Duchy of Austria

My Lord Duke and my esteemed Count of Zagreb,

I whole heartedly agree with our Kaiser's thoughts on Europe and the Holy Land. His thought and depth of knowledge on the realm is amazing and I truly believe we should support him. Likewise Duke Leopold your thoughts on the matters at hand echo my own. We are in agreement yet again.

As for the concepts you have outlined, I believe an edict as follows would suffice.

Edict 8.xx

A group of experienced Merchants and Clergy should make their way in large numbers to either two locations.

Option 1: Central Southern Morocco
Option 2: Southern Egypt

A group is defind at five or more Merchants and five or more Priests. Maps of the area are vague at best, therefore I have left the exact location open to the leader of these edicts.

The Southern Imperical Fleet should be used or a second Southern Fleet created for this task.

If this edict is to you liking gentlemen then please feel free to add your thoughts. We could then issue this as the Austrian House Edict.

Damascus...my Lord Leopold...we MUST have Damascus!! It is truly amazing.

I think this would make an excellent Edict from the Austrian House! The route should be the one we feel more secure to take with the limited intelligence we have at this time. The building of extra vessels should not be a concerned to other Houses because these ships can support our lands in the Outremer. A strong Mediterranean fleet gives over security in the region.
Also my Duke an Edict to offer terms of peace to the Venetians would be a wise choice in this time of peace and building.

I will go ahead and propose something to the like of what you have mentioned Count of Venice. While the more merchants and priests will yield us more money and glory respectively, I find the numbers you suggest to be a little bit exaggerated. There may not even be enough ressources to gather for so many merchants in the appointed regions. Maybe we should reduce the number to three to better suit the purpose.

Let me revoice the Edict in this light and also present you my proposal for peace with Venice.

Edict 8.xx

During the next Chancellors term a group of merchants and priests shall be dispatched to at least one of the following places, preferrably both:
- The far reaches south of the great Saharan desert.
- The Nile upward in the south of Egypt.
A group should consist of at least three merchants and priests each.

Edict 8.yy

The Chancellor shall try to find peace with the Venetians as soon as possible. A moderate amount of florins may be used to persuade them. Should the Venetians decline, subsequent raids towards their holdings in Durazzo and Thessalonica, resulting in possible razing or extermination of those cities, shall teach them the error of their ways.

I purposefully left the vehicle to be taken by the merchant group open. I am sure our Emperor and Chancellor shall find a suitable mode of transportation for them without us decreeing anything.

Excellent my Lord Duke,

Please proceed with these when you can. My greed is something both my mistresses have mentioned before. Three merchants is more than enough now that I think about it.

My dear Electors,

With the Voting drawing to a close I want to draw your attention to the matter of the newly gained Fortress of Ragusa. As my scribe has informed me Zagreb has already grown to a Fortress itself and can easily rival Ragusa for the troops it can produce. Now the question is whether we really need two of those huge bulking Fortresses, that while being highly defensible, to close to nothing for the economy of the Province.
Ragusa especially would be a suitable spot for a flourishing coastal city, we could use the Adriatic Sea to further our trade. I think Ragusa holds much potential and is somewhat held back by its Fortress.

What you you gentlemen think about this? Can we afford to weaken our southern border in the future? Can we afford to weaken it at all? In my oppinion one Fortress should suffice to supply all of Austria with the troops it needs. I would be happy to accept your judgements in this matter. As Count of Zagreb I am especially interested in your oppinion Third Elector.

An Austrian at the Imperial Secretariat who happens to be passing at the meeting and timidly pipes up.

My Duke, please forgive this intrusion by a lowly functionary, but I believe the Kaiser is very impressed with the level of development of Ragusa. It is one of only two fortresses in the Reich that can currently train pavise crossbowmen (Staufen is the other). Its position at the borders of our Reich also makes it a more suitable location for a castle than Zagreb. I would ask that your Lordships consider whether it is Zagreb, rather than Ragusa, that should be converted.

With that, the official bows embarassedly and leaves.

The Count notes the comments made and looks at the latest strategic map...

My Duke I agree with your comments and was unfamiliar with the training facilities of Ragusa. Having 2 forts in that area does not have the same effect as if they were out on our frontiers in the east or west fronts.
The position of Zagreb as a fort offers access to troop supplies to several points from Northern Italy,to the Southeastern area and quick supply to the capital.
The position of Ragusa overall I would be inclined to think economical because of it's port access and I think the Second Elector would agree to the economic potential of a port city.
We could wait to see what the Venetian situation will be, if there is peace or a continued war.
You are correct we do not need 2 forts in the region. I would like to keep Zagreb as the military point and Ragusa an economic location. Looking at the build of Zagreb I was trying to promote growth but if I rely on the other cities in the Household then I would transform to strictly military production and adjust the queue.
My only concern was the happiness and public order of the citizens and being away with other duties I wanted stability of the Fortress in the absence of a military governor.
I am your humble servant and will follow your wisdom for the better of Austria and the Reich.

Looking from the departing functionary and the Count of Zagreb the Count of Venice seems a little non plussed.

So it seems our Kaiser wishes to develop Ragusa due to its ability to train pavise crossbowmen. On the other hand the Count of Zagreb believes the location of his own holding is ideal due to logistic reasons.

It seems we have an impasse. From a purely economic standpoint we do not need two fortresses in the region, the question remains which one should be converted.

At this time I am unable to find a viable point to break the tie. The only things I will say is that we need to make a choice as soon as possible in order to avoid wasting valuable conversion time.

Ragusa is now a border province while Zagreb is not. Given our need for Pasive Crossbowmen and the fact there is only one other location in the Reich able to train these men I would suggest the Count of Zagreb convert his fortress into a city. He has an ideal port location. There will be some initial issues but in the long term with expansion in Europe being limited I think this would be best in the long run.

I leave the final decision to Duke Leopold and the Kaiser.

My Lord and Count there is no real impasse. I have further reviewed the facilities specs of Ragusa and it is by far more advance in buildings then Zagreb. There would be significant expense in Zagreb to catch up. Though I prefer the location of Zagreb, Ragusa is a better option because what it can offer in troops to the Reich now.
The port facilities mention by The Count is in Ragusa and there can be the build up of land and sea forces. Unfortunately, Zagreb is landlocked and once the conversion is made I would not expend too much in resources other then the mining exploitation that is possible in that region.
I will change the queue after the paved roads to convert to a city.

Addresses one of the scribes to complete written orders for the Chancellor and Zagreb.......

Remind me to shoot my cartographer the next time I see him Your Grace, I am embarrassed to have not realised Zagreb was landlocked.

Still we have a decision and that is the main thing.

I would have much preferred for Zagreb to remain a Fortress, due to ist central location. But if Ragusa offers a superior infrastructure this hardly leaves us a choice. The outside factors of position really favoured Ragusa for a city, so I am a little disappointed that its training facilities will rob us of its trade potential.

Well as Count of Zagreb you have my authorization to go ahead and convert to a city. At least that will give us access to the Gold ressources by mining them.

I, Maximillian von Tyrolia, Fifth Elector, believe that it is in the best interest for our trade/missionary expedition that I and another suited merchant go to the rich gold fields of Timbuktu, while another merchant goes to Egypt to access its resources and divert them from our foes.

As far as the priests, they should be sent together to a single Egyptian city, preferably a productive city. This will increase unrest in that city and possibly bring about rebellion, or at least force Egypt to transfer resources that may have been used fighting our Kingdom of Outremer to quash internal conflicts. The largest port city should be chosen for this mission.

Duke Leopold turns to the newcomer.

Ah, Maximilan von Tyrolia what better man could we have chosen to lead our expedition than one of the most renown merchants of Austria. The Count of Venice personally recommended you to lead this important task. Your analysis of the situation already shows your aptitude. My lawyers tell me though that the proposed Edict may have been voiced a little too strict by me.
I fear that beyond your target there are not much options left for you to choose. So while I understand your reasons I fear you have to make a clean choice between Africa or Egypt.

Another matter that I would like to inquire this Council about is the target of our retaliation strike against the Venetians. As worded by our Edict we can move on either Thessalonica or Durazzo.
Sacking Durazzo would definetly enforce our rule over the Adriatic sea. I belive thoutg that Thessalonica is a well-developed town that would yield many benefits if we could plunder its riches. Also a surprise attack into the heart of Venetian territory should teach them to refuse our generous offers again.
What are your thoughts on this matter?

My Lord it is with regret that I have given my orders to the Chancellor but Ragusa can meet our immediate needs. Overall I think this would be the best choice for the Reich. Hopefully our merchants can make up for the loss potential of Ragusa has an economic city.

OOC: The 2nd Elector of Austria has assumed the title of being the economic advisor to most of the Reich. I'm assuming I know you well gibsonsg91921. And welcome.

IC:

Maximillian von Tyrolia you rogue!! It's good to see you. Duke Leopold is correct; it seems our ability to word edicts is still somewhat too specific. You will need to wait and take two fellow merchants plus some Priest with you to either Egypt or Timbuktu. I do recommend you go as a group as there were many dangerous episodes when I made the trip.

Duke Leopold, given the Venetians are addicted to money Thessalonica would be a far better physiological target. Let’s take their money and see where they fall!!

Maximillian von Tyrolia speaks:

Well, in that case I deem it best to send the expedition to Egypt in order to disrupt our enemy's trade and convert their population.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gibsonsg91921

Maximillian von Tyrolia speaks:

Well, in that case I deem it best to send the expedition to Egypt in order to disrupt our enemy's trade and convert their population.

---

Excellent reasoning Maximillian.

Thank you, your Countyship.

My Lord I would support the Count of Venice suggestion and Thessalonica would be the area to strike against the Venetians.

I have informed Emperor Henry of your decision and will move south to engage the Venetians in Thessaloncia as soon as possible!

Excellent! My Lord Godspeed and I wait to hear the news of another victory. If the Venetians would not accept the offer of peace then they must be taught a lesson not to turn down such valuable offers from the Reich.

The Count embarrassingly turns to the newest Elector of the House.

Maximillian, please excuse my lack of manners when you first arrived there was some pressing matters to be discussed. A hearty welcome to the Austrian House. I am so glad you have decided to work your mercantile skills for us. The Count of Venice has mentioned some of your travels and exploits. I can't wait to hear of more first hand.
I wish you success in your newest enterprise.

Maximillian's aide speaks to the Count of Zagreb:
Don't bother to apologize, no offense was taken by my master.

Turns to the Council:

My lords, the Chancellor has reported that the mercantile and religious mission headed by my master has embarked to North Egypt where they shall wreak havoc economically and politically in that barren wasteland - good tidings indeed!

Lord Leopold, gentlemen,

The House of Austria has received a new member. Karl Zirn!! Before he arrives I am wondering how we shall integrate him into the nobility of the House.

Any suggestions gentlemen?

A messenger arrives reading a letter from Duke Leopold of Austria:

Dear Nobles of Austria,

The siege of Thessalonica is going ahead as planned and I am sure that the city will soon be ours for the taking. Jonas von Mahren has joined me and will help me in the assault. Talks are underway concerning the situation of the von Mahren family and their status within the Austrian nobility. As you know their lands have long been on Austrian soil and their services to Austria have been outstanding.

I hear that my daughter Meckil has finally found a suitable husband in Karl Zirn, the eldest son of the Count of Zagreb. I am glad to hear of this fine addition to the Austrian nobility.

News of the Crusade in accordance with Edict 8.3 have reached me here and I urge every Austrian noble willing to take up the Cross to stake our claims in Outremere to join me in Thessalonica as soon as possible. I will contact my brother to see what course he has plotted for this second Crusade.

Leopold
Duke of Austria



OOC: I just went with your version Northnovas. Congratulations on the avatar, glad to have some company. :2thumbsup:

My word!!

He's your eldest son Count of Zagreb!!??

How did that slip past my notice!! I must get off the brandy earlier in the day.

There are only two generals able to join the crusade Lord Leopold. Yourself and Karl Zirn, unless I am mistaken.

When is the situation with the von Mahren's likely to be resolved?

A familiar face walks into the room and bows deeply. It is the Count of Zagreb secretary looking very tired...

My Lords I pass a message from the Count who is too gravely ill to attend matters of office. He feels his time is short but could not be happier with the most joyous of events for the Austrian House. There has been a lot of negotiating to have the The Duke accept his new son.
Karl is now in Ragusa to meet the Duke and will be ready to discuss Household issues.
The Count and his son met briefly on his arrival but the trip has taken too much from him. The Estate matters of the Count have been updated and finalized with Duke Leopold's final approval.
If you would excuse me while a prepare things for the Count.

The gentleman leaves heading over to the chapel....

OOC: I thought I would add something with my name mentioned in threads before heading to work. I think I will craft something letter wise to give some background to the character. At 29 he has had to something then be a professional student.

OOC:

Excellent work Northnovas.

Things are happening in Austria and I'm excited!!

Maximillian's aide stands, with a letter in his hand:

Lords, I have a letter from my master from Northern Egypt.

"Austrian nobles, I am but a mere merchant of the upper middle class, but I have lots of big ideas for the Empire.

Our allies, the Portuguese, have been plagued by our old enemies, the Moors, for too long. I believe we should send an Grand Iberian Army of the Reich to aid them in their plight as a token of our good will and to spread Catholicism and Eastern influence. This will also be an excellent way to open up a second front against the French so we may attack in concert with the Swabian armies.

Maximillian von Tyrolia, 5th Elector, from Egypt."

Aide sits down.

Your idea is a noble one Maximillian.

You will have to propose something like that in the next Diet session.

In the comfort of the Ragusa fortress the Austrian Nobles are together celebrating the expansion of the House and to discuss future concerns...

I have only one administrative matter to address and that is the title of my late father the Count of Zagreb. I have inherited his position in the Diet as the Third Elector but I did not know if you wished me to carry on the responsibilities of Zagreb and his title or if there were new responsibilities within the House.
When the Diet meets I will make my formal introduction to the Electors.
As for the next opening what are our issues to be addressed. Could the Office of Chancellor be again in the Austrian House?
Are we to concentrate on the upcoming Crusade or are there military options closer to home? I see my young brother in law riding today he is just months away from a commission and to have the responsibility to lead men.
Where do we want to take the Austrian House from this point onward?

Maximillian's aide stands:

My master stressed the importance of our Portuguese allies. If our enemies the Moors take over Iberia, there is a fruitful area of trade lost which includes the gold-rich areas of North Africa. The Reich must not forget that there is more to the world than the Outremer in the East where my master presently resides. We cannot lose the Western outlet to the Mediterannean Sea and Atlantic Ocean lest we lose lucrative moneymaking opportunities.

This is definitely a matter our house should propose an edict on in the upcoming Diet session.

Looking at the new Count of Zagreb the Count of Venice begins

As far as I am concerned you are more than welcome to keep the title of your father. But what is needed now is you must earn your Knight's spurs as quickly as possible so you may lead an army officially.

As for your other comments, then you raise a series of very important points Count.

I will have to think about them some more and get back to you all.

Entering the Austrian Council the Count of Venice is accompanied by a powerfully build young man

My Lords,

I would like your attention please.

I have the pleasure of introducing Duke Leopold's son Arnold.

Having spoken to the Duke I will be attached to Arnold as an adviser and attache. My role as the Count of Venice will remain unchanged, however I will be taking a less "hands on" approach in the Diet and other administrative matters of the Reich.

Taking a seat the Count of Venice hands over the floor to the now standing Arnold.

A messenger enters the Chambers where the Austrian nobles have assembled:

My master, your Duke, let's me excuse his absence this day. He will arrive in Ragusa as soon as possible before continuing to the Diet deliberations in Rome. He is currently held up in Thessalonica and will let you know of his achievements once he arrives here.

Regarding the question of the next Chancellor, I can tell you that my master does not wish to stand for a second term. He will be too busy preparing for the Crusade to undertake such a feat. I am to pass you word that apparently Hans of Swabia could be a candidate for Chancellorship. If you know of anybody else, please come forward with it now, so that we can discuss the future proceedings, this includes the option of one of you gentlemen standing for Election.

He turns to the Karl Zirn:

I pass on the best wishes of my master to your recent marriage with his daugther Meckil. He is sorry that he was not able to attend the ceremonials personally. He will speak to you upon his arrival here and I'm sure the succession of your father can be settled then.

Then he turns to the Count of Venice and Arnold:

I am sure my master is pleased to see that his son has developed well under your guidance Count of Venice. I am sure he is looking forward to seeing his son once he arrives.

Once again I apologize for the Dukes abesence but he will attend to all matters of state in a timely fashion.

The messenger bows and leaves again.


OOC: The Coop Story with Kagemusha is taking its time and I would not want to speculate too much, by appearing here and telling things that will turn out wrong. The results of this talk will surely be among the first things mentioned by Duke Leopold upon his arrival.

My Lord, the prospect of running for the Office of Chancellor is intriguing I do not feel that I am ready for such a position at this time. However , I have been reviewing some legislation and seeing that our good merchant as proposed his edict and I don't know what else is coming from this House I would like to use my edict or I should say CA.
The situation of the Reich's defence has been perilous at times and the fall of Thorn made me think of something to reinforce the Household Armies.
I was thinking of creating a new army that would be under control of the Chancellor's Office. The Chancellor in office would control the army to aid House Armies defending the Reich. This army would be strictly for the defence of the Empire proper (Europe).
I am not one for minute detail but following the guide of the Household Army legislation appears to cover the bases and would be good for discussion in the Diet.
I would hope to have the House support.

Forgive me Lord Zirn, but isn't there legislation in effect that covers this? The army of the interior is already in place and working no?

Yes, there has been but I figure there could be more support for the defences because of the current situation. There never seems to be enough troops when a threat occurs.

Yes I certainly see the point of your legislation Lord Zirn.

It seems as if my father has also made a very telling point about the House Armies. This legislation does not put a minimum on the number of house armies. The Chancellor is free to create more and assign then as required.

The Count of Venice (CoV in future), certainly drummed into me that it is better to have more flexibility that specific edicts or CA that define too many things.

To a formal matter. I wold like to thank Duke Leopold for naming me the Count of Budapest.

Father,

What will be the standing orders for the AHA?

I believe if you plan is to go ahead I should be Knighted as soon as possible.

Regards
Arnold

Dear nobles of Austria,

I have cast my votes on the legislations proposed in the Diet and I see that most of you have done so too. Let your conscience guide you for the benefit of the Reich and the House of Austria.

With Charter Amendment 9.2 about to pass, I officially welcome Ehrhart and Sigismund von Mahren into the House of Austria. Knowing your father well, I am proud that you will support us in our future adventures.

As you know one of those is the upcoming Crusade for Damascus. I will personally lead our forces to conquer this settlement. From our House, I know that Karl Zirn will join me, but what about the rest of you. You know that I want you to stay here Arnold and act as my Steward until my return or your ascension to Duke of Austria. This leaves you the choice, Ehrhart and Sigismund. I know that your father would most likely want you to stay in the Empire and with our vast frontiers at least one of you must stay. The choice is up to you, you can of course both stay here and help defend the Reich against its many enemies.

I want to remind you that you have to post build queues for the settlements under your control, before the voting period ends. Remember that you are now the Count of Prague Ehrhart von Mahren and the Chancellor will await your orders.



OOC: And a warm welcome to the Cecil XIX, and while I'm at it an official welcome in this thread to gibson, although you have already posted here.
Glad to see so many Austrian avatars for a change. Let's rock this Reich! :2thumbsup:

Messenger enters the Austrian assembly.

"Gentlemen. As Duke Leopold informed you i have command of the Austrian household army currently. Those of you who are staying in the Reich,should move yourselves to Ragusa in order to get some fighting experience in the Household army.I can promise that there will be plenty of it to share during the few coming years.

Yours,

Jonas Von Mahren"

A messenger arrives bearing a message with the Imperial seal of Bavaria on it

Quote:

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Gerhard Steffen

Mien fellow germans, I send this message to offer the services of the BHA to rid your lands of the Hungarian presence marching on Zagreb, I understand that the AHA is farther to the east and currently tied up with the Venetians. I make this offer in the hope that our two houses may co-operate more closely

Steward of Bavaria
Gerhard Steffen

---

Ehrhart von Mahren speaks:

This is excellent news indeed! Bless Gerhard Steffen for his hard work in service of the Reich. King Otto made the correct choice for his heir.

Ah, this is indeed good news. With two such capable Army commanderes ready to help us against our foes, I have no fear for the security of the Reich.

Maybe you Arnold should meet up with Gerhard Steffen. You have traveled and fought with him before. Consider though that doing this will indebt us to the House of Bavaria. As future head of this House I leave the decision up to you. You will have to make many more of these decisions in the days to come.

He turns to the von Mahrens:

I take it from your silence that you will be staying to defend the Reich? This is indeed good. As you see your father will travel to Ragusa where you can meet with him. Crush those Venetian dogs swiftly!

Gentlemen! Now that it has been decided, let me officially present myself to the Duchy of Austria. I am Sigismund von Mahren, son of Jonas. I pledge to defend my Duchy and Reich as ably and chivalrously as mine namesake.

Welcome Ehrhart and Sigismund the House of Austria is grateful for your service. It is good to know that the defences of the House are in capable hands
Raises a goblet to to the brothers...

OOC: Good to have aboard there maybe some action soon enough.

Excellent! I cannot wait until I am knighted and can begin serving Austria on the battlefield! I thank you all for your kind welcome (Bows at Duke Leopold, Karl Zirn, Arnold) and my brother Sigismund and I will join up with the Household Army as squires to gain battle experience.

Welcome to the new members of the Austrian House.

Please note the I will NOT take up the offer from Lord Gerhard. Lord Jonas is returning with the AHA and at that time I will join him to be knighted hopefully against the Hungarian invaders.

I shall make it clear that I am not traveling on crusade (OOC: i saw i was in duke leopold's army), but rather I wish most strongly to join with the AHA in order to gain battle experience.

My lords, our Duke has perished. As I'm sure you've heard, he died crushing the Mongols. Such was is strength and will that I have heard the armies he destroyed were more than half thier forces in Outremer. It is the perfect end to such a awe-inspiring and glorious career.

Gentlemen, a toast! In honor of our fallen leader's memory, and in celebration of our new leaders reign! Duke Leopold is dead, long live Duke Arnold!

Arnold raises his glass in salute.

Gentlemen,

With the passing of my father and Ehrhart von Mahren there are only three of us left represent this great house.

Lord Zirn I would ask you to maintain the standards of my father set, and represent our house proudly in the east. As the only member of the Austrian nobility in the east you have a duty to STAY alive and uphold the honour of my fathers work. I will send someone to assist you as soon as possible. That could be some years though.


Sigismund von Mahren,

You will accompany me as we hunt down and expel the Hungarian invaders. I have every intention of Knighting you and then having you command half of the AHA in defending our borders. The Chancellor has approved this so expect some fighting very soon.

Gentlemen, our house is small but by father left and enormous legacy to follow. I intend to follow through with every ounce of strength at my disposal.


Long Live Lord Leopold, Long Live the HOUSE OF AUSTRIA!!

Gentlemen,

It seems too quiet for my liking!!

Lord Zirn, what news can you provide regarding the actions in the east?

Is the Austrian province running well? What of your own exploits in the region?

Sigismund,

Are you well? Have you managed to overcome the loss of your brother?

I am well, my lord. My brother's loss has been hard on my family, but I will persevere as I must. I am looking forward to having a chance to prove myself in battle.

So Sigismund, I hope you are over the tragedy of your brothers death.

I know he would want everyone to continue on as best they can and use his sacrifice as motivation for the future.

With that said, the Chancellor's term is coming to an end.

We have of course one House edict plus one personal edict each.

What are your thoughts on future legislation for the up coming Diet session and elections?

Christ men!!

Is anyone here at all!!??

Peter you're more than welcome to request the next chancellor send you to my army for knighting.

Sigismund is still not knighted either so there will be plenty to do against the Hungarian scum!!

Do any of you have suggestions for edicts? Either the house allotment or your own personal one's?

As an added point to note there are a large number of Countships available as I have not issued any since I came to be Duke.

With such a small number of nobles available to take charge there is substantial land available to govern if either of you have the desire.

Unfortunately, I have no ideas for edicts this term. I was, however, going to request that the chancellor send me and my guard against a unit of Hungarian feudal foot knights. If nothing else, it would be a good fight!

As for counties, I believe you are the only one here who can control more than one territory my Duke. Myself, I would be very happy to be the Count of Budpest. I believe the city has a Master Theologian's Guild, and I would relish the oppurtunity to work with the Reich's future Cardinals.

Yes but we have to get you knighted first Sigismund.

That you will have to do whilst under my command. As soon as that is done I will request the AHA is split into 2 equal halves and you are given command.

We may need more reinforcements and the advanced troops in Sofia would be ideal.

I am personally hoping to have two full stacks to guard our large eastern borders.

Sigismund,

In preparation for the upcoming elections I believe it is time to give you a title.

You are hear by appointed the Count of Venice.

OOC: Ituralde: You are more than welcome to Vote as part of House Austria. You are hereby appoint the 4th Elector of Austria and the Count of Budapest.

I will make a formal announcement in the Diet, however please contact the Kaiser with this seal for your appointment to be ratified.

Arnold

I am honored that you would entrust me with the city that was governed by your mentor, my lord. I will work even harder to secure our border, so that someday I can govern the city from within it's walls.

Karl Zirn

Fellow Austrians I apologize for the lateness of my report and missing the vote but was detained on travels home. Once I and the Countess have completed business here then I shall return quickly to the Outremer.

The Austrian House is in care of the City of Damascus. We are upgrading the city and it's defenses. There is some concern for this hashish plant the locals use; some days it is hard to find labourers to get work done.
There is word that the Horse Lords may be on the rise again the information is quite sketchy from Baghdad and nothing has been confirmed.
As for the Holy City Jerusalem there is word of sickness in the city from an unknown source.

That is all I can say at this time. If there are any particular instructions or messages to take back with me please make haste my stay here is short.

It's good of you to report in Lord Zirn.

Beware of this sickness. My advisor the ex Count of Venice has had a few close encounters on his travels east and he says it's deadly.

Good luck on you way back to Outremer. Defend Damascus Lord Zirn, for the Reich, the Kaiser and House Austria.

A thought Sigismund.

Would you consider making your way east onec you are knighted?

Only if there were other leaders to defend the Duchy in my stead, lord. It would not be right for two thirds of the Austrians nobles to be defending lands outside of Austria.

Fair enough Sigismund. I applaud your loyalty.

There will be more action out east and I would ensure you had an amry to use if you went. I thought you would be more interested in that than staying in the home land.

We already have over a third of our noble generals defending less than a fifth of our territory in the east. I'm quite content to stay here and defend your duchy with whatever men I have, or to govern my county personally. I just hope the chancellor will let me do *one* of those two things.

Sigismund,

Maybe it would be better if you left for the Holy Land.

I...do...not want any confusion here about who is leading.

There is no confusion, my lord. You are the Duke. I am a count. That will not change as long as I still alive. And it is my dearest wish to serve you by your side here in Austria, not Outremer.

Gentlemen,

This Chancellorship will be very detailed I believe.

Please send me your specific orders and request based on your authority and force control.

I will send one consolidated Austrian order sheet to the Kaiser in the Diet.

Please have these order in place within 24 hours.

Sigismund, you were part of the sally against the Hungarian's but sadly I am unable to knight you. At this time I woud like you to accompany me back to join the expelled Budapest garrison. We will then retake Budapest and I'm sure you will be knighted in that action.

Duke Arnold.

Gentlemen,

Ignore that request. I have more than enough information for order to the Kaiser.

I'll proceed immediately.

Arnold.

Lords of Austria,

We have another emergency session of the Diet to consider.

When possible please present yourselves here to discuss your views on the matter.

I wish to know what you think about all this.

Duke Arnold

My duke, I would support Fredericus von Hamburg. In these trying times, having someone with experience is more important than ever.

I believe you are right Sigismund.

At this point his seniority would be invaluable to "steadying the ship" as it may be called.

I have certainly altered my initial view on the matter after Elberhard first mentioned it.

A message arrives from Adanna

Fellow Austrians, we have mobilized and had our first contact with the Turks. It was quick victory but the prize lies just ahead. We are besieging Iconium as I write this message. May we continue with victories in the Austrian House. Godspeed Duke Arnold on the recapturing of Budapest.

Karl

Duke Arnold

In the words of your late father " I hate sieges!" Congratulations on the victory at Budapest. May the Austrian House have continued success.

OOC: It's nice to get one under our belts after all this time. Though I hope my next one is not for a city. Sieges do drain the resources. :yes:

Count Zirn, I now also hate sieges!!

I am certainly concerned at this stage. We have reunited the House of Austria, but now the Hungarian's are pressing their advantage.

Time is short and we need more men.

Good luck with your battle Lord Zirn

Well what is in store of the Austrians in this session? Duke Arnold, von Mahern?

Arnold enters the Austrian chambers from a side entrance.

Moving stiffly he takes a seat and reads the latest reports.

Count Zirn,

Things look decidely shaky in Outremer.

The main topics for this next session are many and varied.

A new Chancellor.

Confirm a new Emperor.

Decide on retaking Jeruselum.

The Crusade to Russia.

Various provinces to attack and to weaken out enemies.

The Mongols.

The general stance on Outremer.

Two edicts for consideration gentlemen,

And firstly let me just say that I will hand over the AHA to Sigismund and head towards Ragusa to ensure reinforcements are continued and to ensure these Sicilian's don't get too arrogant in crossing our borders. I will also sweep the interior of all rebels in Austria.

(Personal Edict)

Edict 11.x

A suitable bride will be sought out for Duke Arnold to ensure the ancestral house of Austria and the structure of the Reich remain as designed by out forefathers. Duke Arnold has the right of refusal on any proposals.


(House Edict)

Edict 11.x

The Hungarian Capital of Bran will be taken by Austrian forces and lead be lead by a general of House Austria.

My duke, I will second and support this edicts when brought before the Diet. I also thank you for the opportunity to proof myself as a leader of men.

Excellent Sigismund.

I will put them forward. Do you have any idea regarding out second House edict?