The King's City - Paris Summer 1307

Extracts from the Chronicle of Baldwin of Chartres, here after referred to as BC Chronicle.

Having been defeated by the various militias of Flanders Kink Phillip turned his attentions to other matters, and engaged in many discussions with the King of Scotland on what was to be done about their mutual enemy and how they might both bring harm to the King of England. So King Phillip began his machinations and looked to restore order within the boundaries of his own realm so that he might usefully turn upon his rival the King of England. Yet the war in Flanders and in Gascony had sapped much of his gold, and new sources had to be acquired.

From the journals of Xavier Hugo, traced back to Paris, summer of 1307.

I have arrived, and settled. Paris is a strange city; I have grown used to the predations of our Cainite politics throughout the years, yet nowhere I have been is more full of petty bitchery and snide whispers - even my considerable willpower was tested.

I was entirely unsurprised to find myself on a river boat with my old comrades: Gaius, Osaiis, Rashid, and of course Kahlidah. The boat stopped early, pulling in for the night at a small village only a few miles from the city. We decided, after some deliberation, to walk the five hours to Paris with our belongings in a cart. After some distance, we found some bodies abandoned in the road - the set up for a ambush by a Wight. The poor creature was once a nobleman (we found out, later, the childer of one of the city's vampires), but his fine clothes were grown ragged and dusty, his signet ring scratched and near unrecognisable. But he was one, and we were five, so he was quickly beaten down into torpor.

Within the city, we followed Kahlidah to a tavern, where we met up with an old friend - Haneef, from Cordoba. He explained to us the political situation: the city is divided into seven Viscounties, each ruled by a Viscount. To haven in any of the domain, one needs permission from the Viscount - most of who seem to have moderately ridiculous requirements for tenancy. The viscount who rules over Haneef's haven, for example, requires monthly musical recitals.

For myself, I set out to track down some contacts of my own. I eventually decided on which Viscounty to settle in - all that is required of me is to attend and lecture at Paris' university, which serves my purposes well enough anyway. I have also made contact with the elder of my clan - a man named Peter D'Orlean, a theologian at the university. He hosts nightly lectures, which I have been ordered to attend. There was an uncomfortable moment, when we received an invitation to a party by Edward, an emissary from England and childer of Mithras. I can only assume there was some drama there - the others were acting strangely when they returned. Still, I spent an instructive five hours listening to theories on the nature of the Holy Spirit.

Gaston has settled in well, cocksure as always. He has located an isolated farmhouse that is perfect for my needs: while outside the walls of the city, access is permitted by a loose grating at the river entrance. The house is also close to the city's graveyards, which will aid in my experiments. I am now writing this in the front-facing room of the house. Gaston is working hard to prepare the small cellar below. This place requires much work doing; but I am confident that, with time, it will become a quite serviceable haven.

Letter between Subject Jacob and Subject Childeric.

My Lord,

Rumour has come to me that your childer may have been active in the vicinity of Melun in the past few weeks. Beyond that there is no mention of him and where exactly he might be. I know he is most precious to you. I shall continue to search for him as best I can, but there is much going on and the great dance continues. I do hope you shall be attending the hedonists’ regular balls.

Jacob

June 22^nd 1307

Extracts from the Journal of Magister Soffredus contained in London Archive 17.

June 25th

So it seems that I have yet more striplings desiring to expand their horizons and educate themselves in the ways of the ancients. I am not sure of these rather unsavoury fellows; they have the reek of adventurism about them. I suspect they only wish to gain what knowledge they want rather than truly devote themselves to the rigours of the mind. An unfortunate trait amongst the youth of today, nevertheless they have been accepted by Childeric as well. I can only hope that they may contribute something of note. Certainly the Greek will be of use, a skilled Arabist would be considerably useful in translation efforts. As for the Cappadocian, well he is Peter’s problem, of what use he might be I am unsure, but if his kind is true I do not think he will settle for Peter’s teachings. Such things may prove beyond him.

Letter between Subject Lucita and Subject Ambrosio Moncada.

Sire, the pieces are upon the board.

Lucita of Aragon.

June 26^th 1307.

Letter between Subject Edward of Huntingdon and Subject William Camden.

Seneschal,

Inform my sire and Lord that all that he wishes has been attended to and more. We have but to wait.

Edward

June 26^th 1307

Letter between Subject Constance of Rheims and Subject Eleanor de Brie.

My dearest friend,

I think you quote right, what is the Court of Love coming to. So many low clans polluting it, So many incapable and impolite persons dragging it down onto the squalor. The refinement that once existed has truly gone. Surely these are the end of days when the oafish and coarse members of Cainite society are permitted to mingle with their superiors and betters as near equals. While I do like to see beasts dance for ones amusement I fear that in this case that entertainment will be short-lived.

Constance

June 27^th 1307.

Letter between Subject Otto of Luxembourg and Subject Eleanor de Brie.

Fear not my Lady,

I have put much though into the matter of what the villainous Ravnos, those sowers of vice and discord in this fair city of ours. The Followes of Set have been contracted to deal with the matter on our behalf. While this might seem as though we are cutting of our nose to spite our face, I can assure you that this will not be the case. Soon the scum and filth that clog our streets will be dealt with and we might breathe more easily.

Otto

June 30^th 1307

Letter between Subject Jacob and Subject Armand de Rennes.

A little bird has come to me and I though it only wise to inform you beforehand, out our bonds of friendship and other such matters. Four bodies of the Canons of the Chapter of Notre Dame were discovered murdered, their throats cut, washed up in the reeds of the river. I certainly hope that neither you nor your clan mate Gilbert de Marseilles had a hand in this affair. I know that Bishop Antoine de Lys has commissioned people to look into the matter. Be on your guard.

Jacob

July 1^st 1307

Letter between Subject Constance of Rheims and Subject Childeric.

Most noble Childeric,

I must commend you on an out-stounding victory the other day in the match between our men. Clearly you have proven yourself the better trainer of kine in the martial arts. I look forward to our next spar and to see your man in action once again. One hopes that your man will make it through to that next engagement though.

Constance,

July 3^rd 1307.

Letter between Subject Roland and Subject Rollo.


Noble Reeve, I can no longer contain myself at thought of that usurper, the affront to the Almighty staining out city and its blessed relics with his hypocrisies and impurities. I implore you to have words with the Prince so that matters might be attended to and those that cause such grave offence may be removed. Only those truly worthy, shown with divine favour are permitted to gaze upon and receive the blessings of the holiest of relics. This brotherhood of evil, these Knights of the Bitter Ashes are an insult to all those who have sworn their lives and dedicated themselves to the virtues of chivalry and the protection of the Holy Places.

Rolande de Chantilly

July 5th 1307



Journal of Subject Aimery de Blanchefort located in London Archive 17.

It seems as though security will have to be increased on my current haven. A visitor manages to gain access during the night and leave a rather cryptic message for me concerning the Tremere. Apparently they are not to be trusted, though how much of that is merely security on their behalf I do not know; their reputation does precede them of course. Though what to make of this warning from the Black Paw I know not. Perhaps it is only a bluff, a ruse, or maybe an ingenious game. That said it could be just as it appears from a concerned party. Perhaps the Reeve Rollo, I understand his clan have control over the beats of this world, perhaps he warns me of some matter.

July 8th 1307


Extracts from the Journal of Magister Soffredus contained in London Archive 17.

July 10th

Heloise is becoming a problem, the past cannot lie and I fear that her forays into the Sorbonne are more numerous than I am aware, more numerous and with deadly intent. The woman will not let it alone, truly a woman scorned is the most fearful of all enemies. I shall have to beseech Constance to exert some restrain upon her errant childer, before matters go too far and blood must be spilled. A matter that should have been taken care of a long time ago, fools.



Letter from Hugh de Pairaud to Subject Richard of Trois Fontaines.

Brother,

Know that I and my companions have set out eagerly from the port of Marseilles, we shall linger briefly at Avignon before progressing through the Kingdom of France to arrive in Paris within a matter of weeks. Makesure that all is prepared for this visitation, the Grand Master has charged me with making sure the House is all in order. Much weight on his mind currently, and he knows that he might trust in you to see through all storms that are currently a head of us.

Hughes de Pairaud,

Visitor of the Temple in France

July 12th 1307

Extracts from the Journal of Magister Soffredus contained in London Archive 17.


July 15th

It seems as though some unwary fools have unleashed a horror upon the city streets. I am unsure what to do, standard treaty demands that I do nothing but I feel their hands at work within my own corridors. Innocents have died once again for their hubris. Will nothing stop their madness?



Letter from Subject Rollo to Subject Geoffrey.
My Prince,

I wish to inform you of the current events that are going on with in your demesne. There is a fellow, a Cainite by the name of the King of the Woods, he believes himself ordained by the divine to act as the Emperor of all Cainites. I understand him to be quite made and that this delusion has come about as a result of being soft minded upon embrace or a lack of education and that as a fledgling he may have been cast aside before his time. However the fool has set about assembling a small army. Nothing to be concerned about since it comprises of cripples, the lame and beggars of all types. I have set a suitable hound to root them out; if matters are not suitably resolved within the month then they shall all be put to the sword.

Rollo

Sherriff of Paris

July 20th 1307



Letter from Subject Geoffrey to Subject Rollo.

Sherriff, continue about your work but remain vigilant. The matter must be resolved, see that it is done within the month. There is far too much at play already for it to be endangered by unhappy fortune and poor circumstances. If this King of the Woods should prove a greater problem, you know upon whose shoulders the matter must fall.

Geoffrey, Prince of Paris.

July 21st 1307



Extract from BC Chronicle.

In the Spring of this year Phillipe the Lord of Chaville died, leaving behind him a young heiress, his daughter. She passed into the hands of her grandmother who was still alive, and who was to see to the distribution of her lands and her dower for marriage. In the summer a young man Robert of Belleme was betrothed to the young lady and so the lordship was secured once more.

Letter from Subject Childeric to Subject Geoffrey.

My Prince,

Whilst conducting a hunt in the woods about Charenton my vassals and I came across a strange and errant knight in the wood guarding a bridge across a small river. He challenged all who wished to cross to a feat of strength. Needless to say Osias stepped forward to do battle with the stranger but was struck down by the warrior’s great strength and skill at arms. I intervened to save Osias who was to lose his head to the foe and so meet final death. The Knight was skewered with my spear and fell to nothingness; he was but leave upon the wind. I must register you my alarm at finding such a foe concealed in the forest nearby to our fair city and your moist regal demesne. Word has come to me of many a strange being in the woods, proclaiming themselves with royal titles and heirs and who as of late have been the source of many a hue and cry in the villages here about. I am concerned that all that has been worked for might be in dire jeopardy if nothing is done.

Viscount Childeric.

July 27^th 1307

Letter from Subject Geoffrey to Subject Childeric.

Lord Childeric,

Your words have reached me and I thank you for your concern and continued support in these most trying of times. I have set Rollo to work as Sherriff on the matter to alleviate us of these nuisances. I have the utmost faith in his abilities to see the task through to the end. What concerns me more though is that current interloper from across the water, the Englishman Edward of Huntingdon Mithras has sent his dogs out to sniff about, a suitable trail must be set for him.

Geoffrey, Prince of Paris.

July 31^st 1307

Extract from BC Chronicle.

There was then in that summer many a filthy beggar and wretch that lined the streets of the city, requesting alms for the poor in day while his allies would secretly steal and thieve from the people of the city by night. Nowhere was safe from these villains, no house unbroken into be they belonging to those of high and noble birth, or but the humblest of folk. One of the leaders of these bands identified himself by leaving the sign of a black paw upon those he raided. While in the streets wild eyed preachers stirred up the populace against those sinful persons, those peddlers of all vice and iniquity that existed within the city of Paris. Those that put forward a virtuous face but only as a mask to hide their true licentiousness and wicked godless ways that was their base. Like a cancer they were to be cut out and the body purified through purgation.

Letter between Subject Bishop Antoine and Subject Helvis de Belleme.

Most Noble of Ladies,

I fear grave news has reached my ear from many a different source and tongue concerning your errant childer Heloise. It seems time has done nothing to heal the wounds caused to her, and that she now actively consorts and conspires against our fair clan so as to bring ruin to us all. I urge you as her sire and mistress to restrain her and bring her in lest any further harm be done. The child was wayward in mortal life giving into her illicit lusts, so too it seems after he second breath.

Bishop Anotine de Lys,

August 2^nd 1307.

Letter between Subject Rollo and Subject Geoffrey.

My Lord Prince,

The matters concerning the troublesome elements in the woods have now been suitably dealt with. The head of the serpent was struck off and the body soon followed and has begun to wither an die. There should be no more issues stemming from this source.

Rollo, Sherriff of Paris.

August 4^th 1307

Extract from BC Chronicle.

The Lord’s ire struck the city of Paris. Neglect and carelessness were no doubt the cause of the great conflagration, after His will that did lay low a tower of the Temple in the city. A single brother of the Templars was killed, found burned within the ruins, and several others were scorched by the flames though not fatally.

Letter between Subject Richard de Trois Fontianes and Subject Antoine de Lys.

My Lord Bishop,

I have investigated the matter of the fire in the Temple, and have come to conclude that it does not seem to have been an accident. The nature, spread and positioning of the fire seems far too convenient, many records and other matters were lost. However a strange impression has been left that leaves me with ill feeling n I entered and examined the region. There are certainly vipers out there who mean harm to the Temple. I bring this to your attention, since you have already informed me that there may be other machinations going on; of which this might just be a part.

Richard de Trois Fontianes

                                                   

August 8^th 1307

Letter from Subject Antoine de Lys to Subject Richard de Trois Fontaines.

Brother Richard,

Keep a steady course, nothing was lost that time and His will might bring back. Our enemies are many and they are cunning. Have no fear that we shall triumph through this adversity.

Antoine de Lys, Bishop.

August 12^th 1307

Letter between Subject Helvis de Belleme and Subject Soffredus.

Magister,

Have no fear, the errant child that is Heloise has now been suitably secured and secluded. She will cause you no harm for the foreseeable future, nor interrupt your studies or those of your students. With her so restrained I am sure that we may once again meet on terms most amicable.

Helvis de Belleme

August 14^th 1307

Letter between Subject Soffredus and Subject Helvis de Belleme.

Noble Lady,

I thank you for taking this matter most seriously and the celeritous response that you have enacted. Heloise’s presence was truly becoming an issue and had it gone much further I should have had to seek the intervention of Prince Geoffrey. Her youthful follies and indiscretions might be forgive, but after such a lapse of time her actions could only now be considered malice.

Magister Soffredus

August 19^th 1307

Proclamation by Prince Geoffrey

Note that two weeks hence there shall in the fields about the city of Paris be held a great tourney. Knights and their squires may attend and enter, individually or in a conroi. All who enter must provide their own arms and mounts. All who enter must be able to prove their nobility and noble lineage back to at least three generations. The prize for the victor shall be the sum of £3000 of Paris, arms and a mount from the royal stables and a entitlement as decided by the Prince.

Geoffrey Prince of Paris

August 24^th 1307

Letter between Subject Lucita of Aragon and Subject Ambrosio Moncada.

Sire,

It would appear that the Lords are moving against the Clerics. The Templars are to be distracted. It seems as though the young master will throw off the apron strings and attempt to rule in his own right and come of age.

Lucita of Aragon

August 27^th 1307

Letter between Subject Louis de Piedemonte and unknown recipient.

Friends,

I have now discussed various matters with the representative of the Baronies of Albion. In return for our effective neutrality and inaction in forthcoming matters within the Courts of Love, there is the potential for future growth and expansion within the Baronies, particularly at Durham and Edinburgh. Much has already been acquired here and considering the offers from Flanders it might very well be the case that we should rest upon our laurels for a decade or so and look to pastures new and more fertile.

Louis de Piedemonte, Regent of Paris Chantry.

August 31^st 1307