Archbishopric of Mainz
 

Wilkommen! The quiet city of Mainz rests on the languid Main as she drifts lazily down to the broad deep Rhine. Most of the traders and merchants you will see in Mainz are locals come from the surrounding hamlets and villages. The traders from Bavaria or even further lands along the Danube stay mainly near the ports waiting to move on along the Main to the Rhine and thence to the Netherlands. An exceedingly local town, the men of Mainz spend their time talking about crops, orchards, cattle, and goats while the women talking about many of the same things with marriages and childrearing added. Grapes and wine are indubitably the pride of the husbandmen of Mainz, and many vineyards compete annually to win the prize of the Archbishop's table. The Cardinal-Archbishop is given great respect, not just as a lord but as an almost local coming from the Rhineland not too far away. Truly, Mainz is an idyllic medieval paradise left alone in the mad rush of the world.

Local News:

~Spring is coming, and many farmers are in Mainz purchasing new grain stocks for planting. Some grumble about higher prices, caused by the trade organization formed by Baden, Wurzburg, Saxony, and Bavaria.

~Emily Trapp is miraculously cured of her breathing disease after praying to the Fisherman Pope. Excitement and rumors run through the city as people speculate about the occurrence.

~His Eminence travels to Rome to attend the Holy Conclave and elect the new Pontiff.

~His Eminence has been elected Pope! Great rumors are abuzz as the rise of Erich von Wittelsbach is whispered to be the next Archbishop!




Do you walk in the light of Christ, my friend? Many pilgrims come to Mainz the See of St. Boniface who converted the Germans to the Word of God. Our cathedral is truly a wonder, modeled after the ancient Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome where Charlemagne was crowned. Later Mainz became an important center of Imperial administration located near Frankfurt and the home of the Archchancellor of Germany. We are a holy and God-fearing people and accept no Mohammedan infidels to live among us. The Archbishop has preached tolerance of those Jews and Jewesses who live among us, and the Easterners who comes to buy our wines and sell their exotic wares are looked on warily. Heresy is hated by all, but few are learned enough in the details of theology and canon law to distinguish heresy from piety.

Although certainly the most faithful of the Mother Church's dioceses, Germany has for many decades now suffered from a complete lack of seminaries from whence new priests could come. In order to ensure that the priests of Mainz are well-educated in their duties, Rainmund has sponsored every year now three students to go study at the University of Padua. Not discriminating on the basis of class or breeding, the St. Boniface Prize has been competed for by young virgaters around the city and surrounding hamlets for many years now and has become an immediate social boost to whichever family's son wins it.

The exceptionally pious and simple-minded folk of Mainz have not left the Middle Ages and still remain steeped in the superstitions and ideas of that not too distant time. Miracles are still greeted with joy and wonder, and madness is feared as demonic possession if it turns violent or oracular mysticism if it manifests in the old. Education in the Humanities is slowly eating away at this traditional outlook and the appearance of such men as Johann Gutenberg points towards a new age of learning for these quiet vineyards.




You do drink wine, don't you? Unlike our cousins in Bavaria we Mainzians are great wine drinkers. We don't just drink it though, we cultivate it ourself. In fact, Mainz has the largest vineyards in all of Germany. Endless rows of luscious white and red grapes, purple or gold with their swollen juices, adds an intoxicating fragrance to the air before we begin our annual winemaking. Do not think that our great quantity means that we have no quality! Indeed, Mainzian wines come in the richest and most varied bouquets. If the wine is German and it is good, chances are it came from Mainz. Annual fairs and contests separate the good vintages from the bad, and only the best is reserved for the Prince's table. So please, have a glass won't you?

The peerage takes a great interest in the cultivation of our vintages, for indeed it is our main export and source of income. Alfred of Metter owns the largest vineyards at 22% of all the lands devoted to viticulture in Mainz focusing on the cultivation of red grapes. The Archbishop has more modest vineyards at only 14%, but they have the richest and choicest soil. Prince Rainmund favors white wines, particularly chardonnay, and so his lands tend to be filled with golden white grapes. The other barons and baronesses, of whom we are very proud, split the remaining 74% with a few free farmers and winemakers. It has long been the policy of the state to protect Mainzian vintages, and so very few foreign wines are sold or traded here.

(OOC - thanks to Bagricula for letting me steal his court.)

Erich von Wittelsbach (b. 1422)

The son of Siegmund von Wittelsbach, he was appointed to the Archbishopric of Mainz through acclimation by his uncle, the new Pope Nicholas V. A young member of the family, he believes in family, power, and God in that order. A man with dark feelings and hidden secrets, he enjoys bringing pain to the "unholy". He wants to start an order of inquisitioners with loyalties to him and his family. To him, the family's purpose and survival is paramount. He believes that physical pain and humiliation is a necessary ingredient in saving the heretical. He was raised as most children, but he filled much of his spare time practicing torture techniques on bugs and small animals. A man without mercy, he is a great advocate of purifying the spirit of others. He reveres his uncle more than any other living person and loves his cousin dearly, if sometimes distantly. Erich has great dreams for his future and the destiny of Mainz, longing to live up to the exploits of his namesake.




Baron Wilhelm Karsebom (b. 1420)
Just a few years Erich's senior, he grew up as Erich's best friend. He was taught the best manner of managing a state by his father, who pushed him into every available meeting with the young von Wittelsbach, trying to get his son on the inside. Wilhelm is truly loyal to Erich, following his orders and mandates unquestioningly. Rumor has it that he secretly in love with the Cardinal-Archbishop himself.




Herr Ulrich von Lichtenstein (b. 1415)
Another member of this young court, Ulrich was raised in a number of nations. Born in Zeeland, where he learned Dutch, he moved to Genoa at the age of three. While there, he learned to speak both Italian and Latin. By the age of twelve, his parents relocated to Brabant, where he learned French. Finally, at the age of twenty-five, he settled in Frankfurt-am-Main, learning German, his most recent linguistic acquisition. An intelligent and well-versed man, Ulrich is trust-worthy and honest, nearly to a fault.

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Erich strode the less-walked and low-traffic corridors of his uncle's former estate. He smiled at some of the older portraits on the wall, wondering which of them he ought to recognize. Erich was quite good with memory, but he always had trouble remembering some people's names. He wanted so badly to be like his successful family members. He secretly wished he could be just as commanding and powerful as they had been. He winked at the paintings on the wall; that would be their little secret.

Erich had been readying his wardrobe for the trip to Rome, which had him quite excited. He couldn't wait to see his uncle again, thinking it was quite entertaining that Uncle Rainmund was now the Pontiff. As he approached his own quarters, he noticed more servants scurrying about, packing up all the things he would need along the way.

Herr Meister Ulrich von Lichtenstein meets the bishop in the atrium of the Wittelsbach Estate. "Good master cleric, I have come to greet you in the name of my lord, Erich von Wittelsbach. If I may apolgize for the wait you no doubt endured, will you follow me to a suitable room? I'm sure that His Eminence would be happy to meet with you after he returns from Rome. Unless you would like to speak to me, as I am authorized to give orders on all matters foreign."

A letter arrives from Dijon. It reads.

"Unto Erich von Wittelsbach, Cardinal-Archbishop of Mainz, Prince-Elector of the Empire

Dear cousin,

I write to you from Dijon, where many things are happening, too many to discuss in much details, I'm affraid. But nonetheless, I am taking time to write to you, as it has been a while since I have heard of you. I am glad to learn that our uncle Raymund has left you the control of his domains in Mainz, and obviously, if we trade between our domains can be streamlined, we should do it. I am bound to Torrino, and perhaps Rome afterward. But you can still write to me anytime, and letters will reach me nonetheless.

I hope that the unfortunate incidents that have fallen on our House will not affect your relation with the Empire, and most importantly, the Emperor. Uncle Raymund was a voice of reason in the Diet, a voice that found not many ears, alas! May you have the patience of your uncle, dear cousin, for your role will be an important one in the coming years.

Our both domains are close enough that I do not feel the necessity of all the formalities through ambassadors. It is only a few days between our respective castles, after all! If, of course, you find that establishing embassies would be more appropriate, then I will ask my chancellor to choose an appropriate delegate.

Sincerely yours, in God,
Frederick von Wittelsbach."

Wartburg Castle, Wurzburg

Lord Schaeunberg nodded politely and respectfully to the representative from Mainz. He had no illusions that his master would want him treated with due deference and also that his freedom of maneuver was most certainly curtailed. He took the letter and read it carefully.

"I shall of course, pass this on to His Highness when he returns from his travels. Unfortunately, he journeys long, to both Nurnberg to pay homage for his Princedom and to Rome for recognition of his sacerdotal appointments. I know not precisely when he might return, but you are welcome at Wartburg castle, and the hospitality of Wurzburg is yours until he might return. You may assure His Eminence that nothing befitting your rank will be denied during your stay here.

Frankfurt, Mainz

Erich boarded the carriage, bound for Rome and his papal appointment. He would be pleased to see his unlce again. Erich had recently double-checked that all of his orders were being followed, as well as his wishes respected. Finally, all of his luggage was loaded up and the driver set forth from the Wittelsbach Estate in Mainz. Erich was frankly giddy with anticipation to see what had been happening in Rome. While being a Cardinal-Archbishop was one thing, he had never met a Pope before, even one related to him!

As the days and nights blended together, and the inns along the way became one long memory, Erich still held out his hope, ever optimisting for his journey as they entered Italy. He grinned as he leaned out of his window, gaping in awe at the land that had been the focus of so much of his learning for years. If only his teachers could see him now!

Rome, Papal States

As the carriage arrived at the gates to the Vatican City, Erich stared in wonder at the colorful swiss guardsmen and the majesty of the City of God. He stepped down carefully into the streets of the Holy See, dumbfounded by the glory of the city. HE wished he could spend his life in such splendor. He sighed as he remembered his uncle. Now, they had to meet.

Zavis looked with ill-concealed pride upon the caravan making its way to the episcopal palace. Too bad the Archbishop isn't present to see this demonstration of Bohemia's might! he thought. Historically, the Bishop of Seccau had been the extraordinary legate of the King of Bohemia. Zavis was only continuing the tradition of serving two masters, God and King. It never crossed his mind which he would choose if there were ever a conflict, and the entrance of chests of silver coin from Kutna Hora and Praha occuppied his attention anyway. Their loan now repayed, Bishop Zavis contemplated joyfully Bohemia's prowess and future prospects.

A Knight from the Teutonic Order arrives and delivers a sealed letter.

As the fervent new Grandmaster of the Teutonic Order departs with the nervous young heir to Brandenburg, a decadent rotund Italian prelate enters bearing a thin box under one arm. He bears an oily grin as he bows deeply brushing the Pontiff's ring with his lips.

"Santissimo, I have returned faithfully from the mission you entrusted me with to report to you the anxieties of the princes of the Empire."

Nicholas smiles slightly, withdrawing his hand as the Cardinal-Archbishop of Trier straightens, "Meus filius, please meet my nephew Erich. Erich, this is Illustrissimo Georgio Trieste, Archbishop of Trier. A prince-elector."

Trier suppresses an urge to chuckle heartily, before Pope Nicholas continues:

"Do not let your tongue be bound by custom, meus filius, give forth your report in the tongue of this land."

Georgio again gives his oily smile and speaks, "Although, King Joachim wrote of the concerns of his princes with regards to your intended appointment, after many months of patient investigation not a single concern was voiced, Sanctissimo"

"Ah," Nicholas grins wryly, "Once hearing the Word of God, the men were struck dumb I suspect. Let there be no delay. Georgio, the papers."

Trier opens the thin box revealing two fine vellum parchements. He hands His Holiness an inked quill and presents the papers to him.

Nicholas reads them quickly, speaking aloud, "The long trial of your faith and headship now coming to a close, I feel, meus nepos, that you have proven yourself beyond your former station. The Bishopric of Wurzburg is without a shepherd and your neighbor to the east. By you will this flock also be kept in the sanctity of Christ." He signs each document with a neat spidery signature Nicholas V P.P.

"Kneel, my son," Pope Nicholas commands firmly and the younger Wittelsbach obeys. Taking the mitre from the table the Pope raises it above Erich's head and intones:

"By this crown serve the people. By its pointed apex, let your prayers rise to God."

After placing it beside the young bishop, he takes the crooked crosier and places it in Erich's hands, intoning:

"By this staff lead the people as Moses did the people out of Egypt. By its crook, remember the humble shepherd who abandons not his flock."

Then His Holiness takes the red wide brimmed hat of the Princes of the Church and places it upon Erich's head, tightening the strings beneath his chin:

"Always walk as an icon of the Living Christ, my son, and like the sun above radiate the Love and Hope of Christ's Salvation."

The Supreme Pontiff then takes a vial of holy water from the Archbishop of Trier and splashes the newly made cardinal with the sign of the cross, intoning:

"A signibus, in Lux Dei viva. In nomine Patri, et Filii, et Spiritu Sancti"

Erich might've nearly jumped up and hugged his uncle has his action not been so radically out of place. He was bursting with joy that he was truly following his uncle now. He rose and bowed before Il Papa, making sure to hold his mitre so that it too did not fall. "Thank you, dear uncle," he whsipered, breaking out into a grin.

Walking backwards slowly, he nodded to Trier. "It seems now that I should make my electorship official. Would it be possible for you to escort me to the King of the Romans? That way, he shall know that the church stands together, as God intended."

Patiently, he awaited the response.

Baron Karsebom sat in his study, reading over the new letter from Rome. He smiled at Erich's joys, frowned at the wait he endured. Wilhelm felt his heart race when he read that Rich was coming back to the Empire. It had several hints of new plans.

Ulrich appeared at the door. "You wanted to see me?" he asked, not quite surprised by the request.

Wilhelm nodded. "Erich has been invested and is returning to the Empire for his acceptance as an elector. However, he has made notes for overtures to the Teutonic Order. He says that newfound piety has led to his new understanding of the need for the One True Church in the East. Will you send an emissary?"

"You know what he means as much as I. Will the armies be ready?" replied Ulrich.

"Yes, damn it, they will be. I just don't see the wisdom of this move! Why would he do this?" wondered Wilhelm aloud, secretly admiring Erich's wisdom.

"I don't know," came Ulrich's voice, as neutrally as possible. Then, he smiled. "Don't stay up at night thinking about it," he recommended, then turned to leave. Wilhelm tried to hide his surprise at the comment, did he know?

Ulrich turned once more. "Shall we send someone to this new tourney?" he asked, nonchalant. "I think I know of a good choice."

Wilhelm looked pained. "Yes, do it." He would train the armies properly.

Gemeinschaftshaus, Riga

The assembled German envoys are invited to a meeting in the Council chambers where Leopold is seated along with the remainder of the General Chapter. The invited are:

Duke Johann - Brandenburg
Frantz von Insee - Bremen
Emma of Mark - Cologne
Zdeněk von Wallenstein - Bohemia
Bishop Joseph von Huff - Mainz

"I thank you all for coming. I wished to organize the most generous outpouring of support the Teutonic Order has received from Germania. As envoys from your respective states, and," Leopold beckoned to Duke Johann, "His Grace himself, I ask that you receive these letters of request for direct aid and review and consider. You envoys may then pass them along to your lieges." Sealed scrolls were presented to each of the envoys.




”Your positive response has been gratefully appreciated by the Teutonic Order and we look to you as a true German friend of our divine cause. The time is fast approaching when our Crusade into the East will go forward, and it is time to convert your sentiments into tangible support. For those of you who have offered funds for our cause, I ask you to please donate these ducats (eco) soon that we may purchase the necessary victuals of war. For those of you who have indicated that your states will commit troops, please reiterate this commitment and that if the Order were to go into battle against one of our schismatic foes in Russia, you would be by our side. With your support, we will not hesitate and will strike a pious blow for the Catholic faith! We have enjoyed our fruitful conversations of recently. Now it is time to move beyond the conversations into the glorious deeds themselves!”

Hochmeister Leopold von Brunn
Teutonic Order

Gemeinschaftshaus, Riga

Leopold listened to Bishop von Huff's proposal carefully. He was pleased that Mainz was looking to take such an active role in the coming Crusade and his posture bent forward slightly as he approved the principles of what his guest was saying.

"I think we can work something out, Your Grace. Your appointment as Cardinal for any conquered lands is, of course, in the hands of His Holiness in Rome. I will be happy to add my support for your candidacy which, considering my role as Hochmeister, should be no small factor in this decision. An Archbishop who actively commits his forces to holy battle in the East is an ideal candidate to shepherd new flocks in Russia." Leopold smiled indulgently.

"The question of conquered lands is a trickier issue. Our primary aim is to bring Catholicism to the East. If this can be done by creating proper Russian states with princes of proper faith, we will do this. If the Russians balk, we have the sword that can be applied and conquest in the name of the Lord is certainly our vision then. We simply cannot say how much lands will be available for German control and whether Mainz would have a share. I ask you to be patient in this matter. By fighting with us you are making yourself a partner in the great religious Crusade of the Baltic, and your contribution will not be ignored. I can promise that no disposition of territory will be made without consultations with His Grace. Would that be acceptable for now?"

Leopold leaned back and put his finger to his lips. "Right of passage? Most certainly. So then, is Mainz committing itself to an alliance with the Order for this Crusade? With you at our side, there is so much we can achieve. I would be delighted to draw up a document along the lines of what we have discussed."

Gemeinschaftshaus, Riga

Leopold grinned as he listened to Bishop von Huff's proposals. "You are a man of true piety, Your Grace, as is his Eminence. To bring the True Faith to Russia with such a program of construction and administration is wise foresight. If I may make bold with your proposals, I have drafted a simple treaty of alliance between us for the coming Crusade. It would be an honor to count His Eminence as an ally and a partner in the spread of the faith." He nodded with conviction as he handed over the draft document.

Treaty of Friendship Between the Teutonic Order and Mainz

In the spirit of Catholic and German fraternity, the Order of the Teutonic Knights and the Archbishopric of Mainz do create this treaty to bind their states together in brotherhood and Christian friendship

I. Both parties undertake the mutual defense of the other. If attacked, both will come to the other’s aid.
II. If requested and if available, both parties will provide monetary aid to the other.
III. In the case of a called Crusade against the heathen or schismatic foe, both parties agree to march side by side in unity against the enemy.
IV. This treaty is in effect as long as the life of its signatories. It can be renewed for extended periods of time at that point.

[ ] Archbishop Erich von Wittelsbach of Mainz
[ ] Hochmeister Leopold von Brunn of the Teutonic Order

Riga

Nodding to Bishop von Huff, Leopold signs the treaty of alliance with Mainz. "Another important step in the formation of our Crusade. We are closer to the happy day when together, we shall ride forth in the name of the True Faith and Our Lord and bring Catholicism to the East! It shall be soon. You may tell your liege, the Archbishop von Wittelsbach, that I am grateful to him.

A letter arrives from Nurnberg. It reads.


Unto Erich von Wittelsbach, Cardinal-Archbishop of Mainz, Prince-Elector of the Empire,

Dear cousin,

though Mayence lies a river away from Heidelberg, I have yet to meet you in person. Soon, we might do so, albeit in dire circumstances.

Physicians are coming in and out of the Emperor's quarters in Nurnberg. As a Steward of the Empire, it is my duty to supervise the business of the Empire, obviously. I have asked the men of science and faith what was the problem with Emperor Joachim, and the news hit me hard today.

The Emperor is dying.

Do not ask me how, as I am not a man of science myself. Apparently, blood is overtaking black bile, and also yellow bile. This is leaving the Emperor in much pain, and though three punctures were made, none seemed to have worked. The men of science now prescribed prayer, and I think it is time to prepare for the eventuality that the Emperor might leave us for good.

I will be inviting the Bishop of Treves, the bishop of Cologne, as well as the King of Bohemia, the Elector of Saxony and the Margrave of Brandenburg to my side, for prayer. Perhaps we can save the Emperor. I invite you to join me as well.

Obviously, if the worst would come, your duties would be a little lighter, having all the electors in Nurnberg for electing the new Emperor. But for now, let us hope for good news regarding my uncle the Emperor.

Sincerely yours, in God,
Frederick von Wittelsbach.

Your Eminence, forces rally even as we speak in Riga to begin the Crusade we talked about and joined together to implement. The armies of the Catholic Church mass in Latvia for our strike eastward against the valley of the infidel. Now is the time for you to answer the call to battle, and to send your troops, your leaders, your support, and your spirit to join us at our side so that we may together vanquish the diabolical scum on the field of pious strife!