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A short message from the ReichsKanzler:
His Imperial Majesty apologises for the lack of both updates and feedback. The Empress's birthday approaches, and the court is in turmoil at the elaborate preparations. Normal service will be resumed by the end of the week.
James I, Emperor of AARland, King of the Germans, etc.
From the desk of the ReichsKanzler:
A new update is up. Hurrah!
To His Dutchiness, Count van Holland-Lotharingen,
Fear not, count Willem, the offer of assistance from his Imperial Majesty still stands, and your disloyalty to Duke Gabriel 'the sly' will be well-remembered. It seems that your overlord is indeed most adept at quashing rebellions whenever they occur, and that even the skills of Barry and Hank may be insufficient to stave off his armies. Should you find yourself in distress, please consider yourself forever welcome at Ansbach Castle.
Yours generously,
To the Most Loyal and Eloquent Duke Lucius Sejanus,
Your concerns about Steirmark are appreciated. However, Count der Eifer, having rebelled against the authority of the late Duke von Zaringen, whose Carinthian lands you now hold, has been rewarded for his loyalty to the crown by a grant of independence. I am sure a mighty lord such as yourself is not afraid of having such a meek neighbour remain independent of your authority, and I suggest that you reach an agreement to cross his lands to your Carinthian holdings. Besides which, the information he passes to His Majesty regarding the state of Austria is most illuminating.
As to the matter of your possessed children, this is most unfortunate. Although the Imperial Chaplaincy is greatly overstretched at the moment, rest assured that His Majesty will order such an exorcism in the event that your eldest son also succumb to the 'German' malady, and assure that his true, Greek, soul is maintained.
P.S. His Majesty would be grateful if you would share your compendium of sycophancy with your fellow princes, many of whom seem to have forgotten how properly to address such an August person as the Emperor.
To the Duke of Savoy,
Alas, while the Emperor finds this suggestion highly amusing
D), Brother Heinrich, the Imperial chancellor, is but a lowly scribe, and is in no way thought to be of imperial blood.
To the ever mis-spoken and right-good Duke Iain,
Your enthusiasm for "gi'in' a kickin'" to the enemies of the crown, and fighting your own personal vendettas is appreciated by the Emperor. He is keen to reward such initiative handsomely in the future, and encourages you to continue your random acts of violence upon your fellow Dukes.
To the Somehow-appropriately-grovelly Duke Fausto,
Perhaps the grant of the Duchy of Savoy has indeed encouraged you to show manners to His Imperial Majesty. The Queen's insistence that you were not a completely dishonourable churl may yet prove to be correct. Your assessment of Italians is no doubt correct, but the Emperor fears that you are not yet able to subdue the very small number of vassals already under your sovereignty, and it would seem inappropriate to give you any further lands to oversee at this juncture.
To the ever-patient Duke Shaun of Swabia,
His Imperial Majesty was pleased to learn that you continue to enjoy the hospitality of the castle at Ansbach, despite your understandable homesickness. Never fear, for the Emperor himself is helpfully overseeing the collection of taxes from your estates, and has even comforted your attractive daughters in their distress.
It is also welcome news that the brilliant Lesshammer has returned to your service. His letters are ever illuminating and well-phrased.
The Emperor was disappointed to learn of the result of the duel between yourself and Duke Iain. His Majesty would advise that the two of you concentrate on resolving your differences at the earliest opportunity, and thus distract both yourselves from the wicked thoughts of rebellion that Satan whispers in the ears of idle vassals.
To the often-impertinent Duke Juan of Bohemia,
Since your Grace seems to possess a strong sense of feudal decorum, you will no doubt be aware that whether King or Emperor, His Majesty is still your superior in every respect. You would be advised to seek lessons from your neighbour, Duke Sejanus, in this regard.
However, your iron rule in Bohemia continues to be a model of stability for the Empire, and His Majesty has indeed dispatched a cadre of observers to your court for the purpose of observing your skill at work, and reporting back to the Imperial household.
His Imperial Majesty James I, King of the Germans, King of Italy, Burgundy and Bohemia, Ruler of AARland and writer of many letters.
A new update is up. Hurrah!
To His Dutchiness, Count van Holland-Lotharingen,
Fear not, count Willem, the offer of assistance from his Imperial Majesty still stands, and your disloyalty to Duke Gabriel 'the sly' will be well-remembered. It seems that your overlord is indeed most adept at quashing rebellions whenever they occur, and that even the skills of Barry and Hank may be insufficient to stave off his armies. Should you find yourself in distress, please consider yourself forever welcome at Ansbach Castle.
Yours generously,
To the Most Loyal and Eloquent Duke Lucius Sejanus,
Your concerns about Steirmark are appreciated. However, Count der Eifer, having rebelled against the authority of the late Duke von Zaringen, whose Carinthian lands you now hold, has been rewarded for his loyalty to the crown by a grant of independence. I am sure a mighty lord such as yourself is not afraid of having such a meek neighbour remain independent of your authority, and I suggest that you reach an agreement to cross his lands to your Carinthian holdings. Besides which, the information he passes to His Majesty regarding the state of Austria is most illuminating.
As to the matter of your possessed children, this is most unfortunate. Although the Imperial Chaplaincy is greatly overstretched at the moment, rest assured that His Majesty will order such an exorcism in the event that your eldest son also succumb to the 'German' malady, and assure that his true, Greek, soul is maintained.
P.S. His Majesty would be grateful if you would share your compendium of sycophancy with your fellow princes, many of whom seem to have forgotten how properly to address such an August person as the Emperor.
To the Duke of Savoy,
Alas, while the Emperor finds this suggestion highly amusing
D), Brother Heinrich, the Imperial chancellor, is but a lowly scribe, and is in no way thought to be of imperial blood.To the ever mis-spoken and right-good Duke Iain,
Your enthusiasm for "gi'in' a kickin'" to the enemies of the crown, and fighting your own personal vendettas is appreciated by the Emperor. He is keen to reward such initiative handsomely in the future, and encourages you to continue your random acts of violence upon your fellow Dukes.
To the Somehow-appropriately-grovelly Duke Fausto,
Perhaps the grant of the Duchy of Savoy has indeed encouraged you to show manners to His Imperial Majesty. The Queen's insistence that you were not a completely dishonourable churl may yet prove to be correct. Your assessment of Italians is no doubt correct, but the Emperor fears that you are not yet able to subdue the very small number of vassals already under your sovereignty, and it would seem inappropriate to give you any further lands to oversee at this juncture.
To the ever-patient Duke Shaun of Swabia,
His Imperial Majesty was pleased to learn that you continue to enjoy the hospitality of the castle at Ansbach, despite your understandable homesickness. Never fear, for the Emperor himself is helpfully overseeing the collection of taxes from your estates, and has even comforted your attractive daughters in their distress.
It is also welcome news that the brilliant Lesshammer has returned to your service. His letters are ever illuminating and well-phrased.
The Emperor was disappointed to learn of the result of the duel between yourself and Duke Iain. His Majesty would advise that the two of you concentrate on resolving your differences at the earliest opportunity, and thus distract both yourselves from the wicked thoughts of rebellion that Satan whispers in the ears of idle vassals.
To the often-impertinent Duke Juan of Bohemia,
Since your Grace seems to possess a strong sense of feudal decorum, you will no doubt be aware that whether King or Emperor, His Majesty is still your superior in every respect. You would be advised to seek lessons from your neighbour, Duke Sejanus, in this regard.
However, your iron rule in Bohemia continues to be a model of stability for the Empire, and His Majesty has indeed dispatched a cadre of observers to your court for the purpose of observing your skill at work, and reporting back to the Imperial household.
His Imperial Majesty James I, King of the Germans, King of Italy, Burgundy and Bohemia, Ruler of AARland and writer of many letters.
Lucius Sejanus, whose faith is in Christ the Lord, Autocrat, Augustus and Great Duke of the Austrians and the Carinthians to the most esteemed and most noble Emperor of AARland.
As always, I humbly accept the rulings of Your Imperial Majesty. Much as the Sun, Emperor of the celestial spheres, shines so brightly as to render even Lucifer, the brightest among the countless Stars, its vassals, invisible as it takes its due place in its realm at dawn, so does your sublime wisdom render my counsel meaningless when placed side by side with it. I would, however, ask that Your Majesty command count der Eifer disclose the names of his Austrian agents to my own security personnel, so that our servants might cooperate and better keep Your Imperial Majesty informed.
As for the art of correspondence, I am merely following the guide Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus wrote to his son, Romanos many years ago, named "De Ceremoniis". Sadly, the guide has no protocols for the leaders of AARland, ours being a distant and barbaric land, so I sometimes improvise. As we are not in Constantinople, no one so far took offence at the improper protocol and ordered my tongue pulled out. Should Your Imperial Majesty command it so, I could compile a set of protocols appropriate for our Empire, which we could promulgate as an Imperial law and subject violators to appropriate penalties (from slitting of the nose to death penalty).
Lucius Sejanus, Duke and Autocrat of all Austria and Carinthia.
As always, I humbly accept the rulings of Your Imperial Majesty. Much as the Sun, Emperor of the celestial spheres, shines so brightly as to render even Lucifer, the brightest among the countless Stars, its vassals, invisible as it takes its due place in its realm at dawn, so does your sublime wisdom render my counsel meaningless when placed side by side with it. I would, however, ask that Your Majesty command count der Eifer disclose the names of his Austrian agents to my own security personnel, so that our servants might cooperate and better keep Your Imperial Majesty informed.
As for the art of correspondence, I am merely following the guide Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus wrote to his son, Romanos many years ago, named "De Ceremoniis". Sadly, the guide has no protocols for the leaders of AARland, ours being a distant and barbaric land, so I sometimes improvise. As we are not in Constantinople, no one so far took offence at the improper protocol and ordered my tongue pulled out. Should Your Imperial Majesty command it so, I could compile a set of protocols appropriate for our Empire, which we could promulgate as an Imperial law and subject violators to appropriate penalties (from slitting of the nose to death penalty).
Lucius Sejanus, Duke and Autocrat of all Austria and Carinthia.
While you're all busy digesting yesterday's update, I have a question for the august Reichstag.
For the next installment (probably Monday), would you prefer a second dynasty watch (for 1086) or more gameplay (1086-91)?
For the next installment (probably Monday), would you prefer a second dynasty watch (for 1086) or more gameplay (1086-91)?
Why don't you have two updates, then a dynasty watch? Because two updates is Ten years right? Alot can happen in ten years in CK.
Suck-up. Though, it seems to be working. I'll compose my own letter.
From Duke Fausto di Savoy, sole master of the Savoyards, August and prime Duke among the Italians, Count of Savoy to King James, the kindly, whose mercy is wasted among the curiously non-Germanic Judas's that constitute your traitorous vassals.
As your brother-in-law, I must petition your wise and just mind once more for the throne of Treviso. As before, I must point out again that only Italians can rule Italians. Your immensely wise and self-serving (I mean selfless of course) nature must also realize that if you make me lord and master over the bankers, you become a possible heir to the county, allowing me to enrich the county for your probable eventual steward without the Imperial coffers being drained at all.
As for the problems with my rebellious servants, neither Valais nor Geneve are Italian, and you can only have an Italian rule Italians (or at least have them rule non-Italians directly, rather then through vassals). Our kind ruling the trouble Occitains leads to difficult times, though I do my best.
Your loyal and resourceful brother-in-law,
Duke Fausto of the Savoyards, the one-time rebeller (unlike the uncouth Lombardian lord), and your loyal servant.
I'd like dynasty watch, if that's not a problem. I like them both equally, and I'm interested to see the families of the various rulers. Just one question though, how long does it take to complete the updates though?
Dynasty watch or both.
I want to see what outragous slavic names my kids have.
Slavs and their silly names
. My heir is simply named Jan .
Proposed message dictated by Duke Shaun;
Dear awe inspiring James
Lesshammar remains a constant companion during these days of tedium. How is a man to survive when he is not able to manage his estates, deal with the quarrels of the common folk and look after his family? I can only hope, in your wisdom, that you will release me soon, oh majestic liege. Nonetheless it reassures me to hear that you are tending to my lands and looking after my family, no doubt they will prosper under your excellent care.
I note with interest that Heinrich von Formbach has been elected Pope. Excellent news to myself, as we both have a longstanding friendship ever since meeting many years ago.
With the utmost respect, your loyal vassal
Shaun von Morningsider
Duke of Swabia
Actual message quilled by Lesshammar;
Greetings incompetence personified James
The great Lesshammar is forced to suffer alongside myself during these days of tedium. This supremely talented young man should clearly instead be working for a far greater master than I. I grow bored of this existence, unable to ruin my estates and accept bribes from the common folk when dealing with their disputes. The one saving grace is my not needing to have any contact with my irksome family. Despite this, I hope that you release me soon, so that I can once again prove a plague to yourself, as even now I plot your downfall.
I am very much puzzled that your letter claims you have been tending to my lands yet that you have also ‘comforted your attractive daughters in their distress’. Remembering when last seeing my daughters, their faces putting me in mind of a dog suffering from incontinence, clearly they get their looks from their mother rather than from me, I rather feel you may in fact be looking after the wrong family.
It is with some further dread that I note Heinrich von Formbach has become Pope. Very worrying news indeed, as ever since a slight understanding I had with him some years back, when I inadvertently took his church’s poor box, he has had an inexplicable dislike of me. Frankly I still fail to see why he was so offended by my actions. I needed drinking money.
With the utmost contempt, your treacherous vassal
Shaun von Morningsider
Duke of Swabia
______________________
On the question of the update, I'd be very happy with either, as they are sure to be excellent regardless.
Dear awe inspiring James
Lesshammar remains a constant companion during these days of tedium. How is a man to survive when he is not able to manage his estates, deal with the quarrels of the common folk and look after his family? I can only hope, in your wisdom, that you will release me soon, oh majestic liege. Nonetheless it reassures me to hear that you are tending to my lands and looking after my family, no doubt they will prosper under your excellent care.
I note with interest that Heinrich von Formbach has been elected Pope. Excellent news to myself, as we both have a longstanding friendship ever since meeting many years ago.
With the utmost respect, your loyal vassal
Shaun von Morningsider
Duke of Swabia
Actual message quilled by Lesshammar;
Greetings incompetence personified James
The great Lesshammar is forced to suffer alongside myself during these days of tedium. This supremely talented young man should clearly instead be working for a far greater master than I. I grow bored of this existence, unable to ruin my estates and accept bribes from the common folk when dealing with their disputes. The one saving grace is my not needing to have any contact with my irksome family. Despite this, I hope that you release me soon, so that I can once again prove a plague to yourself, as even now I plot your downfall.
I am very much puzzled that your letter claims you have been tending to my lands yet that you have also ‘comforted your attractive daughters in their distress’. Remembering when last seeing my daughters, their faces putting me in mind of a dog suffering from incontinence, clearly they get their looks from their mother rather than from me, I rather feel you may in fact be looking after the wrong family.
It is with some further dread that I note Heinrich von Formbach has become Pope. Very worrying news indeed, as ever since a slight understanding I had with him some years back, when I inadvertently took his church’s poor box, he has had an inexplicable dislike of me. Frankly I still fail to see why he was so offended by my actions. I needed drinking money.
With the utmost contempt, your treacherous vassal
Shaun von Morningsider
Duke of Swabia
______________________
On the question of the update, I'd be very happy with either, as they are sure to be excellent regardless.
Hi everyone,
The update is postponed. I'm afraid to say that my wife's grandmother, to whom we were both very close, just died. So I'm going to be out of commission for a little bit. I'll see how it goes, but if I need to, I'll pass the save onto an unlucky volunteer to finish my reign for me.
I know you guys understand.
The update is postponed. I'm afraid to say that my wife's grandmother, to whom we were both very close, just died. So I'm going to be out of commission for a little bit. I'll see how it goes, but if I need to, I'll pass the save onto an unlucky volunteer to finish my reign for me.
I know you guys understand.
My condolences to you and your wife AllmyJames. I hope to see you return soon, but take all the time you need.
My condolences, AllmyJames. I know it's hard to lose someone you're close to. Take your time, we can wait.
Condolences from here as well.
I shall then wait with my letter answering your letter.
This is also because I have forgot what I wrote.
And, for the next update, people watch. The last one was in 1077, 10 years ago, and it would fit in nicely if it continued like that.
Johan the Even
I shall then wait with my letter answering your letter.
This is also because I have forgot what I wrote.
And, for the next update, people watch. The last one was in 1077, 10 years ago, and it would fit in nicely if it continued like that.
Johan the Even
My sincerest condolences to both you and your wife.
Take your time and come back when you're ready.
Take your time and come back when you're ready.
Condolences to you and your wife as well. Take your time, we're not going anywhere.
My sincere condolences and commiserations. Of course take as much time as you need.
Not to push you into doing more when you might be still recovering from grief, but are you back, AllmyJames? You can pass the save to someone if you need to.
Hi everyone,
Thanks for your condolences. I am indeed back, and I'm working on the next dynasty watch for 1087, and that should appear tomorrow.
On a different note, I start a new full-time job in a month, but that will severly limit my AAR time. I can warn you that old James I lives for a loong time, but I'm pretty sure my part in this succession game will be done before then. I hope
Thanks for your condolences. I am indeed back, and I'm working on the next dynasty watch for 1087, and that should appear tomorrow.
On a different note, I start a new full-time job in a month
, but that will severly limit my AAR time. I can warn you that old James I lives for a loong time, but I'm pretty sure my part in this succession game will be done before then. I hope