Monarchs of Pracht

The History of Pracht and its monarchs spans from 1310 until the present day, 1733. Pracht is ruled by the Prachtian Monarchy, who were originally the Kings and Queens of Pracht until the declaration of the Empire of Pracht by Johann III in 1484. The monarchy has almost always been the prime body of power in the Empire, except for the few times in history where the nobility and clergy have held greater sway in the control of the Empire rather than the Sovereign.

The Formation of Pracht
Pracht was formed when Duke Charles of Brabant declared his independence from the Duchy of Burgundy in 1304. Burgundy, understandably, refused to recognize his claim to the land which thus kicked off the War of Independence of Brabant. The Duke of Burgundy, unwilling to lose his territory, sent his armies to Brabant. Charles, knowing he had to act quickly or he would be wiped out, formed an army as quickly as he could within Brabant. This army was mainly made up of conscripted peasants. Many of the citizens supported Charles, also wishing for their independence from the Duchy of Burgundy. The two armies met outside Brussels, the Burgundian's reportedly outnumbering the army two to one. However, fate was on the side of Charles' army, as the Burgundian army was fatigued from moving all the way to Belgium after fighting another battle against the Capetian Kingdom of France.

The battle was reportedly catastrophic for both sides, though the physical fatigue and exhaustion of the Burgundians meant that Charles' small, conscripted army was able to deplete their numbers drastically. After twelve hours of consistent fighting and bloodshed, both sides sought a peace settlement. In the peace treaty, Brabant would received its independence and be recognized as a country by the Duchy of Burgundy. Brabant would also, when it had the funds, pay war reparations to the Duchy of Burgundy for the loss of life. The citizens of Brabant triumphed. As Charles was notably of German descent and spoke German as his primary language, he declared German to be the primary language of the new state. A good friend of Charles' suggested that he rename Brabant into "Pracht" (meaning "Glory" in German). Charles accepted, and the Kingdom of Pracht was founded. Duke Charles became King Charles I and was recognized as a national hero as their founder.

King Charles I (1310 - 1342)
Charles I was born in Brussels some time around 1280 to Duke Philip and Duchess Adelaide of Brabant (reportedly). Nothing is known of his early life, it is just known that his family, the Ducal House of Hochberg, was of German descent and spoke German as their primary language. It is unknown when or how Charles became Duke of Brabant, but it is known that he was Duke of Brabant upon his declaration of independence from the Duchy of Burgundy.

In 1309, Charles issued the Declaration of Independence of Brabant from the parent Duchy of Burgundy, which was a key factor in causing the War of Independence of Brabant. After the Battle for Brussels in 1310, the Burgundian Duke recognized the independence of Brabant in return for the payment of war reparations in the future. He triumphed after the war was won and renamed Brabant into Pracht (German for "Glory") to take pride in his victory and his German descent. Charles later broke the peace terms with the Duchy of Burgundy and with a stronger army, pushed further, conquering more of their territories, eventually annexing the Duchy entirely. It is known from ancient records that the complete annexation of Burgundy took place on August 24th, 1324.

As King of Pracht, Charles was devoted to forming his strong army structure, to show off his might to the rest of Europe. With focusing on army, he never particularly formed a strong and stable government, rather leaving his Vassal Lords to collect and bring taxes to him. He particularly attempted to antagonize France to show that he would dare to challenge countries seen as more powerful than his own. This antagonizing of France, however, would result in Pracht being challenged by the French King. These tensions with France would later result in war. Charles would go to the battlefield in person on a number of occasions, and he was present to see the captures of Picardy, Flanders and Normandy into his domain. However, he'd die in battle on September 18th, 1342.

Charles was married in 1322 to Marie of Luxembourg, daughter of Henry VII, Holy Roman Emperor. He'd father 12 children with Marie, though only 5 survived infancy. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Frederick.

King Frederick I (1342 - 1343)
After Charles I had died in battle on September 18th, 1342, Frederick assumed the throne as Frederick I. There was much enthusiasm for his reign, as he was seen as a young and intelligent man who had much potential by the vassal lords and his subjects alike. His reign began well, as he began organizing the first variation of a government and advisory council to himself.

His reign, however, would be protested by his younger brother, Charles, who claimed that Frederick was an oaf and should not be King. Frederick had attempted to speak to his brother, but unbeknownst to him or anyone for that matter, Charles had brought a knife and intended to stab Frederick. During the meeting, which took place on October 8th, 1343, where Frederick had suggested that they resolve the issue by giving Charles his own house and a better title, Charles pulled out a knife and stabbed Frederick in the back. Frederick was stabbed repeatedly by Charles before he made his escape. His body was found hours later by a high nobleman.

As Frederick had never married and thus produced no heirs, the throne had went to his younger brother and also his murderer, Charles.

King Charles II (1343 - 1358)
After he had killed Frederick I with nobody suspecting him, he inherited the throne as Frederick had left no heirs. His reign began on a poor note, with the nobles disliking him and seeing him as less capable to be the King as Frederick had been. His early reign also saw Pracht almost pushed into a war with France after a dispute over land in Normandy. Charles, having no decisive course of action and generally being a weak monarch, saw the only option to be ceding Normandy from Pracht. Many were outraged by this, people would chant in the streets "Have you no brain, my King?". Public opinion for Charles hit an all time low when in his coronation ceremony after innocent citizens had tried to spectate, they were slaughtered by guards on trumped up charges of being threats to the King, when in reality they were unarmed and simply wished to spectate.

His reign saw little to no progress, many even agreeing that his reign weakened the monarchy to disastrous levels. Rebel movements began to form across the Kingdom, many being against the King himself, rather than wishing to reform the government or remove the monarchy. The King was said to have bouts of insanity or mental breakdowns from the constant bad reports of either rebel attacks or foreign affairs going badly and Pracht looking as if it was going to go into a war. Charles' unpredictable behaviour soon turned vile when he killed his own son in an anxiety attack. In 1356, Charles took ill with an undisclosed disease, suspected to be smallpox. He'd suffer with this disease recurring over the span of two years, until he finally died in 1358. The Prachtian people were said to even celebrate when the death of King Charles II was announced. There was almost universal joy.

Charles married Isabella of Bourbon in 1441, whom he'd have only 2 children with. A son, Augustus (whom he'd later kill while suffering from a panic attack) and a daughter, Maria, who died in childhood from consumption.

King Johann I (1358 - 1399)
Johann's reign began in 1358, when he was just two years old. His grandmother, Isabella of Bourbon, acted as regent for his 13 years of minority. His father, Augustus of Pracht, was the heir to King Charles II. However, during one of Charles II's bouts of insanity and one of his anxiety attacks, Charles had killed Prince Augustus by mistaking him from an intruder in his delusion. It was said he was deeply scarred by the absence of his father and learning the stories of his death made it worse for him.

Johann's personal reign began in 1371, when he reached his majority, his mother stepping aside to allow him to take his position. The first issue he needed to address was the issue concering his marriage. Many candidates were considered for his marriage, but he inevitably married Maria of Hainaut, a noblewoman within the Kingdom. Johann had initially antagonized the advisory council by dismissing it. The high dukes that sat on the council were displeased and forced Johann to sign into law the creation of a new Council of Ministers, which effectively had more power than the original advisory council. Johann squabbled constantly with the council over disputes within their Ministries, but inevitably Johann, with his iron will, got his way in the end. Johann preferred politics over the idea of military command, appointing his Generals to do that for him, but he was sure to do his duties of inspection and control over the army. Johann was well-beloved as a monarch for his compassion with his people and strong assertion of power to the other countries. He died from what is believed to have been lung cancer in 1399, aged 43.

Johann married Maria of Hainaut in 1372, whom he'd have 4 daughters with. With the lack of a son, he was succeeded by his eldest daughter, which would cause disputes within court and the Council of Ministers.

Queen Isabelle I and King Ludwig I (1399 - 1420)
Isabelle I succeeded her father, Johann I, after his death in 1399. The first dispute of her reign came from the Council of Ministers and the high dukes and noblemen of the court. The succession of a female, which was disallowed in other nations but never specifically mentioned in Prachtian law, was looked down upon by the nobles.

Her first issue, of her succession, was resolved when the Council of Ministers presented an ultimatum which Isabella actually had no say in whether she would sign it or not as she was forced to sign it. The ultimatum presents the requirement for married female monarchs who succeed to the throne must have their husbands as their co-sovereign. Isabella signed reluctantly, although she had argued for days, weeks and possibly months about her case on this. She knew that if she did not sign, she would face the risk of civil war in Pracht. Her reign was mostly dominated by her husband and thus co-sovereign, Ludwig of Austria, as Isabella was timid, gentle and gave in to his demands. Their reign of 21 years would be one of the most peaceful times in Prachtian history, with no wars fought. It was a time of steady progress for the Kingdom, a build-up of the army and government reforms, mostly pushed forward by Ludwig I and approved by Isabella I with him.

Isabella and Ludwig married in 1395 and had seven children together. 4 died in infancy and 1 was stillborn. Two of their children survived to adulthood, with her eldest son Augustus becoming heir and her second son, Charles, becoming a decorated military officer.

King/Emperor Augustus I (1420 - 1447)
Upon the death of Isabella I in 1420, Augustus I succeeded her as King of Pracht. His father, once co-sovereign, became the Grand Master of the State, an honourary title on the equivalent of an Queen Dowager. His father became an obstacle during the early days of Augustus' reign, as Ludwig I would still attempt to push into affairs of state and take control over Augustus. He often fought furiously with his father over these disagreements of power, the disagreements lasting until 1427 until Ludwig I died.

After the death of Ludwig I, Augustus seeing no obstacles in front of him, he took rule of his state and sole control of his army into his own hands. His main focus was to expand the army and begin conquest. He began rapid conscription across the Kingdom, every set of 4 households was expected to send one man who served for the rest of his life. The size of the army almost tripled with the new recruiting and conscription techniques of Augustus I. He firstly began conquest further into Eastern Germany, conquering many small territories and vassals of the Holy Roman Emperor, which antagonized and infuriated the H.R.E. The Holy Roman Empire declared war on Pracht in 1430 after it seized a major principality of theirs. However, with Augustus I's military skill and his conscription techniques, his army was able to defeat that of the Holy Roman Empire at many key battles, winning Pracht the war in a stunning victory. After he had taken parts of Austria, Augustus declared himself Emperor of all Pracht, officially founding the Empire of Pracht. Augustus also conquered into most of France, causing French Nationalization within the Imperial Court and even the citizenry, blending with the French. He is the source of the reason why the Empire has all of France and speaks French today.

Augustus married Maria Carolina of Artois in 1415, whom he fathered 15 children with. 8 of his children survived to adulthood, with his eldest son becoming the heir.

Emperor Johann II (1447 - 1469)
Johann II succeeded his father Augustus I after his death in 1447. The beginning of his reign was a peaceful time of growth, prosperity and financial stability for the Empire. His main expertise in his early reign was Foreign Affairs. He was able to smooth over many of the conflicts and bad relations that Pracht was having with countries like France and Austria. He would also attempt to intervene in conflicts surrounding Pracht to keep the peace. For this, he would be dubbed "the Peacemaker".

Johann II focused on politics rather than military or army activities. He was known for the formation of new ministerial positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Court. He was also remembered for the formation of the advisory council for each ministry, still in use to this day. Johann's reign was a peaceful time for Pracht, despite the changes in the Council of Ministers, little changes were actually made within the Empire. He earns little merit for the lack of impact he had made.

Johann never married and was thus succeeded by his younger sister and her husband.

Empress Marie I and Emperor Louis I (1469 - 1480)
Marie I and Louis succeeded Marie's brother, Johann II, after his death in 1469. Her reign was marked with large power struggles that would continue for possible decades. Marie I would first be challenged in 1470 by her younger brother, Antoine Louis, who claimed that as he was a male he should take precedence to the throne than Marie. Louis also had large challenge against him for his attempts at a military dictatorship. Marie I and Louis would also challenge each other on various matters of state, especially concerning the army and government policy.

The varying personalities and ideologies of Marie I and Louis caused a period of uncertainty within the government of Pracht. The reign began with various assassination attempts on both Marie and Louis, particularly coming from Antoine Louis and other high noblemen unhappy with the reign and constant disputes. The tensions between Maria and Louis caused an unhappy and strained marriage, which nonetheless produced heirs.

Maria and Louis were married in 1465 and had 5 children, only one surviving to adulthood, Frederick, who'd become the heir.

The Martyr, Emperor Louis II (1480 - 1519)
Frederick succeeded his mother and father, Marie I and Louis I, to the throne after Maria's death in 1480. Unlike a similar situation earlier on between Augustus I and Ludwig I, where Ludwig would become an obstacle to Augustus, Louis I would not become an obstacle to Louis II. In fact, it was noted that Louis I would actually be quite helpful to Louis' reign, becoming Grand Master of the Empire (an honourary title, equivalent to the rank of Empress Dowager) with a considerable amount of influence.

Louis' reign began with religious persecution. Extremely pious to the Catholic Church, Louis cracked down on protestants within the Empire and personally funded the inquisition to find them. He took a part of the budget to fund the building of fortresses and torture centers specifically built to torture protestants. He was favoured by the Catholic Church and the pope for his actions against protestants, although many citizens within the Empire were unhappy with his actions, specifically because they wanted religious freedom or the right to believe what they wish to believe. He was killed by a group of protestants who attacked him on the streets for his religious persecution. In 1617, Pope Paul V made Louis II a Martyr for his death because of his religion.

Louis was married to Marie Elisabeth de Nassau in 1479. Together, they'd have 10 children, 7 of which would survive to adulthood.

Emperor Auguste I (1519 - 1574)
Auguste I succeeded his father, Louis II, to the throne after his assassination by a group of protestants unhappy for his religious policies. Auguste was always cold towards protestants and became especially more negative and oppressive to protestants after his father was killed by a group of them. His religious policies were often called the re-incarnation of those of Louis II.

Besides his religious policies, he was also deeply involved in the navy. Pracht's formerly weak and neglected navy thrived under Auguste I, receiving extra funding and much work on ships and the building of fleets and trade routes. Auguste also had a passion for court extravagance and events. His very long reign, from 1519 - 1574 is currently the longest reign in Prachtian History. Auguste became the inspiration for many future monarchs and was said to be the father of the navy, as all other monarchs before him had generally neglected and disregarded the navy. Many agree that Auguste set an example to future monarchs.

Auguste was married in 1543 to Marie Isabelle d'Alencon. They'd have 4 children together.

Emperor Louis III (1574 - 1610)
Louis III succeeded his father, Auguste I, to the throne upon his death in 1574. Louis immediately faced opposition from the council of ministers, who didn't like his attitude towards politics. Louis, then, attempted to abolish the Council, which violated terms signed by Johann I in the 1300's, stating that no future monarch could ever abolish the Council of Ministers unless they were a direct threat to the monarch or the crown, which the Council at the time was not.

Louis' attitude towards ruling as not positive. Louis cared more for balls, parties and hunting rather than actually ruling his state. State Debt soared from Louis III's extravagant expenses, which arguably left Pracht's Imperial Treasury already fragile and scarred, which would later be worsened by Charles III. Louis III's reign was dominated by his Imperial Chancellor, le Marquis de Nice, who would reportedly embezzle funds from the Imperial Treasury while also controlling the reins of power, making his personal finances soar heavily. The Marquis was later effectively richer than the state itself, until reports of his embezzlement made its way around. The Marquis was dismissed, stripped of his title and had all of his possessions confiscated. The Empire was left virtually leaderless for 4 years between 1606 and 1610, the dismissal of Nice and the death of Louis III. Louis died after a gunshot incident during hunting, leaving his 12 year old grandson Auguste to take the throne.

Louis married Marie Adelaide of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1590. He had three children with her, one who would die in infancy, another who would die in adulthood as Crown Prince and another who would live and become Louis IV.

Emperor Auguste II (1610 - 1610)
Auguste II succeeded his grandfather, Louis II, aged just 12 in 1610. His mother, Marie Caroline, acted as his regent for the short three months of his reign. He faced instant opposition from his second cousin, Elisabeth, from a cadet branch of Hochberg, Hochberg-Bourbon.

Frederick never reigned personally, only his mother acted as his regent for the duration of his three month reign. Princess Elisabeth had made multiple attempts to do an attack on Egmont, but had always been suppressed by unfortunately, was never able to be detained. On March 18th, a successful attempt to storm Egmont began. Imperial Guards stood at the gate were slaughtered, Elisabeth and her army made their way into the palace. Elisabeth ordered the instant killing of anyone spotted, in case they may be harbouring the Emperor and the Regent. It was reported that Elisabeth was smiling for the entire time, watching the utter horror and shock of the bloodshed of that day. Auguste himself was with his mother in an attic level room on the top floor. When they were found, Auguste was said to be crying at the sound. Marie Caroline attempted to defend him, but was quickly stabbed and even tossed out of the window on the end of a rope, much to the distress of the Emperor. After hours of unnecessary beatings and torment, Auguste was finally killed by beheading and initially buried in the gardens of the Chateau du Egmont. His body was later recovered and buried in the Imperial Crypt at the Cathedral of St. Gudala and St. Michael in Brussels.

Frederick never married and was succeeded by his second cousin and also murderer, Elisabeth. This also prompted a brief 4 year change in ruling house, from the house of Hochberg to the house of Hochberg-Bourbon.

Empress Elisabeth I (1610 - 1614)
Elisabeth I succeeded Auguste II after she personally executed the young Emperor at a raid on the Chateau du Egmont. Her reign brought on a change in ruling house, to the house of Hochberg-Bourbon.

Elisabeth was an authoritarian, known for her cruel oppression of the people and general heartlessness. Elisabeth has been dubbed in Prachtian history as "the Butcher" and is generally regarded to be the most cruel and worst monarch in Prachtian history, which is disputed. Her short reign of 4 years was known for the death of, in total, 100,000 people on mainly trumped up and unreal charges, unaffordably high taxes and cruel and unnecessary punishment.

Elisabeth never married and was succeeded by her third cousin once removed, Louis IV, who brought the ruling house back to Hochberg.

Emperor Louis IV (1614 - 1651)
Louis IV succeeded Elisabeth I after his staged Coup d'Etat toward her, removing her from power and also ended up in her unavoidable death. His reign re-established the ruling House of Hochberg.

Louis was known for his military policy, changing much within the military. He was also known to be the first monarch that had improved relations and less disputes with his Council of Ministers, which in the past has been seen as a hinderance to the monarch after documents signed into law in the 1300s by Johann I. Louis was also well known for his abolition of Pracht's involvement in the African slave trade. Louis was also known for his imperialist ideals and he colonized parts of Africa.

Karl I was married to Clothilde Elise d'Autriche in 1609. He'd have 5 children with her, 4 dying in childhood.

Empress Isabelle II and Auguste III (1651 - 1673)
Isabella II succeeded her father, Louis IV, in 1651 after his death from consumption. She also brought her husband, Auguste, as co-sovereign as per the rules signed in by Queen Isabelle I in the 1300's.

She was well known for her policy of never appointing an Imperial Chancellor, fearing that an Imperial Chancellor would attempt to be too controlling over the Empire and stating "that she could do it herself with the help of her dear husband". Their personal rule began with the combat of the Holy Roman Empire in 1654, with Pracht expanding into some of their northern territories. Although the H.R.E initially won, in the peace deal for war reparations Pracht received its desired territories. She was well liked by the people for her generosity and understanding of the strife of the common person, along with her husband who Isabelle is said to have influenced into sharing her ideals. Her rule was mostly uneventful and her rule was one of the most peaceful times in Prachtian History.

Isabelle and Auguste were married in 1639. They'd have 2 children together.

Emperor Charles III (1673 - 1699)
Charles III succeeded his parents, Isabelle II and Auguste III, to the Imperial Throne after Isabella's death in 1673.

Charles was an overall very weak monarch, disliked by the people for his extravagant spending which would bankrupt and empty the country's treasury. Charles III undertook projects such as the building of several new Imperial Residences, each of which cost approximately 1,000,000 Prachtian Marks. He also commissioned new work to be done on the Cathedral of St. Gudala and St. Michael, which was unnecessary and yet again burned more money out of the Imperial Treasury. Charles was generally disliked among the common people for his attitude towards them. Charles didn't care for governing himself, so his reign was dominated by his three Imperial Chancellors.

Charles married Helene Marie, a noblewoman. He had 3 children with her, none of which would wear the crown. He was succeeded by his grandson, the son of his eldest son, the late Dauphin.

Emperor Louis V (1699 - Present)
Louis V succeeded his grandfather, Charles III, to the throne in 1699. His uncle, Auguste Charles, ruled as regent for the Empire during his 7 year minority.

Louis initially faced the daunting task of re-filling the Imperial Treasury after the disastrous spending of Charles III which left the country virtually bankrupt. With the help of his regent, the problem was resolved. Louis was incredibly popular among the common people, who much loved their sovereign. He has been known for his ceremonious routine and kind nature, being a strong monarch. Louis has also been known for not allowing his Imperial Chancellor to take the reins of power from the Sovereign.

Louis was married in 1710 to Marie Johanne de Saxe-Coburg et Gotha. They'd have 10 children together, his eldest daughter is currently the heir apparent to the throne.