- ARCHIVE - Ducal Court of Ragusa

[Estonianzulu]

The Ducal Court of Ragusa

Here Opens

The Court of his Excelency Duke Stefan Crnojevic, head of the Cronojevic line, and lord of Cetinje, Rijeka Crnojevica, the valley of the river Zeta and the tribes Bjelopavlici, Pjesivci, Malonsici, Piperi, Hoti and Klimenti. Lord of Zeta, known as Montenegro.

All who have business before their excelencies are asked to come forth and let their business be known.


-Andre Stepanovic, Herald of the Court of Duke Stefan Crnojevic.

[Estonianzulu]

~


His excelency, Stefan Crnojevic, Duke of Ragusa, Lord of Cetinje, Rijeka Crnojevica, the valley of the river Zeta and the tribes Bjelopavlici, Pjesivci, Malonsici, Piperi, Hoti and Klimenti. Lord of the lands of Zeta, known as Montenegro. Heir to the family of Nemanjici. Head of the Crnojevic line.

M.

Her excelency, Princess Anna.

~

Their son, Ivan Crnojevic, first in line to the Duchy of Ragusa.

Their daughter, Ana.

Their daughter, Ivana.

Their son, Petar, second in line to the Duchy of Ragusa.
----

[Estonianzulu]

Delegates, Ambassadors and Member of the Court of Ragusa

• Groce Balich- Ambassador to Venice.

• Lord Baltazar Njegos- Ambassador To HRE

• Enzo Lecce-Ambassador from Venice

Knights of the Relm, and other important nobility

• Stefo Kuzmich- The Duke's Champion

• Ljes Crnojevic II- Duke's Nephew.

• Boris Pelevic- Aged knight of the relm

• Petar the Quick- Knight of Zet

[Estonianzulu]

Treaties, ROP's, DOW's.

The Montenegran Pact

Part I - Purpose:To establish working relations on the military front between the states of Venice and Ragusa.
Article I- The pact concerns the Duchy of Venice and the Duchy of Ragusa only.
Article II- This pact is in regards to military action.
Article III- Both nations enter into a military pact of non-aggression for the full period of the document.
Part II-Venice shall:
Article I- Be given full rights of passage through the lands of the Duchy of Ragusa. Venetian troops will have an unmolested right to travel through the lands held by the Duke of Ragusa or his troops.

Article II- pledge that no harm shall be done by Venetian troops to any land or property or men under the control or leadership of the court of Ragusa. Nor shall Venice make any motion of aggressive nature or action towards the court of Ragusa or its holdings.

Article III- swear to God and his voice on Earth, the Holy Pontiff, to defend and protect the status of Ragusa as an independant and hole nation. Should Ragusa fall under attack from almost any aggressor or enemy, the Venitians are honor bound to come to the defense of Ragusa if its independance is at risk.
Part III: Ragusa shall:
Article I- Be given full rights of passage through the lands of the Republic of Venezia. Ragusan troops will have an unmolested right to travel through the lands held by the Doge of Venezia or his troops.

Article II- pledge that no harm shall be done by Ragusan troops to any land or property or men under the control or leadership of the court of Venice. Nor shall Ragusa make any motion of aggressive nature or action towards the court of Venice or its holdings.

Article III- swear to God and his voice on Earth, the Holy Pontiff, to defend and protect the province of Veneto, Istria or Dalmatia as an independant nation. Should these three provinces fall under attack from almost any aggressor or enemy, the Ragusa is honor bound to come to the defense of Venice if its independance is at risk.
Part IV:This pact becomes void when:
Article I-A period of 5 years has passed.
Article II-A nation has violated the terms of this aggrement.
Article III- Both courts, Ragusa and Venice, agree to end the pact.
Article IV- The Holy See demands an end to the pact.

[x] Doge Francesco Foscari, doge della Serenissima Republica di San Marco di Venezia, Ruler of Dalmatia, Istria, Overlord of Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Crete, Dobrudja, Kerch
[x] Stefan Crnojevic, head of the Cronojevic line, and lord of Cetinje, Rijeka Crnojevica, the valley of the river Zeta and the tribes Bjelopavlici, Pjesivci, Malonsici, Piperi, Hoti and Klimenti. Lord of Zeta, known as Montenegro.

[Estonianzulu]

The Policies of the Duchy and the Archives of Ragusa

Current moods of the court-

The nobility of Ragusa are weary of Venitian friendship, but they have fallen in line with the goals of the Duke. There have been some rumblings of the Duke being subservient, but the Duke has made sure those rumours stop where they start.

The Duke is attempting to convince local religious leaders of the need to crack down on the growth of Orthodoxy...

(more)

[Ramius]

A letter arrives, hand written by the Doge.

"Ah good friend, it is good to hear that our Catholic brothers in the Balkans have re-emerged. I have for a long time admired your armies for what they did against the Ottomans those long five years ago.

I must also say thank you for granting my son such a quality experience in Ragusa. He truly had a marvelous two weeks acting as temporary ambassador. He served a great purpose for Venezia, and I thank you.

I welcome an ambassador in Venezia, and I hope that some day that we also meet, for I have heard great things of yourself, and have heard of the great beauty of your wife. I thank you for your letter and your warm words


~Doge Francesco Foscari"

[Julius]

A simply dressed man enters the court of Ragusa. He bows and begins to speak to the king:

“Gracious nobleman, I am Mutimir Vojislav, ambassador from the true king of Serbia: Stefan Brankovic. I was sent here to warn you of the vile Venetians who loom around the Balkans; as you may know, Serbia and Venice are at war. Serbia did nothing to provoke Venice and thus, it is an unfound war.

Now, my leader, Stefan, sent me here because his army is finally ready to retake the throne of my country. He wishes me to inform you about the dangers of entering in alliance or friendship with Venice. Serbia taught that the Venetian Doge was there to help her but she was wrong. Do not let Ragusa fall to the treacherous words of the Venetian dogs. With this said, I am also ordered to ask you wheter you would like to enter in an alliance with Stefan Brankovic, future king of Serbia.

Think about it. Venetia will only be friendly towards you because he needs Ragusa to access my lands. Do not be fooled like Serbia was once before.”

He awaited an answer.

[Estonianzulu]

The Duke responds... (through Andre Stepanovic, his Herald)

"To the noble Mutimir Vojislav. His Excelency welcomes you to Montenegro. He hopes you enjoy your stay. His hand has sealed a letter and it has been sent to your noble court. He wishes to tell you now, He have turned down your offer. He is sorry, but our court can not become embroilled in this war at this time."

~
Later, in the halls of the Duke. His Excelency walks the hall next to Ljes Crnojevic, his brother, chief advisor and recently returned ambassador to the Holy Roman Emperor.



"Times are not as pleasant as they could be Your Excelency."
"Ah, forget the formallities brother. But you are right. Certain issues are very disturbing. With Venice at war with the Serbians, we find ourselves between two potential enemies."
"Either could just as easily be an ally."
"True. But which?"
"That is the question. For the Venitians have long been at our throats, and long been demanding of our court. But their might is unquestioned. The Serbs have long been our neighbor and could easily be our friends, but their armies seek conquest as much as any."
"Neutrality?"
"... Neutrality makes us an enemy to both."
"Your advice is not helping. Who to choose, the Venitians or the Serbians..."
"The choice will be hard, but that is the price of command brother."

The two brothers walk down the dark corridor, into the night.

[Ramius]

Letters are exchanged between both HoS.

[Ramius]

More letters are exchanged and then finally a letter is read in open court.

"I am glad to here of your support, and yes we could use your aid. Venezia has always rewarded its friends, and if you wish a non-aggression pact to solidify our friendship and renounce any concerns and worries I would be open to the thought. I think in addition right of passage through both our nations would be suitable, for Venezia requires a passage to Serbia to banish the filth.

I today am happy to say that it seems we finally have a true friend in the Balkans.

~Doge of Venezia Francesco Foscari."

[Julius]

A letter arrives from the Serbian king.

"Dear Ragusan king,

I am most shocked about the incident that occured that last day. I had given straight orders to my men to take the corpse directly to a grave without being hurt in any way, but they disobeided me. These men are now in jail, rest assured.

I did not order that Venetian's death. He died of natural causes. If I had been informed earlier, I could've saved him. However, do not go thinking that I would order such a thing as desecration of a corpse. Finally, I am toroughly thinking about converting to Catholiscm. I hope this will not rupture or blosoming friendship."

~Stefan Brankovic, Despot of Serbia.

[Estonianzulu]

One evening in the court of the Duke...



Andre Stepanovic stands before the assembled Counts, and Lords and Knights of the relm.

"Lords of the Duchy of Ragusa, His excelency bids you sit, and prepare to hear his words."

The asssembled nobles sit after the Duke takes his place. Only two men remain standing, the herald, and a priest. The Duke nods to the Herald, but remains silent.

"His excelency calls before him Milo, a priest of the Holy Church, recently returned from the halls of the Holy See."

The small monk who had remained standing comes forward. He wrings his hands and looks to the assembled court.

"Assembled lords." He says quietly. The Herald leans towards him and whispers something. The monk then continues far louder.

"I have come with word from His Holiness, the Pope. I have come with news from his mouth that the one great relic of all time has been discovered. The Holy Grail."

A buzz goes around the court, as does faint laughter. The Duke, however, does not look amused.

"His Holiness has called for a host of men to take this journey. He has graced our lands with the glorious honor of sending our three best and bravest men to do his bidding. I have been asked to find these men. These men who will journey to the lands of the Turks and retrieve this great item of Christ's. Who amoung you is willing to take this quest?"

Milo looks around at the assembled crowd. No one moves for a while, then, in the back, an old man stands and slowly begins to speak.

"I, Boris Pelevic, knight of the lands of Ragusa, will fight for His Holiness."

The old man coughs quietly. Silence comes once again to the crowd. Milo looks uncomfortably at Pelevic and the crowd. But suddenly the silence is broken, by laughter. Milo looks around wildly, and Pelevic looks disdainfully at the source. The Duke makes no move.

"This is the brave knight who we will send to fight for the grail? Hah, the quest fits him. Only the senile would go do this foolish quest. No man will survive going to the land of the Turks. You remember the blood we spilt of those Saracens. They will do things to a Ragusan that not even Satan would go so far as to do. They want our blood, and I for one am not willing to give it to them!"

The man returns to laughing at Pelevic. But stops when another man rises.

"I, Ivan Crnojevic, will go on this quest." The man looks in shock. However, the Duke says nothing.

"Oh, I might have mentioned." Milo says suddenly. "His holiness offers great wealth and a title to those who take this mighty quest, along with a share of what is brought back, excluding the grail of course. As well as a full pardon."

Suddenly the court is alive with chatter as men stand up all over. Milo smiles faintly. He had hoped for a good showing, but he never expected half the court of Ragusa to stand.

Suddenly the Duke rises and the court goes silent.

"Sir Pelevic, and my son, Ivan, will go on this quest. The third man to accompony them on this noble quest shall be one of you. Tommarrow we begin a grande melee, the winner of which shall be named our third lord to take this quest."

With that, the court of Stefan, Duke of Ragusa, is closed.

[Longinus]

An envoy from Nurnebrg arrives with reply.


"Onto Stefan Cnrovic, Duke of Serbia and lord of Cetinje, Rijeka Crnojevica, the valley of the river Zeta and the tribes Bjelopavlici, Pjesivci, Malonsici, Piperi, Hoti and Klimenti. Lord of Zeta, known as Montenegro.

With much warmth we have read Yoyr Grace's request to send an emissary to Nurnberg.

Ragusa and Your Grace in particular has always been kept in highest regards for your bravery and other numerous virtues shown during the heroic struggle against the Mongol hordes not so long time ago.

We all value Ragusa as friend to the Empire and gladly accept Lord Baltazar Njegos in our Court and Imperial Diet. We also hope that our cooperation will grow even more in the future.

Godspeed

in the name of the Imperial Reichstag and His Imperial Majesty,

Lord-Chancellor of Reichstag, Baron Hans-Dietrich von Kuppelweiser”

[Estonianzulu]

The battle had been raging for nearly an hour. Already half the combatants had been ruled down. The fighting had been feirce in the begining. But now two sides had developed and the fighting had slowed. The Duke was slightly suprised by some who had been downed. Stefo Kuzmich, his champion, had fallen early to a large group of knights who sought to take him on. Kuzmich had taken many of them down, but in the end there were too many.

Not suprisingly the loud noble from the night before was also gone. He had been struck down towards the end of the hour. For now about 50 men still held the field, on two sides. One on, a knight from Zet was organizing a charge, on the other the Duke's nephew led.

"Quite a fight, eh brother?" Ljes leaned over from behind the Duke. "My Son is giving your knights a run!"

The Duke only smiled and kept a carefull eye on the battlefield. These were the men who had beaten the Turk, well, some of them. Most of the combatants were young, most had never seen battle.

"Do you see how the young Ljes has organized his men?"Boris Pelevic asked the Duke's two sons. They say, eyes glued to the battle. One in study, the other in amazement.

"Yes, but I do not understand. They have withdrawn their center, doesn't that make their flank's weaker?" Ivan asked. The Duke had asked Pelevic to sit with them, in order to better teach his son. He had a bad feeling about this quest, but Ivan had always been a religious child, and now he was a man, desperate to do battle.

"When the knight charges the formation will collapse on itself, and the Knight will have his force cut in two and surrounded. However, if the knight break's his force in two, he can attack from both sides. Either choice leads his army in two, and is very dangerous."

After a little more movement the two forces sat, untill the Knight of Zet, who Pelevic called Petar the quick, called out. He had challenged Ljes. This drew quite a cheer from the crowd, but a sigh of regret from the elder Ljes, who knew his son would not win.

"He will not accept, to do that would be suicide!" Ivan said. Before Pelevic could respond, the elder Ljes spoke.

"My son is brave, but not always humble. He will fight this knight, and he will loose." Ljes turned out to be correct, and with the defeat of their leader, the second force broke up into two seperate groups. With this, Petar sent his force after both, and while they fought he merely watched. In the end, 4 tired combatants took on the well rested Petar, who lived up to his name. He struck them all down easily.

Ragusa had its third.

[von Streusser]

Duke Stefan Crnojevic of Ragusa,

I wish to thank you for your correspondence and express my similar desire for our mutual futures. Moldavia and Ragusa have always been friends in the past, and I am delighted to hear that Ragusa wishes to continue this friendship into the future.

Your ambassador is of course graciously accepted into my court. I shall send one of my own shortly to serve you in yours.

Sincerely,
Stefan II of Moldavia

[Ramius]

A man walks into the court. Enzo Lecce bows fully, his body on one knee and his hat crossing his body in entrance.

"Your grand majesty, Stefan Cronjevic, Duke of Ragusa, his honor the Doge of Venezia thinks it time to bring our nation into a time of true of prosperity. Our two nations have joined in a union, and he thanks you greatly for your loyalty. It is a testement to the true heart of your people, and the cladestined nobility that you hold. I hope you will accept me here in your court as his honor's word and as friend and liaison to our nations."

The man bows again.

[Estonianzulu]

The Duke responds.

We accept your into our court. We hope your presence willl continue our cooporation and friendship. If ever you need me, your are invited to present yourself to our court and bring forward any business you may have with the Duchy of Ragusa."

[Ramius]

Enzo Lecce smiles slightly hearing the genlte warm whispers of friendship. He decides to pursue his course.

"Your majesty, I am curious what your thoughts are on the Hungarian situation. They have been increasingly aggressive of late, even withour attempts to resolve our issues."

The man bows again.