- ARCHIVE - Principal Court of Tver

[Dewey]

The Principality of Tver

House of Rurikid

Nation: Tver
Head of State: Ivan Borisovich
Player: Dewey
Religion: Orthodox
Culture: Russian
Stats: 1/0/2/3/1 --> [1/0/2/3/1]
Provinces: 1
Ports: 0
Owned: Tver

[Dewey]

Ivan Borisovich, Prince Consort to Czarina Mina Polotovskaya of Pskov-Novgorod, Governor of Tver

Born in 1423. Ivan Yuriovich is the younger son of Yuri Aleksandrovich. As Prince of Zubtsov, Ivan was a prince in his own right. He fought on the side of Pskov against the Lithuanians and was severely wounded. After his uncle's death and the assumption of Prince Dmitri, Ivan led forces against him, killing him with his own hand. He then married Czarina Mina Polotovskaya of Pskov-Novgorod, becoming her Prince Consort and uniting Tver with her country.


Maria Borisovna - Born in 1442. She is the only child of Grand Prince Boris Aleksandrovich.

Anatoly Mikhailovich - Born in 1430. Cousin to Prince Ivan Borisovich and appointed acting of governor of Tver in times of Ivan's absence.

Dmitri Yuriovich - Born in 1415. Dmitri Yuriovich is the elder son of Yuri Aleksandrovich, who was briefly Grand Prince in 1425 before his death. Dmitri is considered to be the Crown Prince of Tver.

Boris AleksandrovichBorn in 1399. He was a son of Aleksandr Ivanovich, grand prince of Tver, and a daughter of Fedor Mikhailovich, appanage prince of Molozh. He became grand prince in 1425. He married Anastasia, daughter of Andrei Dmitriyevich, appanage prince of Mozaisk. She died in 1442, giving birth to their only child, Maria Borisovna. He died in the late 1440s, under questionable circumstances, some say at the hand of his eldest nephew Dmitri.

[Dewey]

History of Tver

Tver dates its origin from 1180, when a fort was erected at the mouth of the Tvertsa to protect the Suzdal principality against Novgorod. It was actually founded, however, in 1138, located less than one hundred and fifty kilometers from Moscow. In the I3th century it became the capital of an independent principality, and has remained so since, uniting the various princes of the Upper Volga and Msna River, including their various tributaries. Michael, prince of Tver, was killed 1318, fighting against the Tatars, as also was Alexander his son. Several notable rivers begin in this region, including the Dnieper, Volga, and Zapadnaya Dvina. Tver is at the crossroads of the ambition of Lithuania, Muscovy, and Pskov-Novgorod.

Appanage Princes of the Grand Principality of Tver:


Zubtsov - Appanage Prince Ivan Yuriovich



Rzhev - Appanage Prince Yuri Polotovskii



Torzhok - Appanage Prince Mikhail Ivanovich

[Dewey]

Tver's Relations With Its Neighbors

Muscovy - Cautious rivalry. Ambassador Danil Kobiakovich is present from Muscovy. There is a concern over Muscovy's alliance with Lithuania. There is concern over Muscovy's war on Russian rebels.


Pskov-Novgorod - Curious suspicion. Prince Yuri Polotovskii is Appanage Prince of Rzhev and is a Pskov noble. There is interest in how Pskov-Novgorod's government is structured.


Suzdal - Indifference. Mikhail Ivanovich, Appanage Prince of Torzhok, is sent to Suzdal. There is hope of cooperation between Tver and Suzdal.


Lithuania - Wariness. Lithuania has laid claim to Tver. Lithuania is fighting Russian rebels. Lithuania is allied with Muscovy.

Church Affairs

Patriarch: ?

Notes: Synod of 1445 - Constantinople

[Dewey]

The Grand Prince was seated on his throne in the main hall of the castle. It was nighttime, and the torches were lit to provide dim lighting for the family’s gathering. Boris’ daughter Maria was in bed at such a late hour. Yet he remained awake late into the night, discussing political affairs with his two chief councilors, his two sons Ivan and Dmitri.

”Russia has lost its center,” Boris said. He waited for a response from his two sons.

Dmitri, the elder, bobbed his head for a moment. He was overweight and indulgent with himself, though he did have a sharp mind. ”It used to be our strength against Moscow’s father. Now these northerners are the true threat. It is my recommendation that we seek accommodation with Muscovy. This is the only way to protect our interests.”

Boris nodded sagely and turned to Ivan, who was clearing his throat. ”Moscow has always been a thorn in our side. I am thankful that Pskov damaged their authority. This gives us the chance to be more independent. I advocate seeking accommodation with Pskov-Novgorod.” Ivan was more fit. He was more of a soldier than Dmitri was.

Boris nodded again. ”We shall see. And what about large Lithuania? I do not think they will sit quietly while we in Russia decide ourselves. We will need to answer these questions, and correctly, if we intend for Tver to survive.”

[Das Heer]

A letter arives from Moscow,

"Grand Prince of Tver,

I extend my hand to you in friendship, and am glad that Tver has once again emerged as a centralized state. To long have your lands been silent, but I hope that will be reversed from here on out. I would like to establish a diplomatic mission in your city, and I hope that you will do the same in Moscow. As I am sure you have heard, the armies of Russia were forced to submit defeat to the tatars, and are southern borders are now lands of the Horde. This is an unfortunate reversal from the last conflict in which I scored a victory over the Horde, winning my independence and the independence of Suzdal and Ryzan. However, this loss has shown me that cooperation between the states in the north is a must, and I hope that both our lands may prosper instead of fight. Russia has already found itself in friendship and alliance with the Kingdom of Lithuania, which aided us against the ambition of Pskov and the Horde, and I hope that I can enjoy the same with you.

written by his own hand in Moscow,
Vasily II, Czar of Russia"

[von Streusser]

Long smooth steps carried Latcu Eraclid into the court of Tver. He gave a charming nod of the head to any servant or noble he passed, smiling all the way. Russia! He had long heard of this place, but had never left the mountains of his homeland to come this way. He eagerly looked forward to nights spent in taverns here in this beautiful land...hopefully with equally beautiful girls...

But now there was the task at hand. The Voivode had been very explicit on this matter, and no one disobeyed or failed the Voivode. He was determined not to be the exception...or the example.

A hand strayed to the velvet pouch in his pocket. Several times he had wanted to take its contents out and gaze upon them during the journey, but didn't dare get any fingerprints on the item inside. Hopefully the Princess would appreciate the gift...

His strides carried him into the court of the Grand Prince of Tver, where he presented himself to the Grand Prince with a flourish of a bow. "An honor and a privelege to present myself to you, Grand Prince Boris Aleksandrovich, and I hope that I will be accepted unto your court here. My name is Latcu Eraclid, and I come from the distant lands of Moldavia in the spirit of brotherhood. As we are brothers in the One True Faith, it is the hope of Voivode Stefan II, who sends me here, that we be close friends as well."

He pulled the velvet pouch from his cloak and held it out for a page to take to the Grand Prince. "A small token to be given to your daughter, Your Eminence. Crafted by the Voivode's personal jeweler." Inside the small bag was a delicate jeweled necklace in the shape of the Orthodox cross.

"I have also brought, for your enjoyment, several casks of Moldavia's finest wine." Bowing his head again, he said "With your acceptance, it would be my honor to remain here at your court to serve you and bring about the strong bond of friendship between Moldavia and Tver that my Voivode so seeks."

[Dewey]

Grand Prince Boris stared at the ambassador with curiosity. Why would Moldavia send an ambassador all the way to Tver? What did they want? He was quiet for a moment as he thought about this.

When the ambassador presented the necklace, he chuckled. "Perhaps when Maria is older. It would not do for a three-year old to wear a necklace. It might spoil her." He smiled. The ambassador continued to speak. Boris nodded. "I have no objections to your remaining here in Tver, if that is what you wish. I wonder what our two countries will have to talk about."

[Lord Jens]

A man, quite tall and muscular in proportion, left the Rikskansler's lavish abode in Stockholm. He had just been aquainted with the fact the he was to be Sweden's official representant to Tver. It was to be his great ordeal and he made all necessary arrangements complete before he set off on his peregrination. He then travelled for many fortnights before he reached the contry of interest, Tver. Here he inquired where the Grand Prince's castle was situated, but his interrogations were met with ignorance and discourtesy. But somehow, he had trotted towards the castle itself, being rather proud of himself he entered the mentioned building.

"Honoured Grand Prince of Tver, my humble and pious name is no other than John Svante Svensson, and I have indeed, been sent from Stockholm to act as Swedens ambassador here in Tver. I do hope I have your approval, and I should like to assure you that my Rikskansler wishes nothing, except a healthy and prosperous relationship with Tver. So by this act I do hope I can perpetuate this relationship, and finally I shall unsheathe this glorious sword and pass it on to you your Highness."

John Svante Svensson made a deep bow and awaited the answer.

[Dewey]

Grand Prince Boris listened to the Swedish ambassador. This was one country he had not considered. Remembering the map, he recalled that Sweden bordered on Pskov-Novgorod and probably shared an interest in Russian affairs. What was that interest?

"Greetings, Ambassador Svensson. Thank you for your friendly greeting. And thank you for your sword. We are interested in hearing why Sweden has come to Tver? What is Sweden's involvement in Russian affairs? Perhaps you could tell me more?" Boris awaited more information. What did Sweden want ouf of him?

[von Streusser]

The Moldavian bowed. "Thank you for allowing me to remain here. As for what our two countries may find to talk about, you may discover there is more than one would expect. Our realms, though distant, share a common neighbor, the Lithuanians. They also share a common bond in faith. Times are growing dark for the Orthodox faith, and we need to band together. Moldavia seeks to befriend all members of the One True Faith so that we may remain not only strong...but free."

[Dewey]

Grand Prince Boris nodded at the Moldavian's words. The point about Lithuania was especially intriguing. "You speak wise words, Ambassador Eraclid. It is sad to see our faith in such a woeful state. I look forward to further discussions of faith and politics. And now that you have my ear, perhaps you have something specific you would discuss or recommend?" Boris paused to let the Moldavian respond.

Dmitri stepped forward and whispered in his father's ear. Boris nodded absently for a moment and turned to Eraclid. "Your country is far to the south. Yet you also seem acquainted with affairs in this region. What is Moldavia's opinion on the rivalry between Muscovy and Pskov-Novgorod?"

[Ladislav]

An envoy of the Grand Principality of Suzdal arrives at Tver. He bears the large flag of the golden lion on crimson cloth. Vladimir, the last outpost of man on the tayga, seat of the metropolitan, ancient city of centuries. He speaks (the envoy):

"Grand Prince of Tver. Suzdal seeks your word of friendship and brotherhood. Would you kindly send an envoy to Vladimir, so that we might learn more of Tver and it's intentions? Your opinion on issues of politics, diplomacy, culture, trade and philosophy?

My name is of no significance, but untill instructed by my lord, I shall remain here in Tver and act as an intermediary between the proud cities of Tver and Vladmir."

[von Streusser]

"I must admit" began Latcu "that Moldavia is somewhat biased on this matter. We have long been close friends with Pskov-Novgorod, but I think with good reason. Not long ago, the Lithuanians threatened to invade our country and 'convert us by the sword'. When they did so, their ally, Muscovy, did little or nothing about it. The Patriarch of Moskva, leader of the Russian faith, said nothing, condemning a vast section of Orthodoxy to death by his inaction, along with the Czar's. In fact, it was the Golden Horde who stood up for our realm and our faith and said that this was unacceptable.

The Moslems have done more for the Orthodox faith than the so-called Czar and the Patriarch of Moskva. Instead, Muscovy has whored herself out to the Lithuanians, forsaking all her brethren in faith and joining in their most unholy quest to destroy our faith. When their Lithuanian allies massacred entire villages of Orthodox women and children, the Czar said nothing. When the people of Lithuania, Orthodox and Russian both, rose against oppression, the Czar of Moskva declared war upon them and is now marching his armies to put down a righteous rebellion.

Muscovy has betrayed her faith and her people, and now follows only the orders of Lithuania. Though we maintain trade and fairly neutral relations with the Czar of Moskva, we are gravely disappointed in him and his betrayal, and Moldavia sides with Pskov-Novgorod.

There are a couple more matters of faith I would discuss with you, such as the Holy Synod currently taking place in Constantinople, or the fact that a quarter of the ancestral homelands of my people, the Vlach, are currently held by Catholic outlanders...but I do not wish to monopolize your time, and will save those discussions for another day if you so wish."

[Das Heer]

A man walked into the court tired and worn down, he was sick of riding to and fro. As he approached the Grand Prince he kept thinking of his house in the countryside. It had been several years since he was able to have a good night sleep with the war, and now he would find himself on foreign soil once more, but he would not disobey the Czars orders which were backed by the Opriknichi. Approaching the Grand Prince he gathered all the strengh he could muster at the time to strike a formal pose. He bowed and began.

"My lord, my name is Danil Kobiakovich, I have been sent here as an ambassador from Moscow. I am here to answer any questions you might have and to negotiate any agreements or treaties between us."

[Dewey]

Grand Prince Boris smiled at the Moldavian ambassador. "You are not monopolizing my time. The affairs of Russia and the Orthodox faith are of grave concern to me. You say there is a Holy Synod taking place in Constantinople? What is its purpose? What topics are being discussed? This information about Muscovy is very disconcerting. I shall have to speak with their ambassador. He is due to arrive soon."

Later, the ambassador from Muscovy arrives. Boris and his sons greet him respectfully. The ambassador is allowed to sit and rest after the long journey. "Ambassador Kobiakovich, welcome to Tver. We thank Czar Vasili for sending an ambassador so soon after our request. I wish to hear more of Muscovy's relations with its neighbors. I've heard of your alliance with Lithuania, which is of concern to us. Also, I have been told that Muscovy does not support the Russian rebels in Lithuania? I am fair and would like to hear your story."

During the audience, the letter from Suzdal arrives. Boris reads it, nods, and turns to his sons. "We need to send an ambassador to Suzdal. I will send someone tomorrow. Whom shall I send?" They whisper for a little while, discussing their choice.

[Das Heer]

After the Grand Prince finished, Danil addressed the quesitons the Grand Prince had asked in a calm voice, eventhough this was a sensative topic to anyone from Moscow.

"Your highness, the Russian alliance with Lithuania is a for gone conclusion. If you look at the history I am sure you will see as to why we have created such a strong bond with the Catholics. Remember, when Novograd and Muscovy were fighting for their independence against the Horde, we were betrayed and backtsabbed by Pskov and your realm. Even back then Lithuania came to our aid and joined the war against the Horde. And now, years later after Muscovy and Novograd merged to form Russia, we were once again betrayed and attacked by Pskov. After taking our money for right of passage through their lands, Pskov was all to ready to turn on us when the war went sour and join the Germans against us. But of course who caim to our aid again? Lithuania; not any Russian states or other Orthodox principalities, but the Kingdom of Lithuania. Twice now Moscow has been betrayed and attacked by other Orthodox powers, and twice now Lithuania has come to our defense. We see no reason not to ally with the Kingdom of Lithuania who has been the only friend Russia has had in the east. It is a sad fact, but are greatest ally is a Catholic, and our greatest enemy an Orthodox.

As to the rebels in the Lith, why should my Czar support them? They were funded by Pskov, while Russia and Lithuania fought a war agianst the Horde. These are not rebels who seek to creat a holy Orthodox state, these are rebels driven by money and lies to revolt and destroy our defenses so the Horde could run over us. Russia will never support rebels that were funded by the manipulations of Pskov, especially when they try to destroy our ally while we are at war!

As you can see, our history is full of betrayls and assults, committed mostly by other Orthodox powers."

[N Katsyev]

Audience Room, Tver

Grand Prince Boris Aleksandrovitch was taking audiences once more. The previous regency was over, the one over whose fate Yuri remembered well speaking with Mina over that night in the Kremlin all that time ago. The one time he had returned to Pskov since his banishment.

However things were changed, Prince of Rzhev Yuri Georgiyivitch Polotovski now travelled the northeasterly route toward Tver itself. This old man was at once a loyal vassal to Grand Prince Aleksandrovitch and at the same time he was a Polotovski. Uncle to the Czarina of the most powerful state in Rus. A state that for a time he himself had been Grand Prince of - but that was when the Veche still retained some power that he was banished. Now, Mina had quite well displayed that not only could she manipulate a single man with the slightest of effort, she equally posessed the ability to forcefully arrange countless thousands to her will as well.

He still troubled himself with the same questions. The questions of an old man - those of the past, few of the present, and virtually none of the future. Within his blood was the Polotovski spirit and that alone kept him on the path of acquisition that he had been following since he could remember. First with his brother within Pskov-Novgorod, then as Grand Prince, then as a banished noble in a foreign realm he had wreted power here as well. With a flash of distinctive gray eyes he looked to the city approaching. As fair and even in some ways alike to Pskov it was, he cursed his vision, for it certainly was not Pskov and he felt certain he would never see his beloved home again.

The old man descended from his carriage, foot servants on either side though keeping a respectable distance. Despite his age and weariness Yuri Georgiyivitch had been able to keep a surprising amount of prowess, both of mind and body. Confidently he strode toward the hall where Grand Prince Boris was taking audiences. His mind flashing back as old men's do, ony this time to a memory not so far away. One of a home of this family's in Novgorod, long since abandoned - yet upon his return the discovery of a stranger from a distant and exotic land. A stranger enthralled with his niece, who had built the most exquisite mural for her.

That man had maybe not realized it at the time of its under-taking, but he built that mural explicitly for Mina. Yuri was not quite that ignorant of his actions today, he was attending as a loyal vassal, though the master he truly served was that devlishly delightful little girl of his distant memories. The one with dark hair that curled at the ends, playful, piercing gray eyes and the most beautiful slavic face. She had not ordered Yuri to serve her here, just as she had not ordered Manuel to build for her that mural, yet Yuri served her anyway. Not out of duty, out of love for family or even of motherland, Yuri served Mina for the same reason limitless others did - it was in their pleasure to do so.

He noted a light of recognition in the porter's eyes as he approached, hard faced and stern, "Prince Yuri Georgiyivitch of Rzhev has arrived to seek audience with his Most gracious Grand Prince Boris Aleksandrovitch." He nodded respectfully and settled in to wait...

[Friedrich II]

A letter arrives from the Steppes.

"Boris, Prince of Tver,

I am worried to see that your nation has reentered the politics of the region, as you are surrounded by Pskov-Novgorod, Moscow, and the evil Papist tyrants in Lithuania.

We would like to negotiate your protection, to allow you to keep your Sovereignty forever more.

You must be reading this and thinking 'This heretic, who has attacked my fellow Christians is trying to con me'

That is false. We did not ask for war with Moscow, or with Lithuania. We were attacked by those states for defending the religious freedoms of the Vlaches in Moldavia, and we would be glad do the same for the Russians of Tver, Suzdal, Ryazan, or any small principality who worries about their own freedoms from tyrannical despots like the so-called 'King', Vytautas.

Dictated during his travel to Kazan,

Orda Khân
Akahan of the Great Mongol Empire
Great Khan of the Golden Horde
Son of Baraq, Descendant of Genghis"

[Lord Jens]

Originally Posted by Dewey

Grand Prince Boris listened to the Swedish ambassador. This was one country he had not considered. Remembering the map, he recalled that Sweden bordered on Pskov-Novgorod and probably shared an interest in Russian affairs. What was that interest?

"Greetings, Ambassador Svensson. Thank you for your friendly greeting. And thank you for your sword. We are interested in hearing why Sweden has come to Tver? What is Sweden's involvement in Russian affairs? Perhaps you could tell me more?" Boris awaited more information. What did Sweden want ouf of him?

John Svante Svensson had stood on tiptoe while listening to the Grand Prince's reply. Involvement in Russian affairs? He had been warned by his very own Rikskansler that such questions could be asked, and that he should be ready to answer them without any hesitation.

"Swedish involvement in Russia? Well, as for what I know, all Sweden wishes is a profound relationship with all countries in that very region. And as Tver is considered by certain personages to be situated within this very area my Rikskansler saw fit to send me here as I am rather familiar with Russian affairs from former travels, on the main purpose to improve our bonds. That, your Highness, is the only thing we seek from our presence in these countries, strengthened links."