List of King of the Romans characters
From Totalwar.org
This is a list of all fictional characters, or avatars, in the Medieval II: Total War PBM taking place on the .Org known as King of the Romans.
Character biographers, use this page as a start point to post your biographies. Separation is by House.
Unaffiliated
Heinrich
Heinrich (died 1170) was the Holy Roman Emperor from the start of the game (1080) until his death.
After suffering military and personal humiliation at the hands of Pope Gregory in the Investiture Controversy, the Kaiser cut his losses, established the Diet, and began a quest for vengeance. His Chancellorship from 1080 to 1120 saw the first steps in the reestablishment of the Reich's power, and he oversaw the conquests of Hamburg, Florence, Metz, Stettin, Prague, and Bern during that time. During the Chancellorship of Sigismund der Stolze the Kaiser became a feverent supporter of the campaigns in Italy against Milan and Venice, much to the dismay of the Electors that cared little about the lands to the south. This would be the first signs of his drive for revenge, and watched with dismay as Pope Gregory continued to exercise his influence over the Reich.
Fearing a pro-Gregory faction taking power in the Diet, he personally ran for Chancellor again in 1140 against onetime ally Maximillian Mandorf. He was defeated, but the election was a complete sham and distraction, anyway. The only piece of legislation that mattered, the creation of Duke-controlled House Armies, had passed easily. The Kaiser's final plan for revenge was beginning to form.
He approached the Count of Innsbruck, Otto von Kassel, in 1142 with the proposition that if he marry off his daughter Elsebeth to the Count, thus making him Duke, then Otto would owe him a favor. The young Bavarian accepted, thus sealing the Pope's fate. In 1146 the wedding was finalized, Otto became Duke, and declared war on the Papacy based on the fact that there was a Papal Army near Genoa, now Bavarian territory. Heinrich responded with a quick strike on Rome, taking the Eternal City and throwing the Diet into an uproar. Chancellor Maximillian Mandorf could only pull his hair out as the Kaiser's Imperial Army and Otto and Gerhard Steffen's Bavarian Household Army made their way to Genoa. In an epic battle, they destroyed Papal power forever. Heinrich completed his revenge by brutally torturing and killing Gregory the day after the battle. He approved the College of Cardinals' replacement, Pope Accattus of Portugal.
However, not everything was solved. He still had an irate Diet to deal with, and the Reich remained excommunicated. Facing political pressure, he had no choice but to call for an Emergency Session in 1154 and call for an unofficial Crusade, which was approved. This was the beginning of the formation of Outremer.
Faced with an increasingly hostile Diet and Papacy, Heinrich personally took the Garrison of Rome while the Diet of 1160 was in session and dispatched Pope Accattus under the noses of his disapproving sons Prinz Henry and Chancellor Leopold. His approved replacement, Pope Andreas of Denmark, continued excommunication and besieged Rome. Striking quickly, Heinrich sallied and killed his third Pope in 1170.
This was to be his final action. Faced with old age and battle wounds, he succumbed in 1170 and died shortly before his preferred replacement, Charles Otterbach of the Reich, was rejected by the College of Cardinals in favor of Domingo the Warmonger of Spain.
Heinrich was an extremely polarizing figure in his day, especially post-excommunication. His greatest regret was that he knew that he would not be seen as a man who did what was best until long after his death, which became partially true. In his desire to rebuild the Reich and get even with Gregory, he alienated his entire family, including his sons-in-law Dietrich von Saxony (exiled to build watchtowers for several years) and Otto von Kassel (denounced at his deathbed). His greatest personality trait was that of an iron will and the belief that he was always right.
His actions have had long-term consequences; the more notable of these being the formation of Outremer, the gradual shift of power to the Imperial Diet and the Dukes, and the lessened influence of the Papacy.
Played by GeneralHankerchief.
House of Swabia
Henry
Henry (died 1242) was one of the first generation of characters, beginning the game as Heinrich’s oldest son and Prinz at the tender age of 22. He endured being utterly redundant for the next twenty years or so of his life, taking care never to give offence or alienate other Houses. Although nominally Duke of Swabia, knowledge that he would one day have to deal fairly with all Houses made him reluctant to push Swabian interests at the expense of other Duchies. However, he was close to his fellow Swabian Sigismund der Stolze and was among the chief mourners when the chivalric young knight was assassinated.
Henry only seemed to come into his own in reaction to the increasingly aggressive anti-Papal instincts of his father. Indeed, the Prinz came close to treason in Heinrich’s war with Pope Gregory, as Henry’s sympathies were clearly more with the Pope than with the German Kaiser.
Henry’s impotence during Heinrich’s purge of the Papacy weighed heavily on his mind and he was a keen participant in Maximillan Mandorf’s crusade to capture Jerusalem to establish a new home for the Papacy. Henry drafted a constitution for Outremer, the Crusader state that the Reich established. This made Outremer function rather like a House, but not as a House, and constrained it to be purely defensive, rather than expansionary. In later years, Henry was an opponent of further expansion of the Reich.
As Kaiser and Chancellor, Henry commanded the initial conquest of Antioch and helped carve out the state of Outremer. Later he took Edessa and assisted in the defence of Outremer against the Horse Lords. His actions in the Levant earned him the reputation as a chivalrous general and ultimately a Saint of Battle. In later life, assassinations and other dreadful deeds commissioned by his Chancellors earned him the unwelcome and undeserved soubriquet of “the Killer”.
Henry had a colourful retinue, most notably a pagan magician, Dusan Kolar, who acquired some influence by appearing to foretell Heinrich’s death. Kolar attempted to bend the new Kaiser to his anti-clerical agenda, but was ultimately outsmarted and banished by Henry. The Kolar affair unnerved the superstitious Henry and he decided not to let his sons inherit the crown, believing it would pass on to them a curse that Heinrich had brought to the family through his murder of Pope Gregory. Instead, Kaiser Jobst was chosen as to be Henry’s successor.
Henry passed away peacefully in his sleep, although his death was accompanied by the mysterious disappearance of Ernest, his beloved guard dog.
Played by econ21.
Sigismund der Stolze
Sigismund der Stolze was adopted by Prinz Henry of Swabia in 1088. He won his spurs at the assault on Metz in 1090. At the meeting of the Diet in 1100, he was made Count of Lorriane as reward for his services. In 1110, he assisted Otto von Kassel in storming the heavily garrisoned castle of Bern. In 1118, an army of Milan beseiged Bern, and Sigismund sallied forth, with the assistance of Otto von Kassel, and utterly crushed the Milanese. Sigismund gained a repution for being chivalrous, after releasing the Milanese prisoners.
At the Imperial Diet in 1120, fresh after his stunning victory, Sigismund was elected unopposed as Chancellor of the Reich. The same year, Sigismund defeated two Milanese armies, slaying the Milanese Duke. Sigismund's Chancellorship was marked by rapid expansion at the expense of Milan. Their capital city, as well as Genoa and Dijon all fell to the Reich. His term was also marked, however, by the treachery of the Venetians in betraying their alliance. In 1136, the Reich's exhausted armies could not prevent the Venetians from storming Bologna, and his term ended on a somewhat sour note.
In 1142, Sigismund was assassinated by a French assassin, Gauchier la Gris, causing much grief in the Diet.
Played by Ignoramus.
Ulrich Hummel
TBD
Played by Ignoramus.
Jobst von Salza
Jobst von Salza(Died 1248 was adopted from afar. His wife was Heidindrudis von Salza. He has three kids, Athalwolf von Salza (Now Count of Dijon, Knight of Swabia), Lyse von Salza (Married to Duke Lothar)and Meinburg von Salza.
Jobst was adopted in the year 1140 at the age of 22. After some time he fouht his first battle in Northern Italy, where he was elevated to the rank of Knight. At this time, Austira was under heavy attack, and Duke Leopold needed some Generals. Jobst was considered, and if accepted would be given Countship. H ewas not accepted, but still granted the title of Count. The Count of Dijon. The years following the French Sieged and attacked Dijon at least 5 times, and every time Jobst was there at its Head fighting the French.
Soon, Kaiser Heinrich died and Duke\Prinz Henry was made Kaiser. Jobst was then made Prince. After some peaceful times where a Crusade was started, Jobst was granted the Command of a new army called the European Imperial Army. He then went around Germany for some time fighting rebels and such. Soon, he was involved in a scandal. Prinz Jobst's Army ambushed a Danish Crusading Army. Up until this very day it is unknown the causes and reasons, but there has been some accusations it was a spy working for Jobst at the time called Dieter, and it might even be Jobst's Second in Command Lukas.
Kaiser Henry died, and Jobst was made Kaiser. The EIA (European Imperial Army) Became a more Kaiser Personal Army, being his Iron Hand in Northern Germany where for the rest of his life, Jobst fought off invading Danish, French and Polish Armies and assisted the Duchy of Franconia and Duchy of Swabia.
As said, he spent the rest of his life fighting, and died in the Battle of the Northern Forests, where he was horribly struck by a flaming boulder. His lived long enough to name an heir, although his choice, Siegfried von Kastilien, was present at the battle and subject to a lengthy Diet investigation before his ascension to the position was confirmed. Jobst's son still lives and to this day is Count of Dijon.
His lasting influences include the creation European Imperial Army and being a proponent of Ansehelm von Kastilien's Teutonic Crusade.
Played by Warluster.
Hans
TBD
Played by FactionHeir.
Elberhard
TBD
Played by econ21.
Friedrich Scherer
Friedrich Scherer (died 1306) began his start as the Commander of the Garrison of Rome during Otto von Kassel's brilliant plan to reconcile the Reich. He led the force that disposed of the uncooperating Spanish Pope and was promptly offered a spot as a Swabian Elector, moving his considerable military talent to the French front.
There he continued to push the French back, conquering Paris and Caen, among other numerous enemy armies. He rose to the position of Duke of Swabia after Henry became Kaiser and Ulrich Hummel pledged to head East. This gave him command of the powerful Swabian Household Army and struck more fear in French hearts everywhere.
With each passing battle he became more and more famous. France, now the western portion of the Holy Roman Empire, was littered with famous battle landmarks that bore his name on it. He was once described as "the finest soldier the Reich had ever produced," gaining the title over other notable generals such as Hans, Leopold, and Ansehelm von Kastilien. He was also widely known as a fair Duke, beloved by all Swabians.
In 1300, he announced his retirement from political life. He was replaced by the more controversial and polarizing Hans. Six years later, he was killed in an epic battle against the French, finally succumbing after slaying thousands of his enemy's countrymen.
Played by Xdeathfire.
Wolfgang Hummel
TBD
Played by Ignoramus.
Jens Hummel
Jens Hummel (died 1282) was the son of Ulrich Hummel and the younger brother of Wolfgang, despising the both of them for the shame they had caused the family. However, he was not blameless either, the Diet being prone to his outbursts, both alcohol-induced and sober, in the short time he was present.
It was said that Jens was incredibly ambitious and he was determined to get even with those who brought him down or made his family suffer, starting with King of Outremer Jan von Hamburg after he had mocked his pet Charter Amendment in the Diet Session of 1280. However, his plans were not to come to fruition as he fell at a very young age to the Mongols in 1282 in the final moments of Hans's victory.
Appearance-wise, Jens was extremely short, his height making it difficult to mount and ride a horse.
Played by GeneralHankerchief.
Dietrich von Dassel
Dietrich von Dassel (died 1330) was a highly-controversial Swabian Elector.
His career began as a squire in which he commanded a minor force, delaying and pestering a large French army long enough for the garrison of Marseille to arrive and crush the opposition. He was knighted by Bavarian Duke Gerhard Steffen for his effort.
His military campaigns shifted north where he spectacularly defeated a French army blocking him from assisting the besieged Imperial citadel of Caen. The battle quickly became famous throughout the world and the French, completely demoralized, broke off the siege. Shortly after, he, Duke Friedrich Scherer, and Portuguese Prince Hanrrique defeated yet another French army. He seemed to be a rising star, especially with Duke Scherer announcing his retirement from political life.
However, he suffered a setback in the Diet Session of 1300. Publicly challenging Kaiser Siegfried to waive his automatic Chancellorship, his proposed Charter Amendment was shot down in the Diet. He alienated two Dukes, including his own, Hans, and the King of Outremer Jan von Hamburg. Afterwards, he was exiled to Ragusa by the Kaiser and Prinz Elberhard where he is currently Governor.
After biding his time in Ragusa and granting asylum to the controversial theologian Alexander Luther, he eventually took advantage of the citadel's recruiting capabilities and created a large, powerful (and illegal) army created for one purpose: to take Durazzo, de facto capital of the Papacy, by force. It was a move calculated to end all possibilities of re-unification with the Byzantine Empire but still avoid outright war with them. However, his plans were foiled when Tancred von Tyrolia attacked and sacked Constantinople.
Once taking Durazzo, Dietrich took his most fervent Lutheran supporters and sailed for Italy, where he aimed to depose Theodora. However, his plans were again derailed when the Byzantines launched a full-scale invasion of Central and Northern Italy. In an act of desperation he attacked a much larger Byzantine force besieging Bologna and drove them away without losing many men, proving that he hadn't lost his touch.
After assisting Lothar Steffen in destroying another Byzantine Army, Dietrich and Luther emerged from Innsbruck with an upgraded Household Army courtesy of Steffen and a claim to the Swabian Duchy in an attempt to make things right. He seized the city of Bern in 1324 only to watch it besieged by his mortal enemy Hans two years later. With the arrival of Jan von Hamburg to the battle site and later Hugo Merode the War of Reformation erupted around events in Bern.
In 1330 Hans and Jan made an attempt to seize Bern and kill Dietrich; however, in a catastrophic battle all four commanders perished, leaving the question of who won the battle in doubt and putting Swabia in grave peril.
Athalwolf von Salza
TBD
Played by Warluster.
Ehrhart Ruppel
TBD
Played by FactionHeir
Jan van der Pfalz
TBD
Played by Zim.
Ludwig von Bohmen
TBD
Played by deguerra.
Andreas von Salzgitter
TBD
Played by Zim.
Hugo de Cervole
Known also as Hugo von Holland, his birthname was really Hugues de Cervole.
Born in 1317 to a small French noble family, being the youngest son of his family, he was destined to a non-military career, something that did not go well with his temper and vitality. Events led him to enlist as a Templar brother and he rapidly acquired some ranks in fighting Infidels in Outremer.
The turning point in his life happened some years after his return to France when the French King decided to seize all Templar assets on grounds of heresy. Hugues was trusted with a last mission and thus escaped arrest with a few comrades. After taking to banditry against the French, it dawned on him that the only solution to bring revenge for his lost brothers would either be in recreating the Order in Outremer or taking revenge on the French.
So, born from a German mother, Hugo turned to the Empire for help and was accepted as an Elector, member of the Swabian Household.
Played by Tristan de Castelreng.
Welf von Luxembourg
TBD
Played by econ21.
House of Franconia
Dietrich von Saxony
TBD
Played by Lucjan and Kagemusha.
Fredricus von Hamburg
TBD
Played by FLYdude.
Gunther von Kastilien
TBD
Played by Dutch_guy.
Jonas von Mahren
TBD
Played by Kagemusha.
Ansehelm von Kastilien
TBD
Played by Stig.
Fritz von Kastilien
TBD
Played by Tamur.
Péter von Kastilien
Peter von Kastilien is the third son of Gunther von Kastilien and brother of Ansehelm, Fritz, and Siegfried. Early in his political career, after his best friend Ehrhart von Mahren died in the Battle of Durazzo, he argued with Count Hans over his decision to give Durazzo to the Papacy, a decision which was historically proven to be prudent, but one that Peter has never forgotten and holds a grudge against Hans for diminishing his friend's sacrifice.
Later, after being knighted by then-Duke Gunther von Kastilien, his father, Peter became commander of the Franconian Household Army. He had an aptitude for command, particularly fighting at night while on the offensive. He held his army for years at Thorn Bridge, earning a heroic victory against the Poles. He is brutal before and after battle, and became brutally scarred and dreaded from his ruthless attacks and executions.
Peter was cast out of the Diet after insulting the Greek Empress Theodora, his brother Kaiser Siegfried's wife. Peter never took to the Byzantine influence well, and being thrown out made him more jaded. He left with the First Franconian Household Army, better known as the Prussian Army, and left to sack Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. With him was his protege and second-in-command, Tancred von Tyrolia, the son of ace merchant Maximillian von Tyrolia. Declared an outlaw, he renamed his force the Army of Immortals after the Greek nemesis Darius's elite force, and his title "Herzog der Wahrheit" or the Duke of Truth. Peter was intercepted by the Second Austrian Household Army under Count Edmund Becker and he surrendered, hoping to fool his pursuers into believing his compliance. The ruse was successful and Tancred, travelling by a different route, reached Constantinople, sacked the city, and renamed it Wahrheitburg, or the Shield of Truth.
Peter was taken to a prison in Rome for his deeds, but he remains a hero of the followers of Alexander Luther, has been called a "true German," and has expressed confidence that Kaiser Elberhard will release him to appease the rioters. Upon his release, he had confidently spoken in the Diet and declared himself Prinz and acting-Kaiser until Elberhard "shows his treasonous face." While his coup was all but a failure, he was able to successfully negotiate Count Friedrich Karolinger's assistance of the Austrians when Becker was thought to be dead.
Played by Gibsonsg91921.
Siegfried von Kastilien
Siegfried von Kastillien was the fourth son of then Duke of Franconia Günther the Honourable. Life would probably not have held much in store for him, had it not been for a fateful day in the woods of Northern Germany in the year 1254. Then Emperor Jobst had not chosen an heir yet, but had explicitly wished for young Siegfried to join him and his army, instead of going on the Baltic Crusade with his brother Ansehelm von Kastillien. During a minor battle against some straggling Danish forces, Emperor Jobst and a large part of his retinue were engulfed by a flaming catapult shot hailing from the almost defeated Danish lines. With his dying breath the Emperor declared Siegfried von Kastillien to be his heir, thus making the young Franconian Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
He brought the message to the Diet personally where it was recieved with mixed emotions. Several nobles, especially Swabians saw themselves deprived of the Emperorship, which had so far always rested in Swabian hands, and even suspected Siegfried to have had a more active role in his ascension. An investigation was called for and led by Hans, who had the best claims to being the new Kaiser himself. While not all circumstances were resolved Siegfrieds claim was finally put before a Duke's Council. Unable to reach a unanimous decision the question was passed on to the Diet, which cast their votes in favour of Siegfried. For the first time a Imperial Emperor had to be sanctioned by the assembled Electors. The struggle towards ascension had robbed the Emperor of much of his previous powers as changes to the Charter were passed by the aggrevated nobles. Although not yet fully secure in his position he would set out to create a legacy that would plague the Reich for years to come.
It started with a political marriage between Emperor Siegfried and Theodora, daugther of Emperor Isaac of the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire. So far having had no real agenda and little political experience, Siegfried was immediatelly compelled by the ease with which Theodora maneuvered the political waters of the Imperial Court. With this came an affection for everything Byzantine in Emperor Siegfried much to the dismay of a large part of the Diet. Under the guidance of Empress Theodora, but also led by his own desire to achieve greatness unheard of under his rule, he set out to accomplish the unthinkable. Under Theodora's guiding he took up negotiations with the Eastern Roman Empire in an attempt to reunify the Roman Empire that had been split for several centuries now. The political ties between the two Empires had never been stronger, with the marriage backing the alliance Siegfrieds goal seemed possible. Pope Abatte's will to unify the Church paved the way for a political union. Siegfried was no match for the calculating Emperor Isaac though and his wife Theodora followed plots of her own.
After a turbulent Diet Session in 1300 Siegfried makes use of his prerogative and ascends to the post of Chancellor announcing his plans of reunification to the Diet. His prerogative is challenged by Dietrich von Dassel. Emperor Siegfried leaves immediatelly to start negotiations in Constantinople and so it falls to Elberhard, his appointed Steward, and Jan von Hamburg to defend his agenda in the Diet. They are his only allies left, Elberhard being named his heir earlier and Jan von Hamburg owing his title of King of Outremer to the Emperor. His gifting of Naples and Palermo to the Byzantines further alienates the Electorate, especially the House of Bavaria. The final straw in his bid for reunification is the gifting of Outremer to the Eastern Roman Empire. In exchange Emperor Isaac agrees to rule as Cesar under the Augustus Siegfried. Upon his death the heir from Siegfrieds marriage with Theodora would ascend to be leader of a unified Roman Empire.
Before Siegfried can put his decisions in front of the Diet, convince the Electorate of their necessity, and have unification put to the vote, he is assassinated by brigands in the Austrian wilderness. His political goals have destabilized the Reich and the accompanying religious upheavals have given rise to Alexander Luther, whose followers would prove fatal in the years to come. In the attempt to forge the Western Empire together with its Eastern part Siegfried has managed to throw the Empire into its greatest crisis yet, as the following years would show.
Played by Ituralde.
Helmut von Hamburg
TBD
Played by Kagemusha and RoadKill.
Jan von Hamburg
TBD
Played by Privateerkev.
Dieter Bresch
Dieter grew up in Outremer alongside his brother in law, and future King, Jan von Hamburg. He became the Crusader Count of Aleppo when Jan became King. He was also later rewarded with command of the Southern army of Outremer but was unable to fight any battles as the army's presence was needed to stop the riots in Damascus. After Outremer was gifted away to the Byzantines he left immediately and was made Furst of Saxony and Count of Magdeburg. While he was sailing to Franconia he received a letter from the rebellious Tancred von Tyrolia who had recently sacked the city of Constantinople. He was asked to join in the rebellion and take back the German land from the Orthodox but he didn't make any moves yet. Due to the state the Reich was in at that time he thought it would be best to wait until he had an army under his command and land to rule before making any life changing choices.
Upon arriving in Europe Dieter made haste towards Saxony only to find Fritz in Dieter's castle commanding Dieter's army, Duke Ansehelm refused to hand over the command as promised so Dieter took matters into his own hands. He appealed to the men as Saxons to join him and all but the mercenaries flocked to his side. Dieter then spent the next few years raising an army to counter the inevitable Danish and Polish assault.
Now Dieter is the heir to the Duchy of Franconia under Duke and Prince Péter von Kastilien. After the tragic death of kaiser Elberhard Peter became Emperor and Dieter inherited the position of Duke.
Dieter's years as Duke were largely uneventful. His Count Fritz had great success in the North and wiped out the Danish race as well as becoming known as the greatest general in all the Reich. Dieter spent most of his days in Magdeburg seeing off the odd Polish siege.
He carried on behaving thus until the battle of Trent. He fought for the Imperials but was betrayed by Fritz and evetually killed by Arnold, the Grand Master of the Illuminati.
Played by Elite Ferret.
Tancred von Tyrolia
Tancred von Tyrolia is a Franconian general, ineligible for the position of Duke. He is currently supporting Peter von Kastilien in his march to Constantinople.
Played by Dutch_guy.
Dieter von Kassel
TBD
Played by Mini Econ.
Lukas Godwinson
TBD
Played by FLYdude.
House of Austria
Leopold
Born as the second son of Emperor Heinrich, Leopold was also far younger than his older sibling Henry. He began his political career as Duke of Austria and aided by his Elector Conrad von Schüsselen started to work in a close alliance with Franconia from the start. This would lead to a deep friendship between him and Dietrich von Saxony that would last their entire lifes. His initial goals, spurred by the mercantile enterprises of Austria, involved grabbing land on the rich Appenine peninsula. This was denied to him by Emperor Heinrich, which lead to a conflict between them that was never really resolved, its first climax being Leopolds self-imposed ban from the Diet.
Always being a staunch opponent of excommunication he never got along well with Steward Maximilian Mandorf and his anti-papal views which tainted the relations with the House of Bavaria for quite some time. The same can be said for Leopolds dread streak and Sigismund der Stoltzes upholding of chivalry, thus leading to rivalry with the House of Swabia. Still Bavaria was to remain the main point of friction. Bot Houses were eager for Italian lands and since Emperor Heinrich preferred the House of Bavaria, which culminated in the ascension of Duke Otto von Kassel and the following war against the Papacy, complete with excommunication, Leopold had to face the facts that he had lost Emperor Heinrichs favour and would not regain it until his death. His animosity for Duke Otto von Kassel at first rivaled his hatred for his father, but with time he came to respect the Bavarian Duke as one of his equals.
While the following Crusade to reconcile the Reich finds many supporters in the Reich, Duke Leopold opposes this move, preferring instead to hand an Italian province, preferrably Rome, back to the Papacy to regain their favour. He thus remains one of the few nobles of the Reich that stays home while a large portion sets out on Crusade. His friendship with Franconia along with his staying help him win the next election for Chancellor. Under his rule the Reich sees much grief and looses territory for the first time. They are hard and trying times, but nonetheless he managed to defend the excommunicated Reich from its numerous enemies while at the same time seeing off the Crusading Army, bringing it to the Bosporus, thus paving the way for his predecessors to achieve reconciliation with the Papacy and finish the First Crusade.
Being the only available Austrian general throughout much of his reign sparked in him the desire to produce offspring. Annoyed at his wife's lack of fertility he turns to Willelda von Mahren and fathers several children with her. This information is kept secret from her husband Jonas von Mahren, who is away on the First Crusade. Jonas von Mahren, being from the House of Franconia nonetheless was persuaded by Duke Leopold to assist the defense of Austria and became the first Count of Prague, a Austrian province. Despite these complications Jonas von Mahren would later even rise to the position of general of the Austrian Household Army. In the end Leopolds only son Arnold his born, and becomes his heir. Although not admiting his parenthood Leopold secures for the von Mahren family to join Austrian nobility. The only known case where a family has changed Houses.
So while his political and personal life has seen setbacks, his military career was one of unequalled capability. In his first engagement against the citizens of Prague he was still timid, but this would change later on and turn into a more and more violent streak. Through several campaigns in the South-East he single-handedly carved the Duchy of Austria from the Hungarians and Venetians. Conquering their capitals, Budapest and Venice respectively, along with the afore-mentioned city of Prague as well as Zagreb and Ragusa. He was long seen as being the most capable general in the Reich, only surpassed later on by Hans the Mighty, whom he took with him in the siege and assault of Budapest, making young Hans a knight. Hans didn't repay Leopold this deed by disappearing, before he could take responsibilty for his previous actions of depriving the First Crusades of two units of Gothic Knights, although Hans later took a successful part in it.
This military career culminated, when a now more pious Leopold, took up the cross and led the Second Crusade towards Damascus. Ignoring the advise of the Council of Crusaders his Crusading Army engaged the Mongol threat that had reached as far as Damascus. In a series of battles he managed to defeat more than three times his number of Mongols slaying three of their generals including their Khan Jebuk. He paid the final price though and lost his life in the final hours of the last battle. He died as he lived, a true warrior, his sword in his hand.
Played by Ituralde.
Arnold
As if Arnold needs a #$%*@!ing biography!
Played by AussieGiant.
Karl Zirn
Karl the Honourable (d1346) who came from a rich Austrian Mercantile family. His father was the Third Elector at the open of the 1st Diet 1080 AD. Karl was educated in Italy and briefly attended Seminar school in Florence. Upon his fathers death he inherited his title has Third Elector and was married to Duke Leopold's only daughter Meckle. From this union four children were born: Johann, Siburn, Jan and Maximillian. Karl was granted the County of Zagreb by the Duke. The newly captured fortress was converted to a settlement and the Count applied his knowledge of trade. The city grew in prosperity under the shadow of Venice.
In 1212 the Second Crusade is formed. Duke Leopold missing the First Crusade to defend the Reich's homeland joins the Second Crusade and invites his son in law Karl to join him. Duke Leopold’s son Arnold comes of age and remains at home to take command of the Austrian House Army.
In 1228 the Second Crusade sits at the outskirts of Damascus and faces three large Mongol Armies. The Mongols were defeated and the city captured. The victory was hollow to Karl he earned his knighthood with Count Fredericus von Hamburg taking the city but his mentor Duke Leopold died in the final battle to crush the Mongols.
In 1230 Damascus was an Austrian responsibility in the jurisdiction known as the Outremer and Karl was assigned Governor becoming a Crusader Count. The city began to prosper under his administration.
In 1250 Karl is assigned an army to clear the Turks away from Adana and to capture the city of Iconium. Karl finally assaults city and with him Wolfgang Hummel who is knighted for his exploits in capturing the city. It was a costly battle and the Karl was further affected when the captured city was gifted to the Byzantines. It was a very costly gifted that bothered the Count for the rest of his life.
The Outremer continued to face relentless pressure and in 1260 the Egyptians sacked Jerusalem and killed the Pope. The Outremer defenders were taken back by such bold action and the sole purpose of defending the Papacy Sate of Jerusalem failed. By 1264 Count Zirn with Chancellor Matthias Steffen and Jan von Hamburg assault the city after a 2 year siege. It was a valiant victory and both the Steffen and von Hamburg earn their knighthood for their efforts. Jerusalem is returned to the Papacy. The Count was grateful for the victory and having the opportunity to train the young men of the Reich. He was gifted a rare artifact the Veil of Veronica by the Chancellor for his efforts. Something he would personally cherish the rest of his life. Things were now stable in the Region and the Count returned to his administrative duties in Damascus. There his family began to grow.
In 1280 Karl the Crusader was poisoned and came close to death. While under sickness for months the man responsible Al Muazzam an Egyptian general had poisoned the Count and several citizens of the city. While the Count was ill the Egyptians disrupted all trade to the city with there small band of brigands. When the Count recovered he personally rounded up the Egyptians and their leader bringing them to trial.
For the next few years the Count's administration saw the city grow two fold and his final wish to complete a Cathedral for the city. He was tired of the duties in the Outremer feeling they had lost their true mandate. He had lost a good friend King Conrad Salier who had named Karl his successor to the Outremer. Though Karl was honoured he felt he could not truly govern has King. This was simplified with Kaiser Siegfried’s decision naming Jan von Hamburg King of the Outremer. Karl continued his duties in Damascus and concentrated on his dream of completing the largest Cathedral in the Outremer.
By 1300 the Cathedral was completed his duty was completed to the best of his ability. The mandate and leadership of the Outremer was gone and it was time to return home. Things were changing in Europe and he felt it best to return to Austria and defend his homeland from the Reich's enemies.
In 1314 he has returned to Europe and everything is in turmoil. He was granted the command of the 1st Austrian Household Army. However, before he could take command the Army was destroyed by the Hungarians at the Siege of Bucharest. He continued on to Budapest to recruit what he could to defend Austria's Eastern borders.
In 1318 he fought his first battle in Europe against a Catholic faction and easily defeated the Hungarians. The arrival in Budapest Zirn was able to initiate a successful recruitment.
By 1320 the Reich was in chaos, its central government powerless and each House was on it's own for survival. The Hungarians continued their invasion of Austria and Karl was left to defend the Eastern Border. The Hungarians would be the enemy of Austria and Karl Zirn for the next two decades.
By 1332 the Austrians had conducted a series of tactical retreats. After several attacks the city of Budapest would fall and from there the Hungarians would continue west but gain no further cities. A series of field battles took place slowly wearing the Hungarians down. It was in these battles that Karl’s oldest son Johann joined him and was knighted fighting with his father’s army.
The fighting had gotten into the Zagreb region Karl’s own County. The Austrian core cities were protected and by 1344 the last of the Hungarians were cleared out of Vienna Region. It was his goal to recapture Budapest a city he immensely loved but he knew time was running out for him. The Diet had resumed and the Central government restored. He had done his work and returned in time from the Outremer to protect his homelands.
On Christmas Day 1348 Karl Zirn, Steward for the Austrian House passed away peacefully near Vienna. He will always be remembered for his faith and mercy on the battlefield.
Played by Northnovas.
Erhart von Mahren
First Roman to die in battle, at the Battle of Durazzo in 1228. His county was Prague and his dying wish was to invade Crete and conquer Venice.
Played by gibsonsg91921.
Sigismund von Mahren
Sigismund von Mahren was born in 1142. His father Jonas von Mahren chose to name him after Sigismund der Stoltze, who had just recently been assassinated.
Played by Cecil XIX.
Edmund Becker
TBD
Played by Cecil XIX.
Wilhelm von Heidlburg
TBD
Played by RoadKill.
Lorenz Zirn
Lorenz Zirn (no relation to Karl) is an Austrian general and Elector. He was good friends with Wilhelm von Heidlburg before his untimely death and partly blames Edmund Becker for it. In the Diet he is an outspoken figure against re-unification and the Kaiser, even endorsing Peter von Kastilien's march to Constantinople.
Played by RoadKill.
Maximillian von Hapsburg
TBD
Played by Ignoramus
Dieter von Essen
TBD
Played by Privateerkev
House of Bavaria
Maximillian Mandorf
TBD
Played by TinCow.
Otto von Kassel
Otto von Kassel (died 1232) was the first Duke of Bavaria, official King of Outremer, and major player in the events of the Second Investiture Controversy.
The second son of a minor noble family in Bavaria and denied the hand of the woman he loved, Otto left his family forever and made his fortune in the Imperial Army, quickly rising to become a general. As a result of his military skill he was invited to become a Bavarian Elector and ranked second in their hierarchy, behind only Steward Maximillian Mandorf.
As a military commander he was more than capable, taking Bern and other Milanese territories in the early days of the Reich's resurgence. Until 1146, he spent most of his time in the Diet as a moderate voice of reason, occasionally clashing with Dietrich von Saxony but for the most part staying out of the major debates (i.e. those that concerned Kaiser Heinrich). However, his position would change majorly in 1138 when Kaiser Heinrich offered Otto the hand of his youngest daughter, Elsebeth, in marriage (and he would thus become Duke in the bargain) in return for a humongous favor. Otto, partially blinded with memories of his family and him being denied satisfaction solely because he was a second son, accepted, figuring he would deal with the consequences later.
However, it soon became clear what he was dealing with and how far he had gotten himself in when, in 1142 and with the wedding approaching, the Kaiser told him his end of the bargain - using the Papal invasion of Genoa as a casus belli for war against the Pope. He agreed, reluctantly, and as soon as Genoa was gifted to Bavaria he announced that a state of war existed between the Reich and the Papacy. Later, he and Gerhard Steffen assisted Kaiser Heinrich in the final battle at, appropriately enough, Genoa, defeating Pope Gregory forever.
Otto soon began to feel regret for his actions as the Kaiser continued his vendetta and prepared to escalate it to new heights when the post-war situation did not go the way he planned, and voted against the Kaiser's preferences in the Diet Session of 1160. In attempt to make up for his past sins, he joined the First Crusade and made his way to the Levant with now-Kaiser Henry, Dietrich von Saxony, Maximillian Mandorf, Jonas von Mahren, and Hans.
As Chancellor, he successfully finished up the Crusade by capturing Jerusalem, reconciled the Reich in a brilliant diplomatic maneuver, and left the office with greater acclaim than anyone before him. He spent his final years as King of Outremer, defending the realm against Muslims and Mongols before succumbing in 1232 and passing the Crown of Thorns along to Conrad Salier.
Today he is remembered with the Otto von Kassel Memorial Army, officially the First Bavarian Household Army.
Played by OverKnight.
Gerhard Steffen
TBD
Played by Stuperman.
Conrad Salier
Conrad Salier (died 1276) was the bastard son of Maximillian Mandorf and Charles Otterbach, and was the longest-running King of Outremer.
Conceived in an ill union between the Steward of Bavaria before he was redeemed and a female priest, Conrad grew up in a monastery before he set out and joined Mandorf's escort. He received the shock of his life in 1160 when the first half of his parentage was revealed to him right before his father went on Crusade. This sent him reeling and he spent another ten years in a different monastery, this time as a monk.
Finally snapped out of it by Charles Otterbach, he immediately joined the Bavarian Household Army and was knighted by Gerhard Steffen in a critical battle against the Hungarians in 1170. From there he got his own command and expelled a Milanese army from the Italian mainland, earning him the title of Count of Milan. He spent a great deal of time as Governor of Rome, overseeing operations in the Reich's capital city before he was requested by his Duke and soon-to-be King of Outremer Otto von Kassel to come East when it seemed like Kaiser Henry was falling to the dark side. He came with Duke Leopold, Karl Zirn, Fredricus von Hamburg, and others in the Second Crusade, arriving just in time to take Damascus and fight off the first wave of the Mongols.
When Otto von Kassel died in 1232 he passed along the Crown of Thorns and title of King of Outremer onto Conrad, who at the time was beginning a hashish addiction. He kept it hidden until the Diet Session of 1240 where it came out in an embarrassing speech. He spent the rest of the Session recovering and banned the drug when he returned to Outremer. However, this put him at odds with the powerful hashish cartel, and he barely survived an assassination attempt in 1242.
After this he became militarily more active in Outremer, personally knighting Jan von Hamburg and Dieter Bresch, as well as being one of the three main conquerers of the second wave of the Mongols along with Elberhard and Fredricus von Hamburg. He oversaw Outremer in its most prosperous reign, at times having more Crusaders than Counties available. Under his rule the East became a politically powerful force, and he worked extremely hard to defeat the candidacy of Lothar Steffen, an anti-Outremer voice, in the Diet Session of 1260.
Salier met his demise in 1276 against the third wave of Mongols, where he had been poisoned by a survivor of the hashish cartel, Abdullah, who was now aligned with Dusan Kolar. His death caused a massive rout which resulted in the greatest defeat Outremer had ever seen. The Crown of Thorns was recovered by Jan von Hamburg in the battle, who expected to pass it on to Salier's preferred successor Karl Zirn, but was instead named King by Kaiser Siegfried in a controversial move.
Conrad was called the "conscience of the Diet" and was a benevolent, religious, figure.
Played by GeneralHankerchief.
Lothar Steffen
TBD
Played by TinCow.
Markus Steffen
TBD
Played by McIwoo.
Matthias Steffen
TBD
Played by OverKnight.
Friedrich Karolinger
Friedrich has participated in the Battles against Sicily, and after the Passing of Duke Gerhard Steffen, was named General of the Second Bavarian Household Army, or the Otto von Kassel Memorial.
Played by Warmaster Horus.
Fredricus Erlach
TBD
Played by Stuperman.
Hans von Bavaria
TBD
Played by vpmd.
Herrmann Steffen
TBD
Played by GeneralHankerchief.
Non-Player characters
Pope Gregory
Pope Gregory (died 1154) was the longtime ruler of the Papal States and enemy of Kaiser Heinrich.
After excommunicating Heinrich and then reconciling him after hearing him beg for mercy at the Walk to Cannossa, the two leaders went their separate ways, each in their own spheres of influence. The Pope had won the first conflict but the Kaiser did everything he could to make sure he would get his revenge. The two men crossed paths once more, in 1128, with a neutral meeting designed to display their own grown power and find out how much leverage the other had. They left on cordial, if not friendly terms, and they were more equals at that point than any other.
Gradually after 1080 the Pope went from neutral party to semi-belligerent, several times violating Imperial territory and threatening the Reich with a second excommunication if they did not comply with his orders. In 1146, after decades of scheming, the Kaiser launched his plan by using a legal loophole in the Imperial Charter to declare war on the Papacy, despite the Diet's and Chancellor Maximillian Mandorf's opposition.
Located near Genoa when war broke out and with Rome now under Imperial control, the Pope and his large army assaulted and captured the city quicker than many thought possible. However, this proved to be his undoing as the Kaiser, along with Otto von Kassel and Gerhard Steffen, trapped him in the city and destroyed his army in an epic battle.
Pope Gregory met his end at the hands of his longtime enemy Kaiser Heinrich in the catacombs of Genoa by drowning after several minutes of torture. His body was later recovered by men of then-Prinz Henry and several Papal Staff, and he was buried in a secret funeral.
"Voiced" by GeneralHankerchief and econ21.
Charles Otterbach
TBD
"Voiced" by TinCow and GeneralHankerchief.
Dusan Kolar
TBD
"Voiced" by econ21.
Elsebeth von Kassel
The youngest child and second daughter of Kaiser Heinrich was born in 1082. At the age of 18 she was married to Count Otto von Kassel of Bavaria, a man over twice her age. While the marriage was arranged by Kaiser Heinrich to convey the title of Duke on Otto, what Elsebeth did not know was that it also obligated Otto to declare war on Pope Gregory and the Papal States in return. She only discovered this afterward and was quite upset. The early years of their marriage were marked by anger and miscommunication.
At first Elsebeth was an innocent and naive girl. This was quite disconcerting to Otto, who didn't feel he meet the standards of a "true Knight" that Elsebeth had picked up from stories. It was one of the reasons he went on Crusade, to rise to her expectations. Surprisingly, Elsebeth accompanied Otto on the First Crusade, and during the course of her travels, she became more cynical and jaded as Otto turned chivalrous. The Iron Will of the Salien Kaisers exhibited itself, and she become an astute and forceful observer of the Reich and its machinations. Though mostly unacknowledged, she was a major infleunce in Otto's rule as Duke of Bavaria, Chancellor of the Reich and King of Outremer. Despite early difficulties they had a loving, if atypical, marriage.
After Otto's death in Acre, she took ship back to Bavaria. There she selected and bedded her new protege, Matthias Steffen, the youngest son of Gerhard Steffen. She did so because as a woman she had little power herself, and she sought to continue her hold over events in the Reich and Otto's vision of Bavaria and Outremer by shaping Matthias. She set him on a course to Outremer and sparked in him an ambiton to accomplish great things despite his status as a third son.
Elsbeth continued as Matthias's Mentor, whispering in his ear every so often as he served two terms as Chancellor. However, she has noticed his waning power after his exit from office. Currently she has sought to ingratiate herself with the Kaiserin Theodora.
"Voiced" by OverKnight.
Jens von Kassel
TBD
"Voiced" by Stuperman.
Empress Theodora
TBD
"Voiced" by Ituralde and econ21.
Bane and Grom
Bane and Grom are the two most well-known and feared members of Duke Arnold's retinue. They joined the party in 1254 after one of the Duke's victories at Budapest. They greatly contribute to Arnold's overall aura of dread, acting as his enforcers as well as interior decorators of the Austrian chambers.
Both were wounded in a personal conflict against Jan von Hamburg in 1258 but the Crusader spared them, showing his first signs of mercy. They continue to be active.
"Voiced" by AussieGiant.
Pope Abbate
Pope Abbate (died 1314) at first was simply another Pontiff in the string of Imperial Popes after the Reich gained control of the College of Cardinals. However, it was under his tenure that the Catholic Church and (Greek) Orthodox Church temporarily re-united.
Having convinced the Patriarch of Constantinople to bow to his authority (a strange step considering the Pope had previously admitted his own mortality and lack of infallibility) he was seen as one of the major supporters of Imperial/Byzantine re-unification. His relationship with his former country, the Reich, deteriorated significantly in 1304 when Lutheran riots throughout the Empire brought down numerous churches.
It recovered somewhat as he began to realize the Reich was losing its grip, but the anti-reunification crowd only got more powerful. His allies were dropping like flies around him; Kaiser Siegfried was slain by mercenaries and Constantinople had just been sacked. He met his end in Durazzo in 1314 when a Lutheran army raised by Dietrich von Dassel assaulted the city. Incidentally, he himself was killed by Alexander Luther's most fervent followers, calling themselves Religious Fanatics. His death marked the end of any hope of re-unification.
"Voiced" by econ21.
Dieter and Lukas
Dieter was a german Spy under the command of late Kaiser Jobst von Salza. Lukas was Kiaser Jobst's second in command before Siegfred. Lukas had served Jobst since the man had been adopted by Kaiser Henry. Dieter meanwhile had been found wandering around Staufen by Jobst, and was taken under his command.
Dieter then afterwards, the the late 1100's, to influence Jobst's point of view. Lukas was heavily against him, and was soon forgotten. Jobst was then very sick for strange reasons. After some time, Jobst ambushed a Danish Crusading Army starting the long conflicts with the Danes. It was believed either Lukas or Dieter gave false infomation. Jobst was soon made Kaiser. He then realised one of his staff was a traitor, and suspected Lukas as the one.
It was when Jobst was travelling North germany, and had taken Siegfred, a young Franconian Count to train in the ways of warfare, that he died in a horrific battle and named Siegfred Kaiser. Lukas wnet into retirement while Dieter then revealed his colors, he was the traitor and he had been trying to kill Jobst for over 40 years under the orders of a mysterious order, now revealed to be the French House of Leroy who are also trying to kill Jobst's son Athalwolf. Lukas meanwhile retired to Dijon, where Athalwolf later met him. As Athalwolf left Lukas unfortunely commited suicide. Dieter was killed by old age.
"Voiced" by Warluster
Alexander Luther
Alexander Luther is a German monk-turned theologian. He is a radical anti-Byzantine and anti-reunification figure, inspiring many common people throughout the Reich to the point where they tore down a great many churches in 1304, most notably the just-completed huge cathedral in Damascus.
It is his opinion that the Byzantines are the devil and that the Reich should be fighting them and not merging with them. This position has put him at odds with Kaiser Siegfried and Pope Abbate, as well as most of the Dukes hunting him after his supporters tore down the churches. He gained asylum in Ragusa with Dietrich von Dassel and traveled with the Elector up until 1330.
Luther was overseeing the battle in Durazzo where Pope Abbate was cut down and participated in the flight to Italy, where he and Dietrich barely made it alive after doing battle with numerous Byzantine armies. His preachings near Bern did much to help start the War of Reformation.
Luther was present during the fatal Battle of Bern in which von Dassel, Hans, and Jan von Hamburg (the latter two avowed Catholics) all fell. He managed to escape the scene, witnessing both Hans and Dietrich von Dassel's executions.
"Voiced" by GeneralHankerchief.
Lars, Ulrich, and Jonas
Lars and Ulrich are Peter von Kastilien's shield and lance bearers, respectively. Named for Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, they serve Peter by gathering information and sending messages. When Peter was off to Constantinople, Lars and Ulrich were spotted once at the Tavern in Rome and then again outside the Diet, spying on the body.
Jonas was born nearby the twin rivers Cuomo. He is named after the song "My Name is Jonas," performed by Weezer and composed by Rivers Cuomo. He is Peter's veteran warrior, and made his first appearance in 1313 as Péter's proxy to the Diet while Péter and the rest of his retinue were partying at the Tavern.
"Voiced" by gibsonsg91921.
Max and Gunther
Max and Gunther are retinue to Jan von Hamburg. Maximillian is a Teutonic Knight that is charged with serving and protecting Jan due to Jan's status as a Crusader. Max was a replacement for Jan's earlier knight Frederick after Fred was killed by Duke Arnold's retinue during a fight between Jan and Arnold over honor and prisoner policy. Max took part in the revenge against Duke Arnold's party after Arnold followed Jan to Outremer to kill him. Being the least injured of Jan's allies after the battle, Max became Jan's new knight. Before Jan entered into battle at Bern, he sent Max off to command a regiment of Teutonic Knights. He did this so Max could carry out Jan's will if he fell and so he could carry a letter to his ally on the battlefield, Duke Hans. Max rode out to meet Hans just in time to see Hans executed by Dietrich von Dassel. Something snapped in Max when he saw his lord's friend executed. He rode out to intercept Dassel and killed him. These days, Max can be seen guarding Jan's widow, Alfgarda von Hamburg.
Gunther is a veteran warrior that joined Jan on his way to join the Third Crusade. First a member of Jan's bodyguard unit, Gunther chastised Jan for rushing into battle too soon. Jan's eagerness to join the crusade led to some members of his bodyguard unit being killed when Jan led a frontal assault against uneven odds. Impressed with Gunther's candor and honesty, Jan gave him a job on the spot. Gunther died in the Battle of Bern. His body was found next to his lord's body in the town square and it was clear that he defended his lord until the end.
Both men were fiercely loyal to Jan and they believed that their lord tried to do the right thing. Often wounded in battle, both men attempted to keep their lord alive on the battlefield. When Jan became King of Outremer, both men became even more protective and were seen constantly shadowing their charge where-ever he went.
"Voiced" by Privateerkev.
Hugo Merode
Hugo was a Lutheran Army leader who commanded the relief of Dietrich von Dassel at the Battle of Bern. He was slain by the loyalist forces of Hans in the plains north of the castle.
"Voiced" by Stuperman.
Alfgarda von Hamburg
"Voiced" by Privateerkev
