Duchy of Austria

[The Stig]

Capital

Vienna, Osterreich

Provinces

Osterreich
Salzburg
Moravia
Domazlice

Tax Rate

20%

These were the lands granted by Kaiser Alexander l to the Von Klaus dynasty in 1370. First populated by a federation of Celtic tribes, it was eventually conquered by Rome and became the province of Noricum. When the empire fell apart, the region was overrun by German and Slavic tribes. In 789, Charlemange added the territory to his domain, the Holy Roman Empire. The march of Austria was responisble for defending the southeastern borders of the reich. Although overrun by Magyars on a couple occasions, the Battle of Lechfeld put an end to most hostile actions in the area. In 1156, Austria became a duchy, however, it no longer retains that title. After the civil wars and chaos preceeding the reign of Alexander l, it was broken up into a number of smaller counties.

[General Brewster]

Chris Van Isendoorn Count Van Zeeland arrives to meat the man.

[The Stig]

He is taken to a an upstairs room in a cluttered manor house in Viena. There Count Karl sits, awaiting him.

[General Brewster]

Count Karl,

An honor to meet you. I have a "business" proposal for you.

[The Stig]

"Ah, Count Chris. I remember you from the Reichstag. Please, take a seat and tell me all about this proposal of yours."

[General Brewster]

I want to align our houses. Politically and military if needed.
In the Reichstag you have showed a honorable man and someone to have as valuable friend.

[The Stig]

"And how exactly do you propose we do that?"

[General Brewster]

Formally write this down, Perhaps until we have children to marry ?

[The Stig]

"That could work... Do you have any daughters?"

[General Brewster]

I have however she is 1 at this time. so you'd have to wait 12 years.

[The Stig]

"That would not be optimal. By the time she was of age I would've been too old. Perhaps when I have a child they could get betrothed?"

[General Brewster]

indeed that would be suitable. I also have a son of 2 so if you get a daughter they could marry.

[The Stig]

"That would be suitable. Until then, perhaps a firm handshake and a gentlemen's agreement will suffice?"

Karl stretched out his hand.

[General Brewster]

"That would be suitable. Until then, perhaps a firm handshake and a gentlemen's agreement will suffice?"

Karl stretched out his hand.

Chris shakes the hands man.

You do know we can officially announce our alliance in the empires records?

[The Stig]

"Do so, my friend. Let everyone hear of this brotherhood."

[General Brewster]

and so it shall be !

I will depart now good meeting you my friend !

[Lucius Malfoy]

Galloping was heard approaching duchy capital of Vienna. An entourage of armored knights and retainers, bearing the standards of the z Lotrinske house and that of the Duchy and Elector State of Bohemia. At the front was an imposing figure with a sharp goatee. The horses galloped through the city towards the central castle where the Duke and Elector of Austria should be. A knight approaches the guards.

His Grace, Magnus z Lotrinske, Duke of Bohemia and Elector of the Empire, wishes to speak and treat with the Duke and Elector of Austria of the von Klaus family. May His Grace speak with your liege, good sir?

[The Stig]

The guard nods at the knight.

"I shall convey your request to Duke Karl. He shall decide if you may see him."

A short time later, he returns

"The Duke has decided to grant you an audience. Please, continue inside."

[Lucius Malfoy]

The knight turns to the imposing figure who was Magnus z Lotrinske. He looks to the knight and then behind him. The Bohemian gestures to several knights and retainers, then beckons them to follow. The rest remain outside the gates. The Duke dismounts his horse and heads into the castle alone to speak with Duke von Klaus.

[The Stig]

The guards escort him to a large throne room. Being in the center of a city and therefore mostly for decoration, the room has large windows, which cast a warm, healthy light into the space. Behind the fairly modest throne hang banners bearing the colors of Austria and the House of von Klaus. Upon the Bohemian's entry the Duke rises from his seat and spreads his arms in a gesture of welcome.

"Greetings, Magnus of Bohemia. I bid you welcome to the streets of Vienna!"