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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 16, 2015 21:13:23 GMT
Cardinal Gandolf was disappointed that he could be led astray so easily. He asked God to forgive him for his lack of vision, but also thanked Him for lifting the shroud that blinded him.
The serenity was broken by a piercing cry of anguish from the prisoner. The flickering torchlight cast an eerie glow over the dark stone dungeon.
'We know you took the money.'
'I didn't, I didn't, I swear!!! Please stop! I'll do anything!'
'Hmmph. You should be thanking us, the pain you're suffering here is naught in comparison to that the eternity you face unless you seek forgiveness for your crime.'
'Why... are you doing this?'
'You need to sign this confession, and you'll be free. Free to leave this land and seek refuge elsewhere. I hear San Marino takes in men of your... ilk. No? Herman will be back soon, he will aid you in seeking the right path.'
The prisoner whimpered quietly. 'Wait! I'll do it. Just... no more? Please?'
'I knew you would come to your senses eventually. Herman will see to your confession; I will be back shortly, my flock awaits my sermon.'
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 16, 2015 22:37:36 GMT
'It seems, my friends, that an evil has plagued our lands and that no Christian is safe from this ailment. We must band together. A prisoner, my former 'financial adviser,' has admitted to a ring of offenders, consisting of the financial elite across the empire. They seem to have been siphoning ducats from coffers of Bishoprics, Duchies and Principalities which we hold so dear. The perpetrator is unknown, it is unknown whether they are part of a widespread conspiracy or whether the funds can be reclaimed. I advise that the 'Court Jew' system of finance come to an end, and be replaced by a style of banking similar to that in the enlightened states of Venice, or Sweden. I will petition the Emperor to gain support for our cause, no longer will the Empire suffer from this scourge.'
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 17, 2015 14:07:58 GMT
In the short time since the Archbishop of Salzburg uncovered a ring of corruption across Germany, many other states have started to doubt those in charge of their finances.
The following states have expelled the Jewry:
-Ansback
-Bavaria
-Baden
-Mecklenburg
-Thuringia
-Wurttemburg
In the short term, this will have negative effects on the German finances, with loans and taxes suffering massively. The Emperor will have to find equally skilled financiers from elsewhere in the Empire. Fortunately, there there seem to be many unemployed financiers in the HRE state of Genoa who are able and willing to take on the work. In the long-term, the Emperor will need to either increase confidence in Jewish financiers and prevent further expulsions, or embrace the change and instigate financial reform by relying more heavily on Italian financiers or promoting the concept of national banks based on the Venetian and Swedish systems.
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Post by Sublime Porte on Feb 17, 2015 15:45:34 GMT
The Ottoman Sultan weeps for the plight of the European Jewry and has offered each and every one of them free passage into the Ottoman Empire, with the full rights of a subject, recognition as pious people of the book, and, should they require transport by sea, the Sultan will personally pay for their transit.
Just as the Jews fleeing the Spanish inquisition were allowed to settle in the empire's cities, so too will the German Jews be welcomed with open arms. Beyond his compassionate mercy, the Sultan understands and appreciates the value of an educated and literate population with an understanding of western customs.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 17, 2015 15:51:25 GMT
Jews from across the Empire, not just those from states which have forcibly expelled them, take up the Ottoman Sultan on his offer.
Anhalt, Hesse and Mainz are deprived of their financiers as a result.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2015 15:54:05 GMT
The Polish King issues a welcome to all Jews fleeing German persecution. The protections of the Commonwealth are offered to all those who come, and established Jewish communities are to be alerted to prepare for an influx of new members.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 17, 2015 16:03:53 GMT
With this announcement, Brandenburger, Lauenburger and Frankfurter Jews begin to flee, dividing their exodus between The Ottoman Empire and the Commonwealth.
The financial crisis in the HRE is becoming more severe by the day and the Emperor will have to take decisive action (HRE trade bonuses resulting from the 'Treaty of Westphalia' national modifier are reduced).
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2015 17:07:40 GMT
Venice, whilst being a Catholic state, understands the need for tolerance and understanding of one's fellow man. As such, the Serene Doge of Venice, Marcantonio Giustinian would like to extend an invitation to the displaced Jewry of Europe, that they might both provide and find benefit from our most enlightened of republics.
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 17, 2015 17:52:24 GMT
Cardinal Gandolf perhaps did nor realise that the financial repercussions would be this great, and donates 10,000 Ducats to the Imperial treasury as a gesture of goodwill and to cement relations between the Catholic Church in Germany and Austria.
He does, however, reassert his conclusions, and informs the Emperor that finding a new way of organising the Empire's finances is a matter of absolute urgency.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 11:37:31 GMT
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Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 19, 2015 22:40:21 GMT
The financial crisis in the HRE may well be coming to an end, with the Genoese Odescalchi family taking up most of the vacant financier positions. It may be a little while before the Empire returns to business as usual, but many states are feeling optimistic.
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