- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of Latvia [Teutonic Order]

[David Comnenus]

This shall be the new court of the Kingdom of Latvia. Let all who would approach bow before the king of Latvia, his court, and the Almighty and All-knowing God Almighty.

Our Stats


Nation: Teutonic Order
Head of State: Amory I von Stadion, King of Latvia
Player: NPC (Silhouette substitute player)
Religion: Catholic
Culture: German
Stats: 2/2/3/4/3 --> [3/2/3/6/0]
Provinces: 5
Ports: 4
Owned: Livland, Kexholm, Estland, Kurland, Polotsk
+1 LM, +2 morale for -3eco


The Royal Family





King Amory I
~Age: 24
~Single
~Son of King Walter I von Stadion

Queen Mother Ordelia
~Age: 37
~Widow of the late King Walter I
~Mother of King Amory I and Princess Alvira

Princess Alvira
~Age: 16
~Single
~Sister of King Amory I

Walter von Stadion was the first King of Latvia. His short reign would mark the begining of the von Stadion dynasty in Latvia.

Walter first gained fame from around the lands when he bravely fought against the Grand Dukes of Livonia. He was among those knights who stormed Wittenstein Castle and freed the people of Latvia once more. During the short reign of the Teutonic Order, he served as Graf zu Livland, and was one of Grand Master Hermann von Erlichshausen's most trusted advisors. In this position he gained even more fame and the love of his people.

In the early 1430's, the Teutonic Grand Master von Erlichshausen wished for the Teutonic Order to return to it's roots as a religious order. Erlichshausen felt that it was his duty, along with the other Knights of the Black Cross, to go out and aid in the conversion of eastern Europe

During the brief reign of Pope Eugene IV, von Erlichshausen approached the Pope with his idea. Knowing that the lands formerly held by the Order would need new administration, he proposed the creation of the King of Latvia, with House von Stadion as the Royal Family.

Eventually, Pope Eugene agreed to this. However, many in these parts of the world still remembered the ungodly Grand Duchy of Livonia. As a measure to aid in the prevention of this happening once more, both the Pope and the Order left personal representatives to oversee the new government.

Thus, the Kingdom of Latvia and the Royal House of Stadion were born. Walter I would reign for only a few years, before coming down with illness. Upon his death, the young Prince Amory was coronated as the Kingdoms second King, and he rules to this day.




Wittenstein Castle




Grand Council


Konrad von Walpot - Grand Chancellor
Landgraf von Hohenlohe - Minister of Treasury
Heinrich von Osterna - Minister of Foreign Affairs
Burkhard von Helbrungen - Minister of Internal Affairs
Gerhard von Bassenheim - Minister of Military Affairs
Frederik von Kerpen - Grand Marshal of the Army
Otto von Salza - Grand Admiral of the Navy


Other Characters of Importance

-Counts


Johann von Schutzbar, Graf zu Riga

Otto von Orselen, Graf zu Kurland

Ulrich von Sternburg, Graf zu Estland

Dietrich von Orselen, Graf zu Kexholm

Günther von Malberg, Graf zu Polotsk

-Generals/Admirals

Michel Kuchenmeister von Jungingen, Field Marshal
Konrad von Wallenrode, Field Marshal
Winrich von Rothstein, Admiral

-Foreign Advisors

Bogart von Schutzbar, Bishop Legate to Roma
Burnard von Reuss, Teutonic Knights

-Roman Catholic Church

Aylwin von Liewen - Cardinal Archbishop of Riga
Karl von Sternburg - Bishop of Reval
Salomo von Westernach - Bishop of Vitebsk
Aubrey von Wetzhausen - Bishop of Mitava
Colbert von Tieffen - Bishop of Kexholm


Foreign Affairs

-Claims

Ingermanland, Rightful lands of Latvia
Prussia, Rightful vassal and thus rightful lands of Latvia

-Relations

Good Relations

Papal States
England
Denmark-Norway

Neutral Relations

Pommernia
Normandie
France
Sweden
Pskov
Holstein
Friesland
Burgundy
France
Lithuania
Poland
Holy Roman Empire
Mecklemburg

Bad Relations

-=NONE=-

Wars
Since apr-jun 1440
War vs. Bremen
War vs. Piemonte
War vs. Gelre


-Sympathizes

Prussia

Ambassadors to Kingdom of Latvia

Fredrik Lewenhaupt - Sweden
Sir James MacDougal - England
Fratello Anselmo - Naples
Manfred Klingel - Mecklemburg
Mathius & Otton von Guildercrantz- Pommernia
Sir Simon of Vloet - Gelre


Ambassadors from Kingdom of Latvia

Conrad von Thuringen - Sweden
Gothard von Furstenberg - England
Walther von Bobenhausen - Pommern
Wolfgang Cronberg - Denmark
Ludwig von Ruszdorf - Normandie
Werner von Rothstein - Castilla y León
Ludolf von Altenburg - Naples
Gerhard von Feuchtwangen - Mecklemburg
Emrey von Orselen - Pskov
Colbert von Armfelt - Jerusalem

New Diplomatic Ambassadors, to be sent where it shall serve God and Country as best determined by His Royal Highness King Amory I

Alfred von Runstedt
Francis von Rolfstadt
Johann von Koneigsburg

[David Comnenus]

Treaties
Right of Passage: Latvia/Russia


OOC Notes

-Used the previously standing chart of the Latvians. Creating a new royal family, etc. would just cause chaos.

IC Notes

-I formally beseech all those with treaties with Latvia to come hither and advise me, as our records were damaged in a fire in the library of our castle(OOC: Pouring over 20 years of treaties is not fun).

[BzAli]

A letter arrives from Bremen.

Onto King Amory I von Stadion of Latvia.

It should by now be appearent to all, that the war your kingdom was fooled into joining by Denmark is unwinnable.
With the defeat of the Austrian and Genovese rebels, more and more loyal Imperial troops are turning their attention towards the north.
Your ally in Hannover have lost his nation as a consequence of his folly, your ally in Holstein have lost his right to rule.
The main agressor of this war, Denmark, have signed a peace teraty, which, among other things, forbids her to enter alliances with Latvia or Russia.

As Pskov has entered the war against Russia, you find yourself increasingly isolated against a growing number of foes.

Once again, and for the last time, I will give you an opporunity to sign a peace agrement on favaourable terms. These are:

1 - Latvia recognises that the house Küster is the rightfull dukes of Prussia, and will never again, for all future, attempt to conquer this nation.

2 - Latvia will withdraw the right of passage given to Russia

3 - Latvia will be give right of passage to all foes of Russia

4 - Latvia surrenders all rights of taxation of merchants belonging to either the Hansa or the Wendischer Handels Union.

5 - Latvia shall seek peace with all Imperial nations currently fighting her, on terms favourable to the Imperial nation in question.

King Amory I von Stadion, this is your last chance for peace without bloodshed. If you once again turn down these offers, the armies of Bremen and her allies shall march on Latvia, enforcing these and other demands by force.

Johann III
Duke of Bremen, Prussia and Hannover.
Imperial High Treasurer
Richter von Gross Germania
Chairman of the Hanseatic Union.

[Longinus]

A letter from Germany arrives.

“Onto King of Latvia,

Your Grace,

We are most distressed and disgusted with your attempts to destroy everything in your way. With little reason whatsoever, you have backstabbed our brother, friend and ally, Johann III of Bremen thus leaving us no space for peace.

I always wished to be a friend of your House, unfortunately I was deluded many times, House of Stadion always conspired against either me or my allies and friends. This, shall not be accepted.

Know that unless you subject to our most humble pleas withdraw your forces and apologise for your brutal attack there shall be no mercy from my side.

I hereby declare a state of war between us from now on. Ask for peace and it shall be given, else I shall make sure that my armies will march to Riga.

In Vienna,

Joachim of the Greif, King of the Romans, Germany, Italy, Sweden etcetera.”

[Longinus]

A letter from Germany arrives.

“Onto King of Latvia,

Your Majesty,

We have read your words with great interest yet we cannot allow ourselves to be deluded by them. We had excellent relation with Teutonic Order, my father and Knights of the Black Cross rode together against pagan Liths in the fields of Tannenberg.

However Latvian Kingdom, so young and so fresh already proved to be a destabilising factor in the Baltic region. During the decade of our relations, although we always give you our hand, Latvia conspired against all neighbours. This is unacceptable and must finally end.

We are man of peace and man of honour, above all we are Christian landlord and thus we are forgiving.

We ask you to either of these things.

• You shall come before our authority and apologise for the mishaps of the House of Stadion, you shall then swear and oath of fealty to the House of the Greif and Holy Roman Empire, thus confirming your, currently doubtful, status of the Imperial Prince. We shall drink from the same goblet and forget about the past, Latvia shall become associate member of the Greif-Schlussel Allianz.
  
  Or
  
  You shall come before our authority and apologise for the mishaps of the House of Stadion, you shall then swear and oath of fealty to the Holy Roman Empire, thus confirming your, currently doubtful, status of the Imperial Prince. You shall also transfer the ownership of the province of Kexholm to the House of the Greif. We shall drink from the same goblet and forget about the past, Latvia shall become associate member of the Greif-Schlussel Allianz.

We consider our proposal as most generous for it will guarantee not only peace and stability n the region but also protection for Latvia and House of Stadion, not to mention close cooperation and new found friendship.

We pray that Your Majesty will find our decision acceptable and await your reply.

Dicatated in Frankfurt,

Joachim of the Greif, King of the Romans, Germany, Italy, Sweden etcetera.”

[BzAli]

An officer from the army that have recently reconquered Prussia rides with a light escort of 20 men, mainly there to protect him against any Russian deserters, towards Latvia. After an uneventfull journey, he arrives and ask an audience with King Armory I von Stadion.

"Your Majesty.
I am Junker Karl-Johann von Schwarzwald, lieutenant of the Schwarzwald Guard.
I have arrived here today with the compliments of my duke, Johann III of Bremen, authoriced by him to negotiate and sign a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Latvia, so that we may concentrate our forces on the real enemy.

This is His Grace Johanns suggestions, but they are negotiable."

ith that being said, the lieutenant presented a paper:

Prussian-Latvian treaty.

1) The Kingdom of Latvia shall revoke immediately all rights of passage of Russia and her allies, not to be regranted untill the duchies of Bremen, Hannover and Prussia have found a peace with Russia.
2) The Kingdom of Latvia shall grant immediately all rights of passage as shall be necessary to the the Greif-Shussel Allianz, consisting of Pommern, Bremen and Gelre. The nations of the Greif-Schussel Allianz promises to look favourable on any Latvian request of right of passage.
3) In recognition of the real danger to the safety of Eastern Europe, Latvia shall join the war being waged against Russia. For this service, Latvia expects no gains of any kind, though the nations fighting Russia are encouraged to negotiate such rewards to Latvia as they can.
4) The Kingdom of Latvia rescinds immediately all claims on Prussia, be it for their crown or for their lands. and recognises that the title as duke of Prussia forever lies with Duke Johann III of Bremen, also known as Duke Johann Küster of Prussia.
5) The Kingdom of Latvia shall seek peace with all nations allied to Bremen, on the terms of a white peace. Bremen shall support such peaces with her full political influence.
6) The Kingdom of Latvia are encouraged, though not required, to seek admittion into the Wendische Handels Union.

[David Comnenus]

Amory I, recently returned from Pommerania, enters a private chamber and is seated at a desk. On this desk is the treaty offered by Pommerania, which he reads to himself.

Prussian-Latvian treaty.

1) The Kingdom of Latvia shall revoke immediately all rights of passage of Russia and her allies, not to be regranted untill the duchies of Bremen, Hannover and Prussia have found a peace with Russia.
2) The Kingdom of Latvia shall grant immediately all rights of passage as shall be necessary to the the Greif-Shussel Allianz, consisting of Pommern, Bremen and Gelre. The nations of the Greif-Schussel Allianz promises to look favourable on any Latvian request of right of passage.
3) In recognition of the real danger to the safety of Eastern Europe, Latvia shall join the war being waged against Russia. For this service, Latvia expects no gains of any kind, though the nations fighting Russia are encouraged to negotiate such rewards to Latvia as they can.
4) The Kingdom of Latvia rescinds immediately all claims on Prussia, be it for their crown or for their lands. and recognises that the title as duke of Prussia forever lies with Duke Johann III of Bremen, also known as Duke Johann Küster of Prussia.
5) The Kingdom of Latvia shall seek peace with all nations allied to Bremen, on the terms of a white peace. Bremen shall support such peaces with her full political influence.
6) The Kingdom of Latvia are encouraged, though not required, to seek admittion into the Wendische Handels Union.

Amory I sets it down upon finishing a review of the treaty.

"Although the weather is cold, my wits are certianly about me. I see here a fair and just peace, which seeks to rectify past errors and mistakes. I see justice here, and I can say joyfully that we might very well be entering into the Wendische Handels Union within this next year. Indeed, this is highly likely. We do accept this treaty."

*affixes signature and royal seal*

"I may ask one other thing...let a copy be made for our court, for your court, and for the archives of each(OOC: send to Treaty thread for confirmation).

[BzAli]

Junker Karl-Johann von Schwarzwald witnesses the signing of the Prussian-Latvian treaty by King Amory, and hastily dispatches some of his men with copies to Bremen.

"Your Royal Majesty, on behalf of Bremen, Hannover and Prussia, I thank you for you signature on this document.
Though it is not for me to decide, I ask to remain here to coordinate our joined military efforts, when such time arrives.

There is currently no need for yourt forces to march, as walking into the winter of Russia would be close to suicide, but when spring comes, we shall se the Russians bloodied.
I recommend sending a delegate to Pskov, as they are close allies to us in this struggle, and as rights of passage through the realm will be of great importance to you."

[David Comnenus]

Amory I speaks, seated at the desk still:

"Sir, men like you serve both our nations well. You are always welcome at our court, and we invite you to remain here. Thank you for serving both of our realms well. The delegation to Pskov shall be sent presently."

[BzAli]

Junker Karl-Johann von Schwarzwald had waited for over two months now, and he had not yet seen a single Bremer soldier march by Riga.

A terrible suspicion began to down on him; even though King Armory undoubtly meant good, could it be that the Latvian kings orders to end hostilities and allow the Bremer army right of passage had somehow got lost during the way to the border?
The possibilities for such an accident were many. Common thieves, an unlucky fall from the horse, perhaps bad winter weather had delayed the messenger.

Bremen was getting ever close to reaching a peace with all her former enemies, and now something like this were about to delay it all.
As ambassador, Karl-Johanns duties in this case was clear.

He requested an audience with King Armory, and after being granted such, he laid out his concerns;

"Your Majesty, I am afraid that your orders to cease hostilities towards Bremen and Prussia have somehow been delayed, as have your peace agrement with Pommern.
I am sorry, but you need to make your will perfectly clear to your population."


(OOC: Sign treaty in Nat.Stats.)

[BzAli]

Junker Karl-Johann von Schwarzwald once again requests an audience with King Armory;

"Your Majesty. Though I am gratefull for your signature on the peace treaty, it seems several of your commanding officers and nobles are not satisfied. Reports keep reaching me about attacks along the border to Prussia.

Unless something is done to stop this insubordination against your rule at once, I am sorry to inform that the armies of the Greif-Schussel Allianz will have no option but to respond in force."

(OOC: Sign treaty in Nat.Stats.)

[BzAli]

Johann von Schwarzwald enters the audience chamber of King Armory. It is obvious from the way he wringes his hands, and the way his eyes avoids looking directly at the king, that he isn't proud of the message he is about to pass on.

"Your Majesty. I am truly deeply sorry, but I have recently received disturbing news from the army lead by my father.
The army of Bremen, bolstered by Italian mercenaries, attempted under a week ago to march through your glorious nation, but was attacked by the border patrols. The commanders of the joint operation could not believe this to be anything less than an offensive manouver, especially as your cities refused to give the supplies we had been promised.

The result was predictable. The mercenaries of Italia went havoc, and the main army had no choice but to support them.
I cannot stress how truly sorry the duchy of Bremen is about these events, especially consedering how we had achieved a fully acceptable peace treaty. It would appear your subordinates in the border regions had either not been informed of your signing of said, or have simply chosen to disobey.

I don't know what to say, Your Majesty. I can only urge you to inform your nobles and military about your intentions to sign a peace treaty with Bremen, preferable before the Bremer army marches through this area."

[BzAli]

Karl-Johann von Schwarzwald, who gros steadily impatient with the lack of response from King Armory, though reports indicate that the Bremer army, after the recent show of force, have finally convinced even the unccoperative border patrols to accept the latest peace treaty, once again seeks an audience with the Latvian king.

The Bremer ambasador is relaxed. He has not bothered to select any special impressive clothes, and his bow to the king is so short it can almost be considered impolite.

"King Armory.
Would you please now sign a treaty of peace with our Piemontese mercenaries as well, and grant them right of passage through your lands? And send a military officer to the Bremer army, there to discuss strategy.
In addition to this, perhaps it would be an excellent idea to seek peace with Pommern? They asked for Kexholm, and that would be a small price to pay for turning Northern Europes largest army from hostility to friendship. Granting the Pommeranian army right of passage would ensure that they did no need to repeat the statement recently set by Bremens army."

[Friedrich II]

As the Bremer is speaking, a nordic-looking diplomat steps into the court.

"Sirs, I am Axel Fredrikson, sent by Marius of the House of the Greif to Latvia as it seemed that peace was being restored to the region."

he paused.

"I could have sworn that the Latvians agreed to hand the Finnish people in Kexholm to the Swedish crown? Hmm.. The King of Sweden is also the Ruler of Pomerania, so I assume, either way, it will be in good hands... Regardless, I am here for as long as you will have me, as a token of Sweden's desire to befriend Latvia."

[SaT]

“His Lordship Raimondo di Savoia, Prince of Savoy, Marshal and Chancellor of Piemonte, Governor of Turin, Commander of the Ducal Guard!” the herald announced.

Raimondo, the victorious, proud Raimondo stepped forward and bowed an extremely slight bow. It wasn’t a bow at all, rather a small nod toward King Amory.

“Your Gra--… ahh, pardon me, Your Majesty…” a maliciously smiling Raimondo said in Latin. “I am here to request the right of passage through Latvian territories. If it’s not granted, we’ll have to fight our way through your lands… and that would be rather unpleasant for both parties.
Also, as the chancellor of Piemonte, I have the right to sign a peace treaty in my ducal borther’s absence. I’m not against a white peace… especially if Your Majesty also donates a humble amount of money as a sign of friendship. Something like 10,000 bremermarks [ooc: no mechanical effects] would be fine. Is this offer acceptable?”

[SaT]

Later on, the smile vanished and a rather annoyed expression appeared on the face of Raimondo di Savoia.

“Amory von Stadion, I am growing impatient.” he said coldly. “I’m not used to waiting this much. Don’t forget: my army is still encamped not far from this city… And you may take this as a threat.”

He was looking right into Amory’s eyes for long moments, and then he suddenly bawled at the king:

“Decide at once! I don’t have time to waste.”

[David Comnenus]

Amory responds in a friendly sounding tone:

"Prince of Savoy, I apologize for my momentary absence to...er...dispose of a certian personal problem. I apologize for making you wait. Passage is granted, and I do humbly apologize. And your offer of peace is also readily accepted."

Amory then turns to the Swede:

"I most certianly desire to befriend Sweden and Pommerania. I have, unfortunately, been quite tangled by recent affairs and have attempted to ensure the best possible peace for all parties concerned. This involved ensuring that Kexholm should be in the hands of the Swedish royal family as soon as possible. And I apologize for the numerous word games that have been at play here."

Finally, Amory summons the Bremener and offers a gentle piece of advice to him and the Swede:

"Finland is in the hands of your royal family. I have no interests there, no concerns there as long as Russia is not there. Then they are the concern, not you. I bid you the best wishes in ruling it, and pray that it shall be ruled wisely."

[SaT]

A still very annoyed Raimondo di Savoia reluctantly nodded.

“Your apologies are accepted.” he barked. “However, it seems to me that your words are just mere words… You are speaking about peace, you are speaking about free passage, but I fail to see any actions.
King Amory I demand you to properly as well as officially grant us the right of free passage and proclaim the peace between us. Immediately.”

Raimondo fell silent for a moment or so, but then he spoke again:

“It seems to me, Amory von Stadion, that you are about to sabotage the Bremer quest by trying to hold me and my army back. Perhaps you hope that the Bremer army will be defeated by the Russians while we are unable to fight at their side? I don’t like these evil tricks, Amory. You’d better justify yourself as soon as possible.”


[ooc: accept peace & grant RoP in NatStats, please!]

[N Katsyev]

"King Amory of Latvia,

Peace in the east is almost accomplished. We simply need your signature and the war will finally over be over. With peace and Latvia's no longer controlling of Kexholm we hope that only cooperation and prosperity are in the future for Latvia and Pskov-Novgorod.

We hold a border that has long been contested, however I think its clear to both of us what is Russian and what is Latvian. While it is true that Latvia still holds our Byelorussian brothers in Polotsk, that is currently not the concern of Pskov-Novgorod. I'm sure time will see to that issue as well as it did with Kexholm. For now I wish you only a long and prosperous rule despite our tensions in the past.

Grand Princess Mina Andreyevna Polotovskaya"

(ooc: we just need you to confirm Russian Solution of 1442 in Nat Stats)

[Phantasm]

Riga ~ King of Latvia, Despot of Kexholm, Head of the House of Stadion. He stood looking over the moonlit city of Riga, the streets and homes powdered with a newly fallen snow. There were ships in the harbor, however they were not moored at the docks, they were formed in a semi circle around the enterance to the bay and the mouth of the Daugava.

He to his right at the steady figure of Graf zu Riga, Johann von Schutzbar whom he realized had been staring at himself the king and not the city. Amory turned and leaned his back against the battlements, crossing his arms over his chest and exhaling slowly, keeping his eyes on Johann, "Johann my friend, how many years has it been? There was a parade on those very streets, we gave them ale, we gave them bread and they cheered for a war that they could never understand."

Johann reached behind his head as if to scratch the back of his neck, "My royal highness, it has been - "

Amory waved his hand to cut Johann off and shook his head looking down now at the stone on which they stood, "No need to answer, I already know, to the very day. Yet war still rages, despite how many peace settlements we have already signed? Humiliated ourselves by declaring war on those whom were our allies... Gave up our rightful claims on the lands of the Prussians, the Order's and thereby through connection subjects of ours for how many centuries?" The King sighed deeply before turning his eyes up to Johann once more, his eyes in the moonlight could be seen as bloodshot, the proud king looked exhausted, defeated, "Now we must surely humiliate ourselves further to protect what we have left... "

Johann stood speechless, what does one say to such words? Say to such words spoken by one's King? Amory sensed Johann's dilemma and smiled weakly, "I'm sure there was a reason I summoned you here... But i've long since forgotten, you are dismissed."

Johann bowed, "Yes my liege." He turned and began to leave, and suddenly stopped and turned for a moment, "If I may be so bold however my lord... It is my opinion, and it would be that of your father's, that you have done what you needed to do, and you will continue to do so. Honorably, for Latvia." The weak smile remained on Amory's face and he nodded slightly for a moment before Johann turned to finally leave.

Amory pressed his fingers through his hair, "Yes, yes, what I have to do... But how I dread it."