardinal Giulio di Giuliano de Medici, Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church

1521 AD

A seasoned diplomat and political operative that through his offices of cardinal-nephew and confidante to the Holy Father, and by extension also Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church, was experienced in both the complexity of Vatican politics and the delicate balancing exercise that was foreign policy, Cardinal de Medici was not often caught totally by surprise. The King of Hungary, a young boy of fifteen known chiefly for his inability to exercise control over his kingdom, a trait Cardinal de Medici prayed was not a hereditary one but merely the result of the king's youth, none the less managed to do just so. Confusing and bizarre reports had reached the Papal States from the Magyar Kingdom.

Among his many high offices Cardinal de Medici had the dubious honor of being Cardinal Protector of Hungary. Just then it was a privilege the Cardinal Nephew would have preferred to be without. If reports could be trusted it seemed the child king of Hungary had issued certain highly heterodox religious decrees in Bohemia that would have more rightly been the providence of Holy Mother Church. At the same time the feckless ruler had apparently declared his two states, Hungary and Bohemia, to be united. What the independent Hungarian magnates thought of that idea, remained to be seen, and what the apparently resurrected Hussite heretics of Bohemia thought about their kingdom uniting with a Catholic one was equally unknown. Personally Cardinal de Medici didn't give the child king good odds.

Under different circumstances the haphazard recklessness of the King of Hungary would not much have interested Cardinal de Medici, but as the Turkish threat grew greater and greater a stable and capable government in Hungary was a priority for the Papal States. Pope Leo had recently made shoring up Christendom's exposed eastern borders a priority and Hungary was absolutely essential to achieve that goal. A clueless king on the Hungarian throne was a disaster for the Church.

A thought occurred to Cardinal de Medici. A dangerous and vile thought but one he could not easily shake. Louis II had no children, his closest heir was his sister Anna who was betrothed to Prince Ferdinand of Spain, a scion of the powerful Habsburg dynasty, brother of the king-emperor. The Cardinal Nephew shook his head of the thought. However foolish the Hungarian ruler, the deposition of a king was no simple manner and was bound to cause commotion that would not be conducive to the organization of an effective defense of the East.

The Cardinal Nephew sighed. To Hell with reckless princes, the frustrated cardinal thought. Then he got up from his seat, beckoned for his secretary to attend him. "Send for the Hungarian ambassador, that he may explain the actions of his sovereign." Cardinal de Medici ordered.

by **Apostolic Hungary** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 11:02 am

Emperor and King Charles V & I of the House of Austria
The Imperial Free City of Worms

"Carolus, by the grace of God, Roman Emperor Elect, forever August, King of Germany, of Italy, of Bohemia, of Hungary, of Dalmatia and Croatia, King of all Spains, of Castile, Aragon, León, Navarra, Grenada, Toledo, Valencia, Galicia, Majorca, Sevilla, Cordova, Murcia, Jaén, Algarves, Algeciras, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, King of Two Sicilies, of Sardinia, Corsica, King of Jerusalem, King of the Western and Eastern Indies, of the Islands and Mainland of the Ocean Sea, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Lorraine, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Limburg, Luxembourg, Gelderland, Neopatria, Württemberg, Landgrave of Alsace, Prince of Swabia, Asturia and Catalonia, Count of Flanders, Habsburg, Tyrol, Gorizia, Barcelona, Artois, Burgundy Palatine, Hainaut, Holland, Seeland, Ferrette, Kyburg, Namur, Roussillon, Cerdagne, Drenthe, Zutphen, Margrave of the Roman Empire, Burgau, Oristano and Gociano, Lord of Frisia, the Wendish March, Pordenone, Biscay, Molin, Salins, Tripoli and Mechelen." the sable and golden robed herald intoned, in the style of somber intonation that had scarcely changed since the days of Charlemagne, the blessed first Emperor whose feast was now fast approaching. Bells pealed, shouts and cries rang through the streets as amidst three hundred knights in splendid and regal panoply he rode, the Mitre-Crowned Lord of the World, Monarch of all the Potentates of the Earth. And perhaps the greatest of them since Blessed Carolus Magnus thought the young King-Emperor, a smile briefly appearing on his bearded face. But only briefly, for many troubles beset his mind, and while the sun never set on his vast domains, the storm clouds were already arising. The rebels in Castile would be easily dealt with, that was certain. And this lunatic monk preaching in Wittenberg would receive the Imperial Ban if he indeed proved heretical and not merely harmlessly insane.

No, what troubled him was the stirrings in the Empire, the heartland of Europe itself, now threatened by pagans and traitors within Christendom, pretentious Kings, perfidious Republics- it was of little consequence. God's will first and foremost, that was the heritage he had received from his venerable grandfather the Emperor Maximilian, and his lineage of the Most Catholic Kings of Spain. The procession of Knights and Heralds had arrived at the Heylshof Garden, those nobles who had already arrived assembling to greet them. Neither the Archduke Ferdinand nor the Bohemian King had yet reached Worms, but the Archduke would be arriving on the morrow according to his last message to Burgundy- if all went well.

by **Greater Slavic Union** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 2:40 pm

Česko-Maďarský Společenstvi
Czeh-Magyar Nemzetközösség
Ambassador to the Papal States, Karel Nadručostvý z Hradce Králové

"Does your highness the envoy want wine? the Ambassador to the Papal States, Karel Nadručostvý z Hradce Králové, filling a glass with white wine and offering to the Pope's envoy.
"Really, do you want this wine, envoy? I am seriously offering you this wine, feel free to accept."

"I... do not drink, your Highness."

Karel was astonished: he was a devouted Hussite, and had always thought Catholics were luxurious non-Chistians, but he now had to completely overhaul the way he thought Catholics were.

"What do you believe in, evoy?"

"Excuse me, Your Highness?"

"Are you Christian?"

"Sure, Your Highness."

"And are you Catholic, or do you belong to another fraction of the People of God?"

"I am a Catholic, Your Highness."

"Good. However, I now want to know why your superiors at the Vatican told you to ask me."

"I have come here to ask Your Highness the Ambassador to explain the actions of His Highness the King of the Bohemian-Hungarian Commonwealth Ludvik I, and what is the goal of the actions of your sovereign."

"Take a sit, envoy." said Karel, then, he slowly walked towards the window. He stared at the sky and admired the panorama for almost two minutes, before turning back to the envoy.
"This is a really wonderful day, isn't it, envoy?"

"Sure, but why does Your Highness ask me this?"

"Here in Rome the day is always wonderful. Warm weather. Wonderful monuments. Nice people. We have nice people in the Commonwealth too. And we have beautiful cities too. One thing we have which you do not have, however, is an infidel Empire just at our southern border, which is always on the brink of attacking us. And another thing we have which you do not have is being a religiously-divided country. Let's suppose the northern part of your country was partially independent and protestant, and that every attempt to crush such a religion had failed. And let's suppose Naples was Muslim, while Northern Italy was divided between Spain and the Serenisima Repubblica Veneta. Are you following me?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now, let's suppose Naples had two times your population. Let's also suppose you are in a state of de-facto unending war with Naples. And let's even suppose your northern neighbours would like to see your country dead. Well, let's say they do not care if you fall. Do you follow me?"

"Sure."

"Well, taking into account your northern regions are very rich, and account for nearly a half of your country's population. What would you do? Would you continue to rule to separate countries, having to deal with separate problems, instead of unifying them and having to deal with with all problems all at once?"

"I would do the second thing you enounced."

"Good. And if you cannot trust that northern region unless you do not give them freedom of religion, what would you, knowing that region is vital for your army, do? Would you give them freedom, or would you crush their expectations? Do not think as a believer: think as a head of state."

"If I needed them so desperately, I would give them freedom."

"Good. Now you can go back to your superiors and tell them what did the King of the Bohemian-Hungarian Commonwealth. But before, let's pray together: a Hussite and a Catholic."

"What?"

"I am a Hussite, and I believe we two praying together would be the best sign of reconciliation after the Hussite Crusades, also called Bohemian Wars."

"I will. After all, we are all Christians."

They prayed together, saluted themselves, and then the envoy went back to refer what he had been told, just as a request for ten fuste, eight galeotte, and two galee bastarde to be built was brought to the Doge of the Serenisima Repubblica Veneta.

by **Of the Quendi** » Tue Sep 06, 2016 6:30 am

The Papal States
The Lateran Palace
The City of Rome

Cardinal Giulio di Giuliano de Medici, Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church

1521 AD

From frustration to jubilation within the span of a few hours, Cardinal Giulio de Medici entered the private apartments of his uncle, the Vicar of Christ, with a giddy excitement that would have befitted a young naive altar boy better than a middle aged prince of the church.

The Pope, Leo X, a man of many virtues, urbane, cultured, rich in wit and learning, well versed in both literature and cannon law, charitable and generous of spirit, was a man of forty five years whose physical presence did not do his spirit justice. He was a corpulent man, the result of a love of food, with a tendency to sweat rather profusely. He was sluggish of movement with his thin legs barely able to sustain his great corpus. But what the supreme pontiff lacked in physical appearance he more than made up for in pleasant demeanor. He had an agreeable voice, knew how to express himself with elegance and vivacity, and his manner was always easy and gracious. He was a Medici and he was a renaissance prince the like of which the papacy had not hitherto known.

Though believed by some to be indolent and indifferent to the office he held, as Cardinal de Medici entered the papal apartments he found his cousin absentmindedly gazing out one of the windows of the suite. A quick glance allowed the Cardinal to guess his cousin's thoughts. The Pope gazed northwestwards. Though such wonders of the ancient world as the Colosseum, the Partheon and the Castel Sant'Angelo lay in that direction Cardinal de Medici knew that it was not these structures that dominated the view of the city of Rome that had caught the straying eyes of the Pope. No, only the Basilica of Saint Peter, half hid by the imposing walls of the Colosseum that would have drawn Leo's gaze. No man disinterested in the work required of the pope could have so fully and uncompromisingly as Leo had thrown themselves behind the task of rebuilding and restoring the principal church of Christendom. Behind his worldly demeanor and hedonistic disposition Leo had the makings of a great pope and a good christian.

There ended Cardinal de Medici's musings as his cousin turned towards him and gave him a warm smile. "Cousin, what can We do for you today." The Pope asked, extending his hand lazily towards de Medici. The Cardinal Nephew rapidly, almost irreverently, kissed the ring of the fisherman that graced the plump hand of his cousin. "Holy Father, I bring joyous news from Venice." Declared the Cardinal, waving in his hand the letter he had received from that city which had effected his total change of mood.

Curiously Leo raised an eyebrow before receiving the missive from Cardinal de Medici, beginning to read. As he read the Pope's expression changed from one of mild curiosity and amusement to one of joy and excitement, and then finally to one of awe and wonder. "A miracle." The Pope spoke softly. "You have procured for me a miracle, cousin, the only one I have ever witnessed." He said.

The Cardinal Nephew, who knew flattery for what it was, modestly shrugged while a big smile refused to abandon his features. "A miracle of man's working then, Holiness, but not my working I am ashamed to say. This is an initiative of the Venetians themselves in which I have no part." Cardinal de Medici replied. "Even better." Pope Leo X declared. "Then they are clearly keen on this enterprise." He spoke.

The pope looked from the letter to his cousin. "You must meet with the Venetian envoys to answer this offered olive branch. God willingly we may yet have peace among the Christian princes of Italy." Declared the pope. Cardinal de Medici nodded eagerly. The letter from the Doge was a golden opportunity not to be missed. The cardinal bowed, kissed the ring of the fisherman once more, and departed to write the doge of Venice on the Pope's behalf.

To the Most Serene and Illustrious Doge of Venice, Leonardo Loredan, does his eminence Guilio Cardinal de Medici, on behalf of His Holiness Leo X, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the servants of God, sends best wishes and regards,

His Holiness the Pope has expressed his enthusiasm for the proposal of Your Serene Highness, and welcomes the chance to bridge the division and discord that has existed between the Most Serene Republic and Holy Mother Church. Division in Christendom at a time when the Balkans is set upon by a Turkish menace every bit as terrible as any before faced by Holy Mother Church, is surely an ill of the devil that good and God fearing christian men of sense and reason ought to seek to mend for the benefit of all.

Therefore His Holiness welcomes the prospect of reaching an accord with the Most Serene Republic with a mind to preserve Christendom from its Mohammedan foes. Thusly His Holiness has tasked me, as Vice-Chancellorof the Church to invite Your Serene Highness to send such envoys and men of reason as you deem fit to discuss these matters with myself and other Princes of the Church held in high regard by His Holiness, to the city of Florence as soon as possible to discuss a way to bring about at last such an accord that may unite Italy against the Turkish threat.

Witness my hand at Rome in the year of our lord 1521,
Giulio di Giuliano Cardinal de Medici, Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church

The Holy Roman Empire
The Bishops's Court, Heylshof Garden
The Free Imperial City of Worms

Girolamo Aleandro, Papal Nuncio to the Holy Roman Empire

1521 AD

Girolamo Aleandro was in a fine mood when he arrived at the Bishop's Court where the Imperial Diet had been convened to discuss the matter of the Lutheran heresy, as Aleandro openly named it. He knew not that his mood was not to last. For at the moment a triumph seemed in the making. The Papal bull, Exsurge Domine, was sure to be upheld and vindicated by the emperor and the diet, and the heretic made to either forswear once and for all his deviant teachings or face the ecclesiastic sanction of excommunication and the temporal one of execution. Just like Hus, just like all who would challenge Holy Mother Church.

The Papal Nuncio, a middle aged man of great learning who had once served as rector of the University of Paris, stayed close to the emperor and his attendants at the diet. In particular he stayed close to the emperor's spokesman on the matter of the Lutheran heresy, Johann Eck, a man of an impeccable religious disposition who, like Aleandro, had a history in the scholastic world. Though he was eager to squash the heresy of Luther, Aleandro was prepared to let Eck, and the rest of the imperial party, take the lead on admonishing the heretic and his supporters, and stay in the background.

by **Austria and Bavaria** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 4:59 pm

The United Duchies of Jülich-Cleves-Berg

Well rested after his brief respite, the Duke now proceeded to the Diet Hall. Although it would not begin for a few more days, the Duke thought it prudent to meet with those attending, in particular the Emperor, to whom he would also need to discuss the plea of the Duke of Wurttemberg. As he entered the hall, it was already abuzz with noise and activity, and although the Diet would not begin for another week, many of the delegates already filled the hall, discussing matters among themselves and preparing speeches. The Duke spotted the Imperial Chaplain Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda, a humanist like himself, and walked towards him at a brisk pace. Duke John made a mental note to call upon de Sepúlveda later, to see if he would be interested in meeting with him personally, to discuss the finer points of philosophy. Upon reaching the cleric, he bowed slightly before speaking. "Father, is it possible that I could have a meeting with his Imperial and Royal Majesty? There is a matter of some import that I wish to discuss with him before the Diet."

by **Max Empire** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 5:37 pm

Suleiman the Magnificent
January 1521
Edirne Palace, Edirne, Ottoman Empire

The Sultan walked out of the study at the Edirne Palace as he closed the book he was carrying. His continued discussions with Piri Reis had been fruitful. The navy was coming along nicely. It wasn't enough though. At the meeting he had charged the admirals with making the Ottoman navy equal in number those of all other Mediterranean countries put together. He wanted to strike fear into the Infidel so they wouldn't try to assemble another crusade. And in order to do that, he would also need to deny them a staging base. Rhodes, Crete and Cyprus needed to fall.

Rhodes was held by the Knights Hospitaller and was heavily fortified. It would need to be taken by a strong force. Something which he didn't have time nor interest in doing at the moment. He would just send an ambassador to be friendly with them and keep anybody from bringing them any weapons or things that would strengthen them.

Cyprus and Crete were a completely different story though. Held by The Republic of Venice, they wouldn't be hard to take by the Janissaries. The only problem was Venice's navy. Although the Venetians could maybe be swayed to part with the Islands in return for trade privileges, trade posts/zones/harbors across the Empire and with promises of protection for their traders by the Sultan. It was an interesting prospect he would have to talk out with the Venetians, and if that didn't work, he would need to destroy their navy and take the Islands by force. Which was needless to say, a more daunting task than working out a trade with them. He was not averse to the idea of defeating the Venetians like his grandfather did, but he would prefer to just work out a deal with them.

As soon as he finished thinking about what to do, a messenger arrived with a letter from Venice.

How opportune. He hated the Venetians, but if he could avoid fighting them, he would. This was the perfect opportunity to build some rapport with them.

"Reply in the affirmative. Let them send a delegate to Kostantiniyye.", Suleiman replied as he continued walking. "Make sure they never see our navy. I want them to believe the new sultan prefers land combat. Let them believe we have let our navy decay since 1503. We'll act all nice and act like our navy isn't important and say that land is where it's at. Portray me as a young and inexperienced leader and let the Venetian ego get the best of them. Maybe allow them to cajole me into some unfair deal that practically hand them the world. Make it look like we're afraid of fighting the Infidel and are facing internal turmoil. We offer them some concessions in return for peace because we're not doing so well. We would then of course not follow up on these deals and make short work of them.

Khan Mehmed I Giray
January 1521
Bakhchysarai, Crimean Khanate

The Khan was pacing around the center of the small village he called his capital. He was eager to distinguish himself from his father. He had defeated the Golden Horde and had taken it's authority for the Tartars of Crimea after being forced to recognize Ottoman suzerainty. He was going to be remembered by his people. This however, left him, Mehmed I struggling to find a way to distinguish himself.

He was already 56 and didn't have forever to do so. He couldn't defeat the Golden Horde anymore. He needed to distinguish himself in a different way. Suddenly an idea came to him. A major raid into Russian territory. A huge raid. A raid of historical proportions. The Ottoman Sultan would probably send some support to help him. He would return with thousands of slaves and get rich selling them. His people would love him and he would be able to build himself a palace in this tiny village. He would even be able to build himself a glorious tomb.

He ran off to his messengers. To tell every man in the Khanate to ready himself for a massive raid. They were going to make history here and get rich while doing so. This would be what he was going to be remembered for. This was what he was going to do. He was going to be remembered just like his father. Not only by his vassals and subject, but also by his enemies.

by **Trotza** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 7:03 pm

Duchy of Mecklenburg Schwerin

On Route in Central Germany:

Henry's sweet ride

They'd been traveling for some time now. Henry had decided not to ride on his own steed, as he hadn't been feeling well as of late. Instead he was being carried inside of a litter held by two horses. It did not take him long to decide that this arrangement was infinitely worse. They bumped along the worn and poorly kept roads barely distinguishable from a forest trail. Every shake was magnified in the confines of his transport. If anything he was feeling worse, almost thrown about the carriage at times. Normally he'd admonish the drivers for causing him such pain, but it was by his own orders that they were doing so. Choosing the litter for travel ultimately proved ineffective as they'd been moving far to slow to make it on time. So the envoy had been forced to rush as fast as they could go in hopes of making up for lost daylight. Trying to pass the long, boring stretches of the trip as well as ignore the pain, he attempted to put his mind to other matters.

Compared to other parts of the world, and in many different ways, ruling in the Duchy wasn't filled with quite so much challenge or turmoil, either foreign or domestic. The House of Mecklenburg had for the most part controlled their home without major incident for the better part of 500 years. Henry V had carried on this legacy so far, earning him the nickname "Henry the Peaceful". In many ways they ended up more involved in affairs of the men of the North than their fellow Germans. When they tried to claim a few thrones in the 1300's it had been in Norway and Sweden, and they also have a history with the Kingdom of Denmark. Not that there is much action there anymore, and since then they've earned the reputation of being one of the most backward regions of the Holy Roman Empire. Part of the reason for that is a mess of land splitting treaties which have unnecessarily divided the Duchy into a plethora of confusing provinces. For example, his brother Albert VII the Handsome who has ruled with him as the Duke of Mecklenburg in Güstrow since the land was divided between four family members, two of which have died, is now holding down the fort while he is away on business.

Henry V, Duke of Mecklenburg

But he does have some reasons to visit the Diet in person. In the meantime Lutheranism has spread quickly among the people of Mecklenburg, far from the influence of the Catholic Church. No doubt I'll have to support this, unless I want to be thrown out by my own subjects as soon as I return. He doubted that many of the lords would care, the Duchy was hardly in the minds of the rulers in the south, which for him is almost everyone. Aside from the religious corner that he had decided they would sharply turn around, there wasn't much else going on to ponder. While he wasn't exactly the ambitious type, there was plenty of room for someone to take up a more dominant stance in the northern reaches of Imperial influence. Not that they'd be able to take control of course, they're hardly in a position to fight against even what would be considered weak states. But a well placed marriage, a claim to rule a new land, might just be able to bring in the resources and manpower they'd need to make the House something to be reckoned with from northern Germania to Scandinavia. There were already existing connections, his mother from Pomerania-Stettin, also including wives from Brandenburg and the Palatinate. He might need a little outside help for it, but he hadn't thought that far ahead at this point. He just liked to consider certain scenarios at times, his rule usually being about as boring as his current trip, he realized.

He'd been staring at the blank ceiling of the boxlike carrier he lay in. Sitting up and leaning out the side of the litter, he called out at the head rider.

"I think it is a good time for a stop, I'll be needing some rest soon." The shaking he'd been dealing with the whole way came to a stop as horsemen did the same.

"Aye sir, we can set up camp for a moment before heading into the town nearby for today."

The absence of the unpleasant bumping jarred him for a second as they set it down on the ground and he climbed out, his legs weak and shaky as he tried to regain some feeling by walking around. He looked at the sun setting on the faraway horizon. "Looks like it will be getting dark soon."

by **Paketo** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 7:08 pm

Duke Ulrich
Duke of Württemberg in exile

January 1521
A small village Southeast of Paris, France

Fearing the eye of King of France capturing Ulrich had decided to move his party away from the home of the monarch. They would stay away from the capitol at least until they heard whether the Good Duke of the House La Marck was successful or not in getting Ulrich reinstated as the Duke of Württemberg. He was overjoyed as he received the positive response Duke John had given in reply. Duke John was perhaps the last chance of having the duchy restored peacefully. If negotiations were to break down, it was highly likely that it would result in Ulrich taking service with a powerful enemy of the Empire to get his rightful lands back.

As the group traveled Southeast away from Paris, there came the strange sight of smoke rising into the clouds in broad daylight. On the horizon, Ulrich identified red flames burning on what he could only assume to be a random village besieged by bandits. He quickly gathered a Vanguard force of horseman from his forces and exile and forced them at double time towards the village with Ulrich himself in the lead. The rest of the traveling force would follow at a slower rate on account of extra baggage that needed guarding. The cavalry force raced to the village at top speed with wind whipping into their faces and the sounds of 200 hooves beating against the ground.

They slowed their pace as they neared the village knowing a uncontrolled charge could prove disastrous and they still had no knowledge of who the attackers were. Ulrich could spot no banner amongst the men who burned the village and their plain clothes and lack of armor signaled they were merely bandits trying to take all they could. Corpses lined the street with different wounds marring their bodies. The village obviously had very little in the way of fighters and defenses so the population that couldn't be no more than 100 were quickly overwhelmed. Ulrich estimated their to be about 70 men in total still alive within the ranks of these marauders but even though they outnumbered the Württemberger forces, they were merely bandits and would no doubt falter under a charge. The cry of Charge obviously took these bandits by surprise as they all nearly stopped and looked at the source of the cry. Immediately they began to panic with many beginning to retreat while others trying to fight before being trampled under hoof or sliced open by spear or sword. Ulrich himself charged atop his mount spear in hand ready to kill each and everyone of these bandits. The scream of a woman distracted him from his charge as he turned his horse to find the source of the scream. He had thought all the villagers dead but just outside the village, he saw a young maiden being dragged away towards the forest and he took off a top speed hoping to kill the two bandits dragging her as he would not let any of them get away. The woman was truly of no consequence to him currently driven by the thrill of battle.

He forced his mount forward encouraging the horse "Forward Donner, we shall not let them escape, forward Donner". As the Ulrich made his charge, the two bandits noticed his approach and let go of the girl trying to make their escape faster but Ulrich was faster and drove his spear into the back of one before turning and drawing his sword to dispatch the second. It took just one slice and the bandit's head had left his shoulders with a look of fear forever plastered if his face. Seeing the two dead, Ulrich sheathed his sword back into its scabbard before collecting his spear from the body of the other bandit was letting out groans as he slowly died. Ulrich then turned his attention away as he finally noticed the crying of the maiden he had saved by killing the two bandits. Her body shook with tears and Ulrich pitied the poor girl how had just lost everything she had probably ever known. Dismounting Donner, Ulrich neared the girl and it was then that he noticed her beauty. Even as violent sobs overtook her, her long blond hair and clear blue eyes as clear as the blue sky captured Ulrich. Ever since his separation from Anna of Bavaria, he had never wanted another woman but this young maiden of no more than twenty years ignited a deep wanting in his heart. Ulrich moved on instinct, his body embracing her in a deep hold. The girl seemed shocked but after a moment she returned the embrace and sobbed into Ulrich's shoulder even though she had no idea. "Do not worry anymore. stated Ulrich in the most comforting tone he could muster "I am here now". "I'm here now." thought Ulrich "Where did that come from?". Woman between sobs was able to get out a few words "My name is Gisele. May I know my savior's?". "My name is Ulrich von Württemberg, true Duke of Württemberg" answered Ulrich in response to the girl Gisele. "Thank you Ulrich" said Gisele before she broke into harder sobs the full force of her ordeal hitting her most likely.

After she clamed down, Gisele agreed to come with the Duke's forces and it would be a common sight to see them together during later dates. After finding no other survivors than Gisele after the battle was over, Ulrich ordered his men to salvage any supplies they could from the burned husk of a village before they once again began to move.

by **Pacific Brotherhood of Steel** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 7:45 pm

- KINGDOM OF POLAND -

Wawel Castle, Krakow
Sigismund the Old

The next few days had been a whirl for Sigismund. A flurry of delegates from the east, the Council of Worms, and a multitude of issues had swamped him ever since his return from his personal visit to the Grand Duchy of Lithuanian and Ducal Prussia. The Prussians had finally come to their senses and had submitted to Sigismund. The Teutonic Order had been swept by Sigismund's visit and now what remained was the Duchy of Prussia. A secularized state that paid homage to Poland.

While that was one problem out of the way, many others still tore at Sigismund. The Protestants continued to find support in the north and in Germany, the Ottomans continued to poke at Europe, further encroaching inwards, though the order was gone the Prussians continued to embrace Luthernism, and finally Muscovy had sent delegates to Krakow. Sigismund's head swam with reasons for their arrival here, and none were very good reasons.

Sigismund sat at his desk, tapping his fingers rather heavily as he poured over documents. One in particular caught his eye. That astronomer who's name had escaped him for the moment was asking for Sigismund to support his research into the heavens. He slowly scanned over what he had outlined on the paper until he reached the bottom. Nicolaus! That was his name. He thought about it for a few moments before pulling out a parchment and signing off for a bit of money to be sent to the scientist. Who knows, maybe this man would find something important.

The doors cracked open and a rather short man with a narrow face entered. One of the servants observed Sigismund. "My lord. The Muscovite diplomats have arrived." Sigismund sighed and stood up from his desk. "I will be there momentarily. Thank you. You are dismissed." The servant retreated from the doorway, closing the door behind him. Sigismund grabbed the clock that hung around the chair and wrapped it around him. It was dreadfully cold in that spacious throne room.

Sigismund sat down into his throne. His wife at his side with little Sig in her hands. Below them his older children stood, dressed very nicely. His royal guard lined the halls weapons at the ready with Captain Ausgustyn close by. Just in case. Sigismund pulled back his cloak and looked down at his own sword. He had a habit of leaving it around sometimes and Bona always nagged him about it.

The chamber doors were pulled open with effort by the servents, the damn things were massive. In walked the Muscovite delegates. They stopped several feet before the throne, bowing before Sigismund. "I am Sigismund the First, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania. Welcome to Krakow."

by **Atreidya** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 8:12 pm

Tblisi, Kingdom of Kartli

Daniel paced in his chamber, his riders had left for Tabriz a short time ago. They carried with them a request to force the King of Kakheti to finally surrender and become his prince. As cousins Daniel wished for nothing more than not to have to kill the far younger man, yet he would not allow the boy from stopping him in re-establishing the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti even if he had to go to war again.

Kartli, unlike the other three kingdoms of Georgia was the direct line of succession of the last king of Georgia, and actually distant cousins to the Safavid Shah. Daniel wished to achieve support from the Shahahanshah to finally unite Georgia.

As his riders neared Tabriz however he would also be readying his troops, whether with Kakheti under his control or not, he would have three other small states he would be forced more than likely to conquer.

by **Second Helghan Empire** » Wed Sep 07, 2016 9:59 pm

Kiev Border of Poland Lithuania and Muscovy

Prince Andrey Marched his troops into the City. One of the greatest cities under control of the Grand Duchy of Muscovy. Kiev was only brought into the Grand Duchy's control within the last 20 years. Yet the same could be said for many different smaller duchies. Moscow was a rising power and the Rus were naturally beckoned toward the though of a renewed Rus nation. The Slavs seemed to be on the verge of reestablishing the early Medieval nation already.

However there was a threat growing to south. The Crimean Khanate had been a problem since it's inception. It's continuous raids and attacks had made the Rus what they were today in all honesty. Angry and resentful of the Turks. They wanted little more than to be free of their continued harassment and to end the continued enslavement of Slavs by the Crimeans.

Prince Andrey had been ordered to remain in the border lands until redirected, that redirection came much sooner than expected. His brother was working to cement a great alliance with other European nations against the Turks. Meanwhile Andrey's new orders were to engage any and all Crimean forces around Sumy, then proceed with a raiding and liberating policy at his discretion. To accomplish this he was given another 4,500 heavy infantry from the Chernhiv region and around 1,200 gunners, his cavalry would remain the same however and he only had a handful of cannon available. His brother was planning something bigger with the more powerful units of Muscovy.

Five days after arriving Andrey set out with his force of over 12,000 infantry supported by cavalry and musketeers. They made their way south east and crossed the border of Crimea.

If Andrey had his way, every slave would be freed from the Crimeans that they had taken in the last several years and used against their masters. The Crimeans would feel the wrath of the Rus. His forces moved South Along the Dneiper and hunted for Villages of Muslims to raze and enslaved Slavs and other Europeans to free and bring into their service.

As the Khanate enslaved any neighboring europeans and christian groups they came in contact with they had massive amounts of slaves moving throughout their territory. Sadly, most of the Crimean lands had been depopulated due to the centuries of Tatar and Turkish raids and invasions. Known as the Wild Fields it was largely a massive empty terrain. Andrey led his men south, toward Odessa and the Crimean Peninsula. The Heart of the Khanate, they could do a lot of Damage there.

Wawel Castle, Krakow, Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania

The Diplomat and his three assistants bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to be received into your throne room."

Rising slightly once they were able to the Diplomat drew out a scroll and read in latin.

"By his Majesty Grand Prince Vasili III, Tsar of the Rus, Muscovy wishes to make an offer of alliance to the Kingdom of Poland in the hopes of a cooperative elimination of the Crimean Khanate and their masters, the Turks. Appointing me as his representative my liege bid me initiate a discussion with you on the prospect of royal ties and to discuss any other way to align our nations."

The diplomat returned to his full bow position awaiting the king of Poland to speak.

Crossing into Hungary through Polish Lands

The party bound for the Hungarian capital crossed into the Hungarian domains. They road hard and made good ground in reaching their destination. There were four assistants for the diplomat as well as the diplomat himself and two riders along with a handful of guards. They bore the Banner of their liege as they thundered down the old roads.

Here I Stand [IC] [Historical]

Here I Stand [IC] [Historical]

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