Imperial Messenger Service

[Zim]

A message to the Electors of the Reich, from Jan von der Pfalz and Fritz von Kastilien

Fellow electors,

I come bearing a message from Count Fritz von Kastilien and me.

These past years have seen the Reich torn apart by religious and political differences. My own House, Swabia, has been particularly troubled, losing its two greatest leaders in the Battle of Bern. Franconia has only just recently attained some measure of stability, and still faces many Danish forces. The other two Houses have also faced difficulties, being forced to retreat or hold a line well behind their former borders. All have lost territories.

Most of you probably know that Alexander Luther, the man who participated in the Battle of Bern by raising a Lutheran army to counter Hans’ Loyalist army, has decided to put aside religious differences and use his considerable abilities to face the Reich’s external enemies.

There are many differences between Lutherans and Catholics, and we cannot pretend that all of them are easily solvable. However, the main conflict of unification, which first divided the sides, is a dead issue. The Reich now faces destruction at the hands of external foes. Now is the time to unite against them. Religious differences can be worked out after the Reich is no longer under the threat of extinction.

While Count Fritz von Kastilien drives the Danes from Franconia, Father Luther and I are dedicating ourselves to driving foreign invaders from the beleaguered House of Swabia. If the armies of Swabia are united, we can defeat our French foes. Otherwise, we will be defeated piecemeal. I would implore all the leaders of Swabia to forget their differences temporarily and come together against this threat to our very existence. My Lord Hummel has declared himself willing to do so. I strongly hope the other leaders of Swabia would as well.

Remember, fellow Electors, the Reich is the one true source of civilization in Europe. If we let it be destroyed it will mean a dark age across the face of the world. We cannot let this happen.

OOC: Written with input from the players of both Jan von der Pfalz and Fritz von Kastilien

[deguerra]

Grafen, Herzöge, König von Outremer, mein Kaiser,

I am deeply saddened to announce the death of my friend and ally Jan von der Pfalz, who died valiantly in battle.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Jan for only a very few years, as he and I entered into Prinz Hummel's service at the same time. Graf Jan had the graciousness not only to allow me to stay with him in Antwerp while my own county was besieged, but to vow to retake my county at the first opportunity.

Working closely together with him, we devised several plan for defeating the French army in the field, but were surprised when our allies, the faithful English made a landing and besieged Bruges themselves. Immediately seizing upon this opportunity, Graf Jan took his own army and lay siege to the city.

The assault was ferocious, and our English allies fought bravely, but were eventually routed by the firm resistance of some French knights. Unfortunately, Jan's Flemish fared little better, so in order to rally his troops and save the day, Jan charged into the French himself turning the tide and winning the battle.

However, I regain possession of the city only at the cost of my friend, as Jan was thrown from his horse and killed in the very last moments of the battle. I am unsure that I have gained more than I have lost this day. The Lord truly works in mysterious ways sometimes, and it is not my place to question his hold over life and death.

But Jan was my friend and I pray that he is recevied in the Kingdom of Heaven with open arms and exhaulted for his brave deeds, his honour, his kindness and his courage.

Ludwig von Böhmen, Graf von Brugge

[Ramses II CP]

Jan von der Pfalz will be missed, but his death should serve as a clarion call to the remaining nobles of the Reich. Ours is not only a position of entitlement and glory, but also of service and duty. Jan's service to Sir Hummel does him great credit, and the manner of his death in a brutal battle against the vile French invader is inspiring.

I must again echo the call Jan put out shortly before his death for all Germans to set aside their differences and turn their anger outward, at the foreigners who would sack our cities and destroy the light of civilization that the Reich represents! Are we a pack of dogs squabbling over the scraps of an Empire, or are we the builders of a new, greater realm?

Don't send me letters in answer, send me the heads of your foes!

Goodbye Jan von der Pfalz. You died well, with the blood of your enemies on your sword and your army marching to victory! I pray that I may someday find so honorable an end.

Fritz von Kastilien

[gibsonsg91921]

I, PETER VON KASTILIEN, declare that the infighting of the Holy Roman Empire must immediately cease and desist.

Wolfgang Hummel, by seizing Staufen you have violated the terms of Elberhard's decree and my offer. One day there may be a Duchy of Flanders, but you may never be its Duke while I draw breath.

Duke Lothar Steffen of Bavaria - tend to your lands my "old friend" and do not interfere with the Swabian Civil War anymore. You are in enough trouble with the Greeks as it is - sending armies to fight Athalwolf in support of Wolfgang will leave Bavaria in a state of chaos. You are lucky to have not met your end at their hands yet.

Any further acts of aggression by a German upon another German will have swift retribution against the aggressive party. I do not want civil war, but I will not shy away from the option in the face of disloyalty.

[Ignoramus]

I, Wolfgang Hummel, openly flout the authority of Peter von Kastilien. I respect the authority of the Kaiser, but not that of a Luthern Duke who has betrayed his faith.

[gibsonsg91921]

A Lutheran Duke who has betrayed his faith, says Wolfgang. One can be a Lutheran and not a fool. I attacked Constantinople in a time of relative safety for Franconia for the salvation of the Holy Roman Empire. I do not attack my brethren wantonly.

However, if you will flout my authority and slay your kin, you will my swept aside.

[TinCow]

An Open Letter to Péter von Kastilien, Duke of Franconia, from Lothar Steffen, Duke of Bavaria,

It is a pleasure to hear from you again, Péter. These trying times have kept all noble-born Electors from enjoying the pleasure of each others' company. I hope to see you again in person soon, and to congratulate you on your new title of Prinz.

My "old friend" advises me not to interfere in the Swabian Civil War. I swear here and now that I would never do anything that Duke Péter von Kastilien would not do himself. Fortunately, Duke Péter has seen fit to take sides in this war. He personally led an army to the aid of Duke Hans. I am thus pleased that my actions in providing military aid have followed in the example of my own esteemed colleague. I note too that Duke Péter and I are not the only ones who have "interfered" in Swabia. Two other highly placed men have done so in the past. King Jan von Hamburg, may he rest in peace, sent wealth, raised an army, and personally fought for Duke Hans, though it was not his place nor his war. Furthermore Kaiser Elberhard himself sent Duke Hans a great deal of wealth, far more than I have sent to Wolfgang Hummel. As our Kaiser is clearly infallible, so must I be in this situation.

I am pleased that Duke Péter provides me with guidance on an issue that is so close and dear to his heart. Perhaps in the future he would listen to some words of wisdom that I could impart to him. For example, should I meet Duke Péter in person, I would tell him that accusing a fellow Duke of meddling in Swabian affairs is an unwise thing; especially when that Duke possess original copies of letters from Duke Péter to a certain, now deceased, Swabian rebel. While I am sure that there is a logical explanation for the contents of these letters that has nothing whatsoever to do with aiding an active rebellion against Duke Hans, perhaps less intelligent men would think otherwise in reading them.

Many thanks for your kind words, Duke Péter. Please write again soon.

Lothar Steffen
Duke of Bavaria