This third season has seen a vast addition to the powers which threaten the Reich, and the internal troubles which plague it.

Venice and Milan, the two strongest power of northern Italy, have invaded the Reich. Venice has put Innsbruck under siege, while Milan as chosen the more difficult target of the fiesty Swiss. To the west, the French continue thier campaign of expansion by bring not only Bruge, but Marseille under siege as well. Count Zirn will have great difficulty getting out alive, as cut off as he is.

To the east, there is more good news and more bad news. The King of Poland has taken Thorn, and is attempting to pursue Duke Vaclav. The Czech has proved too slippery however, and doubled back in time to break the siege of Prague. His army sits outside the city walls now, to tired to enter the city this season. And he may not have time to return just yet anyway, as another polish army as appeared from the forests of Silesia and placed Magdeburg under siege. The army is not very impressive itself, however Magdeburg has only Count der Bartige's personal retinue to defend it. Decisive action will have to be taken.

More momentous than all these events however, is the latest news surrounding Kaiser Heinrich. It has been no secret that he has withdrawn from politics, but while some thought this merely the reflection of the rigours of campaignign the truth has turned out to be far more severe. The exact circumstances are a well-kept secret by the Kaiser's men, but it is clear he is indisposed to run the Reich in his preseant state. As a result, it has been agreed that Prince Leopold must assume the duties of the Kaiser before he can assume the title.

As a result, Prince Leopold can now exercise all powers listed under the rules as being that of the Kaiser, for as long as the Kaiser remains ill. In addition to this, he will assume de facto over the Kaiser's land and armies, with enough income taken out of the Kaiser's purse to maintain his retinue. God save the Kaiser!