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  • HRE NES

    Welcome to HRE NES! If you're new here and would like to join up, the following spaces are available:

    Duchies: No Duchy is available at present. If you would like to be notified when one opens up, shoot me a PM and I'll contact you as soon as an opening pops up.

    Others: Other realms not mentioned above are not intended for players at this time; other big powers like Italy, France, the Vikings, and so forth are mine. If you have something creative in mind, I'll hear you out by PM, but I would prefer if you chose something that's open above. I'll be more likely to let you do something unorthodox if there aren't any free spaces above.

    HRE NES
    Rise of the Holy Roman Empire

    It is the Year of Our Lord 911. Charlemagne, Imperator Augustus and King of the Franks, has been dead for nearly a century, and his empire is a shadow of its former self. The Christians of Europe are split into petty kingdoms and duchies, and Charlemagne’s crown sits in a Papal vault in Rome – its last wearer, Louis of Burgundy, was humiliated in an abortive invasion of northern Italy, and had his eyes put out by the master of Friuli, Berengar. Berengar has assumed the title of Emperor, though the Pope has yet to officially recognize this, and he is yet uncrowned.

    The Throne of Saint Peter is also not what it once was. The current Pope (as was his predecessor, Sergius III) is deep in the sway of several powerful Roman families – more precisely, he is in the sway of powerful women within those families, and the illicit affairs that are rumored to go on in the holiest parts of the Eternal City have become the source of many derisive jokes and ribald rhymes. For now, these powerful families control the Papacy, and use it chiefly for their own immediate gain in the environs of Rome.

    Not all is decaying, however. In the dark forests of Germany at the edges of Charlemagne’s empire, new powers are emerging. The tribes of the Germanic peoples have only recently restyled themselves as feudal nobility, and have appropriated large and independent realms for themselves. The four most powerful of these German Dukes, rulers of the tribal regions known as the “Stem Duchies,” have banded together this year and elected the first true King of Germany (or East Franconia, as it is more properly known), Duke Conrad of Franconia. Threatened by the ruthless Magyar horsemen from the southeast, the Dukes have – at least superficially – submitted to a Monarch. Make no mistake, however, that they will humbly accept vassaldom and servile obedience to their new King – it was not long ago that their ancestors were pagan chieftains plundering the ruins of the Roman Empire, and they thirst for the power and wealth that could be theirs as Duke, King – or Emperor.

    Playable Factions and Leaders:

    Duchy of Saxony – King Heinrich (Micha)
    Duchy of Franconia – Duke Eberhard III (foolish_icarus)
    Duchy of Bavaria – Duke Arnulf (appleciders)
    Duchy of Swabia – Duke Burchard II (bipolarbear)
    Duchy of Bohemia - Duke Vratislaus (Nimitz)
    County of Friesland - Count Dirk (Giovanni Wine)

    Unplayable Powers:

    Kingdom of Italy – Emperor Berengar I
    Kingdom of Upper Burgundy – King Rudolph II
    Kingdom of Lower Burgundy – King Louis III “the Blind”
    Kingdom of Western Francia and Lothairingia – King Charles III “the Simple”
    Duchy of Normandy – Duke Rollo Ganger (fealty owed to Charles III of Francia)
    Republic of Venice – Doge Orso II Participazio
    Magyar Horde – Fejedelem Szabolcs
    Kievan Rus – Prince Igor
    Papal States – Pope John X
    Kingdom of England – King Edward “the Elder”
    Eastern Roman Empire – Empress Zoe Karvounopsina (Regent for Constantine VII)
    Croatian Duchy of Dalmatia – Duke Tomislav
    Emirate of Cordoba – Emir Abd-ar-Rahman III
    Kingdom of Bulgaria - Tsar Simeon "the Great"
    Kingdom of the Danes - King Hardeknut

    Rules and Guides

    The general manual on playing this NES can be found here. Note that some of this info may become outdated as the game develops, so stay tune for changes, and just ask via post or pm if you have any questions.

    For orders, I prefer that everything be public and in this thread unless it needs to be secret - then you pm me. There is no limit on pms, and detail is good, but filling 10 pms with descriptions about the finely detailed mustaches on your Angonmen won't help you any.

    Updates will occur when all players have submitted orders; updates will be postponed if players are on vacation. The GM reserves the right to update in a player's absence if the player just dissappears.

    I have only two big rules to participate: First, make sure you pm me if you are leaving for a while, so I don't remove you or update without you. Be courteous! Secondly, if you find yourself unable to play, send me a pm, so I can give your spot to somebody else.

    Note that new duchies will probably open up over time, so if you're reading this thread but there's no room for you, pm me anyway - when a duchy opens up you can join in.
    Last edited by Cyclotron; September 6, 2006, 03:27.
    Lime roots and treachery!
    "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

  • #2
    The Map (as of of 919)

    HRE NES 919

    Stat Blocks

    Duchy of Franconia
    Player: foolish_icarus
    Ruler: Duke Eberhard III, Age 26
    Wife: Adhela, Age 22
    Children: Gerhard, Age 1
    Relations: Grandson of Emperor Arnulf of Carinthia (distaff, deceased)
    Current Heir: None
    Treasury: 3,285 denarii
    Demesne Income: 3,000 denarii
    Mining Income: 875 denarii
    Trade Income: 100 denarii
    Tax Income: 45 denarii (5% of 900d)
    Troop Upkeep: 2,590 denarii
    Loss from Raiding: 500 denarii (Magyars)
    Loss from Corruption: 450 denarii
    Total Gain/Loss: +480 denarii

    Territory: Duchy of Franconia
    Size Rating: 100%
    Principal Towns:
    Frankfurt (court, armory, treasury, church, palisade)
    Bamberg
    Mainz (chapel, monastery)
    Weinsberg (palisade)
    Defenses:
    None
    Land Use:
    62% Enfeoffed
    18% Church Property
    20% Ducal Demesne (profitability 100%)
    Demesne Income: 3,000 denarii
    Corruption: 15%
    Resources and Goods:
    Usual crop complement (barley, wheat, oats, peas)
    Silver (moderate quantity, basic mines) 500 denarii
    Tin (high quantity, basic mines) 300 denarii
    Iron (very low quantity, basic mines) 75 denarii
    Vassals: 300(310) knights, 855(930) sergeants (160 and 450 called up)
    Standing Army:
    Frankfurt Levy (no commander): 250 Medium Spearmen (spear, shield, light), 250 Light Archers (bow), 400 Medium Swordsmen (sword, shield, light)
    Eastern Veterans Battalion (Bishop Roricus von Worms, Wildgraf Ansehelm von Leitbach): 160 knights, 450 sergeants, 320 Medium Swordsmen (sword, shield, light), 50 Medium Spearmen (light, spear, shield), 30 Medium Guards (light, polearm), 20 Shield Guards (polearm, shield), 50 Pavise Archers (bow, pavise), 20 Light Skirmishers (javelin, shield)
    Conrad's Fist (no commander): 100 Medium Axemen (light, shield, axe), 50 Medium Woodsmen (light, axe, bow), 50 Heavy Warriors (heavy, axe, spear)
    New Recruits: 1,000 New Recruits
    Army Upkeep: 2,590 denarii
    Armory:
    None

    Duchy of Bavaria
    Player: appleciders
    Ruler: Duke Arnulf “the Bad,” Age 30
    Wife: Judith of Friaul, Age 25
    Children: Judith, Age 10
    Relations: Grandson of Duke Burchard of Swabia (distaff, deceased)
    Current Heir: Markgraf Eberhard of Carinthia (brother)
    Treasury: 1255 denarii
    Demesne Income: 2850 denarii
    Mining Income: 1700 denarii
    Trade Income: 405 denarii
    Troop Upkeep: 1290 denarii
    Mercenary Wages: 1100 denarii
    Loss from Raiding: 800 denarii (Magyars)
    Loss from Corruption: 540 denarii
    Total Gain/Loss: +1325 denarii

    Territory: Duchy of Bavaria
    Size Rating: 100%
    Principal Towns:
    Regensburg (court, armory, treasury, ring wall, church, barracks)
    Passau (palisade, chapel, ring wall under construction)
    Salzburg (palisade, church)
    Linz
    Defenses:
    Bohemian Border (Wooden Forts)
    Land Use:
    65% Enfeoffed
    16% Church Property
    19% Ducal Demesne (profitability 100%)
    Demesne Income: 2,850 denarii
    Corruption: 19%
    Resources and Goods:
    Usual crop complement (barley, wheat, oats, peas)
    Tin (high quantity, basic mines) 300 denarii
    Silver (very low quantity, basic mines) 125 denarii
    Salt (very high quantity, advanced mines) 1,200 denarii
    Stone (high quantity, basic mines) 75 denarii
    Vassals: 120(325) knights, 170(1,005) sergeants
    Standing Army:
    Army of Carinthia (Markgraf Eberhard, Donaugraf Gottfried von Wien, Freiherr Visloff der Kroat): 120 Norman Adventurers (heavy, shield, lance, sword), 240 Frankish Chivalry (light, shield, lance, sword), 80 Heavy Infantry (heavy, spear, sword, shield), 220 Medium Infantry (light, spear, sword, shield), 120 Medium Guards (light, polearm), 20 Skirmishers (sword, shield, bow), 50 Spear-Archers (spear, bow)
    Army of Bavaria (Wildgraf Ansehelm von Leitbach, Vizegraf Gunnulf von Villach): 400 Thuringian Woodsmen, 350 Lombard Axemen
    New Recruits: 800 New Recruits
    Army Upkeep: 1,290 denarii
    Armory:
    800 Pavises (with forces in Vienna)
    880 Light Armor
    110 Heavy Armor
    520 Swords
    1,260 Magyar Bows
    210 Bows
    310 Spears
    440 Axes
    910 Shields
    40 Maces
    20 Polearms
    30 Javelins

    Duchy of Swabia
    Player: bipolarbear
    Ruler: Erchanger of Swabia, Age 48
    Wife: Hilda of Swabia, Age 44
    Children: Burchard (Nephew), Age 19
    Relations: None of Interest
    Current Heir: Burchard (Nephew)
    Treasury: 6,610 denarii
    Demesne Income: 3,000 denarii
    Mining Income: 750 denarii
    Trade Income: 620 denarii
    Other Income: 200 denarii (wineries)
    Troop Upkeep: 3,870 denarii
    Loss from Raiding: 600 denarii (Magyars)
    Loss from Corruption: 480 denarii
    Total Gain/Loss: -380 denarii

    Territory: Duchy of Swabia
    Size Rating: 100%
    Principal Towns:
    Strassburg (court, treasury, armory, palisade, chapel)
    Augsburg (palisade)
    Zurich (palisade)
    Lindau (palisade, monastery)
    Defenses:
    Italian Border (Wooden Forts)
    Bavarian Border (Stone Forts)
    Land Use:
    66% Enfeoffed
    14% Church Property
    20% Ducal Demesne (profitability 100%)
    Demesne Income: 3,000 denarii
    Corruption: 16%
    Resources and Goods:
    Usual crop complement (barley, wheat, oats, peas)
    Grapes (advanced wineries) 200 denarii
    Iron (high quantity, upgraded mines) 675 denarii
    Copper (high quantity, basic mines) 300 denarii
    Vassals: 260(320) knights, 810(990) sergeants (110 and 385 called up)
    Standing Army:
    Strassbourg Levy (Landgraf Welf von Stuttgart): 380 Medium Spearmen (spear, shield, light), 190 Medium Guards (polearm, light)
    Augsburg Levy (Landgraf Sibold von Zalringen): 200 Medium Spearmen (spear, shield, light)
    Magyar Border Guard (Wildgraf Matto von der Schwarzwald): 200 Medium Swordsmen (sword, shield, light), 100 Light Archers (bow)
    Army of Relief (Vizegraf Bernard von Thurgau): 110 Knights, 385 Sergeants, 300 Medium Spearmen, 130 Angonmen (javelin, spear, shield), 370 Light Archers (bow)
    New Soldiers: 2,000 Soldiers (no equipment)
    Army Upkeep: 3,870 denarii
    Armory:
    400 Light Armor
    300 Shields
    500 Spears

    Duchy of Saxony
    Player: Micha
    Ruler: King Heinrich, Age 43
    Wife: Matilda of Ringelheim, Age 27
    Children: Thankmar, Age 10; Otto, Age 7
    Relations: Great-great-grandson-in-law of Charlemagne (deceased)
    Current Heir: None (all heirs underage)
    Treasury: 2000 denarii
    Demesne Income: 4,160 denarii
    Mining Income: 550 denarii
    Trade Income: 60 denarii
    Troop Upkeep: 2940 denarii
    Loss from Raiding: 500 denarii (Danish Vikings), 400 Denarii (Frieslander Vikings), 100 denarii (Wends)
    Loss from Corruption: 375 denarii
    Total Gain/Loss: +455 denarii

    Territory: Duchy of Saxony
    Size Rating: 120%
    Principal Towns:
    Bremen (court, treasury, armory, church, palisade)
    Minden (palisade)
    Magdeburg (chapel, ring wall, training grounds)
    Hamburg (monastery)
    Münster
    Defenses:
    Northern Watch
    Danish Border (Wooden Forts)
    Land Use:
    60% Enfeoffed
    18% Church Property
    22% Ducal Demesne (profitability 105%)
    Demesne Income: 4160 denarii
    Corruption: 9%
    Resources and Goods:
    Usual crop complement (barley, wheat, oats, peas)
    Potash production (basic kilns) +5% demesne profitability
    Copper (moderate quantity, basic mines) 200 denarii
    Tin (moderate quantity, basic mines) 200 denarii
    Lead (high quantity, basic mines) 150 denarii
    Vassals: 250(330) knights, 565(990) sergeants
    Standing Army:
    Bremen Levy (Burggraf Friedrich von Verden): 150 Medium Swordsmen (sword, shield, light)
    Magdeburg Levy (Markgraf Burgund von Magdeburg): 200 Light Spearmen (spear, shield)
    Münster Levy (no commander): 150 Light Spearmen (spear, shield)
    Viking Slayers (Landgraf Theodoric von Norden, Vizegraf Gunter von Holstein): 110 Heavy Saxon Raiders (heavy, polearm, sword, shield), 50 Sword-Archers (bow, sword, shield, light), 200 Saxon Raiders (polearm, sword, shield, light), 200 Medium Angonmen (javelin, spear, shield, light), 700 Medium Woodsmen (light, shield, axe, bow), 450 Frieslander Auxiliaries (polearm)
    North Sea Fleet (No Commander, 10 Longships): No crew
    Bavarian Rescue Force (Freiherr Heidolf von Dortmund): 5 Knights, 15 Sergeants, 60 Light Archers (bow), 170 Light Spearmen (spear, bow, shield)
    Army Upkeep: 2,440 denarii
    Armory:
    680 Bows
    300 Spears
    1,230 Swords
    190 Light
    120 Polearm
    10 Heavy
    "Viking Watch Fund" - 110 denarii remaining

    Territory: March of Meissen
    Size Rating: 20%
    Principal Towns:
    Zwickau (chapel, ring wall)
    Leipzig
    Dresden
    Defenses:
    None
    Land Use:
    Not Feudalized
    Resources and Goods:
    Few Crops
    Woad (not cultivated)
    Native Troops (1,500 men, inactive):
    100 Kralkoń (horse, heavy, lance, axe, shield)
    400 Tribal Swordsmen (sword, shield)
    400 Tribal Spearmen (spear, shield)
    600 Woodsmen (axe, bow)
    Standing Army:
    Protectors of the March (Landgraf Baldovin von Hameln): 500 Medium Woodsmen (light, shield, axe, bow)
    Army Upkeep: 500 denarii

    Duchy of Bohemia
    Player: Nimitz
    Ruler: Duke Vratislaus, Age 31
    Wife: Drahomíra “the Arrogant,” Age 29
    Children: Wenceslaus, Age 12; Boleslaus, Age 10; Střezislava, Age 8
    Relations: Son of Bořivoj, First Duke of Bohemia
    Current Heir: Wenceslaus (son)
    Treasury: 1,950 denarii
    Demesne Income: 2,310 denarii
    Mining Income: 1150 denarii
    Trade Income: 40 denarii
    Other Income: 0 denarii
    Troop Upkeep: 2,700 denarii
    Loss from Raiding: 400 denarii (Magyars)
    Loss from Corruption: 395 denarii
    Total Gain/Loss: -390 denarii

    Territory: Duchy of Bohemia
    Size Rating: 70%
    Principal Towns:
    Prague (court, treasury, armory, ring wall, church)
    Pilsen
    Leitmeritz (monastery)
    Defenses:
    None
    Land Use:
    62% Enfeoffed
    16% Church Property
    22% Ducal Demesne (profitability 100%)
    Demesne Income: 2,310 denarii
    Corruption: 17%
    Resources and Goods:
    Usual crop complement (barley, wheat, oats, peas; poor soil)
    Iron (very high quantity, advanced mines): 900 denarii
    Silver (low quantity, basic mines): 250 denarii
    Flax (not cultivated)
    Vassals: 135 (220) knights, 385 (660) sergeants (125 and 360 called up)
    Standing Army:
    Army of Prague (Hrabě Dalibor z Erce): 125 Knights, 360 Sergeants, 600 Medium Spearmen (light, shield, spear), 800 Light Spearmen (shield, spear), 500 Skirmishers (axe, javelin, shield), 500 Woodsmen (axe, bow)
    Leitmeritz Garrison (Hrabě Jasny z Litoměřice): 300 Light Spearmen (shield, spear)
    Army Upkeep: 2,700 denarii
    Armory:
    300 Spears
    400 Bows
    150 Shields
    300 Axes

    County of Friesland
    Player: Giovanni Wine
    Ruler: Count Dirk, Age 37
    Wife: Elske of Egmond, Age 31
    Children: Dirk, Age 10; Swantje, Age 1
    Relations: Great-great grandson of King Radbod of Frisia
    Current Heir: Dirk (son)
    Treasury: 2,225 denarii
    Demesne Income: 1,260 denarii
    Mining Income: 0 denarii
    Trade Income: 180 denarii
    Other Income: 300 denarii (Swabian iron)
    Troop Upkeep: 1,050 denarii
    Loss from Raiding: 800 denarii (Vikings)
    Loss from Corruption: 165 denarii
    Total Gain/Loss: -275 denarii

    Territory: County of Friesland
    Size Rating: 30%
    Principal Towns:
    Norden (court, treasury, armory, palisade, chapel)
    Deventer (palisade, road network)
    Defenses:
    None
    Land Use:
    52% Enfeoffed
    13% Church Property
    35% Ducal Demesne (profitability 80%)
    Demesne Income: 1,260 denarii
    Corruption: 13%
    Resources and Goods:
    Poor crop complement (barley, wheat, oats, peas; poor soil)
    Butter (basic dairy farms) 200 denarii
    Salt Fish (basic fisheries) 200 denarii
    Wool (not cultivated)
    Vassals: 80 knights, 240 sergeants (80 and 240 called up)
    Standing Army:
    Army of Norden (Baron Staas van Apeldoorn): 80 knights, 180 sergeants, 550 Medium Guards (polearm, light), 200 Skirmishers (sword, shield, javelin), 900 Militia* (polearm)
    Deventer Levy (Baron Geffe van Deventer): 60 sergeants, 200 Medium Axemen (light, shield, axe), 100 Light Archers (bow), 400 Militia* (polearm)
    *Note: Units with an asterisk are volunteer free farmers fighting for their independence. They cost no money, but come and go as they please.
    Army Upkeep: 1,050 denarii
    Armory:
    None


    Resources and Goods

    Your land produces various kinds of goods that can be traded or developed. Some, especially minerals, will not show up here if they are undiscovered. Others, such as most forest goods, are used only by local peasants, and aren't really tradeable goods without some investment.

    Crops:
    Barley - The big crop of German peasants. Taking up about 50% of farmed land, barley is very productive, and mercilessly tasteless. It is, incidentally, the foundation of ale brewing.
    Wheat - A higher quality grain useable for bread production, wheat has a lower yield than barley, and uses around one third of the farmed land of Germany.
    Oats - Humans can eat oats when they must, but usually oats are used for animal feed. Thy have a fair yield, but not much crop space is given over to what people can't use as a staple food.
    Peas - Peas have an unimpressive yield and aren't grown in large tracts, but the average peasants devotes at least a little land to them as they provide nutrition that barly doesn't and spice up an otherwise dreary life a bit.
    Flax - Flax is inedible, but is used to make linen, a potentially valuable trade good. Flax can be used for cooking, though olive oil is preferable, and can be used for caulking ships (though it's not as good a sealant as wood resin).
    Hemp - Hemp is vital for the production of rope, nets, sacking, and even some clothing. Naval powers especially will find hemp very important, though it is used by all nations.
    Grapes - Most of Germany is too cold for good grape production, but some southern areas have grape farms in rolling hills that produce wine for local consumption.

    Forestry:
    Most of the land in Germany is covered by deep, dark, ancient forests. While not suitable for farming or habitation, they provide several key products.

    Lumber - Wood is life; it is the main resource for construction, shipbuilding, and fortification, not to mention the universal fuel (especially when reduced into charcoal). It is available in massive quantities, though a timber "industry" doesn't really exist at this point.
    Potash - Made from wood ash, potash is an important fertilizer, and is important to the manufacture of glass and soap.
    Hides - Animal hides are a potentially valuable trade item, and the animals that bear them typically lurk within Germany's dark forests.
    Honey - Gathered by both peasants and nobles, honey is the only sweetener available in most of Europe (the closest alternative is sugar in Sicily). While a luxury item, it can fetch a good price.

    Mine Products:
    Stone – 50 base income. Stone is the least valuable mining product, but the value of stone is doubled when applied to the construction of most building projects. Thus, if a duchy produces 50 denarii of stone, this will pay for up to 100 denarii worth of building construction.
    Marble – 200 base income. Some construction projects, like cathedrals, require a supply of marble to be available through trade or local sources.
    Copper – 200 base income.
    Tin – 100 base income. This rises to 200 if a copper supply is also available, through trade or local sources.
    Iron – 300 base income. The value of iron is doubled when applied to the construction of arms and armor. Thus, if a kingdom produces 300 denarii of iron, this will pay for up to 600 denarii worth of arms production.
    Salt – 400 base income. A salt supply enables the expansion of fishing and herding industries, and increases the profitability of a demesne that utilizes such resources.
    Lead – 100 base income. Some construction projects require a supply of lead to be available through trade or local sources.
    Silver – 500 base income. A source of silver allows coins to be minted; without a supply, a duchy must rely on the coinage of other duchies, and can be destabilized if other duchies choose to “cut off” the money supply.
    Other – Some other rare minerals can be discovered accidentally. Their base income varies.

    Availability:
    Very Low – 25% of base income
    Low – 50% of base income
    Moderate – 100% of base income
    High – 150% of base income
    Very High – 200% of base income

    Mining:
    Basic mines produce the noted base income, modified for rarity. Mines can be expanded and upgraded at an increasing cost, yielding larger profits. Mine expansion eventually reaches an area of diminishing returns, where further expansion becomes prohibitively expensive compared to the modest improvement it would yield in productivity. Sprawling mine complexes take a great deal of labor and space, and ruin land for other uses, and thus can take their toll on a demesne’s profitability if they get out of hand.

    Trade:
    Agricultural products, mine yields, and virtually anything else can be traded. Some reliable method of conveying the goods in question must be available; thus, trading in stone is more difficult than trading in hides. Trade is conducted in denarii increments; thus, Duchy A could trade 50 denarii of iron to Venice for 50 denarii of Glass. Each side gains an incidental profit equal to a percentage of the value of both goods combined, ranging from 10% to 50% depending on the state of the duchy’s merchant classes, port facilities, road quality, and other things. This is in an ideal situation – in most cases, pirates, local taxes, bandits, and greedy merchants will take their cuts, and trade can actually become resource draining if costs become too high. Trading with far-away places is generally more costly, but may be the only way to get certain resources. The incidental profit can only be garnered from one source of a certain good; if Duchy A trades with Sicily for Glass, it receives the glass but does not gain the additional 50% value bonus. Trades do not have to be equal; a duchy craving iron might be willing to give up 80 denarii of silver for 50 denarii of iron, which is a good trade if the duchy needs that iron for a lot of arms production. A Duchy cannot “deficit trade.” If a trade deal cannot be met, it is cancelled. Trade deals continue until they are so cancelled, or voluntarily ended by one party.

    Harvests:
    Harvests can be good or bad, depending on the year and climate. Good harvests make people happy, make demesnes more profitable, and even raise troop morale. Bad harvests make peasants angry, lower demesne profitability, and can cause desertion. This generally depends on the crop – a fungus that attacks wine grapes will only harm a select few lords who grow them in their demesnes, and perhaps collapse a few trade deals, but a poor year for barley may cause mass starvation. A benevolent lord can try to arrange imports of food with other rulers in exchange for trade items or services; this will hurt his treasury, but may win him the gratitude of his people.
    Last edited by Cyclotron; October 20, 2006, 03:08.
    Lime roots and treachery!
    "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

    Comment


    • #3
      Updates

      Year 912
      Year 913
      Year 914
      Year 915
      Year 916
      Year 917
      Year 918
      Year 919


      General Roster

      This list contains the descriptions of all generals currently active for each Duchy. Generals who are slain or were not selected do not appear on this list.

      Franconia

      Rhinegraf Gisfried von Ingelbeim - Age 39
      Most other nobles are of two opinions of this man – they either love him or hate him. While he doesn’t seem to inspire either through his general conduct, his masterful theories of tactics and warfare are widely respected by those who like him and envied by those who don’t. This trait of his would not be so inspiring of intense emotion were he not always so loudly trumpeting his willingness to try out all his tactics himself, sword in hand, on the front lines.

      Bishop Roricus von Worms - Age 41
      This man is a clergyman noble, a bishop in the service of the king. He is a trusted ally of the Conradine ducal house, and believes firmly in the German King and his righteous cause. Though not noted as an excellent commander or great leader, he is undoubtedly loyal and notably brave on the field of battle. His tactical skills are wanting, but thanks to his priestly studies he is literate and has a respectable knowledge of siege warfare.

      Landgraf Cristianus von Mellrichstadt - Age 29
      A popular, energetic, and outspoken noble, this man is noted as one of the leaders among the nobles who attempted to grab land in Saxon Thuringia while Duke Heinrich was away. He is immensely popular among his soldiers and people, as well as his fellow nobles, and excels at battlefield command, though he is not much for military engineering. He is a known social climber and his loyalty to the crown is highly suspect.

      Wildgraf Merobaud von der Thüringerwald - Age 40
      A well known commander in Franconia, this noble from the dark forests of Franconian Thuringia is noted for his achievements on the field of battle – men will acknowledge his skill, bravery, and charisma readily when asked. Perhaps he is no latter-day Pompey, but his prowess is something that would make any commander on the field think twice. He appears to be suitably loyal; no incidents that would infer otherwise stand out (he has remained aloof from the group of Franconian-Thuringian nobles allied to von Mellrichstadt).

      Bavaria

      Wildgraf Ansehelm von Leitbach - Age 45
      A noble from the untamed lands of southern Carinthia, this man spent his young years as a German mercenary lord in the army of Louis the Blind, during Louis’s eventually failed attempt to wrest the Kingdom of Italy from Berengar. Present at several sieges of Italian cities, this man has proved himself to be a brilliant engineer, admired even by the normally more proficient and numerate Italians. He is unquestionably brave on the field, but is noted as ponderously cautious and not truly outstanding in tactical matters. As a former mercenary, a few have doubts as to his loyalty.

      Freiherr Visloff der Kroat - Age 28
      A poor Knight of low status and foreign birth, this man has distinguished himself through his known bravery and gallantry in the field and a brilliant head for numbers. If anything, he is too chivalrous. His superiors are often exasperated at his slow, methodical, logical approach to any and every problem.

      Vizegraf Gunnulf von Villach - Age 40
      There are few that approach this man’s mastery of war. While he is neither well educated nor literate (though, to be fair, neither are most nobles), he has an uncanny instinct for tactics that seems to always come through. When the field is equal, he invariably crushes the enemy through superior cunning. He is reasonably well liked, though his peers wonder if he is a bit too cautious – for him, discretion is often the better part of valor. Little is known of his loyalty, but there are no rumors of any disloyalty on his part.

      Landgraf Eberhard von Bayern - Age 28
      Younger brother of the Duke of Bavaria, Eberhard is not a man to be trifled with. Unlike many younger brothers, who use their lesser status as an excuse for a life of indolence and frivolity, Eberhard has had an active life (though largely under the shadow of Arnulf). He is renowned as a brilliant and popular tactician and commander. “Eberhard” means “courage of a wild boar,” and few men have any doubt of that – he is viewed as the grim war leader in contrast to the reputation of Arnulf as a canny, clever, ruthless, but ultimately somewhat timid lord. He has little at all in the way of formal studies, and is a reserved and quiet man when not on the field. His support within Bavaria is strong, and it is generally assumed that he will quickly take power as Duke should his brother vacate the position.

      Swabia

      Landgraf Welf von Stuttgart - Age 35
      A notably wealthy noble, this man is known by a few as intelligent and an excellent military theorist, though he always seems to be in the background of campaigns, letting others lead from the front while he makes his plans and amuses himself with strategic considerations. He talks little and is easily forgettable by most.

      Landgraf Sibold von Zalringen - Age 38
      This man is known as a good, pious, and charitable man. He spends many hours in prayer, and lives in self-enforced simplicity, uncommon for a landed noble. His faith inspires his people and soldiers, and his is quite popular among all who know him; though not remarkable for much else, he is widely regarded as someone who won’t spend much time at all in Purgatory.

      Wildgraf Matto von der Schwarzwald - Age 32
      This man is very popular among his fellow nobles. Owning sizeable but undeveloped estates in the Black Forest, he is a consummate host and socialite, and it seems nearly all the nobles in the duchy have hunted with him or dined at one of his many country houses. His many friends, when asked about any vices of his, all have a good chuckle at his seemingly legendary laziness.

      Vizegraf Bernard von Thurgau - Age 30
      Known as ambitious and keen of mind, this man is noted as a skilled commander of soldiers, and reasonably popular as well. He has risen in the ranks quickly in his well known quest for power, which unnerves those above him.

      Saxony

      Burggraf Friedrich von Verden - Age 28
      This man is a loud self-promoter, constantly bragging about his bravery and prowess in combat. While his personal courage has been noted on the field against the Slavs, his skill as a leader is somewhat less impressive, and his headstrong nature has imperiled others before. Insinuations in this regard usually result in this man becoming very angry, and demanding that the matter be settled in personal combat, which he has proven himself to be quite skillful at.

      Markgraf Burgund von Magdeburg - Age 45
      A decent, God-fearing, and well-educated noble, this man is not especially well-known or revered, but it is difficult to find much in the way of complaints or negative stories about him. He seems to be reasonably popular and has enjoyed some success on the battlefield as a leader and warrior – hardly worthy of a heroic epic, but certainly not bad either.

      Freiherr Heidolf von Dortmund - Age 26
      Granted knighthood by his duke following a brave stand against Viking invaders, this man is a favorite of the ruling family and is known to be fiercely loyal to them. He is handsome and popular, a widely admired leader of men that inspires them with his fearlessness and personal courage, though his tactics lack the brilliance and polish of some generals.

      Landgraf Theodoric von Norden - Age 33
      This man is actually a Frieslander from Norden who swore fealty to the Duke during the recent Viking raids, convinced that the Duke of Saxony was the only one who could eventually save Friesland from the Norsemen. He is envied as a soldier and commander, having exhibited supreme mastery on the field several times. It is indisputable that his prowess, coupled with the fervent zeal he inspires in his men, has turned defeat into victory on the field of war. Unfortunately, he does not often display this talent – he is a conservative’s conservative, and always extremely reluctant to assault the enemy or take any kind of risk whatsoever. While he bravely leads his men from the front, some wonder whether he cares too much about them to be a truly effective commander.

      Vizegraf Gunter von Holstein - Age 37
      This man’s wealthy father paid for his instruction in Padua. He is learned in affairs both scientific and military, is literate, and has a good bearing on both mathematics and the conduct of warfare, often reading treatises on Charlemagne and Justinian in his spare time. An uncommon bookish sort in a world of illiterate warlords, he is otherwise nondescript.

      Bohemia

      Hrabě Dalibor z Erce - Age 35
      Few leaders have vassals more dedicated than this man. A noble from Bohemia's isolated mountainous north, he is a dedicated partisan of the Přemyslid dynasty. This man is intelligent, outspoken, and knows it - he is an undisputed master of engineering and is utterly fearless on the field. Unfortunately, these things manifest as drawbacks as well; he seldom backs down from a fight, even when the need to do so is obvious (so convinced is he of his own abilities). His tactics are complex to the point of unworkability, and his loud self-confidence irks those around him.

      Hrabě Jasny z Litoměřice - Age 46
      This accomplished but somewhat unremarkable nobleman has worked hard in life and been rewarded with a sizeable fief around Leitmeritz. He is a decent commander, reasonably popular, and quite even-tempered, and no stories of disloyalty stand out. He appears to be a modest and serious man who substitutes good common sense and a strong work ethic for real genius.

      Friesland

      Baron Staas van Apeldoorn - Age 29
      Though a young man, this noble belongs to a family that has been working against the Viking occupiers for generations; this man’s father was part of the conspiracy to murder Gisfrid the Sea-King (and a friend of the previous Count), but was killed in battle against the Vikings. His son is known as a loyal and determined vassal of the Count, though recent setbacks have caused some to doubt his tactical ability. He seems suitably brave without being overly aggressive, and has a proven record of aptitude in engineering and siege warfare.

      Baron Geffe van Deventer - Age 41
      This noble has only recently joined the rebellion, as his marshland territory was never truly controlled by the Vikings, but has demonstrated his ability on several occasions. He appears to be a competent commander, though as a gruff and reserved man he is not the most popular baron around and doesn’t seem overly concerned with taking orders. Though uneducated and introverted, he comes into his own on the battlefield, where he has wide renown for his feats of bravery and personal courage.
      Last edited by Cyclotron; November 27, 2006, 18:05.
      Lime roots and treachery!
      "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

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      • #4
        The Marketplace

        This lists all trades that concern German duchies, both domestic and foreign. Trades provide a profit equal to a percentage of their total volume to both parties. This can range from 10% to 50%, and is decided by how easy and safe the trade route is for merchants, how valuable the goods are, and what the local demand is. Trade by river is the most profitable kind, followed by sea trade, followed by overland trade.

        Domestic Trade
        Franconia-Swabia: 100 Franconian Tin for 100 Swabian Copper (20%=40d)
        Swabia-Bavaria: 100 Swabian Copper for 100 Bavarian Tin (10%=20d)
        Swabia-Saxony: 300 Swabian Iron for 150 Saxon Tin, 150 Saxon Copper, 100 Saxon Lead (20%=140d, Swabian overcharge 100d)
        Bavaria-Franconia: 300 Sicilian Sugar for 300 Franconian Silver (10%=60d)
        Bavaria-Bohemia: 120 Bavarian Tin for 100 Bohemian Iron (10%=20d, Bohemian overcharge 20d)

        Foreign Trade
        Swabia-Friesland: 300 Swabian Iron for 200 Frieslander Salt Fish, 200 Frieslander Butter (40%=280d, Swabian overcharge 100d)
        Bavaria-Venice: 800 Bavarian Salt for 300 Cordoban Leather, 300 Silician Sugar, 200 Tuscan Wine, 150 Tunisian Glassware (10%=175d, Bavarian overcharge 150d)

        Total Profit:
        Franconia: 100 denarii
        Bavaria: 405 denarii
        Swabia: 620 denarii
        Saxony: 60 denarii
        Bohemia: 40 denarii
        Friesland: 180 denarii

        Seneschal's Report
        Here the Seneschal for each Duchy and County has complied a list of all resources, from either domestic production or foreign trade, that are available for use.

        Franconia
        Silver - 200 denarii
        Tin - 200 denarii
        Iron - 75 denarii
        Copper - 100 denarii
        Sugar - 300 denarii

        Bavaria
        Silver - 425 denarii
        Tin - 80 denarii
        Salt - 400 denarii
        Stone - 75 denarii
        Copper - 100 denarii
        Leather - 300
        Wine - 200
        Glassware - 150
        Iron - 100

        Swabia
        Wine - 200 denarii
        Iron - 75 denarii
        Copper - 250 denarii
        Tin - 350 denarii
        Lead - 100 denarii
        Butter - 200 denarii
        Salt Fish - 200 denarii

        Saxony
        Copper - 50 denarii
        Tin - 50 denarii
        Lead - 50 denarii
        Iron - 300 denarii

        Bohemia
        Iron - 800 denarii
        Silver - 250 denarii
        Tin - 60 denarii (no copper)

        Friesland
        Iron - 300 denarii

        Mercenary Billboard

        This lists all mercenaries available in regions adjacent to German provinces; others from further abroad may be available too, if you need something special done. Ask me how long mercenaries will take to reach you. Mercenaries may be available to command instantly if they are close enough.

        The religion of mercenary units affects how loyal they will be to you, how likely they are to sack and pillage the places you conquer based on the faith of your enemies, and how your fellow Christians feel about you employing infidels.

        Norman Adventurers (heavy, sword, lance, shield) - These hardy Normans are more than knights - they are adventurers! Attracted by the promise of land and wealth in Italy, these minor nobles and rich freebooters have come south to serve any lord that will hire them. Though Christian, they are headstrong and impetuous; they care far more about personal fame and fortune than loyalty or patience. As they are after fame and plunder rather than steady pay, they are relatively inexpensive to hire, though unreliability is always a concern. They are well equipped and ride strong warhorses. Cost: 3d per man per turn. 780 available. These men may be recruited from Burgundy, the Kingdom of Italy, or the Papal States.

        Lombard Axemen (light, axe, shield, javelin) - The Lombards ruled Italy until Charlemagne defeated their King, taking the title "King of the Lombards" for himself. Now, Christian Lombard warriors under the rule of the King of Italy and the Pope often hire their services to the highest bidder. They are fierce warriors that favor the axe in combat, with generations of experience fighting the Byzantines, Franks, and each other. Cost: 2d per man per turn. 950 available. These men may be recruited from the Kingdom of Italy, Byzantine Italy, or the Papal States.

        Slavic Warriors (spear, shield) - These lightly armed pagan warriors are tough but ill-disciplined. They are best suited to being a mobile reserve to fend off light cavalry. Cost: 1d per man per turn. 4,400 available. These men may be recruited from Bohemian-Moravian lands, or from the Wends, Polabians, or Pomeranians (basically everybody to the east of Germany).

        Thuringian Woodsmen (bow, axe) - The Wends and Polabians of Thuringia, known as the Thuringii, are expert hunters and hardy pagan warriors as well. They are unarmored, highly mobile skirmishers that excel at ambushing and screening an advance. They fight best in the thick forests they are used to. Cost: 1d per man per turn. 6,000 available. These men may be recruited from the Wends, Polabians, or Pomeranians (everybody east of Germany and north of Bohemia).

        Dalmatian Cavalry (lance, shield) - These spirited Croatian (and mostly Christian) light cavalrymen are light lancers suitable for flanking and screening duties. They will not fare well in a heavy melee, however. Cost: 2d. None currently available. These men may be recruited from Croatia.

        Croatian Men-at-Arms (heavy, shield, mace) - The lesser nobles of Croatia often sell their services to the highest bidder when their own country is at relative peace. They are tough, well-disciplined, Christian, and equipped with good quality armaments, though they are not rich enough to own horses. Cost: 3d. None currently available. These men may be recruited from Croatia.

        Frankish Chivalry (light, sword, lance, shield) - Sergeants from Frankish cities, these minor nobles are desperate to prove themselves on the field, and willing to do so for other Christian princes. They are excellent soldiers and medium cavalrymen, though sometimes too aggressive for their own good. Cost: 3d. 1,200 available. These men may be recruited from any Frankish land, including Burgundy, France, Provence, Italy, Lothairingia, or the Papal States.

        Frieslander Raiders (polearm, light) - These fierce Frieslanders fight with only the massive double-handed Danish Axe and stout leather armor. They are war-hardened Christians well suited to brutal frontal assaults, and more disciplined than Vikings. Cost: 2d. 600 available. These men may be recruited from Friesland.

        Danish Vikings (light, polearm, sword, shield) - The pagan Vikings are terrifying and powerful warriors that are nearly unmatched on foot, armored with good leather or ring mail armor, and carrying well-made swords and enormous two-handed danish axes. They are brave and strong, though they tend towards ill-discipline, and are known for looting and pillaging their conquests even when in the employ of another - they are cheap to hire, but "supplement" their income by laying waste to most everything in their path. They are especially adept at amphibious and marine warfare. Cost: 2d. 3,500 available. These men may be recruited from the Danemark.

        Jomsvikings (heavy, polearm, sword, shield) - The Jomsvikings are an elite brotherhood of mercenary Vikings that are held to strict standards of bravery, strength, and order. Unlike normal Vikings, these men are highly disciplined and can be counted on to be the last men out of a fight. They have excellent chain mail and good quality weaponry. They are prohibited to ever show fear and must demonstrate a feat of strength to join the organization, so each man is a fearsome warrior on the field. Jomsvikings are pagan through and through, chanting prayers to Odin, Tyr, and Thor throughout their battles. Cost: 4d. 1,000 available. These men may be recruited from their fortress in Jomsborg, on the island of Wollin off the Pomeranian coast (north of modern-day Poland)

        Italian Urban Guards (heavy, spear, shield) - The cities of Italy often keep provincial armies of infantry funded by their merchants and local industries. In times of peace, these men seek employment elsewhere. They are well-equipped heavy spearmen that can hold a battle line and pose a great danger to cavalry, but are often more interested in money than taking great risks. Their services do not come cheaply, but they can be relied upon to what they are paid to do - no more, and no less. Cost: 3d. 500 available. These men may be recruited from the Kingdom of Italy, the Papal States, or the Republic of Venice.

        Saracen Pirates (sword, shield, bow) - Lightly armored but heavily armed for combat aboard their fast ships, these men are bloodthirsty warriors who follow the heretical religion of Mohammed. They usually make a living off terrorizing Christian ports and merchant vessels, but sometimes go ashore to fight for a Christian master if the pay is good. They are excellent shots and terrifying opponents, but have no regard for Christian life or holy places. They are brave in battle but do not like harsh conditions, and if they are pulled to far away from their ships they may simply desert. These men take great pleasure in looting everything that isn't tied down. Cost: 2d. 3,200 available. These men may be recruited from anywhere along the Adriatic Sea, or anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
        Last edited by Cyclotron; October 20, 2006, 03:07.
        Lime roots and treachery!
        "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

        Comment


        • #5
          King Conrad the First here, taking the proverbial control of that pink splotch
          Those walls are absent of glory as they always have been. The people of tents will inherit this land.

          Comment


          • #6
            Duke Arnolf of Bavaria checking in. By the way, in the development page you spelled the name "Arnulf". Is there a correct spelling?
            "Bother," said Pooh, "Eeyore, ready two photon torpedoes and lock
            phasers on the Heffalump. Piglet, meet me in transporter room
            three. Christopher Robin, you have the bridge."

            Comment


            • #7
              Probably not, I've seen it both ways. I just noticed that inconsistency on my part. Colin McEvedy spells it with a "u," so that is now the official spelling of this NES - though it doesn't really matter.
              Lime roots and treachery!
              "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

              Comment


              • #8
                Son! So good to see you. We've got a few things to talk about. I didn't say anything when you impregnated a 14 year old. Your wife, your business. And, uh, taking it upon yourself to 'manage' those church lands...without their permission...I figured it's between you and God and the bishops.
                But I believe this treaty of yours with the Magyars to be ill considered. Letting them roam across your lands and pillage the other duchies--no, there's a better way. Ask for help, and knights and soldiers will be sent! Your friends and cousins in the duchies are your allies, not these heathens from the east. Stay a few days here at my home, we can put these things out of the way and then discuss lighter subjects.
                Those walls are absent of glory as they always have been. The people of tents will inherit this land.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Father! It has been too long, hasn't it? On the whole, though, it would have been pretty silly for you to tell me who to marry, considering that I'm older than you are. And my wife came through that just fine, and you've got a cute new granddaughter out of the bargain, too. And I may reconsider the whole church land bit. But lately, these Magyar heathens have broken their treaty with me! My own lands are being pillaged as well! I would welcome all the support you could give me, and I shall immediately begin gathering intelligence as to the strength and deployment of these Magyar armies that we might better crush them. We'll work out the tactical details later.
                  Last edited by appleciders; January 2, 2006, 15:57.
                  "Bother," said Pooh, "Eeyore, ready two photon torpedoes and lock
                  phasers on the Heffalump. Piglet, meet me in transporter room
                  three. Christopher Robin, you have the bridge."

                  Comment


                  • #10


                    Alright, the new map with cities is up. I didn't bother putting in cities in the lands not adjacent to the Duchies; that can wait for now. All important cities of Burgundy, Italy, Sicily, Croatia, Germany, Bohemia, and Moravia have been added.
                    Lime roots and treachery!
                    "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      As long as we have some diplomacy going on...

                      Duke Spytihnìv I of Bohemia to Duke Arnulf of Bavaria
                      Your truce with the Magyars is a breach of your alliance with us! May God smite you for your treachery!

                      King Rudolph of Upper Burgundy to Duke Burchard of Swabia
                      We have serious doubts in the ability of your kingdom to fend off the Magyar threat. We should discuss a plan of collective defense. We are sending Our trusted lieutenant, Count Odo of Neuchatel, to your court as Our representative.

                      Archbishop Pilgrim I of Salzburg to King Conrad I
                      The insolence of your thieving son in law has gone on far too long. Deal with him and return the property he has unlawfully siezed from the Holy Church, or we will withdraw our support for your kingship.

                      King Berengar of Italy to King Conrad I
                      We are dissapointed at your failure to keep your vassals in check. Our estates in Friuli are now threatened thanks to your weakness; take responsibility for your lands or We will be forced to take responsibility for them ourselves.

                      Fejedelem Szabolcs of the Magyars to Swabia and Franconia
                      Submit or perish!
                      Last edited by Cyclotron; January 2, 2006, 20:38.
                      Lime roots and treachery!
                      "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Arnulf of Bavaria to Spytihnìv I of Bohemia:
                        You know, your people are destroying three times as much of my property as the Magyars are. You should think about upholding your end of this alliance.

                        SECRET P.S.

                        Father and I are about to attack the Magyars. Don't worry, we'll see that they pay!
                        "Bother," said Pooh, "Eeyore, ready two photon torpedoes and lock
                        phasers on the Heffalump. Piglet, meet me in transporter room
                        three. Christopher Robin, you have the bridge."

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Saxony for me. Longer post in work (had written it, but poly ate it. )
                          Heinrich, King of Germany, Duke of Saxony in Cyclotron's amazing Holy Roman Empire NES
                          Let me eat your yummy brain!
                          "be like Micha!" - Cyclotron

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            You have been added. Now all we need is Swabia!
                            Lime roots and treachery!
                            "Eventually you're left with a bunch of unmemorable posters like Cyclotron, pretending that they actually know anything about who they're debating pointless crap with." - Drake Tungsten

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Otto the Illustrious, Duke of Saxony, to King Conrad I, King of Germany:

                              My liege, as you will know my lands are suffering from slavian raids all along the eastern border. While the Elbe river offers some protection, my military advisors agree that the creation of a buffer zone towards Bohemian lands is indispensable for our security. As the creation of such a buffer will also help calming the situation for other duchies, we deem it a neccessary and fruitful undertaking.

                              Striking against the Thuringians now will put them under firm rule and thus bring order and stability to the region. Of course a permanent presence in the area is needed to secure peace and prosperity. Therefore I ask you to authorize the creation of a new march under Saxonian protection, the Mark Meissen.

                              One of ten denarii generated in that mark will go to your treasury as a token of our friendship, should you decide to support my family in this matter. My son, Heinrich, will soon succeed me as Duke of Saxony, so he will be in charge of the entire operation from the beginning.

                              What do you say, my lord?
                              Heinrich, King of Germany, Duke of Saxony in Cyclotron's amazing Holy Roman Empire NES
                              Let me eat your yummy brain!
                              "be like Micha!" - Cyclotron

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