Imperial Diet & Rules

Ernst of Melk rises to address the chamber. Somehow a message from the Prinz has found its way through the circumvallations of the Polish army.

Good electors, we stand at a crossroads. Rome has challenged us to back down. Should we? I think not! Since when has the Reich been lapdog to that old woman? Our 'fellow catholics' the Poles defile our very doorstep and does he likewise threaten them? His neighbours the Milanese have the gall to make an attempt on Innsbruck and what is his response?

To tell the Reich to lay down its arms! Well I say let him excommunicate us if he has the nerve!

For it is better to be forsaken by the Church than slaves to a foreign master, whether he be Polish, Milanese, Hungarian or even Roman..

Wilhelm von Staufen, his livery torn and muddied and one arm in a sling, limps into the chamber.

My lords, I bear terrible news. The Duke has perished in battle. Despite being greatly outnumbered he had succeeded in routing half of the Milanese dogs, but it was not enough. The training of the Italian Militia and the traitor German mercenaries they hired showed true, and he fell attempting to rally his own men, the German mercenary spearmen in Milan's employ mobbing him as he cursed them for their treachery. The Milanese then butchered the prisoners they captured.

A great man has been taken from the Reich this day.

Kaiser Heinrich:

I have news from the West, Good Electors! Antwerp is retaken for the glory of the Reich! I am currently considering renaming this town "Hummelburg" in honor of the man who fell and died defending it the city from the French invaders.

He pauses for a second, waiting for a response, seeing for the first time the near-emptiness of the Diet.

...the hell is everybody??!? Seriously, I remember back in the day where I could go in the Diet, announce the capture of a city, and the place would practically throw a party, getting on their hands and knees to praise me and the glory of the Reich! What's going on here? Has the fact that I haven't bathed in over a month really getting to you all that much?

After this harangue pauses, a Diet page sheepishly hands the Kaiser a note. Heinrich reads it and gets visibly angry.

Oh God, another one? How does this keep happening? What's the matter with the world today? I'm losing more *$%!ing Dukes than there are trees in the Black Forest! I didn't even know we had this many Dukes to lose!!! Who's left? We have Leopold and... Premyslid, right? Is he still involved in politics? Is he still even alive?! Wait, so he *is* alive, he *is* active, but he might be relieving the siege of Frankfurt against a large Polish army, right? Oh yeah, I like our chances with this one! Let's see, one Duke goes against the odds to defend Antwerp, and he dies. Another Duke goes against the odds to defend Innsbruck, and he dies! So right now... we have a Duke going against the odds to defend Frankfurt? I wonder how this one is gonna turn out! I was being sarcastic, in case you didn't notice, by the way!

Also, is this the stupidest siege of a city or what? I came in here in my full livery and the Poles just let me right on through! I didn't even need a flag of truce or anything!

Good Electors, I am passing an Emergency law. This is going into effect immediately, and I don't care if it has Diet approval or not. I am Kaiser, and I am passing this law, Diet be damned. The law is as follows: Stop dying in battle!!! From here on forward, it is illegal for an Elector of the Reich to die in battle against our enemies. The penalty for disobedience of this law will be the knowledge that you are driving your Kaiser one step closer to madness. So stop! I've had enough already!

As the Kaiser's ranting dies down, the page, an expression of sheer terror on his face, cautiously sidles up over to the Kaiser and hands him another note, looking away and practically running off as soon as the task is completed. This is probably for the best as the Kaiser's complexion turns positively volcanic upon reading the note.

Papal... Papal what??!?! That false friar Hildebrand will do what to me if we don't cease hostilities with Hungary immediately? Of all the miserable, rotten, lousy -

*Note: The Diet Secretary records that at this point, Kaiser Heinrich's next portion of speech lapses into the domain of the unprintable, as it would surely serve to corrupt any and all souls who would read it. The record picks up again a full fifteen minutes later.*

God, how I hate him! I curse him and his followers for all eternity! His name will be anathema for the rest of eternity by the time I am done with him! And the worst part is, I can't even do anything about it at the moment! I cannot even think about lead an attack on Rome to make the *#%! pay personally, because all of my Dukes are dropping like flies and we're getting invaded by about twenty different countries! And no, we can't ignore this Papal demand, because that snake Hildebrand has so helpfully placed an inquisitor only a few miles from the bulk of my army. If we ignore this order and I get excommunicated, then that will be all the motivation that black-capped *Diet Secretary: More unprintables* needs to haul me off and try me for heresy! Oh yes, Good Electors, I will die in Rome as I have always planned to, but it will still be in Papal possession and I will not die as right like a king, but most likely I will be burned to a crisp and my ashes scattered to the four winds.

No, Good Electors, as much as I hate to say it, we have no choice but to obey... for now.

Leopold! Herden! Whoever it is that's in command over there! Maintain the siege of Budapest! Do not assault but maintain the siege! I believe that this will still not go beyond the boundaries of what will get us excommunicated - though correct me if I'm wrong, naturally.

I will kick every single stinking foreigner out of the Reich, restore all of our lost territories, and even stride in to Rome to personally smite that false priest who styles himself the Vicar of Christ myself if I have to.

Muttering, the Kaiser starts walking out of the Diet, back toward his army.

God, where's the alcohol when you really need it?

With his face a mixture of shock and awe at the Emperor's tirade, Max quickly scribbles a note and hands it to the same remarkable messenger who snuck through the enemy lines.
I have informerde my Lord Herder that he is to continue the siege of Budapest, I'm sure his hopes will rest on the Hungarians foolishly making some attempt to attack and drive him off. I am equally sure that he is as enraged as you are by the pope's decree, and will gladly march at your side to put this dictator in his place, namely, about one head shorter.

Oh, and congratulations on the capture of Antwerp!
Max begins to clap but soon stops, apparently dishearten by the sounds of his singular applause's echo.

edited because my wording ended up meaning something I completely did not mean it to, and was unaware of its usage as such, thankfully this was pointed out to me

After waiting a respectful while after the Kaiser, the Diet Speaker steps forward and directs the Diet towards two reports from the Time of Troubles.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 1098

[The False Friar Hildebrand] ... has issued orders to Milan ... to cease their attacks for seven seasons. [Milan has] complied for now, although Milan is besieging Bern and is "refraining from attacking the Empire" in such a way as to starve the beleagured Swiss.

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 1099

This last act of defiance has caught the eye of the Pope, none too pleased at the Duke of Milan's attempted legal wrangling. He has excommunicated Duke Bernardo, and the entire Duchy of Milan. For his part the Duke shows no signs of backing down, and has continued the Siege of Bern.

---

Kaiser Heinrich:

I'll kill him. I'll kill him myself with my bare hands. I will personally march south, through Germany, the Alps, and half of Italy, hacking my way through anyone foolish enough to get in my way, and then I will personally dismantle the walls of Rome, stone by stone if I have to, and stride right through the city straight for that foul boggart's office, and I will drag him by the hair to the very gates of Hell, and then I will order those gates to open, throw him in by the hair, and make my way back to Germany. This will not stand.

*sigh* Break off the siege. If we get excommunicated, I want us to earn it.

Yes noble Kaiser, but I suspect Herder will be none too pleased, shall he be directed against some more immediate threat Kaiser, Prinz Leopold?

Kaiser Heinrich:

I don't know, just kill something that won't get us in deeper *#%! than a pigsty in April. Milan's still excommunicated, maybe help out with the reconquest there. Something. Anything. I'll leave the specifics up to your Duke.

Ernst of Melk rises, looking none too pleased.

Indeed sire, we will redirect our energies towards the chastisement of the Italians.

Nuremburg 1116 AD

Looking strangely no more worse for wear, the Diet Speaker addresses those assembled.

My lords, welcome to Nuremburg. With the fall of Frankfurt, the functions of the capital have defaulted here in the immediate Chaos, and will remain here until the Kaiser deems otherwise.

The Speaker is approached by a page, who whispers into his ear for some time before departing.

It seems there is news from Bohemia as well. Apparently Count Theodericus der Bartige took advantage of the late Duke Vaclav's frequent hunting trips to gain a great deal of influence with Bohemia's nobility, and has been doing so since the Time of Troubles. As a result he has already been declared Vaclav's legitimate successor and crowned the new Duke of Bohemia. Even now the remnants of Duke Vaclav's army have retreated to Magdeburg and are now under his command.

God save the Reich!

Ernst of Melk stumbles into the chamber. His cloak is muddy and bloodied and he still clutches a naked blade in his bony hand. With eyes wild, he glances around the chamber.

Ye gods! I had to fight my way out of Frankfurt! It was carnage, all the devils of Hell let loose upon our fair capital! I saw fair children cut down, our womenfolk molested, blood flowing in the streets! It was all I could do to mount the nearest horse and hack my way to the gates...

His breathing slows and he begins to calm himself.

But still...to business. On my way through this city to the chamber I was met by a messenger of Osterreich who bore a communication from the Prinz for this body.

He clears his throat, sheathes his weapon, unfurls a scroll of parchment and begins to read.

Nobles of the Reich,

I mourn the defilement of our fair capital by the brutish Poles, as I mourn the death of yet another Duke of the Reich, good Premyslid, to whom fortune dealt a cruel hand indeed.

I feel his loss personally and I admit to a share of the guilt, for it was my words of encouragement that thrust him into the fray unprepared.

Indeed, I have had cause for much reflection on my own actions, but also on the policy of our Reich. While I should not wish to speak out against my good Father our mighty Kaiser, I fear it would be remiss of me not to share my thoughts with you at this time of crisis.

We have conducted ourselves, to a man, without thought of strategy or planning, and we have reaped the bitter reward.

What arrogance to think that we could set about us, enraging our neighbours, with no fear of reprisal! This arrogance personally embodied in my own decision to continue my attempt on the Magyar capital while our great burgh was threatened and, dare I say it, in my father's decision to likewise concentrate on Antwerp leaving the capital undefended.

We must change our ways or be wiped from history altogether.

Mein Kaiser, Duke der Bartige, Herden, we are all that remains of this august body. A long road of work is ahead of us to restore the Reich to its former glory.

For my humble part I suggest, with the consent and leadership of the Kaiser, that we undertake the following actions:

- We seek an immediate peace with France, with Venice and with Milan.
- We stay on the defensive for the time being in Austria against the Magyar.
- We punish with the greatest force and prejudice the foul and brutish Poles, recapturing our great capital and then waging such a war on them that they will be utterly eradicated from the face of God's good Earth.
- We bring Lothar Zirn back into the fold, forgiving him his treachery, for the Reich needs good men more than enemies.

I believe that unless we follow this course of action we are doomed to lose more ground and good men to our many foes. We owe it to the future of the Reich to look into our souls and repent of our misdeeds, to act sensibly and with the soundest of strategy to secure our lands and peoples.

Prinz Leopold von Osterreich

A short time later the Prinz himself enters the Diet chamber and sits, awaiting the response of the Kaiser and the other Electors.

Jens Herder bursts into the court and immediately marches to where Prinz Leopold sits.
My Lord, I request permission to personally lead an army for a retaliatory strike against the Poles. My prize ogf the Hungarian Prince has already been denied to me by that thrice damned pope, and now the Poles have destroyed our beloved capital, and killed my mentor, Max.
I wish for nothing more than to see every last Pollock dead, and promise you I will lead our troops well. I have lived much of my life as a soldier, and I know I can prove myself as a commander.
Please my Lord, allow me to take my, and the Reich's, revenge.
If it is amenable tote Kaiser of course.

Prinz Leopold turns to his vassal Jens Herden.

All in good time Sir Herden. It remains for my proposals to be discussed by the other nobles and particularly for my good father to comment.

I am pleased at your eagerness to lead my armies against the Poles, but do not forget that there are also Magyar horse aplenty loose in the Austrian countryside, which must be chastised and sent back from whence they came.

Kaiser Heinrich:

*subtly - but noticeably - twitching*

Some of these proposals have merit. We will obviously smash the Poles. Frankfurt is mine. I should have immediately marched from Antwerp upon hearing of the Polish menace. I should have known better than to trust a Duke who has been out of action longer than I was.

We will remain at war with Hungary, on the defensive, at least a little while longer. We will seek ceasefires with Venice and maybe France. We will concentrate on select enemies. We will not seek armistice with Milan. They are rebels. They will be put down like the dogs they are. The repentant ones will be welcomed back into the fold. After this is accomplished - maybe even simultaneously - we eliminate the source of our problems. And yes, Good Electors, there is a source, make no mistake about it. There is a source, and it will be put down. Then, only then, will the Reich begin to prosper as it once did.

Suddenly a faint coughing sound comes from near the back of the room. A pale, thin, middle aged man of slightly less than normal height stands. He has brown hair and mostly non descript features, excepting a very weak chin. His clothes are obviously that of a noble but pale compared to the finery of the greater lords of the Reich. Many in the room might recognize him as an elector of one of the less important cities, even fewer recall that his personal name is Gerhard.

The man looks around the room, settling on the Prinz and Emperor briefly with a frightened expression passing his features before speaking.


Sir-...My Lords, if I may be so bold. I fear that the path we are on leads to destruction. Gerhard cringes briefly as if expecting a blow before continuing. In the span of two seasons half of our armies were destroyed, our capital lost, and we lost two cities, including our capital. With the taking of Innsbruck by Milan I'm not even sure the Venetians, never being experts at overland moving of armies, can even reach us. A truce with them is meaningless. As much as I hate to say it I think we should go further than our illustrious leader has suggested. another cringe, and quick look around to make sure no guards are moving his way. At the very least we need to make peace with at least two of our adjacent enemies. Poland is out of the question, of course. Since fighting them but not Hungary might present logistical problems as our borders would extend east while becoming thin, I suggest we parley with Milan as well as France, and focus our attentions east for the time being. Then when the pope's prohibition on attacking Hungary has ended we can expand against them as well.

After one last glance around the room Gerhard sits.

The Prinz is noticeably disturbed at the Kaiser's demeanour. He thinks for a long moment before speaking.

My Lord...it shall of course be as you say.

I shall march west this season with the bulk of my forces, leaving a substantial army under the command of Jens Herden who will be tasked with clearing the Duchy of stray Magyar before, with your leave and agreement to provide finance, building fortifications at the main river crossing points on our border, the better for us to hold a defensive line with limited troops.

Hopefully the situation with the Poles will have become clearer by the time I have drawn closer, and we may decide wherefore I shall then proceed.

He pauses for a moment before continuing, somewhat hesitantly.

Mein Kaiser, like our friend here (gesturing to Gerhard) I urge you to think further on the topic of peace with the Milanese and French. To my mind it is better to focus on but one enemy at a time. The deaths of the three Dukes, cut down by a different hand each, testify to this if to nothing else. I shall be far more confident throwing myself into the fray against the Poles if I know that my back is secured, by diplomacy if not by arms....

Kaiser Heinrich:

I had originally planned on seeking an armistice with France once Staufen had been reconquered. I had envisioned it as a shining citadel with enough towers, battlements, and soldiers to defend our western front for all time. I am still hesitant to call off the war with them before this is accomplished, but very well. We will begin peace talks with France.

I will not yield on the Milan issue. Once Frankfurt has been reconquered I will personally take the fight to them, assuming our diplomacy with France is successful. You may feel confident throwing yourself into the fray against the Poles, Leopold, knowing that your Kaiser is securing your back. He is securing your back and more - he will be ending the longstanding rebellion against him for good by eliminating all of its agitators and beneficiaries - and I do mean all of them.

A messenger bearing the heraldry of the Herder family strides into the courtroom, smiling broadly and still garbed in blood soaked battle gear.

My Lords, a great victory has been won outside of Vienna. My Lord Jens Herder has taken a small detachment of troops and utterly destroyed the Hungarian army besieging Vienna. Less than 10 enemy soldiers escaped the field, and those that surrendered were slaughtered after their masters declines to pay our reasonable ransom. Lord Herder is now making his way south with this same detachment, and will be ready to fortify the first of three river crossings next season, with your permission Kaiser.

The Prinz receives a furled parchment from his advisor Ernst of Melk, frowns and then addresses the assembly.

My Lords I have just been informed of the price of fortifications. I think we shall have to forego that luxury for the time being at least. Still, young Herden has proved himself well able to defend the Duchy without them so far...

A messenger walks in the Diet. The man is lean and tanned and seems, from the dust covering his riding cloak, to have come from afar at great speed. He opens his cloak to reveal a tabard supporting colors not seen in this hall in many years.

https://i231.photobucket.com/albums/...t/provence.jpg

A few gasps resonate through the halls, mainly from the clerks. Satisfied of the effect of his appearance before this assembly, the man speaks at last, with a pronounced French accent.

My Lords,

I am Guy d'Ollioules, retainer of my Lord Lothar Zirn, self-proclaimed Prince of Provence, ruler of Marseille.

My Lord had sent a letter to the Kaiser and wished to have it read before this august body as well.

Having delivered a copy of the letter to the scripts for the Diet records, he starts reading in his French-accented German.

Quote:

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Kaiser Heinrich,

I would have presented my respects in person if not for the chance of being flogged in response... One can change only so much, even in the face of adversity, n'est ce pas ?

It is however that same adversity that has driven me to reach out with a proposal. As you know better than anybody, the Reich is under assault from all the corners of the Earth : West, North, East and South, your Dukes are falling like flies under the onslaught. Pardon me for stating the obvious but you are, My Lord, fighting a losing fight...

I propose to alleviate your problems by dealing partly with some of the threats to the Reich. Don't be overjoyed too soon, I'm not a fighter to rival your prowess or that of your son, nor do I have a fearsome army at my disposal but I know the land and can use my brain to use it to best effect. Neither should you rejoice because I'm not doing this in your interest or that of the order you represent. I'm doing this out of compassion for the people of the Reich, the same people that Magnus von Saxony wished to preserve in his rebellion against your rule. I'm also doing this out of self-interest for, as one says, charity begins at home.

So here is the deal : I will attack the Milanese and try and divert as much of their forces my way, leaving you some breathing space to bolster you defenses or reinforce the other battlegrounds. Should I meet with any successes and particularly succeed in capturing some of their settlements, I require two things of you : first your forgiveness for my rebellion and my reinstatement as a Noble Elector of the Reich and second your promise that I will retain any land I conquer from the Milanese or any other enemy of the Reich. Should I fail, you lose nothing and even gain one problem less.

Should I succeed however and should you accept my offer by granting me pardon for my alleged crimes against your crown, I will not swear the oath of loyalty you require of your Electors. You and I both know that oath would be nothing but a lie. The proof of my loyalty to the Reich will be my deeds and nothing else.

I trust in your wisdom, Kaiser.

Lothar Zirn
Prince of Provence

---

Having finished reading, Guy waits until the whispers have died down before continuing.

I propose, My Lords, to remain in attendance to answer in my Lord's name any of your inquiries or to carry back any message you wished to convey.

Kaiser Heinrich:

The oath of loyalty must be sworn. That is non-negotiable. Why should one Elector receive such special treatment when the rest of the Diet has had to swear it? If Lothar Zirn truly has the Reich's best interests at heart, then he will not refrain from taking up the sword against our enemies just because he and his Kaiser were unable to come to an accord over the issue of his forgiveness.

Guy bows to the Kaiser.

I will convey this answer to my liege, Lord. What he will make of it, I do not know.

The Prinz stands, a scowl on his face.

Indeed, while I encouraged the reconciliation of Provence I agree with the Kaiser. The traitor must make the oath lest he remain a criminal and outlaw to the Reich. Furthermore, I see not why he should be guaranteed the lands that he conquers - surely he should wait on the Kaiser's good judgement like the rest?

A man enters the Diet, barely recognizable as the man who was once known as Theodericus der Bartige. Wearing more elaborate clothes than ever before, and walking in a much more confident and proud manner, he talks for a short while with a funny-looking little man sporting a ridiculous moustasche. From time to time, he looks up at certain people, his eyes staying the longest on Guy d'Ollioules.

After a while, he makes a short gesture as if to ask for permission to speak, but doing so without waiting for it to be granted.

"Before I start to speak, I wish to sincerely apologize to all present, but especially to the noble Kaiser, for my absence from this Diet. It was never my intention to spare you from my views on Imperial politics, but raising an army is a lot of work, and now that Frankfurt has fallen and we've relocated to Nuremberg... well, let's just note that I have to cross enemy territory to get here and say no more of it. Except perhaps that I offer the Kaiser assistance in recapturing Frankfurt, and thus re-uniting my lands with the rest of the Reich, should he feel the need for it.

Now I turn to you, err..." He leans down so that the moustasched man can whisper in his ear. "... Guy Dollioles, is it? I am fully behind the Kaiser in demanding an oath, and I should expect the rest of this Diet to do the same. Should he be willing to do this, and also prove through concrete actions that he wish to defend the Reich, as he says he would, then I would not have many objections to a pardon. This, though, I leave completely in the hands of the Kaiser: a no from him is tantamount to a no from me, and not just in the legal sense of the matter.

However, I do have a question of my own. Lets say an agreement of the sort that Lothar Zirn proposed is reached. How quickly could he make good on his promises and attack the Milanese?"

The Prinz snorts with derision.

Oh I have no doubt he could put their peasants and levies to flight within a matter of days. For it is clear the bulk of their professional fighting force is garrisoned at Innsbruck where I shall meet them in battle this coming season or the next! Meanwhile Zirn has a clear run at the soft underbelly and demands full reward for his easy progress...

Guy d'Ollioules stands to adress the Diet.

My Lords, would have have my Lord among you as an hypocrite ? A man who spoke words he didn't believe in ? For if my Lord is ready to serve the Reich faithfully as he did for many years prior to his "rebellion", he would rather say "emancipation", like a child kept too long under his parents' rule, he could never swear to serve the Kaiser loyally, nor could he not question his supremacy.

In the eyes of my Lord, Heinrich has proven unfit to rule the Reich and should stand down from the throne.

If my Lord Lothar asks for a pardon, it is in the fear that soldiers of the Reich be sent against him, thus losing many German lives in a brotherly feud.

Thus stands my Lord.

Now, if you ask what my Lord can do against the Milanese, nothing it seems... Our good Prinz has everything under control, as he did in Hungary...

Anyway, it is not my Lord who is in dire straits at the moment. Provence strives under his rule and may even grow in the next few years. It will never rival the Reich in power nor wealth but it may last longer if the current trend lasts a few years more. At the rate the Reich's nobility dies down, the country will soon be led by schweinsteigers, I think you say... Not that it would make a difference if you ask me...

This last unheard save by those standing quite close to Guy, and they're only a few, the Frenchman being shunned by all save those unable to find seats farther from him. It causes those few to sit still further from him, as if he was a plague-bearer.

I'm sure the Reich can survive without my Lord's intervention. If you do not want his help, just say so and he'll leave all the Milanese to you...

Kaiser Heinrich:

I see that we have nothing further to discuss here then. Out.

*The Kaiser waves his hand absentmindedly and Guy d'Ollioules is escorted out of the temporary Diet building by three armed guardsmen.*

Lothar Zirn and all of his representatives know what they must do in order to have a presence in these deliberations.

Ernst of Melk rises, anger in his eyes.

Churl! 'Twas only the Pope that stayed my Lord's hand in Hungary, lest their heads be..

He is silenced by the Prinz.

edit: This was written prior to Guy's last speech. T would not have said what was here written if he had heard what was said above, and therefore I feel obligated to delete this text.

Ernst of Melk rises to speak in place of the Prinz.

The Prinz would like to make two requests of the Diet.

Firstly that in recognition of his efforts in providing training facilities for agents, he be allowed to inherit the title of Spymaster from the late Duke of Bavaria until the next Diet session.

Secondly, that any man here who has the facilities to train cavalry allow the Prinz the use of such facilities, at the expense of the Duchy of Osterreich, in order that we may have some horse to defend our eastern border against the Magyar. Indeed, should there be cavalry units already available the Prinz will reimburse the cost of recruitment and take over the upkeep of such troops as soon as they are sent on their way to Wien.

If these two requests are granted our Prinz will feel assured in marching against the Milanese at Innsbruck next season and leaving the defence of the Duchy in the hands of Sir Jens Herden and his able deputy Sir Harold Merode.

Theodericus stands up.

"Dear Ernst, if you are looking for some cavalry, I am under the impression that the only place in the Reich that you can find any would be in Brandenberg, or more specifically in Magdeburg - i.e., my territory. However, there isn't an endless supply of cavalrymen, and I do need every man I can get to defend - and perhaps even expand upon - my own land. With this in mind, I hope the Prinz will appreciate why I cannot just give them away for free. Please let the Prinz know that, if he wish to hire some cavalrymen from me, then he can contact me in private, so we can strike out a deal in more suitable settings.

This offer is, of course, open to anyone else as well, though I regret to announce that, unless you are willing to pay really well, due to these shortages you will have to wait a while before any deal can be carried out.*"

Theodericus sits down again, and says something to one of his aides while writing something on a piece of paper before handing it to him. The aide is then seen rushing out of the Diet.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*OOC: i.e, unless you're willing to pay really well for them, the cavalry I have (both already recruited and on the way) will be used for my own army. Starting next turn will I be able to raise some for hire, though.

Ernst raises an eyebrow at this.

Dear sir, I'm sure you are not suggesting that you would like to profiteer from the Reich's troubles by charging some kind of hire fee for the use of your cavalry? For that would be most unseemly in this time of troubles. Indeed, the Prinz is in need of some horse and has generously offered to compensate for their cost - he is not inclined to enrich your treasury by paying more than they are worth.

If you are in need of them then you must certainly keep hold of them. If you can spare them, for the good of the Reich, then I'm sure the Kaiser and the other nobles will be most grateful to you. For the Prinz cannot advance on the Milanese, as is the Kaiser's wish and as is the need of the whole Reich, unless the eastern front is securely defended - and of course it takes far fewer horse to match enemy horse than it does foot.

Indeed it is true, my men and I have so far managed to bring down the isolated horse archers we have encountered, but without additional horsemen I shall be forced to retreat and wait for reinforcements every time a large Hungarian army approaches. As to your attempt to make money from this deal, I think that is a decision the Kaiser should make.
turning to the Kaiser
If it just that this man demands payment for the use of his facilities to protect the Reich my lord?

Theodericus stands up with a jerk.

"Insolent whelp! Do you know who I am?! I am the duke of Brandenburg-Bohemia! How dare you question my right to control the land that is rightfully my own?! By all that is holy and just, I should have your head for that!"

Theodericus calms down a bit, but is still visibly furious.

"You should be very grateful to your Prinz, because it is only my respect for him that stays me. However, you can consider yourself banned from my territory. If you ever enter it, that will be seen as an act of war, and then by God, not even the Prinz can save you! For your impudence you will never have any cavalry from me; let that be a lesson for you to know your place."

Theodericus now turns to Ernst of Melk.

"If you think you can coerce me to send my men to your Prinz - much less to this..." Theodericus sneers at Jens Herden for a second. "... this dog... for free by questioning my loyalty to the Reich, then you are sorely mistaken. If your Prinz does not wish to pay for other people's goods and services, that is fine, but then he shouldn't expect to get any either.

If your Prinz wish to keep good relations with Brandenberg-Bohemia, you can forward my advice that he should not appoint people who will question other people's honour any time he doesn't get it his way. He would also benefit from teaching his clients some manners, for what they say and how they behave will reflect back on him.

Quite frankly, I have had enough of this. I'm heading back to Magdeburg now, and had I known that the Diet meetings had degenerated to this degree, I would not have wasted my time or risked my life by going here in the first place. I will leave sir Friedrich von Eisler here to represent me, if need be."

Theodericus bows to the Kaiser before he storms out of the Diet.

Ernst of Melk wears a bemused smirk saying, to no-one in particular

It seems the Duke of Brandenburg-Bohemia has forgotten his manners along with his patriotism...

Friedrich von Eisler:

"My lord Theodericus' loyalty is to the Kaiser, and thereby he is loyal to the Reich. This is indisputable, and backed up by his every word and deed. If you wish to make a formal trial of it, then I will immediately call the Duke back and he will face what charge you might bring and let the Kaiser in his wisdom make his judgement. If not, then you should not be throwing out such accusations so lightly."

Kaiser Heinrich:

Duke der Bartige, at what point do you envision your army ready to move out and engage in normal campaigning?

Secondly, yes, I have decided to allow Prinz Leopold to possess the title of Spymaster in the aftermath of Becker's death.

Friedrich von Eisel coughs.

"Mein Kaiser, I apologize, but duke der Bartige is not present amongst us; I am here to represent him. This is partly linked to the answer you're seeking, for he's on his way back to Magdeburg right now for this very reason. He intends to unleash his men on a glorious offensive to the east against the Poles as soon as he gets there."

(OOC: read next turn.)

Kaiser Heinrich:

Okay then. Von Eisel, tell your master that before he goes east to deliver revenge upon the Poles I request that at least some portion to all of his army first move west in order to assist me with recapturing Frankfurt. If he moves west this campaign season, he will be in a position to reinforce me when I assault the city come next season and still move back east. The Polish army has not replicated that of their French counterparts and marched out of the city, instead parking them inside Frankfurt and making them that much harder to defeat. This I request of him as Kaiser.

I do not suspect that much of his horsemen will die in the assault on Frankfurt as cavalry is not best utilized in siegework, thus he will not need to retrain your men upon returning to Magdeburg. Therefore, I do request that afterwards, he begin recruiting additional horsemen and selling them at the price that Leopold had originally outlined. This I request of him not as Kaiser, but as a financial backer for much of his recruitment work in Magdeburg.

Friedrich von Eisel:

"Ja, mein Kaiser; I will send a messenger to let him know of your requests. The first one is a given: he has promised you support and will no doubt give it to you now that you've asked for it. As for the second one, I can only guarantee that he will not like it one bit. If you want my guess, he will probably agree to it too, though reluctantly, and only as a one-time deal. I don't think he would accept it twice."

Jens grins as the Duke de Bartige unleashes his tirade. Wtih him having now left the coutr, he turns to Friedrich von Eisel

It appears I touched a nerve, does it not?
I don't see why such defensiveness would be necessary if he were truly so loyal to the Reich.

Ernst turns to Jens.

Sir, the issue is settled - let us not stir it up further lest the Prinz be embarassed.

Ernst of Melk rises once more to address the chamber.

Ahem...Good Electors of the Reich, appointed representatives.

I have, for your convenience, reproduced here in parchment a section of the Imperial Charter:

Quote:

---

3.4 The acquisition and allocation of new settlements is determined by a multi-step process involving the Kaiser and the Diet. First, a settlement cannot legally be captured unless an edict was passed in the previous session authorizing it’s conquest. An edict can only authorize taking one settlement, each settlement requires it’s own edict. The session after a province is conquered, the Diet will automatically vote on granting the conqueror, which is defined as the General leading the army which first entered the settlement, the province as a fief to be held by him and his successors in perpetuity. This vote requires a two-thirds majority to pass, and should it not pass than the province passes to the King who may grant it as a fief to any avatar as soon as he sees fit. A noble who holds one or provinces in violation of this rule should be considered an outlaw, and have his property seized.

---

The Prinz is concerned that the advance into Poland and into Milan, once the territories of Frankfurt and Innsbruck have been retaken, should be appropriately planned and discussed by this body in order that the overall strategy may be centrally controlled.

Clearly the next formal Diet session is too far away for us to delay our invasions to pass Edicts authorising particular targets at this stage, but perhaps we can simulate such debate here in the short term and revert to the formal process when the next session is upon us?

The Prinz suggests that the Duke of Brandenburg-Bohemia outline his proposed strategy for invading Poland that it might be discussed here.

And likewise, the Prinz will do so regarding his move into Milanese territory, once Innsbruck is secured.

I intend my invasion of Hungary to be rather strait-forward. IO shall scout near their settlement, draw their army into battle, destroy it, besiege their city, then capture it. Of course, if more details need to be worked out, I shall be glad to discuss them. I will also aid anyone who needs help with military planning, I understand it can be difficult for some...

A man enters the Diet and heads up to Friedrich von Eisel. They salute each other, and the man hands Friedrich a paper. After a short exchange of words, they once again salutes each other, and the man turns and leaves as quickly as he came. Friedrich turns his attention to the paper, reads it quietly for himself before he stands up and addresses the Diet.

"Mein Kaiser, electors of the Reich, and representatives, I have now in my hand Margrave Theodericus der Bartige's answer."

He holds up the paper as if he subconsciously wished to prove to everyone the truth of his statement.

"I will now read it out loud for you to hear." He clears his throat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Letter

Kaiser, I have recieved both your requests, and for lack of time I will answer them briefly and in turn. As for your first request, I immediately sent orders to my army to move west, and have joined up with it myself. I will be able to reach the walls in time to join in your assault. I have, though, left Magdeburg practically undefended to ensure as quick and decisive a victory as possible, sure enough that the new recruits will be ready in time to defend the walls should anyone wish to attack it while I'm gone. Still, as my loyalty to you and the Reich has lately come into question, despite the fact that I, alone, fitted the bill for a church in Prague, that is only being built to keep our relations with the Pope from worsening, I would like to have it noted in the records what personal risks I am willing to take for You and for it.

As for your second request, I am not pleased at all with your involvement in the matter. I wish to underline the fact that I, myself, laid the grounds and the organization to form the Brandenburgian cavalry regiments, and I did so using my own money before you had even come back from your vacation. As such, you have no purchase on the use of those facilities! However, I am still willing, for this time, to rethink my decision in the matter, in the interest of friendship and peace. If a guarantee can be given that no man I send will ever, under any circumstances, fall under the command of this Jens Herden, or anyone who should find himself unfortunate enough to be subservient to this maggot, then I can agree - retaining a right to recall my men should the aforementioned come to pass. I simply cannot and will not degrade and debase any man of Brandenburg-Bohemia by sending them off to be led by someone who isn't fit to lead a herd of sheep, much less a unit of Men.

I trust that you will respect my decision on the matter.

Signed,
Theodericus der Bartige
Margrave of Brandenburg-Bohemia

---

Friedrich puts the paper away and turns to Ernst of Melk.

"You are absolutely entitled to ask for a briefing of my lord's plans, and I shall give it to you, and to the rest of this Diet, such as I am able. Margrave Theodericus der Bartige believes that a strategically important point on the northern front is and has always been the castle of Stettin. Whoever controls it has access to the Baltic sea, and it can serve the enemy as a place from which to launch an attack on Magdeburg. For as long as it is in enemy hands it will always be a threat to our northern border, and therefore Theodericus deems it critical that we take it. If we do, we will not only have made our positions much more secure, but we will also put much more pressure on the Poles, who will undoubtedly recognize this as a big threat to the town of Breslau. With Stettin in our hands, we can exercise our control over the whole of Pomerania, and with coordination with Prague a pincer attack can then be made at Breslau.

I don't suspect such an attack to be viable immediately, but just the threat of such an attack should put us in a more diplomatically favourable position towards the Poles.

Lastly, I would like to ask you, Ernst of Melk, as the representative of the Prinz, holding the office of Spymaster, how much hope could my lord have of gaining some assistance from the intelligence department in this offensive?"

I do not wish to speak for my lord, but I think it would be quite fair to let you make the use of a spy, provided you pay the required fees of course.
I must also question a certain phrase from the letter. "you have no purchase on the use of those facilities!"
As a loyal follower of the Kaizer, did you not swear the oath, "I will not question his supremacy."
And yet here you have denied his right to command you. You have instead given "permission" for the Kaiser to use your facilities provided he follows what you demand.

This is blatant insolence and disloyalty!

Friedrich, visibly unimpressed, waves Jens Herden off.

"If you do not understand what a margravate is, or even the revolutionary concept of personal belongings, then you should leave such matters to us grown-ups who do."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Celtic Viking

Friedrich, visibly unimpressed, waves Jens Herden off.

"If you do not understand what a margravate is, or even the revolutionary concept of personal belongings, then you should leave such matters to us grown-ups who do."

---

You do not seem to understand the concept of loyalty to the Reich as a whole, rather than simply to your own personal vanity.

The Prinz himself enters the Diet, black cape swirling behind him as he strides down the aisle to the front. With a menacing scowl he commands Herden to sit and be silent. He then turns to the Margrave's representative.

You sir, would you be so kind as to convey this message to your master?

Good der Bartige, I trust you are well.

Let me first apologise for your rough treatment at the hands of my representatives and vassals. They have been disrespectful to your status and personal authority and for that they will be chastised. However, I beg that you understand that the perils we currently face have served to somewhat erode the usual constraints of hierarchy. I believe this to be a good thing overall as it allows a man to speak his mind and share opinions which may be valuable, nay even vital, to the very life of the Reich.

Secondly, let me thank you for your support of my father the Kaiser in the recapture of Frankfurt. With your assistance I am assured that our great capital will be returned to us forthwith. This will greatly improve our chances of a successful sally to the east against the Poles. I agree with your strategic assessment and support your plan to concentrate on capturing the castle of Stettin in the first instance.

Thirdly, to the matter of the cavalry, again I thank you for your offer. Would it be possible for you to outline exactly how many units you shall be able to offer? Three would be well received, but we can suffice with the services of two if necessary.

But I beg you to reconsider your restriction. My strategic plan relies entirely on my ability to leave Sir Herden in command of a small force of cavalry which shall sweep the Austrian border for Magyar incursions. Whatever you may think of his manners, he is a skilled cavalry commander and I have no doubt that your men will find him an able and inspirational leader in battle.

Should you be willing to relax this constraint I will make every effort to provide you with a spy for the purpose of scouting out the Polish invasion. Indeed, I have one such a man in training whom I had earmarked for a mission to Hungary in order to provide us forewarning of any Magyar attacks, but I will divert him to your service instead, provided that is that you are willing to take over his upkeep in the same way as I shall do with your cavalry. Do not also forget that I am to recompense you for the recruitment costs of the horse - I will not ask the same of you for the spy.

I trust this message shall be received in the spirit that it is offered - that of peace and friendship among the great houses of the Reich.

Looking somewhat ashamed
You are right my Lord, I am sorry, I spoke out of turn and without respect for my superiors.

Please convey my apologies to the Margrave, while I disagree with his words, his actions speaker louder, and they speak of a true loyalty to the Reich. His actions to recapture Frankfurt make that clear.

I hope this affair shall not forever spoil my relations with the Margrave, I am young yet, and though I may know well how to acquit myself on the battlefield, and in the camp with my men, I still have much to learn about the court.

Friedrich von Eisler:

"On the note that you ended, mein Prinz, you can rest assured that it did. I never doubted, nor did my honoured Margrave, that you would have more sense than this Ernst of Melk you left here to represent you. If you were to ask me my opinion, you should find yourself someone more suitable for the task. Someone more fit to represent such an esteemed man as yourself." Friedrich slightly bows his head.

"Unfortunately, the Margrave is very specific and firm on this restriction. He feels that Jens Herden has no honour, so what would his men think of him if he told that they should go and fight for such a person? No, it won't do. His apology here is a start, but when one considers the situation and the timing of it, one is left to wonder how much of it is sincere, and how much of it is simply calculated tactics.

As for how this affects your strategy, you have our sympathy, but I don't think the Margrave is the one to be blamed for this.

Moving on to the matter of the intelligence, this is an entirely different matter than with the cavalry. The office of Spymaster is there because it was recognized that we needed a central entity which took care of and shared all the intelligence from all parts of the Reich, and its immediate surroundings. It is there to make the use of spies more effective, and is there for the Reich as a whole. It is therefore not unreasonable or unfair for a general of the Reich who sets out on an offensive to expect some backup from the intelligence department if there is any available, as he is not allowed by law to have his own. It is not quite the same as requesting to use someone else's men and facilities.

Now, Margrave der Bartige is willing to front the costs for both the training and for the upkeep of the spy if this is indeed what is necessary. Under such circumstances, however, we - meaning the margrave and I - should expect this spy to answer only to the margrave, and be under his sole command.

If you still view his stance on the cavalry question as a block to this, then there is little I can do. Perhaps exercising some discipline on your subject to truly show both Margrave Theodericus but moreso Jens that such behaviour won't be tolerateed, it could help. If that is out of the question... well, I doubt Margrave der Bartige could offer you more than two cavalry regiments initially even if he wanted to give you a thousand, but talks about a later third one is not off the table."

I am sorry I have so offended the Duke, but these cavalry regiments are of vital importance to me in defending the Eastern empire against the Hungarians.
My loyalty is to this Reich, and I shall do whatever I can to appease the anger I have stirred in the Margrave if it will allow me to better protect our borders.

If he thinks this is guile, I am sad to hear it, but I fear there is little I could say at this point to persuade him otherwise.

Friedrich von Eisler:

"Indeed there isn't. You kept insulting and attacking the Margrave's honour for as long as you thought you could get the cavalry anyway and the Prinz wasn't here to stop you. Not until then did you start acting as if you were regretful of your behaviour. In short, your actions speak louder than you could ever scream."

Then i wish you luck in your war, and hope we shall not have reason for conflict again. I shall find another way to defend the Reich.

The Prinz is preparing to depart.

I am not sure what the Margrave wishes me to do - I have publicly reprimanded my vassal and demanded that he apologise. It is no small matter for a Prinz to make such an accomodation. Sir Herden is to bite his tongue in future and show him the proper respect.

So, the position of the Margrave is that Osterreich may have the use of two cavalry companies? May I ask when they shall arrive?

As to the matter of the spy, we shall make the next recruited spy available for the sole use of the Margrave provided he pays for its recruitment and upkeep.

Are we agreed?

Pray let me have your master's response forthwith that I might depart for the march on Innsbruck.

Several hundred copies of the following note are plastered around the temporary Diet building, as well as various taverns and churches around Nuremburg:

Due to the liberation of Frankfurt (all glory to the Kaiser) the capital and all of its administrative functions, including Diet proceedings, have been moved back north.

Kaiser Heinrich:

Ah, it's good to be back in my second-favorite city in Europe, isn't it, Good Electors? Please, make yourselves comfortable. I trust that you have all begun the process of reacquainting yourselves with your favorite churches, taverns, and whorehouses.

I must once again thank Duke der Bartige for allowing me the use of his army, for without it chances are good that I would be speaking to you in Nuremburg - if at all. Several Electors may find it pleasing to note that the Duke's light horse regiments have remained unspoiled from the battle.

Ernst of Melk arrives, soggy from the inclement weather.

I rejoice to be back in Frankfurt! Heil Kaiser Heinrich the re-conqueror of the Reich's capital!

We must all hope that similar success greets the Prinz as he rides against the Milanese.

The Prinz would remind the Diet that the embargo on offensive action against the Magyar has expired. Still, Osterreich will proceed with caution lest we enrage the pontiff once more before we seize that capital of theirs.

We shall wait until the arrival of the Brandenburg cavalry before mounting our assault on Budapest. What word of their arrival at Wien, good Margrave?

Kaiser Heinrich:

I believe that, due to the muddy conditions of the roads plus the army's general exhaustion after the battle, the Brandenburg cavalry's arrival will be delayed for a turn.

(OOC: TCV never got a chance to take the save after I finished the battle and I didn't move his guys afterwards.)

Ernst shakes himself dry.

Indeed, I know from my own rather damp experience that journeys in these conditions must take longer than expected.

Still, once we hear they have departed and get a sense of how long their journey may take we can perhaps take a small risk and proceed with our plans, confident that they are on their way.

In fact the Prinz specifically instructed me to gain this Diet's backing for our invasion of Hungary. We intend to strike foremost at Budapest. Herden, who is even now encamped at the Danube crossing deep in Magyar territory, will defeat the depleted army of Petri of Nagyszombat, driving it back into the city walls. He will then lay siege, trapping the Magyar inside. Whether to assault or nay will be determined by the likelihood of Magyar reinforcements arriving to break the siege. Our agent in Hungary should give us advance warning of that. The Prinz prefers that we starve them for as long as possible before taking the city, the better to conserve our limited troops for the next stage of the invasion which will either be Bran or Ragusa depending on intelligence gathered by our agent.

All the while Harold Merode, commanding the Brandenburg cavalry, will patrol the Hungarian countryside in an attempt to intercept and drive off any relieving armies.

Do we hear any objection to this plan?

Kaiser Heinrich:

I trust the Austrians' appraisal of the situation on the ground in the East too much to object. So long as Duke der Bartige is not at issue with who exactly is to take control over his horsemen, I suggest that the plan be implemented posthaste.

Sounds excellent to me. I look forward to finally putting them in their place after these years of attacks upon us.

An emissary from the Turkish Sultanate arrives unannounced, flanked by a Hungarian prisoner, who reads a prepared statement.


"Hear my words, infidels!

You have entered lands claimed by Sultan Jalāl al-Dawlah Malik-shāh. The Sword of Allah will cut through these lands and remove the heads of all who stand before Jalal al-Dawlah's unstoppable armies. You are warned not to interfere, or you will face the wrath of the Almighty. You must embrace Islam if there is to be any hope of redemption for you.

Remove your armies from the territory surrounding Budapest, immediately! The lands formerly known as 'Hungary' belong now to the Sultan.

All true men kneel before Allah. Make your choice wisely."


The Hungarian prisoner looks to the ground, as the Turkish emissary waits for a reply, stern-faced.

Right, I'll get right on that.
Jens Herden turns his back to the emissary, and faces the Kaizer.

My Lord, Our forces should secure control of th city in question next season, as such, I would like to ask where ownership of it shall fall. While I would of course rejoice in claiming it myself, it is ultimately your decision.

Ernst frowns.

Herr Herden, as I'm sure you have not forgotten you are not part of the landed gentry yet and unless the Kaiser (or indeed the Prinz) wishes to make you so you are not eligible to claim conquered land. As it is your liege's army you are leading, unless the Kaiser wishes to create a new Duchy or keep the city for his own demesne, by rights it should form part of the Duchy of Osterreich.

I assume by this request you are simply displaying ignorance and not outright treachery to your liege the Prinz.

Still, you would be advised to keep your ambitions to yourself lest you enrage your lord.

To the intruder.

Sir, I know not how you slipped past the guard but only the Kaiser is empowered to conduct diplomacy on behalf of the Reich. I suggest you make your approach to him through the proper channels and refrain from shouting your threats here.

The Hungarian prisoner translates the response for the Turkish ambassador, who replies to the Hungarian. The prisoner speaks.

"What guards? I've been to a dozen settlements in this land looking for whoever is in command. I finally make it to the heart of your empire..."

The Turk notes the obvious signs of recent carnage

"....such as it is, and I can find no one worth speaking to. Is there no one left with any authority who speaks on your behalf? The Sultan's messenger will not be ignored this way! Sultan Jalal will be most displeased to hear of this disrespect! You have been warned!"

In a huff, the Turk exits the assembly, dragging the Hungarian prisoner behind him.

Oh, I apologize, it was out of ignorance. I was merely displaying my desire to one day have a city to call my own, I assumed that doing so would still be fully within my role in the Osterreich, and that the city would simply be my home base of operations.

Please rest assured my Lord, I have no desire to leave the Osterreich.

Jens smiles as he watches the Hungarian being dragged off by the Turk
As annoying as these Turks seem to be, at least they know how to treat a Magyar.

Kaiser Heinrich:

Pages! I have an assignment for you. Scour the city for that Seljuk representative who has just... graced... us with his presence. Tell him that if he wishes to conduct diplomatic business of any sort with us, he may return here and wait to be received by the Kaiser, who is unilaterally in charge of the empire and who will not be suffered to see his Electors treated in a such a manner as what just happened.

Prinz Leopold arrives to a fanfare.

Mein Kaiser and good Electors,

I bring the joyous news that Innsbruck has been returned to the bosom of the Reich and good Duke Becker avenged. I have commissioned a statue in his honour which will stand at the gates of the fortress in memorial.

I have withdrawn my forces to the plain south of Nuremburg lest I be caught in a trap like the Bavarian before me. Also I should like to be closer to Osterreich in case things turn awry, with several Magyar armies of varying sizes threatening Budapest and Wien.

Our spies in the east indicate that the Magyar have built a sizeable force at Bran which no doubt they will send our way, unless it is to be used to defend against the Turkish threat...there are further forces at Sofia and just west of the city.

I should like to formally petition the mighty and noble Kaiser that Budapest, Innsbruck and Nuremburg should be granted to the Duchy of Osterreich. In the first two cases by right of conquest and in the case of Nuremburg to formalise the arrangement which is currently in place.

I await the Kaisers judgement in such matters.

He inclines his head respectfully.

Theodericus stands up and claps his hands.

"Well done, Prinz Leopold! Very well done, indeed. I congratulate you on this success of yours!"

"Now, I have a brief question and a request from my side. Firstly, what's the status of that spy you promised me? Secondly, to raise that cavalry for you, I need to liberate Magdeburg first. I have come into contact with a band of mercenary spearmen who can help me do this job. I ask for your permission as the Marshal to hire these men for this purpose, out of my own pocket."

The Prinz.

Your spy is headed towards Brandenburg. Unfortunately he was used for a quick scouting mission to the south and is one season's march behind where he would have been, but he is now at the river crossing north of Vienna and you may command him from there. Apologies for the delay good Margrave...

I assumed the cavalry would be required for the defence of your ancestral seat - but it would be greatly appreciated if you could send them on their way once they are no longer needed.

You have my permission as Marshall to hire whatever mercenaries you require, of course.

Austria's newest noble, Elberhard von Essen, steps into the chamber. His face is strikingly handsome, sharp patrician features marred only by a thick scar running from behind one ear down to his neck that his long hair does not quite conceal. His grey eyes scan the room somewhat warily. His armor is well crafted, every piece of plate or chain molded to his body. The darkened metal is edged with gold, forming an abstract pattern of lines on his breast plate that draws the eye, similar in appearance to the designs of the Gaels to the northwest.

His physique, as much as can be seen under the armor, seems on the slender side for a knight. As he makes his way towards the center of the room he does not move quite with the economy of motion found in some larger warriors, but rather with the easy grace of a swordsman. Once in the middle of the room he kneels in the direction of the dais, bows his head and begins to speak. His voice is smooth and cultured, with a slight edge to it.

"I hereby swear that, during my time as an Elector, I will serve the Reich faithfully and the Kaiser loyally. I recognize that the Kaiser is the sovereign of the Reich and, while I may disagree with him politically, I will not question his supremacy."

Once finished, he waits for the acknowledgement of the Emperor. If the Kaiser is absent, he stands and makes his way to the Austrian side of the chamber.

Kaiser Heinrich:

Gentlemen, please familiarize yourselves with the secret passages in and out of this city. I fully expect the next scheduled Diet session to be conducted with Frankfurt under siege.

*He digs into a stack of papers and haphazardly flings some of them out at the Electors.*

Maps. Passages. Here they are. There had better not be any traitors in this building.

*The Kaiser looks around for a second, spotting a new face on the Austrian benches.*

Ah yes, Elberhard von Essen. A good strong name, that. Part of it, anyway. Your oath is acknowledged, and welcome.

Hmm, that reminds me. I hereby grant the House of Austria the province of Budapest. The rest of the provinces will remain in my possession right now. We will decide what to do with them at the Diet. The Diet Under Siege. That sounds like a good name. A name that will be remembered. Buckle down, Good Electors. It's going to be an interesting Diet.

The Prinz rises to address the Kaiser and the Diet.

Father I am familiar enough with the secret ways of the city! I remember fondly from my childhood how you, my brother Henry and I would don our hunting capes and sally out in secret through some dark corridor for our private excursions.

I shall be here to address the Diet Session come rain or high water, Poles, Magyar, French or Italians, none shall halt my progress!

To business.

I hereby announce that Herr Jens Herden is to be elevated to Count of Budapest, with that fine city and her surrounds granted to him as his personal fiefdom within the Duchy of Osterreich.

This is a reward for loyal and constant service over many years and in particular recognition of his recent successes against our Magyar foe. Long may Osterreich, its Duke, Count and nobles resist the Reich's enemies and seize their heartlands for our own!

I urge you all to congratulate Count Herden who is a shining example of German martial talent.

Jens Herden stands, now adorned with a a small circlet crown the looks to have symbols of the Kingdom of Hungary.

I am most honored to accept this count-ship. While I have not always gotten along with all of you, it has been my dearest wish to bring our empire to glory!

I thank my lord the Prinz for his kind words about my service, and promise that I shall continue it.
Count Herden bows to the assembled group.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, I got this little trinket from the Hungarian Prince after cornering him in a back alley of Budapest. I think it helps send the message that we Germans are truly their betters, don't you?

The Diet Speaker addresses the assembled.

My lords, the Fourth Diet Session is upon us. We will now entertain discussion for a period of three days, ending on Friday, the first of April. God Save the Reich!

Elberhard steps into the Diet and looks around at all the empty seats. "Hmm, guess I'm the first one" he mutters to himself before sitting down in the Austrian section.

A cough is heard from a dark corner.

"No, you're wrong, my friend. I am here, too."

Theodericus der Bartige pushes his chair back and approaches the center of the room. From the paper and pen left on his table, it is apparent that he had been busy writing while Elberhard had entered.

"I would like to turn to the Magistrate who spoke earlier and ask if I still need to propose an edict to authorize the capture of Stettin, even though I inofficially acquired the consent of the Diet to do so before. I suspect I do, but I feel I must ask anyway, for I would like to use my proposal for something else if I can."

Jens Herden enters the room and gives those present a curt nod, he then walks over and joins Elberhard and quietly whispers a few words to him.

Kaiser Heinrich:

ELECTORS!

We are living in dark times. This much is clear. We stand surrounded by enemies, enemies that collectively have more manpower and resources than us. Enemies that have the blessings of that Tuscan snake, Gregory. Enemies that, because of Gregory's deceptions, firmly believe that they are in the right in destroying us! This is the most dangerous kind of foe, Good Electors, and we unfortunately find ourselves facing many of them.

Despite this, despite the loss of more Dukes than I care to remember at this juncture, we are finally starting to make gains. While the French have ignored my peace missives, they seem to be leaving a stable front to our west. In the East, we are avenging ourselves, with the Margrave's army from Magdeburg ready to strike out against the Poles and Budapest only so recently having been conquered from the Hungarians. To the south, our efforts against Milan are seeing progress as well, as those rebels are busy impaling themselves against the foreign ruler of Provence.

*The Kaiser stands up and walks out from behind his desk, starting to get more animated.*

Here in the center though, you may have noticed that there is a quite large Polish army nearby, threatening our capital city which I have only so recently reclaimed for the glory of the Reich. Some of you have approached me about recalling your armies from the front in order to assist this effort. This will not be necessary. What is more important is that you defeat our enemies far from here and restore the Reich's glory. As for me...

*He starts making elaborate, sweeping hand gestures.*

Do not worry about me! I solemnly pledge, here and now, that I will NOT! LET! THIS! CITY! FALL!!! My soldiers and I will defend this city to the last!!! And at the end of the day, when the residents of the city are afraid to leave their homes not from fear of Polish butchery, but because of the atrocious smell emanating from all of the Polish corpses that litter the streets, this city will still be in Imperial hands! This I pledge to you now!!!

*The Kaiser pauses for a minute as the Diet chamber erupts into general applause.*

Now then, I see we have some administrative issues to take care of. First of all, the mercenary issues. Prinz Leopold has done an admirable job in this capacity over the past Diet session. However, the process could be streamlined. Too often Electors may find themselves in situations where they need to quickly hire the services of mercenaries and the Marshal's approval is simply too slow to come. Therefore, I propose the following Charter Amendment:

Charter Amendment 4.1: The "Marshal" section of Charter provision 6.12 is amended to read as the following (changes are in bold):

Quote:

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Marshal:
Term: Self-nominated and elected every normal Diet Session.
Powers:
(1) Sole control over the Reich's mercenaries.
(2) Can recruit and disband mercenary regiments in any army, can move mercenary regiments to and from armies or assign to/remove from an Elector
(3) Recruitment and upkeep are paid for by a pool of funds which is sustained by an income tax on all electors automatically paid each turn.
(4) If Electors who wish to hire mercenaries for their own use are willing to pay for them entirely out of their own pocket, then they do not have to go through the Marshal to hire them. The hiring Elector is responsible for the entire costs of the mercenary army.
Penalties:
(1) If the pool runs out, mercenaries are paid for out of the Marshal's treasury.
(2) The Kaiser sets the 'Mercenary Tax' rate for the pool.

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The second issue we have to deal with is the future of the Houses. Currently, Austria is the only line that is set to continue. They also hold by far the most provinces. This is the sole reason why I have held off awarding more conquered provinces to the Prinz. Leopold, when you ascend to the Kaisership, you have a responsibility to leave your House and be an impartial ruler. I do not want the future of the Reich to be a powerhouse, unified Austria and a secondary Brandenburg-Bohemia. I wish to see Swabia, Bavaria, and Flanders reestablished. I aim to take the first step towards this when my next daughter comes of age.

Leopold, I will at some point speak to you in private about these matters, but for now I welcome an open discourse about how best to secure the Reich's prosperous and balanced future.

God save the Reich!