Ducal Court of Kurland

Beherovek · 17-06-2002, 00:29

the Duchy of Courland and Semigalia
ducatuum livoiae and curlandiae

Kurzemes un Zemgales hercogiste

state flag

Land

The ancient Duchy of Courland lies south of the Daugava and include the areas known as Kurzeme and Zemgale . It comprise an area of 27,000 square kilometres with some 200,000 inhabitants and capitol in Mitau (Jelgava).

Courland was geographically compact and journeys on foot and with cart and horse would have been relatively straightforward for a good part of the year. The Daugava River was an important trading route connecting the Baltic with the central highlands of Russia . The Daugava is connected in turn to the Volga and the Dnieper , ensuring its importance in the trade between East and West by it`s ice-free baltic ports, especially Libau and Vindau.

Kurland trade flag and coins with Kettler brothers` portraits.

The Last Master and The First Duke od Courland

The final blow against the power of the Order in the Baltic Provinces was launched by Russia. Resenting the tutelage in which the Germans had long held its dominions, to which they forbade access from abroad, Ivan the Terrible decreed an appalling invasion in 1558. Foreign powers intervened, and twenty years of warfare in Livonia and Esthonia resulted only in the confirmation of arrangements made at the outset. Esthonia submitted to Sweden, and Livonia to Poland; Courland, though nominally a Polish fief , became practically an independent duchy under Gottard Kettler, the last Master of the Livonian/Teutonic Religious Order in Livonia.

The fall of the Teutonic Order brought no great change either in the government or the religion of the Baltic Provinces. The Esthonian gentry made terms with Sweden and the Livonians with Poland, and by this means secured all their rights and privileges. German remained the official language; the Lutheran Church was not to be molested; the law and its administration were guaranteed against interference. Poland had nothing to offer them except Roman Catholicism, which they refused.

Friedrich and Wilhelm Kettlers

Duke Gotthard Kettler died on May 17, 1577.

When Gotthard Kettler died, his sons, Friedrich and Wilhelm, became the dukes of Courland. They divided Duchy into 2 parts in 1596. Friedrich owned eastern part, Semigalia (Zemgale), with his residency in Jelgava (Mittau). Wilhelm owned western part, Courland (Kurzeme), with his residency in Kuldiga (Goldingen). Wilhelm regained back Grobina district, when he married daughter of duke of Prussia. He also paid out and regained control over Piltene district. Here he developed metalworking, shipyards, and the new ships delivered goods of Courland to another countries.

However, the relations between the duke and landowners were quite hostile. In addition to that Poland, the higher superior of Duchy of Courland, was supporting these landowners. Wilhelm expressed his disappointment with landowners, but this ended-up with his removal from duke's seat in 1616. Finally Wilhelm left Courland and spent the rest of his life abroad. Thus, Friedrich became the only duke of Courland since 1616.

Gotthard Kettler (1517-1587)
Wilhelm Kettler (1587-1616)

Friedrich Kettler(1587-1642)

Beherovek · 17-06-2002, 00:33

Kettler, sons, cousins and expensive court residents

" Listen to me, cavaliers! What is the best way to stop Tatars raping a girl?"
"........."
"Throw a bit of meat among them! HAHAHA...EEEh...Pardon, Ladies....."

Duke Friedrich Kettler (47)

VANITAS VANITATUM ET OMNIA VANITAS...

His wife Anna von Munster-Kettler (47)

zz ss

Beherovek · 17-06-2002, 00:35

extra 1

Beherovek · 17-06-2002, 00:36

extra 2

Ducal Court of Kurland

Beherovek · 17-06-2002, 00:36

extra 4

TheLotus · 17-06-2002, 15:09

A letter arrives in the court of Duke Kettler and it is presently relayed to him. The seal binding it is that of the Commonwealth's noble magnate family, House Radziwill.

"Most honorable Duke of Kurland

I write from you today to reaffirm my family's, and the Commonwealth's commitment to your duchy, and I sincerely hope for close relations and cooperation between our two closely linked realms. I would be honored if you would visit upon my court an ambassador along with the one you have doubtless sent to serve King Sigismund III at Warsaw.

By his own hand at Vilnius,

Krzysztof Radziwill

Duke of the Commonwealth
Voivode of Vilnius
Field Hetman of Lithuania
Steward of the nothern territories

Martinus · 19-06-2002, 09:42

We Sigismund by the Grace of God King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania, Russia, Prussia, Masovia, Semigotia, Kiev, Volhynia, Podolia, Livonia, Smolensk, Sever and Czernichov, hereby summon and instruct the noble Senators of the Most Serene Commonwealth, among them Duke Friedrich Kettler, our faithful vassal, as well as call upon the land diets to appoint their deputies to appear in Warsaw for the Grand Seym, which we hereby convene for the betterment of the Most Serene Commonwealth...

Mikael XII · 10-07-2002, 21:47

A young nobleman enters
I am Jacob Stensson av Stensö, sent by his majesty Christian IV to serve as ambassador in your realm, and to expand the friendship between our realms.
Furthermore your ambassador is accepted

TheLotus · 11-07-2002, 20:40

A hastily written letter is delivered directly into the hands of Duke Friedrich Kettler.

"Honorable Duke,

I hereby invite you to my personal residence at Vilnius to discuss matters of great important both concerning the Commonwealth and not. If you are unable to attend, we will gladly welcome your chosen representative.

By his own hand at Vilnius,

Krzysztof II Radziwill

Duke of the Commonwealth
Grand Hetman of Lithuania
Voivode of Vilnius

Zhai · 13-07-2002, 16:41

A letter arrived from Saxony,

Greeting from Prince Karl Strobel von Saxony. One thing I ask, please do not give the Schmidters shelter, for before long they will try to take over Kurland if you would not convert to Schmidter. I Know from my experience, that happened to Saxony. One thing, if you give the shelter to Schmidters, and Saxony will have nothing to do with you.

Dark prince · 13-07-2002, 17:40

A letter arrived from hessen, bearing the seal of Hessen, and Mortiz's personal seal,

Hello. May we be good friends. We are a fellow Protestants after all. I have heard that you will give the shelter of Schmidters, just as same as here, Hessen have done. I ask you to ignore Prince von Saxony, for he is just a papist in closet. He is also a incompetent. We should establish a Protestant League. May God be with you.

Written by hsi own hand,
Langravite von Hessen, Mortiz

Mikael XII · 13-07-2002, 19:33

A letter arrives
The Poles seem to have more sense then the Duke of Kurland, spies and direct court sources tell that you offer shelter to the followers of Schmidt, remember dear Duke, that Poland and Denmark are allies, and it would be most tragic if this alliance would suffer due to your actions, if not be cancelled.

Any acceptance of followers of Martin Schmidt will be seen as an direct agression upon the state of Denmark.
Signed
Christian IV

Mikael XII · 14-07-2002, 14:41

A letter arrives
As it is custom here in Scandinavia, vassals has nothing to decide in matters of amnesty and foreign policy, we assumed that as a vassal of Poland you had the same status. Apparently we where wrong.

We apologize for the minor misinterpitation of the situation.

Signed
Christian IV

nuffy · 15-07-2002, 10:39

The Sultan laughs when he hears the news of Kurland.
"Kurland? Indeed? Where on earth is Kurland? It is so insignificant that I had not even heard of it! Fetch that map we captured from those Polish soldiers I have in my dungeon, let us see if the Poles have placed this Duchy on their maps."
The map is spread over the table and the Sultan and some of his advisors peer over it, searching for the tiny Duchy.
"Ah, wait, I think I found it!" yells the Sultan apon coming across a tiny speck of green paint on the paper. Laughing outrageously, the Sultan shouts, "It's barely the size of one of my islands! And they think they can challenge me? Anyone who calls the Polish army great must surely come from a land as small as this."
One of his advisors wipes a tear from his eyes and between bouts of laughter asks "Shall we send them a reply?"
"Are you kidding?" Osman replies, "I doubt our messenger would be ale to find it!"

Zhai · 15-07-2002, 16:51

The last surviving group of Schmidters were approaching Kurland, by the ship, they had but threaten the Captain, and he let them aboard for free. Schmidters may be tiny and new group but they are feared. There were 10 Schmidters in all. They are unhappy with the event in Europe, and the capture of their fellow Schmidters in Copenhaven. They are fleeing toward Kurland.

The leader looked around teh Schmidters, they had the rags, and soiled cloth. They looked tired. The leader frowned at that. He stood up to speak to Schmidters,

Kurland may had offered the shelter to Schmidters however, it is a bait. So, we will sneak into Kurland. We must cause no trouble for we are the last group that had heard the wisdom of Martin Schmidt. We will be peaceful in Kurland. Here is the order by Martin Schmidt.

The leader bought the letter out of the bag. The letter came from England, it was send among with the note to King Hannover of England, however, the letter was only for the eyes of Schmidters. He readed it aloud,

The blackest day had came. So I am ordering you to lay low. You must not incite the people of Kurland. You must not publicly preach my teaching for Kurland is not strong enough to prevent the heretical Europe from crash upon Kurland. You are to break into the cells. You must not know who and where another cells are. You have already know the code word and password so I do not need to tell you. You will have a covert preaching. You must convert everybody in Kurland, but there shall be no killing. We must do nothing that will bring Kurland upon us, if they have even the slightly idea that Schmidters are in the country. You WILL NOT cause the problem. I mean, do not kill Catholics, you must convert them. We could not risk it. We must be peaceful as possible. Once we spread throughout Kurland, and turn it into a Schmidter State, it must be a secret Schmidter State. Then we will spread through the Europe, with the same order I had for you, with the exception of Saxony, which you are to leave only until you are strong enough. May God be with you.

The Schmidters smiled at Martin's words. They agreed to follow it. They then break up, and spread out throughout teh ship, forming their cells. They blended into the crowd.

the ship arrived into the port. They got pass the custom, posting and the tourist, migrant, and many things. They vanished into Kurland where they will not be heard again for several years. For they are laying low and preaching quietly.

Jaron · 16-07-2002, 02:38

A Russian envoy enters the Duke's court and drops humbly to one knee. He pulls a letter from his coat and reads it aloud:

"Duke of Kurland,

We are inspired at your bravery in the war on the Turks. While many small duchies and margraves cower at the might of the Sultan, you stand tall and firm against the Satanic darkness in the south. We applaud you and invite you to send an envoy to us in Moscow. Know that I always reserve a place for you in my palace, and you will be received as an honored guest! Our forces will prevail over the Turks, and when we do, I would invite you to my court to celebrate with me! God speed to you!

By his own hand,

Czar Mikhail Romanov

Das Heer · 16-07-2002, 21:30

A letter from London arrives;

Duke of Kurland;

I know that England and Kurland have never been very close in relations, however it is of mine and Parliaments oppinion that diplomatic ties must be maintaned with all nations. Furthermore England recognizes that Kurland is an important trade nation. I would like to sign a trade agreement boosting trade between us, and easing restrictions and taxes that our in place now. I hope our relations prosper."

HJ Tulp · 18-07-2002, 11:23

A messenger with a letter to the Dukes of Courland and Semigalia,

Greetings from Bremen,

You'r right about that Bremen doesn't has trouble with the Sund and you do. This maybe sound's crazy but there are plans of letting wagontrains go between Bremen and Mecklemburg with trade sothat it doesn't has too pass the Sund. The only problem is that a compagnie has too have one ship in Bremen but that can be cheaper one's the United Trade Union is established. It will be cheaper and 1 day faster!

Duke Johann Friedrich of Bremen.

Longinus · 18-07-2002, 12:28

A man enters the Ducal chamber. He bows before the duke.

"Good and Wise Duke of Kurland,

I am Stephan von Muttfeld, I am sent here by my overlord from Pommern in order to serve as amassador in your beutiful court.

Filip II of the Greif wish good relations and possible trade cooperation between Stettin and Riga."

Mikael XII · 18-07-2002, 17:01

A letter arrives
Duke Friedrich Ketller , we understand your difficulty in this matter and tough situation, and as you are vassal to my good friend the Poles, perhaps i could convince my father to lower taxes for your ships, only make sure England aint in the Trade Union.
Signed
Fredrik

17-06-2002, 00:29	#1
Beherovek beautiful freak Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: some corners of my brain Posts: 0	Ducal Court of Kurland the Duchy of Courland and Semigalia ducatuum livoiae and curlandiae Kurzemes un Zemgales hercogiste state flag Land The ancient Duchy of Courland lies south of the Daugava and include the areas known as Kurzeme and Zemgale . It comprise an area of 27,000 square kilometres with some 200,000 inhabitants and capitol in Mitau (Jelgava). Courland was geographically compact and journeys on foot and with cart and horse would have been relatively straightforward for a good part of the year. The Daugava River was an important trading route connecting the Baltic with the central highlands of Russia . The Daugava is connected in turn to the Volga and the Dnieper , ensuring its importance in the trade between East and West by it`s ice-free baltic ports, especially Libau and Vindau. Kurland trade flag and coins with Kettler brothers` portraits. The Last Master and The First Duke od Courland The final blow against the power of the Order in the Baltic Provinces was launched by Russia. Resenting the tutelage in which the Germans had long held its dominions, to which they forbade access from abroad, Ivan the Terrible decreed an appalling invasion in 1558. Foreign powers intervened, and twenty years of warfare in Livonia and Esthonia resulted only in the confirmation of arrangements made at the outset. Esthonia submitted to Sweden, and Livonia to Poland; Courland, though nominally a Polish fief , became practically an independent duchy under Gottard Kettler, the last Master of the Livonian/Teutonic Religious Order in Livonia. The fall of the Teutonic Order brought no great change either in the government or the religion of the Baltic Provinces. The Esthonian gentry made terms with Sweden and the Livonians with Poland, and by this means secured all their rights and privileges. German remained the official language; the Lutheran Church was not to be molested; the law and its administration were guaranteed against interference. Poland had nothing to offer them except Roman Catholicism, which they refused. Friedrich and Wilhelm Kettlers Duke Gotthard Kettler died on May 17, 1577. When Gotthard Kettler died, his sons, Friedrich and Wilhelm, became the dukes of Courland. They divided Duchy into 2 parts in 1596. Friedrich owned eastern part, Semigalia (Zemgale), with his residency in Jelgava (Mittau). Wilhelm owned western part, Courland (Kurzeme), with his residency in Kuldiga (Goldingen). Wilhelm regained back Grobina district, when he married daughter of duke of Prussia. He also paid out and regained control over Piltene district. Here he developed metalworking, shipyards, and the new ships delivered goods of Courland to another countries. However, the relations between the duke and landowners were quite hostile. In addition to that Poland, the higher superior of Duchy of Courland, was supporting these landowners. Wilhelm expressed his disappointment with landowners, but this ended-up with his removal from duke's seat in 1616. Finally Wilhelm left Courland and spent the rest of his life abroad. Thus, Friedrich became the only duke of Courland since 1616. Gotthard Kettler (1517-1587) Wilhelm Kettler (1587-1616) Friedrich Kettler(1587-1642) Last edited by Beherovek; 20-06-2002 at 13:27.

17-06-2002, 00:33	#2
Beherovek beautiful freak Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: some corners of my brain Posts: 0	Kettler, sons, cousins and expensive court residents Kettler, sons, cousins and expensive court residents " Listen to me, cavaliers! What is the best way to stop Tatars raping a girl?" "........." "Throw a bit of meat among them! HAHAHA...EEEh...Pardon, Ladies....." Duke Friedrich Kettler (47) VANITAS VANITATUM ET OMNIA VANITAS... His wife Anna von Munster-Kettler (47) zz ss Last edited by Beherovek; 17-07-2002 at 00:33.

17-06-2002, 00:35	#3
Beherovek beautiful freak Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: some corners of my brain Posts: 0	extra 1 Last edited by Beherovek; 20-06-2002 at 13:57.

17-06-2002, 00:36	#4
Beherovek beautiful freak Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: some corners of my brain Posts: 0	extra 2 Ducal Court of Kurland Last edited by Beherovek; 18-06-2002 at 18:03.

17-06-2002, 15:09	#6
TheLotus Awakened Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Chicago, IL, USA Posts: 279	A letter arrives in the court of Duke Kettler and it is presently relayed to him. The seal binding it is that of the Commonwealth's noble magnate family, House Radziwill. "Most honorable Duke of Kurland I write from you today to reaffirm my family's, and the Commonwealth's commitment to your duchy, and I sincerely hope for close relations and cooperation between our two closely linked realms. I would be honored if you would visit upon my court an ambassador along with the one you have doubtless sent to serve King Sigismund III at Warsaw. By his own hand at Vilnius, Krzysztof Radziwill Duke of the Commonwealth Voivode of Vilnius Field Hetman of Lithuania Steward of the nothern territories __________________ TheLotus. "Well, your honor? Confess you had a bit of a fright when my lads put your head in the noose. I expect the sky seemed no bigger than a sheepskin to you." Last edited by TheLotus; 17-06-2002 at 15:26.

19-06-2002, 09:42	#7
Martinus General Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Warsaw, Poland Posts: 2,289	We Sigismund by the Grace of God King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania, Russia, Prussia, Masovia, Semigotia, Kiev, Volhynia, Podolia, Livonia, Smolensk, Sever and Czernichov, hereby summon and instruct the noble Senators of the Most Serene Commonwealth, among them Duke Friedrich Kettler, our faithful vassal, as well as call upon the land diets to appoint their deputies to appear in Warsaw for the Grand Seym, which we hereby convene for the betterment of the Most Serene Commonwealth...

10-07-2002, 21:47	#8
Mikael XII The Black Adder Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Dunny-on-the-Wold Posts: 686	A young nobleman enters I am Jacob Stensson av Stensö, sent by his majesty Christian IV to serve as ambassador in your realm, and to expand the friendship between our realms. Furthermore your ambassador is accepted __________________ à coeur vaillant rien impossible Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. - Roman Letter I'l be king undisputed, respected, saluted, and seen for the wonder i am !

11-07-2002, 20:40	#9
TheLotus Awakened Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Chicago, IL, USA Posts: 279	A hastily written letter is delivered directly into the hands of Duke Friedrich Kettler. "Honorable Duke, I hereby invite you to my personal residence at Vilnius to discuss matters of great important both concerning the Commonwealth and not. If you are unable to attend, we will gladly welcome your chosen representative. By his own hand at Vilnius, Krzysztof II Radziwill Duke of the Commonwealth Grand Hetman of Lithuania Voivode of Vilnius __________________ TheLotus. "Well, your honor? Confess you had a bit of a fright when my lads put your head in the noose. I expect the sky seemed no bigger than a sheepskin to you."

13-07-2002, 16:41	#10
Zhai Imperator Universalis Join Date: May 2002 Location: Asylum, duh! Posts: 1,303	A letter arrived from Saxony, Greeting from Prince Karl Strobel von Saxony. One thing I ask, please do not give the Schmidters shelter, for before long they will try to take over Kurland if you would not convert to Schmidter. I Know from my experience, that happened to Saxony. One thing, if you give the shelter to Schmidters, and Saxony will have nothing to do with you. __________________ "But that's why we elected these people in the first place: to betray our principles." Quoted from AmericanScipio Ignore me for I tend to talk before I think. I tend to say stupid things as my mouth run away. Come and join us, fellows Catholic Paradoxians! These who wish to debate with us or just curious about strange religion we have are welcomed. The link is below this statement. http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...php?groupid=26

13-07-2002, 17:40	#11
Dark prince Recruit Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dark Universe Posts: 8	A letter arrived from hessen, bearing the seal of Hessen, and Mortiz's personal seal, Hello. May we be good friends. We are a fellow Protestants after all. I have heard that you will give the shelter of Schmidters, just as same as here, Hessen have done. I ask you to ignore Prince von Saxony, for he is just a papist in closet. He is also a incompetent. We should establish a Protestant League. May God be with you. Written by hsi own hand, Langravite von Hessen, Mortiz __________________ Darkness is wonderful!

13-07-2002, 19:33	#12
Mikael XII The Black Adder Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Dunny-on-the-Wold Posts: 686	A letter arrives The Poles seem to have more sense then the Duke of Kurland, spies and direct court sources tell that you offer shelter to the followers of Schmidt, remember dear Duke, that Poland and Denmark are allies, and it would be most tragic if this alliance would suffer due to your actions, if not be cancelled. Any acceptance of followers of Martin Schmidt will be seen as an direct agression upon the state of Denmark. Signed Christian IV __________________ à coeur vaillant rien impossible Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. - Roman Letter I'l be king undisputed, respected, saluted, and seen for the wonder i am !

14-07-2002, 14:41	#13
Mikael XII The Black Adder Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Dunny-on-the-Wold Posts: 686	A letter arrives As it is custom here in Scandinavia, vassals has nothing to decide in matters of amnesty and foreign policy, we assumed that as a vassal of Poland you had the same status. Apparently we where wrong. We apologize for the minor misinterpitation of the situation. Signed Christian IV __________________ à coeur vaillant rien impossible Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. - Roman Letter I'l be king undisputed, respected, saluted, and seen for the wonder i am !

15-07-2002, 10:39	#14
nuffy Second Lieutenant Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 173	The Sultan laughs when he hears the news of Kurland. "Kurland? Indeed? Where on earth is Kurland? It is so insignificant that I had not even heard of it! Fetch that map we captured from those Polish soldiers I have in my dungeon, let us see if the Poles have placed this Duchy on their maps." The map is spread over the table and the Sultan and some of his advisors peer over it, searching for the tiny Duchy. "Ah, wait, I think I found it!" yells the Sultan apon coming across a tiny speck of green paint on the paper. Laughing outrageously, the Sultan shouts, "It's barely the size of one of my islands! And they think they can challenge me? Anyone who calls the Polish army great must surely come from a land as small as this." One of his advisors wipes a tear from his eyes and between bouts of laughter asks "Shall we send them a reply?" "Are you kidding?" Osman replies, "I doubt our messenger would be ale to find it!" __________________ Moulay Ismail, Sultan of Morocco, Overlord of Toubkal, Fez, Tangiers, and Orania, Protector of the Sahara in the 1515 RPG

15-07-2002, 16:51	#15
Zhai Imperator Universalis Join Date: May 2002 Location: Asylum, duh! Posts: 1,303	The last surviving group of Schmidters were approaching Kurland, by the ship, they had but threaten the Captain, and he let them aboard for free. Schmidters may be tiny and new group but they are feared. There were 10 Schmidters in all. They are unhappy with the event in Europe, and the capture of their fellow Schmidters in Copenhaven. They are fleeing toward Kurland. The leader looked around teh Schmidters, they had the rags, and soiled cloth. They looked tired. The leader frowned at that. He stood up to speak to Schmidters, Kurland may had offered the shelter to Schmidters however, it is a bait. So, we will sneak into Kurland. We must cause no trouble for we are the last group that had heard the wisdom of Martin Schmidt. We will be peaceful in Kurland. Here is the order by Martin Schmidt. The leader bought the letter out of the bag. The letter came from England, it was send among with the note to King Hannover of England, however, the letter was only for the eyes of Schmidters. He readed it aloud, The blackest day had came. So I am ordering you to lay low. You must not incite the people of Kurland. You must not publicly preach my teaching for Kurland is not strong enough to prevent the heretical Europe from crash upon Kurland. You are to break into the cells. You must not know who and where another cells are. You have already know the code word and password so I do not need to tell you. You will have a covert preaching. You must convert everybody in Kurland, but there shall be no killing. We must do nothing that will bring Kurland upon us, if they have even the slightly idea that Schmidters are in the country. You WILL NOT cause the problem. I mean, do not kill Catholics, you must convert them. We could not risk it. We must be peaceful as possible. Once we spread throughout Kurland, and turn it into a Schmidter State, it must be a secret Schmidter State. Then we will spread through the Europe, with the same order I had for you, with the exception of Saxony, which you are to leave only until you are strong enough. May God be with you. The Schmidters smiled at Martin's words. They agreed to follow it. They then break up, and spread out throughout teh ship, forming their cells. They blended into the crowd. the ship arrived into the port. They got pass the custom, posting and the tourist, migrant, and many things. They vanished into Kurland where they will not be heard again for several years. For they are laying low and preaching quietly. __________________ "But that's why we elected these people in the first place: to betray our principles." Quoted from AmericanScipio Ignore me for I tend to talk before I think. I tend to say stupid things as my mouth run away. Come and join us, fellows Catholic Paradoxians! These who wish to debate with us or just curious about strange religion we have are welcomed. The link is below this statement. http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...php?groupid=26

16-07-2002, 02:38	#16
Jaron Henri II Valois Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: California Posts: 2,046	A Russian envoy enters the Duke's court and drops humbly to one knee. He pulls a letter from his coat and reads it aloud: "Duke of Kurland, We are inspired at your bravery in the war on the Turks. While many small duchies and margraves cower at the might of the Sultan, you stand tall and firm against the Satanic darkness in the south. We applaud you and invite you to send an envoy to us in Moscow. Know that I always reserve a place for you in my palace, and you will be received as an honored guest! Our forces will prevail over the Turks, and when we do, I would invite you to my court to celebrate with me! God speed to you! By his own hand, Czar Mikhail Romanov

16-07-2002, 21:30	#17
Das Heer Scarface Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: California Posts: 12	A letter from London arrives; Duke of Kurland; I know that England and Kurland have never been very close in relations, however it is of mine and Parliaments oppinion that diplomatic ties must be maintaned with all nations. Furthermore England recognizes that Kurland is an important trade nation. I would like to sign a trade agreement boosting trade between us, and easing restrictions and taxes that our in place now. I hope our relations prosper."

18-07-2002, 11:23	#18
HJ Tulp Veteran Forumist Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Amsterdam, the netherlands Posts: 1,970	A messenger with a letter to the Dukes of Courland and Semigalia, Greetings from Bremen, You'r right about that Bremen doesn't has trouble with the Sund and you do. This maybe sound's crazy but there are plans of letting wagontrains go between Bremen and Mecklemburg with trade sothat it doesn't has too pass the Sund. The only problem is that a compagnie has too have one ship in Bremen but that can be cheaper one's the United Trade Union is established. It will be cheaper and 1 day faster! Duke Johann Friedrich of Bremen. __________________ Barney is like the kool version of you~ Elidioemperor on Alexander Seil Almost sinking in a Pre WWI Frigate: Admiral Henry Jan Tulp of the EUtopian Navy We in the provinces are but humble subjects of our hollandish overlords. as said by Gil galad. Gotcha! HJ Tulp - just a little better than his opponent. Always.~Edzako

18-07-2002, 12:28	#19
Longinus Lost in Space Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: I would't call it a paradise but I do love it. Posts: 39	A man enters the Ducal chamber. He bows before the duke. "Good and Wise Duke of Kurland, I am Stephan von Muttfeld, I am sent here by my overlord from Pommern in order to serve as amassador in your beutiful court. Filip II of the Greif wish good relations and possible trade cooperation between Stettin and Riga." __________________ General chaos and disarray in Poland, the Great Interregnum of Anno Domini 1382. Royal Court of Poland in the Medieval EURPG

18-07-2002, 17:01	#20
Mikael XII The Black Adder Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Dunny-on-the-Wold Posts: 686	A letter arrives Duke Friedrich Ketller , we understand your difficulty in this matter and tough situation, and as you are vassal to my good friend the Poles, perhaps i could convince my father to lower taxes for your ships, only make sure England aint in the Trade Union. Signed Fredrik __________________ à coeur vaillant rien impossible Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. - Roman Letter I'l be king undisputed, respected, saluted, and seen for the wonder i am !