In the Baron's new lands, the old and new castles at Schellenberg had been burnt by vengeful peasants. The von Brandis was smart enough to give the people some of what they wanted while keeping most of the power in their own hands. These concessions became known as the "Brandis Freedoms". All men able to bear arms were given the right to elect their own village councilors for a moot or special gathering where they could air their grievances.
By 1434 Schellenberg had reached its present boundaries and the two counties were united under one ruler. In 1441, when the Swiss Federation went to war against the Dukes of Austria, Baron Brandis, angry with the Swiss interference in his business, sided with the Dukes. Sporadic fighting and squabbling went on for years with each side harassing the other. Spies and troublemakers were dispatch to each other's territories. A Swiss spy, who tried to set fires in Feldkirch, was caught and burned at the stake.
During the War of Succession of the Toggenbugers, Baron Wolfhard, fighting for the Austrians lost the battle of Ragnaz in 1446. The Swiss, in retaliation, captured the villages of Balzers and Triesen.
The Barons of Brandiz seemed to always get themselves embroiled in their neighbours affairs and wars. In 1499 the Baron sided with the Swabian and Imperial Austrian against the Swiss. It turned out to be a diaster. In early 1499 a peace was agreed on at Feldkirch but did not last long. The Austrian garrison in Castle Gutenberg ridiculed passing Swiss troops, who took offence. The Swiss burnt down a nearby house. The conflict escalated into a battle that left a hundred dead. Then the Swiss again invaded the Brandis lands and captured Vaduz.
Ludwig, the Baron at the time, was apparently not much of a warrior. Hold up in the Castle on
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