Post by Zillah on Mar 20, 2007 19:11:45 GMT -6
Politics
Only 23 year old, the King of England has struggled to gain control of his country, facing rebellious barons and “allies” out to advance their own positions. During his childhood, a regent led the country. Since 1227, Henry himself has overseen matters of state, though the regent, Hugh de Burgh, has remained one of his closest advisors. The king reigned unchecked before the civil war, but the Magna Carta placed limitations on what he could or could not do, thus ensuring the rights of the nobility and common folk. Nonetheless, the king’s power remains formidable, and only that of the Church and the authority invested in the County Palatinates of Chester and Durham can circumvent it. (John passed control of the country to the Pope who serves as King Henry’s Feudal overlord.) The barons appose a number of Henry’s actions, notably the appointment of numerous Poitevins to key government posts and the king’s acceptance of papal influence. The nobles seek to influence the king through the Great Council, and they will eventually seek to usurp the king’s power through the provisions of Oxford in 1258.
Mithra’s rule over the Cainite population has never been as absolute as that of the mortal monarchs. Instead, his authority stems from being the lynchpin in the network of interlocking alliances that run the length and breadth of England. No other Cainite has the power and influence to stand as lord of such a vast land, but Mithras’s claim would be untenable without the baron’s support. Until 1216, the agreement between Mithras and the Cainite barons was a mix of informal promises and blood oaths. The instability that accompanied the War of Princes and the deteriorating mortal situation in England prompted a formalization of the agreement in the Rose treaty. The agreement solidified the Cainite politics of England but came at a price. Mithras, warrior god, would no longer be allowed to raise or lead armies beyond a bodyguard unit intended to endure the safety of the prince and his own haven. Instead, only the barons are allowed to field troops, but they are bound to defend London – some by loyalty or self interest, others by blood oat or membership of the Cult of Mithras. Rivalries between the barons ensure that none will stab the prince in the back for fear that their neighbors will turn on +them. But should several barons ally against Mithras…
The Toreador are Mithras’s main political rivals. Their influence in the Church disrupts his own secular society at times, and their control of the French courts is an ongoing concern to the venture. Although he publicly decries the “coward games” of politics, Mithras has come to enjoy the affairs of the state, especially his sparring with the toreador Walter de Vĕzelay, the representative of Prince Geoffrey of Paris. In stark contrast, Mithras detests the Tremere. He tolerates the presence of Meerlinda’s chantry in Durham, but has blocked her efforts to establish a presence in London and several other southern fiefs. The prince would dearly love to crush Lion’s Gate, but his feudal duties to baron John of York (in whose barony the Paltinates of Durham lies) prevent him from doing so.
The principal threat to Mithras’s rule come from the young Canites who have begun to chafe under his authority. Many feel that their prospects are non-existent, either as a result of the elder’s power or the position of their clan. (most the rebellious individuals belong to the Low Clans). Some merely complain about their situation, but others are taking more direct action, banding together for protection and to pose a credible threat to the authorities. Mithras and the barons have staged attacks on the marauders, but for every band eliminated (such as Robin Leeland who was driven into torpor at Kirklees in 1212), two more spring up. The Arnarch Revolt does not erupt until late 15th century, but its first roots are already taking hold in the baronies of Avalon thanks to groups such as the Prometheans.
Only 23 year old, the King of England has struggled to gain control of his country, facing rebellious barons and “allies” out to advance their own positions. During his childhood, a regent led the country. Since 1227, Henry himself has overseen matters of state, though the regent, Hugh de Burgh, has remained one of his closest advisors. The king reigned unchecked before the civil war, but the Magna Carta placed limitations on what he could or could not do, thus ensuring the rights of the nobility and common folk. Nonetheless, the king’s power remains formidable, and only that of the Church and the authority invested in the County Palatinates of Chester and Durham can circumvent it. (John passed control of the country to the Pope who serves as King Henry’s Feudal overlord.) The barons appose a number of Henry’s actions, notably the appointment of numerous Poitevins to key government posts and the king’s acceptance of papal influence. The nobles seek to influence the king through the Great Council, and they will eventually seek to usurp the king’s power through the provisions of Oxford in 1258.
Mithra’s rule over the Cainite population has never been as absolute as that of the mortal monarchs. Instead, his authority stems from being the lynchpin in the network of interlocking alliances that run the length and breadth of England. No other Cainite has the power and influence to stand as lord of such a vast land, but Mithras’s claim would be untenable without the baron’s support. Until 1216, the agreement between Mithras and the Cainite barons was a mix of informal promises and blood oaths. The instability that accompanied the War of Princes and the deteriorating mortal situation in England prompted a formalization of the agreement in the Rose treaty. The agreement solidified the Cainite politics of England but came at a price. Mithras, warrior god, would no longer be allowed to raise or lead armies beyond a bodyguard unit intended to endure the safety of the prince and his own haven. Instead, only the barons are allowed to field troops, but they are bound to defend London – some by loyalty or self interest, others by blood oat or membership of the Cult of Mithras. Rivalries between the barons ensure that none will stab the prince in the back for fear that their neighbors will turn on +them. But should several barons ally against Mithras…
The Toreador are Mithras’s main political rivals. Their influence in the Church disrupts his own secular society at times, and their control of the French courts is an ongoing concern to the venture. Although he publicly decries the “coward games” of politics, Mithras has come to enjoy the affairs of the state, especially his sparring with the toreador Walter de Vĕzelay, the representative of Prince Geoffrey of Paris. In stark contrast, Mithras detests the Tremere. He tolerates the presence of Meerlinda’s chantry in Durham, but has blocked her efforts to establish a presence in London and several other southern fiefs. The prince would dearly love to crush Lion’s Gate, but his feudal duties to baron John of York (in whose barony the Paltinates of Durham lies) prevent him from doing so.
The principal threat to Mithras’s rule come from the young Canites who have begun to chafe under his authority. Many feel that their prospects are non-existent, either as a result of the elder’s power or the position of their clan. (most the rebellious individuals belong to the Low Clans). Some merely complain about their situation, but others are taking more direct action, banding together for protection and to pose a credible threat to the authorities. Mithras and the barons have staged attacks on the marauders, but for every band eliminated (such as Robin Leeland who was driven into torpor at Kirklees in 1212), two more spring up. The Arnarch Revolt does not erupt until late 15th century, but its first roots are already taking hold in the baronies of Avalon thanks to groups such as the Prometheans.