In 1444, the Kingdom of France is in a state of instability and flux, and French sovereignty is subject to the changing whims of their disloyal subjects.
It is said that the Duke, who is also one of the richest men in Europe, harbors dreams of a future kingdom based around his collective domains. They have grown their domains far beyond the borders of France, into the Lowlands and the Holy Roman Empire. While the Burgundians now passively support the French cause in the conflict with England, they are still a matter of concern for the French Crown. The English have still not relinquished their claims to the French throne, and one of the main demands of the new treaty, the surrender of Maine to France, has yet to materialize months later. However, the truce with England is tenuous. Charles has also been acknowledged as the rightful King by the Dukes of Burgundy in the treaty of Arras in 1435. With the support of Joan of Arc, since martyred at the hands of the English, and the support of the rich Anjou family, Charles VII has reclaimed Paris and many of the French lands. The Hundred Years War which has torn France apart for over a century is currently halted by a truce following a number of key French victories.
