[RFC Dawn]Glorreiche Reich-A History of the Germans

GLORRIECH REICH
A History of the Germans​

Bavarian Campaign
Battle of Salzburg I​

Chronicles of Friar Wilhelm von Metz (889-920 AD)​

Entry #1​

My name is Friar Wilhelm, son of Wilhelm von Metz. In order to remain sane in this blasted monastery, I have decided to chronicle recent events. Though this is for naught, I shall make sure to be truthful with God as my witness. I shall start with the most critical event.

Two years ago in the Year of Our Lord 910, the Glorious Holy Roman Emperor Lothair I traveled to the fortress of Frankfurt to rally support against his siblings that wished to take the Holy Crown from him. Whilst there he talked with common and noble folk alike, gaining new friends. But as he dismounted from his regal stallion, something caught his eye. The Great Emperor kneeled and picked up a small iron cross. Examining it, he did not realize what was happening around him.

His guard had left him briefly, examining the local prostitutes and his man-servant was buying new wares. Thus, the Emperor of Rome was without protection.

Then, from the ramparts of the citadel, an arrow was shot. Within moments, the arrow had entered the left shoulder of His Majesty. He groaned with pain as he fell to the ground and began to bleed, the cross now bloodied. The peasants on the streets gasped in shock when they saw him. His guard ran to him to hear his dying words.

"I wish," He said, his voice rasping "to be succeeded by..." Just as he started to announce his successor, a second arrow was fired into his neck, ending him.

Women began to cry and mourn, while the men held back tears. His guards said prayers for him and he was lifted into a cart. They left in silence, leaving a city that was shocked by the death of their Emperor. But, after two long weeks, the body never entered the capital at Aachen. Many began to worry.

Then, three weeks later, a man atop the royal stallion entered the city, the crown in hand. The man was relatively tall with long, black hair and a goatee of the same color. He entered the palace and went before the Empress and nobility with an announcement.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of Lothair's court," He began with his voice booming. "I have come with news on the former Emperor. While traveling through Bavaria his body and entourage were attacked by the order of the Bavarian Duke. I was traveling through Bavaria as well when I saw the travesty committed. All of the guards were hung and Lothair's body mutilated." The Empress turned her head to cry. The man continued.

"I was unable to let this tragedy go unpunished so I charged forth and killed every last Bavarian. Alas, there was no one to bring the Crown home, so I took it upon myself and traveled here, Majesty" The man bowed and raised the crown. The Empress rose, holding back more tears. She walked over the man and gently took the crown.

"What be your name?" She said her voice quiet and solemn.

"Magnus, your majesty, My family is of the Norse." Manus spoke, a slight grin on his face.

"Then," The Empress spoke with a more powerful voice this time. "I proclaim you Magnus I, Duke of Bavaria. You shall depose the demon who ordered my husband's mutilation and take your throne. Rise." Magnus rose, his grin now clearly visible as applause broke out.

"I shall begin immediate." Magnus left the palace that moment to levy an army. Thus came about the beginnings of Magnus I.

As for the Holy Roman Throne, four candidates came in view of His Holiness. Louis and Lothair, sons of the Emperor, were two candidates while Charles III of France and Berengar of Friuli were the others. Who will be Emperor?
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Journal of Magnus I​

I set out from the capital two days ago with a levied army numbering somewhere in the one thousand range. When they heard over my triumphs against the Bavarian soldiers, they couldn't sign up faster. They all brought their own weapons, horses, and food, saving me most of the money given to me by the Empress.

The Empress has also given me a war horse and seventy Imperial Knights. Needless to say she wants Bavaria's Duke Arnulf dead. I am more than happy to comply.

We are currently a mile outside of Salzburg where an Archbishop dares to stand in my path. I will make sure that he dies first.

August 7th, 910

Magnus awoke his eyes the only things to move. At first he wondered where he was upon staring at the top of a tent, only to recall. The proclaimed Duke of Bavaria then sat up, rubbing his eyes. Today I shall take Salzburg he thought, a grin now appearing on his face. The young man got up and placed on undergarments, they gave him slight comfort. He then found his chainmail and put it on, each chain making a different sound as it glided down his body.

Next were the leggings which became difficult to put on over some chainmail. After that he found his helm and over shirt. Once everything was on, he picked up his sword. It gleamed and shined with some blood at the end. Magnus continued to grin and he walked out his tent.

Outside, he was bombarded with the smells of men and iron and the sight of nearly one thousand men readying themselves. He walked forth, overlooking his men. They would bow when he passed.

After about an hour all of his men were ready and in rank. Magnus was atop his horse and with his knights in the back. After a moment of silence, Magnus raised his blade and yelled.

"FORTH!"



All of the men marched forword. They were at the the foot of a hill so they marched at a slope. They continued on to the top of the hill where they found their foe marching as well.



Upon seeing the enemy, Magnus grabbed his horn and blew. His men knew the signal and charged forth, running at the enemy. The Bavarians heard the horn and blew one of their own going ahead as well.




As the infantry and cavalry went forward, the archers stayed back and fired away, their arrows ripping through Bavaria's sons.



The Battle of Salzburg was about to begin.
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Bavarian Campaign
Battle of Salzburg II​

Journal of Magnus I​

The battle at Salzburg began with the sound of crashing shields and the smell of bloody iron. I watched from atop my great steed as the levies pushed forward, driving the damned Bavarians back. They showed valor and true strength, each cutting down at least ten of their foes. I was surprised they did not rout at the sheer show of arms we had given them.



As for the cavalry they cut through the enemy like a blade through air, no resistance. My strength and, I daresay, envy drove my next action. I cried out to my guard.



"What say you men? Shall we kill these God-forsaken bastards!?" With those words we charged headlong into the fray, the earth quaking at the sheer resolve of the men. I swung down my blade and slew fifty men in one fell blow. But alas, the army of demons that we faced would not break.



Thus, I ordered my guard back and we circled the enemy, passing over them twice. But on the third pass we charged the rear. Sensing their defeat the enemy infantry pulled back in retreat, only to find our blades.



With God as our ally we cut down every living Bavarian. The slaughter so immense, that not even the crows could finish them. It was truly a glorious day.



With the battle complete, we looked over the fallen, recognizing our own. They were given a glorious warrior's burial on the sight. They would forever dine in heaven, knowing that they had won the day and defeated the enemy. Before leaving, I looked one last time through the valley, knowing that we were triumphant.



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Politik des Reiches
The Next Kaiser
August 13th 910 AD
Aachen, Das Heilige Römische Reich

The Empress of the Reich glided into the throne room, her feet moving so quickly you would blink and she'd be another meter forward. Her back was straight and her head was high, but a smile dare not grace her face. Behind her trailed the entourage and her two sons Louis and Lothair.

Louis was the smaller and youngest. He was, however, much more timid than his brother. Young Louis' eye were constantly shifting, worried by something. But he would return his gaze to his mother.

Lothair held himself much like his mother, high and mighty. His eyes remained solely on his late father's throne. They gleamed with envy.

After a few moments the Empress was upon her throne with her entourage and children before her. She sat for a moment before speaking.

"Which one of you wishes to be the next Kaiser?" She said, gaze on her children.

"I do, mother." Lothair said bowing. Louis started to fidget, his eyes everywhere but on his mother. She noticed this and stared at him, only to return her gaze to Lothair.

"Then you shall be Emperor. Ready the horses we going for Ro-"

"But your majesty," A noble interrupted. "Only His Holiness and the electors can decide who will be Kaiser." The Empress' turned to him and rose.

" I have already decided. He will be Emperor!" She yelled, quieting any opposition. Her entourage immediately went to work and prepared the expedition. No one would dare tell her otherwise.


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Bavarian Campaign
Treaty of Salzburg​

Journal of Magnus I​

We entered the city in glory, prisoners in tow. These included the Archbishop and Duke's son. Both were nearly dead. The peasants on the streets just stared in shock and awe, unable to speak. They did not believe their city could fall.

We continued on to the square where a crowd had amassed. There, under the gallows, we signed fordged and signed the Treaty of Salzburg.



With all Bavaria now under my dominion, I can proceed with further plans. The next Kaiser best not forget my triumphs.

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The Heilige Römische Reich
Regent Friedrich (910-911) and Regent Berengar (911-912)​

The Empire (2001) Dr. Wilhelm Deutschenkönig, University of Prague​

By the assassination of the Emperor Lothair in 910 the "German" state was at its lowest extent. At that time the Rhine River remained its farthest western boundary, the heart of modern-day Germany. In the north historical Brandenburg was yet to be subjugated and in the east Prague, a newly built city at the time, was at the border. Even in the south parts of Austria was not part of the Reich.

But with the leaving of Empress Ermengarde of Tours to Rome, the nation needed a regent. Therefore, before leaving, the Empress declared Friedrich, Imperial Constable, as regent.

Freidrich immediately took over and began bettering his nation. One of his first orders of business was moving the capital from Aachen to Prague (where it remained for centuries). From Prague, the regent sent emissaries to all of the Reich's neighbors and devised a calendar.



This calendar, known as the Gregorian Calendar, was based on a calendar used by the Bulgar noble Gregor. Thus its namesake, Gregor.

Friedrich's neighbor, France, was also going through some changes. By the time the German emissary entered Paris, a new dynasty had assumed command. One that was quite cautious of the Reich.



In the east, Hungary was collapsing. The common people were done with their king and deposed him quickly. This mostly due to the fact that his guards turned on him as well. The german emissary there thus suggested a personal union with the Reich, and idea that was quickly accepted.

With Hungary now part of the empire the southern Balkan states split, some joinging the Byzantines, the others joinging the Reich. With this, Friedrich had gained more territory for the Reich since Charlemange. But Friedrich's reign would not last.



On May 17th, 911 AD, Friedrich signed the Italian Regency Document that placed Berengar of Friuli on the throne. This document however, said nothing about Berengar having to leave the throne. In fact, it made all of Berengar's descendents "Regent of Germany". This was only to cause probelms in the future.



Berengar did help the empire though. Under his brief ten month rule, the Regent of Germany subjugated Brandenburg and modern-day Croatia. But after ten months, Berengar died of illness, sparking a deadly conflict on who would gain command of the Reich.



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