Congratulations to my fellow Franconian Fredericus. I am looking forward to the coming years, and I believe you are the man to lead our Reich to lighter days and lesser worries.
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Congratulations to my fellow Franconian Fredericus. I am looking forward to the coming years, and I believe you are the man to lead our Reich to lighter days and lesser worries.
:balloon2:
I extend my congratulations to Fredericus for providing the steady hand we need for the coming years.
I must say, just when I thought things were getting back on track the Speak of the Diet goes and forgets legislative voting...
...I'm sure our fathers and grandfathers would be turning in their graves about all this.
Looking around to the Austrian benches Arnold retrieves his shield and sword while leaving the chamber
Sigismund!! where are you man?!!
THE CHANCELLOR HAS GIVEN HIS ORDERS, BUDAPEST WILL BE MINE OR YOU AND THE AUSTRIAN HOUSE ARMY WILL DIE TRYING!!!
The advisors and captains following Arnold can be seen looking at each other in startled alarm at this statement.
Here, lord!
Sigismund and his entourage quickly follow Duke Arnold.
Matthias is distraught by the news of his brother Markus's death.
This is. . .is terrible.
God, I wish the seas had swallowed that damned Island years ago! We have met nothing but pain there, and even this triumph was paid for in blood. Why did it have to be Markus?
I wish I had never proposed that edict. I wish Duke von Kassel had never proposed the first one. All this for some wind swept speck of dirt forgotten by God.
What a waste.
Matthias slumps over his desk and becomes silent.
Conrad Salier:
As opposed to?Quote:
Why did it have to be Markus?
Yes, we all grieve for Markus. Myself included. But please remember that wishing the unfortunate death upon another is not the way that Christ would want it. Markus died for a higher cause. It was the Milanese who allowed Corisca to fall out of the Lord's vision for saw long. It was the Milanese who allowed that abominable witch take hold of so many good men. We are purging the island of evil forces and bringing it back to the welcoming light of Christianity.
I am sure that Markus, God rest his soul, is at peace knowing that due to his sacrifice the many inhabitants of the island can be saved once again.
I mirror the feelings of my fellow Electors. It is a shame that such a young life has ended, but yet he died for the things he believed in and finally helped to bring that wretched island under our control. It is indeed a reminder how costly expansion can be for the Reich.
I grieve for the entire Steffen family. I never really knew Markus, but I did know his two brothers and his father who was my mentor.
My god rest his soul.
I am sorry for my absences yet again, but the French are just too stubborn and I must be stationed near Paris. I mourn for Markus even though I have not met him, but judging from accounts of the battle, he sacrificed himself so that we could win.
On another note, I am extremely happy that our new Chancellor has paid attention to our defences and the House armies are finally getting reinforced
A hush falls over as the diet doors open to reveal Gerhard Steffen
He slowly walks into the light, his eyes red from meany hours weeping, his face pale and strangely without emotion.
As Gerhard passes the seat that his son Markus held, he pauses then turns away as tears start to stream down his face.
He continues to his seat where he takes a second to compose himself, then starts to speak
I have expierenced the greatest pain that any parent ever could ever, my second son was cut down by a group of vile green #$%&@#%s who will know the true meaning of wrath when I am done with them.
He fought bravely, but the lord in his 'infinate wisdom' decided to take him from this earthly plane.
Chancellor Fredericus von Hamburg, I request that the Bavarian household Army be conviened on Sardinia so that I can burn, pillage, and slaughter my way to Caralis, and end the Milanese once and for all.
(OOC: assuming that the Spanish havn't/won't take Caralis, and I understand that with my leaving in 8 hours that I can't fight the battle till monday, which should give a turn or 3 for preperations to be made, I'll PM flydude as well)
I mourn for poor Markus Steffen, knowing what it is like to lose a friend to battle. He is a hero of the Reich - let a statue be erected in his honor in Ajaccio!
Ansehelm enters the Diet, after an absence of some years
Gentlemen, no more then some months ago the entire Von Kastilien, minus Siegfried, has battled the Poles near Thorn. Together with my father and Peter we rushed out of Thorn while Fritz attacked the Poles from behind, it was a quick battle and resulted in a mass rout from the Polish army.
But that's not why I came to Rome. The last years we have been hammering on taking Krakow once we get an Edict for it. But Krakow isn't dangerous to us. Sure it produces money, but it hardly gives armies to our enemies.
Taking it will weaken the Poles, but new information has made me doubt about the fact if it will stop their attacks. The Poles gather their armies around Vilnius, not around Krakow, all Krakow gives them are Militias, Vilnius will produce a professional army for them.
However taking Vilnius is dangerous, and sacking it will hardly help as there are enough Poles and Russians about to take it again.
I suggest we send saboteurs to Vilnius to destroy their stabbles. If this can be done without an Edict it would be good to recruit some saboteurs immediatly, if not I urge we agree to such an Edict at the next Diet session.
Arnold follows Ansehelm into the Diet and listens to his report. Once finished he too stands to address the Diet Chamber.
Having just retaken Budapest at some substantial cost to the AHA I too would like to implore the Chancellor to look to the Reich's defense.
Three Hungarian's armies are approaching Budapest as I speak, and without immediate reinforcements over and above the units racing back from Sofia I doubt I will be able to hold out if they hit within a few years of each other.
I would request immediate assistance from Ragusa as soon as possible.
Sigismund von Mahren has been knighted for his actions against the rebel scum and for reaching the City square before any other man in my army.
Abruptly Arnold turns and without another word strides from the chamber with a grim look on his face.
While I applaud Arnold for taking Budapest, I must remind him that I too have faced overwhelming forces for the past 2 chancellorships and still have not faltered. The SHA wasn't even reduced in number due to casualties, but due to reassignment. While I understand the need for reinforcements, I would urge everyone to not divert troops from other areas just so they can fight more recklessly.
*Lothar Steffen rises from a back bench. Somehow he must have slipped into the Diet, unseen.*
Recklessly? RECKLESSLY?!
Duke Arnold has a few regiments of militia and only a handful of heavily battered soldiers to fend off three full armies of Hungarian knights, replete with numerous siege engines! You call his request for more troops FROM HIS OWN LANDS reckless?!
I had hoped that with Swabia's own army reinforced with large contingents of fresh, professional soldiers, you would understand the need to give aid to other Houses. Do you consider it reckless to provide any house except Swabia with the ability to defend itself?
Bavaria is thankfully not threatened with imminent invasion, but our defenses are even weaker than Austria's! Outside of Innsbruck, the only professional soldiers in all of Bavaria are the 13 Teutonic Knights and 33 Mercenary Knights who survived the siege of Ajaccio! Even the four regiments in Innsbruck are heavily understrength, with two not even serving at half-strength! Nor has this Chancellor, the last Chancellor, or the Chancellor before THAT one done anything to remedy this situation. Indeed, Bavaria's defenses appear to be getting even weaker over time!
If that wasn't bad enough, it appears that the only fresh regiments anywhere near Bavaria have taken ship and set sail for Outremer! Those lands have a sufficient ability to train their own regiments, so why in the Hells are more men from the west being sent to aid them?!
The Reich has become corrupt and decrepit and good Germanic sons and daughters die every day as a result of the greed and ineptitude of those who plunder the resources of our Houses for their own agendas! I swear before God Almighty that I will not stand for this any longer! My own brother has now paid with his life due to the meager aid allocated to Bavaria for her own defense. Had we had just one regiment of professional infantry, he would still be alive this day!
If this state of affairs does not end soon, the entire Reich will burn!
Ansehelm stands and speaks
Remember Lothar that all of us need manpower, and more importantly a crusade should leave for Russia some time. At the moment we can are not able to defend all our borders, and we lack castles to recruit men. Staufen is the only castle in the west. Thorn in the east. And I don't know what else we have.
Hell I use Magdeburg to recruit an army for the Crusade. Magdeburg, of all places!!!
Dear Lord, Ansehelm, will you give up this ridiculous Russian 'Crusade' already?! Franconia cannot even secure it's own borders and yet you want to strip the Reich of a full-strength army of professional soldiers to run off and play in the snow! How can you even consider this foolishness when you have no less than 8 hostile armies within a few days march of your own cities?! You'll be lucky not to lose Thorn, Hamburg, or both within the next few years and yet you still want to go on the offense against Russia?! That plan made at least a little sense when it was voted on in a decade ago, but under the current circumstances it is ludicrous!
Kaiser Jobst stands, and bangs his hand against a wooden table
Of all things, I shall not hear words going against the Russian Crusade!! We shall send armies into Russia, we shall sack Moscow, and THATS,THAT!! It is certianly not foolishness, and I will not stand for words against! YOU HEAR ME!?
Now where was I?
I certianly mourn for the loss of young Markus Steffen, though I didn't meet him, he was from, my view, a quiet achiever.
Young Lothar, remember that it has been approved by Edict. A Crusade into Russia will make sure we will get rid of the Russians.
Sides I did secure Thorn, maybe you would like to come along and have a look.
But because people want to attack undangerous enemies as Milan we in Thorn can't fully secure ourselves, but to me that's no problem.
It will become a problem if you think you govern the Reich on your own! The Crusade into Russia will take place, and that's the end of it! If you don't agree, than don't ... go and play with your secret brotherhood.
Standing from the Austrian bench Arnold stares for sometime at Ansehelm and Scherer
Reckless!!
It seems the Southern and Eastern parts of this Reich are being neglected and now we are paying the price.
While resources are being pulled North and West we now find ourselves is the exact situation I mentioned a few years ago!!!
There is no point taking offensive actions when we are in severe danger of losing what we already have!!!
Budapest had to be taken Scherer!! Due to mismanagement it rebelled and I have rectified that!! Meanwhile a full professional army is being assembled to head east in what can only be described as a suicide mission against vodka swilling pigs!!
Hans has headed East with a perfectly suitable reinforced army while Hungary is producing the best troops in decades. Have a look at the Hungarian troop disposition Scherer!!
Arnold throws field reports onto the Diet floor in disgust.
Knight's, professional foot, more knights and artillery!!
Smashing his mailed fist on the bench Arnold stares around the room at the assembled nobles.
I believe it's time to reassess our next moves gentlemen or this little house of cards is going to look decidedly shaky in the next few years!!
Even if troops in Ragusa are recruited now, it will be more than likely too late to help Budapest. I'm simply asking the AHA to be reinforced so it can defend the Reich's eastern borders as it is supposed to.
As for edicts, well that's going to a bloody disgrace Ansehelm if you have nothing to come back to apart from burnt out cities and dead citizens!
Conrad Salier:
As for edicts, edicts are edicts and we are all bound to them nonetheless. Do not forget that there are legal ways of modifying them.
Please remember that a crusade through the heart of Russia will bring us some much-needed florins. I gather that the Franconian generals will be able to handle anything that the Russians throw at them on the journey.
A messenger arrives to the Diet to addresses the floor. He is recognized has one of the aides from Count Zirn delegation. He addresses the floor and reads from a scroll....
Kaiser, Chancellor and fellow Electors, you have may now have head the news that the City of Iconium is now in the Reich's hands. Lord Zirn along with Wolfgang Hummel defeated the Turks and General Kujuk ad-Dawlah.
The Count wishes to advise you that the first part of Edict 10.5 has been completed and the City of Iconium is now ready for transfer to the Byzantines.
The Count would also like to address the Chancellor and advise that Wolfgang Hummel has deserved his knighthood for gallantry in the filed of battle and should be given a command for an army wherever his services are required.
The aide bows to the Kaiser and leaves the floor to sit with the Austrian delegation.
Gentlemen! There should never be any neglect for any area of the Reich. Thorn is currently constantly war-torn, so it must be protected.
A messenger wearing the livery of Wolfgang Hummel enters the Diet.
Mein master sends his greetings, honoured electors. He wishes to express his concern that the Holy Land appears to have been sapping the strength of the Reich. While mein lord does not advocate in any way abandoning the Holy Land to the infidel, he would like to see the Papal State there strengthened, thus removing the obligation of the Reich to send shiploads of men over there.
Mein master also requests that he be sent back to Swabia to defend his Duchy's frontiers against the French.
The messenger bows ands leaves the Diet.
I mourn with the Bavarians for Markus Steffen who valiantly gave his life to bring a halt to the Milanese threat and consequently save many lives in Bavaria.
As for matters at hand, I have stressed in the previous diet that Sofia should not have been given to the Byzantines, as it provided the much needed troops for the eastern Austrian border and was an excellent strategic location to launch raids into Bran to prevent further invasions, as my many battles have shown. The eastern front is now dangerously stretched with no castle anywhere near Budapest, with the reinforcements having to come from either Ragusa, Innsbrück or Thorn, all of which are more than 8 years away.
However, I believe it may be viable for us to help our Austrian friends by passing an edict taking Bran the next diet?
As for the northern crusade, I do not believe that to be folly as it will divert attention from Thorn, giving it time to rebuild and train more soldiers. Ansehelm's courage and determination in that matter should be applauded, for he is defending Franconia by driving a wedge through Russia.
Hümmel, I would ask you to stay in Outremer to help defend against the Mongols at the very least until I arrive, as we need every man and knight we can muster.
Let us not quabble about who receives which troops. I am sure the chancellor is capable of assigning forces where they are needed, and trained professionals take time to recruit and equip. The regions where the largest hostile aggression is found naturally receives more support than others.
The von Mahrens offer our sincerest condolences at the death of Markus Steffen. My father and myself know all too well the pain that is being felt by the Steffen family right now.
I must also concur with the words of Duke Arnold and Count Lothar Steffen. The army immidiately outside Budapest is a fair challenge as is, and there are two more armies further east!
Speaking of such things, I have noticed a small force of Knights and Zweihanders just southwest of Budapest. With Count Steffen stating that Bavaria is not threatened by imminent invasion, The Count Ansehelm assuring us that Thorn's security is not a problem, Franconia and Swabia too far to be reached in any reasonable length of time *and* Outremer more then capable of supporting itself, I request that the Chancellor divert that force to the AHA within the limits imposed by the Imperial Rule of Army Composition.
Keeping in mind that those knights would have to be diverted from their original destination, I think it reasonable to state that there are no men better suited to come to Austria's aid.
I think most men, when in plight, forget that others are just as worse.
No, not every Duchy is safe as of now. In Swabia, we have Paris constantly under threat by large French Armies. In Franconia, Thorn has been sieged over ten times in the last 40 Years. In Austria, the bloody grounds of Budapest, and the Hungarians. And last off, Barvaria with Corisa and Sardina.
So think that over, and as of now. Nowhere in the Holy Roman EMpire is safe.
My Emperor, I did not claim that the other Duchies were not in danger. I merely made the argument that the proximity of Budapest, coupled with the immediacy of the threat Duke Arnold and myself are faced with, make it the most appropriate destination for the force in question.
I know you weren't saying that Sigismund, I was merely replying to others. Your suggestion is, something I deem good.
That force you mention was split from my army at Sofia and is currently en route to support Duke Arnold.
As the new commander of the FHA, recently appointed by Steward Ansehelm, my orders for the army are to move it just south of Thorn so to trap any besiegers between the hammer and anvil. An army mobile is better than an army enswamped in city streets. I yearn for the open fields once again.
And while it is not my jurisdiction, I believe my brother the Count of Thorn will agree when I urge that Thorn be on constant recruitment of the best quality troops available to protect it from its constant siege.
Offhand, I would agree that Bran should be taken from the Hungarian swine. The Chancellor must make it a priority that all of the Household Armies are in pristine or at least high quality, full-size condition so we may beat back the waves of invaders.
I said it before and will say it again: Giving the Byzantines the prized citadel of Sofia was a grave mistake!
Looking at our newly acquired intelligence, it seems our 'eastern brothers' have managed to lose the citadel to the barbarians in christian disguise within 4 years of the handover.
I will hope to put forward an edict the next diet to personally retake this place once and for all and this time keep in in our capable hands rather than lose it to some incompetent fools again.
*looks at the assembled*
And I shall hope that those who previously wanted it to be handed over will now see the error in their ways and support this motion!
I will not doubt your capabilities Hans, but do you know what resources it takes to take Sofia. You need an army, while we still need to reinforce our Household Armies. Surely Thorn can go and start producing again, but that hardly helps, as it will only favour Franconia.
You won't be able to bring an army from nothing an retake it. Our borders are large and not easy to defend. You might take Sofia, but that will mostlikely mean that we put less interest in another area of the Reich. Look at Franconia, we need our FHA to defend Thorn and that might now cost us Hamburg.
We already have an expedition to support, upto a certain point, namely the Crusade against Russia.
Wouldn't it be better to let the Bavarians help in taking Sofia, they don't necessarely have to take it themselves, but Bavaria, being safe, can use it's BHA to help out parts of the empire in need, but for that we need to see what happens in future years.
Maybe Sofia will even be retaken by our Byzantine Allies, remember that Hungary is attacking us as well.
Matthias listens to the Diet Discussion for a bit before speaking.
It is unfortunate that the Byzantines have sold or given up Sofia under threat of attack to the Hungarians. It also means the land link with Outremer has been severed. This is frustrating, but I agree with Ansehelm von Kastilien that an expedition, at this time, must wait until the borders of the Reich are stabilized.
This also means that the Russian Crusade must be delayed until this occurs. In fact a move on Sofia or into Russia will not be possible, even if we wished to launch them, until the launching points of such a move, Thorn and eastern Austria, are clear of enemies. Any armies assigned to the tasks would be caught up in continuing enemy incursions in those areas before they could move on.
The Diet is frustrated because we lack the resources, initiative and freedom of movement we had in 1240. Yet the situation is improving. Think back to Kaiser Jobst's resignation, Budapest was in revolt, there was rioting across the Reich and enemies moved with impunity across our border. Thanks to Chancellor von Hamburg, that has begun to change.
Have we gained back all that we lost? No, but we are on our way. In order to make it all the way back, we must focus on defending our current borders. Once we have regained our full strength, then we can turn over to an offensive strategy.
As for Bavarian assistance to other Duchies. Bavaria, with the seizure of Corsica. . .
Matthias's expression darkens.
. . .is indeed as secure as she has been since 1080, but we have no forces, currently, to send. It's all battered militia. Duke Gerhard might consider sending assistance later, though I cannot speak for him, but the BHA needs to be rebuilt before doing so.
As I am Steward of Bavaria in my father's temporary absense, I wish to state that the resources of Innsbruck must be immediately made available to the House of Austria. The Bavarian Household Army must be rebuilt, but Ajaccio can serve that purpose for the time being and Duke Arnold is in far greater need of men than I am at the moment. I urge the Chancellor to utilize the untapped training facilities of Innsbruck to assemble many regiments of high quality soldiers to aid the Austrians in their battles against the Hungarians invaders.
Conrad Salier:
I have heard recent grumblings about the amount of forces allocated to Outremer, where it could possibly be used to better effect elsewhere. The most common argument is that we can support ourselves.
Most of the time this is true. However, our next few years are going to be as trying of a period for us as it is the rest of you, and possibly more.
To the east, the four armies of the Horse Lords are bearing down on Edessa and the Chancellor. Naturally our full attention is focused there. However, as a result of this our Muslim enemies have considered this the opportune moment to attack. To the northwest, Karl Zirn and a small force are currently under threat from significant amounts of Turks. To the South, two full Egyptian armies are making their way north. One is possibly headed for Acre, which is of course underdefended due to the Horse Lord threat. The other is making its way to Jerusalem, which we are honor-bound to protect.
Now, I realize that Jerusalem is more than capable of defending itself but the fact still remains that we are under attack from three directions and only defending one. We do require these extra resources for the time being in order to secure the East. Once the armies are driven out then we shall cease to become a large pain.
As I said, it would not be until the next diet session, which will likely be after we have dispatched the Mongols once more.
I would also not require much of an army, as I managed to take Sofia the first time with a battered force that had only very few regiments more than my current one I believe.
Also, only I have previously laid siege and resided in Sofia and know the ins and outs of the place, something that will reduce any prospective casualties.
A knight in the livery of House Austria enters the Diet Chamber.
My Lords,
Duke Arnold sends greetings and word that the first Hungarian Army has been crushed with a night attack.
He is also considering abandoning Budapest in order to regroup and better receive reinforcements.
Arnold.
Ansehelm stands
Even though retreating and regrouping might sound like a good plan, I considered it for Thorn, it's not the best solution in my opinion.
Look at our World Map:
https://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d...apMTW2copy.jpg
Abandoning Budapest will mean a great gap in our defences. There will actually be more ground to cover. Zagred and Ragusa will be undefended, or Vienna and Prague will be undefended.
I suggest you try to hold on to it, recruit some mercenaries if you can find them to quickly reinforce your army.
Arnold enters the Diet Chamber flanked by two massive figures. One clad entirely in Black Full Plate, the other in chainmail and bear skins. Each one towers over Arnold six foot three frame by some margin.
Ansehelm, excellent map. If I may I'd like my scribes to take a copy.
As I am here, the decision is made.
The remaining troops from Budapest are heading to Vienna, while the reinforcements from Sofia and Ragusa will rendezvous there also.
Once there I will reconstitute my forces and head back to Budapest to retake it.
I tell you this gentlemen. The next Chancellor that ignores my orders for taxation in MY LANDS will face severe consequences!!!
That £"$%^£"$ing idiot Ulrich couldn't manage a :daisy: in a brothel with a thousand florins!!
With all due respect Duke Arnold, are you going to dishonor your house and abandon your fellow Austrians to the barbarians of the east?
The forces you face may be formidable if faced in a siege situation, but in the field, they are nothing! If you wish to live up to your father's legacy, I dare you to attack the first force in a pronged attack and then with a few swift horsemen run down the siege train that follows it.
We, as true Germans, must not run from the enemy when there is a chance of victory. Especially not in our homelands!
Maybe now you will hate me for these words, but after the battle, you shall know their wisdom and we may once again dine as brothers!
The Dread Knight stands immediately upon hearing Hans speak.
The slithering hiss of his sword is clearly heard.
His whispering rasping voice cuts across the chamber causing complete silence;
“Choosse your 'Ssecond' Lord Hanss and make ssure SsHE can fight.”
Arnold raises his hand, causing the Dread Knight to fall still.
Arnold looks towards the Kaiser and calmly states:
“What I think Hans is trying to say my Kaiser, is that he would like a short amnesty against Nobles dueling so we can take this outside and settle our differences.”
Casting his malevolent gaze back on Hans;
“Would that be accurate Hans?”
It would be a sad day if Austria was to lose its Duke a second time in such a short period of time, so unless you insist on taking the matter to the colosseum, I shall remain steadfast on my stance that those barbarians can be driven back at minimal cost to the empire this very year.
In the meantime, if you wish to see blood, I'd ask you to either ride into battle as I suggested, let your brother take up the sword for Austria, or let both our berserker friends duke it out *Hans glances toward Thorsten and Arnold's barbarian retinue.
Holding Han's gaze for sometime, Arnold is very still. The Dread Knight Bane and Grom the Berserker are seen talking behind him in hushed tones.
Finally Arnold responds.
Hans,
You're either looking for a death wish or you have some skill about you that I am not aware of.
I'll take your challenge and attack the second army.
At that statement both Bane and Grom cease talking and stare at the back of Arnold's figure. After some moments the Berserker slaps his huge hand on the Dread Knights armoured back and whoops in maniacal glee
"I told you he is insane Bane!!! Lets go!!"
At that moment Arnold and his retinue depart the Diet chamber.
Ansehelm stands
I'm quite suprised Arnold dares to bring some barbarians to the Diet. Sure where I come from there are more or less only barbarians, but bringing them here? ... they would drink all of Jonas von Mahrens beer.
*A faint smile can be seen on Hans' face as Arnold leaves the diet to march onto the Hungarians*
It seems the young Duke will finally grow to become a strong man.
The three figures return covered in gore.
Arnold throws the severed heads of the Hungarian Army leaders onto the Diet floor. Looking at Hans directly Arnold says
It seems there was a small change in plan!!
I still think you're an effeminate sack of :daisy: Hans so I'd politely ask you never to speak about my father again.
However you seem to have inspired me to further acts of fury.
The Hungarian's are no more, Budapest is safe and the heads of four thousand Hungarian's are on spikes from the city gates to the Hungarian border.
Hopefully that should remind them of their fate should they ever consider trying to take Budapest again.
Without further word Arnold and his retinue depart. The vacant eyes of the three Hungarian army commanders stare at the walls of the Diet Chamber in silence.
...And indeed he has.
*Hans waves over one of the scribes and starts dictating a letter*
STOP!
This is an Imperial Council, not a fight club! Will Count Hans and Duke Arnold both calm down so we can get some work done here?
The departing Dread Knight stops at the words of the young Péter von Kastilien.
Even though his words are spoken from the entrance of the Diet some 50 feet away, his words carry with an unnatural clarity and force across the room.
There'ss been plenty of work done you fool!! Would you like to come and ssee the headss lining the causeway to the Hungarian border?
An aide in the livery of Jan von Hamburg stands up and points at the departing dread knight
My lord has sent a message to the diet stating that there are real enemies in Outremer and if you wish to prove your manliness, then all of you can hop on a boat and lend a hand. Its easy to swagger around with bodyguards wearing costumes. Try that before the horse lords and watch them laugh before they tear off your heads and play a sport with them. Now can we please get back to business!?
You, Dread Knight! Do you think I fear you? In my northern home in Breslau, I have slain bears three times your size. I am certain that battling is going on successfully, but inside these chambers there has been naught but ladies' squabble. And if you choose to fight me, I am a tournament winner and terrible in combat. I would personally teach you a lesson, were there not a better use of my time in the protection of my people. Any female can fight Hungarian barbarians, but the Polish Nobles are at my doorstep and I must protect my people.
*Lothar Steffen eyes Hans, Péter von Kastilien, and Bane in an appraising manner. After a few moments of looking them up-and-down, he gestures to his personal clerk.*
If a fight breaks out, place a large wager on the Austrian.
*Lothar places a large and heavy sack of coin in the man's hand. He then looks back a Hans.*
The Mighty...
*He attempts to stiffle a snicker, and fails.*
My cousin is right. We have real enemies to worry about, not overaggressive dread knights, not effete Swabians, nor spoiled and crippled Bavarians. *cough did I just say that?* The French, Poles, Russians, Hungarians, Milanese, Venetians, Danish, and Mongols all want a piece of our empire. We shall prove to them all that with men on our side such as Duke Arnold, Count Hans, Count Lothar, and myself that we cannot and will not forfeit any ground.
Indeed Peter, and this is why, after some nudging, Duke Arnold managed to defeat our mutual foe, the Hungarians, instead of abandoning Budapest to them.
The need to work together, even if it sometimes requires some nudging, instead of working against each other is what makes our empire strong.
I could not have said it better myself Count Hans the Mighty.
Impressive talk, gentlemen, but I see little in your history or your actions that indicate that you are concerned with anything other than your personal ambitions. Cooperation for the greater good requires far more than simple words. You must be willing to do all that is necessary to see that the Reich is safe and prosperous, regardless of personal cost.
I would lecture you both some more, but I know you are busy. I would not want to keep you from your tireless work bleeding the Reich dry of soldiers.
It is quite interesting that you say that Lothar, as any work to keep the empire safer requires soldiers.
Also, I believe quite a few of us have shown considerable personal sacrifice to keep the empire safe and prosperous as well as saving as many soldiers' lives as we could and take the blows ourselves instead.
Would you not agree?
I also would not like to dwell much further on this matter and focus on preparations for Outremer instead.
Matthias looks about the Diet Chamber and sighs.
I congratulate Duke Arnold on his three victories against the Hungarians. Budapest is now truly secure. That is what we should be celebrating.
Instead the tone in this Chamber has become acrimonious. Insults and challenges fly amongst the houses, and victory seems to be less important than who should take credit for it.
"Spoiled and crippled" Bavarians, you say Count Peter? My House has never backed down from a fight. Do not begrudge us the fact that through battle, legislation supporting our alliance with Sicily, and the luck of geography we have carved out a secure spot in the Reich. Yet, we have supported the other houses despite our "Spoiled" position. We have fought Venetians and Hungarians outside our territory, Innsbruck has provided many men to the other houses, and Bavaria has always been a strong supporter of Outremer.
In fact, that is why Bavaria is currently "crippled", the professional units of the BHA have been dispatched to Austria, to Franconia and to Outremer. I have no objection to this, as long as the losses are eventually made good, but I would not be insulted for our generosity.
Simplistic insults and shows of bravado accomplish nothing, we need to focus on the task at hand, returning the Reich to security and prominence and crushing the threats before us.
Ansehelm stands, looking with anger at Lothar
I must say that I'm insulted by your words Lothar.Quote:
but I see little in your history or your actions that indicate that you are concerned with anything other than your personal ambitions.
Peter has saved Thorn many times. If I recall correctly about 10 battles have been fought near and about Thorn in the past time. We won most, and most were won by Peter.
And I will not even start about the Honourable Hans, how do you think he became the best General in the Reich?
You're talking to two of the best generals here, my brother and Hans.
And Matthias, you are not spoiled because you get more attention from the chancellor. It's you Italian Playboy like style we Northerners tend to dislike.
Appearing from the Austrian chambers Arnold takes his Ducal seat in the Diet.
Goddamn it!!!
ENOUGH!
I'd like to point out gentlemen that is was Han's who basically called me a coward!! He did this by casting dispersions of dishonour towards me and stating that I would be abandoning my own house!!
I suggest the von Kastilien house thinks on that before continuing down a dangerous path of name calling towards myself or that of the Steffen household.
It is only myself that need to request satisfaction if I wish it, and might I add, I've still not heard any apology or public attempt at reconciliation from the man at this time.
So!!!
Are we done with all this bollocks!!??
Ansehelm stands
Now listen here, the Von Kastillien family did nothing. My brother said something, I said something.
I suggest we stop the fighting here in the Diet now, if you want to fight I know some nice people who might want to help getting beaten up. This is no place to fight, do it somewhere else.
Hans is the son of the late Kaiser Henry, surely he meant no harm, and if he did I'm sure it was playing. You're a young man Arnold, don't take anything seriously.
Noble Matthias, I was not referring to the entire of Bavaria, or to the entirety of any other Duchy I mentioned, but rather the individuals I was describing. If you wish to retort to my calling Lothar Steffen spoiled that is another matter, however I did not generalize my attack. I apologize for saying crippled, as that is an insult upon the noble Steffen house and not just your infantile "elder" brother. It is a shame the witch plagued you gentlemen - a blessing that she is gone.
The Kaiser grips his sword handle, and stands
May I remind all, of those who are fighting, that this is not a courthouse, not a tavern but a place to discuss the dealings of our Empire.
We do not need to spill German blood as well.
Anyone who argues, shall be banned from the DIet, and traced...
The Kaiser sits, and leans back to speak to Dieter, who nods and summons some heavily armed men to the door of the Diet.
Conrad Salier:
If we, the leaders of the Reich, cannot act like gentlemen and good Christians in the Diet than there is truly no point of keeping up this charade of us being a force to be reckoned with.
Count Ansehelm is quite correct.
The exchange of words between myself and Duke Arnold was only meant to suggest that he reconsider giving up Budapest to the Hungarians. As in my own words, if he returned victorious, we would dine once again as brothers - and so he did.
Now, Duke Arnold, I would like you to consult with your retinue, as I certainly had sent you a letter earlier.
And lastly, these matters are resolved, there is no need for further insults. Heed the emperor's words.
Jan's aide stands upQuote:
Originally Posted by AussieGiant
He didn't "basically" call you a coward. He did call you a coward. And how did you respond? By slaughtering thousands of captured prisoners! Pray tell, what exactly is brave about killing men who have already laid down their arms? I suggest you take lessons in bravery from my lord's father who is staring down thousands of horse lords as we speak. That is bravery. That is service. And my lord would tell you so in person if he was not so busy facing real enemies. Now can we Please end this petty bickering and get back to the business of the Reich!?!
The aide sits down and as he does, his robe moves slightly revealing that the aide is fully armored and bears the crest of the Teutonic Order.
Arnold:
Gentlemen,
Count Han's has written me a letter explaining the misunderstanding. I would not call it an apology but in his own way there is some explanation for what he said.
I've come to my own opinion on the matter so it is closed.
Looking towards Jan's aid, Arnold continues
And you. Teuton!! I admire the way you essentially call ME a coward and then ask that everyone get back to business.
Why don't you take your pathetic little black and white cross and :daisy: off back to Outremer where you belong.
Retract your words Sir, or we will begin this whole bloody thing again if I have to!?
Looking towards the Kaiser
My Lord, the man has insulted me. I request he be removed from the Diet.
Arnold sits waiting for further attempts at dishonouring his name.
Arnold, you have heard what the Kaiser said, I suggest you retract your words, it will be better for you.
Next to that you insulted the house of Franconia, by attack Jan von Hamburg, something I'm very displeased with.
I believe you once said you wanted to marry the Kaisers daughter, a doubt a young and charming girl like her would like such words as you've just been using.
Take my advice and take some rest, you have been stressed by everything happening to Budapest, take some rest. Go to sleep early this night, or find some fine German girl or something.
I appeal to Kaiser Jobst to reprimand the House of Franconia for continuing to argue and attack the honor of Duke Arnold. The matter was settled and would have been laid to rest were it not for the provocations of Jan von Hamburg.
The House of Franconia did nothing, Lothar. Jan von Hamburg offended Duke Arnold, if anyone were to be punished, it would be him alone.
Lothar, why the house of Franconia? Arnold hasn't been swearing and cursing all through the Diet. Would you call that normal behaviour?
And where's the Kaiser anyway? I haven't seen him in a long time
Last I heard, Kaiser Jobst von Salza and our brother Siegfried von Kastilien were off fighting a battle with the Emperor's Army of the Interior. But I haven't heard from them since.
Conrad Salier:
It is disconcerting that the Diet is still full of children bickering. I certainly hope that the Kaiser will be able to silence this ridiculous discussion once and for all when he returns.
King Salier, I am glad of your presence. Perhaps you can return the sanity to this Diet and help ease the tensions between your protege Jan von Hamburg and your friend Lothar.
Jan's Teutonic Knight returns to the chambers and reads off of a scroll
My lord has sent word back to the Diet and I will now read it in full:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Frederick rolls up the scroll and addresses Arnold
My dear Duke, I would gladly go back to Outremer and serve at my lords side for he serves The Lord. But he made it clear that it was important to him that I be his mouthpiece in the Diet while he is busy and I will do that duty until he, or the Kaiser, remove me from this body. I have spent my life serving the Lord. I have guarded pilgrims, administered to the sick, spread the word, and fought the horse lords in Damascus. What have you done? You stroll in here and attempt to intimidate the Diet with your hulking bodyguards. You threaten my lord's cousin. You deny us the opportunity to save the souls of the ones you butcher. I swear by God that the horse lords have more honor than you. At least they don't pretend to be Christian...
Frederick, this Diet should not get into personal attacks. If you have a problem with a member of its body, you should send a message to him. This is a place for which to conduct business, not sling mud upon our friends.
Chancellor Fredericus, I trust that Thorn is recruiting fresh troops constantly to replete itself and the nearby FHA, correct?
Jan's Teutonic Knight Frederick:
And my good sir, just how is one supposed to bring up the slaughtering of prisoners without attacking the one who did it? If I said, "I would like to have us talk about how captured prisoners are ending up on pikes," I would expect Duke Arnold to take it personally because there is no other way to take it. He is an intelligent man and would obviously see that the matter brought up was about him. Now, my lord thinks it is best to be blunt and direct. Would Duke Arnold or anyone else here prefer my lord work in the shadows and whisper gossip like so many others do in the Diet? At least with Jan von Hamburg, Duke Arnold will know where he stands. There will be no knife in the back. My lord will treat the good Duke with the respect that the Duke refused to show fellow Catholics.
Herr Frederick, was it not one of your own fellow Crusaders who so recently said "Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius"? It is good to know that there are a few Christians in the East who have the fortitude to do what is required, even when it is unpalatable. The Lord helps those who help themselves. If God did not wish for the Hungarians to be slaughtered, surely he would have granted them victory. As it stands, the Reich is the light of salvation in a world of darkness. All who oppose us are nothing more than heretics and deserve the pyre.
Jan's Teutonic Knight Frederick:
But if we kill them, how can we save them? My lord Jan and I are of the mind that living converts serve the Lord better than dead ones. Once a man takes up arms against the Reich, he is to be killed. But, once he has laid those arms down, he is to be saved. Thus is our duty as Crusaders. For it is the Lord that has put us here to do His work in His name. We are but soldiers of the Lord and we must follow orders. It is through good deeds that we earn our rightful place as rulers of the known world. It is what separates us from the barbarians. Like Rome, the Holy Roman Empire will be the beacon of civilization that shines around the whole world! We should at least act civilized or what kind of example are we showing to everyone else?
A young Franconian Knight enters the Diet. His hair is cut short in a fashion similar to that of his father Gunther von Kastillien. His face looks young, but his eyes carry the look of one who has seen battle and the lines below them suggest that sleep has been a rare luxury for this man. With a grave voice he starts to address the Diet.
I am Siegfried von Kastillien and together with Emperor Jobst I have fought against the Danes threatening our Empire in the north. The armies surrounded us are scattered and their remnants have been ransomed back to the Danish King. The army besieging Hamburg has been defeated and the threat to the north of our Empire is no more. I personally led the charge to relieve Hamburg and no Danish soldier remains on Imperial soil.
It was in my third battle under Emperor Jobst, after defeating Danish Militias and battle-hardened War Clerics that outnumbered us during the recent night, that we faced the last remnants of the Danish armies surrounding us in the early morning. The defenders had catapults with them, shooting their fiery projectiles with deadly accuracy Emperor Jobst bodyguard was hit before making contact with the enemy. Once the few defenders had been scattered it fell to me to find the Emperor surrounded by the charred remnants of his bodyguard. Though he was badly burned there was still life in him when I arrived and so it was in these very arms that Emperor Jobst died.
Spreading his arms wide for everyone to see, Siegfried lowers his head in silent mourning. Letting a moment of silence pass for the Diet to understand these grave news.
As you are all aware, Jobst von Salza never named his Heir to this Diet. Young in years he probably wanted to wait for the right moment to make his announcement. Death was faster though, but fortunately not fast enough to let me hear his dying wish. He has named his Heir, and the name he spoke was Siegfried von Kastillien.
So it is at this dark hour that it falls to me to carry on the legacy of Emperor Heinrich, Henry and Jobst. I swear upon the Holy Bible to do my utmost to protect this Empire and its citizen from any harm here and in the Afterworld. I am, as of now, Emperor Siegfried.
With careful steps the young Franconian Knight ascends the dais on which the Emperors throne is situated and slowly takes his seat and casts a slow glance around the room, tilting his head just so that he appears to be staring down his nose at every Elector.
An elaborate recount of the four battles fought in the north involving the circumstances of the late Emperor's death will be published by my scribes shortly.