September 23rd, 1515

Heinrich IV "The Elder" of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel had felt unease the past year, like something had subtly been put off course. He was no longer the man that he once was, or so he felt. His sense of balance was worse, leaving him grasping for handrailings, and even sent him tumbling down a flight of stairs after his hands had not found one. Colors seemed less bright, the paintings he had once enjoyed losing their luster. His hairline had proceeded to retreat across his scalp with a startling zeal. He also had discovered a new hobby of smashing his head into doorframes and low-hanging objects with a frequency he could scarcely remember. If you had asked his attendents, they would tell you he had hit his head an amazing seven times over the past ten weeks.

Finally, a morning had come where he could not get out of bed. Unable to stand upright without falling over, and incredible nausea, he urged his attendants to summon his son, Heinrich "The Younger" to his bedside. Father and son shared what could only be imagined to be a heartfelt conversation about the responsibilities that were about to be dropped on Heinrich's capable shoulders. His Last Rites were performed by a local priest, and Heinrich the Elder would not awaken the next morning. Long live Heinrich V "The Younger", Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel.