County of Verona

[Zeus Almighty]

Vault

Starting: 1,000 Promotion to Count: 1,500 Yearly Income: 500 tax income for yr 1002: 7,250 Current Amount: 9,750 Florins

Lord of the County of Verona

Name- Gabriel Grimark Age: 35 Appearance: 6'1 Personality: Gabriel is known for his fiery manner. In his youth he had a tendency to act brashly and fight for little to no reason. As he got older he learned to temper his anger and channel it in the right direction. Since his youth he learned to fight and command men. He is jovial more often than not. He is a just ruler for Verona, but where he excels in personal interaction and on the battlefield, he gives up in fiscal prowess. Together with his brothers Michael and Raphael, they are fiercely loyal but do not trust the other lords they have met. Background: German blood courses through their veins and it shows. Centuries ago a German group, led by the bastard son of a German prince, arrived at a small town in Verona that was being harassed by some outlaws. Their Lord was doing nothing but hiding in his keep, continuing as if nothing was happening. In exchange for food and supplies the group decided to help eradicate the outlaws and did so successfully, but with a price. Many died and the others wounded. They returned to the town where the townsfolk took care of them. The Lord however did not approve and sent his guard to dispose of the remaining men of the group. They fought valiantly and survived, the result being the eradication of that lord and his family from the province. The group stayed and helped raise a defense force for Verona and grew fond of their new home. The leader of the men was elevated to Viscount, as a true leader and warrior, his name was Sebastian Grimark. Since then the Grimark family has Lorded over Verona, protecting its people and assets. Skills: 4 strength 4 command 2 piety

Grimark Family

Raphael- 28, Younger Brother to Gabriel and Michael. He is just as tall as Gabriel but slightly slimmer. He tries to be the diplomatic brother, but keeps his bastard sword on his back at all times. His blond hair near dark enough to be thought brown, and his slate blue eyes make him slightly intimidating though he is the calm Grimark. Michael- 35, Twin brother of Gabriel. Not many outside his family and closest friends can distinguish the two, unless he is carrying his hammer, since in battle attire the only difference between the two is Michaels hammer and Gabriels Ax and bow. Bella- {deceased} Mother of the Grimark Brothers Alessio- {deceased} Father of the Grimark Brothers

[ForteS]

Duke Otto I of Toscana arrives at the County of Verona, it's his wish to discuss matters of most importance with the Count.

[Zeus Almighty]

The newly dubbed Count Gabriel is being fitted for some new court garb as he recieves word that Duke Otto had arrived, he sent his brother Raphael to greet him at the door as he finished making himself presentable.

The duke will undoubtedly want me to trip over the formalities of his station, but death will find me before that. We both bleed red blood. Gabriel thought Yet I have heard good things about the Duke, maybe he will be different.

As Raphael answered the door with the household guard he smiles "Count Otto II, you honor us with your presence." he says as he gives a bow.

[ForteS]

"The Honor is mine." - He smiles.
"I'm here to see the Count, would you lead me to him...?" He stops for a second... "What did you say that was your name?"

[Zeus Almighty]

"I am Raphael, youngest brother to the count. I shall escort you to the study, my brother and Lord is currently dressing. And be with you shortly. How was the journey here?" asked Raphael

[ForteS]

"Peaceful, thank you for asking."

[Zeus Almighty]

"Peaceful, thank you for asking."

"I am truly glad it was a safe trip. Ah here comes my brother now." Raphael said as Gabriel descended into the hall.

Dressed in a brown leather tunic, dagger at his side, he came into the hall swiftly. "Welcome to our humble abode Duke Otto" he says as he bows slightly, "bring the food and comforts! How may I be of service? You will be fed of course and provided proper lodging."

[Bonez]

Disregard...

[ForteS]

Thank you for your hospitality Count Gabriel. He smiles.
I've come to discuss politics... - He stops, waiting for Gabriel to lead them to a more proper room? Something with a table, so that he could show his plans.

[Zeus Almighty]

Gabriel heard the tone in which Otto spoke, indicating food would have to wait.

"Of course, this way Duke Otto."
They asscended up a staircase to reach the second floor. Once on the second floor they travelled to the end of the hall and entered the last door on the right. As they emerged inside, Duke Otto could see a large table in the middle of the room, a large map of Italy on the wall to their right, a smaller table right in front of the map where Gabriel partook in his studies, and a few other things expected in a Counts study.

They closed the door and Gabriel wheeled around. "So what is it you came to discuss Duke?"

[ForteS]

Otto nods. I see you have maps here, good, good!
Lets head straight to the matter,
Otto heads towards the map on the wall: You see Count Gabriel, it has recently come to my attention that you acquired Ferrara... I region that I consider as mine... - He turns to the Count.
I've come so that we could reach an agreement, an agreement that would suit both sides. - He smiles.

[Zeus Almighty]

Gabriel did not let it show, but he was more than furious at the statement. For many reasons, including that the duke felt it was his. To make a claim such as that would be something he could use to back a war against the Grimarks. Temper your emotions Gabe. Hear him out before you do or say something rash.

"What type of agreement do you have in mind?" Gabriel asked cooly as he took a seat and extended one to the Duke.

[ForteS]

Very well! the duke says as he waves his hand.
My proposal is as follows, you are to abdicate your claims to the throne of Ferrara and recognize me the rights to it, in exchange I'll support your claims to the regions of Verona and Carinthia, I'm even whiling to offer you military support shall you need.

[Zeus Almighty]

Empty promises, Lords are always full of them. Gabriel thought.

"The Duke of Austria already has much claim on the lands to the East. Even if I took the provinces of Aquileia, Krain and Istria, I would find myself in the same position I am in with you currently. Would you support me militarily if it meant war with the Austrians? If you can promise that, and sign it on a contract along with the legitimizing of my transfer of Ferrara to you, it may make my position easier."

Giving up the wealth of Ferrara will hurt dearly, but not so much as the loss of its levies. Damn it all. The new Kingdom of Bohemia may make it difficult to acquire Carinthia. Even if I did, such a eastward spanning territory may estrange me from Italy, something I do not want. Gabriel's mind raced.

[ForteS]

Oh the Duke of Austria... Hmm... Not a threat, not a threat... As for his King, I'm rather sure he won't cause us any problems... But if you worry so much with the King of Bohemia I would have a further proposal to you... However I feel that it wouldn't be of your like, so I would rather not propose it.

[Zeus Almighty]

Do not be disrespectful

"Duke, we are in private. Feel free to speak your thoughts and not call it a proposal, if it should make you feel more comfortable." Gabriel said calmly.

I have no qualms with war, but I will do so on my terms. War with Bohemia would require defense to the north and east with all hope of reinforcements coming from far in the west. It is not without a chance, but it is highly unprobably.

[ForteS]

Otto looks at the door making sure it was closed,

You see Count Gabriel..., it has come to my attention that the King loses power everyday... Maybe if we could achieve us a good position inside the realm before taking any action against the north, and by against I don't mean I wish to attack them,... Listen, what I mean is that if we, *cough*cough* if we overthrown the king, Bohemia won't dare taking action against us... Otto sighs, I know this plan might seem hard to achieve, it might even seem ridiculous but, think about it?

[Zeus Almighty]

Gabriel felt as if he had a lump in his throat. Finally he was able to muster words.

"Even at his weakest, the Emperor is still our emperor. If we help unite all of Italy in his name, gain the support of all the Lords of Italy, then we could still continue with taking the southern half of Carinthia that has no solid claim on it yet, without committing treason." Gabriel said, his voice this time a bit more unsteady but just barely noticeable.

[ForteS]

Otto laughs. The king has no power! I nearly hold a third of Italy, I've more rights to rule this realm than he does! What did he do for the Kingdom in the last years? Nothing! Please Count Gabriel, consider my offer, support me as King of Italy, I'll name you Duke of Verona and Carinthia.
Don't fear the Emperor, our reason for war is fair, there is no reason for him to intervene... I'm sure others will join this cause.

[Zeus Almighty]

The man has charisma all of a sudden. Perhaps he would make a proper leader after all.

"Si, You may well have my support for king, but know this Duke Otto, never in my life have I feared any man. No commoner, nor count, no duke or emperor. I shall return to you Ferreria, if you take Cremona and pass its rights to me. Aquileia will fall to me as well as Istria. I ask for aid only if the Austrians make a move to the south."