The County of Styria

**Confederate Jeb** · August 02, 2012, 10:56 AM

The County of Styria

Count Istvan Jaksic I de Szeged

Provinces
Steiermark
Karnten
Innsbruck

**The Stig** · August 03, 2012, 12:44 PM

A small group of mailed riders appear bearing the colors of the House of Von Klaus and the Counties of Osterreich and Salzburg.

**Confederate Jeb** · August 05, 2012, 05:29 PM

The group is met by the five guards stationed at the entrance of the Jaksic family mansion grounds.

"What business brings the House of Von Klaus here today? Count Jaksic is currently busy entertaining guests and relatives from Hungary, so forgive me if I seem uptight. We're on high alert at the moment."

**The Stig** · August 05, 2012, 08:51 PM

One of the riders wheeled their horse to the front of the group.

"Excuse me, but I am Count Karl of Osterreich and I was on my way south and I thought it would respectful if I were to pay a visit to Count Jaksic."

**Confederate Jeb** · August 06, 2012, 05:59 PM

The County of Styria sets its tax rate to 20% of all income for the current year. Rates are expected to decrease in the near future to stimulate growth, however.

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"Of course milord. Forgive us for being cautious, it is our duty." One of the lesser guards escorts the companions inside the house, leading them to the more quiet east wing of the mansion. After being left in the library for a few moments the guard returned with the Count of Styria.

"Good evening Count Karl. I apologies for your wait, but in all honesty I welcome a little freedom from my current guests. They are a bit...overbearing at the moment. But enough of that. What can I do for you?" The count said as he ordered a nearby servant to bring the group refreshments.

**The Stig** · August 06, 2012, 06:10 PM

"Thank you for seeing me. I have my fair share of annoying relatives, so I'm sure you'd want to tear yourself away as soon as possible. As for my business, it is twofold. Firstly, I seek to ensure my the borders of my own realm are secure and that my neighbors to the south are friendly, and secondly I have some business I may or may not seek to conduct with you."

**Confederate Jeb** · August 06, 2012, 06:19 PM

"Then you are in luck sir." The Count replied as his servant returned and began passing out wine to all the guests. "I welcome the chance to forge a bound with my neighbor to the north. I am sure that at some point in the future alliances will be needed to keep the more ambitious nobles at bay. Of course we all seek to expand our domains, but there are more proper ways to do so than at the edge of a sword. Now, what of this business you have hinted about?"

**The Stig** · August 06, 2012, 06:51 PM

"Fantastic. It seems we are of a like mind. I believe you find yourself in lordship over the province of Innsbruck. I would be interested in acquiring this area. My father reigned over it for some time, before losing it through foolishness and idiocy. I am of a mind to correct the mistakes of my forebears, and I want you your assistance in doing so. I would be willing to provide either financial or military aid in exchange for the province. Perhaps both. If you have plans to press your claims against a troublesome neighbor or any other ambitions you wish to fulfill, I would provide all the help I could, if you were to offer me Innsbruck. While I understand you may be reluctant to give up your holdings, I urge to consider my proposal without bias, remembering that you could potentially gain a far greater prize than a poor country nestled up against the Alps."

**Confederate Jeb** · August 06, 2012, 06:56 PM

"I would certainly consider returning Innsbruck to your family in the future, but seeing as my county is locked between other realms I am in no position to exchange it just yet. Should an avenue of growth appear that makes the loss of Innsbruck manageable, then I will gladly trade it for your aid."

**The Stig** · August 06, 2012, 07:03 PM

"I thank you for your reasonable response to my inquiry. I will respect your decison and I hope that such an avenue makes itself noticeable in the near future."

**The Stig** · August 09, 2012, 01:00 PM

Count Jaksic,

You are cordially invited to Klaus Manor, in the city of Vienna, to discuss a matter of grave importance to the future of the region. It is my hope that this gathering will result in an lasting peace in the area, and also bring greater prosperity to those invited.

Count Karl von Klaus

**Zeus Almighty** · August 16, 2012, 06:22 PM

A messenger arrives from Baden with a letter of invitation.

To the Counts, Dukes, and other men of import
Newly appointed Count Zalbaag Lycken invites you to a dinner at Castle Baden to make acquaintance with as many Counts, Dukes and dignitaries as might join us. The dinner will take place in two weeks time. Count Zalbaag wishs to hear of your intentions to attend soon. His humble servant and cousin Balgruf Lycken"