The second forestry is done. Count Ekbert's workers sure are punctual.
Another forestry (1081)
Count Ekbert has enough gold to build another improvement.
Another forestry is to be built, now in Ostfriesland.
A new claim (1079)
Ancient documents recently discovered have legitimated a claim to the title of Sticht. The county, along with Gelre and Ostfriesland, is part of the Duchy of Gelre, currently unclaimed. If Ekbert can take control of Sticht he could make himself a Duke!
A heir's marriage (1079)
This is Adelheid von Weimar, daughter of the Duke of Meissen. Born in 1061, at age 18 she is the youngest german bride available for little Ekbert, who is now 19 and eager to marry.
On the 1st of February, 1079, the heir to the Counties finally married.
Crusade! (1078)
On the 28th of October, 1078, Pope Anselm of Lucca called all christian nations to arms.
The goal is to liberate Jerusalem from heathen rule. Although Count Ekbert appreciates the effort, the Independent Counties are too poor to send any regiments.
Gertrude marries (1076)
Gertrude has come of age. The Count has been refusing marriage offers for her for a while, in hopes that a Duke would propose. This is the best offer he got. The marriage generated 32 prestige points.
The Counties need the gold.
Although choosing between 15.42 gold and 1 prestige point is not choosing at all.
A work completed (1075)
Just like Ekbert was told, the forestry's construction took exact 12 months.
The Frisian landscape begins to change.
The Pope sends a Bishop (1074)
Ekbert is a very catholic man, and he welcomes the new Bishop.
At last, there are no jobs available at Count Ekbert's court.
This is Bishop Johann van Arkel. He was born in 1027, and he is 47 years old.
A forestry in Frisia (1074)
Finally, Ekbert managed to save 100 gold. It took him seven years.
The Count, then, ordered the construction of a forestry in Frisia.
A noble warrior (1072)
A noble warrior could be useful.
This is the Counties' new Marshal, Georg of Frisia, age 16, born in 1056. He is apparently fleeing from something.
Independence! (1070)
Suddenly, while fighting a rebelious vassal, Duke Godfried d'Ardennes, Ekbert's liege, was mortally wounded. On the 21st of June, 1070, Count Ekbert van Braunschweig declared the independence of the Frisian Counties.
Declaring independence did cost the Count one prestige point, but he felt it was worth it.
This is Gotthard d'Ardennes, the new Duke of Lower Lorraine. He is only two years old.
A child's upbringing (1068)
Personally raising the first male child is the van Braunschweig tradition, and that shall not change. This way, big Ekbert will have more opportunities to mold little Ekbert's traits, although things don't always go as planned.
Such a privilege does not come without a cost, however.
A Spymaster comes along (1066)
This is Dorothea van Arkel. She showed up one day in court and Ekbert named her Spymaster. She is 30 years old, born in 1036.
Another position in the Counties' court is fulfilled.
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