A History of the Holy Roman Empire: 1080 through the Present

[OverKnight]

A History of the Holy Roman Empire: 1080 through the Present


Part I: Kaiser Heinrich's Term as Chancellor, 1080 - 1120


1080

Kaiser Heinrich automatically assumes the Chancellorship and the First Diet
Session opens.

Edicts voted on at the 1st Diet and the results.


1082

1084

Steward von Saxony assaults the rebel castle of Hamburg.

Dietrich's thoughts after the battle.

An alliance is formed with Venice.

Peter Scherer's observations on the state of the Church in the Reich.


1086

Kaiser Heinrich assaults the rebel city of Florence.

The Reich allies with Sicily.


1088

Steward von Saxony marries Agnes, daughter of Kaiser Heinrich, and is named Duke of Franconia.


1090

Prinz Henry assaults the rebel castle of Metz.

Sigismund der Stoltze is Knighted and made a Count.

Maximillian's observations on politics, religion and the utility of peasant women.

Otto dreams of glory and battle.


1092

1094

1096

Dietrich's secret.


1098

1100

The Second Diet Session opens, this is a mid-term session so Kaiser Heinrich remains Chancellor.

During the session, Steward Mandorf denounces the Pope, much to the consternation of the Diet.

Edicts voted on at the 2nd Diet and the results.

Franconia is assigned Hamburg, Swabia is given Metz and Bavaria has Bologna. Count der Stoltze is given Metz as his County.

Heinrich makes a promise.


1102

Conrad von Schüsselen wishes to have an Italian estate to retire to and wonders why Austria has not received any lands.


1104

Duke von Saxony and Sir von Kassel engage in a debate about the future of the Reich, others add their opinions as well.

Austria's desire for a castle is made clear.


1106

A conflict erupts between Dietrich von Saxony and Kaiser Heinrich over the issue of Stettin and seeking an alliance with the Poles. Duke von Saxony is condemned to build watchtowers for several years.

Duke Leopold defeats the Bohemians as they sally out of Prague, the city finally belongs to the Reich.


1108

1110

A Papal army violates the territory of the Reich, it is the first of many instances.

Otto von Kassel assaults the rebel castle of Bern.

Franconia and Austria plot together.


1112

Maximillian angers Poland and defrocks a priest.


1114

Steward Mandorf assaults the rebel castle of Stettin.

Kaiser Heinrich has a strange encounter with some brigands outside Florence.


1116

1118

Pope Greogry excommunicates Sicily, shortly after he demands that the Reich breaks their alliance with them.

The Empire allies with Poland, the Moors and the Byzantine Empire.

Milan attacks Bern unprovoked, the Empire is now at war with them.

Sigismund der Stoltze sallies forth from Bern and defeats the besieging Milanese army.

A life of service to the Reich comes to a close.

[OverKnight]

Part II: Chancellor Sigismund der Stoltze's Term, 1120 - 1140


1120

The Third Diet Session begins. Sigismund der Stoltze is the only candidate for Chancellor.

Count der Stoltze, speaking as a candidate, proposes an attack on Rome, and the Diet debates the proposal.

Edicts voted on at the Third Diet and the results.

Swabia recieves Bern, Prague goes to Austria and Stettin is assigned to Franconia.

Chancellor Sigismund begins his reign by fighting a pair of battles.


1122

Pope Gregory calls for a Crusade on Tunis, a Sicilian territory.

Otto von Kassel assaults Milan, shortly after he is made Count of Innsbruck.

The Venetians betray their alliance with the Empire and lay siege to Vienna.


1124

Kaiser Heinrich assaults Genoa.


1126

Prinz Henry assaults the Milanese city of Dijon, the Milanese have no territories left in mainland Italy.

Leopold prepares the defenses of Vienna.

Duke Leopold repulses a Venetian assault on Vienna.


1128

Heinrich meets with Pope Gregory.

Poland betrays its alliance with the Reich and besieges Stettin. Reaction in the Diet is muted, as the Electors seem more concerned with the larger strategic quandries of the Empire.


1130

The Fourth Diet Session is opened. There is some confusion as to why a mid-term session was opened due to terms being reduced to 20 years from 40. Nonetheless it continues. Sigismund is still Chancellor.

Edicts voted on at the Fourth Diet and the results.

Fredericus von Hamburg is made Count of Hamburg and Gunther Von Kastillien is now the Count of Stettin.

Milan is given to Bavaria, while Swabia receives Dijon.

Duke Leopold and Kaiser Heinrich argue over the distribution of lands to the Houses.

Sigismund and Henry meet.


1132

Count von Kassel destroys a Venetian attack on Milan.

Duke von Saxony crushes a Polish attack south of Stettin, Jonas von Mahren is knighted for his part in the battle.


1134

Maximillian sees the light, parts one, two and three.

Duke von Saxony returns to the Diet after a long absence.


1136

Dietrich is a changed man.

Jobst von Salza, still only a squire, destroys a Venetian army south of the Brenner pass in Italy.

Duke von Saxony engages multiple Polish armies at the Battle of Stendal.

Duke Leopold routs a large rebel army near Vienna.

Venice is excommunicated after capturing Bologna. The Diet reacts to the loss of the city and the idea of Household Armies is born.

An agreement is reached between Heinrich and Otto, parts one and two.


1138

Steward Mandorf announces his candidacy for the Chancellorship early, Kaiser Heinrich takes umbrage, and the two engage in a spirited discussion.

Prinz Henry takes back Bologna from the Venetians.

Duke Leopold turns south and engages a Venetian army.

[OverKnight]

Part III: Chancellor Maximillian Mandorf's Term, 1140 - 1160


1140

The Fifth Diet Session opens. The Chancellorship is contested between Kaiser Heinrich and Steward Mandorf.

Maximillian proposes legislation for Household Armies.

Duke Leopold begs forgiveness from his father after returning to the Diet.

Dietrich's thoughts on the Diet.

The Second Elector of Austria snaps under the pressure of too many proposed edicts, an amendment is proposed to address this.

Count von Kassel lets the hatred flow through him, proposing that the residents of Venice be exterminated when the city is taken. Reaction is mixed at best.

Edicts voted on at the Fifth Diet and the results, parts one, two, three and four.

The Election for Chancellor.

Jobst von Salza's reaction to being made Count of Dijon.

Heinrich's diary.

Otto's moment of clarity.

Gunther von Kastilien assaults some brigands near Magdeburg on his way to reinforce the siege of the Polish castle.


1142

The price of ambition.

An exchange of letters between Maximillian and Otto.

The French besiege Dijon and an Imperial fort in the western Alps, the Empire is now at war with them.

Prinz Henry and Chancellor Mandorf, among others, discuss the lack of new buildings in the Reich.

Chancellor Mandorf engages some brigands.

Kaiser Heinrich relieves the siege of Florence by engaging a huge Milanese force.

Count Sigismund der Stoltze is assassinated by the French agent Gauchier la Gris, who is later killed by Imperial troops.

The Diet reacts to the death of der Stoltze.

Jobst's thoughts.


1144

The funeral of Sigismund.

Duke von Saxony assaults Magdeburg, taking it from the Polish.

Hamburg and Stettin are converted to towns.


1146

The Alpine fort capitulates to the French.

Fredericus's thoughts on Sigismund.

Duke von Saxony engages a Polish army in the wilds of eastern Europe.

Count von Kassel defeats the Venetians in the Battle of Trent.

He then marries Elsebeth, Kaiser Heinrich's youngest daughter, and is made Duke of Bavaria. He receives Genoa as a wedding gift.

Before the wedding feast is cold, Duke von Kassel invokes Charter Article 3.3 and declares war on the Papal States as pandemonium erupts in the Diet.

Kaiser Heinrich immediately assaults Rome.

The Reich is excommunicated.

Dietrich's reaction.

A further exchange of letters between Maximillian and Otto.

Pope Gregory's army lays siege to Genoa, a city it has been near for many years.


1148

Discontent spreads among the people of the Reich over excommunication, the worst rioting occurs in Milan, where thousands are killed.

The passion of Maximillain.

Pope Gregory's army takes Genoa.


1150

Order is restored in Milan.

A small Polish army briefly besieges Frankfurt, they are later driven off and destroyed by Duke von Saxony's army.


1152

Chancellor Mandorf eliminates some rebels and is officially adopted into the royal family.

Prinz Henry calls for the cessation of hostilities against the Papacy once Genoa is taken and Pope Gregory is dead.


1154

Venice reconciles with Pope Gregory.

Prinz Henry assaults a former Imperial fort in the western Alps, now held by the French.

Duke Leopold takes the Venetian city of Zagreb, it is soon turned into a castle.

Count von Kastilien assaults a Polish force outside of Thorn. Despite his victory, the survivors take shelter in the castle and von Kastilien is forced into a lengthy siege.

The calm before the storm.

Otto has a nightmare.

Kaiser Heinrich retakes Genoa from Pope Gregory, the Pope is presumed dead in the battle.

With Pope Gregory slain, an election is held in the College of Cardinals. Kaiser Heinrich approves the appointment of the Portuguese Cardinal, Manoel the Righteous, who is now known as Pope Accattus.

After negotiations between Chancellor Mandorf and Kaiser Heinrich, an Emergency Diet Session is called to discuss a proposed Crusade.

Edicts voted on at the Emergency Diet and the results.

Zagreb goes to Austria, Magdeburg goes to Franconia and Florence goes to Bavaria.

Otto and Leopold exchange pleasantries.

The Council of Crusaders is formed.

Otto is given a favor.

Duke von Kassel destroys the remnants of the Milanese army from the relief of Florence in the Third Battle of Genoa.

The Emperor strikes back.

Possible routes are discussed for the Crusade and Duke von Kassel asks a question of Prinz Henry.

A grim revelation.

With the death of the Pope, Milan and Sicily are reconciled to the Church. The Crusade to Tunis is cancelled.


1156

The Crusade Army takes shape.

Pope Accattus lays siege to Rome. At the end of the year, Kaiser Heinrich moves a small army south to relieve Rome but has to withdraw when the Pope hires mercenaries and attacks him.


1158

Kaiser Heinrich skirts around the Papal army to Rome.

Thorn falls to Count von Kastilien.

A loose end is tied up.

The final composition of the Crusade Armies.

[OverKnight]

Part IV: Chancellor Leopold's Term, 1160 - 1180


1160

Sicily is excommunicated again.

The Sixth Diet Session opens. The Chancellorship is contested between Prinz Henry and Duke Leopold.

Edicts voted on at the Sixth Diet and the results.

The Election for Chancellor.

Jonas von Mahren is made count of Magdeburg. Duke von Saxony names Count von Kastillien Steward of Franconia while he is away on Crusade.

Leopold and Dietrich talk.

An active retirement.

Kaiser Heinrich takes advantage of a lull in the Diet by leading the garrison of Rome against the forces of Pope Accattus.

Duke von Kassel offers the use of Florence for peace.

Cardinal Halstan of Denmark is elevated to the Throne of Peter. He too recieves the full support of the Reich and takes the name Pope Andreas.

A revelation concerning Conrad Salier.


1162

The Crusade armies are fully assembled and begin moving east from the area near Zagreb.


1164

English and Portuguese forces land near Hamburg.

Chancellor Leopold takes the Venetian capital.


1166

Metz rebels and goes over to the French, it is unknown how they got the money for such a massive bribe.

The English lay siege to Hamburg, the Reich is now at war with them. The Portuguese forces move to the south. They do not attack and eventually make their way to Danish territory in Flanders.

The Hungarians besiege Vienna, the Reich is now at war with them.

The French besiege Dijon with a massive army.


1168

Pope Andreas hires mercenaries and lays siege to Rome. Kaiser Heinrich sallies out to fight him.

With the death of the Pope, Sicily is reconciled to the Church.

Papal elections take place. The Reich's Cardinals throw their support behind one of their own, Charles Otterbach, but Cardinal Domingo of Spain is elected. He is known as Pope Filippus the Warmonger. The Empire's standing with the Papacy is at its lowest point since the death of Pope Gregory.

Günther von Kastilien wins a resounding victory against the Poles south of Thorn.

The siege of Dijon continues.

Ulrich receives some help on the road.

A small Venetian force, sneaking through the Alps, lays siege to their former capital.


1170

Kaiser Heinrich dies in Rome.

Prinz Henry is now Kaiser.

The Diet reacts to the death of Kaiser Heinrich.

As does Otto.

The Hungarians lift the siege of Vienna as Chancellor Leopold's army approaches.

A Milanese force of cavalry and siege equipment lands on the coast near Florence, it is their first time on the mainland in 16 years.

Conrad wanders in the desert.

Sir Steffen leads the Bavarian Household Army to victory against a massive Hungarian army near Venice. The Army was returning from the cancelled Crusade on Tunis. Gerhard is promoted to Count of Genoa for his efforts. Conrad Salier is knighted on the field of battle.

The BHA then breaks the siege of Venice.

Prinz Jobst sallies out from Dijon to face the French and the siege is broken.

A teenager kidnaps 120 knights.

The Crusade crosses the Morava river, leaving the Reich and passing into Hungarian territory.


1172

Prinz Jobst defeats a French force outside of Dijon, Ulrich Hummel is knighted for his part in the battle.

Duke von Kassel notices some subtractions from the Crusade.

Leopold and Hans at the siege of Budapest.

Heretics and rebels plague the Reich.


1174

The Poles once again besiege Frankfurt.

Chancellor Leopold assaults and takes Budapest. Count Hans is knighted for his bravery in the battle.

Leopold savors a victory, while Hans reaches a decision.

Count Fredericus destroys the English besieging Hamburg.

Ulrich Hummel besieges Metz, seeking to return it to the Reich.

The Crusade armies are surrounded by Hungarian forces west of Sofia.

Duke von Kassel proposes a plan to the Crusaders, some debate ensues.

Otto travels east to bring some knights back to the Crusade.


1176

The Poles besieging Frankfurt assault the city.

The Crusade escapes Hungary into Venetian held Thessaly without incident. The Hungarian forces around Sofia disperse, so the returning cavalry is able to follow closely behind.

Sir Salier engages the Milanese landing force.

The survivors take flight to their waiting ships, Conrad is named Count of Milan for his victory.

Chancellor Leopold, in pursuit of a Hungarian force that has entered Austrian territory, engages some rebels.


1178

The routed Polish force returns to Frankfurt and again besieges the city. With the assistance of 120 Mailed Knights from Hamburg, the garrison runs them off again.

Steward Hummel assaults Metz, and the city is taken. The population and garrison are exterminated for their treachery. Ulrich is made Duke of Swabia for his efforts.

Steward von Kastilien has put to flight several of the Polish armies that are avoiding open conflict. He finally manages to set upon a small force near Thorn and defeats them.

Count Hans is pursued by a large Hungarian army into Venetian Thessaly.

[OverKnight]

Part V: Chancellor Otto von Kassel's Term, 1180 - 1200


1180

The last report of Chancellor Leopold.

The Seventh Diet Session opens, Duke Ulrich Hummel and Duke Otto von Kassel are the candidates for Chancellor.

Duke Leopold promotes his electors.

Edicts voted on at the Seventh Diet.

The Election for Chancellor.

Duke Leopold engages a large Hungarian force near Zagreb.

Count Steffen leads the Bavarian Household Army and the garrison of Venice to a crushing victory over the Venetians near their former capital. The defeated army routs and troubles the Reich no longer.

New negotiations with the Pope fail, he will not accept 10,000 florins and Florence for peace.

Count von Hamburg breaks siege of Stettin, but the retreating Polish forces lie just beyond his reach.

Steward von Kastilien leaves Thorn to march on Breslau.

The first report of Chancellor von Kassel.

An exchange of letters between Ulrich and Otto.


1182

The English sue for peace, while the Pope will have none of it.

The Crusade, after some debate, prepares to engage the Egyptian Jihad threatening Constantinople, while an alliance with England is bought with a great deal of money. Steward von Kastilien routs three Polish armies on the way to Breslau, but must back track to Thorn to secure his supply line from the survivors.

The die is cast.

Dietrich's thoughts turn to home.

Pope Filippus, after refusing multiple peace offers, and his army are destroyed.


1184

The College of Cardinals convenes to select a new Pope. The Imperial Cardinals are quite active in the process.

Pope Lanbertus of England, the new ally of the Reich, reconciles the Empire with the Church. The Diet and the Crusaders are overjoyed.

Duke von Saxony leads the Crusade to victory over an Egyptian Jihad Army near Nicaea.

Duke Hummel throws off Imperial authority and attacks the French at Rheims. The Diet is not amused.

The year continues with Steward von Kastilien again marching from Thorn to take Breslau. The Bavarian Household Army deploys to the French border in response to Duke Hummel's move. Duke Leopold seizes Ragusa and Prinz Jobst sallies out from Dijon to defeat the French besiegers.


1186

French forces sorround Duke Hummel and the Swabian Household Army as they continue their siege of Rheims. Pope Lanbertus dies after only two years on the Throne of Peter. The Reich throws it support behind Niccolo Amacacci of Sicily, another ally, who becomes Pope Pisanus. Grateful for the Reich's support, he sanctions the Crusade to Jerusalem.

Ulrich reaches a decision.

The Crusade, now official, spots another Jihad Army, this one Turkish, as it travels through Anatolia. Steward von Kastilien lays siege to Breslau.

Duke Hummel, having decided to take the Cross, attacks one of the French armies encircling him at Rheims.

Duke Leopold pursues and attacks a small Venetian army north of Ragusa.


1188

The Crusade spots a second Jihad Army, an Egyptian one in addition to the Turks. Both are near the Turkish Fortress of Adana. Gerhard Steffen leads the Bavarian Household Army into the rioting, undefended French city of Marseille.

The Council of Crusaders debates over how to engage the Jihad Armies.

The Crusade splits to engage both Jihad Armies. Both the first and second Battles of Adana are resounding victories.

Some of the Crusaders remain in Adana, while the rest continue on into the Levant. The siege of Breslau drags on as Prinz Jobst routs some rebels in the heart of the Reich.


1190

Dietrich von Saxony dies peacefully north of Antioch. He is mourned by Chancellor von Kassel, Conrad Salier and the Diet. Gunther von Kastilien inherits the Duchy of Franconia, he is now a Duke.

A diplomat meets with a small Russian army trespassing near Thorn. Duke von Kastilien finally takes Breslau and then routs a large Polish army nearby.

Otto's thoughts on Church and State.


1192

The Crusade approaches Acre. An Egyptian relief force south of the Fortress is destroyed, and the Castle itself is then taken.

The Crusade besieges Jerusalem, while back in the Reich, Duke Leopold slaughters some rebels.


1194

The Crusade assaults Jerusalem. An Egyptian army outside the newly taken city is driven off.

Jerusalem is given to the Pope in exchange for an alliance, the Papal States are reborn in the East.


1196

As ex-Crusader armies from other nations wander in the Reich, the Empire gains military access from the Papacy.

The Poles continue to raid the Reich after the seizure of Breslau, but are mostly on the retreat. The Armies of the Empire continue to converge on Outremer and attack the Egyptians.


1198

The Crusaders drive north towards Antioch, seeking to expand Outremer. The Egyptians, however, have brought in reinforcements to the Levant.

[OverKnight]

Part VI: Kaiser Henry's Term as Chancellor, 1200 - 1220


1200

Chancellor von Kassel's last report and letter to the Diet.

The Eighth Diet Session opens, Kaiser Henry automatically assumes the Chancellorship.

Sir Hummel is made Count of Metz, the town he earlier reclaimed for the Empire. One would guess celebration is muted among the survivors.

The Edicts and Amendments voted on at the Eighth Diet.

Observations from Henry's retinue.

Kaiser Henry begins his Chancellorship with an overhaul of the Reich's finances, military and diplomacy. Milan rejects a peace overture.

Kaiser Henry and Count Hummel engage three Egyptian armies at the Battle of Antioch, parts one, two and three.


1202

With the main Egyptian Armies crushed and Antioch taken, Imperial forces flow into the Levant. The Bavarian Household Army, led by Gerhard Steffen, lands in Corsica, while the Milanese threaten to land in Italy, all to the Kaiser's chagrin.

Discussion ensues over the implementation of Edict 8.1 in the Diet.

Elsebeth as Lady MacBeth.

A noble life ends.


1204

The Muslim population of Jerusalem rebels and the Papacy is again landless. The Milaneses invasion fleet is repelled and does not land in Italy, while the siege of Ajaccio bogs down into a long wait. The Reich allies with Portugal.

A vision in the dark.

The Prinz initiates the recruitment of the new Army of the Interior.


1206

The Reich is beset with resurgent enemies as the Poles besiege Breslau and the Turks besiege Adana. However, the Milanese invasion fleet is destroyed. The Austrian Household Army gathers at Ragusa to move on Venetian Thessaly.

Ansehelm von Kastillien is now count of Thorn.


1208

The Turks abandon their seiege of Adana as Imperial reinforcements, led by Count Hans, head north. The Count pursues and destroys them at the Battle North of Adana.

Kaiser Henry faces an Egyptian incursion into Outremer at the Battle Southeast of Acre.

The Duke, the Thief, his King & his Chalice.

A Father's Gift.

A question is put to Horst.

Kaiser Henry besieges the rebellious city of Jerusalem. A rumor of Horsemen advancing across the eastern steppes reaches the Reich. The siege of Ajaccio drags on.

Conrad receives a plea for assistance.


1210

Otto in the Lion's Den.

The Magician and the Kaiser.

Kaiser Henry promotes Otto von Kassel to King of Outremer and gives him command of the assault on Jerusalem.

The Moors declare war on the Reich but quickly beg for peace. Prince Haakon of Denmark asks the Reich to assasinate the Danish King so he can assume the throne. He is denied.


1212

The Mongols arrive at Baghdad. Pope Pisanus dies and the Reich helps elevate the Sicilian, Pope Angellus. An old man, he dies before the year is out and Eusebius von der Pfalz, an Imperial Cardinal, is elevated as Pope. A Second Crusade is called for Damascus.

The Milanese beg for peace, the Kaiser grants it to them and the Bavarian Household Army is withdrawn from Corsica after a long and fruitless siege. Gerhard Steffen has particularly suffered, as the witch Danae has hexed him over many years while on the island.

While the Austrian Household army deploys to Thessalonica, Count Hans is sent from Outremer to assist the Byzantines in retaking Constantinople.

A new son for Austria.

Leopold and Jonas discuss the future of the von Mahren children.


1214

The Russians return to Thorn after many years, they declare war on the Reich and besiege the Castle. Armies of the Empire besiege Thessalonica and Rheims.

Hans considers his fate.


1216

Forces for the Second Crusade begin to gather at Ragusa. The Franconian Household Army engages multiple Polish Armies around Krakow. The Army is victorious but takes heavy casualties.

Duke Friedrich Scherer, leading the Swabian Household Army, assaults and takes Rheims.

Duke von Kassel, lacking children of his own, selects an heir, Gerhard Steffen.


1218

The Russians seize Thorn after the garrison, lacking a noble commander, is crushed in an assault. The Franconian Household Army abandons its drive toward Krakow to respond. The French besiege the newly taken city of Rheims.

Slouching towards Bethlehem.

Duke Scherer sallies out of Rheims to take on the French besiegers.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Prinz Jobst, leading the Army of the Interior, mistakenly ambushes a Danish Crusade Army. The Reich is excommunicated because of it.

[OverKnight]

Part VII: Chancellor Hans's Term, 1220 - 1240


1220

The Ninth Diet Session opens with news that the Pope has died, and his successor has reconciled the Reich. The candidates for Chancellor are Hans and Ulrich Hummel.

Hans in the Aegean.

Kaiser Henry's final report as Chancellor.

Legislation voted on at the Diet.

Hans wins the Election for Chancellor.

Hans reacts to his victory.

Lothar's secret. The Chronicles of the Illuminati begin, Chapter 1: Genesis, 1220 - 1228

The torch is passed to the next @#$%^&!!! generation.

Chancellor Hans's first report, the Austrian Household Army, led by Count Jonas von Mahren, abandons the siege of Thessalonica and moves west, seeking to return to Ragusa. Duke Gunther von Kastilien besieges Thorn with the Franconian Household Army. Lothar Steffen is ordered to Zagreb with elements of the Bavarian Household Army because a Hungarian Army has been spotted nearby and the Austrians are too occupied in the southeast to attend to the incursion.

An investigation into the "Danish Incident". However, the question of Prinz Jobst's culpability in battle with the Danes continues to plague the Diet.

Duke Friedrich Scherer and the Swabian Household Army assault Paris.

Arnold yearns to crush his enemies, see them driven before him and hear the lamentations of the women.


1222

Budapest and Zagreb are besieged by the Hungarians. The Milanese, despite their truce with the Reich, land a force near Florence. The Second Crusade departs Europe and takes ship to the Holy Land. Thorn is seized and returned to the Empire. Chancellor Hans lands near Constantinople, the Byzantines have taken back the city, but are being threatened by the Hungarians.

Plots within plots.

Count Jonas von Mahren, leading the AHA, engages the Venetian blocking his return to the Reich in the Battle of the Mountain Pass outside Durazzo.


1224

The Hungarians take Zagreb before help can arrive, however they are excommunicated for this action. The Milanese break the truce by laying siege to Florence, but are driven off by local forces. The Austrian Household Army, joined by several young nobles from Ragusa, is now outside Venetian Durazzo.

Chancellor Hans attacks the Hungarians besieging Constantinople, the Byzantines sally out to assist in the Allied Battle for Constantinople.


1226

Denmark is excommunicated, in other Church matters the Reich now controls seven of the twelve postions in the College of Cardinals. The Second Crusade reaches Damascus, but so do the Mongols. Lothar Steffen besieges Zagreb, but most of the Hungarian garrison has already left. Count Jonas von Mahren besieges Durazzo.

The King of Outremer names the first Crusader Counts.

Leopold ponders the Mongols.


1228

The Empire faces two battles over the winter.

The Venetians sally out of Durazzo, and are defeated in a bloody battle where Ehrhart von Mahren, Jonas's son, dies. The loss rattles the Diet.

The Mongols declare war on the Reich, and one of their armies attacks Kaiser Henry's forces northeast of Jerusalem.

The Council of Crusaders considers how to take Damascus, besieged by the Mongols, and deal with the Horde at the same time.

Chancellor Hans moves north from Constantinople and assaults the Hungarian Citadel of Sofia.

Conrad's introduction to Outremer.

Lothar Steffen, still only a Squire, retakes Zagreb. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 2: The Ansehelm Affair, 1228 - 1230

Jonas comes home.

Duke Leopold leads the Second Crusade against three Mongol Armies in the First and Second Battles of Damascus. Leopold is cut down in the battle, but the Reich is victorious and the Crusade lays siege to Damascus. There is a mix of emotions in the Diet concerning the triumph.

Fredericus reaches a decision.

Leopold's last words to the Council of Crusaders and then their reaction.

King Otto von Kassel vanquishes the last Mongol Army in the Battle of Galilee.

The Mongol Invasion is destroyed in one year after they declare war on the Reich.

Leopold's legacy.

Further information on the "Danish Incident".

Jobst is ambushed.


1230

The Hungarians besiege Sofia but are repelled. The Chancellor begins to decommision some of the military forces in Outremer now that the Mongol threat has passed. Durazzo and a great deal of money is given to the Papacy to renew the old alliance and military access treaty that had been lost during the last excommunication.

The Second Crusade, led by Count Fredericus von Hamburg, assaults Damascus and fulfills its mission. Karl Zirn is named Crusader Count of the city.


1232

Thorn, Budapest and Adana are besieged by the Reich's enemies. Ansehelm von Kastilien drives the Poles from Thorn.

Some in the Diet object to the gift of Durazzo to the Pope.

Conrad learns that drugs are bad.

The death of Otto von Kassel and the Diet's reaction.

Lothar Steffen relieves the siege of Budapest.

The final word, perhaps, on the "Danish Incident".


1234

A plague strikes Antioch.

Conrad succumbs to temptation.

The education of Matthias. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 3: The Brotherhood Grows, 1232 - 1236

Conrad Salier is made King of Outremer and debate rages in the Diet over whether to strike at Milan despite the wishes of the Pope.


1236

The Turks break off the siege of Adana. The Russians, in line after the Poles, besiege Thorn. Ansehelm von Kastilien sallies out again and defeats them.

Conrad's bad trip.

Kaiser Henry takes Edessa from the Egyptians in a bloody assault, parts one, two and three. The Kingdom of Outremer is now complete.

The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 4:  The Games Begin, 1236 - 1240


1238

The French besiege Paris. A Milanese invasion fleet again threatens Florence. The Austrian Household Army is dispatched to the Hungarian border east of Budapest to counter a Magyar army, they are to build a fort and a watchtower while there. Another horde of Mongols from the steppe descends upon Baghdad.

Ansehelm von Kastilien engages a Russian force near Thorn.

Ansehelm's biography.

[OverKnight]

Part VIII: Chancellor Ulrich Hummel's Term, 1240 - 1244


1240

Chancellor Hans's end of term report. The Hungarians lay siege to the Austrian Household Army's fort in the eastern Budapest region.

The Tenth Diet Session opens, the candidates for Chancellor are Count Hans, Prinz Jobst, Count Fredericus von Hamburg and Count Ulrich Hummel. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapters 5, Rigging the Election, and 6, Securing the Votes

Conrad recovers from his episode in the Diet.

Ulrich Hummel wins the Election for Chancellor. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continues, Chapter 7: A Puppet Chancellor, 1240 -1244

Legislation voted on.

Duke Friedrich Scherer attacks the French northwest of Paris.

The AHA, led by Duke Arnold, sallies out of their fort destroying one of the besieging Hungarian armies in a night battle. They are besieged again the following year.

Fritz von Kastillien defeats a small Polish force on the border with Poland.

Edinburgh and Inverness are purchased from England for 31,000 florins.

Lothar and Markus Steffen land on Corsica, while Gerhard Steffen invades Sardinia.

Much of these facts remain secret as there is no Chancellor's report for this year.


1242

Kaiser Henry dies peacefully in Edessa. Prinz Jobst is the new Kaiser. The reaction in the Diet.

Conrad reacts to the news, while others plot against him.

The Pupil becomes the Master, or so Lothar thinks.

Discontent begins to form in the Diet over the lack of a report from the Chancellor and rumors of his actions.

Duke Friedrich Scherer fights off an attempted French ambush west of Paris.

Fredericus von Hamburg besieges the Egyptian citadel of Gaza, possibly violating the Charter of Outremer.

Lothar Steffan besieges Ajaccio, the witch Danae still lives.

Budapest revolts and throws out the Imperial garrison.

Peter and Ansehelm Von Kastilien's armies retreat back to Thorn after being being attacked by Russian and Polish armies in the eastern part of the province.

Conrad is set upon on Holy Ground.

Karl Zirn meets with a fortune teller.


1244

The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 8:  Correcting an Error, 1244 - 1248

An Emergency Diet Session is called by the Dukes of Franconia, Bavaria and Austria. It is the second one convened in the history of the Reich.

The Diet votes to impeach Chancellor Hummel among other legislation.

Chancellor Hummel, unable to bear the shame of impeachment, dies in a death ride against the Turks.

[OverKnight]

Part IX: Kaiser Jobst's Term as Chancellor, 1244 - 1248


1244 continued

Kaiser Jobst uses his prerogative to assume the Chancellorship.

The territories of Inverness and Edinburgh are sold back to the English for 2580 florins, a net loss of around 28,000. The army led by Lothar Steffen is evacuated from Corsica pending the removal of the witch Danae. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 9: Planning for the Future, 1248 - 1256

Duke Arnold, leading the Austrian Household Army, sallies out of the fort again and defeats the Hungarians besieging it.


1246

An introduction to Siegfried von Kastilien.

Duke Friedrich Scherer moves east and attacks two French armies besieging Paris. It is a Heroic victory, but the Duke is concerned about the weakened state of the FHA and the strength of the remaining French forces in the area.

The garrison of Thorn, led by Ansehelm von Kastilien, sallies out and throws off a Russian siege. However the Castle is then besieged by a Polish army.


1248

The garrison of Thorn sallies out again and breaks the Polish siege but losses are heavy.

Duke Arnold breaks off the siege of Budapest to attack a Hungarian army that had approached to reclaim their former capital. They are destroyed and the Austrian Household Army combines with the former Imperial garrison of the city to resume the siege. A massive rebel army waits for them within the walls.

With the news of the death of the witch Danae, the offensive against Corsica may continue. However, Russian and Polish activity around Thorn again delays the Russian Crusade.

The Kaiser attacks a force of Danes in the north. Siegfried von Kastilien is knighted for his part in the battle.

Kaiser Jobst resigns as Chancellor. An Emergency Diet Session, the third in the history of the Reich, is called.

An amendment dealing with resignations is put to a vote.

Fredericus von Hamburg is the only candidate for Chancellor and takes the position by acclamation. Elberhard the Lewd will serve as Vice-Chancellor.

[OverKnight]

Part X: Chancellor Fredericus von Hamburg's Term, 1248 - 1260


1248 continued

Chancellor von Hamburg, as one of the first acts of his term, quells the rioting in the Reich. The Reich's Castles begin recruiting troops to reinforce the many battered Imperial garrisons and armies.


1250

Matthias Steffen destroys some brigands before taking ship to Outremer.

Karl Zirn gains a victory over the Turks east of Iconium and pushes on to besiege that city.

Lothar Steffen assaults Ajaccio. The Castle is taken, but not without a price.

The Diet reacts to the news, but quickly falls to bickering over the strategic priorities of the Empire.


1252

Chancellor von Hamburg gives his first report. The Chancellor has repaired the damage done from the rioting of 1242-1248, and initiates the construction of many religious buildings. He also sends reinforcements to the endangered frontiers of the Reich, particularly Thorn, Aleppo and Edessa. The Mongols, after leaving Mosul a smoking ruin, appear ready to move on to Edessa and the Chancellor stays in the city to rally the defenders while having many of the other Outremer nobles gather near Aleppo.

Karl Zirn seizes Iconium. Wolfgang Hummel is knighted for his exploits in the battle.

Conrad Salier attacks the Egyptian Sultan and his small army south of Aleppo. Jan von Hamburg is knighted for his part in the battle.

Duke Arnold assaults Budapest, returning the city to Austria and the Reich. Sigismund von Mahren is knighted for for his part in the battle.

The Franconians sally out of Thorn against the Poles, catching them between the garrison and reinforcements coming to the aid of the castle. The Polish army is destroyed.


1254

The victory at Budapest is short lived as a Hungarian army besieges the city. Duke Arnold, aware that Magyar reinforcements will soon join them, sallies out to drive them off. It is a clear victory, but will the Hungarians press the attack with their other armies?

The Dread Duke gains some Acolytes.

Karl Zirn, after leaving Iconium to the Byzantines, is pursued back to Adana by a large Turkish army.

Ansehelm von Kastilien catches up with a large Russian Army over the bridge north of Thorn. The Russian had hoped to raid deeply into Franconia while Thorn was besieged, but they are crushed.

Duke Arnold considers abandoning Budapest. Other Electors debate the strategy and question his courage. The Duke, stung by these accusations, leaves Budapest and strikes against the two Hungarian Armies approaching the city.

The Kaiser is served by men of questionable loyalty.

The Army of the Interior, lead by Kaiser Jobst and Siegfried von Kastilien, engages three Danish Armies in a massive battle near Hamburg. The Reich is victorious but the Kaiser is immolated by artillery fire and falls in the final battle.

Siegfried von Kastilien returns to Rome and claims the throne.


1256

The funeral of Kaiser Jobst.

Kaiser Siegfried speaks to the Diet. Most of the Electors pay homage to him, but continue to squabble amongst themselves as insults and threats fly in the Diet.

The Mongols bypass Edessa and begin to cross the Euphrates at the ford to the northeast. This invalidates Chancellor Fredericus's plan to defend against them on the Edessa-Euphrates-Aleppo corridor. Perturbed, he marches his army from Edessa and attacks the Mongol rearguard. The Chancellor is forced to withdraw, but even in defeat Berkei the Wrathful is killed and a Mongol army gutted.

Adana is besieged by the Turks. Karl Zirn sallies out to defeat them.

Chancellor Fredericus gives his second report. The Egyptian forces threatening Acre have instead focused on Jerusalem. The Papacy, in a new development, successfully defends the city. Thorn is no longer under constant siege, but Russian and Polish forces will have to be expelled from eastern Franconia before the Russian Crusade can be launched. The Danes have been eliminated in western Franconia, but Imperial forces in the area need reinforcement. The Austrian front is now quiet as well but also in need of more men. Milan still exists despite the apparent Spanish siege.

Wolfgang Hummel, true to his lineage, rebels.

Hans, despite Wolfgang's proclamation, is not in armed rebellion, but he does call for an Emergency Session to clarify the succession. Siegfried is opposed to this and tries to impose peace on the Diet, but the chest thumping and threats only intensify. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 10: Seizing the Reigns, 1256 - 1260

Elberhard the Lewd takes his own shot at the Mongol rearguard at the Battle of the Euphrates, parts one, two and three.


1258

Dread and Chivalry, the conclusion.

Forty years trying to kill one man.

Chancellor Fredericus gives his third report. The Sicilians have attacked Papal Durazzo. The Chancellor, forced to choose between two allies, sticks with the Pope. A new defensive line has been established in Outremer to hem in the depleted Mongol hordes. The fleet transporting Matthias Steffen is defeated by the Egyptians and the much delayed Crusader Count is forced to land south of Smyrna. The Russian and Polish forces in eastern Franconia have been greatly reduced and the Russian Crusade might be able to leave in a few years. Hamburg is again besieged by the Danes. With the end of the Sicilian Alliance, Bavaria may no longer be as secure as it once was.

Some in the Diet question abandoning Sicily as they were the Reich's oldest ally. There is also resentment over the amount of resources devoted to Outremer.

Wolfgang Hummel, his dream of restoring the Salian dynasty deferred, departs Adana.

Hans looks into Siegfried's ascension.


1260

Chancellor Fredericus gives his final report. The Egyptians take and sack Jerusalem killing the Pope. An Imperial Cardinal becomes the next Pope, and the Papacy is now based out of Durazzo. The Mongols have moved near to Aleppo, but remain passive. The Spaniards abandon their siege of Cagliari, making peace with the Milanese. The Reich is resurgent, but challenges remain.

[OverKnight]

Part XI: Chancellor Matthias Steffen's Term, 1260 - 1280


1260 continued

The Eleventh Diet Session opens. The candidates for Chancellor are Lothar Steffen and Matthias Steffen. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continued, Chapter 11: The Illuminated Reich, 1260 - 1262

Matthias Steffen wins the election for Chancellor. The voting on edicts and amendments.

The passage of Charter Amendment 11.1 calls for a poll to see if the Dukes of the Realm will judge Siegfried's legitimacy as Kaiser. Some in the Diet are shocked by these turn of events.

King Salier and Prinz Elberhard unite outside Aleppo to face Khan Subutai the Wrathful.

Chancellor Matthias gives his first report. Khan Subutai and his army are destroyed outside Aleppo, leaving one large Mongol army left in Outremer. A Third Crusade is called for Jerusalem, and Imperial armies in the area not involved with the Mongols begin to travel toward the city. The Reich faces financial constraints due to inefficiencies in taxation and trade and the burden of reinforcing the House Armies and city garrisons, but the Chancellor is taking steps to alleviate this.

Kaiser Siegfried crushes the latest Danish invasion northwest of Hamburg.

Peter von Kastilien, the new commander of the Franconian Household Army, routs a force of Poles northeast of Thorn.


1262

The Ducal Council is unable to reach a unanimous consensus on the legitimacy of Kaiser Siegfried's claim to the Throne. In accordance with Edict 11.9, the issue is passed to the Diet in a vote, which confirms him as Kaiser. Hans feels betrayed by the results.

Prinz Elberhard attacks Khan Orda west of Edessa.

The Chancellor gives his report for the year. The Pope has asked us to stop shedding Danish blood. The Mongols have been greatly reduced by Prinz Elberhard and Count Fredericus in fighting near Edessa, leaving two small armies. Fierce fighting around Thorn results in the death of the Polish King, but the Franconian Household army is worn down.

Jan von Hamburg gains an adviser.

Tying up loose ends.

Jerusalem is besieged by Chancellor Matthias Steffen, Karl Zirn, Jan von Hamburg and their armies. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 12: An Eye in Franconia, 1262 - 1272


1264

Duke Gunther von Kastilien passes away in Thorn. The Diet grieves. Ansehelm von Kastilien is now Duke.

The Chancellor gives his report. Jens von Kassel betrays the Reich and is bribed into the service of the Russians. The Teutonic Crusade has left Thorn. The Mongol threat is destroyed. The Third Crusade takes Jerusalem.

Karl Zirn leads the Crusader's assault on Jerusalem.

Prinz Elberhard battles Khan Orda.

Chancellor Matthias drives the Egyptians out from around Jerusalem.


1266

Rumors from the East.

The Chancellor's report. Jerusalem is returned to the Papal States. A third Mongol invasion is spotted besieging Baghdad.

Duke Gerhard Steffen faces the traitor Jens von Kassel.

Hans changes his mind about staying in Outremer.

Matthias enters the Crucible.

The Chancellor announces the news about the Mongols.

Another plot is hatched against Conrad.


1268

Duke Arnold seeks a continuation of politics with Sicily by delivering a pointed message to their forces camped outside Ragusa.

The Chancellor's report. The Mongols exterminate and abandon Baghdad. The French besiege Paris. Yearly revenues are increasing.

Duke Friedrich Scherer relieves the French siege of Paris.

Count Fritz von Kastilien shatters a Polish army south of Thorn.

Sigismund von Mahren repulses a Hungarian attack between Budapest and Bran.


1270

The Chancellor's report. The Danes try to assasinate Kaiser Siegfried, but fail. The Mongol Horde travels north of the Euphrates, headed for Mosul. Cagliari is seized, and the faction of Milan is destroyed.

Sigismund von Mahren clears the path to Bran in two battles.

Lothar finishes the Milanese on Sardinia.


1272


The Chancellor's report. Sicily besieges Bologna and the Reich is now at war with them. Spanish forces are on or near Corsica and Sardinia. The alliance with the Byzantine Empire is reinforced by the marriage of Theodora Comnenus to Kaiser Siegfried. The Mongols sorround Mosul, held by the Turks, but do not siege the Castle.

Duke Gerhard Steffen crushes some rebels west of Innsbruck.

Fredericus falls, not in battle though, he just falls.

A son mourns.

The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 13: An Eye in Swabia, 1272 - 1280


1274

The Chancellor's report. The Spanish land an army on Corsica and besiege Ajaccio, the Reich is now at war with them. The Mongols bypass Mosul and appear to be headed to Edessa. The Spanish are expelled from the Empire as Wolfgang Hummel breaks the siege of Ajaccio and Lothar Steffen clears them from Sardinia. Sigismund von Mahren takes Bran, but dies in the assault.

The assault on Bran.

Jonas curses the fates for taking his sons.

Lothar attacks the Spanish on Sardinia.

The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword is still good enough when Fritz von Kastilien vanquishes some rebels northwest of Magdeburg.


1276

The Chancellor's report. Peter von Kastilien repulses a Polish assault on the bridge south of Thorn. The Mongols enter Outremer east of Edessa. Prinz Elberhard is married to Princess Linyeve to cement the alliance with England.

Poison and Blackmail.

King Salier faces the Mongols in battle outside the walls of Edessa. The King falls under suspicious circumstances in the middle of the battle and Kitbuqa the Wrathful routs the demoralized Germans. The Diet is shocked.

Jan von Hamburg thirsts for revenge.

The Empire strikes back.

Always a bridesmaid. . .

Into the woods.


1278

The Chancellor's report. Jonas von Mahren passes away. The Mongols, now down to three armies, stay near Edessa but do not attack. One of the Imperial armies poised to strike them, led by Count Hans, is forced to move to Adana to destroy a Turk incursion. A Danish invasion is repulsed north of Hamburg. A Sicilian move toward Rome is crushed and the Reich pursues the survivors towards Naples.

Ansehelm ponders on the Teutonic Crusade, Helmut and the Diet.


1280

The Chancellor's end of term report. Rheims, Stettin and Damascus are besieged. The Mongols spread themselves out around Edessa. Pope Miccele the Corrupt dies, and is replaced by another Imperial Cardinal, Rudolph Ruesdorf, who is now known as Pope Ugolinus.

A summary of the battles fought during Chancellor Matthias's term.

[OverKnight]

Part XII: Chancellor Matthias Steffen's Second Term, 1280 - 1300


1280 Continued

The Kaiser on vacation.

The Twelth Diet Session opens. Matthias Steffen, Hans and Wolfgang Hummel are the candidates for Chancellor.

The Lord at play.

Jan takes a crown.

Arnold expresses concern over the demographic pressures on Austria and breaks.

The Legislation voted on.

Matthias Steffen wins the Election for Chancellor. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 14: Pax Illuminatus, 1280 - 1282

Chancellor Matthias and King Jan attack Khan Kuo Kan south of Edessa.

Count Zirn breaks the siege of Damascus.

A fine romance.

Don't @#$%^&!!!ing mess with the Princess.

The boy-King's proposal falls under scrutiny.

The Chancellor's report. The sieges of Rheims, Stettin and Damascus are broken. Naples is taken from the Sicilians. No one really wants to take Cagliari off our hands. The Scots reject an alliance. It will take some time to deploy the second House Armies.


1282

If wishes were horses. . .

The Chancellor's report. Duke Arnold is attacked by the Hungarians between Bran and Budapest and wins a heroic victory. Pope Ugolinus dies and is replaced by Pope Gualandus. The Mongols last two armies are close to each other southwest of Edessa.

Kaiser Siegfried faces firearms.

Hans faces the Mongols.

The Chancellor's second report for the year. The Mongols are destroyed but Jens Hummel dies in the battle. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 15: A Death in the Family, 1282 - 1284


1284

The Chancellor's report. The Egyptians besiege Jerusalem. The Spanish besiege Ajaccio. Caen is taken from the French. The Teutonic Crusade takes Moscow, exterminates it and leaves the city.

Dietrich von Dassel hunts artillery near Marseille.

Fear stalks Hans. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 16: She-wolf, 1284 - 1286

The relief of Jerusalem.


1286

The Chancellor's report. Cagliari is besieged by the Sicilians, but they are destroyed by a sally out of the Castle. Caen is besieged by the French. Moscow begins rioting.

The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 17: Business as Usual, 1286 - 1300


1288

Austrian Justice.

Byzantine Intrigues.

Chancellor Matthias battles the Turks for the Adana frontier.

The Chancellor's report. The Russians retake Moscow. A French assault on Caen is repulsed, but the Citadel is besieged again.


1290

The Chancellor's report. Pope Gualandus dies, Pope Abbate, another German, is elected to replace him. Peter von Kastilien defeats a Polish army and continues his drive on Vilnius. Lothar Steffen takes Palermo. Edmund Becker defeats two armies near Budapest.

The center cannot hold.


1292

The Chancellor's report. Duke Gerhard Steffen dies. Breslau is besieged by the Poles. Peter von Kastilien takes Vilnius.

A legacy of treachery.

An old name resurfaces.

Dietrich von Dassel is attacked by the French outside Caen. His treatment of the prisoners.

Edmund Becker and the second AHA are defeated north of Budapest.

1294

A Dialogue on the Great Schism.

The King and Prinz discuss a Magician.

The Chancellor's report. Dietrich von Dassel repulses a French attack and they lift the siege of Caen. Peace is made with Sicily and Spain. On his way to Budapest from Bran, Duke Arnold is attacked by two Hungarian armies, which he crushes. He then attacks a third, destroying it as well. Peter von Kastilien leaves Vilnius to counter the Poles near Breslau. The Teutonic Crusade returns to the Reich.

Matthias Steffen goads the Byzantines into attacking the Turks outside Caesarea.


1296

The Chancellor's report. Hamburg and Caen are besieged, but both are relieved by Fritz von Kastilien and Dietrich von Dassel. Duke Arnold breaks the Polish siege of Budapest.

The battle of four armies outside Caen.


1298

Death and Mercy

The Chancellor's report. Peter von Kastilien repulses a Polish attack across the Vistula bridge south of Thorn. The Greeks besiege Caesarea. A small Polish force besieges Budapest again, Duke Arnold, who had been moving north towards Krakow, doubles back and breaks this siege as well.


1300

Chancellor Matthias Steffen's final report. Thorn is besieged by a small Polish cavalry force.

A summary of the battles fought during Chancellor Matthias's second term.

[OverKnight]

Part XIII: Kaiser Siegfried's term as Chancellor with Prinz Elberhard as Steward, 1300 - 1320


1300 continued

Mercy falling.

The Thirteenth Diet Session opens. Kaiser Siegfried assumes the Chancellorship. Kaiser Siegfried assigns Paris to Swabia and Cagliari to Bavaria, however this territory has already been donated to the Sicilians.

Sir Dietrich von Dassel asks the Kaiser to waive his uncontested ascension to the Chancellorship and announces his own candidacy. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 18: The Gathering Storm, 1300 - 1308

An Investigation.

The legislation voted on at the Session.

The Steward's report. Naples and Palermo, newly accepted into the Reich, are donated to the Byzantines as part of the Unification negotiations. The Sicilians land an army near Palermo, looking to take advantage of the handover. The Diet reacts poorly to the transfer.

Internal Exile


1302

Karl Zirn completes the first Huge Cathedral in Outremer.

A conversation over coffee.

The Church leads the way on Unification.

Day of the Pachyderm

The Steward's report. French besiege Paris, but it is a ruse to draw the a Swabian HA into a massive ambush, which is averted. The Prussian Household Army, led by Peter von Kastilien, has disappeared. Several other units appear to have joined the missing army, and it is rumored to be south of Vienna. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches have reunified.


1304

Hans and a new protege put down some rebels.

The Rise of Alexander Luther

A Governor's Farewell

Becker assaults Bucharest.

Fritz the Populist

Dietrich the Outcast

Peter the Rebel

Arnold the Victor

The Kaiser looks to the Future.

Mourning a Priest, the Stettin Way

The Assault on Bucharest

The Steward's report. Political Unification seems to be at hand, though Peter's rogue army approaches Constantinople and the Byzantines are to administer Outremer. Several Churches are destroyed in the Reich as the preaching of Alexander Luther takes hold. Duke Arnold takes Krakow. France is excommunicated.


1306

The Steward's report. The 2nd Austria HA led by Edmund Becker is close to intercepting the rogue Franconian army led by Peter von Kastilien. Bruges is taken by the 1st Swabian HA. A Chapel burns in Aleppo as much of Outremer is close to revolt.

The Diet reacts to the news about Outremer.

The Relief of Caen, the Diet's reaction.


1308

Matthias Adrift

Dark times call for dark measures.

Plots within plots.

Lex Saxonum

The Road to Magdeburg.

Kaiser Siegfried is killed in an ambush by unknown assailants, the Diet is shocked. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 19: The Fall of Kings, 1308 - 1316

Suspicion and a Rash Promise.

Hans investigates the Kaiser's death.

The Chancellor's report. After the death of Siegfried, Elberhard becomes Kaiser and Chancellor. "Unknown Bavarians" may be responsible for funding the assasination. Siegfried's demise leads to massive rioting in the Reich. Count Peter von Kastiliens rogue army is intercepted by the second Austrian HA led by Count Edmund Becker and surrenders.

Peter learns of Siegfried's death.


1310

The Wheel Turns

The Chancellor's report. Rioting only grows worse as some city garrisons begin deserting. Most of Outremer is gifted to the Byzantines. Alexander Luther is in Ragusa. Bavarian HA Otto besieges Thessalonica.

Edmund pines for Bohemia.


1312

The Chancellor's report. Tancred von Tyrolia, able to evade those that caught Peter, sacks Constantinople. A state of War now exists between the Reich and Empire. A large force of armed Lutherans leaves Ragusa with Dietrich von Dassel commanding. Desertion and Chaos reach dangerous levels and Imperial armies and garrisons are disintegrating. The Reich is "@#$%^&!!!ed".

Dietrich decides to attack, his announcement to the Diet.

Another Hummel rebellion.

What to do with Thessalonica?

Things fall apart.

Hans turns west.

Jan heads north.

Peter gloats and anticipates freedom.

A friendly speech to the troops.

Another Interview

King Jan reports on his investigation into the disappearance of Matthias.

The assault on the rebel scum in Bucharest.


1314

A Reunion

The assault on Durazzo

The Chancellor's report. Dietrich von Dassel and a Lutheran army assault Durazzo, killing Pope Abbate and causing the excommunication of the Reich. Unification is officially dead as the Patriarch of Constantinople pulls out of the united Church upon hearing the news. Civil War grips Swabia.

The Price of Treachery

The Price of Honor

Farewell to Thessalonica


1316

The Chancellor's report. The First Austrian Household Army is destroyed when the Hungarians seize Bucharest, Edmund Becker is presumed dead in the battle. The Dowager Empress Theodora absconds with the Imperial Treasury and flees Rome. The Swabian Civil War intensifies as the two House Armies face each other in battle.

Peter von Kastilien declares himself Prinz in the Diet.

The Battle of the Iron Bridge. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 20: Order Amidst Chaos, 1316 - 1330


1318

Love in a time of War

Landfall

Retreat and Recruitment

The Storming of Antioch

The Relief of Bologna

Fritz has trouble letting go.

Karl Zirn's First Battle in Europe

The Battle for Normandy

The Fall of Rome

The Chancellor's report. The Byzantines seize Rome and exterminate the populace. The Reich falls into chaos and anarchy as the government collapses, there will be no Diet Session or Chancellor. Thorn and Krakow are besieged. Budapest and Bologna rebel. A Crusade is called for Tunis. Antioch is retaken, but Acre is besieged by the Papal States.

The Formation of the Catholic Alliance

A Poorly Timed Visit

Cry Havoc. . .

You can't go Home again.

A summary of battles fought during Kaiser Elberhard's Chancellorship.

[OverKnight]

Part XIV: The Cataclysm, 1320 - 1340

The Cataclysm FAQ


1320

The situation. Central Authority collapses as individual Electors scramble for survival. Tough decisions need to be made, and there is no promise of success.

Edmund Becker, who somehow survived the loss of Bucharest, rallies Bohemia.

Iron Faith

Budapest is retaken from the rebels.

Kaiser Elberhard clears a path to Aleppo.

Duke Hans plots to end the rebellion in Swabia.


1322

The situation. The Crusaders have succesfully defended the three remaining territories of Outremer, but old and new threats still remain. In Franconia, Krakow falls to the Poles, Thorn is threatened and Hamburg is isolated by the Danes. Bavaria loses Florence to the Byzantines. The Rebellion in Swabia grows, adding Bruges, as external enemies gather to strike at the Duchy. Budapest is retaken in Austria, but the Hungarians are sweeping west while the Venetians are poised to strike.

Jan the Father

Fritz the Bastard

Matthias Steffen sallies out of Antioch and seizes the Iron Bridge.

The Power of Coin

The Assault on the Hungarian Vanguard east of Budapest.

A Message

The Kaiser's Army and the Army of Jerusalem join forces against the Byzantines at the Battle of the Orontes Ford.

An Introduction to Artillery


1324

The situation. Papal forces once again besiege Acre as Greek armies, despite earlier losses, continue to pour into Outremer. Thorn is evacuated as mutltiple enemies march into Franconia. The Sicilians seek to avenge their defeat on Corsica and land another army on the island. All Bavarian lands south of the Po river are now lost to the Byzantines. Duke Lothar reinforces Dietrich von Dassel with men from Innsbruck, who then returns to Swabia, another claimant in the the Swabian Civil War. The rebellion there threatens to turn bloody as rival armies meet near Rheims. In Austria, Budapest is threatened by the Hungarians and Ragusa by the Venetians.

An Uncertain Lineage

A History Lesson

The Raid into the Levantine Frontier

Peter Reconsiders

The siege of Acre is broken.


1326

The situation. The siege of Acre is broken and the Crusaders hold the Orontes, but Aleppo is cut off and besieged by the Byzantines. King Jan has disappeared and the Kaiser takes the Crown of Outremer. Duke Ansehelm and his army are beset by the Poles. The Duke is slain and only a few survivors remain to spread the news. Peter von Kastilien is now Duke. Hamburg rebels and a plague strikes Breslau. The Byzantines push north of the Po and all of Italy is in danger. Sicily redoubles its efforts to take Ajaccio as two large armies land on Corsica. The siege of Caen is broken, but the Danes now threaten Bruges. Dietrich von Dassel seizes Bern while Duke Hans retakes Metz. Ulrich Hummel's and Athalwolf von Salza's armies stumble upon each other and a battle ensues. The Venetians besiege Ragusa while Budapest is again threatened by the Hungarians.

Fight or Flight

The idea is broached in Outremer, there is some disagreement.

Wolfgang plots a surprise.

Duke Arnold engages two massive Venetian armies in a desperate bid to relieve Ragusa.

The Hungarian drive on Budapest is again blunted.

The Battle of the Flemish Crossroads

The Destruction of the Byzantine Guard Army

The Relief of Aleppo

The Battle of the Elephant

The Assault on Pope Lanbertus and Jerusalem

Peter becomes Duke of Franconia.

Despite an uneasy truce between Catholics and Lutherans, conflict is never far from the surface.

The Relief of Breslau

News of Ulrich Hummel's victory reaches Bern.

Dread Diplomacy


1328

The situation. Heroic victories secure Outremer for another year. Aleppo is gifted to the English while a more agreeable Pope is put into power in Jerusalem, resulting in reconciliation. Breslau and Frankfurt were relieved, but Breslau is besieged again, along with Magdeburg. Stockholm is brutally sacked but the Danes are sending many men to recover it. The siege of Venice is raised but Ajaccio is abandoned to the Sicilians. However this gives Bavaria the chance to hold the Byzantines at the Po river. Wolfgang Hummel is victorious against Athalwolf von Salza while Duke Hans and Dietrich von Dassel face off at Bern. Ragusa is relieved but the Hungarians besiege Budapest and are marching on Zagreb.

Jan returns to Europe and sends a message.

The Kaiser's farewell tour of Outremer.

Duke Arnold crushes the second Venetian advance on Ragusa.


1330

The situation. The religious overtones of the Swabian Civil War spark massive unrest, a War of Reformation between Lutherans and Catholics within the Reich. As the leaders of both sides prepare to battle at Bern, the conflict spreads. Peasant armies of both sects gather in the countryside, city dwellers battle each other, destroying buildings in many settlements, and countless lives are lost. Outremer, once on the brink of extinction, is the only oasis of sanity, but it will soon face other threats.

While Bern is the focus of the Reich, the French besiege Caen and ready an assault on Rheims. Franconia is in danger of falling, as most of the Duchy is besieged by Danes and Poles. The Greeks swarm north of the Po across undefended bridges and all of Italy is threatened. The Venetians retreat from Ragusa to lick their wounds, but the Hungarians break through near Budapest in large numbers. The city is abandoned to them as its defenders fall back to regroup.

Pike and Musket

Trapped

A new man for a new Swabia.

Count Erlach crushes religious unrest near Genoa, but his attempted relief of Milan is repulsed by the Byzantines' new elite troops.

The Lull Before the Storm

Dietrich makes a decision.

The Battle of Bern

A fable and parable concerning the battle.

The aftermath of the battle, for Hans' man, Alfgarda von Hamburg and Alexander Luther.

The Kaiser reacts to the battle violently in private, but publicly calls for a ceasefire. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 21: The Rebel of my Rebel is my Rebel, 1330 - 1338

An introduction to Ludwig von Bohmen.

Dread Knight and Reichsgraf, a Negotiation


1332

The situation. The Great Fleet leaves Outremer, the Kaiser will arrive in Europe in 1338. Stettin falls to the Danes. Frankfurt is besieged but Magdeburg is now free. Count Elrach's attempted relief of Milan is crushed by the Byzantines and while Duke Lothar slips into the city during the choas, he is now trapped. Genoa and Venice are besieged as well. Caen and Rheims fall to the resurgent French and Bruges is now under siege.

Rallying Antwerp

The Trials of Athalwolf

Kaiser Elberhard names Peter von Kastilien his heir.

An Address to the People of Bruges

Stettin is reclaimed from the Danes.

The Dread Duke shows some compassion.

The Pacification of Bern

The Hungarians advancing on Zagreb are destroyed and Vienna is cleared of fanatics.

Duke Arnold repulses yet another Venetian advance on Ragusa in the Battle of Doclea.

1334

Arnold gets back in the Game.

The situation. Portugal, one of the Reich's two remaining allies, is finally overcome by the French. The Greeks and Turks, hearing of the evacuation of Outremer, send massive armies to claim what is left of the Kingdom. Stettin is reclaimed, but Magdeburg is besieged and Frankfurt remains under siege. The Greeks assault Milan, but Duke Lothar destroys them in a bloody battle. Wolfgang Hummel captures Staufen from the loyalists, but Bruges falls to the French. The Hungarians are thrown back from Zagreb and the Venetians from Ragusa, but the Greeks take and exterminate Venice.

Duke Peter von Kastilien sallies forth from Frankfurt and crushes the Danes besieging the city.

Fritz considers the fate of Stettin. He abandons the city to the Russians and seizes Hamburg from the Danes.

Matthias ponders upon his new Kingdom. He attacks the Greeks southwest of Aleppo, inflicting heavy losses, but is forced to withdraw.

The Pacification of Staufen

A Princess at Sea


1336

The situation. The Greeks swarm across the undefended Iron Bridge and besiege Antioch. Fritz von Kastilien arranges a cease fire with the Russians by donating Stettin to them. The Greeks offensive falters at Milan, but it will difficult to reclaim the lost Italian cities. Wolfgang Hummel is besieged within Staufen by Ehrhart Ruppel, a young Loyalist. The Venetians besiege Ragusa, the Poles besiege Prague and the Hungarians besiege Zagreb. Religious strife has almost been ended within the Reich.

Wolfgang under Siege

Jan von der Pfalz assaults Bruges. The city is taken, but at a high price.

Ludwig von Böhmen eulogizes Jan von der Pfalz.

Fritz von Kastilien cleanses the Danes from around Hamburg.

Edmund Becker focuses on Prague.

The Battle of Staufen. A declaration made shortly after the battle and the response.


1338

The situation. Antioch is captured and exterminated by the Byzantines. Magdeburg remains under siege by the Danes. The Greeks consolidate their hold on Italy, with only Milan and Genoa outside their grasp. Swabia is now unified under Duke Athalwolf von Salza. Prague, Zagreb and Ragusa remain under siege by the Poles, Hungarians and Venetians respectively. Kaiser Elberhard makes landfall northeast of Venice, while Dieter von Kassel lands near Palermo.

Martyrdom and the Judgement of History

Andreas von Salzgitter arrives in Outremer.

A Proclamation Denouncing Unification.

Fritz von Kastilien breaks the siege of Magdeburg and crushes two Danish armies. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 22: Back in Black, 1338 - 1340

Duke Lothar donates Nuremberg to the Empire as the site of the next Diet. The Kaiser has his own announcement.

Count Becker sallies out of Prague with the support of Count Lorenz Zirn, parts one and two.

Kaiser Elberhard destroys the Hungarian army besieging Zagreb.

Dieter von Kassel storms Palermo, parts one, two and three. Despite heavy losses, he takes the Citadel from the Byzantines.

Duke Arnold reaches a decision.

Fritz von Kastilien's Revised Proclamation

Duke Arnold defends the Citadel of Ragusa against a huge Venetian assault. It is broken and the merchants flee back to Durazzo.

Matthias Steffen repulses a Byzantine attack north of Acre in the Battle of Al Qubayyat, parts one, two and three.

The Imperial Message Service is closed after the opening of the new Diet Chamber.

A summary of battles fought during the Cataclysm.

[OverKnight]

Part XV: Duke Arnold's Term as Chancellor, 1340 - 1360


1340

The Cataclysm ends, the Reich has survived but at great cost.

The Godwinson Saga, parts one and two

Lukas's Dream

The Fourteenth Diet Session opens, Duke Arnold and Count Fritz von Kastilien are candidates for the Chancellorship.

Hermann Steffen eavesdrops on the Diet.

Bar Fight

Hugo de Cervole, Renegade Templar

The Election for Chancellor and Legislation voted on at the Fourteenth Diet. Duke Arnold is the new Chancellor.

The new Chancellor issues his orders. The Chronicles of the Illuminati continue, Chapter 23: Sons of the Shadow, 1340 - 1358

Kaiser Elberhard mauls a Greek army on the road to Venice.

The Byzantines assault Milan, Duke Lothar attempts to thwart them.

Matthias Steffen obliterates a Byzantine attack north of Acre in the Battle of Qurnat as Sawdā’.

The Chancellor's report. The Reich faces horrendous financial shortfalls, excaberated by the loss of Milan later in the year. The Chancellor is working to improve matters, but recovery will take time. The Greek drive on Zagreb is blunted by Kaiser Elberhard. The Greeks follow up with another attack but this is repulsed by Count Karolinger with assistance from the Kaiser. The Greek drive in Outremer towards Acre is halted. Hamburg is besieged by three Danish armies. The Poles mass near Prague, as the Hungarians strike near Vienna.


1342

Lothar Steffen, trapped near fallen Milan, raids the Greek armies in the area and boldly besieges the city.

Fritz von Kastilien drives to relieve Hamburg. He crushes a Danish army in his path and then breaks the siege.

Kaiser Elberhard advances on Venice, destroying a Greek army on the way. The city is taken in a bloody assault.

Karl Zirn destroys a Hungarian army in the Austrian interior.

Sir Andreas von Salzgitter assaults and occupies Antioch. He is made the Crusader Count of Acre for his actions.

The Chancellor's report. The plague strikes Staufen. Milan is counter-sieged. The siege of Hamburg is broken. The Greeks are driven south of the Po and Venice is retaken. Antioch is restored to Outremer.

From the Heights of Power to the Depths of Pestilence

Signs and Portents

Ludwig von Böhmen annihilates a French assault on Bruges.

Matthias Steffen crushes a Greek attack over the Iron Bridge.

Lukas Godwinson and the garrison of Magdeburg repulse a Polish assault.


1344

Kaiser Elberhard assumes control of the Reich while Duke Arnold is ill. The Greeks are repulsed from the Iron Bridge. The French assault on Bruges is destroyed. Magdeburg is succesfully defended against a Polish attack. Hamburg is again besieged by the Danes.

Fritz von Kastilien sallies from Hamburg. He inflicts horrific losses on the Danes but is forced to withdraw back into the city, which remains under siege.

Matthias Steffen assaults and occupies Adana, parts one, two and three.

Karl Zirn drives the Hungarians back from around Vienna.

A debate begins in the Diet over whether Kaiser Elberhard can assume the powers of the Chancellorship while Chancellor Arnold is too ill to fulfill them. The Kaiser loses patience over the matter, and opens an Emergency Session of the Diet to address the legalities of the situation.

Prinz Peter breaks the siege of Hamburg and Fritz von Kastilien marches north to assault Arhus, the city is brutally sacked.

Lothar Steffen, with assistance from Friedrich Karolinger and HA Otto, liberates Milan.

Kaiser Elberhard assaults Bologna. The city is taken in a great victory, but at a terrible cost, the Kaiser falls in the battle. The Diet mourns the loss, each Elector in their own way. Peter von Kastilien is the new Kaiser.

Reflection and Revelation

The Imperial Secretariat's report. Pope Renaldus passes away, the new pontiff, formerly the Imperial Cardinal Welf the Missionary, is Pope Pierus. The Black Death comes to Europe, though the Reich has not been afflicted yet. Ludwig von Bonhem and Lukas Godwinson are knighted.


1346

Lothar Steffen kills some rebels around Genoa and marches south toward Florence with HA Otto.

Fredericus Erlach defeats a Hungarian ex-Crusade army near Innsbruck.

Kaiser Peter destroys a Polish army north of Magdeburg in a close victory. He begins to move south to join the currently leaderless Kaiser's army, which leaves Bologna to march north to meet him.

The Imperial Secretariat's report. The Black Death hits the Reich, striking many settlements. Dijon is besieged by the French, Adana and Antioch by the Greeks, Magdeburg by the Poles and the Hungarians are at the walls of Vienna.


1348

Edmund Becker worries about the approach of the Black Death.

Duke Dieter Bresch contemplates the meaning of a name.

Karl Zirn dies, the Diet mourns his passing.

The Return of the Chancellor

The Changing Fortunes of Marriage

Welf von Luxemburg repulses a Polish army threatening Nuremburg. He is knighted by the Chancellor for his victory.

Duke Lothar pleas for the return of the Kaiser's army to Italy. The request is granted.

Johann defies orders.

Lothar Steffen bleeds a Byzantine army that attacks him west of Bologna, but he is forced to withdraw to Milan.

The Chancellor's report. More of the Reich is infected with the Plague and the death toll is rising. Initiative belongs to our enemies, as much of the Reich remains under siege, though Friedrich Karolinger destroys a Byzantine army south of Milan. Sallies out of Adana and Antioch damage the Greeks, but they remain in place. A subsequent Greek assault on Antioch is repulsed. A Polish attack on Magdeburg is crushed. The Chancellor blunts another Venetian thrust east of Ragusa. A second Polish army now threatens besieged Prague.


1350

The Chancellor's suggestions for the year.

The Many Plagues of Rosenheim

The Pressures of Office

The Dread Chancellor crushes the Venetians besieging Ragusa. Some question the source of his prowess in battle.

The Chancellor's report. The Chancellor eliminates another Venetian army that had besieged Ragusa. The plague complicates reinforcement of the Reich's armies and destroys the economy. Bruges is besieged again. Prague and Vienna remain under siege. The Chancellor seeks to focus on Italy, the only front that can be closed.

Matthias Steffen suffers a loss and then obliterates a Greek assault on Adana.

Edmund Becker successfully defends Prague, but Lorenz Zirn, leading the relief force, dies in the battle. The Diet mourns his passing.

The Chancellor's report continued, the French lift the siege of Bruges and an offer of Vassalage from them is strongly refused.


1352

The Chancellor's report, parts one and two. A Teutonic Knights Chapter House is established in Magdeburg. The Plague continues to ravage the Reich. Hungary, France and Poland are excommunicated.

Johann Zirn is ordered to Vienna. He breaks the Hungarian siege, but Dieter von Essen dies in the battle. The Diet hears of his passing.

Herrmann Steffen, only a squire, leads two Imperial armies to victory over the elite French Army threatening Milan.

The Chancellor's report continued. Dieter von Kassel takes Rome. The Swabian move to relieve Dijon stalls. The Franconians stay put in besieged Magdeburg, angering the Chancellor. The Chancellor moves on Durazzo. Viceroy Matthias marches out of Adana to the northwest to deny the Greeks passage through the mountains.

Welf von Luxemburg bides his time and bites his tongue.


1354

The Chancellor's report. The Black Death continues. The Pope asks for Rome back and is denied. Magdeburg remains under siege, as none of the commanders there even sally forth. The Danes move two armies south through Scandinavia to retake Arhus. The army marching to relieve Dijon is forced back against the walls of Bern. The siege of Bruges is lifted by the French. Despite superior forces, the Greeks make no moves on Outremer.

Lothar Steffen crushes the Greeks besieging Bologna.

Herrmann Steffen, marshalling three Imperial armies, encircles and destroys the elite Greek army besieging Milan, part one, two and three. The victory comes with a great cost, as Count Friedrich Karolinger is lost in the battle, the Diet mourns his passing.

Duke Arnold, tiring of the defense, strikes at the Venetian border city of Durazzo.


1356

The Chancellor's report and suggestions. The Black Death wanes, but many nobles and settlements are still afflicted, as shown by the death of Lukas Godwinson. The Pope orders the Reich to cease hostilities against Venice. The French besiege Milan, Genoa and Bern while the Hungarians siege Zagreb.

Welf von Luxemburg destroys the French army besieging Bern, parts one and two.

Duke Arnold strikes at a Venetian army threatening Durazzo.

The Chancerllor's report continued. The French assault Milan and Genoa, the Poles attack Magdeburg and an ambush is sprung on the Danes crossing from Scandinavia. Genoa is lost, with Count Hans von Bavaria killed leading the defense, but the Reich wins the other battles.

Fritz ambushes the Danes.


1358

The Chancellor's report. The Plague continues to recede.

Welf von Luxemburg crosses the Rhine west of Staufen and counter-attacks the French, crushing one of their armies. The Chronicles of the Illuminati conclude, Chapter 24: The Will of the Diet, 1358 - 1380

The Chancellor's report continued. Chancellor Arnold assigns everyone nicknames, recruits a lot of men and seems quite ready to pass the reins on to someone else.


1360

Chancellor Arnold's end of term report. The Black Death is finished, though a few pockets remain. Zagreb falls to the Hungarians. Prague and Magdeburg are besieged by the Polish. The Reich has survived the perils of Cataclysm and Pestilence.

A summary of battles fought during Chancellor Arnold's term (scroll down).

[OverKnight]

Part XVI: Chancellor Fritz von Kastilien's Term, 1360 - 1380


1360 continued

The Fifthteenth Diet Session opens. Count Fritz von Kastilien and Duke Arnold are the candidates for Chancellor.

The Kaiser reaches a decision.

The voting for Chancellor and on the proposed legislation. Count Fritz von Kastilien is elected Chancellor.

The Madness of Athalwolf.

Vendetta

Fritz von Kastilien's Rise to Power

Hugo de Cervole breaks a small French army in front of him and heads towards Paris.


1362

The Chancellor's report and offensive recommendations. The Plague is waning, but several units are still infected. Bologna is retaken from the Greeks, but Bruges falls to the French.

Hugo de Cervole, in a daring raid, takes Paris.

Matthias Steffen sallies against the Turks besieging Adana and obliterates them.

Ehrhart Ruppel, after years of confinement, sallies out of Dijon with the assistance of a relief army, and crushes the French besiegers.

Chancellor Fritz von Kastilien assaults Oslo in a night raid. The city is then transferred to the Russians.

A Portrait of Duke Arnold

The Agony of Defeat

The Chancellor's end of year report.


1364

The Chancellor's report and recommendations. Florence is recaptured from the Greeks. Dijon was finally relieved. Metz was taken and Paris was raided and sacked. The French enter northern Italy in force just as the Greeks are forced back. The Russians, despite having recieved Oslo from the Reich, declare war on the Empire and threaten Hamburg. The Turks siege of Adana is thrown off, to be replaced by a Greek one.

The Kaiser plans his vengeance.

Hugo de Cervole raids Rheims.

Welf von Luxemburg crushes a French army between Rheims and Dijon.

Matthias Steffen sallies against the Greeks besieging Adana, they are eliminated.

Ehrhart Ruppel destroys a French army threatening Dijon.

From Darkness into the Light

The Chancellor's end of year report. The French besiege Florence and reclaim Paris. The Venetians reclaim Durazzo.


1366

The Chancellor's report and recommendations. Andreas von Salzgitter's move to Cyprus is noticed and the Greeks threaten the Iron Bridge. Duke Arnold closes on Zagreb.

Matthias Steffen eradicates an elite Greek army threatening the Iron Bridge.

Herrmann Steffen seizes a poorly defended Marseille from the French.

Lothar Steffen sallies from Florence, destroying the French army besieging the city.

Andreas von Salzgitter seizes Nicosia.

The Chancellor's end of year report. Count Becker captures Breslau. The Chancellor rallies the garrison of Hamburg, driving off the Russians.

Ehrhart Ruppel defeats a French army trying to cross a ford west of Dijon.

The Sins of the Past

The Diet reacts to old wounds being reopened.

Hugo de Cervole repulses a French attack across a bridge southwest of Antwerp.


1368

The Chancellor's report. Zagreb fell to Duke Arnold. Three French armies were eliminated in Swabia. A Reich initiated Crusade is called for Angers. The Greek army on Cyprus besieges Nicosia. The Hungarians besiege Zagreb, newly lost to them. The French take Genoa

Matthias Steffen breaks the Greek siege of Adana.

Ehrhart Ruppel, having taken the cross, pushes further into France, attacking a French army near Angers.

The Chancellor's recommendations.

Welf von Luxemburg wins a heroic victory against the French north of Rheims. He pushes on toward Angers.

Lothar Steffen, still a free man, crushes the last Byzantine army in Italy.

Johann Zirn aids a sally against the Hungarians at Vienna.

The Chancellor's end of year report. The Crusade marches on Angers, though Ehrhart Ruppel is again far ahead of support and is vulnerable. A mere Captain from Adana captures Caesarea.

Ehrhart Ruppel repulses a French attempt to relieve Angers. Victorious but worn down, his army is attacked by a third French army but triumphs.

Hugo de Cervole defeats a French assault in Picardy.

Herrmann Steffen, on a bridge west of Marseille, is driven back by the French.

The Hungarians assault Vienna. Johann Zirn saves the city, but loses his life in the battle. He is mourned in the Diet.


1370

The Chancellor's report and recommendations. Ehrhart Ruppel barely hangs on at Angers, but hold he does. Hugo de Cervole and Welf von Luxemburg continue west to join him. Count Becker is defeated by the Poles, and they sweep by him, exterminating Prague. The Timurids arrive near Baghdad.

Hugo de Cervole raids Paris and Caen.

The Crusade called on Angers is completed with the conquest of the Castle.

Lothar Steffen assaults Genoa, reclaiming it from the French.

The Chancellor's end of year report. Count Becker retakes Prague. The Sicilians land four armies near Rome.


1372

The Chancellor's report and recommendations. The Crusade has served to turn the tide against the French, reclaiming many lost lands. However, they manage to reclaim Dijon, putting the city to the sword. The Hungarians mount a major push towards Vienna. Breslau is threatened by the Poles. Angers is besieged by the French.

Ehrhart Ruppel defeats a French army east of Rennes.

The Chancellor's end of year report. Forces consolidate across the Reich after the past years of frenetic expansionism. The Egyptians attack Jerusalem, but are repelled and defeated.


1374

The Chancellor's report and recommendations. The French siege of Angers is worn down, but remains. Forces gather to retake Bruges. Prince Stenkil, after many years, besieges Arhus.

Fritz von Kastilien sallies against Prince Stenkil of Denmark at Arhus. The Dane and his army are destroyed.

Ehrhart Ruppel breaks the siege of Angers and then swoops down on Rennes, capturing the city.

Chancellor von Kastilien presses Count Becker for a resolution in the investigation of Lothar Steffen, others comment as well.

The Chancellor's end of year report. Rennes is given to the English in exchange for military access.

Revelations


1376

The Chancellor's report and recommendations. Ludwig von Bohmen lies ready to assault Bruges, while Hugo de Cervole is poised outside Bordeaux. Prague and Magdeburg both threw back Polish assaults and Hamburg is now under siege. Ragusa is threatened by the Venetians. The Timurids are between Mosul and Baghdad, having left the Turks undisturbed.

The Chancellor's end of year report. Duke Arnold pushes back two Hungarian armies. The Sicilians are crushed near Rome, gelding their offensive in Italy. Andreas von Salzgitter succesfully defends Outremer from a Greek invasion from the west, but dies in his moment of triumph. Lothar Steffen is declared an Outlaw, any who aid him will share his fate.

Lothar Steffen is found guilty of Regicide. In response the Order of the Illuminati proclaims a reborn Holy Roman Republic. The position of Kaiser is to be abolished, and the Republic is to be ruled directly by the Electors. The Diet is divided between Royalists, Republicans and those who wish to avoid civil strife.


1378

The Chancellor's report. Offensive action against external enemies is suspended while the Chancellor focuses on the Republicans. The Chancellor exterminates Stockholm as an example of the fate that faces any who rebel.

Dieter Bresch and Family


1380

Edmund Becker chooses the long road, but cannot avoid being a witness to history.

A Return from Exile

Royalists and Republicans fight to determine the fate of the Empire in the epic Battle of Trent. The rules and forces involved in the battle.


The Battle of Trent

Turn 0 - The Deployment of the Advance Guards
Turn 1 - Dawn
Turn 2 - Early Morning
Turn 3 - Mid-morning

Interludes, both Imperial and Republican, during the battle.

Turn 4 - Late Morning

Kaiser Peter responds to the treachery, while Duke Arnold plots his next move.

Both disillusionment and doubt plague the surviving Swabians.

Edmund Becker makes a trenchant observation on the action.

A Spurned Offer

Repeated Arson

Turn 5 - Noon

Sic Semper Tyrannus

A Black Betrayal

The Last Kaiser

The Gambit Revealed

Into Exile

Early Afternoon


Epilogue

Aftermath

News of the Battle reaches Alfgarda von Hamburg.

Ship of Fools

All that Glitters. . .

An Unexpected Caller, the Interview

A Declined Invitation, Refugees with Friends

The Holy Roman Republic is proclaimed in the Diet.

A New World Order

A Dream in Exile

Sifridius Bresch mulls his options.

[OverKnight]

Part XVII: The Chronicles of the Illuminati


Chapter 1:  Genesis, 1220 - 1228

Chapter 2:  The Ansehelm Affair, 1228 - 1232

Chapter 3:  The Brotherhood Grows, 1232 - 1236

Chapter 4:  The Games Begin, 1236 - 1240

Chapter 5:  Rigging the Election, 1240

Chapter 6:  Securing the Votes, 1240

Chapter 7:  A Puppet Chancellor, 1240 -1244

Chapter 8:  Correcting an Error, 1244 - 1248

Chapter 9:  Planning for the Future, 1248 - 1256

Chapter 10: Seizing the Reigns, 1256 - 1260

Chapter 11: The Illuminated Reich, 1260 - 1262

Chapter 12: An Eye in Franconia, 1262 - 1272

Chapter 13: An Eye in Swabia, 1272 - 1280

Chapter 14: Pax Illuminatus, 1280 - 1282

Chapter 15: A Death in the Family, 1282 - 1284

Chapter 16: She-wolf, 1284 - 1286

Chapter 17: Business as Usual, 1286 - 1300

Chapter 18: The Gathering Storm, 1300 - 1308

Chapter 19: The Fall of Kings, 1308 - 1316

Chapter 20: Order Amidst Chaos, 1316 - 1330

Chapter 21: The Rebel of my Rebel is my Rebel, 1330 - 1338

Chapter 22: Back in Black, 1338 - 1340

Chapter 23: Sons of the Shadow, 1340 - 1358

Chapter 24: The Will of the Diet, 1358 - 1380