Maximilian I

Princess Matilda

John, King of Rockfield

**Maximilian I** (5 April 2755 - 26 November 2821) was King of Rockfield and of the Newton during the early 29th century as apart of Rockfield's gradual decline over the next two-hundred years. King Maximilian is best known for his ambitions for a "full return" to the height of Rockfield's role in Doggerland, making plans for expansion across into the Wiltshirians plains and beyond. The Maximilian settlement in the Myseldian Isles is an example of this, though this colony was abandoned before the turn of the 30th century.

Maximilian was born as the youngest child of future King Antony Edmund I and as the grandson of the reigning monarch, Philip II. In his early life, Maximilian took up an active role in the Rockfield Navy, becoming a Captain by the age of 31. His elder brother, Charles, ascended to the throne as King Charles IV in 2804. With this, Maximilian was appointed Royal Garter Supreme and was placed with responsibility over the governance of the Empire. Charles IV had married the 6 year old Elisa Pius and was expected to produce an heir in the coming years, once the young girl had come of age. Maximilian opposed the marriage, arguing that such a union would "compromise the core of moralism at the heart of christianity". The marriage did end, however, several months later when Charles IV unexpectedly died at the age of 53, leaving the six-year old a widow and Dowager Queen. Maximilian, as the next in line, ascended to the throne.

His early reign seemed to be a series of contentious decisions between Maximilian and the court. The first, which came imminently, was over his name. The name "Maximilian" was not considered to be a royal one and many in court were worried what association it would bring due to its history as a religiously-tamed name. Many suggested that it be changed to "Philip" to become Philip III or "Antony Edmund", after his father. Maximilian himself refused the name change, making a strong statement that his religious connections would be a constant in his reign. The second heated issue was over his marriage. Up until this point, Maximilian had not married and lived a life of celibacy. When he ascended to the throne, the court made it explicit that Maximilian was not allowed to continue his celibate lifestyle. Maximilian's uncle, King Oberon, followed this and the issues surrounding the succession were not so easily managed. As such, Maximilian was forced to agree to marry and to have children to produce an heir.

The court, heaving backed by the financial strength of the House of Pius, urged Maximilian to marry the Dowager Queen. It was widely known that the marriage was unconsummated and, as a widower, the marriage would have been legal under the church. The court was insistent that the relationship between the crown and the financial powers in the Kingdom must be maintained, especially as the country had seem numerous falls in power over the course of the past several decades. Maximilian refused to marry Elisa Pius, however, due to her age. A compromise was agreed, however, that stated the marriage would only take place once Elisa Pius came of age. She did this and, in 2813, King Maximilian and Elisa Pius married. The royal pairing had four children; Anne, Catherine, Matilda and John.

Maximilian went onto reign for 16 years, in which time it was reported that he grew to develop a truly loving marriage with Elisa Pius. His death in 2821, along with that of his three-daughters in the Annus horribilis, reportedly turned Elisa Pius to madness which is one of the catalysts of the Pius Revolution. Maximilian was succeeded by his baby-son, John.

In 3022, Maximilian II ascended to the throne of Rockfield. His decision to take the regnal name "Maximilian" impacted historical references to the original. By convention, Maximilian became "Maximilian I", instead of "Maximilian, King of Rockfield".

## Titles and styles

* 5 April 2755 - 19 February 2801: *His Highness* Prince Maximilian Martell
* 19 February 2801 - 5 March 2801: *His Royal Highness* Prince Maximilian
* 5 March 2801 - 13 January 2805: *His Royal Highness* The Prince Maximilian, Earl of Shipley
* 13 January 2805 - 26 November 2821: *His Majesty* The King

As King of Rockfield, Maximilian's full style was:

> Maximilian of the House Martell, first of his name, by Grace of God, King of the Rock and of the Newton, Lord of the Iberian Palace, Elector of Sardinia and Earl of Shipley, Defender of the Faith
>
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## Issue

 Princess Catherine
 Princess Matilda
 John, King of Rockfield | 8 May 2820