Emperor Julien V
https://preview.redd.it/45pbk1n732c51.png?width=621&format=png&auto=webp&s=ed9941a013f584384434849c71e53815401fd59e
3rd of September, 1412
Today I received a gift from a courtier, since I've been hunting more and more lately they thought of giving me a puppy as a hunting dog. How sweet of them. I felt the puppy licking my face as I let out a laugh "I will name him Faithful. Thank you so much." As I scratched the puppy's head right behind its ear it let out a small bark of delight though it was more of a squeal with how weak its voice was still.
3rd of March, 1413
Today there was a statue unveiling. The entire project was managed by my Imperial Steward, Duke Guilhem, and it was to be opened today in a square by Notre Dame. Next to it was the statue of Charlemagne, my ancestor and of course the father of France. As the statue was unveiled it was revealed to be a statue of Roland, Charlemagne's closest guard and a legendary figure indeed. Many scribes and the like have written stories about Charlemagne and Roland and I believe Guilhem knew I was a fan of their work. The statue was itself gorgeous and had Roland dutifully knelt facing towards the statue of Charlemagne upon his horse. Very artistic indeed.
10th of December, 1414
I was on my way back from a hunt and as I dismounted my steed some guards approached bowing. "Your grace" they greeted me as I smiled "Ah yes, take Achilles here to the stables if you would please." they looked at each other nervously before one spoke "Sire we have news about your mother." My mother passed away last October. Although sad and having been difficult I've almost grown numb to it. I suppose my father's death was grotesque enough that her passing when she was already old and sick wasn't surprising or sudden. "Gentlemen, I am grateful for your condolences but I do not need it. Your Emperor is not shaken so easily." I remember crying for three days in my room. Sobbing and weeping refusing to eat even. I dared not let a soul see me that way. "Well sire, it seems someone broke into your mother's grave." I turned to them in shock. "What?" I said turning to them as they explained "Someone broke into your mother's tomb it seemed, we believe they might have been after her jewelry or something but they...they also took her head." "They took her what?!" I screamed as the horse began snorting and becoming uneasy "Your grace I-" the other guard began explaining before I cut him off "They took her head? How? Why?" "We don't know yet your grace. It seems they cut it off and stole it. We are searching and investigating to find out." I began taking deep breaths as I nearly collapsed against the wooden beam holding up the stable. It groaned in protest "No no no, this is not right. Who would do something so horrible…" I felt my eyes beginning to burn as I turned to them "Find out whoever is responsible. Close the catacombs of Notre Dame until you give me something. Nobody visits any of the dead including Saint Julien until we find out what happened to my mother!" they scurried off as I was left alone for a moment. I collapsed onto my knees in the stables, crunching snow underneath me. The air smelled of horse manure holding my face as tears welled up and began falling onto the ground.
1st of January, 1417
We drank together in celebration of a new year. Unfortunately nothing had come out of the investigation of who had robbed my mothers head. Absolutely disgusting, though I've since reopened Notre Dame and the catacombs though it's more heavily guarded now. With the new year there are new opportunities and a new member of our family, my third daughter and fourth child Marguerite. All was well, though that is until there was a snow covered messenger that arrived at my door here in Vermandois. I had retired to the Palace to enjoy the new year but the comings and goings of court follow me constantly. The messenger told me that once again Carpathia is in crisis and needs my support. "What could possibly be happening now?" The messenger explained "Well your grace, your daughters betrothed, King Attila of Carpathia just recently came of age and so ended the regency of the Queen Euphemia of Croatia. However, Euphemia has plotted with the King of Sweden to install Queen Judith, Attilas aunt, as the new Queen of Carpathia. The dual monarchy is at war once again." I rubbed my eyes for a moment "This would allow the crowns of Sweden and Carpathia to unite then? Wonderful. Inform his majesty that I will personally be leading an army to his lands to solve this problem. I will not allow the Swedish King to steal away this valuable alliance." Even though it's more like protecting a vassal at this point.
21st of July, 1417
We've arrived in the Dalmatian coast and begun our sieges. Taking control of the coastline will help us starve them of gold and resources to break our sieges. Not to mention this land is filled with expansive farms filled with food to loot for ourselves. If we have to protect my future son-in-law's title the least I can do is collect loot as a tribute or tax from his rebellious lands.
16th of October, 1417
I personally lead the men as we stormed Sibenik Castle in Zadar, where we managed to capture the Croatian Queen who was leading the rebellion to overthrow King Attila. With that Attila now has supreme power over his kingdom. I recall most of my armies back to France though I leave a small group behind to handle some remaining rebels for the Carpathians. Luckily this was a swift conflict with little to no actual bloodshed. It did mean it was more honorable I feel. Delegitmize this foolish claim on overthrowing ones monarch.
29th of January, 1418
A year after this whole conflict began I've returned to France a better and stronger man. With little violence this war was settled and thus peace and balance remain in Europe. It is difficult to maintain this balance. But it is worth it in the end. All of this is to maintain French dominance in the world.
2nd of June, 1419
A great day indeed. My son Prince Julien has finally come of age and as such it is time for his marriage. Luckily I had arranged his marriage to Barbara von Assel, the sister to a Count from southern France. The marriage ceremony was held in Notre Dame though the bride barely made an appearance. She appeared for the ceremony and never offered as much of a smile and shortly afterwards left not to be seen again until it was time to meet with my son to consummate their marriage.
6th of May, 1423
I was admiring myself this morning my whole body. Although age is certainly growing on me I've managed to lose weight over the past several years. Hunting and training regularly has finally paid off as I am back to my fit self. Suiting for a warrior such as myself. I feel proud of myself. This calls for a celebration.
News has been unsettling lately as it seems after the death of Holy Roman Emperor Berengar II, his son the hunchback and crooked Rutger III has become Emperor. He's not only a hideous sight apparently but also a supporter of the Fraticelli heretics. This heretic wants to restore the old Fraticelli movement back to the Empire and has brought on a civil war. Though I won't do anything about this in the end the Holy Roman Empire is a mess I refuse to involve myself in. Carpathia has already consumed enough of my time.
https://preview.redd.it/0939dh4j32c51.png?width=616&format=png&auto=webp&s=0361e1de45a4d433db093efb93b25f7d9cfe2cc0
1st of September, 1426
It seems there have been growing conflicts in the Crown of Italy. King Arcibaldo has been propping up his own Anti-Pope to challenge the Papacy, no doubt in his attempts to try and unify the peninsula. The King of England has decided to take some matters into his own hands and is working with Pope Leo X to invade Italy and depose their Anti-Pope. I've decided to also help them by invading the Italian lands in Africa. These lands were mostly inherited from the Kings of Sicily. Taking these lands from them will help not only distract the Italians from the English and Papal armies but it will help ensure French dominance of trade int he western Mediterranean. I will probably need to prop up a non-christian ruler in the region to help steer merchants to French ports. Either way for now I've called on my levies to gather in Provence to prepare to sail to Africa where the invasion will be launched.
11th of October, 1426
I was scurrying to meet with my Imperial Marshal when the Kennel Master approached me to inform me that my dog Faithful had passed away. After 14 years Faithful had become a part of the family. Always loyal and well mannered. I trained him myself. He had helped in so many hunts together. I wish I could have been there for his final days. Shame seeps into my soul. I decided to have a proper funeral for him and bury him in Notre Dame along with the Emperors and Kings of France. He deserved it. Being without him is so difficult. I made a decision, I would go to lead these armies in Africa. Perhaps I can join Faithful in heaven should I be so lucky.
29th of January, 1427
We've arrived in the northern coasts of Africa and besieged the Barony of Algiers. It seemed they weren't expecting French armies to arrive. Either way as it falls thousands of men will storm the Italian North African lands. I've selected a new candidate to rule the region. A Jewish man of great wealth and renown in the region has offered to help fund my armies in exchange for a fiefdom. I think he'd make an excellent ruler of the region, or at the very least one better than the Italians.
7th of September, 1427
After a year of sieges, King Arcibaldo has surrendered the lands of Northern Africa in exchange for peace. As my armies settle into occupations I start the distribution of lands. I decided to name Machir, the wealthy Jewish man who'd served as my Spymaster for a number of years, as the new Duke of Alger to administer all of these lands. He will in fact be a petty King in the region. Of course bestowing lands and titles to a Jew will be a tad controversial so perhaps I will issue a mandate for all of the Jews in Paris and the northern regions to leave with him and settle in the region. If nothing else then expelling some Jews will help offset the controversy.
The Petty Kingdom of Alger c.1427
26th of April, 1428
Empress Cundo had excused herself from the table very suddenly last night. It seemed she felt sick, perhaps it was the fish. Either way I heard from the servants and maids that she had an upset stomach. So when I visited her this morning to see how she'd been doing that's when I discovered my wife laying at the window sill her mouth stained with vomit and defecation straining her legs, dress, and floor. She'd died in such a horrible and disgusting way I just about let out dinner myself onto the ground. The servants took care of her body and later today a proper funeral service was held and she was buried with all previous Emperors and Empresses in the catacombs of Notre Dame. What a horrible experience, the entire time as the service was delivered and the priest began his prayers I remained still as a statue my face strong as I could be. Others sobbed having never really known the Empress, having never seen the horrible way she died. My own mortality dawned on me today. And it terrifies me.
5th of February, 1429
A letter arrived from my son-in-law King Attila, it seems he's fully recovered from the Flu and is back to governing his Kingdom. Apparently my daughter Isabelle did a wonderful job ruling as Queen-Regent during that time. However now that he's recovered he is going to war with Russia over their border in Bessarabia. He's requested French aid in this conflict. Although hesitant, it would mean going to war with Russia and defeating the Russian Tsar would not only be a victory for Catholicism but would certainly present me with more glory and prestige. I send a return letter agreeing to join him in his war. I prepare my horse and get ready to ride out east.
25th of August, 1429
We arrived in Carpathia where we soon found ourselves in battle with what I assume to be the bulk of the Russian army. As we clashed in Vukovar, we arrived in time to support the Carpathian army and slaughter half of the Russian forces. From there the order was issued, march east into Russian lands. With a victory in place now to occupy Russian lands as leverage to negotiate a swift peace.
https://preview.redd.it/1gjvnpf142c51.png?width=622&format=png&auto=webp&s=9735ac5ab4fa44f1382d453484c7734911b12e72
30th of May, 1430
Finally we begin the ride home. King Attila has abolished the dual monarchy and both eh and I stand in victory over the Russian Tsar. Great tales will be told of this war on how the mighty and large Russians fell against the might of the French armies. As we return I feel a sharp pain in my hip no doubt from constant riding on horseback. My age was certainly catching up to me. I was no longer the youthful energetic Emperor I was when I first ascended to the throne. I've now ruled for over 40 years. It amazes me really.
https://preview.redd.it/rwpo88c742c51.png?width=622&format=png&auto=webp&s=81842b0c4454b164f5d0ec0830a28cc3de108702
4th of June, 1434
An invitation from Emperor Dieter van Loon to attend his coronation arrived in court today. I accept though I don't expect his reign to last long. The man is already 52 and what's worse is that he has no sons. I believe the only other male van Loon left is his cousin Landolf older than him and with no children at all. Such a sad historical moment I will be witnessing. The coronation of what is likely to be the last van Loon Holy Roman Emperor. Despite all the civil wars and bloodshed, not to mention the heresies, their family is comparable to my own. Descendants of Saint Arnold they have united and held the Holy Roman Empire together for well over a century. I doubt the Empire will survive after his death, at least not in its current form. No the German nobles will fight with one another just as they historically always did. Maybe they'll even try and bring back the old elected monarchy to choose the next Emperor. Either way I begin making preparations to head to Holland and pay homage to this ceremony.
15th of July, 1434
We all gave cheers as Pope Leo X placed the crown upon Dieters head though we celebrated I ended up discussing my thoughts with some German nobles. Most seemed to agree that the Empire will face dark days ahead of it whenever Dieter passes unless his young wife can produce an heir. Though there is doubt he can even properly bed her. We quiet our jokes when he's about and after the ceremony I begin my journey back to Paris.
6th of August, 1436
As I was making my way to Notre Dame for a service. It was a special day of course, Saint Juliens Day. It was today that the French people attended service and paid homage to the divine right of their ruler and pray to Saint Julien to provide wisdom and council. It's an especially important holiday here in Paris ever since my great great grandfather was canonized as a saint. It was during the service that suddenly the entire chapel shook violently. We were escorted out as several homes began collapsing. By the time everything ended fires burned in the villages outside Paris. I rushed out with my guards to investigate the damages and recording what needed to be repaired. Similarly messengers were sent out to find out about any damages in other parts of France. That is when a farmer had approached me and my men "Emperor Julien! Emperor Julien!" I turned to the man surprised by his familiar tone with me that is when he shouted out "There is a giant crack in the ground! Just outside my farm! You must come and inspect it!" I looked to my men informing them that I will be surveying what this peasant has to show me.
20th of August, 1436
After the shaking of the earth, a horrible smell had overtaken the city which I assumed had to do with the many fires that began. That is until that farmer took me to his home. There the earth itself had ripped apart like a blistering wound. Fire and brimstone spewed out as the air was wretched and foul. As I had stepped closer I could hear the wailing, screams and cries for help, all emitting from this burning gap. The ground underneath of me nearly gave way as my head felt as though it would explode. The wailing and screams just continued to grow as I had gotten closer. This hell hole, was a Gate to Hell, filled with tormented souls. I need to close this gate immediately. I call for my guardsmen to keep watch over the gate as I return to Paris and gather a council of advisors and priests to discuss this gate. We must determine how to attack it.
8th of September, 1436
After gathering the wisest and greatest minds of the court I had formed a council to deal with this gate. Three days to come with a solution. That is when the various solutions are presented. Some priests wished to perform an exorcism but I worried for the priests safety. I much preferred the pragmatism presented by my other advisors to fill the gap with dirt and stones. It cannot be fathomed that this can go on forever. If we fill it with stones to extinguish the flames and hopefully fill its interior the gap will close.
17th of September, 1436
There has been some incidents and many workers are beginning to go mad. The fouls smell, the constant wails and screams. Nonetheless stone and dirt as well as gravel from nearby quarries and mines have been taken to fill the hole. Many laborers are starting to threaten to revolt against me as I ordered double the guard to keep the pressure. This is a matter of security for the whole Empire. Should we fail in closing this gate demons and hell spawn will emerge. What is more, the entire Empire might be consumed by the gates of hell. No, we must stop this.
23rd of September, 1436
Success. As the last boulders and stones are tossed inside, the gravel having satisfied the hungry bowls of hell. The gate was smothered and filled. I had priests sanctify the ground, blessing the field and the soil to protect it from the evil spirits. Purifying the land. As a symbolic gesture I have chosen to build a shrine and chapel here. Since the earth had shaken and hell had attempted to breach on the Day of St. Juliens clearly his wise angelic council had helped steer us away from disaster. As such this ground will have a shrine to Saint Julien built as well as a new Church of St. Julien to celebrate him and commemorate the conquest of Hell itself.
11th of November, 1444
The world around us is changing ever more, every day. I am now 63 years old, sitting upon the throne of the Empire of France. I oversee one of the greatest Empires since the days of mighty Rome. The crown has always felt heavy upon my brow. My father committed what was essentially suicide before my eyes almost half a century ago when he fell off that balcony, prior to that I watched both he and my mother effectively descend into madness as I grew into a man. I've not been the best equipped and I live knowing my son and heir Julien will one day be crowned Julien VI though he has no sons of his own and so I have to accept my patrilineal line dies with him. The matters of succession beyond him will ultimately be his own choice. Perhaps he will sire a son in the near future I cannot say, or perhaps he will name one of his cousins Nicolas or Alexandre as the next Emperor. I walk the halls of the Palace of Guise when I am not in the court of Paris. As I do I look over the tapestries and paintings of history. You can almost see the faded and torn threads of history becoming cleaner and clearer as you go.
King Herbert the Usurper, the man who brought the Karling Restoration almost 400 years ago that helped restore the true heirs of Charlemagne to the French throne. King Eudes II, the Crusader King who fought bravely in Egypt in the Battle of Giza ushering in what is sure to be remembered as the golden age of Christendom. Blessed Charles I, the father of the French Empire who seized the crown of Augustus for our family. Emperor Baudouin I, quite the controversial man he was. Always more of a scholar than a King he was. Even today his works are debated and taught in the University of Orleans though the church has condemned his claims of the sun being the center of the universe. Charles the Terrible, I suppose every Kingdom has its sour kings. I know that quite well considering my father. I know he brought on the Black Death and had his affairs but frankly if you ask me he does not deserve the scorn he has received by the pages of history. He was a fine conqueror and capable warrior. And now no Emperor of France ever dares name their child or heir Charles in fear of invoking his curse. Then his bastard son, heir, and my indirect namesake Julien. Quite the father. I find myself looking over the painting of Julien II, a recent commission I had made some years ago by an upstart artist who claimed to be a 'classicist'. It looked so realistic, his bald head and golden gray hairs. The light scar across his face that came from the civil wars he fought. Most remember him as Saint Julien and for his miracles having convened with angels and the like. Though I remember the family records and histories speaking of his land reforms, he created the modern French provinces and administration. Oldest Emperor of France yet, though I might beat you to it yet. Certainly a great man. As I pass him though I see my great grandfather and my grandfather. I don't believe I ever met my grandfather, though they say he was a great warrior. My father tried to emulate him and failed. As I passed the portrait of my father I look to his absent cold and dark eyes. Truly a mad man, even the artist would not dare display him with a sense of emotion. They didn't really portray him as fat as he'd become in truth though that beard did help hide his fat neck. I touch the canvas feeling the felt and then I turn to my own portrait. I cannot help but imagine my own son in old age walking these same halls as I do. This painting of me in my youth, the curls of my once dark hair and my thin mustache. I was quite the handsome charmer when this was commissioned, so young and now I am a wrinkly mess. But this wasted and broken body is not what history will recall, it is not what my successors will see. No the legacy I've left, the seeds I've planted. I hope they are kind to me. I wouldn't want others to see my portrait the way me and others see my fathers or Charles the Terrible. Legacy is like a thread, bound to a needle we leave one string in the tapestry of history. As chaotic and multicolored around us it may seem, it paints a beautiful portrait. One of man's accomplishments and progress. I look forward to being able to see the tapestry from heavens overlook when I leave this earth. But alas that is not today. No, today I go to bed like any other with the wisdom of my past now behind me. Best I move on to tomorrow.
https://preview.redd.it/5jy33dgj42c51.png?width=619&format=png&auto=webp&s=e12a50a11b075a3fd3e9926b0987d0864dede54e
https://preview.redd.it/f6i8rjqo42c51.png?width=621&format=png&auto=webp&s=6b3954d35c6be017b7e49ce0d376df3b510f0836
![[link]](https://i.imgur.com/RfIoMxU.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.imgur.com/li0uyCN.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/ib06vg86gyb51.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/5iydk4zkk1c51.jpg){kind=link}
![[link]](https://imgur.com/hDkzCsq.jpg){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/na4y2hp8a2c51.jpg){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/uhmjwlyy4wb51.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/yrvk9f89evb51.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/8yqshyy3szb51.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/gnaro5fwjyb51.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/js68wcjkgyb51.png){kind=link}
![[link]](https://i.redd.it/quedahdhcxb51.png){kind=link}
No comments:
Post a Comment