Imperial Diet V

*Jens Hummel enters the Diet for the first time in days, beer in his hand. He starts browsing over the official papers and then spews out his drink, getting the poor saps sitting in the Swabian front row all wet.*

What is this madness? Every single piece of legislation passes except for mine? Are we doomed to have another Diet session filled with this- this MESS???!?!

Evidently you have not learned yet that the system needs to be streamlined. Hopefully by next session you will have learned when you are subject to another week's worth of legal obfuscating. Therefore, I shall introduce the SAME piece of legislation next session and only pray to God that you will have all learned your lesson by then.

It's a good thing I'm staying in Outremer for the time being. I need something to kill. A lot of things, actually.

I doubt there was anyone here you disagreed with your sentiment, Herr Hummel. It was the actual legislation we did not like, as it was completely unworkable. If you could come up with a specific method of dealing with the problem, then that would be likely to pass.

I would agree, the sentiment was fine, but the legislation would be abused by those it seeks to stop.

Frederich Is Knighted, and Naples is ours! In order to secure victory I had to execute a few prisoners, but hey, they were only Sicilians!

You should have seen him lead a charge into the enemy, bravely breaking their moral and giving us victory!

[img=http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/9/8/24/t_4m_bf35131.jpg]

Arnold

Duke Steffen, excellent work. We must expel the Sicilian's from the peninsula as soon as possible.

I’m greatly looking forward to our navy protecting our southern border and seeing where the BHA’s can be best used by you and your men.

Jens!!

Small point…can you clarify WHO will adjudicate on your legislation next time. That was my problem with it.

Well done Duke Steffen and Friedrich Karolinger. It seems that the traitors will soon be residing in African exile as they should.

Jens Hummel:

Well, I can draw up a newly-worded version pretty quickly. Why don't we call an Emergency Session, I pass it along, and we all vote "yes" on it, then? The sooner this law passes, the better.

*Fritz hears out Athalwulf, and stiffens at the mention of murder*

My good sir Athalwulf, I think you extrapolate far too much from my words! Treason? Murder? This is my brother we are speaking of! Even were he the most hardened reprobate to walk God's green earth, Cain incarnate, perdition itself...

*Fritz pauses for a moment and taps his fingers on the table*

Ah yes, that's where I was...

Even if he were such as that, I would not stoop to the low extremes you mention!

If this matter stirs up such suspicions in you, Athalwulf, you can be sure you will not hear of it from me again.

*Fritz seats himself, lets out a breath, and shakes his coat collar into place with both hands*

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief

Jens Hummel:

Well, I can draw up a newly-worded version pretty quickly. Why don't we call an Emergency Session, I pass it along, and we all vote "yes" on it, then? The sooner this law passes, the better.

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Arnold

Raising an eyebrow in the direction of Jens

Get off the "Gear" will you Jens.

Emergency Session??

...how about I send a few "ladies of the night" around to your estate this evening? You can do something a little more constructive with that excess energy you're having?

Jens Hummel:

If an Emergency Session will not be called that will do quite splendidly in the meantime. Send as many as you can.

Let me get this straight Count Jens. This legislation is so important, that it requires an Emergency Session to be called so we can pass it. But, your willing to postpone it...if Duke Arnold helps you make "the beast with two backs" with some "escorts"? Umm...just how important is the legislation to you if your willing to put if off as long as you can get your "sword" wet?

I agree with others on here that the sentiment is a fine one. Its just how the legislation was worded that concerned me. If its worded in a way to set the parameters of such a legal mechanic, it will surely have my vote.

*nods his head to the count*

Though I remind everyone that Prince Elberhard did issue a directive stating that legal questions had to go through his office. And I for one am confident that his order for us to restrain ourselves in legal pondering will help fix the problem.

As soon as King Jan has finished talking, Grom enters the Austrian Benches from the private Austrian entrance with two extremely scantily clad women under each of his huge arms.

Unbeknownst to Arnold, Grom standing behind the Duke is motioning with a finger point at which one Jens wants.

Looking at Grom, Jan says,

I believe the good Count would like both. He did ask for as many as you can send. I just ask that he please take the afternoon's "activities" to one of the chambers. There shall be no "rodgering" in the Diet.

Jens Hummel:

Bah, it's a fine change of pace from the usual nitpicking we have around here.

*Jens walks out of the Diet, motioning for the two buxom women to follow him.*

And by the way, if you want to be even more convincing that you're a nob then I suggest that you pronounce Elberhard's name correctly.

*He departs the Diet with a twisted grin on his face.*

As the Electors reenter the Diet this morning a small change is noticable. To the left and standing slightly behind the gilded throne usually occupied by the Kaiser, a smaller less elaborate and also slimmer version has been added.
While some might still wonder as to the exact purpose of this new furniture, the Diet doors are opened and a man wearing the livery of the Kaiser enters the Chamber and raises his voice.

Nobles of the Reich!
I present Siegfried von Kastillien, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and Theodora Comenos his Queen!

Clad in expensive robes Siegfried enters the Diet chamber, holding out his left hand on which the hand of Theodora rests lightly. She wears a silk gown shaded a deep purple and a small coronet is stuck in her hair. Slowly the two of them proceed to the dais on which the two thrones rest. Gallantly guiding his wife to the smaller throne in the back, Siegfried waits until she is seated before turning to the Diet.

King Jan, Dukes, Counts and Electors!

I have returned to this Chamber after my visit to our brother Empire in the East. The Byzantine Emperor sends his best regards and is confident that the ties between our two Empires, that have been strengthened through marriage will be followed by cooperations against our common enemies. The Balkans and Outremere will be secured by Imperial Armies and with this ally at our side, little stands in the way of returning the Western and Eastern Roman Empire back to their former glories. Our enemies will tremble at the might of our armies and our recent successes have shown that not even the war hordes of the Mongols, that supposedly conquered a whole continent are a threat to us!

To further solidify our common border with the Byzantines I will give the the castle of Bran to the House of Austria, from where it will eventually oversee the border to our brother Empire in the South. For this to be accomplished I encourage Duke Arnold to pursue his efforts of destroying the Hungarians, which have occupied those territories for far too long. Emperor Comenus promised me personally to deal with the Venetians to the South!

Together we will defend the East against the heathen hordes of Mongols and Turks. For this the defense and strength of Outremere is integral. Although some here are irritated at my appointment of King Jan, I remind them that the post of King of Outremere is to be given by the Kaiser and no one else. I have absolute confidence in King Jan to defend our Eastern border against the heathens.

I hear that there have been quite some lively discussions concerning the situation between Outremere and the Duchies. And from the responses I have seen King Jan has proven to be the right choice, although I see that he feels some resentment about me appointing him. I assure him that I wouldn't have chosen him, if I hadn't judged him capable of dealing with the issues at hand.
It is correct that Outremere is not a Fifth House. It is correct that Outremre belongs to all Houses and to none. Every House has a stake in Outremere, this was insured by the Charter, drafted by Emperor Henry, and I am intent on following it. It is also correct that in the past Crusader Counts have enjoyed a relative freedom while the King of Outremere, being of no House is an independent entity altogether. I see that this can lead to a rift between the Houses on one side and Outremere on the other.

I will put forward a referendum at the next Diet Session that will see whether the Holy Roman Empire is willing to carry on the legacy left behind by people such as Maximilian Mandorf, Dietrich von Saxony, Otto von Kassel, Leopold, Conrad Salier, Fredericus von Hamburg, and Emperor Henry!
This issue has to be decided. But to those complaining about the current status of Outremere, I don't believe a change of the Charter is necessary. If you can't control your Electors in Outremere, do not think you can control them within the Empire. How Dukes handle Outremere, how they support their nobles in getting there or how they show their lack of support is up to them.

However, I will hereby vow, that if any noble of this Reich steps up to me, and can say that he is truly willing to do his holy duty in Outremere, I will not let him be stopped!

Queen Theodora has been looking around the Chamber with a smug smile on her face that has been growing throughout Siegfried's speech. As the Kaiser's vow is spoken though, it falters slightly. A worried frown creases her forehead as Emperor Siegfried sits down and awaits the response of the Diet.

The marching of boots in unison can be heard growing before the Diet Chamber door. With a loud crash they stopped as one just outside. A moment later the doors to the Diet Chamber swing open. Twenty black armoured Knights of the Duke Arnold's Household Regiment can be seen standing to attention just outside.

Arnold removes his helm and places it in the crook of his left arm, his right hand resting on his father sword.

On queue the Duke and his retinue detach from the Household guard and enter the chamber in lock step.

Again, at some unseen signal Arnold’s retinue breaks off and files towards their seats in the Austrian benches.

Arnold continues towards the Chamber centre. His black and silver trimmed obsidian armour is covered by a night black floor length cloak. Stopping in the middle of the chamber floor Arnold stands for a moment surveying the Kaiser and his new Queen. Bowing, Arnold's voice is clear and strong;

Emperor Siegfried!!

Your Majesty honours me and House Austria with the Castle of Bran.

I will personally ensure the Hungarian’s are crushed and the border between the Holy Roman and Byzantine Empires are joined as soon as possible.

Outremer is an asset that should be defended. It has brought great wealth to our Empire and has placed us in good standing with the Pope. These two characteristics alone should ensure our further support of the region.

While I am disappointed Lord Zirn was not ratified as King Sailer had wished, King Jan has certainly created enough of a stir in this chamber to have the topic clarified in the next few years.

The mandate of Outremer is clear. Our sole purpose there is to defend Christianity and allow the Pope to rule in peace. We are in effect the Shield that defends Jerusalem against all enemies. In that regard we have been extremely effective and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

To date I have had no problem with the running of this region. However I am open to any ideas that solidify the intended relationship between Outremer and the Houses that created it.

As with all things, there must be some common sense taken towards decisions regarding the region, I can not abide by resources going to Outremer in such a way that is jeopardise the running of my House. For example, the two house hold armies require at least two House General’s. If Sir Becker was to state his preference towards leaving for Outremer, then I would be left with a House Hold Army without a General, this is not acceptable.

The Houses created Outremer and will continue to do so, but not to their own detriment.

Arnold pauses at this point.

Finally I’d like to welcome Queen Theodora to the Empire. I’m sure she will find Rome and our other Great cities much to her liking.

Bowing once again, Arnold turns and makes his way to the Austrian Ducal seat.

Matthias bows to the Kaiser.

It is good to have you back home, your Majesty.

I am also glad that Empress Theodora has joined us, I have learned much by reading the military manuals of the Eastern Empire, many written by the Emperors themselves. I look forward to our cooperation and hope our allies fare better against the Venetians than the Hungarians.

Speaking of Hungary, I congratulate Duke Arnold on his crushing victory against them. However a large Polish army has entered Austrian territory from Krakow and is within a few years march of Budapest. The Duke may have to divert north to deal with them rather than continue to punish the Hungarians.

Again this makes me wish that Krakow had been the target of Franconia and not Vilnius, but that is in the past.

As to the Mongols, I must examine our reports, consider the counsel of my fellow Crusaders, and then decide whether to attack them this year or not. A decision will be made shortly. I would not wish to keep Count Hans waiting too long, as I fear he may burst from impatience.

*Fritz von Kastilien rises with a nod towards Siegfried, his eyes pointedly averted from Theodora*

Mein Kaiser, it is good that you are amongst us again. I hope and pray that your presence will enlighten us all amidst the great darkness of our times *Fritz pauses, his gaze flicks to Theodora* for many, many happy years.

*He seats himself and confers with an aide*

Jens Hummel:

Waitaminute, waitaminute, WAIT A MINUTE! Do you mean to say that we might not attack these suckers after all?

After all they've done to us - taken away thousands of good Imperial lives, murdered good Leopold and King Salier, these godless scum do not deserve to set foot on any land - even the hot, dirty, dry, smelly desert sands of Outremer - for one day more, yet alone a year! If we kill these :daisy:s now then maybe we'll get some friggin' peace in the East so we can all recommence yelling at the King without any distractions. Besides (God forbid), if they have enough men stupid enough to come at us in yet another wave we'll have more time to prepare!

Chancellor, if you do not attack them this year then I'll go after 'em myself! This has gone for too long!!!

*Jens finishes yelling and looks up.*

Ah yes, welcome back Kaiser. I see you've brought a lovely bride with you. Marvelous choice, marvelous. Seems I need to take a pit stop in Byzantium before I head home for good.

*Jens looks up, waiting for a response. He takes note of the fact that, even though Theodora is a woman, he is still shorter than her. He grumbles in disdain.*

Curses...

Matthias leans back in his chair, tenting his fingers while looking at Jens.

So be it, young Hummel. Having taken into account your eloquent speech and the letters I have received from Count Hans. . .

Matthias holds up a large bundle of papers.

The attack will proceed this year.

I will issue the exact orders soon.

Edit: Matthias scribbles some orders and dispatches them with a messenger.

It is done, may God give us victory.

King Jan walks through the doors wearing subdued but obvious Crusader regalia. Max and Gunther walk smartly behind him. Their boots clomp in unison as they proceed across the Diet. As they reach the small table specifically set aside for the King of Outremer, Jan turns sharply and heads up the Diet floor as Gunther and Max stay standing behind the table. The King walks up the floor to the Dais and kneels.

Mein Kaiser,

While I have been appointed by you during the last Diet, I have presented myself before you in order to formally accept the position of King of Outremer and to swear the oath of office before you, the Diet, and the Lord.

I, Jan von Hamburg, solemnly swear to serve the Kaiser as his appointed agent in Outremer for as long as the Kaiser deems me fit. During this service, I swear to uphold the Charter of Outremer and to make sure our mission out there is being fulfilled. And I will uphold this duty until the Kaiser deems me unfit to serve or when there is no more breath in my body. So help me God.

After this, Jan stands up straight.

Mein Kaiser,

You honor me with your words and I only hope that I prove worthy of them. I welcome a referendum on the subject of Outremer. Because, I have realized, that if we lose support of the Duchies, then our mission there will fail. The Duchies pour coin, men, and nobles into this region every year. And it is clear that they have concerns that their sacrifices are not taken seriously. I will endeavor to find a way to bind the Duchies to Outremer in a more comprehensive manner and I have an idea to present in the next Diet regarding this. For I truly believe that the defense of Outremer is the struggle of our time and can not be allowed to fail.

Jan turns to the Queen to address her directly.

My Queen,

I wish to take this opportunity to personally welcome you to the Diet. Your presence honors us.

Jan bows to the Queen, turns smartly, and walks back to his bench.

A messenger enters the diet after obtaining clearance from the guards and speaks:

Nobles of the Empire,

I bear a message from Outremer, that the forces under command of Steward Hans of Swabia have dealt a stinging defeat to the Mongols west of Edessa against unfavorable odds. The few remnants of that battle have fled back towards Transoxania, some of who were forced to carry the heads of their leaders and a message to the Mongol tribes that any who dare return will face defeat once more.

However sweet victory may be, it often leaves a bitter aftertaste. In this case, Steward Hans of Swabia regretfully announces the death of Jens Hümmel who gave his life in the last few minutes of battle.

Noticing he read the last few words, the messenger concludes

That is all that is written.
I now present to you the second part of the message, which is a collection of the casualty counts of said battle.

https://img361.imageshack.us/img361/8066/0076qv0.jpg

He bows and exits

*Lothar jerks his head suddenly at the news of Jens Hümmel's death. He gestures to a servant who rushes over and bends down. Lothar whispers something in the man's ear, and he then turns and leaves the Diet.*

I am most grieved to hear the news of the death of Jens Hümmel. We did not have much time to get to know the man, but he served the Reich well in the short time that God gave him on this earth. He will be missed.

*Lothar looks at Hans' messenger for a moment, then turns and strides from the Diet.*

Seeing the look on Lothar face, Arnold stands and joins him on the way out of the Diet. Arnold can be seen talking quitely with Lothar as they leave.

*Fritz notes the commotion and whispers to one of his scribes. He starts, his face turns red for a moment. After composing himself he rises to his feet, shaking his head.*

Though I had some doubts of his fitness for rule due to the recent lecherous and beer-sodden behaviour, I must confess I feel a strong sense of remorse at Jens' death.

May God's mercy weigh him well in the scales of eternal justice.

*Fritz walks slowly out of the Diet*

King Jan walks into the Diet looking sullen. His Crusader regalia is much more subdued than last time, confined to a simple patch. He walks up to his bench and addresses the Diet.

While the message from Count Hans has reached this Diet, it is my responsibility to deliever the news personally. The Mongols have been defeated but not without a price. Count Jens fought valiently but, in the end, was felled by a Mongol arrow.

Jan remembers how Sigismund was felled by an arrow and his face betrays a deep sadness.

Count Hans, in his role as army commander, has decided that Count Jens is to be knighted posthumously for his valor. As a witness at that battle, I concur with that decision. His sacrifice honors us and does him credit. May his soul rest in peace up in Heaven.

I ask the Diet to observe a moment of silence out of respect for Count Jens.

After a moment of silence, Friedrich speaks up:

"As Count Jens ... fell to preserve the Holy Land, perhaps he could be buried near the Holy City of Jerusalem? I feel he deserves that honour as well."

Edmund sighs heavily.

And another one leaves us. Godspeed Jens Hummel.

Matthias speaks.

I am not sure if the Swabian delgation has reviewed the latest reports, but I would be interested in their insights concerning Caen. The garrison of the Citadel is quiet large, and there are a few large French armies in the area.

My originial idea was to seize the Castle and start recruiting the second HA there. However, the strength of the French in the area gives me pause. I would appreciate if the Swabians, particularly Duke Scherer, would consult the reports and give their preference for attacking now, or reinforcing from Staufen and attacking later.

If a concensus can't be reached, I will use my best judgement in the matter.

Dietrich von Dassel:

I weep for the death of Jens Hummel. No matter what his faults were, he was a good man. I will miss him.

I am also happy to report that Marseille is no longer threatened and that the remnants of the besieging army have retreated deep into their own territory. I request that I be reinforced with some of the garrison and pursue them to draw some of the French forces away from Caen.