- ARCHIVE - Ducal Court of Holstein

[Herr Doctor]

Ducal Court of Holstein and Schleswig

Welcome to the Ducal Court of Holstein and Schleswig in Kiel!


Our Statistics

Nation: Holstein
Head of State: Adolf VIII von Holstein-Rendsburg
Religion: Catholic
Culture: German
Stats: 1/1/4/4/2 --> [1/1/4/4/1]
Provinces: 1 (Holstein)
Ports: 1

Ducal Family (House of Holstein-Rendsburg)

Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig, Duke of Citadella and Count of Maó, Overlord of Lübeck and Bad Schwartau, Grandmaster of the Order of Two Lions, knight Hospitaller of Order of St. John, knight of Order of the lion of Christendom, secretary of Scandinavia in the Reichskammergericht, leader of the House of Holstein-Rendsburg. He was born in 1401.

Maria, noble Duchess of Holstein and Schleswig, Duchess of Citadella and Countess of Maó, wife of Duke Adolf VIII, sister of King Alfons V of Aragon.

Gerhard VII, noble duke, brother of Adolf VIII, 3st son of Gerhard VI of Holstein-Rendsburg and duke of Schleswig. He was born in 1404.

Ingeborg, sister of Duke Adolf VIII, 1st daughter of Gerhard VI of Holstein-Rendsburg and duke of Schleswig. She is Abbess of Wastena. She was born in 1398.

Hedwig, sister of Duke Adolf VIII, 2st daughter of Gerhard VI of Holstein-Rendsburg and duke of Schleswig. She was married with Balthasar of Mecklenburg, but he died in 1417. And her second hasband is Dietrich von Oldenburg. She lives with him in Schleswig.

Previous leaders of the Duchy of Holstein

* Godfrey 1106 - 1110
Schauenburg family
* Adolf I 1110 - 1131
* Adolf II 1131 - 1164
* Adolf III 1164 - 1225
* Adolf IV 1225 - 1238
* Gerhard I 1239 - 1290
Holstein-Kiel
* Johann I 1238 - 1263
* Adolf V 1263 - 1273
* Johann II 1263 - 1316
* Johann III the Mild 1316 - 1359
* Adolf VII 1359 - 1390
Holstein-Segeberg
* Adolf V 1273 - 1308
* Albrecht II 1381 - 1403
Holstein-Plön
* Gerhard II 1290 - 1312
* Gerhard IV 1312 - 1323
* Gerhard V 1323 - 1350
* Johann III 1350 - 1359
* Adolf VII 1359 - 1390
Holstein-Schauenburg
* Adolf VI 1290 - 1315
* Adolf VII 1315 - 1354
* Adolf VIII 1354 - 1370
* Otto I 1370 - 1404
Holstein-Rendsburg
* Heinrich I 1290 - 1304
* Gerhard III 1304 - 1340
* Heinrich II 1340 - 1382
* Gerhard VI 1382 - 1404
* Nicholas 1390 - 1397
* Albrecht II 1397 - 1403
* Heinrich IV 1404 - 1428

People of Note

Otto Byss (born in 1399) - secretary of His Magesty Heinrich IV, representative of Holstein in the Reichstag, right hand of the Duke.

Christian Schlüter-Hegel (born in 1391) - Holsteinian ducal secretary of the trade and fleet, supreme commander (Oberbefehlshaber) of Holsteinian Ducal Fleet.

Erich (born in 1388) - franciskanian monk of the monastery of St. Heinrich in Kiel, main treasurer (Hauptkassierer) of the Duchy of Holstein, manager (Verwalter) of Ducal manors.

Günter Kruft (born in 1405) - chancellor of the Holsteinian Ducal court, commander of the Ducal Guard (Schutzbefehlshaber), knight of Order of Two Lions.

Karl von Brucher (born in 1379) - general, supreme commander (Oberbefehlshaber) of Holsteinian Ducal Army, knight of Order of Two Lions.

History of the Duchy

Towards the end of the Great Migrations of the Germanic peoples which began around A.D. 250, the Saxons who had come from the area around the northern Elbe River had settled in central and western Holstein. The Slav tribes had populated eastern Holstein. Danes and Jutes had moved to southeastern Schleswig, and the Frisians had populated western Schleswig and the islands in the North Sea.

The area settled by the Saxons was bounded by the Eider river in the north, the North Sea towards the west, and the Elbe river in the south. The eastern boundary was formed by a line running from the Kiel Fjord via the Schwentine river and the middle Trave river to Boizenburg. Around 800, three distinct areas had formed: Dithmarschen, Holstein and Stormarn.

Around 800, in the course of expanding Christianity northward, the Frankish tribes of Charlemagne occupy this area. In 810 Charlemagne builds a castle on the River Stör near Itzehoe. The western boundary of Frankish influence lies at the line Kiel Fjord - Boizenburg, the northern boundary is the Eider river. In 974 a conflict arises between the Franks and the Danes; the latter are defeated at the Danevirke, a series of ramparts begun in 737 between the Hollingstedt on the Treene river in the west and the head of the Sliefjord near Haithabu and the present-day Schleswig in the east. Christianity expands throughout northern Europe. Denmark develops into a world power and conquers England. The King of Denmark assumes the titles and powers of King of England, King of Scotland and King of Norway.

The King of Denmark and Emperor Konrad II develop friendly relations. The Emperor relinquishes his control over the area between the Eider river and the Sliefjord; this area remains uninhabited. The Eider river is recognized as the southern boundary of the Danish empire.

After further wars with the Slavs who are defeated around 1090, Duke Lothar of Saxony invests Count Adolf of Schauenburg with Holstein and Stormarn.

In 1187 the Danes occupy the island of Rügen as well as Pomerania and Mecklenburg. During the war of 1200-1203, the Danish King Knud and his brother, Duke Waldemar of Schleswig, conquer Holstein, Stormarn, Hamburg, Lübeck and Ratzeburg.

In the Battle of Bornhöved on July 22, 1227, the Danish King Waldemar II is defeated. Denmark loses the conquered provinces and cities and the Eider river is re-established as the southern boundary of the Danish kingdom.

Count Adolf IV of Schauenburg reclaims the County of Holstein-Stormarn.

In 1237, Duke Abel of Schleswig marries the daughter of Count Adolf IV of Holstein-Stormarn and thus establishes a relationship between the two houses. In 1275 the title of “Duke of Schleswig” becomes a hereditary one, thereby ensuring the succession within the family. Extraordinary taxes are no longer remitted to the King of Denmark but instead are paid to the Duke of Schleswig. In 1260, Mechtild, the widow of Duke Abel of Schleswig, mortgages her possessions between the Eider river and the Sliefjord in favour of her brothers the counts Gerhard I and Johann I.

Other areas, such as the City of Eckernförde and the Danish Wold, are mortgaged in favour of the Holsteiners. The borders are now open, and many members of the Holstein nobility penetrate into the border areas and settle there.

In Denmark, disputes arise between the nobles and the Danish King Christopher II. The nobles request the Duke of Schleswig for assistance. Count Gerhard III of Rendsburg is acting on behalf of his minor nephew, Duke Valdemar V of Schleswig (the son of Duke Abel of Schleswig).

In 1326, King Christopher II is defeated in the battle of Hesterberg near Schleswig, and is banished. Count Gerhard III forces the Danish nobility to elect his nephew, Duke Valdemar V of Schleswig, King of Denmark. Count Gerhard III is appointed guardian and regent, and governs the kingdom. The charter of 1326 documenting these events and decisions stipulates that the Duchy of Schleswig shall never be possessed by the King of Denmark. In light of Valdemar V’s accession to the throne, Count Gerhard III is invested with the Duchy of Schleswig as a hereditary possession. For the first time, Schleswig and Holstein are united under a member of the Schauenburg dynasty.

Accordingly, since 1290 there are five ruling branches of the House of Schauenburg, named after the locations of their respective strongholds: Segeberg, Kiel, Plön, Pinneberg and Rendsburg.

Additionally, Gerhard III is ceded the island of Fun, Johann III of Plön receives the island of Lolland in addition to Fehmarn. When King Christopher II returns to the throne in 1330, the Duchy of Schleswig reverts to a Duke of the Abel lineage, however, Count Gerhard III retains control of Schleswig, receives Northern Jutland as security and the island of Fun as hereditary fiefdom.

On the death of King Christopher II in 1332, almost all of Denmark has been mortgaged in favour of Count Gerhard III and Johann III who are jointly governing the country. In 1340 Count Gerhard III is murdered during an attempt to put down an uprising in Jutland. This sets off a struggle for control of Schleswig that is to last for 100 years.

King Valdemar IV Atterdag who reigns from 1340 to 1375 succeeds in redeeming the mortgages and to re-unite most of the country. However, his attack on the town of Visby and his conquest of the Island of Gotland results in a state of war with the Hanseatic League and with Sweden and Norway. The Dukes of Holstein fight on the side of the Hanseatic League. A peace treaty is signed in Stralsund on May 24, 1370 and a further settlement in Flensburg in 1373. The Counts withdraw from the occupied North Jutland, however, they retain the greater part of Schleswig as security. In 1375 the last remaining Duke of Schleswig (of Abel’s descendants) dies, and shortly afterwards so does Valdemar IV Atterdag, the last of the Danish royal dynasty of Sven Estridsen.

Margaret, the youngest daughter of Valdemar IV and the widow of the Norwegian King Haakon, now assumes the responsibilities of government in Denmark on behalf of her minor son Olav. When Olav dies in 1387 Margaret is crowned Queen of Denmark. On August 15, 1386 she invests Count Gerhard VI of Rendsburg with Schleswig as a hereditary Dukedom. This unites Schleswig and Holstein, and the ducal crests of Schleswig and Holstein form the combined crest of Schleswig-Holstein.

The history of our glory nation since 1425

1425 Holstein joined Hansa and created Personal Union with Denmark-Norway. After events in Sweden Holsteinian ambassador lived Stockholm for Bremen and Frankfurt to make report.
1426 Heinrich IV of Holstein creates in Kiel Order of Two Lions. Holstein started negotiations with Russia concerning their membership in Hansa.
1427 Adolf IX, son of Heinrich IV, died and Adolf VIII became heir to the crown; after Heinrich IV illness he became Regent of Holstein. Our Duchy joins Crusade. Confederation of North Western German independent states was created between Hessen and Holstein. Adolf VIII was temporarily arrested by Papal inquisition in Kiel. Personal Union Treaty between Holstein and Denmark was broken by Danish King.
1428 Adolf VIII arrived to Rome to meet with the Pope. Holstein joined Council of Baltic in Kronborg. After the death of Heinrich IV at the Council of nobility of Holstein and Schleswig in Flensburg Adolf VIII was elected and was crowned in Kiel as Duke of Holstein and Schleswig. Holstein joined Baltic League with Denmark and Bremen. Adolf VIII received Order of the lion of Christendom from Pope Jean-Luke for our participation in the last Crusade. Pope accepted 'the Kingdom of Northwestern Germany'.
1429 The ceremony of the wedding between Anna of Holstein-Rendsburg and Heinrich Küster took place in Kiel. Order of Two Lions became independent part of Order St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes (by Treaty of Rhodes). Holstein nominated Duke Philipp I of Hessen at the Emperor elections. The agreement between Adolf VIII and Joahimm of Pommern was signed in Kiel. Diplomatical mission of Order of Two Lions to Danmark. Lübeck-Bad Schwartau Agreement of Bremen was signed between Holstein and Meclenburg. Anna of Holstein-Rendsburg and here husband Heinrich were killed in Boulon-Rhuen by crazy Friedrich of Saxony. Military and trade agremeents were signed in Krakow by Adolf of Holstein and Wladyslaw of Poland.
1430 Duke Henry IV of Meclenburg officially became nominal vassal of Holstein. Maria of Aragon, a bride of Duke Adolf, arrived to Kiel. The Commercial-Military pact between Holstein and Aragon was signed in Kiel.
1431 The ceremony of the wedding between Duke Adolf VIII and Maria of Aragon took place in Kiel. Another marriage: Elisabeth von Holstein-Schauenburg and Axel Pedersson Brahe. Duke Adolf and Axel Pedersson Brahe made negotiations in Kiel concerning membership of Swedish cities in Hansa. The old 'personal union' with Danmark was rebulid. Duke Adolf VIII signed `The Martial Bull`.

[Herr Doctor]

The Duchy of Holstein and Schleswig


Our Lands


The lands, cities, towns and castles which Duke of Holstein-Schleswig owns:

* Alsen
* Apenrade
* Arö
* Eckernförde
* Eiderstedt
* Elmehorn
* Fehmarn
* Flensburg
* Gottorf
* Hadersleben
* Hamburg
* Heide
* Hensted-Ulzburg
* Husum
* Itzehoe
* Kiel
* Neumünster
* Neustadt
* Notderstedt
* Pihneberg
* Plön
* Rendsburg
* Schleswig
* Segeberg
* Stapelholm
* Steinburg
* Tondern
* Trittau
* Utersen
* Wedel

Kiel

In 1223 Count Adolf IV of Schauenburg created a settlement "tom kyle" at the end of the Saxonian limes on the peninsula of the arm of the fjord. This name is derived from the geographical location of the town: the Kiel fjord juts into the land like a wedge ("kyle") and the settlement of Kiel grew up at the end ("tom") of this wedge. After the foundation of Kiel the first people to move there were nobles, businessmen and craftsmen and in 1242 Kiel received the town charter. It is a capital of Holstein.

Castle in Kiel - main residence of the Duke of Holstein.

Here, in Kiel, the court of the Holsteinian Dukes is situated. Holsteinian Ducal Court is one of the most richest and brilliant courts of Northern Europe. There you can see many famous noblemen of Germany and Scandinavia.

Rendsburg

Rendsburg is a big city on the Eider River. Rendsburg passed to the counts of Holstein in 1252 and was chartered soon thereafter. Now it is one of the most important trade cities in Holstein-Schleswig.

Flensburg

It was founded in 1170 by King Waldemar I. This is a big and very important strategic town of Schleswig on the Baltic sea.

Hamburg*

*There is an old free trade city but nominal it is a part of the Duchy of Holstein and under protection of Holsteinian armies.

The history of Hamburg starts in the year AD825 with the building of the "Hammaburg", a moated castle built between the Alster and Elbe rivers. Thus it soon became the seat of the Archbishop Ansgar, who used the castle as a base for missions to convert the wild heathens of northern Europe. After the Vikings had burned the building down in AD845, it was rebuilt and destroyed some 8 times over the next several hundred years (I didn't say it was a brilliant fortress at that time!) It was then that commerce was to take over as the principle function of the city. The founding of Lübeck on the Baltic coast, allowed Hamburg to become its port on the North Sea. It was in 1188 that a group of Hamburg merchants received a charter for the building of a new town, close to the old one, with a harbour on the Alster and Elbe. This was confirmed and enhanced the following year of 1189, by the emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, in a charter giving the budding port, special trading rights, toll exemptions and navigational privileges. Over the next century, Hamburg's economic importance grew with the development of the Hanseatic League. Hamburg provided port facilities for Lübeck that opened up the way to the rest of the world. Now the city is a capital of the Confederation of North Western German independent states.

Order of Two Lions

Order of Two Lions is the first Award and Honor in our Duchy. It was created by His Magesty Heinrich IV von Holstein-Rendsburg in 1426 in Kiel. In 1429 Order became independent part of Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes (by Treaty of Rhodes). Now Order of Two Lions and its Grandmaster are rightfull representatives of Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes in Scandinavia. The members of the Order are very famous in Holstein and Empire people.

Assembly of Order of Two Lions

- His Magesty Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig, Grandmaster of the Order of Two Lions, knight Hospitaller of Order of St. John, knight of Order of the lion of Christendom;
- His Grace sir Duke Henry IV of Meclenburg, Honorouble Knight
- sir Count Axel Pedersson Brahe of Holstein-Gottorf, Rikskansler of Sweden
- His Magesty sir King Alfons V of Aragon
- His Magesty sir King Henry VI of England and Scotland
- sir Günter Kruft;
- sir Karl von Brucher;
- sir Bernd von Kerl;
- sir Hans von Homann.

Foreign Affairs

Alliances
-- Member of the Confederation of North Western German independent states (with Hessen)
-- In Union with Danmark ('Personal union' since 1425/31)
-- Member of the Baltic League (with Denmark and Bremen)
-- Holstein is a country assosiated with the Greif-Schlussel Allianz (Pommern and Bremen + Gelre)
-- Military Alliance with Poland
-- Military Alliance with Aragon
-- Member of the Hansa Trade Union (with Bremen, Gelre, Mecklemburg and Sweden)

Vassals
-- Meclenburg is nominal vassal of the Duchy of Holstein and Schleswig

Royal Marriages
-- With Oldenburg (Hedwig von Holstein-Rendsburg and Dietrich von Oldenburg)
-- With Aragon (Adolf VIII von Holstein-Rendsburg and Maria of Aragon)
-- With Sweden (Elisabeth von Holstein-Schauenburg and Axel Pedersson Brahe)

Other treaties
-- Holstein has the agreement with Pommern (Kiel, 1429)
-- Holstein signed Lübeck-Bad Schwartau Agreement with Meclenburg (Bremen, 1429)
-- Holstein has military and trade agremeents with Poland (Krakow, 1429)
-- The Commercial-Military pact between Holstein and Aragon (Kiel, 1430)

Privileges of the Duchy of Holstein
-- Duchy of Holstein has a post of the secretary of Scandinavia in Reichskammergericht.
-- Holstein has the power to negotiate on behalf of Hansa with Denmark-Norway and Sweden.
-- Grandmaster of Order of two Lions (Holsteinian Duke) is rightfull representatives of Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes in Scandinavia.
-- Dukes of Holstein-Rendsburg have a hereditary titles of Aragonian nobility: Duke of Citadella and Count of Maó (since 1431).

Foreign Claims
*Crown of the Duchy of Western Saxons- Holstein has had claims on the Crown of the Duchy of Western Saxons from times when it was created in 1111. As Holstein was a part of Western Saxon state and there are no successors to this throne Duke of Holstein try to occupy this title.
*Meclemburg - Duke of Holstein has strong claims on the lands of Meclemburg. At first on free trade city Lübeck and many other lands that were a part of the Duchy of Holstein-Kiel and Holstein-Schauenburg in various times (for example, Lübeck was possession of Duke Waldemar of Schleswig in 1200s years).

Ambasadors in Kiel
Adolf Aschersleben-Oldenburg
Konrad van Veteren-Gelre
Saam de Boer-Friesland
Günter von Asterberg-Saxony
Erik von Dechmling-Hessen
sir Steven Downing of Oakhampton-England
Karl Leibnitz-Bremen
Martin von Frishekopf-Pommerania
Johann von Marburg-Meclemburg
Fredrik Bagge-Sweden
Lionel Royer-France
X-Poland

Ambasadors from Holstein:
Heinrich Wold-Oldenburg
Georg Alman-Gelre
Johann von Holen-Friesland
Josef von Ramm-Saxony
Arf von Staffon-Hessen
August von Schlaft-England
Johann von Forz-Bremen (also: representative of Holstein in Hansa Council)
Hannes Atter-Pommerania
Holger von Schwitz-Meclemburg
Friedrich von Ronnerburg-Sweden (also: representative of Hansa)
Martin Zipf-Poland
Peter von Erlach-Denmark (also: representative of Hansa)
Heinrich von Scholz-Russia (also: representative of Hansa)
Jacob von Form-Brittany
Otto Grünewald-Order of St. John (also: representative of Order of 2 Lions)
Tom Hinreder-Aragon
Urban Ort-Ireland
Klaus Heurmann-Brandenburg
sir Bernd von Kerl-Teutonic Order (also: representative to the East Knights)

- - -
Ducal Archive in Kiel

*Treaty of Copenhagen about the criation of the Persconal Union
between the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway and the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf
Anno Domini 1425

1. This treaty announces about creation of Personal Union between the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway and the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. Both states promise to live in the peace and not be at war against each other.

2. It announces about creation of the militarian allience between the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway and the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. If on any of the subscribed countries the aggression will be accomplished, the second country should announce war to an aggressor and protect ally by all forces. In case of aggression against the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway guarantees to protect it by all forces both fleet and army.

3. It is announced about free pass of the soldier through the territory of both states at any time.

4. Henceforth any of the subscribed countries cann`t enter alliances, announce and enter wars without coordination among themselves.

5. In case of conflict between Holy Roman Empire and Northen Aliance (as Denmark and Sweden are members of this Allience) Holstein will neutral position.

6. The King of Denmark recognizes for Dukes of Gottorf all rights on Schleswig, Holstein and Gottorf. Also King of Denmark approves independence the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf.

7. Between the countries creates economic union. As the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf is a member of Trade Hansa all merchants from Hansa (Bremen, Gelre, Prussia, Mecklemburg and Holstein-Gottorf) and states of Kalmar Union can trade on their territories without taxes, and they will cooperate in other markets. Hansa has a priority on trade in the markets of the states of Kalmar Union and the Danish King grants a patent on monocomplete trade of Hansa in cooperation with merchants of the states of Kalmar Union in the Sund.

Signed:
Heinrich IV, Herzog von Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf
Erik VII, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden

*The treaty about creation of
Confederation of North Western German States

Part I: Preamble
By the name of God,

We, leaders and dukes of the lands of old Duchy of Saxons, that was the greatest state from the times of Charlemagne, having accepted together this act,

Announce to all people of the present and future time which it will only see that having constantly in kind duty to our fatherland, the Holy Roman Empire, with which honour, property, common benefit, and most of all, internal and external safety we are obliged to strengthen and to supply, and accepting thus in attention old traditions which with the consent of our ancestors united us by union in ancient times, and in loyalty and faith with our Holy Father in Rome, we rebuild this ancient union under the name of the Confederation of North Western German States, structure of which and laws are listed in articles of this act:

Part II. Structure of the Confederation of North Western German States.
1. The Confederation of North Western German States is a voluntary confederation, which was united to the one inseparable union. All states that join this union will be united by the formal power of the Protector of the Confederation , who will act in the best interest of the Confederaton as shall be discussed later.

2. All states save all their attributes of independence and all their borders, as the autonomy of each particular state is paramount.

3. The capital of the Confederation of North Western German States is Hamburg - old free trade town between Bremen, Holstein and Mecklenburg. If Hamburg is not in territories controlled by the Confederation, a temporary capital will be chosen.

4. In conformity with historical, economical, political and cultural traditions, member of the Confederation of North Western German States can become only from states and (or) provinces: Bremen, Gelre, Friesland, Hannover, Hessen, Holstein, Kleve, Köln, Mecklenburg, Münster and Oldenburg, and any territories outside of these borders held by these nations.

5. As all members of the Confederation of North Western German States are parts of the Holy Roman Empire the Confederation of North Western German States will be a part of the Empire too.

6. Any nation in the Confederation who declares war on another nation in the Confederation of North Western German States is automatically removed from the Confederation of North Western German States.

7. Any nation that leaves the Confederation of North Western German States in any other dishonourable manner shall incur a casus belli, in which the Confederation of North Western German States may choose to stop the nation from leaving if the Confederation of North Western German States feels betrayed or insulted. Any military actions along this line will be voted on by the Grossrat, and carried out by the Protector.

8. The state flag of the Confederation of North Western German States is a red cross under blue background.

Part III. Protector of the Confederation
1. The titular leader of the Confederation of North Western German States is Protector of the Confederation of North Western German States.

2. Title of Protector of the Confederation is hereditary and right of succession transfers it by natural way from reigning monarch to his senior son. But if the Protector hasn’t sons, a new dynasty must be elected.

3. A new dynasty is elected by the Grand Council (Grossrat) of the Confederation of North Western German States in the term they will determine by themselves.

4. The Protector has a right to have his own army, which is composed of 1,000 men from each member state, given that the state is not already involved in a conflict unrelated to the Confederation.

5. The Protector is nominal commander-in-chief of the armies of the Confederation of North Western German States.

6. If the the Protector is decided to be unfit to rule by a vote in the Grossrat, with all but one vote for the removal of the Protector, a new election will be held and that hereditary line ended.

Part IV. Allied authority and political power
1. The single union court of the Confederation of North Western German States is the Grand Council (Grossrat) of the Confederation of North Western German States.

2. The Grossrat is formed from representatives of dukes and leaders of the members of the Confederation of North Western German States.

3. Every country has one representative in the Grossrat. Every of them have only 1 vote. All decisions are accept by the simple majority of the votes. In the event of a tie, the Protector shall cast the final vote.

4. The Chairman (Vorsitzende) of the Grossrat is nominated by the Protector. He has power only to coordinate work of the Grossrat.

5. The Protector hasn’t votes in the Grossrat normally, but he has power of veto decisions of the Grossrat, unless they are agreed upon by all except one state (assuming the Protector will be from a member state and that state will agree with his position), or is unanimous. This will prevent the Protector from any true dictatorlike activities.

6. In the competence of the Grossrat there are common policies, economy and military.

7. Every representative of the state-member in the Grossrat can offer a question for discussion and voting.

Part V. Rights of the leaders of the members of the Confederation of North Western German States. Independent parts of the Confederation of North Western German States
1. As all members in the Confederation of North Western German States are independent states their leaders save all their authority in their own states.

2. Every member saves their own army, seal, capital, money and other attributes of independence (see also: Part II, art.2).

3. Every state can have their own diplomacy and ambassadors with other nations.

Part VI. Common diplomacy and policy
1. All common diplomacy and policy is under the competence of the Grossrat (see also: Part IV, art.6), and the views of the Confederation of North Western German States shall be viewed by other nations from this council.

2. All state-members must carry out the decisions of the Grossrat (see also: Part V, art. 3), assuming that the decisions are related to matters that don't directly affect the autonomy of the state-members.

3. All alliances, military and economical, that were created between state-members and foreign countries before their become members must be saved. New alliances may be formed, but shall be deemed lesser to the bond of the Confederation.

Part VII. Economy and trade
1. All customs houses and tax duties between state-members of the Confederation of North Western German States must be destroyed.

2. All traders from all state-members of the Confederation of North Western German States will trade in their territories without taxes and will unite for trade in others countries.

3. All coins of the states of the Confederation of North Western German States must be one size and one weight. It will help to do trade operations more easy.

Part VIII. Membership and force of this union
1. New member (see also: Part II, art. 4) must be agree with the text of this union treaty and sign it; his nominee will be approve by the Protector. After it this state will become a rightful member of the Confederation of North Western German States.

2. This act will have a force after it will be signed by two or more potential candidates (see also: Part II, art. 4).

3. The Protector is in charge of persuading and inscripting new members.

Anno 1427

Signed:
Heinrich IV, Herzog von Holstein, Schleswig und Gottorf
Adolf VIII, Regent of Holstein
Phillip I, Duke of Hessen

*The Baltic Accord
Anno 1428

Article I. In an effort to secure peace and prosperity throughout the Baltic region, the following realms have agreed to form through alliance, the Baltic League. The charter members include: Kingdom of Denmark-Norway and the Duchies of Bremen, Holstein, and Pommern.

Article II. Membership shall be open to expansion and expulsion from all members. In the event of expulsion by a majority vote of the alliance members. A majority vote would always be necessary for both the former and the latter, a tie resulting in no action.

Article III. All members of the Baltic League hereby pledge to aid in one another's defense in case they were subject to aggression from another state. Any aiding of another alliance member's efforts in a war of aggression would be entirely voluntary and any refusal to aid in such war would not be detrimental to said for their course of action.

Article IV. All members of the Baltic League respect all borders and the self determination of their government.

Article V. All dues imposed on merchant vessels in the Sund should be divided as such, two and one half shares to Hansa, two and one half shares to the WHU, and the remaining five shares remain in the coffers of Denmark. In the event of either no members of the League being members of the WHU or Hansa, then the respective shares of the due shall pass to the other. Should in the course of events, that no member of the League is a joint member of either trade organization, then the respective shares in trade shall default to Denmark.

Christoffer III, King of Denmark and Norway
Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig
Johann III, Duke of Bremen

We the undersigned, upon creation of the kingdom of the Northwest Germany
By papal acceptance and decree, swear the following to be true:
Anno 1428

Each nation will contribute 100 ducats to the Papal funds as a gift to cover administration costs as they arise.

The Kingdom will hold the Emperor as most high in the temporal world. The pope in the spiritual.

The Kingdom will take on the name and responsibilities of "Enforcer of the papal word in Judea" and have its forces ever ready to enforce his word there, at the Papal request.

The Kingdom will hold the spiritual above the temporal in life practice where practical or needed by mother church.

The Kingdom will strive for honour, chivalry and gods word.

The Kingdom will support the crowned Emperor to the utmost of their capability, and always be part of the Holy Roman Empire in choice

The Kingdom will be blessed by god and the crowned Emperors agreement sought, to pacify any malcontents.

Signed,
Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig
Philipp I, Duke of Hessen
for the Pope Jean-Luke: Cardinal Corleone

*Treaty of Rhodes
about entry of Order of Two Lions to the structure of Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes
Anno 1429

#1. From this times Order of Two Lions will be independent part of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes. Order of Two Lions is under protection of Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes.

#2. Order of Two Lions save all its rights, main residence in Kiel and control system (Assembly of Order and its own Grandmaster).

#3. Grandmaster of Order of Two Lions is elected by Assembly of Order of Two Lions and must be automatically accepted be Grandmaster of Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes. After it Grandmaster of Order of Two Lions become knight of Order of St. John too. The Grandmaster of the Order of Two Lions will neither be allowed to speak in the Council of the Order of St. John, nor shall he or any other Knight of the Order of Two Lions be electable to any position within the Order of St. John.

#4. Order of Two Lions and its Grandmaster are rightfull representatives of Order of St. John of Jerusalem and Rhodes in Scandinavia as long as they conduct according to the rules of the Order of St. John. The order of Two Lions or its Grandmaster shall report all acts done as representatives of the Order of St. John to the Grand Master of the Order of St. John.

#5. The Order of Two Lions has to conduct according to the rules of the Order of St. John and accepts never to wage war against any other christian nation and never to assist any nation that wages war against any other christian nation. The Order of Two Lions will - as a secular Order - be exempt from the vows of poverty and chasity.

#6. The order of the Two Lions is allowed to add a small version of the Hospitallers cross to the left upper quarter of its shield. Only its Grandmaster shall be allowed to wear the robe of the Knights of St. John when acting as representative of the Order of St. John.

#7. The Order of Two Lions shows its support and assistance to the Order of St. John in its task to defend Christendom against the islamic heathen. 10.000 fiorini (1 eco) shall be given out as a loan without interest rate whenever the Order of St. John is at war with the heathen and requests the Order of Two Lions to give out the above said loan.

Datum et actum in Rhodium et signivicavit per manum proprium.
Antoine Fluviac de la Rivière, Grand Master of the Knights of St John
To be signed by Adolf VIII of Holstein, Grandmaster of the Order of the Two Lions

*Holstein-Pommern Agreement

#1. This document is a guarantee of good relations and friendship between the duchy of Pommern and the duchy of Holstein-Schleswig.

#2. From this times the duchy of Holstein-Schleswig will become asosiated member of the Greif-Schussel Allianz. The Greif-Schussel Allianz will give military and diplomatic support in caise of any agression against Holstein. All specific details are in appendix concering this.

#3. The duchy of Pommern recognises all rights on the lands of Lübeck and Bad Schwartau in Maclenburg in favour of dukes of Holstein-Rendsburg and Holstein-Schauenburg.

#4. Duchy of Hostein and all ruling families there recognises Pommern claims on Maclenburg and the fact that Hose of the Greif have close ties to House of Maclenburg. There will be no hostilities between Pommern, Holstein and Maclenburg."

Anno 1429
Signed:
Joachim of the Greif, heir to ducal crown of Pommernia, Regent and Protector of the country, duke of Poznan, margrave of Danzig
Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig, Overlord of Lubeck, Grandmaster of Order of Two Lions
+
*Greif-Schlussel Allianz

Greif-Schlussel Allianz, signed and ratified by the realms of the Duchy of Bremen and the Duchy of Pommerania in the Year of the Lord Fourteen-Hundred and Twenty-Six, August 22nd

Article I
All who have signed this treaty recognises their co-signers as the only legal rulers of the nation they have signed for.

Also, any who signs this document recgnises Victor I von Blommenstein and his legally choosen successors as the only legal Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, untill such time he meets his death.

Article II
Bremen and Pommern are the founders of this alliance as a sign of friendship between their houses and their faith in God Almighty and Holy Roman Empire. Both landlords consider themselves as equal in terms of leadership in battle in times of war or peace. If one of the landlord will give his life in the filed of battle other is bound to take the leadership and lead armies of Greif and Schlussel to the vicory.

Article III
This Alliance shall bind these nations together. The main purpose of which is to work for the protection of the ruled realm against any or all foreign agression.

Article IV
Each member of the alliance will permit each others' soldiers to traverse each others' realms in times of peace and war.

Article V
Should any nation ever become forced to defend either territory, legal claims or trading rights, other states who signed this treaty are required to declare war and help by any means possible including economical, military and diplomatic help in support of the alliance member.

Article VI
Article V is valid, even if members of this alliance should be forced, with legal casus belli, to open hostilities as the first.

Article VII
Should any nation wish to enter this alliance, first he have to state its reasons for doing so then both the duke of Bremen and the protector of Pommern must give their permission.

May this agreement reign in perpetuity and mark a new age of cooperation and friendship between the Duchy of Bremen and the Duchy of Pommerania.
+
Appendix to the Greif-Schlussel Allianz Charter

1 - The Greif-Schlussel Allianz hereby recognises the Duchy of Holstein as an independent country, ruled by Adolf VIII of Holstein or in case of his death, the legal heirs of his line. Duchy of Holstein recognises the same concerning Houses of Bremen, Pommerania and Glere.

2 - Any attack on Holstein will be viewed as an attack on the Greif-Schlussel Allianz, which will respond in force.

3 - Holstein hereby promises support should the Greif-Schlussel Allianz ever be forced into war by others agression.
In that case, Gelre will join the Greif-Schlussel Allianz in the war againts any agressors.

4 - This treaty becomes invalid should Holstein declare war.

5 - Should the Greif-Schlussel Allianz be forced to declare war, with legal casus belli, Holstein can cancel this treaty by paying (1 eco) to either Bremen or Pommern, otherwise Holstein is bound by paragraph 3 above.

6 - This appendix recognises articles I to IV of the original Allianz Charter

7 - From now on Duchy of Holstein becomes a country assosiated with the Allianz. If future if Duchy of Holstein will wish to become full member further negotiations will commence.

May this agreement reign in perpetuity and mark a new age of cooperation and friendship between the Duchy of Holstein and Bremen, Pommerania and Glere.

*Lübeck-Bad Schwartau Agreement of Bremen
Anno 1429

I. The Duke of Mecklemburg accepts dynastic Holstein claims on the cities of Lübeck and Bad Schwartau.

II. The Duke of Mecklemburg will keep eternal control over these lands as vassal of Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig, in regards to these two city lands.

III. Should the house of Mecklemburg vanish, only then can the Holsteinian claim be executed.

IV. The Duke of Mecklemburg keeps full control of any military, economic, political and diplomatic matter, and this is not questionable from the side of Holstein.

Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig
Henry IV, Duke of Meclenburg

*Military Alliance between Poland and Holstein

1/ Holstein and Poland will support each other in the event that either nation is attacked

2/Holstein and Poland shall support each other in offensive missions providing that suitable evidence be provided to support the other providing aid.

3/Holstein and Poland shall share intelligence concerning each other should it reach them

4/Holtstein and Polish troops shall participate in training exercises together once every 2 years.

Anno 1429
Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig
Wladyslaw Jagiello, King og Poland

*The Commercial-Military pact between Holstein and Aragon

-In the case of either the Duchy of Holstein or the Kingdom of Aragon entering an armed conflict, the other part promises to use full diplomatic and commercial might to end the conflict. This includes a trade embargo on any nations hostile to the above mentioned parties. That is, if it is requested by either Holstein or Aragon.

-Furthermore, the nations are encouraged to lend each other money to the succesfull presecution of the war, if it is practical. In other words, the nations arent obligated to loan eitchother money, but shold be able to provide with a good excuse if not wanting to.

Anno 1430
Alfons V, King of Aragon
Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig

*Marriage contract
Anno 1430

1. This is a guarantee of marriage between Maria of Aragon and Duke Adolf VIII of Holstein-Rendsburg.

2. This marriage will be a guarantee of the best relations between our realms.

3. Duke Adolf VIII undertakes to make King of Aragon a knight of Order of Two Lions and to send him a small gift of 10,000 Kiel`s Talers.

4. King of Aragon undertakes to give Duke of Holstein hereditary titles of Duke of Citadella and Count of Maó.

Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig
Alfons V, King of Aragon

*The Union of 1431

1) This treaty announces the creation of the Union between the Kingdom of Denmark, Norway and Sweden and the duchy of Holstein and Schleswig. The goal of the Union is to allow the people of the lands to live in peace an prosperity, under the divine grace of God. Hostilities between the allies is to be cursed before God.

2) The Union is among other things a military alliance, in which all parties commits themselves to defend their allies with all their might and fury against enemy aggression.

3) Not only defence against foreign aggressors shall be included, but also against internal rebellion.

4) Mutual Right of Passage is granted at all times, and no enemy of one of the members will be allowed to enter an ally’s territory, no matter what previous agreements have been made.

5) The members of the Union accepts their respective involvement in different trade organization, and they can go as far as to support an embargo against each other. However, once the embargo ends, the side which has lost most money on the embargo will be compensated by its ally, thus making sure that an embargo does not hurt one ally more than the other.

6) The Kingdom of Denmark, Norway and Sweden recognises for dukes of Holstein-Rendsburg all rights on all the lands of Schleswig, Holstein and the cities of Lübeck and Bad-Schwartau. Also the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway approves and guarantees independence of the Duchy of Holstein and Schleswig.

7) The Duchy of Holstein recognises for the kingdom of Denmark, Norway and Sweden all rights on all the lands of Jutland.

Christoffer III, King of Denmark , Sweden and Norway
Adolf VIII, Duke of Holstein and Schleswig

*The Martial Bull

Prima - In the Year of Our Lord MCDXXX, with the consultation of the Most August Reichstag, His Most Serene and Pacific Majesty, Erich, First of the Name, Emperor of Humanity, hereby enacts this Martial Bull as the Law of the Empire.

Secunda - Henceforth never shall an unjust state of war exist between the loyal states of the Empire. Never again shall Imperial Princes breach the Emperor's Peace and violate the sovereign boundaries of the Imperial States without a legitimate cause of war confirmed by the Emperor or his superior the Pope.

The Emperor, or in his absence his duly appointed Steward or Imperial Feldmarshal, has the right to declare any war between Imperial states unjust. Should a war be declared unjust the agressor state must sue for peace within three months or they will have to face the severe consequences including renouncing all rights, honors, privileges, titles, etc. once held by the state, its princes, or its ruling house.

Tertia - The Abgage Kaiserlich is henceforth created as an Imperial Levy, during times of Weltkrieg Kaiserlich or Imperial War. Should the Emperor in conjunction with the Reichstag issue a declaration of Imperial War, either in defense of the Empire proper or in defense of her external interests, all Princes of the Empire shall either join the war and send:

- at least a thousand knights and foot soliders (1LM) or make a payment of one thousand Imperial solidi (1 econ),
- or at least two thousand (2LM) knights and foot soldiers or payment of two thousand Imperial solidi (2 econ), should the state be larger then two provinces but smaller than seven,
- or at least three thousand (3LM) knights and foot soldiers or a payment of three thousand Imperial solidi (3 econ), should the state be larger then six provinces,

toward the war effort under the direction of the Imperial Feldmarshal, acting on behalf of His August Imperial Majesty. Payments shall be spread over the participants in the war, most notably the Imperial Feldmarshal, the Lords of the East and Western Marches, the Grand Admirals of the North and South and Imperial Generals.

However, should a state supplied with legitimate reason, recognized by the Emperor and majority of the Reichstag, or the Imperial Feldmarshal or Steward in the Emperor's absense, that he cannot anyhow support the war effort such state can be excluded from the Abgage Kaiserlich. Should such state not receive such recognition, severe consequences not limited to the demotion, removal of titles, rights, privileges, et cetera.

Quarta - Henceforth all conflicts between Imperial States that cannot be handled through normal interstate diplomacy shall be resolved by the Reichskammergericht or petition to the Emperor. Should the nature of the offense be such that it cannot be resolved by the Lex Imperii, notably slights of honor and insults, those in conflict may engage in a duel, preferably via champions on a Tourney field, provided that they follow the regulations that shall be ennumerated in future Lex Imperii. Should such a duel would be inadequate a state of war could exist between two imperial states providing that they receive the sanction mentioned in Pares Secunda.

Quinta - The Princes of the Empire guarantee free passage for all troops of all loyal Imperial Princes through their lands. This right of universal passage may be removed from a Imperial Prince upon his rebellion against the Empire, or as part of a temporary punishment.

The Emperor or the Imperial Feldmarshal acting for His August Imperial Majesty may grant this right of universal passage to foreign Catholic princes on a temporary basis and subject to the review of the Emperor. All Imperial Princes further take an oath to forbid their soldiers from damaging in any way the lands or peoples of those lawful Imperial States they are passing through.

Sexta -Concerning the Imperial Feldmarshal-

With accordance with above-mentioned Martial Bull and Appendix I the position and title of Imperial Feldmarshal is hereby created.

The Imperial Feldmarshal shall be appointed solely by the Emperor as his director of all martial affairs in the Empire, and shall upon the acceptance of his commission swear an oath of loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor and Empire before the Reichstag.

Only from the loyal subjects of the Empire may the Imperial Feldmarshal be chosen, and only he may carry the Imperial Standard into war, unless he should delegate this duty to another. He bears the title of the Bearer of the Imperial War Flag

During times of Weltkrieg Kaiserlich, his authority in military matters is second only to that of the Emperor himself and he shall receive utmost compliance in the swift execution of the Imperial War.

He is the supreme military leader of Imperial Army during the time of peace and war. With accordance with the Emperor and His Generals, he is the one who is responsible for final decision pending the moves of the army, their supplies, relocation etc. etc.

He has the right to appoint Imperial Generals, in consulation with the Emperor, who will serve under the Imperial Feldmarshals command in the Imperial Army

He shall be the leader of the Kaiserschwerter or Imperial Guard and a title of Schwertermeister will be reserved for him. However, under his command will be the Kaiserschwerter Captains who will be directly responsible for leading the Kaiserschwerter in his absence. The Kaiserschwerter shall be an elite military guard composed of young noblemen of the highest calibre and shall swear a sacred oath to defend the Emperor and the Imperial House with their lives.

Note: signed by Emperor Erich and great number of Imperial Dukes with Duke Adolf VIII of Holstein among them

[BzAli]

Karl Leibnitz awoke from his sleep early, just like he used to.
There wasn't really any point in him being up just before dawn, as Holstein-Gottorp had been very quite lately.

It had been quite a while since the duke received foreign ambassadors, and the trading, which Karl as all other Bremer ambassador took great part in, hadn't really lived up o expectations.
Karl thought of todays duties, and couldn't really find any. No ships unloading to supervise, no Holstein merchants to meet with, absolutely nothing.

Thus, Karl was greatly surprised as his personal servant laid out his best clothes.
"Why Hermann? Is there any reason for my to dress like I was going to see the duke?"

"Yes my lord" the faithfull and wellinformed servant answered. "The duke of Holstein-Gottorp has reopened his court, and I thought you had some papers to present him."

And thus, a few hours later, Duke Heinrich IV of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp had the following paper lying on his desk, along with a formal invitation to join the Trade Union, and a very anxious Bremer ambassador waiting to carry reply or answer any questions.

Charter for the Hansa Trade Union.

The goal of the Hansa Trade Union

-The Hansa Trade Unions goal is to ease trade and increase profit earned by trade for all merchants from member nations on the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

-The Hansa Trade Union is not a military union. All members are allowed to join military unions without the approval of the Hansa Trade Union Council, should they so wish.

The Hansa Trade Union Council

-The Hansa Trade Union will have its seat in the city of Bremen. All members of the Trade Union will send one ambassador to the Hansa Trade Union Council.

-The Hansa Trade Union will not be lead by Bremen, but will in all matters follow the course chosen by the Hansa Trade Union Council. The Duke of Bremen will act as chairman at the Councils meetings.

-In the Hansa Trade Union Councils meetings, each member-nation will have one vote.

-The Hansa Trade Union Council will decide the outcome of any vote, except changing this charter, by simple majority of the given votes. In case of a tie, the Duke of Bremen determines the Hansa Trade Union Councils decision.

-This charter may only be changed by a vote in the Hansa Trade Union Council, in which all votes are cast for the change.

-The Duke of Bremen will be the only negotiator for the Hansa Trade Union, unless he appoints another.
No agrement or treaty is valid unless approved by the Hansa Trade Union Council by a vote, following the guidelines laid down in this document.

Membership of the Hansa Trade Union

-No member of the Trade Union may declare war upon another member.

-Should members of the Trade Union as a result of alliances end up in war, all warring members will be suspended from the Trade Unions meetings for the duration of the hostile actions.

-Should a member wish to leave the Trade Union, that member may do so withour fear, simply by declaring so to the Hansa Trade Union Council.

-The Hansa Trade Union Council may expel a nation from the Hansa Trade Union, providing all members of the Council excluding the one represanting the nation in question votes in favor of expelsion.

-To be accepted as a member of the Union, a nation must fullfill the following criteria:

• The nation in question must have a port to the North Sea or the Baltic Sea.
• The nations must be invited to join by the duke of Bremen.
• The nations must be accepted as member by all current members of the Union.
• The nation must accept this charter.

Obligations and rights of Hansa Trade Union members

-Members must obey the following rules:

• No member of the Union may ever ban merchants from other members of the Hansa Trade Union from trading within their realms, nor may Hansa members place tolls or tariffs on merchants from another Hansa member.
  
• All merchants owing alligence to a ruler, whose nation is a member of the Hansa Trade Union, will agree not to lower their prices below minimum prices agreed on by the Hansa Trade Union. These minimum prices can only be regulated be the Hansa Trade Union Council.
  
• Should any nation place a trade embargo on a member of the Hansa Trade Union, all members of the Hansa Trade Union will in return place trade embargoes on that nation, lasting untill said nation lifts the trade embargo.
  
• Should any nation declare war upon a member of the Hansa Trade Union, all members of the Hansa Trade Union will in return place trade embargoes on that nation, lasting untill said nation ends the hostile actions against the Hansa member.
  
• Should any nation place tolls or tariffs on merchants from a member of the Hansa Trade Union, all members of the Hansa Trade Union will in return impose tolls and tariffs of equal magnitude upon merchants from said nation, untill said nation lifts its tolls and tariffs.
  
• Members are bound to follow any agreements and treaties signed by the Hansa Trade Union Council, even is a member nation was not part of the Hansa Trade Union when said treaty was signed or agreement made.
  
• Should any member of the Hansa Trade Union not follow the guidelines laid down in this document, said member would be excluded by the Council after having exactly one month to correct the issue, counted from the day the member was made aware of the breach of rules, and all members of the Union would ban said nations merchants from their territories for a full year, starting the exact day of the nation leaving the Hansa Trade Union.
  After this period, the nation can rejoin the Hansa Trade Union, should it so wish, if said nation fullfills the criteria listed above, including full agrements of the member nations and invitation from the Duke of Bremen.

[Longinus]

Half an hour later when herr Leibnitz went back to his room. Martin von Frishekopf, Pommern abassador, enters the Ducal Chamber.

"Good Duke,

Joachim of the Greif sends you warm greetings from Stettin. He is now meeting Johann II of Bremen. However, I noticed that herr Leibnitz ia tempting you with that Hanseatic dream?

Good Duke know that there are two main Trading Power Blocks nearby you, Hansa and Wendische Handels Union. If you will want the membership in one of them better consider your decision carefully. It is possible that trade talks in Stettin will end good but it is also possible thet they will end with nothing or even BADly."

[BzAli]

Karl Leibnitz waited outside the ducal audience chamber, and when von Frishekopf passed by, he fell in alongside him.

The two ambassadors from the various trade unions started talking, as they walkede the corridors of the ducal palace.

[Bagricula]

A messenger wearing the black and gold of the Rhineland, enters the court prepared to read a message from,

"Heinrich IV, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp,

The Rhineland Palatinate is pleased to hear of the reopening of your splendid court of the north. For so many years, the von Wittelsbach's have admired your primal coastlines and enjoyed the company of your honorable ancestors. I trust that in this continued tradition, we may see years of peace and goodwill between our peoples.

Though Count Erich himself could not write you, as he is locked in deliberations as to the future Emperor of our land, he has requested that we seek out the opinions and thoughts of all the princes of the Empire concerning their preferences as to the new Emperor. As far as I know, the candidates are Victor von Blommenstein, brother of the Archbishop of Cologne, and John Grimaldi, Second Doge of Genoa by that name. Your wisdom in this matter will be relayed to the Count Palatine as quickly as possible.

I am sure Holstein will see years of peace and growth under your rulership, and I look forward to continued correspondance.

By my own hand in Heidelburg,
Cornelius von Adler, First Minister of the Rhine"

[Herr Doctor]

After long meeting with court, Duke Heinrich adressed to the ambassador of Bremen to said him his decision:

"Herr Leibnitz, I very strongly respect your Lord, Duke of Bremen. Besides I consider, that Hansa is a sole trade union capable to supervise trade in Northern Europe. But you must understand, that Holstein is very strong trade state. Besides Holstein has very close trade communications with Denmark and Sweden... And consequently my country can enter union only if one item of the contract will be changed...

So, Duke of Bremen, I think, supervises all negotiation of Hansa. And I would not like, that the independence of Holstein will be limite by it. Therefore I would like to have all powers, which Duke of Bremen has in Hansa too. But we certainly agree, that centre of Hansa will be remain in Bremen. I think, Hansa will have dualistic sistem to make negotiations... It will make Hansa more demacratic. Certainly, only if other members of Hansa accept it.

I think we shall come to compromis, because it is sole item not arranging me in this treaty. And you should remember, that my state always has choice where to enter... "

Duke has smiled and looked benevolently at the ambassador of Bremen.

[BzAli]

Karl Leibnitz asks for a private audience with the duke, as he thinks the matters of the Trade Union are to sensitive to discuss in public.

[BzAli]

A package is sent to Karl Leibnitz, and he presents it to the duke of Holstein.

"Noble sir.
I hereby present to you the flag of the Hansa Trade Union, which your merchanrs from this day will be allowed to use, since no member of the Trade Union has spoken against your joining."


"I also present the following written agreement from my duke, Johann II."

Agreement of negotiation power

In accordance with the charter of the Hansa Trade Union, I hereby declare that the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp
Heinrich IV has the power to negotiate on behalf of the Hansa Trade Union in all matters involving trade with Denmark-Norway and Sweden.
All treaties signed by duke Heinrich IV will be considered legal and binding after a voting in the Hansa Trade Union Council has approved of the treaty, following the outlie in the Hansa Trade Union Charter.

For Johann II, duke of Bremen

signed
Heinrich Küster, acting duke of Bremen
Otto Kaufmann, acting head of Bremer merchants guild.

[BzAli]

Karl Leibnitz enters the ducal audience chamber, bows to the duke, and starts to speak.

"Noble Heinrich IV of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp.
I have been instructed by my duke Johann II of Bremen to congratulate you on your hard work for the Hansa Trade Union in Scandinavia.
Duke Johann II wishes to inform you, that although he as duke of Bremen is satisfied with the proposal given to the King of Denmark that only merchants of Bremen and Holstein avoids paying Kalmar taxes, he kindly reminds you that you are supposed to negotiate for the benefit of all Hansa states, including in this matter most notably Mekclemburg.
To create a diversion in the Trade Union would not be a good idea. Should it prove impossible to reach an agreement including all members of the Hansa, my duke advises you to by all means include as many states as possible, and should that be only Bremen and Holstein, be that as it may. But kindly work to include at least Mekclemburg, and preferable also Gelre and to a lesser degree Prussia in the negotiations."

[Herr Doctor]

Duke nods to Leibnitz:

"Herr Leibnitz, I want to say you that His magesty King of Denmark Erik VII accepted all members of Hansa... And if Sweden agree treaty will be soon sign by King of Denmark."

[Sharur]

A letter arrives in the Court from Lord Erik Bendtsen.

Your Grace,

I just thought it appropriate that I, as the Danish ambassador to the Germanies, let you know that His Majesty has signed off on the Personal Union between the Union of Kalmar and the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp, and is currently waiting to see whether or not the Swedish Union Council would like to sign off on it as well. He is looking forward to future cooperation with the Hansa Union, and future cooperation and security for the Baltic region.

By his own hand at Frankfurt,
Lord Erik Bendtsen,
Count of Skane,
Danish Ambassador to the Germanies and the Holy Roman Imperial Diet

[BzAli]

Heinrich Küster, acting as chairman of the Trade Council in his fathers absence, calls the meeting to order.

"Gentlemen, we have two points to the meeting today.

First, according to the charter, we have to vote on the following article in the Kopenhagen treaty between Denmark-Norway and Holstein:

7. Between the countries creates economic union. As the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf is a member of Trade Hansa all merchants from Hansa (Bremen, Gelre, Prussia, Mecklemburg and Holstein-Gottorf) and states of Kalmar Union can trade on their territories without taxes, and they will cooperate in other markets. Hansa has a priority on trade in the markets of the states of Kalmar Union and the Danish King grants a patent on monocomplete trade of Hansa in cooperation with merchants of the states of Kalmar Union in the Sund.

Bremen votes for the agreement!

Also, according to the charter, we are unable to simply declare trade embargo on a nation, unless said nation has declared trade embargo on a member, or has declared war on a member.
I do not think Sweden fullfills any of these requirements.

I will agree with Rolf of Waddinxveen, that we are not a political union, but herr von Auben are offcourse welcome to propose a change of the charter so we can iniate trade embargoes unprovoked.
I also wishes to congratulate the duke of Holstein with the achieved results, they are most impressing.
Gentlemen, please place your votes."

[BzAli]

Karl Leibnitz, the Bremer ambassador, delivers a letter:

Heinrich IV, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp

As you undoubtly know, the Lord Allmighty deemed it time to take my father, Johann II, founder of the Hansa, Richter von Germania and Duke of Bremen, away from this world and into His Heaven.

As the heir of Bremen, it is now my resposibility to carry on my fathers work, and therefore I invite you, a longtime friend of Bremen, to witness my coronation as Duke of Bremen.

The coronation will be held in the city of Bremen on the 16th of march in the year of Our Lord 1426 [OOC: saturday 17th].
It is my hope that you or any representative you wish to send will attend the ceremony.

By his own hand in Stettin
Johann Küster,
soon to be Johann III, Duke of Bremen.

[Herr Doctor]

There are many holstinian noblemen in the Duke`s Palace in Kiel today. His Magesty Heinrich IV, duke of Holtein, declare about creation of Order of Two Lions:

"It is a great day for our state. By my ducal power I want to create the first Order and award of our state - Order of Two Lions. This Order will become pride for everyone who carries it and it will be strong friendship betwen all its members..."

[Kent I Wallmi]

A letter from Dresden arrives

"Dear Heinrich IV of Holstein.

Hereby you are invited to the funural of Duke Friedrich I and the crownation of his son Friedrich von Wurten, soon to be Friedrich II. It would be an honour if you could attend.

Friedrich von Wurten"

[BzAli]

A letter arrives for the duke:

Noble Heinrich IV Herzog von Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp.

It would sadden me enourmusly if Holstein left the Hansa, especially since doing so would undoubly weaken both the Hansa and Holstein.

A trade union with Denmark is of course an option for you, but I doubt it would solve any problems.
Among the strengths of the Hansa is, that we're all of roughly the same size, meaning none of us dominate the Union economically.
Consider yourself in a union with Denmark; you would have to agree that in such a Union, Denmark would be the senior partner, and Danish merchants would reap the benefits of any agrement signed.

In addition, Pommern has yet to claim the agreed upon concession in the Sund trade.
So far, only Hansa merchants are abstained from the Sund due, since WHU has yet to sign an official treaty with Denmark.
Also know that Erich Bruche is trying to negotiate favourable conditions for the Hansa in Scotland, and that the Hansa allready has a veru strong position in Genoa and Luxembourg, thanks to treaties secured.
These are Imperial natios, meaning that we, as an Imperial based trade union, has a huge advantage.

I am aware that Holstein looks to the Sund, and you have my absolute backing in securing agrements with the Russian states.

Which changes in the Gelrer politic in the Union are you talking about?
In the Trade Union Council, all have equal sau, and you are most welcome to bring up any or all points you wish to discuss there.

In the hope of good and continued cooperation in the Hansa

Yours
Johann III
Duke of Bremen.

[Longinus]

Martin von Frishekopf enters Schleswig's Hansa's Gulid house.

"Noble Merchants of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp,

I am most troubled by your moves in far East, realms of Russia. First of all your steps are done without any consultation with the rest of the Hansa's memberstates. However, this is the issue between you and the rest of your Union.

The thing that troubles me much more is breaking of the Stettin act of cooperation. As those lands lay in Wendische Handels Union influance zone as per treaty.

Stettin Act of Cooperation.

Wendische Handels Union and Hansa Trade Union Agreement of Trade Cooperation.

Article I

In this agreement both Trade Unions recognize each other right to exist and claims on supremacy in trade. The main purpose of this agreement is to ensure close cooperation between both unions and prosperity for participating Nations. All current and future members of Both Unions shall be the subjects of this Agreement and shall benefit from this.


Article II

In order to expand and support trade between Hansa and WHU borders of shall be open for merchants of both sides and no entrance tax shall be taken from them. However, there will be specific tariffs put upon certain goods and merchants. Detailed list of such tariffs is included in the Appendix VII

Article III

Hansa Trade Union recognizes WHU’s supremacy in Baltic Sea and all Eastern realms. WHU recognizes Hansa’s supremacy in western realms and North Sea. Specific zones of influence are included in the Appendix IX.

Article IV

In order to balance both unions and improve relations between merchants, Prussia will be encouraged to leave Hansa and join with WHU. The exact border between both Unions will be in Duchy of Holstein while Maclenburg will have free hand to choose the side although encouraged to remain in the Hansa.

Article V

In accordance with article VI, should any union aquire benefits in areas divided between the unions as stated in Appendix IX, both unions shall work for the other union to aquire the same benefits.

Article VI

Both Unions hereby declare to support each other and help to open new trade routes and any trade possibilities. Let this alliance least forever and ever. In order to strengthen the agreement duke Johann II of Bremen and Regent and Protector of Pommern Joachim of the Greif heir to ducal throne will sign this agreement as well. [/b]

Article III and Appendix IX clearly states our and yours zones of direct and indirect influance. We always respect our trieaties and do not interfere in your western markets and even help you with all our might and now this errr... unfortunate move. I suspect this is only a minor inccident which will never happen again.

[BzAli]

Karl Leibnitz and Martin von Frishekopf talked for some time, and then Karl respectfully approached Heinrich IV.

"Your Highness.
I respectfully wish to point out that herr von Frishekopf is right.
Your actions in Russia does violate the Stettin Act of Cooperation.
Your zeal in securing trade treaties is commendable, but it would serve the Hansa far better if you turned that attention towards our western markets, for instance England and France."

[TheLotus]

A letter arrives from the east.

Duke of Holstein,

I have no time for pointless pleasantries. I find it amazing that you feel you have the gall to violate the terms of a treaty that you yourself has signed. The treaty clearly states that ALL of Rus is within the Wendische Handels Union sphere of influence, and your Hansa merchants are not to intercede there. You realize that building Hansa ports in the Kola, even ports that will be frozen for the greater part of the year, constitutes a serious breach of this contract. Indeed, you violate your own trade charter by offering membership to a nation which has no ports on the Baltic Sea. This is laughable. No merchants or shipbuilders will pass through my province of Olonets, I promise you. You will cease and desist all relations with the realm of Muscowy and Karelia immediately, or this transgression will bring upon you most unpleasant consenquences.

By his own hand at Pskov,

Aleksandr IV

Grand Prince of Pskov, Prince of Novgorod and of Olonets