Which leaves Friedrich to pick up the pieces.
Also, the women of this family are fully as bad as the men.
Also, the women of this family are fully as bad as the men.
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Fb-fb:
I think the attitude towards Ludwig is accurate. I sketched his in such a way that he could be just about anything I wanted him to be but the more I wrote for him, the more I found that same "need to be recognized" shine forth. He was fun to write for.
And to all - Folks, the finale comes in just a moment. The last update is upon us!
Not quite ended as you allude to at the end of your comment. But the "action" is over and all that is required is the wrap up. I felt I had to have the final showdown between Ludwig and Philipp being the two most dynamic actors at the end. each had goals which Friedrich did not and they both paid the price where Friedrich gets...well, I get ahead of myself.So, the tale has ended, with blood of the same vein that coursed through it the entire time. A showdown between Ludwig and Philipp at last. As he said, Ludwig learned many arts from Father Kaunitz. Philipp should have expected poison. Ludwig had always been a tool for others to use, he should not have been surprised that once his final purpose had been completed those who used him would turn on him as he was too dangerous to leave alive. He did trust too much, but that was his weakness of course--he was so desperate for acknowledgement of any sort that he clung to it despite his undoubtedly better senses.
Of course, now it must be asked, what now for Brandenberg and Thuringia?
I think the attitude towards Ludwig is accurate. I sketched his in such a way that he could be just about anything I wanted him to be but the more I wrote for him, the more I found that same "need to be recognized" shine forth. He was fun to write for.
Thank you sir. I do hope this gets the chance to compete, surely. But more than that, I am simply pleased to have reached this point after such a long time. This story was always a side project but I was determined to finish. I'll have more to say about that after the true ending.
Correct on both accounts. What more can I say?
And to all - Folks, the finale comes in just a moment. The last update is upon us!
The Eagle In Winter
* * *
* * *
Wolgast Castle – 3rd of August, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104
A late summer deluge fell from the sky, making the passage rough for the King and his retinue. But he was determined to fight Philipp until the end. Little did he know that the task had been completed. Ludwig had done the work assigned and then paid the ultimate price for his handy work – his own death. When he reached the castle at Wolgast, King Adolf was greeted by the Dowager Duchess Margarete and she gave him the information he required. The Duke was dead and the duchies of Brandenburg and Thuringia required leadership. The King was all too willing to sort out the problem. After all, it was his kingdom.
Upon arrival, both Albrecht Wizlawid and Folkhard von Mansfield were locked into their quarters awaiting judgment. Philipp’s wife and children had been found, also locked away by Ludwig before the late Duke’s arrival at the castle. Lady Agnes had been inconsolable at the death of her husband, but she was shrewd enough that she begged the King to be allowed to keep her children. The King pondered her request but denied her the favor. She would be allowed to care for her daughter and keep residency in Rügen but her son, the baby Hugo, would be cared for by another.
In truth, there was only one man that required a meeting with the King and it was not of his choosing. Late in the day, a knock upon Friedrich Staden’s door alerted him that something had occurred. The door was unlocked, and King Adolf walked into the room.
“Good evening, Herr Staden,” the King said to his subject.
Friedrich was not sure what to do and simply offered a deep bow to which the King responded, “Let us not stand on ceremony as of yet, my good man. There is much to discuss and the time to do so is now.”
“It is as you wish, your Grace,” Friedrich happily responded.
“Your brother is dead,” King Adolf offered.
Friedrich did not respond as he knew the moment would come when such an outcome would be assured. He allowed the King to continue, “As you are aware, your brother had gained control over both seats of power. I cannot allow this to remain. This is too much concentration of power in the north and it frightens your neighbors, namely Duke Magnus.”
“Indeed, your Grace. I am well aware of our neighbor to the west. I shall answer any call you ask of me.”
“Then you would be pleased to take the seat here in Brandenburg?” the King asked, arching an eyebrow.
It had never been his intention or desire and Friedrich was unsure how to respond such was his shock. “I am unsure that I could offer you the leadership required of such an elevation.”
“Come now, sir. You come from noble stock though your forebears may not have shown the better judgment called for in such a seat. But the responsibility falls upon you.”
Friedrich thought for a moment and then queried, “What of Thuringia, my Lord?”
“Ah yes…the thing that began this trouble, if I understand my history well enough. This remains a tricky business. I understand that Bernhard von Weimer has wish to take this seat but he is not of noble enough stock. You, however, are. That the duchies were combined makes it a suggestion that you might take on both but I cannot have that in perpetuity.”
“Then who, my Lord?”
“Judith von Thuringen is now married and is with child. Should this child be a son, then he should claim the title. If the child be a daughter, then we shall have to come to some other arrangement.”
“And who shall rule until such time?”
“I choose you, sir. If the child be a boy, then Judith may act as regent with her husband until the boy’s maturity. If not, then you shall have to work on providing an heir.”
“But my Lord…that still keeps the seats combined.”
“I am aware, and Duke Magnus shall have to deal with me in his anger. I dare say he will soften his tone.”
“And my Lord…” Friedrich began to suggest as he thought of Judith’s marriage – the woman he wished for so many months ago. “…I should need a wife to produce an heir.”
“I have considered this, young Friedrich. And to that end, I suggest you be betrothed to the girl Klementia von Thuringen. She is now fifteen summers into her life and I feel would provide a good wife to the Duke of Brandenburg. It also carries the weight of combining the lineage once again. It is a good match.”
A good match, indeed. It allowed for part of what Friedrich asked for when he begged for Judith’s hand. But he did not love Klem. At the King’s insistence, he may be able to find that love however. He had little choice in the matter.
“And what of Philipp’s wife and children?” Friedrich finally inquired.
“I have allowed her to return home with the daughter but the son shall stay with me until he is of age. At that time, then I shall have decisions to be made. If Judith has a son, then Hugo is left out of the succession and I will find a place for him in my court. If Judith has a daughter, then you may take on the seat at Thuringia yourself, having Thuringen blood and married to the daughter of the late Duke. I shall then appoint the boy here, keeping the line of succession within the Staden line.”
“It seems you have it worked out to your satisfaction, your Grace. It is a wise decision.”
“Of course it is. But there is one final catch, young sir.”
Friedrich knew he would not be able to take on the Duchy without offering something in return. He gladly asked, “What should that be, my Lord?”
“I require Brandenburg to war with the heathen over the river. I shall offer support, but it must be done. I offer you Konrad von Mühlhausen as your Marshall if you would have him. I trust the man as should you. For your chancellor…”
“I suspect Wizlawid would be a fine candidate, my Lord. Though he served my brother, he has not a treacherous bone in his body. He is faithful and nothing more.”
The King looked at Friedrich, curious at his already smart thinking, “And what of von Mansfield? He too remains locked away.”
Friedrich considered the man and could do nothing but look at the King with a question in his eyes. He shrugged his shoulder as a sign that Folkhard’s fate was whatever the King decided it should be.
“You are shrewd, young sir.”
“I cannot trust the man, my Lord.”
The King nodded. “Then he will lose his head. And what choice do you have for your spymaster?”
“I should think my mother up to the task, your Grace.”
King Adolf smiled. “As it always has been with you Stadens. The women hold as much power as the men. Very well, so be it. I entrust you with the County of Rügen as held by your late brother. You shall care for his wife and daughter. And henceforth, you are a Duke of my realm. Welcome Duke Friedrich. Do not let me down.”
The King left the room, leaving the door wide open. Friedrich was unsure of what to do, never having considered himself in line for such a high position. But having been given the trust of the King, he would not fail the man. He would not be a Duke like his father, nor his brother. He would be fair and loyal to the King…an honest subject. Though it required treachery, death and war there was a new master. In these waning days of summer, a new eagle flew over the house of Brandenburg…Duke Friedrich Staden. The long winter was over.
THE END
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Friedrich is level headed as ever. And indeed, much treachery had been required to bring him to his current position, but very little of it was his. His character is perfectly suited for someone placed in such a position as his. He'll have to give one duchy up eventually yet he wanted neither of them, in all likelihood making such a seperation quite easy. The eastern border of the Empire will finally be secure as well, for the two duchies shall war against the heathens rather than against each other and themselves. Despite the trouble, perhaps the King did not mind it so much given the final results.
I rather suspect his mother, and his future wife, and Judith, will end up ruling rather more than Friederich. Not because he is a dupe, but because his inclination lies not in that direction, and theirs will and do.
Also the relatively relaxed way with which the King disposes of these matters shows how just a little diplomatic talent could have prevented all this trouble. But then, diplomacy was not Heinrich's or Phillip's forte.
Well, it's been a long journey to get this far, but the tale is done. Well done sir, and congratulations on your fortitude. This always deserved better readership than it got, and I hope some new readers may yet discover it in time.
Also the relatively relaxed way with which the King disposes of these matters shows how just a little diplomatic talent could have prevented all this trouble. But then, diplomacy was not Heinrich's or Phillip's forte.
Well, it's been a long journey to get this far, but the tale is done. Well done sir, and congratulations on your fortitude. This always deserved better readership than it got, and I hope some new readers may yet discover it in time.
Congratulations on yet another outstanding AAR. A worthy addition to your illustrious library.
I have to admit the ending left me wanting more...
I have to admit the ending left me wanting more...
The last set of posts make for remarkable reading when taken all at once. This is at its heart a morality play, and we see clearly that the actors have (grimly) reaped what they have sown.
Here is hoping that Friedrich is able to keep using that wise and perceptive head. His willingness to look for helpers (like the Chancellor) from former opponents and unwillingness to tolerate deceit (the Marshal) will stand him in good stead. And here is hoping that King Adolph, who likewise seems wise, is able to rule for a long time to come. The Staden house has fallen, done in by its own vices, yet Brandenburg is too crucial to reduce. So the King will make the best of a bad situation... very pointedly he is not giving much power or trust to Bernhard, and he is requiring Friedrich to shoulder part of the blood-price of keeping the kingdom secure. Most elegant.
The death toll is just staggering... but by-and-large the good people won through and the bad ones met their just desserts, and that is all we may ask of a good story.
Well done!
Here is hoping that Friedrich is able to keep using that wise and perceptive head. His willingness to look for helpers (like the Chancellor) from former opponents and unwillingness to tolerate deceit (the Marshal) will stand him in good stead. And here is hoping that King Adolph, who likewise seems wise, is able to rule for a long time to come. The Staden house has fallen, done in by its own vices, yet Brandenburg is too crucial to reduce. So the King will make the best of a bad situation... very pointedly he is not giving much power or trust to Bernhard, and he is requiring Friedrich to shoulder part of the blood-price of keeping the kingdom secure. Most elegant.
The death toll is just staggering... but by-and-large the good people won through and the bad ones met their just desserts, and that is all we may ask of a good story.
Well done!
Final Thoughts
Well, here we are on page two after finishing up just a slim few weeks ago. Thus it always is on a finished AAR. But I did have some words I wanted to extend after completion and it is past time to do so. While I'd like to say this AAR was a joy to write, there were times when it was not so. Either from blockage of ideas to lack of reception, I found it difficult to get it finished. That I did so finally is an immense pleasure and sense of satisfaction. And no doubt I had some help along the way. Thank you certainly to Myth (who never failed to comment), stnylan, LD and Director for your kind words after the finish, and to Qorten too who responded above the end to that effect. And a huge thanks goes out to GhostWriter who constantly reminded me that there was an unfinished AAR over here that required my attention. I could not have done this without all of you and those others who gave me feedback throughout. I wished I was able to keep more of you as things dwindled down, but I had readers and great ones. Thank you again.
This AAR was started nearly three years ago as an experiment, really. Or should I say, a place to experiment. It allowed me to work on characters, surely. It offered me the chance to work events into the narrative. And it gave me a place to write when I was not working on something else. I finished two AARs while writing this and worked on at least three others. When I wanted to come back, I always had this story in the back of my mind. And the central plot had been developed at the very beginning so it was never really difficult to move it along. The question was usually "how" and at times "why."
As I've mentioned time and again, this AAR was based on a mere two months of actual game time. The chronology has been spread out in the story, and some fiction tacked on to the end, but the central occurrences of the story happened in game, including the deaths of Duke Ludwig (a surprise), Leopold and Heinrich (both real assassination.) In truth, the previous assassinations of Leopold and Ludwig's sons was also in game (and I admit to cheating to make the story work right.) The character of Heinrich especially was based off of his traits in game so when it seemed like he was truly out of his mind, I was only going with what was given to me.
I must confess yet another gratitude to Director for convincing me the ending I had originally envisioned would not be enough to correctly finish this beast so without him, there may never be a third part. I am most grateful that he did convince me because I truly think this last is the right way for things to go. Far superior than leaving Philipp in power. I assumed your minds would all come to some similar thought but I wanted to write it down and make sure it was clear what would happen.
I'd also like to give mention to a few films that colored this work, certainly The Lion in Winter but so too The Godfather. There is a major section that I based on the apex of that film. Unfortunately, I presented it too slowly so the effect did not come across as I'd hoped. And for the part of Oda, I am in debt to the film Queen Margot (La Reine Margot.) Her demeanor, look and characterization was completely based on Virna Lisi's Catherine De Medici from that film. Just perfect really.
I am glad to be finished for many reasons, one out of satisfaction, but so too that I can lay her to rest. Unlike Into the West, this AAR did not stay in my mind day in and day out, but it was always there and when I considered other stories, this one would always crop up in my thoughts. That she is completed, I can focus once more on those other things I wish to write. Of course, most know I am currently working on The Longest Night and that link is below in my signature. If you enjoyed this and wish to read more of my work, simply click on the Inkwell page linked. I'd be very happy to know what you thought of those as well (though several of you have already read them.
)Thanks again to all of my readers, most especially for those that made it all the way to the end. It is very much appreciated.
An excellent final word, coz. Though it had many long pauses full of silence, the waits were always worth it. Of all the Paradox games, Crusader King's is perhaps the best suited (with the possible exception of EU: Rome) to the trials and tribulations of characters, as that's exactly what the game is about: the people. And this is truly where The Eagle in Winter shined, as the characters grew more with every update. As a reader, I grew to despise Heinrich and Philipp, to mingle dislike and pity for Ludwig and to admire Friedrich's constant steadiness. Though a long journey from start to finish, it was most certainly an enjoyable one. And some time when I have more free time from university work, hopefully soon, I'll have to turn to The Longest Night. Here's to hoping you'll see me there, some day before it's end.
Just wanted to say it was a joy to read.. I was here from the beginning (okay a month later) and I really enjoyed it altough sometimes (in the beginning) I didn't really understand the story (blame my english speaking skills this is also the reason I didn't comment)
This really was a great AAR.
This really was a great AAR.
coz1: ...and then Ludwig was no more, as dead as the brother next to him.
aye, both of them were too mean to be good rulers ! ! ::nods::
coz1: ...“I shall answer any call you ask of me.” .. “Then you would be pleased to take the seat here in Brandenburg?” the King asked, arching an eyebrow.
that was a surprise ! ! but, a good one ! !
coz1: ...“But there is one final catch, young sir.” .. “I require Brandenburg to war with the heathen over the river.”
aye, war with the heathen. with a duke that is grateful that the king will steal the siege ! !
coz1: ...In these waning days of summer, a new eagle flew over the house of Brandenburg…Duke Friedrich Staden. The long winter was over.
needless to say, the realms populous deserve the (better) 'climate' of a good leader ! !
my dear Sir, a wonderful ending to a magnificent AAR ! ! many thanks ! !
also, my apologies for so late an update. even so, it may avail a new readAAR, or two, the opportunity to read so fine a tail ! !
aye, both of them were too mean to be good rulers ! ! ::nods::
coz1: ...“I shall answer any call you ask of me.” .. “Then you would be pleased to take the seat here in Brandenburg?” the King asked, arching an eyebrow.
that was a surprise ! ! but, a good one ! !
coz1: ...“But there is one final catch, young sir.” .. “I require Brandenburg to war with the heathen over the river.”
aye, war with the heathen. with a duke that is grateful that the king will steal the siege ! !
coz1: ...In these waning days of summer, a new eagle flew over the house of Brandenburg…Duke Friedrich Staden. The long winter was over.
needless to say, the realms populous deserve the (better) 'climate' of a good leader ! !
my dear Sir, a wonderful ending to a magnificent AAR ! !
many thanks ! !also, my apologies for so late an update. even so, it may avail a new readAAR, or two, the opportunity to read so fine a tail ! !
I've just finished catching up... and it is done. I'm sad in a way...EiW was such a good story, with excellent writing. Belated congratulations, coz, on finishing such a wonderful tale!
Myth - I'm working pretty slowly on it, so you have plenty of time. Thank you again for being such a steadfast reader of this AAR. It really did help me a lot!
Deamon - Thank you so much, sir! I really apologize for taking so long to respond to your post. After I finished, I'm afraid I took a rather long break from this story. It was not an easy finish, but I'm happy with what I came up with. I am sorry it was confusing at times. I wished you would have mentioned it and I would have assisted. That you didn't understand everything and still enjoyed it really is a compliment. Thanks again.
GhostWriter - Four long months this AAR has missed your final post. And it and I are so glad to receive it. I cannot thank you enough for continuing to push me through this with your frequent requests for more. And of course, your post does do me the honor of pushing it back to page one for just a little while.
I'm glad you liked the ending and found it appropriate. Friedrich had to come out on top in some way and I figured - hey, why not a duchy, right? He would rule it better even if he is timid at times. And who knows, maybe the King won't steal the siege and allow Brandenburg to grow. Of course, this is CK and early CK at that. That siege is stolen.
General_BT - Thanks for stopping by and reading through. You probably did it right without having to wait for my many stops along the way. Probably helped the story flow better. And I really must thank you for reading at such a late date. Round here, once an AAR is over, it rarely gets much of a bump. It's a great compliment that you decided to read it anyway.
Thank you again for being such a steadfast reader of this AAR. It really did help me a lot!Deamon - Thank you so much, sir! I really apologize for taking so long to respond to your post. After I finished, I'm afraid I took a rather long break from this story. It was not an easy finish, but I'm happy with what I came up with. I am sorry it was confusing at times. I wished you would have mentioned it and I would have assisted. That you didn't understand everything and still enjoyed it really is a compliment. Thanks again.
GhostWriter - Four long months this AAR has missed your final post.
And it and I are so glad to receive it. I cannot thank you enough for continuing to push me through this with your frequent requests for more. And of course, your post does do me the honor of pushing it back to page one for just a little while.I'm glad you liked the ending and found it appropriate. Friedrich had to come out on top in some way and I figured - hey, why not a duchy, right? He would rule it better even if he is timid at times. And who knows, maybe the King won't steal the siege and allow Brandenburg to grow. Of course, this is CK and early CK at that. That siege is stolen.
General_BT - Thanks for stopping by and reading through. You probably did it right without having to wait for my many stops along the way.
Probably helped the story flow better. And I really must thank you for reading at such a late date. Round here, once an AAR is over, it rarely gets much of a bump. It's a great compliment that you decided to read it anyway.
GhostWriter's multicoloriferous comment attracted my interest, coz1! I'm in the process of reading this as I get time. Excellent dialogue so far, particularly .
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Begging the mods' forbearance, I'd like to pull this great AAR out of the depths after some 2 years. If this act is viewed with displeasure, then I humbly submit myself to medieval justice.
Several years ago, I only rarely followed CK AAR's because I had a hard time relating to a game I didn't play. However, with Paradox's recent very generous gift, that has changed. I am now a rookie CK player in the midst of a campaign with the Staden family of Brandenburg. So, as I used to do often with EU2, I looked into the AARs to see how other players handled this family and country. To my surprise, I found only one such AAR, namely this one. Of course this is not a gameplay AAR but a much different, richer, and deeply compelling story. Also a horrifying one, but that is another matter.
With Coz's retirement a few months ago, I don't know if he will see this but I hope he does. Coz, you wrote a great story which was both a pleasure and a horror to read. By that last comment, I mean only that while I understand the reality or even the necessity of power politics as it played out in the CK era, I can't help but be shaken and appalled at accounts of the most intimate, close family relations murdering each other. Nevertheless, even these incidents in the story were colored by a background of overall loyalty, devotion, and even (?) love -- as for example at the end when Margarete comforted her dying son Phillip even though she had orchestrated his murder. And then she took her revenge on Ludwig, whom she truly hated as a living sign of her husband's betrayal. I honestly didn't think she had it in her, but she did.
I also enjoyed very much seeing King Adolf restore order at the end, in a thoroughly calm, competent, and professional manner. It is refreshing to read of a character who is truly worthy of the high position in which he resides, even though overall he is but a minor player in this tale.
I was surprised that Friedrich still seemed to be emotionally attached to Judith at the end. I would have thought that seeing her eagerly jump into bed with another man -- and his own father, no less -- would be enough to chill his passion for her considerably. In this regard Adolf's solution of pledging him to Judith's sister Klementia, I would have thought, would and should have occurred much earlier to Friedrich himself. On the other hand, he was reluctant even to assume the position of Count of Anhalt, let alone Duke of Brandenburg, so he was thinking romantically and not realistically up to the very end until Adolf straightened him out.
This is a wonderful tale. Coz, though you said you modeled it after The Lion In Winter, truthfully it had more the feel of Hamlet, both in its overall tragedy and more particularly with the fight between Phillip and Ludwig at the end. All in all, very well done and a great pleasure to read.
Several years ago, I only rarely followed CK AAR's because I had a hard time relating to a game I didn't play. However, with Paradox's recent very generous gift, that has changed. I am now a rookie CK player in the midst of a campaign with the Staden family of Brandenburg. So, as I used to do often with EU2, I looked into the AARs to see how other players handled this family and country. To my surprise, I found only one such AAR, namely this one. Of course this is not a gameplay AAR but a much different, richer, and deeply compelling story. Also a horrifying one, but that is another matter.
With Coz's retirement a few months ago, I don't know if he will see this but I hope he does. Coz, you wrote a great story which was both a pleasure and a horror to read. By that last comment, I mean only that while I understand the reality or even the necessity of power politics as it played out in the CK era, I can't help but be shaken and appalled at accounts of the most intimate, close family relations murdering each other. Nevertheless, even these incidents in the story were colored by a background of overall loyalty, devotion, and even (?) love -- as for example at the end when Margarete comforted her dying son Phillip even though she had orchestrated his murder. And then she took her revenge on Ludwig, whom she truly hated as a living sign of her husband's betrayal. I honestly didn't think she had it in her, but she did.
I also enjoyed very much seeing King Adolf restore order at the end, in a thoroughly calm, competent, and professional manner. It is refreshing to read of a character who is truly worthy of the high position in which he resides, even though overall he is but a minor player in this tale.
I was surprised that Friedrich still seemed to be emotionally attached to Judith at the end. I would have thought that seeing her eagerly jump into bed with another man -- and his own father, no less -- would be enough to chill his passion for her considerably. In this regard Adolf's solution of pledging him to Judith's sister Klementia, I would have thought, would and should have occurred much earlier to Friedrich himself. On the other hand, he was reluctant even to assume the position of Count of Anhalt, let alone Duke of Brandenburg, so he was thinking romantically and not realistically up to the very end until Adolf straightened him out.
This is a wonderful tale. Coz, though you said you modeled it after The Lion In Winter, truthfully it had more the feel of Hamlet, both in its overall tragedy and more particularly with the fight between Phillip and Ludwig at the end. All in all, very well done and a great pleasure to read.
Well, I couldn't possibly delete such an eloquent, approving post such as yours, jwolf. Punishment for this post would be most unjust.