Imperial Diet VII

Fritz affects shock and surprise with his visage, but it is clearly a game to him.

Is it for the good of the Germans in Breslau? The ones in Thorn? There may be none left further east, it's been so long since a Franconian saw them. Half of Franconia stands under foreign occupation and you have done exactly nothing as Duke to aid them! Nothing! Why the very Austrian you're defending has done more for Franconia than her Duke, at least he tried to retake Breslau.

Who will stop me leaving Scandanavia? I own these lands, and the remaining peasants have been taught their place here. Are you actually suggesting that you would make your way out of sight of Madgeburg to threaten me somehow? The whole point of what I've said is that none of it is an insult, it's the pure, simple, uncomplicated truth.

Duke Ansehelm died defending a part of his Duchy you have never even ridden far enough to see. Judge for yourself what that makes you.

As for whose side you are on, it does not appear to me that you are on anyone's side and I am sick of exactly that. Declare yourself now and we need never speak again.

With another grim little smile Fritz leans back in his seat.

:egypt:

I requested to march on Breslau but your recommendation was to stay put, seeing as you call yourself so great I thought I should follow that out of respect for you, now you use it against me. As I said I do not need to prove myself to you, doesn't Peter's choice of heir to Franconia suggest anything? You just wait and see, I shall listen to Peter, mein Kaiser, you are an insignificant whelp, your words mean nothing to me.

And we will never speak again, and soon you will not be able to speak to anyone.

Herrmann Steffen:

I move for an Emergency Session of the Diet.

Clearly, Fritz von Kastilien has lost his mind. If the idea of his ravings in the Diet was to attract more people to his side and make people see his version of the truth, he has failed. Miserably. He seems to be taking pleasure in the fact that he thinks that he can kill every single one of us, bar his brother.

I implore three of the Dukes, or the Prinz, to call this session so that we may begin impeachment proceedings against the Chancellor and start the reworkings of the Charter to make it worthy of a Republic.

Herrmann Steffen:

...or, at the very least, discuss the removal of the Chancellor from power. Once that is accomplished we can go from there.

I would be willing to have this Chancellor impeached, he is clearly not good for our nation.

Looking around with a slight amount of surprise, Arnold pretends to raise his hand hesitantly over the suggestion of an impeachment.

Aye...I'll also be willing to have him removed...for arguments sake.

Ahhh, the mighty defender of Madgeburg believes I am not good for his nation, I who have coordinated the reclaiming of a dozen counties lost during the Cataclysm. I who oversaw the complete eradication of the plague within the Reich. I who expanded his own Duchy when he himself refused to do so.

If you will recall, Duke Dieter, I actually recommended that you attack the Poles in the field before they lay siege to Madgeburg. It was only when you declined to do so and slunk back towards Madgeburg that I, reluctantly and disgustedly, sent you back into your citadel yet again to prevent your army being completely destroyed.

I also find it very interesting that one of these rebel Republicans discovers the gumption to suggest that I be impeached according the laws of the Reich. You can't have it both ways boy, either you're an Imperial subject with the rights and responsibilities thereof, or you're a filthy rebel with only what scraps and dregs of power you can drag down into the mud with you.

Tell the truth now too, I have threatened only those who decline to support the Kaiser of the Reich! If you don't respect Imperial power it's absurd to appeal to that same authority to depose me.

Fritz's grin only gets wider the more vigorously he's opposed.

:egypt:

After Fritz's final comment Arnold can be seen snapping his fingers together in disgust.

Damn, that nearly worked.

Turning to Bane, the Duke continues in a whispered tone.

He does seem to be on form at the moment Bane. Do you think we stand a chance?

The Dread Knights dark helm turns towards his master. With an exaggerated tilt of his head the indication is that the Dread Knight is not so sure there is much of a chance.

Fritz inclines his head in Arnold's direction.

You know Duke, I respect your insouciance. I won't make the mistake of presuming on Imperial authority, but if I have any say in the matter you won't be executed like an honorless dog alongside your fellows. For you I'll try to find a clean death.

Grinning a touch wider, Fritz winks ostentatiously at Bane.

Bloody well freeing, isn't it? Not to be tied down to respecting the system, placating the feelings of empty hats, and trying to keep everyone on an even keel. God's teeth, we should've done this earlier! What were you chaps hiding for anyway, seems like every two bit noble in Germany's on your side already?

:egypt:

Herrmann Steffen:

I suppose that would be your fault then, would it not?

Despite being elected Chancellor by a wide margin and being widely known as one of the most effective leaders and greatest generals in the history of the Reich, your speeches over the past few days have managed to bring out your true self and galvanize a good majority of the Reich against you. Congratulations.

Haha, Arnold and Lothar are not Dukes! Try and have an Emergency Diet Session! Not in a city I abide in, no sir! Not even in the capital of Bavaria will Lothar wield power as long as I can help it!

Dieter Bresch, you shall fight for the Imperials or you shall be locked inside Magdeburg for eternity.

Grinning widely even though the under current of words hold deadly meaning, Arnold nods his head at Bane while looking directly at Fritz.

That's very sporting of you Chancellor. A clean death is all I would really ask of you at this stage...

I don't want you bleeding all over Bane here, while I remove your head from that spindly little neck of yours. If you could ensure that you are wearing a very thick tunic I'm sure Bane would greatly appreciate it.

As for your vocabulary, well then it's really coming on now you've become comfortable in your new public speaking role. The Kaiser will be so proud to see his brother at least providing 'some' leadership here in the Diet.

And young Hermann does have a point. It seems you are hell bent on kicking every man here squarely in the balls...figuratively speaking of course.

I'm rather glad I have a regiment of shock troops, plus Bane and Grom between me and that boot of yours.

With that both Bane and Grom bow their heads briefly at the Chancellor.

Herrmann Steffen:

I don't think I even need to speak here anymore. The von Kastiliens are so good at polarizing themselves; I should just let them keep talking. With every word spoken you alienate more and more people.

You can't punish the entire Reich alone, gentlemen.

Dieter enters the Diet looking weary and unwilling

I officially declare my support to the Imperials. be suer to undertand that this is not because of anything the von Kastiliens have done but because of my undying loyalty and the true words of my friend Tancred.


OOC: a reply to Tancred: (full inbox)

yes I see the wisdom behind these words. I have also realised just how old Peter and Fritz are now and they have no children, soon after the war is over the von Kastilien name will be forgotten whether they win or lose. My family however has two male heirs and so will be able to carry on bringing glory to Franconia. Thank you for your advice friend, I shall travel to the Diet immediately to declare my support for the Emperor.

Smiling broadly Fritz now winks in Duke Dieter's direction.

Well chosen! I had a feeling you'd come around under a firm hand. Well, well, the sides have shaped up nicely! There's a great deal to do in the field, so if you'll excuse me, I believe every noble of consequence has declared his loyalty so my words are no longer needed.

Good day gentlemen! If I'm needed send a messenger.

Fritz stands and departs, rubbing his hands together and muttering to the members of his retinue. Before leaving he tosses a final cheery wave in Arnold's direction.

Here's to a good death for us both old man!

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

:clown:

:egypt:

Dieter shakes his head in disbleief, Fritz truly had lost his mind in his old age...

Arnold laughs and gives Fritz the famous two fingered English salute.

Old!?

Speak for yourself Fritz, I don't look a day over 25 and my mistress said she saw God twice last night!!

Turning to his retinue the Duke's voice cracks over them.

Right you whoreson's there's work to be done!!

Assemble the "Wolves" and lets get this "show on the road"!!

Von Hapsburg rises and hurls his dagger into the floor.

"Mein Gott! Why is this upstart traitor still here?! Herr Arnold, leave at once, or you will be in know state to rebel."

Men at arms wearing the Hapsburg livery are seen entering the Diet building.

Glancing with distain at Hapsburg, Arnold can only sneer in his direction as he leaves.

It's all a matter of perspective Hapsburg. I'm no less a traitor than any man in this room!!

Looking at the entering soldiers, Arnold raises an amused eyebrow.

Your show of force is why I arrived with more than enough regiments to ensure my safety AND, ability to exercise my duty as Duke of Austria.

See you on the battlefield Hapsburg, and don't forget to read that manual from the Military Colleague of Women's Cloths and small Dogs.

You'll need it before I'm through with you.

Satisfied that the rogue Austrian has left, Hapsburg rises and faces the electors who remain in the chmaber, all of whom are either neutral or loyal to the Kaiser.

I call for the Kaiser to call an Emergency Session of the Diet so that we can officially outlaw these republican fiends.

Hapsburg glances at the Kaiser, waiting for his reaction.

I am informed I have not made my intentions clear enough. Our tyrant of a Kaiser, my use- and faithless Duke, his self-important lackeys, and the lesser Austrian upstart can go get stuffed. I declare for the Illuminati.
I do this for three reasons:

1. Principles: Men like Hapsburg are tolerated among the loyalists.

2. Loyalty: I was loyal to the empire when it was deserving. I was loyal to Swabia when it was deserving. I remain loyal to those who have shown most loyalty to me, and those are the people of Flanders. They do not wish to live under Imperial tyranny.

3. God: Most importantly, God has clearly abandoned this empire. Were it not for Imperial lackeys sitting on the papal throne in Rome, the world would have no illusion about the crimes against the one true church that this Empire has commited. As it is, we fool the world. But we do not fool our creator.

The only man I go against here with a heavy heart is Chancellor von Kastilien, who was both a good chancellor and a good man. Sadly, he is related to the tyrant, and honour bound to die by his side. May his death be quick, and God welcome him to his Kingdom.

Ludwig von Böhmen

(OOC: should anyone feel offended, rest assured this is very much IC)

Through the door comes a small group of travelers in robes. A middle aged and grizzled Teutonic Knight is at the forefront. His steps are measured and proud. He leads 3 people through the Diet chambers to the middle of the large hall where people give speeches. The other three people lift their hoods and reveal an elderly woman with a regal presence and 2 teenagers. The elderly woman addresses the Diet:

I am hereby invoking section 8c, sub-paragraph 14t, of clause 8 of the Imperial Charter. It's something my husband slipped into a piece of legislation years ago that allows a former Queen of Outremer the status to address the Diet in a time of Emergency.

Now that bit of bureaucratic unpleasantness is behind us, I can get to the point. I am Alfgarda von Hamburg, wife of Jan von Hamburg, and retired Queen of Outremer with all the rights, duties, and responsibilities that position entails.

The Reich is in a time of great peril... And it is the Order that brought us here. My husband fought against the Order, and their wicked evil ways, for 30 years. He fought against their members, without knowing of a larger organization, for far longer. The murder of Kaiser Siegfried was but one of the many crimes this group perpetrated.

Do not be fooled by their talk of advanced political theories like "democracy" and "egalitarianism". They are an oligarchy. An evil cabal of cruel and evil men. Wicked. Twisted. Deformed.

They must be stopped. I have sat by in retirement while this group continues to use and exert political influence among the nobles of the Reich. No longer...

Alfgarda draws a sword from under her robe.

This belonged to my husband! A man who fought in not one, but two great Crusades! Who single handedly rescued the Crown of Thorns from a sea of horse-lords! Who stabbed the wicked Duke Arnold after the Dread Duke tried to murder my husband, not once, but twice! Who fought to save the Reich from violent Lutheranism! Who fought to keep Bern, and by extension Swabia, out of the hands of the Order!

The old woman walks over to the Franconian great table. With strength hidden under her robes, she swings the mighty sword and lodges it in the table edge.

Like the sword buried in this table, I am proposing that the hatchet be buried between myself and Chancellor Fritz. We don't agree on anything but one item. And that is the desire to avenge Kaiser Siegfried and bring his killers to justice. While Duke Dieter is the rightful head and patriarch of the greater von Hamburg family, it is I who speak for my husband. For when we were married under the eyes of the Lord, my soul became intertwined with Jan's.

My husband worked for years to fight the machinations of this group behind the scenes. And he made the ultimate sacrifice. Now, their evil is finally in the open for ALL TO SEE!

Ironic that the group with an "all seeing eye" for a logo was hidden for so long. But now they are exposed. And they are afraid. As they should be...

I am hereby announcing my allegiance to the Imperialist cause. And that of my immediate family. I will pledge EVERYTHING I have. My money. My time. My husband's sword. And my children...

With that, Alfgarda waves her hand towards Clare and Andreas who stand silently and proud.

Though young, they are their father's children and have taken up weapon's training. Together, we will finish my husband's work and bring these evil men to justice.

May Saint Jan the Merciful watch over every Imperialist soldier.

*An Imperial soldier guarding the Diet watches as Alfgarda gives her speech. She is the only one in the Diet, aside from him. After she finishes, he speaks.*

A pretty speech madam, but alas, no one is around to record or hear it. As you can probably see, everyone of consequence is over at Trent fighting the battle.

The old widow turns to the guard.

But the scribes are here. The aids to the nobles are here. What I said had to be said.

It's never too late to do the right thing...

With that, her eyes well up. She buries her face in her hankerchief and moves towards her chambers. Her children accompany their mother, comforting her. Max stands guard outside the door.

*Two Bavarian clerks, idle in dice without the Diet in session, watched the encounter in silence. After the old woman left, they looked at each other.*

"The lady pledges herself to the Kaiser. How noble."

"Perhaps she has forgotten that Rome is deep inside Bavaria. I doubt if there is an Imperial soldier within 500 miles of this building."

"Indeed. Perhaps she will find that sword more useful for her own protection than her Kaiser's."

*The men laughed heartily, and then returned to their game of dice.*

Upon hearing the Bavarian's thinly-veiled threats, a cloaked figure is seen quickly exiting the Diet in the direction of Queen Alfgarda.

Max stiffens when he hears the Bavarian clerks. He loses his composer and walks over to the two men.

Gentlemen...

The next time you threaten Lady Alfgarda, it would be good to remember, that if it wasn't for her husband,

LOTHAR'S BROTHER WOULD BE ROTTING IN A !@#$'ING CELL!!!!!!!!!

Max stands there glaring at the clerks. Finally, he returns to his spot at the chamber door.

A minor Outremer functionary speaks up in them mostly empty chamber.

The Lady Alfgarda speaks the truth solely when she says that her husband aided in the rescue of Viceroy Matthias.

As for her other assertions, well, if the Brotherhood was as evil as she said I doubt it would have drawn so many nobles to the Republican cause. The removal of a mad tyrant bent on the destruction of our nation hardly seems diabolical.

Still, my lord does not forget Jan von Hamburg's assistance, and will not have his wife threatened or put in danger if she wishes to speak here. The matter in question is already being decided far from this Chamber.

The same guarantee cannot be made for her sons if they take up arms in battle against the Republic.

Of course our words here are written in sand until we have word from Trent.

Lady Alfgarda emerges from the chamber. Her eyes are streaked with dried tears and makeup.

I apologize for the outburst of my Teuton friend. Jan's first Teuton made an outburst in the Diet decades ago and Duke Arnold had him murdered. I'm afraid if Max is not more civil, the same end might befall him.

With these next words, Alfgarda eyes Max with a hard stare.

If he wishes to honor my husband, he had best do so with honor...

Her features softening slightly, she turns to the Outremer functionary.

I appreciate your lord's generous sentiment. But I am already in good hands. My bodyguard is quite capable... if slightly outspoken...

As a finer point of detail, I don't have two sons. I have a son and a daughter. 14 and 15 respectively. Unfortunately it seems that they were too late for this fight. But fight they will if they get the chance.

To call Kaiser Siegfried a "mad tyrant" is giving him far too much credit. Misguided, yes. Too trusting in those who swore fealty to him, obviously. But a tyrant? Bah... That's just an excuse to remove him. He wanted to take the Reich in a direction the Order did not want it to go and they removed him. Like cowards...

Couldn't even do it to his face. Swore fealty and then arranged for his murder in the dark and shadows. And these are the men who want to lead us?

My husband was right all along about the Order. He knew... No one believed him but he knew. And finally... finally he has been vindicated. Now it is time to repay the debt of honor. Kaiser Siegfried's murderers must be brought to justice.

Furthermore, Siegfried was probably not the Order's only murder attempt. There was evidence that they tried for Hans when he left Outremer. I bet this Order has ties to Dusan. Which means they have ties to Salier's murder. For that matter, possibly even Hummel's. I remembered when I was little, he died under strange circumstances after his impeachment.

No... the Reich will be better off after this Republic falls...

Lady Alfgarda and Max walk back into the Diet. Alfgarda is carrying the piece of parchment that was tacked onto the main door of the Diet. She sits down and noisily blows her nose into the paper.