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Hans, for all the quarrels we've had this past 20 years, I think you have had a successful and remarkable chancellorship. The watchtower system truly helps predict attacks, especially near the war-torn Thorn. I look forward to punishing Russia and Poland.
I wonder who will stand for chancellorship the next term.
Indeed, the Italian cities are very difficult to control. Most of this however is due to the lack of chivalrous governors and the fact that all of them are on the verge of being turned into huge cities.
Having constantly constructed buildings promoting law and order however, I have managed to stop them from rioting most of the time, with Marseille the only city to riot at all during my term. During both riots, no-one was hurt, and due to the amount of law we had there it was but a peaceful demonstration.
Hans had a good chancellorship, despite a few controversies, but eventually he came through. Someone said it best - the pope's wants do not take precedence over the empire's needs.
I would like to concur that Hans has had an excellant chancellorship. He demonstrated himself for than capable of leading our fine empire.
However, speaking as an Austrian, I must protest the idea that Ragusa be converted into a city unless Sofia is given to the House of Austria. I'm sure The Chancellor was assuming such would be the case when he made his comment, but such things are better left made explicit.
I believe Sofia is going to be given to Austria, and as it can produce the powerful Gothic Knights it will more than pick up the slack. The cities on the coastline are secured by Sofia and the Papal Durazzo.
Count von Kastilien, I hope that your comments were not directed at me. I made it quite clear that that that I would be happy with Sofia replacing Ragusa as Austria sole castle, so it would be quite unfortunate of you to assume that I do not notice what's going on in the world.
Indeed - you expressed a belief that Sofia is going to be granted to Austria and I concurred.
I did not say that Ragusa should be converted to a city, but merely suggested, that with our southern border secure, it may be worth some consideration.
I do not know of our emperor's plans for Sofia, but as long as it is Imperial territory, it may well be used to supply Austria and the other noble houses with the needed troops.
I thank all of you fine men of the empire for the kind words you have for my humble chancellorship.
Prinz Jobst coughs
Are you running for Chancellorship again Hans?
Who is thinking of stepping forward and going for Chancellorship?
Henry: I now declare the tenth Diet full session open! The deadline for proposing edicts, Charter Amendments and manifestoes for Chancellor is Wednesday 8.24am UK time. There will then be a 24 hour period of voting.
I would also like to my son, Hans, for his excellent job as Chancellor. He has seen off the numerous threats to the Reich, completed the creation of Outremer, developed our economy to a position of great strength and crushed one attempted invasion by the Horse Lords, aided by the heroism of my late brother, Duke Leopold.
As this will no doubt be my last Diet session, you will grant me the indulgence of remarking on the high standards set by all the Chancellors I have known. I urge prospective candidates for the post to come forward and attempt to maintain this tradition of excellence.
Prinz Jobst stands, and straightens
yes,well dones Hans on a great chancellorship, the Empire has prospered under your term, and the terms before you.
Now I wish to announce something; I shall be standing for Chancellorship!
I promise I'll listen to the voice of the DIet, obeying clear orders.
I shall make sure Franconia is defended from the Polish and Russains and the Danish. We shall drive back these forces, and pursue peace with Denmark, but drive back the Russian and Polish Barbarians. Make them pay for the innocent lives they've wasted ina dn around Thorn.
For Austria, I shall try to secure more troops and Generals for you. Prosper, for the following years shall be of economic development, war is not gone, if the Byzantines attack, you may push them back, take Thessalonica if you wish.
Bavaria, I shall make sure the sea's around Bavaria are safe from Milanese,Veneatians and Pirate scum. You may exterminate the Milanese for good if you wish, and I shall make sure your cities prosper peacefully.
Swabia, I shall make sure your borders are safe, as the French shall strike soon, I shall secure more Generals, Duke of Swabia, for you, and mkae sure all Swabian Cities are peaceful.
To the Counts and King of Outremer, I shall make sure the Horse Lords do not come to close, all cities there shall live up to there full potential as Holy Cities, and shall stop Heathens from claiming those lands.
And to all of you, I shall make sure the Lower Class of the Holy Roman EMpire stay calm,happy. I shall not build many war machines in places they are not needed, I shall build places which make our economy prosper, but still our cities are defended. I shall make sure the Pope is satisfied, that the Horse lords of Asia stay back, and most of all, that any enemy who attacks us, is driven back with major losses, and we claim their lands.
So vote for me; if you wish for a even more economic Empire, and our borders are defended and our cities are happy!
I will be happy to answer any queries or questions.
Prinz Jobst sits, smiling.
Ansehelm walks into the Diet, sweating because of the temperature in Rome, he starts talking immediatly
Now that the Diet has started I wish to propose an edict:
Edict 10.1
An attack will be held against the the Russian barbarians. An army will be gathered for a Baltic Crusade against the Russians.
This army shall at the start be commanded by a Franconian general, but generals from other houses are allowed to join as well.
The goal of this small non-papal campaign is attacking and sacking the settlements of Vilnius, Riga, Novgorod and Helsinki. Many buildings in these settlements will be destroyed before leaving the settlements again, such as buildings of happiness and law (and all military buildings), so they can turn into the hands of rebels. This should damage the Russian warmachine and additionally fill our coffers.
The objective is to finish this small crusade by the year 1280.
(OOC: I don't want to take and hold the 4 cities because they will more or less mean we will have already won, and I want to fight the Aztecs)
prinz Jobst stands
I have been contacted on this; and as I've said, I shall support edict 10.1.
Jobst sits
Aha! I shall second edict 10.1 as well. Also, I shall propose
Charter Amendment 10.1: A 24-hour voting period in the 10th year (5th turn) of a chancellor's reign shall determine whether a limited diet session should be opened for 48 hours. Simple majority rules. In this session, edicts and household army general orders may be given only; the Charter may not be amended in this short period.
I've observed that past Chancellors complete their list of Edicts very early into their reign, and a renewed list will help give their remain years new focus.
OOC: This will also slow down the game for those who have complained about speedy chancellorships
As most of you will already have known, I intend to stand for re-election for the post of chancellor.
You are correct to wonder why I would want to do this.
Firstly, I have led this glorious empire for 20 (5) years now and you know my capabilities, my achievements and of my support for all houses, regardless whether they stand with or against me.
Our empire now is better defended, has a system in place to warn us of threats early, runs a strong economy and a mighty warmachine with swordsmith guilds all over Europe and Outremer and a place to train our most elite troops at Sofia.
Our foes yet rattle with their puny sabers, hoping to take what is rightfully ours. I say we unleash the might of our most holy roman empire upon them if they dare!
Throughout my chancellorship, the Milanese, the Poles and the Russians have shown aggression towards us without loss of their own settlements. That is over.
I agree with the Franconians that we need to lead an incursion into the Eastern steppes to raid their homes and castles so that they shall rightfully tremble before our might and submit to our will. At this very moment, a large host of experienced reinforcements stands near Thorn to start the crusade this very next year. As you can see I have prepared well for your needs. I also believe that we need not hold any of these steppe settlements that are poor, lack farming and any useful resources. Let them keep their rabble and rubble!
For the Bavarians, you know that I support your cause to destroy the Milanese as they have shown aggression even when I felt moderation was possible.
And to prove that this is not only words, you will find, that I have raised a large force in the Italian cities ready to sail towards their islands to rid them off our maps once and for all. This I have done to make sure the threat is eliminated as soon as possible in the next term.
Austrians, you know I have secured your southern border in my last term and will aim to secure your eastern borders as well. Your army is stationed near the last Hungarian stronghold already and while Sofia is not Austrian at this time, I will make sure that you receive a continued supply of the heaviest cavalry and infantry we have available. At this very moment, 2 regiments of Gothic knights and Two-handers are ready to be commanded at Sofia.
For Swabia, it is needless to say that another French castle will be in our hands by the end of the next term to allow a swift resupply of troops at our front instead of back at Staufen. The French even now tremble at the mere mention of Swabia after we have dealt them several bitter defeats in my last term.
Outremer. I have provided and helped lead our armies into battle against the Mongols, driving them out of our lands within 2 years. 2 years my lords. Do I need to say more of my skill to manage our economy and military well at the same time? Priests and merchants flock to these lands now to improve the economy of the entire empire and to convert all heathens to the true faith. The new Mongol invasion will not stand longer than the first one, I project.
And for all houses, you know what I have done for you and what I have in the works to increase your power. I believe that all household armies shall be modernized to include only the best trained troops we have available and best weapons our smithies can forge. While you may understand that I am not overly expansionist, you will see your borders fortified and your lands secure from any hostile incursion, that you can be sure of.
Our tradelanes are likewise free from hostile waylayers and our sea lanes free from pirates and enemy fleets. Our navies have done well during my last term and I see no reason not to continue our spree of glory.
Throughout my term, our relations with other friendly Christians have improved and we are in much higher regard than we were even prior to that ambush on a crusade.
Esteemed nobles of the holy roman empire. Do you wish for more glory? More florins? More security? Stronger bonds with our friends? Fairness for all houses? And of course more military might?
Then you know who you must vote for at the end of this diet session.
If Edict 10.1 gets through I will be more than happy to lead the small crusade. Afterall the Russians have been terrorising my province, I'd love to do it back to them.
But this is all for later. With the edict I mean to form an army to fight this crusade apart from the Franconian Household Army, so that the FHA can stay defending Franconia.
Also I suggest a young noble from another house volunteers to join the crusade if it gets through.
The army you need stands outside Prague. I am certain you only need to exchange a few regiments with the FHA before you can set out onto the Franconian crusade, saving you time and allowing you to take most of the settlements in your edict.
Indeed, Ansehelm, our brother Fritz is leading the reinforcements, and as he is unoccupied at the moment I am sure he would not mind joining our Baltic Crusade, which now has the necessary two seconders in myself and Prinz Jobst.
Henry: I would like to propose:
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.
Gentlemen: I have reviewed all our provinces and, while we are about to construct a huge cathedral in Rome, in most other places, our cities lack abbeys or cathedrals. We have become too worldly, electors, prioritising war and money over devotion to God.
To rectify this, where it is possible to build a religious building, I ask all governors to include it in their build queues. And my edict proposes that the Chancellor shall not build anything in settlements where governors do not make such a provision.
Electors, I fear dark times are ahead of Christendom. The Horse Lords are returning and plague already infects one of our largest cities. Within the Reich itself, I detect a corruption as assassins and warmongers gather in ever greater numbers. Even I have acquired the wholly bogus taint of being a "killer" and a "master of assassins". Only through prayer and devotion to God can we fortify ourselves against the spiritual struggles to come.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
I will support Edict 10.2 as I have been troubled by the lack of sophisticated religious buildings in Swabia especially in the newly conquered French cities some of which do not even have a church to begin with.
Secondly, I wish to propose Edict 10.3: The House of Swabia will be allowed to take Bruges and Caen during the next chancellorship There are two main reasons for these targets. Caen is relatively obvious as it is a repectable castle able to retrain the Swabian House Army instead of the long time spent at Staufen. It would also put a damper on the French military since only Angers will remain that serves as a major recruitment center. As for Bruges, the Franconians have expressed great interest in taking Antwerp, but there is no doubt that Bruges with its large French garrison will prove to be a large annoyance. Should we take it, any French interference with Antwerp will be removed and the French will lose a major port and center of trade further crippling their economy
Matthias looks about uncertainly, perhaps he is nervous about sharing his brother's fate, or intimidated by the fact that almost all the electors are older than him. Still he rises to speak:
My lords, Chancellor Hans's term has seen great military success for the Reich. Yet I find a few of his assertions less than truthful.
Actually, our reputation has fallen from Dubious after the ambush to Untrustworthy during his term. Our Emperor began the Chancellor's term known as "the Chivalrous", at the end he is known as "the Killer". Kaiser Henry did not deserve this blackening of his name. A Saint of Battle and Grand Crusader known as such? It is a terrible shame.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chancellor Hans
The Chancellor claims to support the Houses fully, yet why does he ignore our Build Queues seemingly at will? This has happened to all the Duchies. He claims to know better than us, to cherry pick amongst the orders for those he likes and falls back on technicalities in the Charter when we complain.
The Chancellor had few edicts to fulfill in his term. It is doubtful that he has completely finished Edict 9.3, assistance to our Allies. Most of the Chancellor's energy seems to have been focused on his private war against Sofia and Hungary. Though independent action is within his rights, this was not called for by the Diet. While the BHA rescued Zagreb, while we fought for our lives outside Durazzo, while the Mongols were bearing down on us, the Chancellor pursued vengeance for a personal slight against him many years ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chancellor Hans
Does the Diet remember? The young Count Hans had to flee from a massive Hungarian Army during the First Crusade after he impetuosly decided to cross their territory with just his retainers. Is it any coincidence this humiliation took place near Sofia, the very Citadel he took and has the most advanced Army in the Reich operating from now?
Do you mean the few Militia units under the command of Lothar in Italy? Or the four units of professional soldiers under my command near Innsbruck? Or the three and a half units of professional soldiers in Innsbruck besides a unit of peasants? The BHA, through bribery and adventures into Austria, has melted away and has yet to be fully replaced. I am grateful for the destruction of the Milanese invasion fleet, but the situation is hardly as postive as the Chancellor describes. The Swabian HA is in the same boat, as it is divided and understrength.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chancellor Hans
The Chancellor promises a great deal. All we have to do is give him an unprecedented second term, 40 years of uninterrupted rule, more power to set things right, and our blind trust that he will make the decisions for us as he sees fit, because our own choices are unwise and he knows best.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chancellor Hans
Matthias pauses, considering his next words.
My lords, what does the Reich stand for? In 1080, it was for restoration of the Empire, taking back the lands that had rebelled. Then, restoration of our standing within the Church and the expansion of our influence with the Pope. After that, it was the completion of the Crusade and the establishment of a bulwark against the infidels named Outremer. Now what our are goals? What is the overarching aspiration of the Reich?
Defense and security I have heard mentioned in the Diet. I have said the same words myself. Yet, what should be our larger goals? How do we accomplish security? Where should our borders be? Should we endeavor to restore our fallen reputation? Should we attempt peace with some of our enemies? Or is that all cast aside in the name of conquest?
These questions should be considered by the Diet. Debated in the Diet. Edicts should be more than mere seizure of territory, they should consider the other factors I have mentioned as well. There is more to greatness than victory on the battlefield.
Thank you.
Herr Scherer, as far as I know Franconia never said it wanted to take Antwerp, it's far too busy with other matters at the moment. The entire defence of the Reichs western frontier depends on the Swabians. I hope they can pursue a more defensive tactic, for the best of us all.
It is indeed good of you to speak up, and I will certainly respond in a proper manner to your queries young Steffen.
I would ask you to ask any of the scribes assembled in this chamber and ask them what exactly I have said. I explicitly stated that our 'relations with other friendly christians' have improved, yes? What does this have to do with our reputation, or the name-calling?Quote:
Originally Posted by OverKnight
Considering that I personally have released most prisoners that my forces have taken to boost our reputation, I believe many others have executed them, leading to a decrease in our overall reputation. That is outside of my control as you are well aware I hope.
As for the name-calling of our esteemed emperor, it is unfortunate that our enemies believe all actions to originate from him instead of from the empire as a whole. Everyone who knows our emperor well, knows that he is no mindless killer but a chivalrous example to all of christendom.
I would like to believe that you have some respect for our charter. It clearly states that buildings are constructed if their orders are provided in a timely manner. Most of them have not, and as such, it is up to myself to decide which buildings will benefit the settlements the most.Quote:
The Chancellor claims to support the Houses fully, yet why does he ignore our Build Queues seemingly at will? This has happened to all the Duchies. He claims to know better than us, to cherry pick amongst the orders for those he likes and falls back on technicalities in the Charter when we complain.
This may be more or less a technicality, but if it is disregarded, what is next? All governors deciding what units to recruit in their towns and whether to aid nearby regions or not? Clearly our charter is in place to arrange for a smooth progression of a chancellor's term and not to slow our overall progress by bickering.
While I agree that the exact wording of the edict may not have been fulfilled, I believe that is spirit has been. Our aid to the Byzantine captial certain is not forgotten, yes?Quote:
The Chancellor had few edicts to fulfill in his term. It is doubtful that he has completely finished Edict 9.3, assistance to our Allies. Most of the Chancellor's energy seems to have been focused on his private war against Sofia and Hungary. Though independent action is within his rights, this was not called for by the Diet. While the BHA rescued Zagreb, while we fought for our lives outside Durazzo, while the Mongols were bearing down on us, the Chancellor pursued vengeance for a personal slight against him many years ago.
Having stationed our own fleets near our allies' fleets also is support of their military and having Prince Jobst stand by the English to defend them against the Danes.
Considering that our enemies were to cowardly to attack us, this edict has been fulfilled as far as it can be.
If you believe that this was merely a personal vendetta, then I question your state of mind. Surely you ought to visit the graves around Zagreb and find out where those menaces originated from? Or ask our dead breathren who slaughtered them? Most of these barbarians came from Sofia and our borders are much more secure with it in our hands. Do you wish me to gif it back to the Magyars to prove my point?Quote:
Does the Diet remember? The young Count Hans had to flee from a massive Hungarian Army during the First Crusade after he impetuosly decided to cross their territory with just his retainers. Is it any coincidence this humiliation took place near Sofia, the very Citadel he took and has the most advanced Army in the Reich operating from now?
Have you ever been chancellor yourself, young man? I thought not.Quote:
Do you mean the few Militia units under the command of Lothar in Italy? Or the four units of professional soldiers under my command near Innsbruck? Or the three and a half units of professional soldiers in Innsbruck besides a unit of peasants? The BHA, through bribery and adventures into Austria, has melted away and has yet to be fully replaced. I am grateful for the destruction of the Milanese invasion fleet, but the situation is hardly as postive as the Chancellor describes. The Swabian HA is in the same boat, as it is divided and understrength.
If you had ever read my recent reports to the diet, you will have noticed that this force was assembled to aid a swift lighting conquest of the islands as the BHA is still being rebuilt and an offer was made to your Duke to accept said force for invasion or wait for the BHA to regain full strength. Any army in retraining is obviously split in several smaller forces to move as quickly as possible to their training centers, especially if those are far from the front.
Also, blaming me for the regiments deserting is proposterous.
Our goals are clear. To fortify our borders and retaliate against those who attack us, without waging an all out war against them that would be too costly for the empire as a whole. To defend christendom and Jerusalem from hostile take-overs, and to convert the heathens to the true faith. Standing by our allies to aid them in their struggles is certainly also worthwhile.Quote:
My lords, what does the Reich stand for? In 1080, it was for restoration of the Empire, taking back the lands that had rebelled. Then, restoration of our standing within the Church and the expansion of our influence with the Pope. After that, it was the completion of the Crusade and the establishment of a bulwark against the infidels named Outremer. Now what our are goals? What is the overarching aspiration of the Reich?
Defense and security I have heard mentioned in the Diet. I have said the same words myself. Yet, what should be our larger goals? How do we accomplish security? Where should our borders be? Should we endeavor to restore our fallen reputation? Should we attempt peace with some of our enemies? Or is that all cast aside in the name of conquest?
Lastly, and most importantly, our goal is to be the dominant policing force of the mainland of Europe and act as a guardian of law, order and faith.
It is not that I have not tried gaining peace with those nations we are at war with, but all efforts were quickly rebuffed by them, leaving currently no other choice as to either wage a defensive or a partial offensive war.
Conrad Salier:
I s-second Edicts 10.1 a-and 10.2.
*Conrad sits back down, noticeably shaking.*
I am going to stand for chancellor. I am not going to make unreasonable and outlandish promises. I am not going to pretend to know what's best for each part of the Empire, or that I have some magic plan that will solve everyone's problems at no cost at all. I have always believed in decentralization, I believe the Duchies can take care of themselves. You know that I will be in the Outremer, and that the Outremer will soon be a very busy place, so I would expect guidance from the Duchies during the extent of my term, instead of ignoring it merely because it is allowed by the Charter. All I can promise is to distribute any Imperial resources we may have evenly across the houses.
I have no personal interests, and I certainly do not seek power. I will never seek a second term (nor do I have one guaranteed by the Charter...). You can be assured of this because I will certainly not live long enough. If the Horse Lords don't get me, Old Age will.
This is all I have to say. I have not mentioned the Outremer, because we all know what must be done there. How exactly it is to be done remains seen, but I have never doubted the ability of Crusaders to come to a consensus. That is how it has always worked.
Henry: Electors, I think now we need to re-evaluate the expansion of the Reich. As Prinz Hans has pointed out, we have grown to thirty-three provinces. Each of our Houses is a match for any rival power. For how provinces has the second largest power? It is Russia, with seven.
And what do we propose to do about that? Gut Russia, conquering many of her provinces and destroying all their infrastructure. Yes, Russia attacked us. Yes, she took Thorn by a coup de main, but here it should be noted that she merely occupied the fortress. More recently, she approached with a pitiful army that we swiped aside with ease.
But the fate of Russia is not my main concern here - it is merely symptomatic of a larger issue: our relation with the rest of the world. Prinz Hans has noted our relations with some of our neighbours have improved - notably with our brother Romans, the Byzantines. However, it is still true that we have more enemies than friends. I fear this is because most of the world views us as avaracious conquerors and wish to fight to hold us back before we overrun them.
I submit that the Reich is large enough. Indeed, I am loathe to allocate Paris or Sofia to any House at this time. They are conquests that I did not approve and I regard neither territory as a natural part of the Reich. I believe we need to take a more considered approach, not merely conquering neighbouring provinces willy-nilly. To this end, I propose:
Charter Amendment 10.2:
(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.
Gentlemen, no doubt there are many among you who do not share my restraint - who want to conquer Milan, who want to crusade on Russia. But I ask men of that view to nonetheless support my amendment. For my amendment does not rule out such actions, it merely states that we should enter into them with open eyes and with the agreement of the Diet. Edicts 10.1 and 10.3 are good examples of how to proceed: a course of action is proposed, debated and in due course voted upon.
Riding back up to the Diet Chamber Doors, a far more practised Guard expertly catches the reins thrown at him by Arnold. Of course the guard with his weapon in one hand and the reins in the other is completely unprepared for the shield and helmet thrown in his direction by the on coming Arnold. More than one squire can be seen helping the poor guard untangle and get Arnold equipment organised.
The loud racket behind him does not seem to deter Arnold from striding back into the Diet now in session.
My Lords!!
Ladies of the Realm, assorted court buffoons, clowns and esteemed members of the peasantry!!
I would like to formally announce that I will NOT be running for the position of Chancellor!!!
Spinning on his heal Arnold makes his way to the Austrian benches, he spies Hans somewhere and continues
Ohh and Hans, just what the bloody hell are your orders meant to be achieving out east?!!
Sigismund and myself are at a complete loss as to what you want us to do!! Suffice to say it's a complete balls-up out there at the moment.
I've let the captain's try and sort out the shambles and instructed them to have it fixed on pain of death if they don't!! Can you shed any light on the matter old fellow?!! I don’t thinks God’s arse could even work out what the plan is at the moment.
*A Bavarian clerk stands up and begins to speak.*
In the absence of King Salier, who has gone off and is, er, resting, I will speak for him. It is my belief that the King agrees with the Kaiser's latest proposal. It is imperative that we cease this needless expansion sooner or later. We stand periously close to over-extending ourselves and now is a good time as any to put a barrier in place. Let us see stability for once.
King Salier seconds CA 10.2.
*The same clerk gets up to speak again.*
I apologize for speaking twice in turn, but King Salier has a question that is directed to all those are standing and intend to stand for Chancellor:
What are your detailed plans regarding the Kingdom of Outremer, and how much are willing to invest in order to ensure its safety?
Thank you.
Ansehelm stands from his chair, at the far right of the Franconian bench
I hereby second CA 10.2