Rudolf Alven
Rudolf Alven
Rudolf was the eldest first cousin of Emperor Rupert I. When Rupert passed with no legitimate issue, Rudolf inherited his titles and was coronated in Erikste.
Rudolf inherited the Kingdom of Sigswald at a point where its fiefdoms' supply of fighting-age men had suffered greatly in the previous Emperor's war with Gairovald. Due to the perception of weakness this circumstance created, Rudolf struggled to maintain control over the multi-ethnic realms of the Empire. With a weakened suzerain, various Princes became bolder in their own desires of self-rule, withholding portions of their levies, ignoring the finer details and imperial decrees, and declaring wars on one-another.
With a threat of secession from the twin monarchs of Gairovald in 72 R.D., Rudolf declared a desperate moot in the White Hall of Erikste, inviting the greatest Princes of the Empire. The charter that emerged became known as the Empire's first "Golden Bull", which ensured the autonomy of each greater Gilder state and transformed the Empire into an elective monarchy.
Seven leading states were selected as the first Prince-Electors: the Margraviate of Bukholte, the Diarchy of Gairovald, the Margraviate of Hundal, the Principality of Jezendt-Pvan, the Kingdom of Sigswald, the Principality of Totender, and the Arch-Prelacy of Uln. Furthermore the cities of Kronach, Wand, and Zellenban were given special status as Free Cities due to their economic importance, and Kronach was selected to become the new capital of the Empire thanks to its nearly central location within the Empire.
Contrary to Rudolf's expectations, his generous concessions failed to secure his reign as Emperor. In the vote that followed the declaration of the Golden Bull, Prince Hanry Totekinder of Totender won the title through a majority of two, with the anxious Margrave Brezel Galager of Hundal casting the deciding vote.
Relationships
Ethnicity
Other Ethnicities/Cultures
Previously Held Ranks & Titles
Life
20 RD
80 RD
60 years old
Spouses
Siblings
Rupert I Alven
(Older Brother)
Children
Gender
Male
Eyes
Brown
Hair
Brown
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Brown
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
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