- ARCHIVE - Court of the Republic of Genoa

[Alex_pharaoh]

As the Doge was away, he has send a letter from probably the Alps to the Georgio Grimaldy, head of the Senate and replacement of the Doge while he was away. He recieved orders on how to deal with the Serbians, after he had recieved information from the Genoese delegation in Venice that explored more about the Serbian conflict. He then decided to postpone the trip, and came back to Genoa for a few more months before he was set to Nurnberg.

[SaT]

“Indeed, Doge Merchanno, my companion is a Fieschi by birth, and he had been the servant of the hereitc Doria for long years,” Fosca began slowly, in a measured tone, “but he did repent his sins, and he has sweared an oath of fealty to His Grace Antonio di Savoia, thus left the foul ways of his family forever… hopefully forever,” he added.

“Just think about it, Chief Capitain,” Fieschi took up the word. “Our mutual lord, duke Antonio of Piedmonte was a just as obedient servant of doge Alessandro Doria, thus just as fierce enemy of the Ghibellines as me. But he uttered some words in the Diet, and now he isn’t. Voilá, as the Frenchmen say.”

“Patrizio Fieschi di Nizza,” Fosca murmured, “please, do not distract the noble doge’s attention.”

“I apologize, barone Fosca di Carmona,” an amused Fieschi said.

“Good,” a morose Fosca said, and turned back to Merchanno. “Let’s see… khm… Ah yes, the rein of Your Grace. Your words are slightly confusing: now you are the legal leader of Genoa or not? I admit, I have always failed to understand the ways of these modern republics… But anyway, as noone could doubt the fact that Your Grace rules, I suppose His Grace will be ready to recognize Your Grace as the legal ruler of Genoa – yet again, supposing that Your Grace undertakes the voyage to Nürnberg, to personally swear fealty to His Imperial Majesty… as soon as humanly possible,” Fosca allowed himself to add.

“As for the County of Ventimiglia,” he continued. “Your Grace got me wrong: most probably I phrased my thoughts badly. His Grace has no intentions to seize the County of Ventimiglia and its surroundings. By the way, Your Grace would be suprised to know how vast lands I am talking about: practically everything west to the city Genoa. But yet again, His Grace is ready to drop his claims on the said territory on behalf of the House of Savoy, as a sign of the Piedmontese goodwill toward Genoa. However, he would like to get a similar sign of friendship and goodwill from Genoa, and he would be glad to recieve the Genovese claims on Corsica. As far as I know, Genoa still maintains a legal claim on the island, originating in the Dark Ages, when the brave Genovese did much to drive out the heathens from Corsica, strengthened by several treaties between various Emperors and the Republic of Genoa.
Please note, doge Merchanno, that I am talking merely about claims, not the actual ownership. His Grace is well aware of the fact that the said island is in Aragonese possession, and he accepts this facts, grudgingly, though. But this is not out concern now,” Fosca said. “Anyway, I have taken the liberty to craft a treaty in adavance… Would you, please, study it… And if Your Grace finds it acceptable, Your Grace might even sign it,” he suggested with a smile, and handed over the treaty.

Then Fosca sighed. “The recent rise of enmity between Genova and Venezia… His Grace Antonio di Savoia found it most saddening. Of course, His Grace accepts the role of mediator over this issue. He is planning on sending a representative to Venezia soon, and he expects you to do the same.
To be honest, though--,” Fosca paused. After some hesitation, he continued in a mcuh lower voice, “To be honest, His Grace fail to see a proper origin of this rise of enmity. Indeed, if the rumours are true, and the Doge of Venice was indeed… khm… drunk and mocking during that audience… Well, that’s an insult, but in His Grace’s opinion, it does not justify too harsh actions, such as the changing of the Treaty of Genoa. On behalf of His Grace, I would like to ask Your Grace to cease taking diplomatical actions concerning this… minor insult… until the negotiations over the acceptance of Genoa to the Pact of Italian Brothership begin.”

Fosca bowed, probably because he found his words a bit disrespectful.

“Also, there is but one matter Your Grace forgot to deal with,” he said, “namely the matter of the Italian Trade Union. I wou--we,” he corrected himself quickly, “would like to hear your thoughts about this matter.”

“Indeed,” Fieschi nodded, agreeing with Fosca for the first time in his life. “Is Genoa ready to join the Union in a way or another?” he asked almost rudely, getting another disapproving glance of Fosca.

“Let me emphasize: His Grace Antonio di Savoia strongly encourages Genoa to join,” Fosca added.

____________________________

The Genoa Agreement

–between the Duchy of Piedmonte and the Republic of Genoa–

Praefatio
Now, in the year of Our Lord 1444, two years after the rebellion of that heretic, called Doria, officially ended with the Treaty of Genoa, and four years after the said city has been cleansed from heresy and treason, Duke Antonio di Savoia of Piedmonte and Doge Antonio di Merchanni of Genoa herewith decide to sign a treaty of friendship, this way promoting the general political stability in the Republic of Genoa, hence in Italia, hence in the Holy Roman Empire. The signing parties swears most sacred oaths by the Holy Face of Saint Mary, the Virgin, and by the Holy Decision of Saint Maurice, the Knight, that they will obey the rulings of this treaty for all times coming.


Article I
The Rebublic of Genoa recognizes the House di Savoia del Piedmonte as the sole rightful and proper ruling house of the Duchy of Piedmonte.

Article II
The Duchy of Piedmonte recognizes the legally elected Doges as sole rightful and proper rulers of Genoa.

Article III
The Republic of Genoa hereby commits herself to respect and obey the Treaty of Genoa, as instituted by Joachim of the Greif, King of the Romans, in the year of Our Lord 1442. Genoa shall accept the said treaty both as a whole, and as the sum of its parts, and thus no change shall be made to the treaty, unless each and every signing parties agree the change.

Article IV
As instituted by the abovementioned Treaty of Genoa, the Duke of Piedmonte shall be the overseer, overlord and protector of the Republic of Genoa until the year of Our Lord 1449. The Republic of Genoa accepts this very fact, and confines herself to pay the tax of homage to the said Duke. Also according to the Treaty of Genoa, the further fate of the Republic shall be decided in 1449 by the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire. The Republic of Genoa shall accept any verdict this most honourable institute may make without hesitation or polemic.

Article V
The Republic of Genoa hereby accepts the previous rulings of the King of the Romans and the Imperial Diet concerning the relations of Genoa and Piedmonte. The Republic of Genoa acknowledges Piedmonte free from Genovese overlordship for all times coming.

Article VI
As a sign of his general goodwill toward the Republic of Genoa, on behalf of the House of Savoy, Duke Antonio di Savoia hereby denounce every of his claims on the County of Ventimiglia, and on other fiefs in Western Liguria.

Article VII
As a sign of the Genovese goodwill and friendship toward the Duchy of Piedmonte, the Republic of Genoa hereby transfers every of her claims on the island and principality of Corsica onto the Dukes of Piedmonte. Nonetheless, both signing parties accept and acknowledge the current Aragonese rule over the said island as legal.

Article VIII
The Republic of Genoa recognizes the Dukes of Piedmonte as rightful heirs of the Iron Crown of the Lombards.

Article IX
For the greater good of Italia, and of the Imperium, the Republic of Genoa shall join the defensive alliance called ‘Pact of Italian Brothership’, this joint initiative of Piedmonte and Venice. An appendix to the said treaty shall be crafted in order to settle each and every disagreements between Genoa and Venice. The Duke of Piedmonte, or his representative shall act as a mediator during the negotiations over this appendix.

Article X
Also for the greater good and general prosperity of the lands of the fair Italia, the Republic of Genoa is strongly encouraged to join the mercantile alliance called ‘Italian Trade Union’.



[x] Antonio di Savoia, Duke of Piedmonte, Prince of Savoy, Prince of the Empire, Prince of Achaia, Protector of Liguria and Aemilia
[ ] Antonio di Merchanni, Doge of Genoa, Prince of the Empire

[Julius]

letter from Serbia.

"Doge of Genoa,

I have received your letter and I am totaly shocked. You are saying things without even looking at your own kingdom. Well, I'm not here to complain but just to signify this. In the segment in wich you say:

I have learned that you have usurped the throne and ended the rightfull vassalship to Venice. Later you begin to slaughter nobles cowardly, and then the horrorific act for what happened to the Venetian embassador to Serbia. The Doge himself asked me to tell you that Genoa will support Venice in their rightfull war against your kin.

First off, I never ended the vassalship as I was a mere boy. My father did. Secondly, I never killed any nobles, it was the acts of the swine Obrenovic. Both men paid for their crimes with their deaths. Thirdly, yes, my men did an atrocity with that Venetian ambassador, and I pray god each and every night for forgiveness. I cannot unwrite history but I will tell you this.

If you are siding with Venice only because they have signed a better trade treaty than you had before, then, you too will get stabbed in the back. And I will laugh so hard in my grave because you will have helped Venetia to do it. I am warning you that siding with Venice will only bring your people disaster. I know I have no chances of winning this outcome, I'll probably die defending the border but think about what will happen when they'll be no more Serbia... Venice will look another way to expand and it will perhaps be Genoa."

~ Stefan Brankovic, Despot of Serbia.

[Alex_pharaoh]

Handed over to my hands, I read it with much calm, and gave a loud breath before speaking:

[i]"As you speak, actions have already been taken to correct the problems between Venice and Genoa. Now, if you excuse me..." -I started to speak with a derogative voice.- "I will begin to speak about matters that concern your own master.

I have studied your treaty, and I accept all of these articles, except the fact that Piemonte would be the rightfull heir of the Iron Crown. Piemonte does not have such right, for the right remains to the Holy Roman Emperor, who is king of Italia. I belive that such article should be eliminated. I also wan to say that in Article V is not acceptable. I propose not for all times coming, but while the house di Savoya stays in power. I belive that changing only this would be acceptable. And I have taken the liberty to do myself such modification:

The Genoa Agreement

–between the Duchy of Piedmonte and the Republic of Genoa–

Praefatio
Now, in the year of Our Lord 1444, two years after the rebellion of that heretic, called Doria, officially ended with the Treaty of Genoa, and four years after the said city has been cleansed from heresy and treason, Duke Antonio di Savoia of Piedmonte and Doge Antonio di Merchanni of Genoa herewith decide to sign a treaty of friendship, this way promoting the general political stability in the Republic of Genoa, hence in Italia, hence in the Holy Roman Empire. The signing parties swears most sacred oaths by the Holy Face of Saint Mary, the Virgin, and by the Holy Decision of Saint Maurice, the Knight, that they will obey the rulings of this treaty for all times coming.


Article I
The Rebublic of Genoa recognizes the House di Savoia del Piedmonte as the sole rightful and proper ruling house of the Duchy of Piedmonte.

Article II
The Duchy of Piedmonte recognizes the legally elected Doges as sole rightful and proper rulers of Genoa.

Article III
The Republic of Genoa hereby commits herself to respect and obey the Treaty of Genoa, as instituted by Joachim of the Greif, King of the Romans, in the year of Our Lord 1442. Genoa shall accept the said treaty both as a whole, and as the sum of its parts, and thus no change shall be made to the treaty, unless each and every signing parties agree the change.

Article IV
As instituted by the abovementioned Treaty of Genoa, the Duke of Piedmonte shall be the overseer, overlord and protector of the Republic of Genoa until the year of Our Lord 1449. The Republic of Genoa accepts this very fact, and confines herself to pay the tax of homage to the said Duke. Also according to the Treaty of Genoa, the further fate of the Republic shall be decided in 1449 by the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire. The Republic of Genoa shall accept any verdict this most honourable institute may make without hesitation or polemic.

Article V
The Republic of Genoa hereby accepts the previous rulings of the King of the Romans and the Imperial Diet concerning the relations of Genoa and Piedmonte. The Republic of Genoa acknowledges Piedmonte free from Genovese as long as the house di Savoia rules over Piemonte.

Article VI
As a sign of his general goodwill toward the Republic of Genoa, on behalf of the House of Savoy, Duke Antonio di Savoia hereby denounce every of his claims on the County of Ventimiglia, and on other fiefs in Western Liguria.

Article VII
As a sign of the Genovese goodwill and friendship toward the Duchy of Piedmonte, the Republic of Genoa hereby transfers every of her claims on the island and principality of Corsica onto the Dukes of Piedmonte. Nonetheless, both signing parties accept and acknowledge the current Aragonese rule over the said island as legal.


Article VIII
For the greater good of Italia, and of the Imperium, the Republic of Genoa shall join the defensive alliance called ‘Pact of Italian Brothership’, this joint initiative of Piedmonte and Venice. An appendix to the said treaty shall be crafted in order to settle each and every disagreements between Genoa and Venice. The Duke of Piedmonte, or his representative shall act as a mediator during the negotiations over this appendix.

Article IX
Also for the greater good and general prosperity of the lands of the fair Italia, the Republic of Genoa is strongly encouraged to join the mercantile alliance called ‘Italian Trade Union’.



[x] Antonio di Savoia, Duke of Piedmonte, Prince of Savoy, Prince of the Empire, Prince of Achaia, Protector of Liguria and Aemilia
[ ] Antonio di Merchanni, Doge of Genoa, Prince of the Empire

[Alex_pharaoh]

Yet, the Doge adds:

"However, after more carefull conciderations, I have decided to sign that treaty. And hopefully, we can establish a brotherly relations with our neighbors to the west.

I then signed the treaty.

[x]Antonio di Merchanni, Doge of Genoa, Prince of the Empire.

EDIT OOC: To avoid missunderstanding, Doge Merchanno has signed top the original treaty.

[SaT]

Fosca blinked, as if surprised. Up to this time, with growing anger, he had been watching the young doge (he could had been his son) making changes to the treaty, and blurting out disrespectful remarks about their mutual lord, but now he got confused.

“Sign the… original one?” he blurted out the question, and when Merchanni gave an affirnative reply, he got even more confused over this sudden change of decision.

‘At least he’s brave enough to admit he’s wrong,’ he thought to himself, as he was preparing the red wax to seal the document. ‘But this suddenly…’

Fosca stamped the ducal seal on the treaty, but he couldn’t stop wondering about the young man before him. Merchanni seemed inscrutable to him, and he definitely didn’t like this. Fosca liked simple, broad, honest people instead of mysterious ones, and Merchanni was… shifty.

‘Wolf or dog?’ he wondered. ‘Probably both,’ he concluded bitterly.

“Very good, milord,” he said with a forced smile. “Very good indeed. Just as your news of the growing friendship between Venice and Genoa.”

At this point Gino Fieschi, who didn’t like the idea of that friendship, nor the notion of good Piedmontese-Genovese relations, cleared his throat. “Chief Capitain, I don’t want to be impatient,” he said, “but you still haven’t answered our question concerning the Italian Trade Union.”

[Alex_pharaoh]

Originally Posted by SaT

Fosca blinked, as if surprised. Up to this time, with growing anger, he had been watching the young doge (he could had been his son) making changes to the treaty, and blurting out disrespectful remarks about their mutual lord, but now he got confused.

“Sign the… original one?” he blurted out the question, and when Merchanni gave an affirnative reply, he got even more confused over this sudden change of decision.

‘At least he’s brave enough to admit he’s wrong,’ he thought to himself, as he was preparing the red wax to seal the document. ‘But this suddenly…’

Fosca stamped the ducal seal on the treaty, but he couldn’t stop wondering about the young man before him. Merchanni seemed inscrutable to him, and he definitely didn’t like this. Fosca liked simple, broad, honest people instead of mysterious ones, and Merchanni was… shifty.

‘Wolf or dog?’ he wondered. ‘Probably both,’ he concluded bitterly.

“Very good, milord,” he said with a forced smile. “Very good indeed. Just as your news of the growing friendship between Venice and Genoa.”

At this point Gino Fieschi, who didn’t like the idea of that friendship, nor the notion of good Piedmontese-Genovese relations, cleared his throat. “Chief Capitain, I don’t want to be impatient,” he said, “but you still haven’t answered our question concerning the Italian Trade Union.”

I then answered:

"What is there to answer. I actually would not sign this treaty without the Italian Trade Union. I will try to join as a member with full right. The question is, does Piemonte, Milan and Venice accept the other merchant Republic in North Italy?"

[Alex_pharaoh]

"Dear Diary:

After the Venetian pact was complete, I was finnaly free to go away to Nuremberg that will take about a week. I just hope, at least, that Joachim the Grief, always August, Emperor of the Romans, King of Italy and... All those other names he likes to call himself would recieve me as ruler of Genoa, and would forgive Genoa for what happened a few years ago."

[SaT]

“Ah, good!” Fieschi said. “In this case, please, let me read the draft of the treaty of joining, written by baron Correano.”

After getting Merchanni’s permission, Fieschi cleared his throat, and began to read the following:

______________________

Act of Joining Forces

Praefatio
The Republic of Genoa was living hard times indeed in the past years: at first under the rule of heretic rebels, and then during the times of anarchy. And these times of troubles did plunge the once so glorious city of Genova into the greatest poverty. For years, the citizens were starving; artisans had to depart to other cities, bankhouses failed, merchants, whole guilds became bankrupt. But slowly, stability and order returned to the Republic: only the prosperity is missing now.
The utmost aim of the Italian Trade Union is not to gather enormous profit for certain individuals, but rather to promote the general welfare of the population, to make every state of Italia prosperous and rich: and thus we, the members of the Council of the Italian Trade Union have decided to extend a helping hand toward the Genovese merchant guilds, and toward the Serene Republic of Genoa as well, to let Genoa recover from her most severe wounds.


Article I
The Republic of Genoa joins the the Italian Trade Union as a member of full rights and responsibilities. From now on, the Republic of Genoa is subject to the charter of the said Union. This very treaty shall be added to the said charter as an appendix.

Article II
Union guild houses shall be constructed in the city of Genoa, and also in the towns and cities of Albenga, Chiavari, Porto Maurizio, Savona and Ventimiglia.

Article III
The member states of the Italian Trade Union shall fund and endow a university in the city of Genoa.

Article IV
The Doge of Genoa is appointed to be the negotiator of the Italian Trade Union. The Doge of Genoa shall have all rights to negotiate and sign treaties and agreements on behalf of the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union, but only in the following areas: in the Holy Roman Empire, with the exception of Lotharingia and the states of Italy; in the Balkans; in Slavia; in Hungary; in the land of the Rus. The negotiated treaties shall be presented to the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union before signed (ooc: treaties need to be confirmed in the NatStats by the chairman too). Should any member of the Italian Trade Union feel that the Doge is abusing his powers, this article may be declared null and void by the Union Council, requiring a two-third majority of votes.

Article V
The Republic of Genoa commits herself not to enter into any trade agreements on her own. The Doge shall negotiate treaties only on behalf of the Italian Trade Union, as detailed above. Already signed trade agreements may be maintained, but the Doge of Genoa is strongly encouraged to renegotiate these treaties to make them concerning the Italian Trade Union as a whole. Casual exceptions from the ruling of this article might be given by the Union Council.

Article VI
The Correano Bankhouse of Torino shall loan money to the merchant guilds of Genoa at a depressed interest rate of 25 percent, in order to help their recovery.



[x] Gino Fieschi, Patrician of Nizza, on behalf of baron Angelo Correano, Chairman of the Italian Trade Union
[ ] Antonio di Merchanni, Doge of Genoa, Prince of the Empire

______________________

“Well, baron Correano is a bit too fond of high-flown expressions,” Fieschi concluded. “Anyway, the treaty is, in my opinion, beneficial to Genoa and to the Italian Trade Union as well… Nonetheless, don’t hesitate to propose any changes… This is a mere draft, after all.”

[Alex_pharaoh]

Georgio Grimaldi has send this doccument to me in Nurnberg, and I responded back. He then carried the instructions I gave him:

"All seems well, but Article V is out of the question. If Genoa is to prosper, it must be allowed to be ruled by itself. All the other countries should have the right to have their own independant decisions, and the treaties are only accepted or denied as legal by the Empire and it's administrative bodies commited to such treaties. Sorry, but as long as this article exist, Genoa is not going to sign it."

[Alex_pharaoh]

Georgio Grimaldi started to change the draft, and presented it to the Piemontese representatives:

Act of Joining Forces

Praefatio
The Republic of Genoa was living hard times indeed in the past years: at first under the rule of heretic rebels, and then during the times of anarchy. And these times of troubles did plunge the once so glorious city of Genova into the greatest poverty. For years, the citizens were starving; artisans had to depart to other cities, bankhouses failed, merchants, whole guilds became bankrupt. But slowly, stability and order returned to the Republic: only the prosperity is missing now.
The utmost aim of the Italian Trade Union is not to gather enormous profit for certain individuals, but rather to promote the general welfare of the population, to make every state of Italia prosperous and rich: and thus we, the members of the Council of the Italian Trade Union have decided to extend a helping hand toward the Genovese merchant guilds, and toward the Serene Republic of Genoa as well, to let Genoa recover from her most severe wounds.


Article I
The Republic of Genoa joins the the Italian Trade Union as a member of full rights and responsibilities. From now on, the Republic of Genoa is subject to the charter of the said Union. This very treaty shall be added to the said charter as an appendix.

Article II
Union guild houses shall be constructed in the city of Genoa, and also in the towns and cities of Albenga, Chiavari, Porto Maurizio, Savona and Ventimiglia.

Article III
The member states of the Italian Trade Union shall fund and endow a university in the city of Genoa.

Article IV
The Doge of Genoa is appointed to be the negotiator of the Italian Trade Union. The Doge of Genoa shall have all rights to negotiate and sign treaties and agreements on behalf of the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union, but only in the following areas: in the Holy Roman Empire, with the exception of Lotharingia and the states of Italy; in the Balkans; in Slavia; in Hungary; in the land of the Rus. The negotiated treaties shall be presented to the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union before signed (ooc: treaties need to be confirmed in the NatStats by the chairman too). Should any member of the Italian Trade Union feel that the Doge is abusing his powers, this article may be declared null and void by the Union Council, requiring a two-third majority of votes.

Article V
The Republic of Genoa commits herself to not create any trade agreement which intentionally may harm the economy of the nations involved in the Italian Trade Union or the union itself. That includes monopolizing trade between the Italian Trade Union nations, and other treaties of such nature.

Article VI
The Correano Bankhouse of Torino shall loan money to the merchant guilds of Genoa at a depressed interest rate of 25 percent, in order to help their recovery.



[ ] Gino Fieschi, Patrician of Nizza, on behalf of baron Angelo Correano, Chairman of the Italian Trade Union
[x] Georgio Grimaldi, head of the Republican Senate of Genoa, Duke of Monaco, Duke of Syracuse on behalf of Antonio di Merchanno, Doge of the Republic of Genoa.

__________________________

"So? Will you accept this treaty? Fieschi?" -He spoke in a offensive yet proud voice towards the member of an ex-rival family which has lost power, while the Grimaldis became the most powerfull family of Genoa, even if the Guelphs lost power in the Ghibeline revolt.

[Alex_pharaoh]

Trading Story, April-June Anno Domini 1444

Germanian Market

Genoese traders, such as Marcello di Farsaneto, had been waiting for the moment when he arrived to the city of Baden-Baden. The magnificent quiet site was not what he was expecting. His first trip from Genoa to Germany, he was one of the first traders who reached Baden with Eastern goods brought from Krech. The caravan which set off from Genoa, around the alps, crossing Piemonte, Provencial and Burgundian territories finnaly arrived to Baden. That was a easy journey, thinking of the fact that through the Alps caravans could get lost, and the high taxes set of the merchants who pass through them.

As he reached to Baden-Baden, he separated from the caravan which continued a bit north to other Badenese cities, where the goods like wine were more fresh. Marcello di Farsaneto has set his stand in the marketplace where many people from noble to humbile saw what was there to buy. While the humbile and the simple people bought foods, drinks and common products, they still looked at Marcello's products with interest. He was not the only man with Eastern goods, but it wasn't the kind of products he sold, but the amount of merchants, also Genoese, selling other rare goods. Suddenly, in a few months, the quiet towns of Baden became overwhelmed by the variety of goods that those Italian merchants presented them. Many of the Badenese populations were beggining to buy those products who had an exquisit quality and what's more, a good price for them, that was never seen. It was like suddenly there was an industry of those things in Europe where those goods were created just around the corner. And the best thing was that the merchants bought what was most abundant in the zone: Fine wine, salts, furniture, and strong timber.

Marcello sold his products not only to Badenese merchants, but also Wurzburgian merchants also, which probably were atracted by the low prices Genoa and Baden proposed them. What made it best was that the Wurzburgians brought another kind of products, especially different kind of wine. Let alone the fact that they have the access to Bavarian products that were brought indirectly through the Wurzburgians. As the day ended, Marcello sold most of his products from the East. He was also able to buy Wurzburgian and Badenese wine and furniture, which would be sold with the large demand of the Holy land and Krech.

He passed through Genoa, which will be told later, and set sail to Kerch.

Krech

The three week journey was exausting. Marcello di Farsaneto had rent a place to sleep, and took a rest through the night. Krech was much different then Baden. Not only because of the merchandize sold in Krech, but everything. The climate was drier, the landscape looked more desertlike, and even at night the trading city was still active. Even if Marcello loved activeness and action, since it was the sign of more clients, he was so exausted he woke up in noon of the next morning. He still saw his donkey which he brought everywhere. He called him "Bucefallo", after the horse of Alexander the great. Not because of his strength, but because he was as loyal to him even more then a horse would be to his master. Let alone he does have 2 horses which he always brings with him, with the cart to transport large things such as the furniture and barils of wine. And so, he took Bucefallo to a walk around the city, and searched for the market place after feeding him. An hour after searching in the large city, he found it, filled with merchants from all over the world. But he was here before, and already knew how to trade with so much competition. He found a spot, and put his things to sell. He set his stand, unload his cart which transported the large furniture as well as the wine, and salt which had some demands in the black sea region at the moment.

Marcewllo knew Krech well. He had connections, but not as much as he had before the war and the treaty of 1442, but still knew somewhat the city. It was lately when trade relations were revived by the Doge Antonio di Merchanno, when he restarted his trading voyages. He loved the job. Maybe he didn't see much his family in Genoa that much, but when he would get back at home with rare products to show to his children, they would get very happy. And afterall, with the project of revival of trade of Genoa, he made much profit from it. He was a case of many merchants in Genoa, which represent a class which lives in the city and are neither wealthy as the nobles, nor poor as the extremely humbile. They were around the middle. People called it 'middle class'. But back to the story:

His sells were not as successfull as the Genoese merchant who got lucky and had an excellent and spacefull spot to sell his things and present them with a certain estetical way. But still Marcello had a good sale. As Marcello was promoting his Badenese wine which clients would get a taste from it, what seemed like a Venetian merchant appeared trying to sell his own goods, and buy something interesting from the market which he went around. Marcello spoke:

"Interested in something, sir?"

He took a long breath, and saw the things with much dedication. After having a thought, he spoke:

"I will take this piece of furniture, and 2 barrils of Wurzburgian red wine for two and a half ducats."

"Hold on, sir. This piece of furniture is crafted by one of the best carpinters in Baden, and made by one of it's strongest timber. And the wine from Wurzburg are one of the best in Germany and people say the world. I say that I am generous, for you seem like a good man. I say my offer is 6 Ducats."

The Venetian put a more serious face, but Marcello saw he was interested in this:

"I propose... 3 Ducats, and these to medium sized sacks of spices."

"How about 4 Ducats, and instead of the sacks of Spices, you will give me that small box of tea you got there, and that set of china beside it."

"3 and a half, and the rest of the articles you pointed. That's my final offer."

"Done."

Marcello and the Venetian shook hands, and exchanged their products. Marcelo got lucky, for Venetian merchants are fierce in their profession.

The days have passed in Krech, as Marcello did more sales of his German and Genoese articles, and sometimes he would sell Ivory he brought from the holy lands as southern products. Some days he would have a stand, and some other days he would just move around the market, hearing the latest gossop, which mainly was about the news about the war between the Christians lead by Lithuania, and the Muslims lead by the Golden Horde. Regardless, after some more days, he was set to go to the Holy land. He had around 12 Ducats to spend on African goods there, which were at the cost of full taxes, and were expensive. But with the so much clients in Europe, what did he had to loose?

The Holy Land

The Holy land were property of the Christian King of Aragon. It was the only place where Genoa could buy merchandize like Ivory, African Spices, and Eastern Mediterranean goods such as Arab Horses, flexible Lebanese timber, which was excellent for bows and other goods made in Europe, and other.

He arrived to Yaffa after a sail on 1 week. The arid mediterranean climate was no longer bothering him, and was ready to start trading his goods. He heared that an excellent place to trade the goods were the city of Acre, built by the crusaders as a fortress. With it's beauty, came a great amount of wealth, for it became the center of trade of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the holy land. Marcello, always interested in culture and historical monuments, first payed a visit to Jerusalem. However, not knowing if it was in Muslim or Christian territories, he did not buy anything for it would be the violation of the treaty Genoa signed in 1442. So he just payed a visit to the holy places, such as the Holy Church of the Holy Sepulcher. He also admired the sight of the Dome of the Rock, which watched over the city. After admiring the holy city, he set off to Acre, for buisness.

He sold his furniture and strong German timber like fresh bread. Although the Salt demand became almost dead. Wine purchase was average, but still generated profit. With his new ammount of capital, he set off to buy the merchandize that he was eager to buy. He bought Lebanese timber, African ivory, and he was lucky to buy something new, Salt from the Dead Sea. Sometimes Salt would christalize into chunks of salt which were found floating on the sea itself. Marcello managed to buy enougth to sell in in the German lands.

He left for Genoa a few days later. He felt he did good profit, and was now going home. Since the ship stops in Venice, he took the chance to buy glass products which Venice was famous for. He also got to see the Merchant guild, where he met a Genoese, Luchinus Guarco, the embassador of Genoa in Venice. And so, he set again for sail to the center of the trading cicle that was told in this story all along: Genoa.

The Port city of Genoa

Marcello di Farsaneto was back home with his family. He was greeted by a loving daughter which hugged her father as he entered his home. His wife greeted him with a hug too, for he was away for a whole month and a half.

He told her about the trading journey he had, the merchandize he found, the news he heared, and the wonders he saw. He was happy to have such an active and interesting life, even if he is a common clishé of the merchant populace. He told his wife about the huge ammount of wealth he accumulated from all of this: 13 Ducats. Hearing this, her eyes opened. She smiled, and saw the coins which he presented them in his hands. "Now we will have enougth to buy that house with that small terrain you wanted outside the city. While I am away with my trading journeys, you could take care of our little farm. We will have such a beautiful life now that the world opened before our arms..." And so he went to sleep. After he bought the property house and small terrain, he set off again with his Donkey Bucefallo, his cart and two horses to Genoa before he would part. He wanted to sell some of his products in the active Genoese merchants.

Genoa itself was extremely active, and extremely breautifull. The two main buildings, the cathedral and the Palazzo Ducale, dominated the city skies. And he was going to the most active place of the city apart from the city port, the market. There he could find products from all over the world. In the last few months, the city was transformed from a degradating poor city, to a prospering Merchantile Republic. Although much work was to be done, there were clear signs that Genoa was recovering from the last years of economic collapse and stagnation. However, now it is changing. He could see Venetian, Roman (Papal States), Piemontese, Badenese and Aragonese merchants buying the low price and quality products Genoa had to offer.

Since the days of Tommaso the Inept, things have been changing. For once, a sight of ship building in the dock, the already told variety of goods and merchants, the activeness of the economy, and even the city looked more shining and clean. It seemed more... Organized, atractive. Marcello himself participated in the Ghibeline revolt a few months ago, and he was proud to see from the mountains before he restarted his trading cicle the city of Genoa, being a center for at least hundreds of merchants, having such an active, profitable and adventurous life like he has now. An he knew that the city was regenerating his lost glory, and that he was one of the many who saved it from the misery the last 2 years brought him and the ones arround him. He took a glass, filled it with Badenese wine, and raise it infront of the sight of the city. He shouted: "Hurrah to Doge Antonio di Merchanno, saviour of Genoa!" And so the Caravan joined him screaming "Hurrah!" And so, he drank up the Badenese wine, and set again with a caravan to Baden, restarting his journey of trade and profit.

[Jaron]

A letter has arrived from the city of Aix en Provence. It simply states that both the Count and Countess are away from the court presently and unable to receive the ambassador, though he is welcomed to await their return.

It is signed by a rather unimportant sounding court minister.

[SaT]

‘As expected,’ Gino Fieschi thought, and faintly smiled at the Grimaldi before him, who took the Doge’s place so fast that Fieschi didn’t even notice the change.

“Signore Grimaldi, although I am able to understand the worries of the Chief Capitain, I can assure you that nobody wants to take away his liberty to govern his own lands as he pleases,” he said in a cool tone. “The Article V is simply neccessary for the greater good of the other members of the Union. You can’t expect them to sit idle while Genovese merchants compete out their own merchants by bringing various cheap goods into the Union… to which only Genovese have access. That would be greatly harming to the Union, and I can assure you, the Council won’t hesitate to declare any Genovese agreements harming, and thus they would force Genoa to denounce them. Also, let me remind you: baron Correano is the official of the Imperial Commerce Commission, and he was recently given the task of overseeing Genovese trading activities--” he broke off. His menacing tone made the meaning of his simple statement all too clear.

‘Enough of the threats,’ Fieschi thought to himself. He smiled to reduce the harshness of his previous words, then said, “Please, don’t underestimate the powers granted in the fourth article. Genovese merchants certainly could get many advantages in the areas mentioned there. And you should bear in your mind that the main principle of the Union is the sharing…
Nonetheless, barone Correano expected the possibility that Genoa would be… reluctant… to accept the fifth article… And he has drafted another variant, which the Republic of Genoa might be more enthusiastic to accept.”

______________________

Article V
The Republic of Genoa commits herself not to enter into any trade agreements which may harm the interests of the Union in any way. In this spirit, the Doge of Genoa and the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union hereby decide the following:
§1 - The Republic of Genoa shall be prohibited from entering into trade agreements with states of the areas covered in the Article IV. In the said areas, the Doge of Genoa shall negotiate treaties only on behalf of the Italian Trade Union.
§2 - The Republic of Genoa shall be prohibited from entering into trade agreements with states of the Italian peninsula. The said states shall be encouraged to enter into the Italian Trade Union instead, and the Republic of Genoa shall assist the Union in placing economical pressure on the said states.
§3 - The Republic of Genoa shall be prohibited from entering into trade agreements with states, with which the Italian Trade Union already has such an agreement.
§4 - If the Italian Trade Union enters into a trade agreement with a state, with which the Republic Genoa already has such an agreement, the Republic of Genoa shall renegotiate her treaty to make her treaty fitting to that of the Union, either by merging the two agreements, either by denouncing the Genovese agreement.
§5 - The Republic of Genoa shall present each and every of her individual trade agreements to the Union Council. Should the Council find an agreement harming to the interests of the Union, the Republic of Genoa shall break the agreement, or renegotiate it without hesitation or polemic. Declaring agreements harming shall require a simple majority of votes.

______________________

“Is this more to the liking of the honourable Doge, good Grimaldi?” Fieschi asked when he finished reading.

[Alex_pharaoh]

Geoggio Grimaldi responded:

"Please, present me that variant, and I shall analize that."

[Alex_pharaoh]

Georgio thought a bit more, and added:

"But in truth, I cannot see what would be the problem with having a nation be able to create their own treaties, even with the Italian pact of brothership. If one nation gets prosperity, it would be most probable that the other nations invlolved would get that too. Genoa, Piemonte, Milan and Modena each one has it's own economic possibilities that diverse from one another. It is too risky to create one unanimous way to govern our economy, because each nation has it's own reality. And don't forget that Genoa already pays 200,000 Ducats every year as tribute to your nation. Don't you think it is enougth wealth shared?

Now, the most logical solution is to allow each nation involved in the pact of brothership govern their own economy to a healthy prosperity which shall not be harming to the other nations of the pact of brotherhood. In fact, it is for the best that Genoa develops itself, for it will be the center of trade of the whole pact of brotherhood, and thus it will bring much prosperity. The problem is that it is obvious that Piemonte either doesn't want a prsperous Genoa, or wants to take it's wealth. At least that is what I have understood by reading this article that all it presents are further sanctions with Genoa. So, either you accept my proposal, or no deal."

[SaT]

Although he didn’t understand much of the proceedings, Ludovico Fosca clenched his teeth. ‘Is this the proper behaviour when dealing with one’s lord?!’ he thought angrily, staring at the Grimaldi before him. He remembered all too well the past decade, when the House Grimaldi was serving the heretic rebel… ‘All Genovese are traitors by birth.’

But despite his heartfelt anger and hatred, his voice remained calm enough when he spoke. “Signore Grimaldi, firstly, separate the matters of the Italian Trade Union from those of the Duchy of Piedmonte. Indeed, the Union gets some support from His Grace, but that’s all. The 200,000 ducats you mentioned are payed to the treasury of His Grace, not to the till of the said mercantile union. Furthermore, His Grace is extremely generous when it comes to the matters of his vassals, as he is a loyal ruler, loyal not just to His Most Serene and Pacific Majesty, but also loyal to those whom are loyal to him.
And don’t forget, Grimaldi, Genoa has to pay for the sins she has committed in the past. This is something your Doge accepted too. Oh, and please, we’re talking about the Italian Trade Union, which is an economical alliance, and not about the Pact of Italian Brothership, which is a political one.”

“Now listen, Grimaldi,” Fieschi said in a menacing tone, which made Fosca blink with surprise. Fosca looked at Fieschi, only to see that the renegade’s fists were trembling in anger, with his face all red. “Now listen,” Fieschi repeated. “I have seen Genoa… my home… destroyed by foreigners, because the princes of Italia were unable to cooperate in any ways. The Germans and the Frenchmen razed this very city to the ground so many times I can’t even count it!” he yelled at the Grimaldi all of a sudden. “You’re daring enough to talk about different realities?! Are you blind?! Why can’t you see that either economically, either politically, the states of Italia have the very same interests!”

Ludovico Fosca was puzzled as he looked at his companion. He could have never assumed that Fieschi, the coldhearted traitor, is able to be this emotional. ‘Or he’s just playing?’ Fosca wondered. ‘No, probably not,’ he concluded after some moments. The renegade seeemed serious and honest.

“Calm down, Signore Fieschi,” he said not without kindness and understanding in his voice. “Why don’t you advance the arguments of the reason instead?”

“True,” Fieschi muttered, and lowered his head.

“By the way, signore Grimaldi,” Fosca began in an easy-flowing tone to give time to Fieschi to recover, “how come you style himself ‘duke’? And what is more, duke of two cities? This makes me puzzled a bit… I mean, I don’t want to dispute your rights to use your titles, but nonetheless, these rights currently escape me. For example, you claim yourself the ‘Duke of Monaco’, while Monaco is ruled by a ‘signore’, thus ‘lord’, or sometimes ‘principe’, thus ‘prince’ since ages. Don’t forget, signore Grimaldi, only Kings and Emperors can give you the ducal coronet… And in the case of Monaco, I fail to remember such action. Oh, and this ‘Duke of Syracuse’… Quite puzzling again. Probably this title derives from a certain treaty signed by the heretic Andrea Doria, leader of the Genovese rebels, despot of Rhodes?” Fosca was still smiling.

Fieschi cleared his throat. “I agree with barone Fosca,” he said, “these are intriguing questions. However, we have another, more urgent matter to discuss, namely the matter of the fifth article. Let me read our version again… Khm…”

______________________

Article V
The Republic of Genoa commits herself not to enter into any trade agreements which may harm the interests of the Union in any way. In this spirit, the Doge of Genoa and the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union hereby decide the following:
§1 - The Republic of Genoa shall be prohibited from entering into trade agreements with states of the areas covered in the Article IV. In the said areas, the Doge of Genoa shall negotiate treaties only on behalf of the Italian Trade Union.
§2 - The Republic of Genoa shall be prohibited from entering into trade agreements with states of the Italian peninsula. The said states shall be encouraged to enter into the Italian Trade Union instead, and the Republic of Genoa shall assist the Union in placing economical pressure on the said states.
§3 - The Republic of Genoa shall be prohibited from entering into trade agreements with states, with which the Italian Trade Union already has such an agreement.
§4 - If the Italian Trade Union enters into a trade agreement with a state, with which the Republic Genoa already has such an agreement, the Republic of Genoa shall renegotiate her treaty to make her treaty fitting to that of the Union, either by merging the two agreements, either by denouncing the Genovese agreement.
§5 - The Republic of Genoa shall present each and every of her individual trade agreements to the Union Council. Should the Council find an agreement harming to the interests of the Union, the Republic of Genoa shall break the agreement, or renegotiate it without hesitation or polemic. Declaring agreements harming shall require a simple majority of votes.

______________________

“Let’s examine the first paragraph,” Fieschi continued. “See, it exists only by way of security. It will guarantee that the most honourable Doge won’t neglect his duties as a negotiator in the area. This must be comprehensible.
The second paragraph explains itself: all states of Italy… the Imperial Italy, of course… shall unite their forces with the Italian Trade Union. But if the Republic of Genoa supplied them with various goods from the Union, these states would simply refuse to join. Obviously, this serves mainly the interests of the said states: the people of a member-state are able to buy the same wares much cheaper, bevause of the abolishment of tolls and tariffs.
The third and fourth paragraphs aims the… hmm… unified… nature of the Union. We shall work together, that’s the main principle here.
The fifth paragraph may be striken, as it affects all member of the Union. Indeed, we’ll need to change to charter, as currently it’s rather vague concerning the independently signed treaties.” Fieschi cleared his throat again. “May I ask for a drink?” he asked. “My throat gets drier and drier…”

“Also,” Fieschi continued later, “baron Correano is intent on changing the charter even further, making the §2-5 to affect every members. Again, currently the charter is way too vague in this respect.

[Alex_pharaoh]

Georgio Grimaldy stood up, and responded:

"I see your points. But then again, why did Piemonte, as head of the Italian Trade Union, presented the matters of this article first to Genoa? I didn't see other countries recieving such sanctions. And if you notice, Genoa could do better off without those.

As your friend Fieschi said, other countries gained alot in the expence of Genoa. And with a Piemontese as the head of the Italian Trade Union, what makes you think that Piemonte could gain the oportunity to take controll over the economies of the Union. There are many questions and reasons for Genoa and Piemonte to not trust each other. And that factor would affect the compatibility of Genoa to enter such union. Let alone the fact that all treaties must be confirmed by the Chairman. I cannot accept to end the economic independance of Genoa.

And so, in the name of the Republic of Genoa, I must reject such offer. Genoa will only accept the articles of the Italian Trade Union itself, and not this treaty which can guarantee that Genoa would not have prosperity."

[Alex_pharaoh]

Cardinal Ostirrieu has arrived to Genoa by the morning. He had a temper, but he first wanted to get to his home to sleep something so that he could regain the strengeth to start gethering the people who ar most fit for the voyage to Anatolia, in search of the holy grail. Even if the Cardinal was still sceptical about the true existance of the holy grail in Anatolia, he needed to gather those brave three knights who will make the journey towards Anatolia.

days have passed and it was Sunday. Hundreds of people gathered in the Cathedral, and that was the chance for him to gather the three knights from that population. He then spoke before he started the prayer:

"We are gathered here to pray for Christ and thank him for being on Earth and enlighten humanity with his holy words to create what it is now Christiandom. And we have thanked him this way for hundreds of years, with prayers and to have a life of sanctity and loyalty to the Roman Apostolic Catholic Church. But in my voyage when I was in Rome, his eminence the Pope has showed us with yet another way to worship to God and create a life full of sanctity and pureness in all of Christiandom. A voyage to find the Holy Grail."

The people around started to create the noise of surprised when they have heard the last two words. When things chave clamed down, he continued with his speech:

"Acording to schollars of the inquisition have retrieved information from the heretic Templar Knight order, and found that the Holy Grail was in Anatolia, in the lands of the infidel Turks. And his Eminence has asked me to gather three men, three holy christian and pure men, to join the expedition to the Holy Grail. If he does that, his soul shall be forgiven from all his sins, and in case he dies in this expedition, his soul shall be given not only full pardon, but also shall go to heaven without doubt. And after I send a letter to the Doge, he send a reply that if he goes to this holy expedition, his family shall become Nobles, in case they aren't, and also shall recieve an estate and 3000 Ducats each family. This brave expedition is one of the most noble acts a man could do. Sacrifice yourself for the good of the whole Christian world, is the holiest of actions, and neither in Earth nor in Heaven this action shall be forgotten."

After he finished the speech, the prayer has begun. He just needed to wait for the men cualified for such expedition arrive at the door of the Cardinal's office in the Cathedral.

[SaT]

“Please, prince Grimaldi, adress my companion instead of most humble me,” Fosca said. “I, the ambassador of the Duke of Piedmonte, am merely an observer here, an observer of the negotiations between Genoa and the Italian Trade Union.”

Fieschi nodded. “Anyway, signore Grimaldi,” he said, “it seems you still don’t understand the proposal of the Union. For example Genoa should present her individually signed treaties not to the Chairman, but to the Council itself…
But yet again, as it seems this discussion is… stucked in mud, so to speak, I would like to make the final offer of the Union. Or, rather, two final offers. The first one:

___________________

Act of Joining Forces

Article I
The Republic of Genoa joins the the Italian Trade Union as a member of full rights and responsibilities. From now on, the Republic of Genoa is subject to the charter of the said Union. This very treaty shall be added to the said charter as an appendix.

Article II
Union guild houses shall be constructed in the city of Genoa, and also in the towns and cities of Albenga, Chiavari, Porto Maurizio, Savona and Ventimiglia.

Article III
The member states of the Italian Trade Union shall fund and endow a university in the city of Genoa.

Article IV
The Doge of Genoa is appointed to be the negotiator of the Italian Trade Union. The Doge of Genoa shall have all rights to negotiate and sign treaties and agreements on behalf of the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union, but only in the following areas: in the Holy Roman Empire, with the exception of Lotharingia and the states of Italy; in the Balkans; in Slavia; in Hungary; in the land of the Rus. The negotiated treaties shall be presented to the Chairman of the Italian Trade Union before signed (ooc: treaties need to be confirmed in the NatStats by the chairman too). Should any member of the Italian Trade Union feel that the Doge is abusing his powers, this article may be declared null and void by the Union Council, requiring a two-third majority of votes.
Also, by accepting this task of the ‘Negotiator of the Northeast’, the Doge of Genoa hereby commits himself not to sign independent trade agreements with realms of the abovementioned areas.

Article V
The Republic of Genoa commits herself to not create any trade agreement which may harm the economy of the nations involved in the Italian Trade Union or the union itself.

Article VI
The Correano Bankhouse of Torino shall loan money to the merchant guilds of Genoa at a depressed interest rate of 25 percent, in order to help their recovery.



[x] Gino Fieschi, Patrician of Nizza, on behalf of baron Angelo Correano, Chairman of the Italian Trade Union
[ ] Gergio Grimaldi, Prince of Monaco, Head of the Senate of the Republic of Genoa, on behalf of Antonio di Merchanni, Doge of Genoa, Prince of the Empire

___________________

“This is the first offer of the Union,” Fieschi announced. “An offer of an honouring task… well, that task comes with some restrictions. As you may see, I have decided to eliminate the paragraphs, which worried you so badly. Yes, I have decided to trust the Chief Capitain’s word of honour.
Anyway, I have prepared a second version of the treaty…”

___________________

Act of Joining Forces

Article I
The Republic of Genoa joins the the Italian Trade Union as a member of full rights and responsibilities. From now on, the Republic of Genoa is subject to the charter of the said Union. This very treaty shall be added to the said charter as an appendix.

Article II
Union guild houses shall be constructed in the city of Genoa, and also in the towns and cities of Albenga, Chiavari, Porto Maurizio, Savona and Ventimiglia.

Article III
The member states of the Italian Trade Union shall fund and endow a university in the city of Genoa.

Article IV
The Republic of Genoa commits herself to not create any trade agreement which may harm the economy of the nations involved in the Italian Trade Union or the union itself.

Article V
The Correano Bankhouse of Torino shall loan money to the merchant guilds of Genoa at a depressed interest rate of 25 percent, in order to help their recovery.



[x] Gino Fieschi, Patrician of Nizza, on behalf of baron Angelo Correano, Chairman of the Italian Trade Union
[ ] Georgio Grimaldi, Prince of Monaco, Head of the Senate of the Republic of Genoa, on behalf of Antonio di Merchanni, Doge of Genoa, Prince of the Empire

___________________

“This is our second, less honouring offer,” Fieschi said with a set face. “The choice is yours… or rather, it’s signore Merchanni’s choice.”

Fosca was just amused when he looked at the treaty: it was funny to see the name of two members of two rebel Houses on a treaty accepted by the Imperium just two years after the Treaty of Genoa. ‘Nothing have changed, ’ he thought to himself, and bitterly shook his head.