Imperial Diet III

[AussieGiant]

While spinning the tip of a dagger on the palm of his mailed handed, Arnold flips it up and snatches it out of the air at end of Elberhard statement

Christ Elberhard, what the blazes are you carrying on about?!!!

Scotland!! Are you on some of this hashish stuff!!??

[Ituralde]

An Austrian noble stands up from the ranks to adress the Assembly:


It has come to my attention that the populace of Budapest is revolting against the rule of the Reich. This is due to an absurd amount of taxation set by our current Chancellor Ulrich Hümmel! This goes against the express wishes of my master the Count of Budapest, who has clearly stated in his orders for the Chancellor that tax levels in Budapest have to be adjusted to a level that keeps the populace at least content. (OOC: yellow or green face)

It seems Budapest is not the only Imperial city suffering of such blatant over-taxation. While I'm not aware of the arrangements made by other Counts, I hope this has not been their intent. I urge the Chancellor to remedy this situation immediately, the Count of Budapest is already quite displeased as it is!

[FactionHeir]

Hans enters the diet, visibly angry

What mockery is this chancellor making of the empire and its laws I ask, my lords?

From what my informants are writing, it seems that we have bought Edinburgh and Inverness off the English and are currently laying siege to Gaza and several units are en route to besiege Caesarea.

Besides that, the merchants that were hired many years ago still sit idly in their offices and our best diplomat has defected to the Russians. Jonas von Mahren is still camping out in the woods south of Magdeburg, although he should have been at Hamburg by now.

Additionally, Outremer is left entirely undefended and 4 Imperial cities are rioting with several others on the verge.

In regards to our laws, the witch near Ajaccio is still alive while the Bavarians are ordered to siege the castle and the above-named expansions go against the charter.

Lastly, I am most displeased that I am still being sent towards Vienna although I have explicitly requested to be sent to Outremer to help defend against the new invasion of the Mongols.

[Stig]

Ansehelm comes walking into the Diet, looking more than displeased

I've heard these words of the Honourable Hans, and I demand an explanation from the chancellor, immediatly, within 24 hours. And no excuses!!!
Also I want to know where my army is, I am supposed to go on crusade, and there is no sight of an army, I'm currently commanding something that resembles a Household Army while I should be near Riga. You throwed a reinforcement army against some insignificant Poles and I still have no explanation for that.
So you have some explaining to do.

And don't worry, I'll be up the entire 24 hours waiting for you to talk.

Ansehelm sits down on his chair, looking annoyed while he orders a servant to fetch some blankets as he will be here till he hears the explanations by the chancellor

[GeneralHankerchief]

*A Bavarian lawyer rises.*

*Ahem* Honorable Electors, I speak for Conrad Salier, who did not wish to raise much of a ruckus in the Diet. However, upon further examination of the current situation of the Reich, King Salier believes that there are several situations that are not quite in line with the Imperial Charter and the edicts of the recent Diet session.

First, the issue of Edict 10.2 comes up:

Edict 10.2: The Chancellor will not authorise any construction in settlements without the highest level of religious building currently possible, unless there is a religious building in the build queue.

This is not the case in several settlements. Thorn, which currently only holds a Small Chapel, is undergoing a "Military build policy," leaving no room for religious buildings. The same goes for Sofia.

Second, Edict 10.6:

Edict 10.6: The continued Milanese threat to Imperial trade and lands will be ended by taking Corsica and Sardinia. The witch Danae will be eliminated before any siege of the Castle on Corsica. The most devout Priests available, at least two, will accompany the army to bring the light of God to that accursed Isle. Once both islands are in our possession, Sardinia will be offered to the Sicilians in exchange for florins and/or their good will. All this must be accomplished in 10 years (5 turns).

The witch Danae has not yet been eliminated, but Ajaccio is still under siege. The two priests mentioned are nowhere in sight.

As Ansehelm already mentioned, the Teutonic Crusade Army is nowhere to be found.

King Salier also has two personal grievances with the Chancellor. He requests an explanation for why all of Bavaria's Italian possessions, plus Marseille and Venice, which belongs to Austria, are currently dangerously near rioting. Even in Rome, the capital of the entire Empire, the peasants are restless.

Finally, he is extremely displeased with the status of Outremer. He questions the wisdom in having him march in the desert straight for the entire force of the Horse Lords. He is also wondering why Gaza is currently being besieged by an Imperial Army. Outremer is complete, and if Gaza is to be included in its lands then it will be a violation of the Kingdom's Charter.

*The lawyer coughs, pauses, and finishes reading off of his paper.*

Ordinarily King Conrad would only ask for an explanation, but considering that there have been so many violations in so many different places, combined with Chancellor Hummel leaving the entire Diet in the dark for an extended period of time, he does not believe that the Chancellor is in a position to deliver a report.

King Salier formerly requests that either Kaiser Jobst, the new Prinz of the Reich (whoever it may be), or three of the Dukes call an Emergency Session of the Diet to discuss Ulrich Hummel's competancy as Chancellor of the Reich.

*The lawyer sits down, expressionless.*

[Stig]

Ansehelm stands again

I must say that it would be fair to give the chancellor a change to defend himself, otherwise we could just as well start a coup.

Ansehelm sits again

[GeneralHankerchief]

*The lawyer stands.*

There will be plenty of time to do that at the Emergency Session. That is the purpose of it, is it not?

[Stig]

There might no need for an emergency session if we like his explanation

Ansehelm sits again and murmers to one of his younger brothers

though I highly doubt that

[GeneralHankerchief]

*The lawyer stands.*

I should very well like to hear how his explanation can account for his violation of two edicts, ignorance of another, and possible violation of the Charter of Outremer. It is our duty as Electors in the Imperial Diet to hold the rest of us responsible for our actions. An Emergency Session will do just that.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Or, at the very least, an Emergency Session would finally convince Chancellor Hummel that we mean business and actually get him to give us a damn report for once.

[gibsonsg91921]

Péter von Kastilien sits in silent thought:

"Hate to say I told you so," he reflects to himself. "They should have voted for Hamburg."

[AussieGiant]

While the uproar continues Arnold recommences his spinning dagger trick

I for one want to hear what the Chancellor has to say before calling an emergency session.

[Warluster]

Kaiser Jobst stands

I shall not waste the time for a emergency session, it shall be useless as the accused has no time to defend.

Kaiser Jobst sits

[OverKnight]

Matthias ponders the scattered reports he has drawn together in lieu of a Chancellor's report. A coughing fit takes him and he holds a silk cloth to his mouth. The fit subsides and he speaks in a hoarse whisper.

The Chancellor should speak in his own defense before we do something as drastic as an Emergency Session. However, I would ask that, besides Duke Scherer's battle, the Chancellor takes no further action until he explains his past and current actions. The Diet needs context and explanations for these alarming events and any possible breaches of the Charter and the current Edicts.

If the Chancellor presses ahead without a report to the Diet, one of the requirements of his office, then we should proceed with an Emergency Session immediatley. Of course that session could only be called by the Kaiser, the Prinz, whoever he is, or three of the four Dukes. We have not heard from any of them, besides the Kaiser, if they would support calling it, so all this discussion might be moot.

Matthias wearily makes his way back to his desk and resumes his studies.

[AussieGiant]

As the spinning dagger continues at ever faster speeds on his hand, Arnold glances at the departing Matthias

Matthias is correct.

It took me a whole night to extricate myself from the Hungarian pickets around that stinking fort.

If the Chancellor continues one inch past the current set of actions he has taken...then I'll be more than happy to conduct some head removal right here in the Diet!!

My father’s sword has a history of correcting behaviour!!

[gibsonsg91921]

I, personally, am in favor of an Emergency Diet Session. Chancellor Hummel is sour grapes about Franconia not voting for him, thus we are being punished and our Edict for Teutonic Crusade is not being fulfilled. Bavaria, Swabia, and Austria, who all voted for Hummel, are being treated unfairly with Hummel's abuse of power. He must be impeached in favor of a new chancellor!

[Stig]

Ansehelm sits down again and prepares for a long night

First we must give the chancellor a change to defend himself. That's the most important, we can blame him, but let him defend.

However I don't know where he's hiding, I haven't seen him in some time now.

[AussieGiant]

If he continues taking action without presenting himself here then I will not wait for him to defend himself.

He holds the Chancellors Seal and therefore can run the Reich without us...

...until I find him of course, and remove an important part of his decision making ability...

with that final word the spinning dagger is snatched out of the air and flies across the room to imbed itself in the chair of the absent Chancellor

Capish!!??

[TevashSzat]

I am too apalled by some reports that I have seen especially of events in Scotland, but as appalled I am by such news, not only the House of Swabia help elect him, but so did many members of other houses and I will not call for an Emergency Session until he returns and at least attempts to explain himself.

[Stig]

Ansehelm looks up and speaks

Young Arnold, please, you're the Duke of Austria. Please, behave like a duke, give the man some respect. Sure most of us don't seem to like him, but lynching him is not the best way to solve this.
If we really disapprove of his actions it will have enough consequences for him in future, he might find himself on his own in the Diet. Now that's enough of a punishment isn't it?

[flyd]

I won't pass judgement or make comments at this time, but an Emregency Session would be appropriate. We don't know what exactly he plans to do, and we must take all precautions, and limit the amount of damage he can yet cause. He can provide his explanation during the Emergency Session, and if it is satisfactory, he may continue to be the Chancellor after it, or else he will be impeached by a vote at the end of the session.

It is foolish to wait for an explanation while continuing to let him exercise the powers of Chancellor. He has never provided timely (or any) reports to the Diet, just what makes any of you think he will explain himself instead of continuing with his actions until stopped?

[Stig]

As I said before we should give him 24 hours as I said. Six hours ago I gave him 24 hours, 18 of those have now passed. If he hasn't explained himself in 18 hours I say we collectively call on an Emergency Session, anyone who agrees to it agrees to it. If they happen to be Duke, Prinz or Kaiser, hey that would be nice.

[AussieGiant]

A new dagger begins spinning on Arnolds hand

Ansehelm can you please refrain from advising me how to act. You're neither a Duke or in a position to make comment on how Dukes should act.

And I'll show the man some respect when he follows my recommendations and doesn't make me crawl through the night like some thief just to make it to this Diet Chamber.

If he make further moves without us then he's going to get dragged in here by the Kaiser's personal bodyguard I would think.

[Ignoramus]

Ulrich Hummel marches into the Diet, proudly wearing the Swabian coat-of-arms.

Mein electors, forgive me for mein absence, I shall attempt to disappoint you again.

I am proud to present you with Scotland! This strategic territory is perfect for launching an invasion of Norway, and is excellent for a refuelling port for any expedition beyond the known world. The English were happy to part with it for only 31,000 florins, and as a consequence we now have a two new provinces.

I am aware that mein recent actions have been ill appreciated by this august body. Let me assure you that you will reap the fruit of mein efforts shortly.

Ulrich Hummel bows and leaves the Diet.

[GeneralHankerchief]

*The Bavarian lawyer, wearing an expression of slight displeasure, rises.*

And have you anything to say beyond that? Have you any defense of substance for your violations of multiple Edicts?

[Ignoramus]

Ulrich hearing this attack, quickly turns around and address the Bavarian.

Mein dear elector, this Diet has done what it has thought best. I have tried to abide by its judgements.

Charter Amendment 10.2 reads:

(a) No settlement will be captured without an Edict authorising its acquisition in advance.
(b) Captured settlements will be abandoned or given away unless, at the next Diet session, a Charter Amendment incorporates them formally as part of the Reich.
(c) The 33 existing provinces of the Reich are exempt from (a) and (b).
(d) This amendment overrides the constitutional right of Household Armies to conquer one neighbouring province.

Note that it states that no settlement may captured, however, there were no restrictions or purchasing settlements. So I have acted in full accordance with the Diet.

Ulrich Hummel bows and sits down.

[gibsonsg91921]

What about the Edict authorizing the attack on Corsica only after priests of the highest quality are dispatched to eliminate the witch! The Steffens have been blighted enough - what do you have to say for yourself?

[GeneralHankerchief]

*The Bavarian lawyer, irked, fires right back.*

So then, the plan was to just siege Gaza indefinitely, yes? And that still fails to address the fact that you have not followed the Corsican edict and the religious building edict.

[Ignoramus]

Ulrich rises once more.

I have followed the religious building edict. No new buildings have been built in settlements without the highest available level of churches.

As for Corsica, I care not the whims of witches. Steffan's men will surround that hag and kill her!

Mein order to besiege Gaza is a matter of the Pope's safety. The Egyptians have a citadel full of soldiers outside of the Holy Land. Such a threat cannot be ignored. I am sure you will agree that taking Gaza will cripple the Egyptians.

Ulrich resumes his seat.

[GeneralHankerchief]

*The Bavarian lawyer rises, speaking smartly.*

I am afraid that this is not the case. As I have already mentioned, Thorn and Sofia do not currently have the highest level of churches, them only having a small chapel. However, they are currently undergoing a "Military build policy."

As for Corsica, the Edict specifically stated that Danae was to be eliminated before any military action against Ajaccio was to be undertaken. You have also not fulfilled the requirement that two priests be dispatched to the island. No priests, yet alone pious ones, can be found anywhere near Corsica.

You have violated two current edicts and are about to violate the Charter itself should you assault Gaza. In addition, while this is not unconstitutional, King Salier wishes to know why he is marching straight for the Horse Lords, in far-out Baghdad.

[TevashSzat]

Those two cities that you have purchased however is far away from the empire and not able to help us in any major way. Furthermore, your purchase has destroyed the funds of the reich. I do not think most of the build orders within Swabia have been fufilled and the SHA is scattered among Swabian lands awaiting retrainment or recruitment forcing me to fight with militia. The French have not been so hasty in their treatment of their troops and I see a major force right outside of Paris and ready to take back their capital when Paris is only defended by paltry cavalry. It is true that the SHA is near Paris, but I only command halberd militia, incapable of defending against elite troops and poor on the walls. If not for my string of military successes, I may even doubt whether Paris can be held or not due to your actions.

Ulrich, I must say that you have served Swabia well and I do not wish to admonish you for minute things, but putting the security of Swabians and even more importantly, the Reich at risk for a few cities is not something that any chancellor can do. If you do not rememdy the situation or placate the Diet I may have to talk to the other Dukes and we may need to call for an emergency diet.

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:

Electors!, I must return to the Outremer very shortly to attend matters back there. Yet I am confused at what is going on with the daily business. Scotland!? I do not know what the Chancellor has planned and maybe he has greater insight then I do but I am relying on second hand intelligence reports will not be tolerated.
Chancellor, you are here in the Diet addressing the floor, please give us a full report of what has happened so far. Only then can I make informed decisions. I will try and not miss any future elections!

The member looks over to the Chancellor for a reply and report......

[Ignoramus]

Ulrich Hummel stands up and addresses the Diet.

You ask for a report? Very well, I will provide one.

1240:

Firstly, Fritz von Kastillien defeated a small Polish force on the border with Poland. Duke Frederich defeated a sizeable French force near Normandy.

Duke Arnold of Austria sallied forth and slew the Hungarians that were besieging his fort.

I purchased both Edinburgh and Inverness for 31,000 florins.

Lothar Steffan and his younger brother have invaded Corsica, while Gerhard Steffen has invaded Sardinia.

I am pleased to say that Jens von Kassel has married one of Gerhard Steffan's daughters. He is currently accompanying Gerhard in Sardinia.

Kaiser Henry has sadly passed away peacefully in his sleep. The Reich mourns the loss of so great a man.

1242:

Fredericus von Hamburg has besieged the Egyptian citadel of Gaza. He hopes to assault it next turn.

Lothar Steffan has besieged Ajacco.

Duke Frederich heroically defeated an attempted ambush by the French.

Budapest revolted and threw out the Imperial garrison.

Peter von Kastilien has been attacked by a massive Russian army, leaving no room for retreat.

Ulrich Hummel resumes his seat.

[OverKnight]

Matthias looks thunderstruck after the Chancellor speeches. He begins to scribble furiously and speaks after a while.

I see, well let me begin with the Chancellor's irrefutable violations of the Charter.

First,

2.2 However, he [the Chancellor] delegates battles to the player whose general leads the HRE force. And he follows the build queues and tax policies of players with governors.

Tax levels given in build queues have not been followed in many cases, the wave of unrest throughout the Reich shows this.

Second,

2.3 He [the Chancellor] also must obey Imperial edicts and the constitution (these rules) or face political consequences.

The Chancellor has not obeyed the following Edicts:

Edict 10.2: The Chancellor will not authorise any construction in settlements without the highest level of religious building currently possible, unless there is a religious building in the build queue.

Edict 10.6: The continued Milanese threat to Imperial trade and lands will be ended by taking Corsica and Sardinia. The witch Danae will be eliminated before any siege of the Castle on Corsica. The most devout Priests available, at least two, will accompany the army to bring the light of God to that accursed Isle. Once both islands are in our possession, Sardinia will be offered to the Sicilians in exchange for florins and/or their good will. All this must be accomplished in 10 years (5 turns).
Phrases put in bold for emphasis.

Ajaccio was besieged before the witch was dealt with. There are no priests with the army.

Third,

3. The function of the Kingdom is defensive: to safeguard Jerusalem and protect the gateway to Christendom

5. The King will command a Household Army, both acting according to Charter Amendment 5.2 (with the King assuming the role of “Duke”). He may delegate the day to day command of the Army (assign other generals to lead it in battle). However, contrary to CA5.2, to be in accordance with article (1), the Army may not be used to permanently conquer neighbouring provinces (recapturing Christian settlements taken by non-Christians and returning them to their original owners would be allowed).
The attack on Gaza by the forces of Outremer violate these articles. This is particularly alarming as this draws resources away from the Mongol threat. King Salier's army has also left Outremer to the east.

Now let us move on from the Chancellor's outright illegal actions to his questionable ones.


(a) No settlement will be captured without an Edict authorising its acquisition in advance.
The Chancellor may debate the meaning of the word capture, but the word acquisition also appears in the Amendment. And spending 33,000 florins to acquire a windswept wilderness in the middle of nowhere counts as an acquisition. Again using this money to further a personal goal instead of spending it on the defense of the Reich is alarming.

Budapest has rebelled, other cities are rioting, and yet where was the Chancellor when all this was occurring? Why was this not addressed before a full blown rebellion? Why is King Salier being sent out into the Eastern desert with a mere 11 depleted units of men to face the Mongol hordes alone? Why are we attacking Gaza? Why was Duke Scherer ambushed on the Chancellor's watch? What in the name of God is going on?

The Charter has been violated, we have heard the Chancellor's defense and the Kaiser will not call an Emergency Session. Should the Diet allow this to continue? Will the Dukes allow this to continue? Do you wish another eighteen years of this chaos?

I ask that an Emergency Session be called.

[Warluster]

Kaiser Jobst speaks

I shall only call an emergency Diet, if majority agree that we should. Then I shall for now, opinions of a few men are not going to kae me waste precious time!

I personally, think Chancellor Ulrich buying the lands of Scotland wasn't wise, but handy.

People, think of the oppurtunities it presents us! From Scotlan,d if the English betray us, we have a pointed dagger aiming for their heart! We have a clear landing spot if the Danish Attack us, we can take Norway and Sweden for baes for the Russian Crusades!

As Ulrich has explained, he sieged Gaza because he was defending the papal states, leader of chiristianity.

But for the Corisca problem, it is a small mistake you have to remember Ulrich.

Live,learn and forget, for now.

[Cecil XIX]

I will second the general outrage against Chancellor. Under other circumstances I would aplaud the purchase of Scotland from an ally. However, considering Chancellor Hummel's past and current actions and his well-known lack of respect for legitimate authority I must insist that all members of the Diet pay careful attention to these new territories to ensure that they are not used for some nefarious purpose.

On a more personal note, I would also like to know why I and my Duke have been made to wait when we were both more than capable of repelling the remaining Hungarian army besieging my Duke's fort.

[Warluster]

Past actions, what past actions?

From what I know, Chancellor Ulrich's plate has been clean for quite a while.

Unless you know something we don't?

[Ignoramus]

Ulrich rises to his feet, angered at the insults hurled against him.

Do you not find it amusing, mein electors, that His Holiness' safety, which was once the highest priority of the Impieral Diet of the Holy Roman Empire, is now discarded as "inconvenient"?

The Outremer Charter indeed states:

3. The function of the Kingdom is defensive: to safeguard Jerusalem and protect the gateway to Christendom.

And in besieging Gaza, that is precisely what I have done. The Egyptians are reguarly trespassing the Pope's territory, with armies far superior to the Swiss Guard of the Pope. Only the reduction of Gaza can prevent this.

I care not for your accusations. The Reich must move forward, and so it has.

Ulrich resumes his seat.

[Cecil XIX]

Mein Kaiser, I agree with your logic. I simply think that before one can forgive and forget, he must receive an apology. If I am mistaken, and the Chancellor has issued a public apology for the actions in France that led to his abdication, then you are completely correct and I apologize to Chancellor Hummel.

To you Chancellor, I say that it is extremely specious reasoning to justify your offensive campaigning by quoting the portion of the charter that states "The function of the Kingdom is defensive". The best defense is not a good offense until two-thirds of the electors say it is.

[Stig]

Ansehelm stands

I hearby call on an Emergency Session of the Diet, anyone willing to follow me is free to do so. And it would be nice if three of them are Duke or one of them is Kaiser.

Hummel has disgraced himself by ignoring an Edict proposed by the late Kaiser Henry, this is no way to remember a great man.
Rise your hand if you want an Emergency Session.

In favour of an Emergency Session (1):
Ansehelm

[Warluster]

kaiser Jobst rises

But for Ulrich's actions in France, a apology wasn't needed in words, because for one to resign from position of Duke is a great apology. But yes, he apologised all the same.

Byt he time a Chancellor gets authorisation from the Diet the city will be taken!

Forgive and forget, we all mkae mistakes, Ulrich made a small one.

I shall not call a emergency session, the Dukes may of course, call one.
kaiser Jobst sits

[Stig]

Ansehelm stands again

I'm sorry to say mein Kaiser, but as I and others have said Ullrich made many mistakes.
He ignores Edicts, he ignores personal wishes. And he is currently destroying Franconia.
This man should be stopped, and if the Diet doesn't do it I will personally do it.

[Stig]

Ansehelm speaks again

And I still want to know what happened to the Baltic Crusade.
The Kaiser voted in favour of it, and you choose to ignore it.

I demand an explanation at once, if you don't want me to come over there to demand it to you personally.

You man, are the worst chancellor I've ever come across

[Warluster]

Kaiser Jobst stands

THAT IS ENOUGH!

Now, Ansehelm, could you not speak to Ulrich persoanlly on this matter? I am sure the Baltic Crusade will go through, but it may take months for it too start off.

Yes, Ulrich has made mistakes, so have many other people.

I am on no ones side, but we shall leave it at Ulrich made mistakes. Big and small, leave it at a vote for whether or not you want a emergency diet session.

I am sure Ulrich shall improve, he fought long for the position of Chanceloor, I am sure he doesn't want to throw it away his first 2 years. Give him another go!

Now, Ansehelm, I wish to discuss things about the Baltic Crusades...

Kaiser Jobst sits down

[Stig]

Mein Kaiser, as you may know he currently send my brother Peter on a suicide mission. That is the biggest mistake anyone can make, he send my brother into death, and would my brother die I will never forgive him.
I am not allowed to attack a small Polish army, which indirectly means a large Polish army will attack me next turn.
He has not even begon with the preparations for the Baltic Crusade and whenever I mention it he does not reply. It seems that he wants to extend it so that in the next Diet he can propose an Edict against it.

You personally asked for the presence of my youngest brother Siegfried in your army, sure a man like you can see that what he's doing is not good for Franconia.

And yes it's me who speaks, in absence of my father.

[econ21]

[Elberhard:] @#$%^&! this for a game of soldiers.

Electors, you can @#$%^&!ing read, I take it? You passed Constitutional Ammendment 10.2 right? It says


No settlement will be captured without an Edict authorising its acquisition in advance.

Now the Chancellor has bought two settlements in Scotland. Hats off to 'im, I say. The clever @#$%^&!ing @#$%^&!er has found a loophole in the Charter.

But the Chancellor also proposes the "reduction of Gaza". Now I am not an educated man. I don't know what the @#$%^&! a "reduction" of a settlement means. But we are besieging Gaza and even I know that if you besiege something, it is usually with the intention to take it.

Now here's the the rub - there is no Edict authorising taking Gaza. So if the Chancellor does take it, he would be in violation of our Charter. It would be clear grounds for an Emergency Session of the Diet.

I urge the Chancellor to think again.

And I urge the Kaiser and the Dukes to act to protect our Charter if he does not.

[Ituralde]

The Austrian Noble stands again:

So this is how the Count of Budapest is treated?
Not a single word of explanation? You just state the fact, that Budapest rebelled, although this goes against the express wishes of my master?
This alone is a clear violation of our Charter and I demand the nobles of the Reich to stop thsi folly now. There are four cities currently rebelling within the Reich and countless more are well on the verge of doing so.

Will you just sit back gentlemen while this Chancellor rakes in horrendous amounts of florins from the populace to finance his ambitions?
He bought Scotland for a ludicrous amount of money and even now we are pumping 5600 Florins per turn into the English economy. All this happened without the Diets consent.

Ulrich Hümmel is clearly trying to see just how much power he can wield while being Chancellor, without any respect for the wishes of this body, nor the wishes of Counts or Dukes. Has anyone present here seen his personal wishes seen fulfilled? No, instead most of us are being ordered around by the present Chancellor without consideration.

We must stop this now, before the Chancellor takes even more ludicrous things to his mind!

The Austrian Elector sits down again and immediately Siegfried von Kastillien stands up.

Hear! Hear!

I have to agree with my fellow Austrian Elector. It is a shame what the Reich has come to under this brief period. Long ago have I demanded to join the Eastern Crusade, but I am still stuck in Prague. Now I can clearly see why the Chancellor would hold a grudge against Franconia for not voting for him, although a Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire should be above such notions, but at the same time he aggrevates every other House he can find.

I don't know what Ulrich Hümmel did to buy his votes in the recent Elections, but I can hardly think that this is worth it!
Already precious ressources have been wasted on Scottish possessions that have little to no worth to us. The income of Inverness and Edinburgh currently runs around 1000 florins a turn. This investment will never repay itself, and it's strategical use is questionable!

I ask every Duke to consider wisely whether he will be known for supporting Urlich Hümmel or whether he will be known for saving the Reich from its impeding doom!

[Dutch_guy]

A worn messenger enters the Diet, he speaks for the Duke of Franconia.

My master, the Duke of Franconia, wishes to state the following. He is very much disconcerted with the way our current chancellor Hümmel is running the Reich. It pains him to know that if some of our dear friends of this body had shown something amounting to wisdom last election, these situations under our current head of state would not have come to being.

He hopes, seconding his son Siegfried, that those who were ... 'persuaded' to vote Hümmel are enjoying their newly acquired riches and estates - at the dispense of the Reich they swore to serve.

It is also worth saying that my dear master looked twice his already advanced age when hearing about our newly bought Scottish posession. Enough has been said on the matter, and the 31 000 florins have already been spent, but I'd have rather seen that money invested in construction and troop recruitment. Franconia needs the money, and the other houses no less.



Peter von Kastilien has been attacked by a massive Russian army, leaving no room for retreat.

I am sure my master would be deeply interested in the above. Why is Peter separated from my master's army, why is he outnumbered, and why wasn't that Russian army spotted ? Were Peter to die, Franconia would not take it lightly.

Further more, word of a possible emergency session has reached my master. He states that he would support such a motion, as it has become clear that not only his country is suffering under the current rule, but his own blood is also.

:balloon2:

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:

Chancellor Hummel thank you for the brief report. Now I would have some questions that I want answered on this floor that the other Electors have been asking. Your silence is not helping. What is the situation in Budapest how did this happen and why? What is the value of the purchase of recent lands? Why are no the laws of the Diet being enforced.
If this floor cannot get complete answers directly from you then it would be prudent for one our Dukes to make a motion for an Emergency Session supported by the other Dukes.
This Diet requires a full and complete answers to the operations of your Office.

[Stig]

Already two dukes called on an Emergency Session, only one more is needed.
I suggest for his own good that Hummel answers the questions asked.

And I also suggest that, whatever people might have asked him, he sends me on my crusade. I asked for it, and it got backed. Now I heard that certain people would only vote for Hummel would he not send me on a crusade.
That leaves him with the following options:
Ignoring an Edict.
Ignoring his Voters.
Sending someone else.

And the third one is out of the question, as a Franconian noble is the only one who is free to be send, and we agreed on it that it would be me.


Next to that, why is Jonas von Mahren not in Hamburg yet?
Why am I not allowed to fight the Poles in front of me, you want me killed don't you?
Why did you ignore an CA made by the late Kaiser, you are not loyal to him.
Why do you ignore personal wishes made by nobles?

Believe me Hummel, you are losing all the support you have, and that is not wise.

[Ignoramus]

Ulrich Hummel gets to his feet.

Budapest revolted due to Hungarian spies. She had an ample garrison - 5 companies of militia at full strength.

I wish the death of no one here, unless they be traitors of the Reich. As there are no traitors in this august body, you have nothing to fear.

The value of Scotland was 31,000 florins. However, the immense advantage this provides outweighs the cost. The Enlish will never think of betraying us now, and the way to Norway is clear. What else could you want?

Finally, I have almost had enough of being treated like dirt. The Reich is under siege, but now it appears that you only care to attack one man.

Ulrich Hummel resumes his seat.

[Ituralde]

The Austrian Noble stands again:

I believe you misunderstood me, Chancellor!
This is not about the garrison strength of Budapest but about the tax levels, which have been above the requested level for some time now. The Count of Budapest demands that you remedy this situation immediately!

Surely the rebellions in Venice and Dijon have not been caused by spies too? Not to speak of the tax strain on the complete Italian penninsula. And if you would have implemented the tax levels set by my master the Hungarian spy would have a much more difficult job to entice the populace against my master. With the Taxes so high it only needed a tiny spark to ignite them! Even now Tax levels are set to Very High, I hope this gets changed immediately!

[FactionHeir]

If the English were to betray us, they surely would not go after our continental provinces but after your newly bought towns? How do these two holdings then fend off an entire island with no noble around to defend it?

[Stig]

Ansehelm stands and says

They say there's a big monster in a lake close to Inverness, surely that would help us.
And it would maybe even do a better job as chancellor :laugh4:

We should make sure the English buy back the provinces, they are both dangerous, we are unable to defend them, they are far from Rome and they were not acquired according to the charter.

And Hummel, if you do not wish the death of no-one here why did my brother had to go into Russia? And why can't I attack the Poles?
You might not like Franconia, but remember, we were the only one to support you two Diets back, is this the way to show your graditute?

[TevashSzat]

As I have previously said before, I am not pleased by some of the events that have occurred during this chancellorship, but I am not eager to call for an Emergency Diet. I personally will give Ulrich another year to resolve as much matters as he can. After that should the desires of the diet not be fufilled as much as possible, I shall join the other Dukes in a call for an Emergency Diet.

[Stuperman]

Ulrich, have you gone mad?

Bavaria was your most ardent supporter in the last election, and now you have Conrad Salier marching on a suicide mission in the east. My 2 oldest sons are being Wracked by the same witch that left me hexed 30 years ago, the same witch that was suposed to be dead before any military action was to be undertaken on Corsica. You leave our cities to be run my local representitives who tax our citizens to madness, and ignore our building orders, Why do you hate Bavaria so?

You have put expansion on the forfront, at the cost of Budapest, and countless lives lost to riots, and I wholeheartedly disagree with your policy of preemptive war in the outremer.

You have married off my daughter without even telling me that there was an offer on the table, If it was anyone other than a Von Kassel I would have more choice words for you.

Please do not make me regret my support for you in the last election.

[AussieGiant]

While the spinning dagger continues unabated, the young Duke Arnold notices that Ulrich Hummel has removed the dagger he threw into is chair before arriving.

Gazing intently where another one could be placed Arnold looks directly at Hummel for some moments before saying

Hummel,

You certainly seemed to have pissed a few members of this Diet to no end...

Now I know you seem to have some issues regarding requests made of you so I'll be very precise with my words.

Pretend if you will, that I'm providing an additional consulting service to the work you are doing in Austria.

In the next year I want Sigismund to join the AHA and then I wish to proceed in a night action to attack the Hungarian force.

Once crushed I wish to proceed immeditately to the rebelled city of Budapest and destroy all opposition. It will then be brought back under control of House Austria as he has been for the previous few decades.

Also, I'd like to state that by using TAXATION I want ALL Austrian provinces above 80% happiness.

Now I'd like to point out that this is not an edict...but as you have decided to take such a loose interpretation of them...I'm giving you specific instructions to help guide your work when it comes to the Austrian holdings and its resources.

Can you please look me in the eye and assure me that those tasks will be done in the next year or two?

Oh and Chancellor, if you can't manage this then I can assure you there will be more issues for you to deal with than a simple impeachment.

[gibsonsg91921]

What madness is this? I am proud to be part of the Duchy that did not vote for this rapscallion, and to have voted alongside our late, great, Emperor Henry. It is truly an honor to have opposed this fool from the start, and to be in the same camp as our most honorable Kaiser at ardently opposing his election.

Ulrich, should an Emergency Session of Diet be called, you will have more to worry about from me than being impeached.

[econ21]

[Elberhard]: It seems like the Dukes don't have the @#$%^&!s to act now, so it looks like we wait.

I would petition the Chancellor to send me to lead the army formerly led by my father. It has spent a turn idle and leaderless on the road to Mosul, but I can easily reach it from Edessa and give the lazy @#$%^&!ers a kick up the backside to get them moving again. I would request that a regiment of dismounted knights accompany me.

The march of the horse lords on Mosul makes this request somewhat urgent.

[AussieGiant]

Elberhard you sack of merde, I've got more @#$%^&!s than a rogue elephant.

Would you like to step outside and we can find a solution to your insult!!??

[gibsonsg91921]

Haha, the spineless Dukes aren't gonna stand up are they? Well, when the people who openly defy the Chancellor are sent to their deaths, I'm sure they'll regret not impeaching the Chancellor. All of the Dukes are irked, but only my father, Duke Gunther, has cast his lot to openly oppose and call for an Emergency Diet Session. As Elberhard put it, the other Dukes don't have the @#$%^&!s to call for a session. Once all of Franconia is killed off and your north is undefended, hopefully you'll have learned a lesson, you worthless cowardly dogs.

[econ21]

Elberhard: Duke Arnold of Austria, I am not a well educated man like yourself, who even swears in that @#$%^&!ing fancy French language. I know only plain German, and a little of this strange tongue my mentor taught me (called it "ASCII" or something). So, if, in my frustration at the Chancellor's mad actions, I have unintentionally insulted you, then I apologise.

Indeed, I do solemnly swear (I am good at that, by the way) never to cast aspersions on your august @#$%^&!s again. Nay, henceforth, I shall respectfully refer to you as the Duke Arnold of the elephantine @#$%^&!s.

But more seriously, fellow Electors, I suppose we should not be surprised that the Dukes (except the good Duke of Franconia) and the Kaiser do absolutely @#$%^&! all to stop the Chancellor. They each voted for him and it must be hard to disown their pet when he goes rogue. In fact, I suppose we should find some schadenfreude at watching the Chancellor @#$%^&! all over them in return.

[Stig]

Ansehelm: Maybe the Kaiser would like to announce his heir, he might want to call on an Emergency Session. From what we've heard here gentlemen, everyone except for the people who can call on an emergency session want one.

[Stuperman]

While you gentlemen are speculating on the actions of your Dukes, your Dukes are engaged in intense back channel discussion.

There will be an announcement soon.

[Kagemusha]

Jonas Von Mahren enters the Diet.

Greetings!
I decided to visit the beutifull Rome since mein Chancellor in all his wisdom has decided that i should camp out in woods near Magdeburg. I hear reports everyday that Hamburg is revolting,but still the good Chancellor decides that its better for me to camp out under the trees. Also what its this madness about Scotland? If we want to take Scandinavia give me an army in Hamburg and i will kill every man woman and child in Scandinavis if necessary. I really hope that now that i travelled this far,there would be good show called emergency Diet,so we could punish the man some of us in all of their wisdom decided should be Chancellor of the Reich!

[Stig]

Ansehelm: Your words might, and mostlikely will, be true Herr Steffen, but the problem with not being duke is that we don't know what the dukes discuss.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Lord Elberhard of "Christ Knows Where", I accept your apology.

Likewise you're more than welcome to address me as Duke Elephant Balls if you wish. I'm more than happy with that title and you can cast as many aspersions as you wish at those two jewels of Christendom.

As for you Ansehelm, andI completely sympathise with your situation, but you need to realise things are happening and just because you can't see it doesn't mean there isn't action being taken.

[OverKnight]

Matthias has become more despondent as the session crawls on with no resolution. He speaks in a funereal tone.

I hope the Dukes will not fiddle while the Reich burns. Rioting is consuming many of our cities. I fear the fate of Budapest is a harbinger of things to come if we do not act.

He begins to cough, a rattle that echoes through the chamber.

I. . .I must own up to my own part in this, I helped elect the Chancellor. If I could take it back I would, but I am now powerless to do so. I beseech the Dukes to put an end to this farce and call an Emergency Session!

[Stuperman]

Gerhard Steffen, stands to speak and the whole Diet goes quiet, He stands quiet for a moment looking at the empty thrown of the Chancellor. Then begins to speak.

The riech is at a turning point, she is still powerful, the most powerful empire that has existed for hundreds of years, but is quickly falling from grace many cities are now rioting, her armies disorganized and scattered. But all this can be dealt with, the riech has had her fair share of problems in the past.

Despite my faith in the Riech, I fear the course that the chancellor has plotted. He has shown a tendency to conquor at the expense of the welbeing of the noblemsn of the riech, which is something I cannot stand for. With my sons exposed to that witch, and my brother forced to march east towards certian doom, I am forced to act.

I call for an emergency Diet session, before any members of this Diet are lost.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold stands immediately after Duke Steffen

In accordance with our charter I too as Duke of Austria call for an Emergency Session of the Diet.

As the third Duke of the Reich to request it, we are now under the Impeachment proceedings.

Can the Speaker of the Diet please begin proceedings!!

Arnold's spinning dagger is then hurled into the middle of the Diet floor

[econ21]

[Diet Speaker]: At the request of the noble Dukes of Austria, Bavaria and Franconia, I am opening an Emergency Session of the Diet. The floor is open for the proposal of Edicts or Constitutional Amendments. The deadline for proposing and seconding these laws is one day from now (9pm Friday, UK time), although the Kaiser may extend that deadline if he judges more time is necessary to debate things.

[Ituralde]

Siegfried von Kastillien raises from his seat, idly clapping:

I applaud the Dukes of the Reich to see their previous error and put an end to this farce. I hope Ulrich Hümmel will join us soon so we can get on with the proceedings of impeachment.

Which does raise the question what exactly will happen now. I belive our Charter provides little to no information as to the exact matter of these proceedings. Maybe the Emperor as final ruler on legal concerns coudl shed some light on what exactly will happen at this Emergency Diet Session?

[Stig]

Ansehelm (mostlikely looking exhausted after a battle, but that comes down on Gibson):

Most logically brother I think we will need an edict to overthrow the current chancellor. We then vote for that edict, with the results of that we continue.
Though I have to say that I've never seen anything like this and I'm clueless.

[econ21]

Elberhard: Siegfried, let's not make this session a @%^$&*| plaything for lawyers. Edicts and Charter Amendments can be proposed. To cover impeachment, I propose a simple amendment:

Charter Amendment E.1:
(a) If an Edict to impeach the Chancellor is passed with a 2/3 majority, he is removed from office immediately.
(b) After impeachment, a fresh election is held to elect a new Chancellor, although a Kaiser may also exercise his perogative to be Chancellor at that point.
(c) The Chancellor replacing an impeached Chancellor serves out the remainder of the impeached Chancellor's term.
(d) All edicts passed in the Diet that elected the impeached Chancellor remain valid, unless overturned by new Edicts at the Emergency Session that impeached him.

[Ituralde]

Well that sounds sensible enough for me...

Siegfried von Kastillien returns to his seat again.

[Stig]

Ansehelm: Personally I would go for a simple 1/2 majority but still.

I second CA E.1

OOC: Now all we need is someone who's good in making edicts to make the edict of impeachment

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Elberhard you're make a lot of @%^$&* sense there, I like it!!

Can you formally propose that so I can second the Charter Amendment??!!

The less lawyers the better as far as I'm concerned. I've had to send a few to Russia lately and I have little tolerance for their crap.

[Stig]

Ansehelm: do you want me to save them once I'm in Russia or no? :laugh4:
And I believe Elberhard @%^$&* formally proposed, to put it like he does.

[flyd]

Will sombody collect all the grievances against the Chancellor that have already been presented? Perhaps they can be split into sections, one where edicts or the charter have explicitly not been followed, and another for other grievances. Perhaps this list can be kept up to date, so we have a good reference come voting time.

[Stig]

Ansehelm:

I propose the following edict:

Edict E.1
Inverness and Edinbourgh are to be sold back to the English for the highest price we can get for it.

These settlements were taken against the Charter and are a danger to hold on, they are undefended and can't be held on would they come under attack.

(OOC: not only because they are a danger to defend and such, but also because it ruins the game, goes far to quick)

[Stig]

Ansehelm: As for your list Herr von Hamburg, I propose that everyone comes with the complaints he has. He can send them in message to me, or read them out in the Diet. I will group them together and let them be read out once we start voting.

[AussieGiant]

I second CA E.1.

Were is the bloody Chancellor anyway!!??

At least he should have the $%^@s to face the music.

[Kagemusha]

I support edict E.1

[OverKnight]

Matthias:

I second Edict E.1

[OverKnight]

Matthias looks around the Diet, waiting for someone to speak. No one comes forward and he shakes his head and speaks:

I propose Edict E.2: Chancellor Ulrich is to be impeached and removed from the office of Chancellor immediately. (Note: This Edict requires a 2/3 super majority to pass)

[Stig]

Ansehelm:
I second Edict E.2

(OOC: only 2/3 if we accept CA E.1, if not it's a normal edict)

[Kagemusha]

I second Edict E.2

[econ21]

Elberhard: I second Edict E.2.

[FactionHeir]

I second Edicts E.1 and E.2 as well as CAE .1.
Further, I wish to propose that CAE .1 be amended to:
(e) An impeached chancellor is not granted the additional bonus to influence that an ex-chancellor would normally be given.

[AussieGiant]

I second edicts E.1, E.2 as well as CAE .1..

I also like that amendment (e). He should not receive any bonus to anything. In fact he should receive a suspension of voting privileges in my view.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Right, I second all proposed edicts currently.

This is the list of grievances that I can come up with so far:

- Chancellor Hummel has thrown the finances of Reich in jeopardy by purchasing two settlements from the English.

- He has violated the religious building Edict.

- He has violated the "attack Corsica" Edict by failing to dispatch of the witch and failing to bring priests along.

- He is presumably violating the recent Charter Amendment by besieging Gaza.

- He is punishing those who did not support him in the election by denying Ansehelm the opportunity to go on Crusade, putting the Franconians in a dire situation against the Russians, and sending Conrad Salier (me) straight for the Horse Lords at Outremer's expense.

- He is ignoring the tax levels set by Counts and as a result the peasants are restless in several settlements.

- He is quite stingy with the Chancellor's Reports, either not providing them or only providing them when repeatedly prodded by multiple members of the Diet.

Please, feel free to add more.

[Stig]

Ansehelm: though you do have a point Arnold I do not agree. I doubt anyone of us will ever trust him again in future. I for example will never again vote in favour of him, or something he proposes.
If anything should be done it's up for his Duke to take his rank away from him. Or the King of the Outremer to take his title of Crusader Count away from him.

As for personal grievances against him:
-complete ignorance of myself, and thus signing my death-warrant.
-sending Peter on an unexplored mission to death.
-ignoring Edict 10.4.
-ignoring Jonas von Mahren.
-ignoring the Franconian house as a whole.
-ignoring me in the Diet.

There are many more, but I will only mention those who have to do with the House Franconia, mentioning all of them would mean a very very very long Emergency Session.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I will not discuss the status of Chancellor Hummel's Counthood at this time. I ask that Duke Scherer of Swabia similarly wait to pass judgement until the Session concludes.

[OverKnight]

I concur with King Salier, punishment, if any, should be a seperate issue from impeachment. The only exception would be the removal of the bonus to influence from being an ex-Chancellor for Chancellors, now or in the future, who are impeached. That's just common sense.

[FactionHeir]

Given the dire situation our eastern front is in, with the Hungarians still surrounding Duke Arnold's forces and the AHA soon requiring extensive retraining, and myself requiring the citadel to obtain several troops to march on the Mongols, I would like to propose following edict:

E.3 The edict requiring Sofia to be given to the Byzantines in 1250 is made void, but the fate of said citadel may be reconsidered at the diet session of 1260.

Count Matthias, while the forfeiture of the bonus may be common sense, it may save us extensive legal troubles later, by including it in our charter, thus I ask my brother Elberhard to include it in this original CAE.

Edited to bold/italicize edict proposal

[Warluster]

Kaiser Jobst stands

I tried Ulrich, I tried...

Jobst looks up

Gentlemen,please mind the language in the Diet, this is a place for discussing the future, and present, of the Reich, not a tavern.

If the edict kicking out Ulrich is done, do we need to have Chancellor Votings again?

[FactionHeir]

Emperor Jobst, it indeed seems that we would need a fresh ballot for chancellor if CAE .1 passes. As such, you may be free to use your priviledge to lead the empire if you so wish.

[econ21]

[Elberhard]: I accept amendment (e).

I have little to add to the list of grievances against the Chancellor. There are many, but two general points stand out.

First, Hummel's actions show repeated contempt for the Diet, its Edicts and its Charter. His words show no remorse and give no promise of change. He seems to think we elected him Caesar, not Chancellor.

Second, none of us can have confidence that he can protect Franconia or Outremer, still less take Moscow and defeat the horse lords. Even Swabia and Austria are vulnerable - the Swabian Duke ambushed and Budapest lost - while the Bavarians are about to be cursed for a second time.

This is too much @%^$&*!.

And Hummel is only one fifth of the way through his term of office. Imagine what it could be like if he is allowed a full term?!

[Warluster]

If CAE is passed, I shall use those powers.

Now, The Russian Crusade should start soon, but is the course been devised. Stregth, type of infantry we are sending? I have heard the RUssians are good horsemen, am I wrong?

King Salier, and Ansehelm, I have matters to discuss with you.

[Stig]

Ansehelm:
Mein Kaiser, concerning the Russian crusade I think it's best to discuss it in private as that's easier, without all the shouting and cursing in the Diet.
Thorn however will mostlikely come under siege for the next couple of years. I'm betting on the Poles this year and the Russians in 2.
Would you become chancellor I will be glad to send you what I would like to see to happen to the Thorn garrison, so that it will be ready.
And because Thorn will be so busy I would like to use the save Magdeburg as the recruitment center for the crusade.

But first we need to get the Edicts through.

The Russians are good horsemen yes, but I've beaten an horsemen army of them before, and I will have to do it again, however now in the open field.

[Dutch_guy]

Günther von Kastillien:

Most of the grievances Franconia has with the current chancellor have already been stated by my vocal son, Ansehelm. Salier also raises some good points, I second all of those comments.

Franconia prospered under the last chancellors, its borders expanded and its enemies pushed back. It now seems that the aforementioned never happened: and the way it looks like going is that Petér may even pay for it with his life. And that's not even bringing Ansehelms predicament into the equation. If Franconia is, in any way, brought into even more danger than it currently is, then this matter will not be settled with the mere impeachment of the chancellor.

But let us at least have hope it won't go that far.

Also, I shall second CA E 1, and Edict 2.

:balloon2:

[gibsonsg91921]

Let's just have the fool's head now! By sending myself and King Salier off to unexplored areas, he is attempting murder, and is little more than a foul murderer himself. He has ignored Edicts passed by those who voted for him as well as those who did not. Once Duke of Swabia, once Prinz of Antioch, now he is worth less than a toad's wart.

[Warluster]

Let me remind you Peter he wasn't 'once' prinz of Antioch, if I am mistaken, i believe he still is.

[TinCow]

*Lothar Steffen wanders into the Diet, bleary-eyed and unshaven. A large wine-stain decorates his sleeve and there appears to be a bit of lace stuck in his hair, most likely from a woman's undergarments. He shades his eyes from the sunlight streaming into the windows and winces at every loud noise. After gazing around the Diet chamber for several seconds, he seems to suddenly remember something and walks over to the Bavarian benches. Lothar collapses heavily into the closest seat and leans over to whisper to the man next to him.*

Have I missed something important?

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn accepts a list from the scribe and begins to read the following....

Electors, I support all Edicts and CA that have been brought to the floor. I would like to read to you the grievances against the Chancellor that have arisen from debate of you Electors.

In accordance with our laws I would like to stated the official violations against the Office of the Chancellor.

Official

Ignored Edicts

10.2 Religious Buildings inconsistent policy ignored in some cities

10.6 Milan Issue unresolved no action

No action taken or planning on the following edicts

10.4 Expeditionary force to Russia no mobilization orders

10.5 Iconium no action

10.7 10.8 to early to know what was being done in these situations.

Unofficial

No reports lack of communication from the Chancellor Office

Taxation levels unnecessary happiness provoking unrest in cities

Misuse of treasury funds

No movement orders or incorrect moving orders to Army units. Inconsistent field orders to army units. Leaving units in dangerous situations.

That Electors have been the grievances mentioned in this house. It has been brought up and the Chancellor as yet to offer any satisfactory answer to any of our concerns.

The members submits the documents to the page for the records.

[TevashSzat]

The issue of whether punishment should be issued to Ulrich Hummel should be delayed until a later date preferably once this chancellorship is complete.

I furthermore would like to propose Edict E.4 The House of Swabia will be allowed to take Caen from the French after threats to Paris have been removed In the western frontws, our troop production centers are far away from the war front and thus it takes much time to retrain the Swabian army.

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn

Just to let you know that the Edicts still stand and 10.3 allows the House of Swabia to take Caen.

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: With respect, Count Zirn, I believe Edict 10.3 failed.

[FactionHeir]

Edict 10.3 did not pass during the last full diet session.

[edit] OOC: :gah2: how many seconds did you beat me by?

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:
My apologies for the erroneous error by my scribe. I asked for a list of the Edicts was given an outdated information. I did not see the vote further down the scroll. That throws my original list of grievances I shall amend quickly. Apologies again to the House.

I will second E.4 made by Friedrich Scherer

[FactionHeir]

I, too, second the Swabian edict E.4

[gibsonsg91921]

To clear up any "foolish" or "uncertain" misconceptions about the Teutonic Crusade, I propose Edict E.5: Ansehelm von Kastilien is to be the first leader of the Teutonic Crusade unless his word voids this edict.

[OverKnight]

OOC: A summary (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1581617&postcount=9) of Legislation, charges against the Chancellor and comments made in his defense is now available.

[Ituralde]

I believe we now have enough charges brought forward against Urlich Hümmel to justify an impeachment vote.

Another thing that has come to my attention though is the religious situation around Thorn. While we defend Christendom in Outremer we seem to be neglecting it right on our doorstep. The Russians have preached their orhtodox heresy for some time there now and I fear for the religious well-being of our subjects.

I propose Edict E.6:
A number of Priests will be sent to the Thorn reason to spread Christianity and battle the fould Orthodox ways spread by our Russian neighbours!

[Stig]

Ansehelm: Peter I don't think there's a need for Edict E.5. I've already spoken with the Kaiser, and I'm fairly certain I can go crusading, it's just that I will be going on my own now.

For everyone interested, I've set the departure date on 1255 as the latest, that gives us enough time to build the army and for me to get out of Thorn.

I do second Edict E.6 however.

I however propose that Prinz Hans rewords his Edict. I think Sofia should be given to the Byzantines, however I must also say that we should hold on to it for a little longer. I suggest we give it back in 1260

[FactionHeir]

I second E.6

Ansehelm von Kastilien, 1260 falls into the next chancellor's reign and not the current one, therefore it is worded as it is.

[TevashSzat]

I wish to second E.3

[Stuperman]

Gerhard Steffen:


Ansehelm, no offence but the Kaiser has every right to ignore you in the diet, including it in the official list of grievances is petty.

I would like to second E.3 and I am strongly against E.4, This emergency Diet session was called to Address the issues that diet members are having with the chancellor, NOT to let the Swabians try and sneak through legislation that failed 4 years ago. If the Swabians could see past thier own ambition, they would understand that this Diet session was called to protect the lives of Diet members.

[Ignoramus]

Ulric Hummel enters the Diet and addresses the electors.
Mein fellow electors, why do you squabble and argue about mein demise? Is it jealousy? Is it fear? Or ambiton, maybe? I know not, and I do not care for the reason. Only that you, who so recently elected me, are now eager to throw me out without scruples.

I bought Scotland in good faith. It was not mere ambition that caused me to acquire this land, nein, on the contrary, it was for the benefit of the whole Reich. This is evident on three accounts. Firstly, we now have an excellent base for invading Norway. Second, the English will now have no safe way to betray us should that evil thought enter their head. Finally, I have heard reports from our Viking foes that several centuries back, they discovered new lands to the west. Should this be so, Scotland will serve as an admirable point of departure for such an expedition.

I apologise for the violation of the edicts passed by this august body. However, I would beg you consider the full extent of what you limited me before I was elected. I had almost nothing that I could do of mein own judgement.

That is all, Herr electors.

Ulrich Hummel bows and exits the Diet.

[TinCow]

I am in agreement with my father. This petty squabbling for new legislation is obscene. We are here to discuss the Chancellor's actions. Tossing other pieces of personal legislation into the mix is insulting to the Reich. Emergency Diet Sessions are not called to give Electors another chance to pass legislation that they previously ignored or to attempt another push at legislation that was previously rejected. Have some respect, Electors, and deal with the issue at hand.

I am amused to find that some Electors are basing nearly all of their complaints against the Chancellor on the simple basis that they are being ignored. *Lothar shakes his head and rolls his eyes.* That is almost as insulting to the Reich as some of the actual legal violations. *Lothar looks at Ansehelm.* Perhaps if some of you were more concerned with the welfare of the entire Reich rather than your own petty benefits, we would not be in this situation in the first place.

[AussieGiant]

Slamming his mailed fist onto the Austrian Bench to gain a moment to speak through the uproar Arnold stands and bellows.

Gentlemen!!!

I'd like to point out that, as usual, power seems to have gone to everyone's head and multiple attempts at expanding this Reich or reversing already passed legislation is being submitted for reconsideration.

E.3 and E.4 countermand already established votes!!!

I request they be stricken from the list of edicts to be considered at this Emergency Session as it is completely OFF the topic we called it for.

Equally any further attempts to do this will be equally dealt with!

I'd like to remind you all that this session is about impeachment first and foremost. At the very most this session can also potentially deal with edicts that have not been followed from the previous Diet session OR problems that have come to light from the mismanagement of the Chancellor that are part of the standard management of the Reich.

[FactionHeir]

I beg your pardon Duke Arnold, but E.3 directly addresses the mismanagement of the current chancellor, as you can clearly see. No troops have been recruited at Sofia in the last four years, even though the empire clearly needs new soldiers at the eastern front for several purposes.

[Stig]

Ansehelm: Herr Steffen, what are you talking about the Kaiser ignoring me, talk sense man.
And young Lothar, being ignored after you've asked a question, multiple times, is the same as showing no respect. I was ignored as I could not even propose my own actions. My brother almost got killed, his entire army routed and only one member of his personal bodyguard survived. The army I managed to retreat, but that's all thanks to me, not to the chancellor.
You yourself have been ignored, while you where there on the island with a witch, and when you asked what the witch was doing there the chancellor only gave an evading answer. Which is simply rude in my eyes.

[Ituralde]

As Chancellor it was your duty to carry out the wishes of this Assembly, which you clearly haven't done. It should be a reminder to all future Chancellor, that it is his duty to serve the Empire, it should never be a platform for own personal glory. I think we have seen what this can lead to and I hope we don't have to see anything like it in the near future.

He then turns to the Bavarian benches.

And before you gentlemen even consider insulting any member of the House of Franconia, you should remember that it was your House that fully supported the ascension of Ulrich Hümmel to Chancellorship. Maybe if some of you had considered the consequences before casting that vote, Budapest would still be controlled by the Reich and we wouldn't have to conduct this Emergency Session.

[gibsonsg91921]

Ulrich Hummel has forgotten those who elected him - the governor must be the loyal servant of the governed, and when the governed become dissatisfied they must overthrow the governor!

Were Franconia flouted, I almost would expect that as we did not vote for the poor wretch. However, the entire Reich is trampled underfoot by personal ambition, and for that I cannot stand.

[AussieGiant]

Hans what the hell are you talking about!!??

E.3 is contradicting the original edict directly by changing the date plus removing the handover wording completely. You reword it to be a "reconsideration at best".

The fact no troops have been made in Sofia is not surprising since we spent ridiculous amounts of florins buying Scotland.

I do not find your line of reasoning anything other than an attempt at providing a technicality at the very best. You're essentially stalling and hoping that in 1260 there will be another vote on the matter which would repeat the same one we had 4 years ago.

I might hate lawyers but I was schooled by them for bloody years!!

When it stinks, it's generally because it stinks gentlemen!!

[gibsonsg91921]

Hey!
If legislation needs to be revised at this point, take advantage of it!

[Stig]

Ansehelm: Arnold you might be right, and that's why I propose 1260 as the ultimate date for it too be given back. That way it will be given back, during the reign of this chancellor.

Actually personally I could do with Sofia on our side a little while longer. I need man for the Teutonic Crusade, and only Magdeburg is available for me, letting Austria use Sofia might make sure I can get troops from another castle as well, making sure I can leave earlier.

But than I have not been schooled by lawyers, I was schooled by an old experienced long-bearded knight who has a great like for beer and women, like any knight here up north.

*Ansehelm looks at Jonas von Mahren*

[Stuperman]

Kaiser ?!?! where is that scribe!?!? I said chancellor

Ansehelm I was refering to your seemingly never ending requests for updated information. With regard to your movement at and near thorn, you constantly demand explanations for your orders, when legaly the Chancellor owes you none. He has explained that he owed a political favour, and it was being called in at your cost. Now I understand your frustration, but as a soldier of the Riech it is your duty to follow the orders the Chancellor issues, until the Chancellor's term expires, or until he is otherwise relieved of this command.

On the official list of grievances submitted to the Diet you listed that the chancellor ignores you, If you pestered me as much as you have pestered him, I'd be inclined to ignore you too.

[gibsonsg91921]

Duke Gerhard, this Teutonic Crusade is the brain child of Ansehelm. Not letting him lead it would be similar to not letting the late Kaiser Henry have any control of Outremer; this is a noble cause my brother hoped to undertake and he has a right to be annoyed by under-the-table dealings that exempt him from it.

[OverKnight]

OOC: The summary (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1581617&postcount=9) of Legislation and charges against and comments made in defense of Chancellor Hummel has been updated.

[Kagemusha]

After listening hours of talk,talk and more talk Jonas Von Mahren stands up walks to the talkers stand and punches it with all his force.

"Mein Lords, May i have your attention? I came here to vote for putting Hummel out of office ,since its clear he is doing bad job as the Chancellor. All i have been hearing is talk about various edicts and scribes and lawyers.I have had enough. My good Croatian scribe has written for you all a edict that throws all the other edicts that should be layed out in normal Diet session,not emergency one out on the toilet. Here it is:
E.7 The emergency Diet withdraws its support from Chancellor Hummel and demotes him so that he is not Chancellor anymore. Fredericus Von Hamburg as the runner up of the last Chancellor vote resumes his position as Chancellor and acts in that rank for the rest of the current Chancellors term. Ulrich Hummel is inprisoned for the rest of the Chancellors term as punishment for his impotence of obeying the Imperial Diet and its edicts.

After emptying a glass of wine Jonas continues

Isnt this what we came here for? Im tired of this endless talks and scribes and lawyers forcing us to listen their babling. Second this edict and vote it through and we can all go to our duties and stop waisting time in Rome.

[gibsonsg91921]

I second Edict E.7.

[TinCow]

With all due respect to my Franconian friends, the Kaiser has clearly and repeatedly stated that he will assume the Chancellorship if Hummel is impeached. Edict E.7 cannot legally be enforced in such a situation, as Count von Hamburg will have no legal right to assume the position. Furthermore, even if the Kaiser does not exercise his legal right to the position, you cannot simply nullify the election process through a simple edict. I certainly hope these errors of law were due to a simple misunderstanding, rather than yet another attempt to blatantly violate the laws of the Reich.

[Kagemusha]

Jonas Von Mahren mumbles:

Protocols....Well please send a messenger when you have talked enough and are ready to vote. Il be in some Tavern or Bordell,where i dont have to listen to all this nonsense.

Jonas stands up and walks away from the Diet whistling a song along the way.

[TinCow]

It seems that Chancellor Hummel is not the only one who considers the binding laws of the Reich to be mere "nonsense" and "protocols." Perhaps Franconia should have supported the man in the last election, for the two seem to be proper bedfellows.

[gibsonsg91921]

Excuse me Lothar, but I hardly think this is due cause to attack Franconia. We wanted our candidate to be Chancellor, why not give it a try? You are not penalized for pushing forward Edicts that are not passed.

I do recall a letter from you stating that Ulrich Hummel is the best man for the Reich, urging me to vote for him as he has great ideas for the spread of the Reich's glory. Perhaps you are a traitor as well.

[TinCow]

Why not give it a try?! The very fact that it is blatantly illegal is not reason enough for you? If you have no respect for the laws of the Reich, you have no respect for the Reich itself! My God, it seems that the corruptions of this place have deeper roots than any of us suspected. There may be no legal repercussion for proposing failed Edicts, but do not for one second think that the rest of the Diet will forget your willingness to disregard the law whenever it is convenient for you.

[gibsonsg91921]

Blatantly illegal? There is no precedent for Chancellor impeachment. An Edict giving the Chancellorship to the next runner-up would set a precedent and would hardly be blatantly illegal. Kaiser Jobst's birthright powers could override the Edict, but Count Fredericus von Hamburg is a noble man in his own right who has no more chances to run for Chancellor.

[Stuperman]

Excuse me Lothar, but I hardly think this is due cause to attack Franconia. We wanted our candidate to be Chancellor, why not give it a try? You are not penalized for pushing forward Edicts that are not passed.

I do recall a letter from you stating that Ulrich Hummel is the best man for the Reich, urging me to vote for him as he has great ideas for the spread of the Reich's glory. Perhaps you are a traitor as well.

Gerhard Steffen:

Glad to see that your hindsight is as clear as mine, I certianly hope that it does not become habbit to blame the voters for the actions of the elected.

[TinCow]

The Charter specifically states that Chancellors are elected. Just because the position is open due to Impeachment does not change that fact.


1.5 Each elector will periodically vote to elect a Chancellor (reigning player) of the HRE and on edicts to direct him.

Using an Edict to nullify the entire election process is a direct violation of the Charter. If you wish to put Count von Hamburg in the position, I suggest you persuade the Kaiser not to run. Either that or make a Charter Amendment permanently handing over all Imperial powers to the House of Franconia. What harm could such a law do? "Why not give it a try?"

[gibsonsg91921]

Indeed Gerhard, your son was putting me and all of Franconia into the Hummel camp as we try to ensure that a proper candidate, if Kaiser Jobst does not assume the Chancellorship. I was pointing out to him that he was the one who urged me to vote for him in the first place - I am glad now that I proved the wiser man. Perhaps you should reconsult, or even fire, your scribes who cannot keep you up to speed on Diet debate.

Edit: And Lothar - would an Edict ensuring stability in times of strife be in such violation of the Charter? The Edict has to be passed, first of all, and it would not violate in any way the periodic elections held every twenty years. The legality is not for you to decide, you upstart, but Kaiser Jobst himself.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Ulrich, the English will not look at the Scotland purchase in the way you do. Imagine if the largest, most powerful Empire in the world that did not presently share a border with you purchase two provinces on the same island as you. Most surely the English will attack us because of this purchase.

I do not know whether this is blatant warmongering or just plain nearsightedness, but I don't think it matters that much anyway.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I believe that we have discussed all that needs to be discussed. With current deliberations running off-course from why this Session was called in the first place, I formerly request that the Kaiser close deliberations early and begin the voting period.

Let us end this issue one way or another as quickly as possible.

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: As it has been 24 hours since the start of this Emergency Session, the deadline for the submission and seconding of laws has now passed. The session is closed.

(Sotto voce): Bother! Running out of paper again! ... Back shortly....