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 Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:18 pm
The Diet of 911  FrankfurtPrincipalis sedes regni orientalisLouis the Child, King of the Eastern Franks, was discovered dead in September, A.D. 911 of apparently natural causes. The princes of the kingdom and their representatives are hereby to gather in Frankfurt for the purpose of electing a new king of Germany.
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Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:59 pm
Ralph of Hainaut felt really surprised of being the first in arriving to Frankfurt. He was more interested about knowing who the next king would be than in obtaining the throne for himself. He had some things to ask him, too.
He needed a wife, a new court, because his father's courtiers were gossiping about him killing his own family only to inherit, and some help to learn what his parents did not teach him.
Until then, there was not much he could do in the city.
(I promise to write more next time, when I have someone to interact with)
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Little Sholac Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:00 pm
Guntram walked down the side of the street in the city of Frankfurt, his arm laced with his wife's, Sonje. He knew that he and his wife were one of the first to arrive in the city, as he started to wondered who would try to become the king. Guntram's thoughts went to what it would be like if he was to become The King of Germany, the thoughts brought a smile to his face. He kept his head high with pride as he walked through this large, majestic city, enjoying the sights it had to offer.
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Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:16 pm
It had taken some time, but Ratbod had finally found where the princes were supposed to gather. He was unsure who had sent out out the request that the princes gather, but he hoped the next king would deal with him for his apparent incompetence. "Likely some incompetent aide to an even more incompetent child," he muttered to himself as he passed through the assembly hall's doors. The letter he received had an eloquence that hinted at scholarly training, but the directions pointed to a man to whom no amount of training could grant the ability to communicate with others.
Once the nobility and legates had gathered, the Archbishop of Trier was the one to bring order to the assembly. He had a habit of taking control of situations, and he wasn't about to make an occasion as crucial as this one an exception. "Gentleman, might I first suggest a brief service for our late king. I know many of us were unable to arrive in time for his funeral, so I believe we should honor the memory of or king, whose life was cut short long before any of us could have anticipated."
The service had nothing to do with respect for the king, of course. For better or for worse, Radbod had manipulated him more than any other, gaining great privilege and prestige for the church after Louis had inherited Lotharingia. The service's purpose was far more simple: To place a servant of God at the head of the following Diet.
The service was short, full of praise not just for the child king but for each of the dukes who had taken gained from his weak and troubled reign, wittingly or not. He spoke in favor of his granting of privileges to Saxony's duke, his support of Lotharingia's continued existence as a duchy separate from the crown, and various other points intended to set the stage for the rest of the Diet.
"We cannot lament his death forever," he said, ending the service as quickly as he had started it. "If there are no objections, I believe we should get to the matter of selecting our next king. As I believe we are in agreement that King Charles is an unappealing choice based on our correspondence leading to this event, perhaps if some candidates were to come forward we could continue."
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Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 11:42 pm
The service left Ralph thinking. He needed some support from the next king to legally inherith the county, so he better made sure to get along with the new monarch. He was in need of some money too, as the illnesses in his family were painfully expensive, his father spent almost everything in trying to make sure his first son survives.
Raplh headed to the church before the selection event took place, he wanted to pray that this did not end with a sucession war, or he would lose everything.
After spending a long while there, he left, just to -almost- bump into a young girl. They looked at each other a little surprised, until he recovered and began to talk with her.
After meeting her, he continued his way, thinking about her. Elizabeth was 13 years old, a quiet, blonde girl who traveled from Wessen (south of england for those of us that do not know as much as Victarus does) with her family, just to strengthen ties with the new German King. Her father sure was ambitious for a count of a small port town like Wareham if he cared about relationships with foreign kingdoms, but she was not only fair looking, she was educated and could become a good wife, if not for her shyness.
Later that day, Ralph saw her again in the election council, almost cowering behind her father, and looking down most of the time. She was obviously bored, but willing to accept what her father decided... like having her standing behind him for hours, if that pleased him.
All Ralph could think, while waiting for the election to start, was: *I want her*
(see? I promised to write a more elaborated post, and now it's here! 4laugh )
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 5:38 pm
Guntram found his way to the area of the meeting to decide the new king, his thoughts still on how he would do. He stood near the front of the people listening to the Archbishop of Treir speak, the people around falling silent all at once when he did so. Though Guntram listened with care to the words, he stood motionless as well, seeming to think through his plans of how to go up there. He smirked as he lowered his head when he was spoken of, it giving him great pride to be so highly regarded.
Guntram looked back up as they asked for candidates to come forward, a smile of intent crossing over his lips as he stepped forward, deciding to be the first to apply. "The Duke of Saxony asks for the support of the church in becoming the next King of Germany." He spoke clearly, yet his tone still showed the darkness that dwell within. Guntram stood proud as he asked for the church's support in being the next King of Germany.
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Little Sholac Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 7:23 pm
The Archbishop smiled as he spoke. At this rate, things would go exactly as he wished them to. Without a hereditary line of rulers, the kingdom needed an overseer to keep its petty counts and ambitious dukes in check; something to serve as the glue to keep order from crumbling with each monarch's passing. What better institution for this task than the church?
In spite of his thoughts, he attempted to keep his smile from hinting at anything but simple politeness.
"Despite my robes, I am here merely to serve as President of this Diet," he said, continuing quickly to avoid anyone bringing up that no-one had actually consented to his taking the position. "Your desire for the church's support is noted, however; I, for one, see no reason to object as a member of the clergy."
"Barring any objections," he continued, "this Diet sees no reason not to acknowledge your candidacy for the throne."
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 8:44 pm
Faustus sat in grim silence. Things were not going to well. He had come to Frankfurt to pay his respects to the dead king, but there was an inkling of hope in his mind that things would not come to being forced into deciding who would succeed the throne. He was not in the mood for deep politics. His wife and daughter were not currently present with him, deciding to stay clear of any potentially dangerous situations. Faustus feared the treachery of the other dukes in their attempts to acquire more power onto their stations. He had little doubt there would be much support to back him, with the whispers of distaste towards his wife.
He sucked in air when the Duke of Saxony spoke up. The man wanted to take the position to himself. Saxony was indeed powerful. It survived well enough, but Faustus felt a certain degree of doubt that Guntram would be right for the position. The man had a fist of iron as strong as any king would need, but he was far too keen on using that fist against enemies and vassals alike. Fear was a powerful tactic, but Faustus knew that it would be he and his fellow dukes that would be in fear. Not outside forces. He thought carefully for a moment on exactly how to word it. Knowing he did not want to offend, yet still state his objection.
Faustus rose and spoke in a steady and hard voice. “I cannot deny The Duke of Saxony’s right to attempt to claim the throne. The man is a good strong leader. I do fear that I have my doubts. The Lord knows that the man with a title fashioned as the Raven, a symbol of death, is known far and wide for his brutal tactics and cruelty. While I cannot deny his ability, I can question if it is a wise choice to place someone of cruelty rather than judgement as king of our beautiful lands.” He turned his attention to the Duke of Saxony. “The question I have is how do we know that you will not clench your talons around us all? Your reputation precedes you loud and clear.”
He returned to his seat to await the response. Regretting some of the words and rather sure that he had just made himself some enemies. Nevertheless for Swabia’s sake, he would do what he could to make sure the new king was not a tyrant.
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Little Sholac Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:08 pm
Guntram smirked as he heard the Duke of Swabia knowing at least one would object the claim, though he kept himself in control knowing in due time his payment would be paid. He stepped out so he was better seen when he would address the comments made to his family name."And the answer to your question is my talons as you so rightfully call them, have kept Saxony safe for many years now. Now I aim to protect this country and help it expand it to getter things. As for the rumor of the raven, I have yet to see a raven near the Duke of Swabia and he as tried to tarnish my family name and he stands before you still breathing on his own will."Guntram spoke each word with a tone of calm yet controlled anger his mind telling him to be calm and bide your time, soon they will all see. He kept his eyes focused on the Duke of Swabia wondering if he was really trying to challenge him.
"And if you so deny my claim, why not put a claim of your own out then?"Guntram stood proudly knowing Saxony was strong then Swabia and would easily over power them if it came to a war between the two of them. He waited for the answer from the Duke, half expecting him to back down and hold his tongue.
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:27 pm
Ralph hated to talk in public, but this could be his only chance to gain the good will of his liege. He he stood and looked to the Archbishop, bowing slightly to show him respect, before speaking.
"I support the Duke of Lotharingia to be the new king. He is a wise man and can, with the support of the church, make this kingdom even more powerful than it ever was."
He turned his head a bit to see Elizabeth's reaction. She was looking back at him, but lowered her head again and tried to hide a shy smile by covering her face with her veil.
At least for that moment, things wer going nicely for Ralph. He was able to talk directly to an Archbishop without feeling ashamed, a girl admired him, and posibbly Lotharingia's duke would be pleased with him.
After sitting again, he looked at Saxony's duke to see his reaction too, hoping he was not too angry about the intervention.
*If this man is what Swabia's duke said, then I have big problems now*
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:44 pm
Faustus managed not to grimace as he so felt like doing. He knew the man would automatically attack him. He needed people to join him in the declaration against him. Saxony was indeed more powerful than Swabia, but Faustus doubted that such an open declaration of war would be in Saxony’s favor. Surely the other Dukes would see the man for being hotheaded. It was his desire to do what he knew now what must be done. His wife would have applauded him, as she relished the idea of conflict. It was how she was raised. Still Faustus did not think that men should die over this. Nevertheless he had to stand up for his beliefs, he could always back down later when a stronger candidate than him. The Count of Hainaut proposed the Duke of Lotharingia be the new king. Faustus knew the man to be wise, but he was also quiet. Faustus did not know what to make of him.
He rose again, trying to be at eye-level with the Duke of Saxony. “Rather than defend yourself you attack me, and this is precisely the action I am speaking against. Where is the fair judgment? I do not desire bloodshed. This should not be a battle, and we certainly should not be at eachother’s throats. But I cannot support your claim. I the Duke of Swabia request recognition for my own claim to the throne. I would rule with a fair hand. My wife may be a good ambassador to tame the wild tribes still roaming about. I do not fear battle, but neither will I rush into it!”
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:54 pm
(OOC: Waiting on Lotharingia's actual player before adding them to the faction list. I'm taking care of some of it since I'm involved right now, but remember to post in the Information thread if you support any of the candidates!)
Radbod was careful to remain on the side of the conflict, lest he appear too friendly to the losing side. Despite his concerns about the Swabian duke's barbarous wife, he was certain enough that someone else would bring up such an obvious flaw and thus kept silent.
He acknowledged the duke's candidacy with a polite nod, allowing the lay princes to continue their squabbles as he watched intently.
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Little Sholac Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 10:09 pm
Gruntam stood still glancing towards the young Count of Hainaut noticing his glance towards a young girl but said nothing of it at first."The Duke of Lotharingia is well known for his wisdom but does he ever talk to the people in Lotharingia? Because he is also known for being a quiet spoken man."He stated the fact that the Duke was also known to be quiet and not known for his speech. Guntram looked back to the Duke of Swabia smirking as he gave his response to his words."If I was attacking you Duke, by your own words of my reputation would you not be dead? And I look forward to a fair judgement from the people who will decided the next King of Germany. But if your wife is the one you chose to go and handle untamed tribes of the lands, what does it say of you and the power you truly hold?"He smirk knowing that his wife was known for being more of the fighter then him, and he just proved that it would be his wife to expand the country, if he came to be king, not him.
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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 11:24 pm
Ralph stepped back at the provocation, the last thing he wanted was losing his domains in the middle of a war of sucession, where he could not appeal to the king, because there wasn't a king to appeal to.
He looked at Elizabeth Wareham again, and noticed she and her father were whispering. Things were becoming quite tricky faster than anyone wanted, so maybe they were planning of coming back later, when the new king was stablished.
Ralph knew he had to act fast, as she was the only safe choice for the moment. While she had little to offer him in terms of prestige -if- her family accepted Ralph's proposition, she would be a good acquisition. She had a good temperament, a nice noble heritage, and her German was almost perfect. With a little training in Ralph's part, she could be a good Chancellor.
She seemed very attached to her family, a good trait to take into account when looking for a caring mother, capable of educate her children properly.
The young count concentrated once again in the elections. If he had nothing valuable to offer to her, then her father would reject him in less than a second.
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Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 12:19 am
--------Radulf walked with his fiancee the lady Sofie, they were to be wed within a month, but as they walked though the streets of the large city, Radulf knew that it would be soon that he would have to deliver the lady back to her rooms for the day. There was still very much that he would have to do, he had been elected by one of his vassal to become the the new king. The plans were going according to what he had though, it would only take his marriage to Sofie to even further solidify the ties to the crown. For many years now he had worked to get to where he was, his father the fool, had only gotten so far before giving up. "Isn't the weather lovely today Mi Lord?" The voice of the lady Sofie pulled him from his memories as he looked down at the younger woman with a smile, "Ah, indeed, the weather is as lovely as you are, but no where near as enchanting." He cooed out in a calm and open voice, pitching his voice just right, knowing the effect it would have on the young woman. He watched as the blush settled on her face and had to smile, oh yes, his plans were coming along just fine.
--------"Tell me Mi Lord, what is it that has you so troubled, it seems that your mind is elsewhere today? Is there perhaps something wrong?" Normally not one to give away his plans, Radulf had to at least give the show of paying attention to the young girl, she was but another pawn on the chess board known as life. "My dear, I apologize, my mind is focused on a month from now, so very far, yet so close, I look forwards to our joining more than you can imagine, each day that passes leaves me even more breathless for when we will be joined." The blush further deepened on her face as he lifted her hand, pressing a small kiss to her palm. "Now, My lady, I do believe I should return you to your rooms, your father did make it clear that you were to be have plenty of rest after our trip here, and I have some business to take care of, just politics of course, nothing that would be interesting to you at this time I promise." Sofie smiled at the enchanting man that was to be her husband, he was smart, handsome, and so very sweet to her, she couldn't wait till the date of their marriage when she would be his under the eyes of the god and church. "Oh of course, it pleases my father that you take such care of my health, I'm surprised he let me come with you, though I am grateful as well." Radulf could only smile enchantingly, "As I am glad to have you by my side, after such long days of dull political talk."
--------It wasn't long till Radulf had returned Sofie to her rooms before he headed swiftly to the hall in which the meetings were being held. Already his informants had informed him of the people that were there, and he moved quickly inside of the room and smiled charmingly at everyone there, giving a quick bow. "Ahh my friends, and fellow country men, it is a pleasure to be here and I do apologize for being so late, but my fiancee was quite tired and I had to be sure that she was taken care of. I do hope I haven't interrupted anything important?" He stated pleasantly before taking walking up to Gruntam and smiling at the man as well as Ralph, "My friends, it has been much too long, I do hope that everything within your lands and with your people are going well? How has the year been for you thus far?" Small talk with Radulf was something that he opened up any meeting with, for to have a calm meeting was to have one that would further go his way, after all, having people speak out in anger only caused trouble in the long run. Quickly walking over to The Archbishop, Radulf bowed lowly and before standing quickly, "Ahh, the great of the great, The Archbishop, I wish to thank you personally, and accept the nomination for the throne with pride, and hope that I may only bring honor to those that nominated me. I do not wish to disappoint anyone." Standing tall Radulf smiled at everyone in the room, "I hope to have the time to speak to all of you, it has been much too long since we have all spoken." He stated with a large smile upon his face.
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