History of House Linden
by Harri MäkiOrigins
Vlaardoens are one of the oldest Flaemish families in Glantri. Only them and Verliens could trace their ancestry directly to old Alphatia without any doubts. They are also only one of the old ducal families of Kingdom of Braejr still living. Their forefather in Old Alphatia was general Vlaardoen, one of the leaders of the Followers of the Fire in Civil War that destroyed Old Alphatia. During the years before coming to Mystara general's descendants began to use his name as a family name to honour his legacy.
Appearance of the Vlaardoens ha always been a prime example of Flaemish heritage. Without exception they have had flaming red hairs and very pale complexion. And excluding few shunned individuals they all have been accomplished fire-wizards.
Wilhelmina Vlaardoen
In AC 707 old duke Barnar Vlaardoen died in the age of 77. He was succeeded by his only still living child, his daughter Wilhelmina. Wilhelmina was 27-years old and unmarried. She had no personal attractiveness; in fact her appearance and behaviour were mannish. She even had small red moustaches. Besides this she was capricious and stubborn and has absolutely no want to be a ruler.
In this somewhat unhappy situation the salvation came in the person of Wilhelmina's uncle Filred Vlaardoen. He promptly took the reins and married Wilhelmina to his own son Achilles. After stormy start Wilhelmina actually began to like his husband and following year was born their only child, Barend. Their marriage was happy in the meaning that they liked each others company, love had nothing to do with it. Achilles has his adventures with other woman, but Wilhelmina didn't pay any attention to them, as long as there were no children as a result. She was truly sad when Achilles died in AC 751 in the age of 79 after 44 years of marriage.
Filred was real ruler of Linden until his death in AC 721. At that point he had trained Wilhelmina and Achilles to govern by themselves. Actually after Wilhelmina had took interest in governing and politics, she proved to have talents for both. She instinctively understood the problems of Flaemish politics: power balance between ducal families and the settler question. She carefully sought to promote her family's interests without openly affronting the other houses. Even so, she encountered strong opposition from the other dukes, when she tried to promote peaceful relations with the settlers. Her influence was decisive when the Flaems decided to let Traladaran settlers go through their areas to northeastern forests.
Biggest disappointment for Wilhelmina was that his own son defied her policy. When the fighting between southern Flaems and settlers began in late AC 730 Barend left Linden against his mother's wishes to fight against the settlers. Achilles encouraged he to do that, but Wilhelmina never found out that.
When King Anton in AC 738 instituted an official policy of welcoming and integrating settlers, Wilhelmina whole-heartedly supported it. Afterwards many historians have wondered Wilhelmina's tolerant attitude towards settlers knowing the normal racism of Flaems. One probable explanation is that just because Linden were so far away from the southern fighting zone Wilhelmina could be tolerant because settlers were not a threat to Linden at that point time.
Greatest shock for Wilhelmina came in AC 747 when the Council banned clericism. Ban itself was not a shock, she approved that. Shock was that Barend, already accomplished warrior-mage, was named to direct the operation against the clerics. Only now she realised what a fanatic her son was. She openly renounced Barend's "Burning Council" as not a just court. And when Barend in AC 750 began to burn settlers, Wilhelmina was really horrified. She totally understood that the deed probably would compromise all Flaems in the eyes of the settlers.
When the fights started the following year, Wilhelmina just announced that it was to expect to happen and withdrew from the Council. She was deeply disappointed in the politics and then Achilles died. Wilhelmina closed herself in Linden for rest of her life; she refused all summons to Braejr even if they came from king personally. At this point of life she would have disinherit Barend if there had been some other possible close relative alive.
Wilhelmina died in AC 767 in the age 87 without having seen his son for 20 years. Her only solace during these years had been her daughter-in-law Maria and her 8 grandchildren, who had visited her regularly.
Barend Vlaardoen
Barend was already 59 when he succeeded his mother. He was typical mail Vlaardoen by appearance, bit stocky but hardened body and stately carriage, flaming red hair and full beard. In fact if you are ever allowed the visit the ballroom of Tower of Linden pay attention to family portraits. You are amazed how similar male Vlaardoens are with their leonine hair. Main difference is how big is each individuals beard. Of course there are couple of exceptions.
Barend had not been in Linden for 20 years and didn't arrive there until AC 770. He staid with Flaemish troops, which commander he was named in AC 766, in the south left Linden in the hands of his old teacher Benedict Moroden and his favourites. This however was not a good decision. Moroden's rulership was harsh for common people and in AC 770 there broke out riots against him. Barend had to left settler harassing and take the reins by himself. Moroden and the leaders of the riots were promptly executed.
Barend was purposeful as a ruler, he had an ironhard will and he kept everyone and everything in strict discipline. Unlike his mother he was a totally racist Flaem. He knew no mercy against his opponents. For him there was no such thing as conciliation.
Earlier when leading persecution of clerics, Barend organised a council to serve as a special court before which everyone suspected of clericalism could be brought to trial. All members were Flaems, and nearly everyone had same conviction than Barend.
Barend wanted to teach southern settlers that the only they were permitted to enjoy wealth was because they were expected to be meek and obedient servants of the kings will. He wanted to restore respect for the Flaems amongst all classes of settlers. He wanted to prove to the settlers that the only cure for disturbances was royal tyranny of the king. Consequently by AC 771 he had become most hated Flaem amongst the settlers.
Barend's most enduring achievement was probably his children. He had married Maria Morend in AC 727 and during following 12 years they had two sons and six daughters. Their marriage was very happy. Barend cemented his alliance with other leading families by marrying daughter to every other ducal family and his younger son Willem married a daughter of a king.
Barend died embittered in AC 779 at the age of 71. He hadn't succeeded to reach one of his prime goals: to lead an all-out war against the settlers. He blamed that Averoignian dandy Etienne d'Ambreville for this. Etienne had been a stabilising factor against Barend's warmongering.
Andreis Vlaardoen
Barend's older son Andreis was 46-years old when he succeeded his father. He was somewhat shorter than his father and kept his beard short trimmed. Otherwise his appearance was exactly like his fathers. His nature was however totally different. He was as tolerant as his father was intolerant towards the settlers. He was energetic like his father but much more intelligent and especially much more politician. He had adopted some of his grandmother's thoughts about politics and about the settler problem.
He has been since youth the favourite of the King, because of his exceptional intellectual capacity. King had permitted him to take part in all important political discussions because of this. He had a capability to understand what were motives of the others when he could conceal his own under meaningless conversation.
In Linden common people take as their own Duke, because he loosened the control his father had kept them. Unfortunately his ideas about peaceful relations with the settlers were extremely unpopular especially amongst the other nobles in tightening atmosphere.
When the war broke in AC 784 Andreis was only one to speak for the negotiations. He was murdered in Braejr in the age of 51. He was deeply sorrowed in Linden.
Rodolphus Vlaardoen
Andreis' successor was his 17-years old son Rodolphus from his first marriage. Rodolphus' mother Theodora had died in childbirth and his raising was left to his stepmother Martha. Rodolphus looked even in this young age like a typical Vlaardoen with only two exceptions: he of course had yet no facial hair and even in later years he wore only moustaches, and he was very tall (212 to be exact). He was a talented young man, quick learner, energetic and extremely strongwilled. He was also extremely healthy; he suffered none of the normal childhood sicknesses. He grew to be a giant for man in every possible way. He concentrated to everything he did totally, there were no such things as half-finished to him, everything was either finished or not finished.
Rodolphus took immediately leadership of Linden's troop to his own hands. He dismissed old generals who were against that. He soon proved to be a very capable commander despite his young age. He grasped the importance supplies and during the following four years his troops were only one's in Flaemish side which have no shortages of material and food. He also realised that a small force that could be kept well in hand was far more efficient than a large army, which had to devote time and energy to looting was.
Rodolphus' part in victory of Braejr in AC 785 was not yet prominent, older Dukes and their generals were in limelight's at that battle. But during the following three years Rodolphus' star rise above all the others. It was soon clear that he was only leader in Flaemish you could compare to Joachim von Drachenfels or even Titus Glantri at the other side. At the final battle in Braastar in AC 788 Rodolphus was last of the Flaems to surrender. He even considered continuing the fighting, but as King and most of the older generation were dead, he decided that it would be needless.
Rodolphus took part at the negotiations after Joachim von Drachenfels' death. His position amongst Flaems was such that the other surviving nobles couldn't pass him by. Amongst common Flaems he was already a national hero. After negotiations he was chosen as one of the three Flaemish members in the new ruling Council of the Republic of Highlands. Consequently Halzunthram arrested him when making his coup. After that Rodolphus considered all Alphatians as his personal enemies.
Alfonso de Belcadiz' daring strike released also Rodolphus. He and his shell mates Jan Pieinants and Cornelis Postbrad escape to north. There they immediately rose Flaems rebellion against Alphatian rule. During following years small Flaemish forces lead by Rodolphus are harassing Alphatians everywhere in north.
Rodolphus' hate of Alphatians developed during following years to hate of nearly every other race, only elves were exception. Rodolphus was against secret negotiations with the Thyatians and Kerendans when they approached Flaems in AC 794 but was outvoted by others. Rodolphus was the only one who didn't think their situation as desperate.
During these heavy war years there surfaced also other traits in Rodolphus. He began to get heavy outbursts of rage and he began to drink heavily. Others did not like especially this latter feature, because it normally meant that Rodolphus challenged everyone else in drinking contests. And if you were 170 tall Thyatian envoy, you can imagine what it meant to that poor guy. Rodolphus also personally began to take part in interrogations of the prisoners and some say that he even personally tortured and executed them. It was mostly because of these happenings that Alphatians began to call Rodolphus as "the Red Devil".
Disaster at the Battle of Braejr in AC 802 didn't improve Rodolphus' view about other races. Hadriana Glantri's stubbornness caused the breaking of the siege and death of the most Flaemish troops who were left alone against Halzunthram's troops. Jan Pieinants and Cornelis Postbrad both fell in that battle and Rodolphus in the age 35 was oldest Flaemish commander in the field.
Years went by and the war continued with varying success. Rodolphus welcomed the elves when they join the battle in AC 806. He was still only 39-years old but everyone around could see that 22 years of war began to show in him. He was still brilliant in the field but otherwise his behaviour began to be more and more irrational. He clearly began to develop paranoia towards possible traitors. Peak in this was reached in AC 818 when he accused his only son Achilles of treason and conspires with the Alphatians. Achilles was sentenced to death and Rodolphus watched the whole execution and personally made sure that his son was dead.
After this everyone around Rodolphus were just waiting when he loses his mind totally. There were however nothing they could do, Rodolphus was still a hero for common people and soldiers. Actually everyone else in this point were hoping that he would die in battle. However he always seemed to survive without even getting any wounds. End becomes at last in winter of AC 825 when Rodolphus after heavy drinking fell through the ice. He didn't drown but get cold and died in the age of 58 after 41 years without interruption in warfield. You could say that Rodolphus was a classical case of a person burning his candle from both ends.
Actually you could say that Rodolphus' death saved the Glantri. If he would have been living still in AC 828, he would have never agreed to join the Republic and the war would probably have continued.
Frederick Vlaardoen
Rodolphus has no living children, so title of Duke went to his 51-years old half-brother Frederick. He was only children of Andreis' second wife Martha. Frederick was a miniature version of his "big" brother being only 175 tall. He also used shortly trimmed beard and no moustaches. Temperamentally he was also milder version of his brother. He was much more tractable when dealing with the others especially the allies. He also show considerable military skills now when emerges from the great shadow of his brother. During last three years of the 40-years war the co-operation between Flaemish and their allies worked for the first time without any frictions.
In negotiations after the war Frederick showed also very great political and diplomatic talents. He agreed with Alexander Glantri's vision about the future of the area and was instrumental to get other Flaemish nobles to accept the establishment of the Republic. After this it came to no surprise that the other nobles choose him to present them in the Council. Only think Frederick was unhappy for was the degrading of Linden to Viscounty, but he forgot this when Alexander offered him the position as Supreme Judge, the most powerful position in the Council. And Flaemish people continued to call him Duke anyhow.
Frederick proved to be excellent choice as Supreme Judge. During the first years of the Republic he had to build judicial system from the scratches and unite the five different systems (Flaemish, Thyatian, Alphatian, Traladaran and Ethengarian) into one. Most of his innovations are still in use. He also could mostly keep his prejudices not affecting his work.
Frederick even have good working relations with Vortram, Alphatian Chamberlain, but those where shattered in AC 835 when Alphatian killed Alexander Glantri in Council meeting. Frederick had liked Alexander and couldn't see this act as anything else than final proof that you should never trust them. He was not very sorry that Birkai Virayana died also, because of the old prejudices against Ethengarians. So when Morphail put forward that they should execute Vortram immediately to show that there is no mercy to traitors, Frederick supported him against the protestations of Wilhelm von Drachenfels that they should interrogate Vortram first.
There is some evidences that Frederick investigate matter later, but he never told what he found out. Anyhow he never trusted Vortram's successor Ambrosion and kept close watch in his doings.
In AC 845 Frederick welcomed d'Ambreville's when they petitioned to acceptance to join the Republic. He was with Friedrich von Drachenfels staunchest supporter of them. Of course this meant more power for Flaemish in the House of Lords as two new nobles, Etienne d'Ambreville and Gilles Grenier, joined their old allies voting block.
Frederick died in AC 847 in the age 73. He was greatly mourned by Flaems, who saw that he had brought a peace to them.
Moritz Vlaardoen
His 21-year old grandson Moritz succeeded Frederick. Frederick's son Michel had fell in battle in AC 827. His son Moritz was left for his grandparents to raise. Moritz was young, ambitious and intelligent. Frederick had given him the best possible education there were and let him took part in governing Linden so that he would know what to do after Frederick's passing away.
Other Flaemish nobles choose him bit unexpectedly to represent them in council. Reason was that others didn't want to be in constant touch with non-Flaems. In the Council Treasurer Toktai Virayana was chosen as a new Supreme Judge and Moritz inherited his position as a Treasurer.
Moritz had always loved stories about exploits of his great-uncle Rodolphus and idolised him since childhood. In the Council he wanted a bold and vigorous foreign policy against the Ethengars. He wanted to be a warhero too.
Unfortunately this dream was not to come true. Moritz died in 850 suddenly in smallpox.
Jacob Vlaardoen
Moritz was not married, so he has no child. His heir was his grandfather's cousin Jacob Vlaardoen. Jacobs's father was Andreis' younger brother Willem, who had died in AC 778 when Jacob was only 1-year old. Jacob was raised with his 3-years older cousin Frederick. But whereas his cousins Rodolphus and Frederick were militarily oriented mages, Jacob was mostly interested in research.
War times were hard for Jacob because there mostly were not time for proper research. He tried to be helpful but was mostly in the way. Rodolphus considered him nearly useless. Most important happening for Jacob happened in AC 821, when Frederick forced him to marry. Jacob had not been very much interested about opposite sex, but now Frederick forced him to recognise that since Rodolphus and Frederick had so far no children he was next in line to inheritance of Linden. In the age of 44 Jacob married Fredrika Verlien, cousin of future Count Vidar Verlien. It was great surprise to everyone that during the following 5 years they got three sons.
After the war Frederick made clear that he had to stay in capitol, so Jacob should took care of Linden. Jacob proved to be very efficient in this role. Linden was totally reconstructed during 829-834. Following thirteen years were most happy of Jacobs life, he could totally concentrate on the research work in Linden. His wife had died already in AC 827 and he had given his sons to be raised by his wives relatives.
Then when Frederick died all changed. Moritz couldn't stand the old mage and drove him out of Linden. Following three years Jacob stayed also in High Sonden. He was very bitter for Moritz about this; he even didn't have time to take his laboratory equipment with him.
So when Jacob inherited the Viscounty of Linden in AC 850 in the age of 73, he was already embittered and disappointed man. His prime years were spent in war, he had been forced to marry, and his relatives had treated him badly. He was already stooped by the age and grey haired, although his hair were still as thick as they have been 50 years earlier.
In the Council Jacob also inherited Moritz' position as a Treasurer. He proved to be as harsh in this role as in Viscount. He didn't appreciate anything; nothing was done well enough. His sons were no good. His attitude towards other Council members were nearly patronising, he even treated Baron Morphail as an incompetent apprentice. So it was quite a surprise when he was in 854 chosen as a new Chamberlain after Count Ambrosion's death. In fact reason was that everyone else wanted him out of the Treasury and the only other possible promotion would have been position as a Chancellor and that was clearly out of the question.
When Friedrich von Drachenfels in AC 853 approached Jacob and told him about the plans to make Glantri a country ruled by magicians, Jacob supported him immediately. In fact this was only matter in Council Jacob didn't cause any troubles. He was last one to accept the joining of the elves to the country. It took Etienne d'Ambreville and Friedrich von Drachenfels nearly two months to get him to accept this.
Jacob Vlaardoen I, first Prince of Bergdhoven died of stroke in AC 860 at the age of 83. There were few that mourned his death.
Johan Vlaardoen II
His second son Johan succeeded Jacob. Jacob's oldest son Moritz had died already in AC 846 in laboratory accident. Johan was 35, when he became a Prince. He had inherited all the appearance straits of the previous Vlaardoens, in fact he was very handsome with his neatly trimmed flaming hair and beard and stately carriage. He was soon nicknamed as a Red Prince.
In spite of his fathers belittling Johan had a brilliant intelligence, he was perfectly honest and had an enormous capacity to work. He was precise and clear in his style and prudent in his diplomacy. These were all traits that impressed his contemporaries. But he had his faults also; he was cool and even haughty towards anyone who was not his personal friend. And this trait only got worse when dealing peoples outside noble status. Consequently he never was very popular.
In Council Johan continued his father's work as a chamberlain. He unfortunately never got a possibility to show his abilities. He was murdered by highwaymen in inspection trip to the area of Nouvelle Averoigne in AC 862. He was only 37.
Andries Vlaardoen III
Johan was unmarried and was succeeded by his 36-years old younger brother Andries. Andries was large and handsome, happy and captivating. He had none of his brother's haughtiness. He liked people and people liked him. As a youngest son he had been mostly spared from his fathers harassment.
Unlike his brother he had been married in AC 849 with Viscount Leopol Pieinants sister Alexandra. And they also had two children. There was first time since Andreis Vlaardoen happy family ruling Linden. Of course this was not totally true. Andries was quite a lady-killer, he had many mistresses and he was even not too picky when selecting them. There happened a few very stormy family meetings during Andries' and Alexandra's marriage.
In the Council Andries was nominated as a Viceroy of Monteleone, when former Viceroy don Fernando de Belcadiz got the position of Chamberlain. Andries was quite happy with this, in his opinion Chamberlain had too much responsibilities.
He never tried to get an other position, because he was not interested in politics. He was happy spending money and keeping court in Linden or in Monteleone. He also enjoyed the irritation his status caused amongst the elves.
There was only one flaw in Andries' perfect life. He absolutely hated Friedrich von Drachenfels, who had dubbed him clown as a Prince.
Andries was ecstatic when the Great School was opened in AC 875 and heartily supported Etienne d'Ambreville's petition for Principality. He immediately sent his 6-year old grandson Paulus to School, but was very disappointed when he flunked only after three years in there.
Andries died in AC 882 in the age of 56. There were never released any explanations, but there were some ugly rumours about the circumstances. They mostly concentrated in Andries trying to do something that his physique didn't stand. There were mentioned also certain elven lady, but that is hard to believe considering the relations between Vlaardoens and the elves in general.
Willem Vlaardoen IV
Next Prince was Andries' 32-years old son Willem. He was as handsome as his father was, but unlike him he was reserved and stiff, hard and unscrupulous. He also was a great admirer of Friedrich von Drachenfels. People said that he knew Friedrich's famous Über Kriege und Magie by heart. He was however more politician and diplomat than soldier.
Willem had two great tragedies in his personal life. His only child Paulus had no talents for magic, which was unheard in the history of family. And his wife Anneken couldn't get more children. Second tragedy was both personal and political. Willem's sister Paola had married Vlandoor Vandeeker, from the rich gemcutter-family, in AC 873. Then in AC 877 Vlardoons sister Anneke disappeared from Kopstar and some ten years after became the fourth wife of Prince Toktai Virayana. This cause enormous uproar in Bergdhoven and Willem had to break all relations with his sister and her family. After this Willem hated Ethengarians and was against everything they propose for rest of his life.
In the Council Willem continued to be a Viceroy of Monteleone until AC 889, when he was chosen as a Chancellor after Vitalin Aendyr's death. During this time most momentous event was the splitting of the elven Principality. For everybody's surprise also Willem supported this. He knew quite well that the relations between the two elven groups were not good and saw this as measure to lessen their power at the House of Lords.
Willem's election as a Chancellor was caused by the reason that all the other options were even worse. Willem of course was happy. He loved Linden and stayed there whenever he could and Glantri City was closer than Monteleone. He was not greatly interested in the administration of his own principality however. His only concern was to have the support, moral and financial, for his policy from there.
Willem was actually not so bad as a Chancellor. During his term there were not so many issues with the other countries, so his duties were actually minimal. He also enjoyed parties enough to got through obligatory diplomatic dinners.
Willem was happy when he could help his old teacher Porfir Massza to establish Viscounty of Bergen in AC 894. Willem had insisted already for some time that old Porfir had settled the area and that he reserved the title. In AC 894 that at last succeeded, when Ernst von Drachenfels also admitted that it would be good to have a dominion in military point of view.
In AC 896 after d'Ambrevilles disappearance and Supreme Judge Toktai Virayana's death Willem was a candidate for both open positions. He lost both voting's. He didn't like Don Fernando de Belcadiz getting the Grandmastership, but had noting personally against Kenneth McGregor, who was chosen to be a Supreme Judge.
Willem died in nondescript circumstances in Linden like his father in AC 902 at the age of 52. Rumour were that he was murdered by Flaemish purist, because his admiration Drachenfels'.
Antonie Vlaardoen V
Willem had no eligible children, so the next Prince was his 61-years old cousin Antonie. Antonie was son of Jacob Vlaardoen's oldest son Moritz. He had been 19 when his grandfather died, but because Jacob has named Johan as heir after Moritz's death he was passed over. In his younger days Antonie had been very handsome, with usual Vlaardoen characteristics: flaming red hair and brilliant pale skin combined with big blue eyes and a fine profile. Now he of course was already bit greyed and stooped and his eyes have got a watery colouring.
Antonie was interested in politics and philosophy, so he had served as a representative in Parliament for both of his predecessors, Andries and Willem. He was ambitious, energetic and excellent political tactician. Since he had realised that Willem would probably never got a eligible heir, Antonie were using his connections in capital make sure that he was to be next Prince. He also used his time in Glantri City for studying in the library of the Great School. It isn't exaggerating to say that he is the most well red Vlaardoen in whole history of the family.
Antonie had also his darker side besides these admirable characteristics. He was power-hungry, arbitrary, cynical and unscrupulous, vain, self-indulgent, lover of luxury and splendour. Some times he had also great problems for covering his opinions about others. And of course he had one common trait with his uncle Andries: women. It has been said that he was even worse in this respect than Andries, especially after his wife's death in AC 881.
In Council Antonie was made Viceroy of Sablestone. He absolutely hated that position, Sablestone was so far away that he never visited personally there. Then in AC 906 Kenneth McGregor, the Supreme Judge died. Antonie announced his candidacy immediately and to his great surprise he proved to be the only candidate. Other Princes either didn't want the position or didn't believe in their chances.
Antonie was ecstatic with the power he got. He was a good judge and devoted himself for his duties. He left Bergdhoven to his son Isaac and stayed in Glantri City. But that lasted only four years, then he found the Radiance. After that he began to neglect his work, because the researches needed to master the new magic.
In AC 912 Grandmaster Don Fernando de Belcadiz announced his resignation. Antonie again announced immediately his candidacy. This time he had a competitor, also Momai Virayana II wanted the position. Antonie won only with a narrow marginal.
Now Antonie could concentrate fully in researching the Radiance. He of course kept courses from his speciality area fire magic, but otherwise he stayed mostly on his laboratory. This went on for eight years, until he was found dead in his laboratory in AC 920. The official cause of death was announced to be carbon monoxide poisoning, he was 79-years old. His last meal was found to include onions, potatoes, tomatoes and two bottles of Brolsch lager.
Isaac Vlaardoen VI
Antonie's son Isaac was 55-years old when he became the Prince. He was, unlike the other Vlaardoens, small, weasely man with thin hair and ugly features. He had suffered all his life from his father expectations he couldn't fulfil. He had no will of his own. First there was his father, then his wife.
Isaac was chosen to be a Viceroy of Ylourgne in the Council. Following year he was chosen also as a Treasurer after Owain Aendyr had to resign, because of the Darokin Trade Treaty Scandal. He was not chosen because of his abilities, he was chosen because most powerful Princes (namely Momai Virayana II, Alfonso de Belcadiz and Albrecht von Drachenfels) wanted to put treasury in the hands of officials for time being.
Isaac's time in Treasury was the time of the officials. He didn't took any part in the decision making, in fact most of his assistants considered him to be mad. One minor clerk murdered him in AC 927. He was 62.
Simon Vlaardoen VII
Isaac had no children, fortunately some would say. His 61-years old brother Simon succeeded him. Simon was again typical Vlaardoen. When their father had died it was suggested that Isaac should be passed over, but Simon refused this. He was not ambitious; he was totally satisfied for being his brother's representative in Parliament. Of course he also wanted to avoid quarrelling with his sister-in-law Paola.
Simon was skilful and shrewd politician in Parliament, but otherwise impatient and incapable for sustained effort. If some of his plans didn't go right from the beginning, he gave up and got depressed. He also had an inclination to mysticism, which he tried to cover. He once even visited the mystics of Lhamsa. Albrecht von Drachenfels once said about him: "There is something missing from him. I just don't know what."
Simon also succeeded his brother as Treasurer and Viceroy of Ylourgne. He proved to be a bit better than his brother had been. Anyhow his officials still continued to control Treasury.
Simon died in AC 936 at the age 70. He and his brother are the two rulers most of the Bergdhovians tend to forget, when asked to list their Princes.
Pieter Vlaardoen VIII
Simon's successor was his only child, 43-years old son Pieter. He was again like stereotype of Vlaardoen, only difference was that he used only moustaches. He had been an example for younger generation of Flaems. He had six children and was a devoted family man.
Pieter understood his position as a Prince so that he had to decide everything by himself. You could call him as an absolute ruler. There was not so small decision to be made that he didn't take care of it. He wouldn't and couldn't share his duties to his assistants. His thinking about ruling was also quite simple and forward; order and absolute obedience were basic presuppositions for state to exist. This thinking also meant that in his time Flaemish racism reached its peak in Bergdhoven.
Pieter was chosen to be a Viceroy of Ylourgne, but Treasury went to Malcolm McGregor. Pieter was actually relieved for this because he didn't really understood economics.
In AC 940 Chancellor Albrecht von Drachenfels died and the race for new Chancellor was on. There were two candidates Pieter and Cadwallon Aendyr. Choice between them was not an easy one for other Princes. Two candidates hated each other and were both extremely racist. Finally it was Prince Morphail support that tip the scales to Pieter's favour.
Pieter was not a great success as a Chancellor. During his time the relations with other countries were strained. He didn't nominate new ambassadors to replace old ones he called home. He didn't receive new ambassadors sent in to the Glantri City personally. There were no dinners for ambassadors.
Luckily for Glantri's foreign relations Pieter's term as Chancellor ended suddenly in AC 947. Pieter were skating when the ice broke under him and he was drowned in the age of 54.
Willem Vlaardoen IX
His oldest son, 36-years old Willem, succeeded Pieter. He was not a racist like his father. He was friendly, little man, bit plump but otherwise noble looking. He was intelligent but weak and very stubborn, well meaning but somewhat neurotic. And although not racist and not so hard ruler as his father, his views were otherwise strictly traditional.
Willem had married Maria-Katarina Verlien, Count Vexier Verlien's nephew, in AC 934. Their marriage was extremely happy and they were very popular couple in Bergdhoven. Unfortunately they couldn't get a child.
Willem was chosen to be a Viceroy of Monteleone in Council. He was not happy with this decision, because he didn't like the elves. Being not a racist meant to him that he was not racist towards other humans, non-humans were not included.
Willem however proved to be a good manager. He showed talent with fiscal matters and it wasn't great surprise when he was chosen as a Treasurer in AC 957 after Francesco di Malapietra's election as a Chamberlain.
Willem's life ended suddenly in AC 961. He was murdered by Flaemish racists in Kopstar. He was only 50-years old.
Wilfrid Vlaardoen X
His younger brother Wilfrid succeeded Willem. He was 48-years old giant. He was nearly 2 meters tall, big bearded and already somewhat balding man. He was unfortunately inherited his fathers nature. He was not very intelligent, but inflexible and proud. He was suspicious and stubborn, with a love of minute detail. His character was somewhat irresolute. Charan Erewan said about him that he was basically good and obedient child, but that his sense of omnipotence had made him totally unconcerned about everything. All went well simply because he existed. Actually these traits made Wilfrid most hated Vlaardoen since the days of Barend.
Wilfrid was chosen to continue his brother's work in Treasury and in Monteleone. He was not very good in these positions. As he was convinced of the importance of his family in Glantri's history, he found no better retort to the insults of other Princes than a threat to withdraw to Linden, as if this would be the greatest punishment he could inflict on his opponents. Many times it was only her wife's energy and persuasion that prevented this from happening.
Wilfrid had married Magda Pieinants, daughter of Duke Edelmiro Pieinants, in AC 934. They had a happy marriage and Magda was probably the only one that Wilfrid ever really listened.
Wilfrid died in a heart attack in AC 972 at the age of 59.
Vanserie Vlaardoen XI
His 32-years old son Vanserie succeeded Wilfrid.
Vanserie also inherited the positions of Treasurer and Viceroy of Monteleone in the Council. He had to relinquish the Viceroyalty in AC 979 to Etienne d'Ambreville after his return to Glantri. Vanserie was actually relieved because he hadn't like Monteleone and it diminished his work.
Summary
Wilhelmina Vlaardoen b.680 d.767
Barend Vlaardoen b.708 d.779
Andreis Vlaardoen b.733 d.784
Rodolphus Vlaardoen b.767 d.825
Frederick Vlaardoen b.774 d.847
First Viscount of Linden
Supreme Judge of the Council 829-847
Moritz Vlaardoen b.826 d.850
Treasurer of the Council 847-850
Jacob Vlaardoen I b.777 d.860
First Prince of Bergdhoven
Treasurer of the Council 850-854
Chamberlain of the Land 854-860
Johan Vlaardoen II b.825 d.862
Chamberlain of the Land 860-862
Andries Vlaardoen III b.826 d.882
Viceroy of Monteleone 862-882
Willem Vlaardoen IV b.850 d.902
Viceroy of Monteleone 882-889
Chancellor of the Princes 889-902
Antonie Vlaardoen V b.841 d.920
Viceroy of Sablestone 902-906
Supreme Judge of the Council 906-912
Grand Master of the Great School of Magic 912-920
Isaac Vlaardoen VI b.865 d.927
Viceroy of Ylourgne 920-927
Treasurer of the Council 921-927
Simon Vlaardoen VII b.866 d.936
Treasurer of the Council and Viceroy of Ylourgne 927-936
Pieter Vlaardoen VIII b.893 d.947
Viceroy of Ylourgne 936-940
Chancellor of the Princes 940-947
Willem Vlaardoen IX b.911 d.961
Viceroy of Monteleone 947-961
Treasurer of the Council 957-961
Wilfrid Vlaardoen X b.913 d.972
Treasurer of the Council and Viceroy of Monteleone 961-972
Vanserie Vlaardoen XI b.940 d.1009
Treasurer of the Council 972-1009
Viceroy of Monteleone 972-979
Juliana Vlaardoen b.982
Treasurer of the Council 1009-1011, 1016-