Imperial Diet III

Jobst enters the Diet just before the debate ends, and arives in time to hear Arnold speak, watching him, he looks away and stands and whispers

Too eager this younger ones... excellent.

He looks around

mein fellow electors, if Thessalonica is not taken, perhaps when the united Ausrian/bavarian Armies have finished with Zafreb and bUdapest, they could move in on Thessalonica?

It would be ripe for the taking, when these two young commanders are done, Arnold could follow his fathers footsteps and finally take Thessalonica, and Lothar could defend Bavaria from the Milanese Invaders.

To other matters;

I receive news from Dieter, he sources say the Veneatians may still be on Crete? Perhaps if we wanted to rid our seas of their nuisance we should take out the outost there? it would be a great stopover for our Crusaders, and a base for the Crusade?

Jobst sits

In that case I desire to join the hunt!

A messenger from Ansehelm enters the Diet and speaks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ansehelm von Kastilien

Meine Herren

Young Ehrhart, you must remember that there are more duties to a man than to go on "hunting". Austria is big and entire Austria needs to be defended. Soon your father will return to Franconia which means you have to do the things on your own. Thessalonica is far away and the journey is long. While the Austrian Household Army is away other cities need proper defences. The Hungars themselves will mostlikely not stay away. They'll come back, and when they come Austria should be ready for it.

As to Crete, attacking it sounds interesting, but we need the Household armies in the Reich and Crete is simply too far away. The Prinz's Imperial Army will be occupied with the Danes, and I don't know what der Kaiser himself wants to do. Sending an expedition to Crete sounds promising, but could be very dangerous, I think it's best to stay away from these plans for the coming years and look into them again later on.

Ansehelm
Heir to Franconia
Count of Thorn (maybe within the following hours it's ours again)

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Alas! Ansehelm is correct - all the generals of Austria cannot be committed to a single task. I am ever eager to receive my knightship, but I am afraid that must wait.

*Hans be heard muttering something about a dog and a bone*

Please note that our borders are already far stretched and are becoming more difficult to defend given the funds we have while we still want to expand economically. I would advise against capturing regions at this time unless they are of strtegic importance and help defend our borders better rather than stretching them even thinner. That is, we should concentrate only on regions directly bordering us that can sustain themselves in terms of troop production and may be used to defend other nearby regions already under our control.

Messenger enters the diet.

"I report that the Venetian army east to Durazzo has been defeated. The Austrian household army took some casulties,since we were fighting against almost 650 mounted Venetian knights supported by other troops. But with the help of God and good German dicipline,we were able to defeat the foe. I suggest that reinforcements should be send to strengthen this battered army and then we should attack Durazzo.

Jonas Von Mahren"

http://img181.imagevenue.com/view.ph..._122_507lo.jpg

Well done Count von Mahren, truly well done. I shall have the young nobles from Ragusa join you at once if you wish, but I will caution that this will delay your road north to break the siege of Zagreb. In the light of Lothar Steffen's offer however, that may not be required.

OOC: I'll have to remove all other knight units from the AHA though as otherwise the knight limit is exceeded. Personally I think GB shouldn't count as knights for the army composition but merely as cavalry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FactionHeir

OOC: Personally I think GB shouldn't count as knights for the army composition but merely as cavalry.

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OOC: GB are definitely included as knights. Due to the 2HPs and regenerating abilities, we need to limit their use in particular - I've read posts of single BGs destroying whole armies. The historical armies rule does state max 2 BG per army as well.

Excellent father! Some day I wish to have the same battle prowess as you.

My lords, gave tidings.

Hungary has taken Zagreb from us but at least they have shown mercy to the populace. Nevertheless, the pope has excommunciated them.
I suggest that we retake Zagreb quickly with Lother Steffen nearby with a small but elite force. Also, I will personally take Sofia from them to stop further invasions into Austrian lands.

Milan has broken the truce and lays siege to Florence. I will call back our fleet and start blockading their ports pending further notice from Bavaria on how they wish to respond.

Conrad Salier:

This is distressing news indeed. Is there any force in the area that can get to Florence quickly enough or shall we have to wait for a House Army to get us out of danger?

We currently have few forces guarding Italy as the BHA is aiding the Austrians. However, readily available are a few light cavalry regiments and one regiment of pavise crossbows as well as the usual militia. Gerhard Steffen and Fritz von Kastilien are also nearby.
Considering that Lothar Steffen will only take part of the BHA, I will send back the remainder immediately.
Reports from the crossbows I commanded to retreat indicate that the new landing party is solely footknights. I still lack intelligence on the small army besieging Florence however but this should be alleviated as time passes.

In other news, I would like to inform the diet that Thorn is back in Franconia's hands.

Otto stands and speaks:

My lords, with the second Crusade rapidly approaching the Levant, It is now time to assign the Outremer counties.

I am happy to assign the County of Aleppo to Fredericus von Hamburg.

Adana is assigned to Conrad Salier, may he do Bavaria and Outremer proud.

Otto's expression grows a bit stern.

Even though Ulrich Hummel was the only member of the Diet to vote against this current system, and might consider this a demotion, I offer him Acre. Despite our differences, he has served Outremer well.

Edit: If I am unable to fulfill my term, I ask that Duke Leopold be appointed in my place, he is a fearsome General and as an ex-Chancellor he would be an able leader for the Kingdom.

I ask you to join me in congratulating the first Crusader Counts!

Congratulation to you all!!

Prinz Jobst stands

But on the matter of Crete, it is a very strategiclly well placed place.

Think about it, we capture Crete, we control most shipping from Europe to the Holy Land? Plus a good area to qyuickly supply our Crusaders!

On the matter of who to take, it can be an expedition force, an Austrain General can raise a rather small expedtion and take Crete, he could then return to Europe.

It wouldn't cost much, as it is advanced already, and we could make it a major money maker. Plus it woyld knock out our major enemy!

Think on it gentlemen,

Prinz Jobst sits

Now to business back here in the Reich.

Lothar can you please kick the crap out of those Hungarians in Zagreb.

Jonas, are we feeling lucky?

Chancellor, any particular reason you left the remaining foot in Ragusa? Are your trying to have my knighthood be the shortest in history?

Ulrich Hummel rises to speak.

Very well, mein King, I shall serve you as Count of Tripoli. But remember that I am not a piece of dirt to be trodden underfoot.

Ulrich bows and makes preparations to depart to his new county.

Steward Arnold, the foot in Ragusa was recently hired this year and would not be able to make it down to Durazzo in time. It will be able to join you once you head north though. The crossbowmen that you reinforced von Mahren with were the most recent garrison of Ragusa. Ehrhart von Mahren is also on his way down and should be able to lead the additional pavise regiment to your east.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FactionHeir

Steward Arnold, the foot in Ragusa was recently hired this year and would not be able to make it down to Durazzo in time. It will be able to join you once you head north though. The crossbowmen that you reinforced von Mahren with were the most recent garrison of Ragusa. Ehrhart von Mahren is also on his way down and should be able to lead the additional pavise regiment to your east.

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Dear Chancellor,

Were there not 2 units of DFK and 2 units of spearmen as part of the garrison also?

I swear I saw them training in the coutryard?

The spears were recently trained and the knights were not available to reinforce the AHA (limit on knights). I have sent what I could.
Regarding this matter, the Doge has sallied forward and I await word from von Mahren on the outcome of the battle.

(Odds 1:1)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FactionHeir

The spears were recently trained and the knights were not available to reinforce the AHA (limit on knights). I have sent what I could.
Regarding this matter, the Doge has sallied forward and I await word from von Mahren on the outcome of the battle.

(Odds 1:1)

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OOC:

Hot dog...am I there though? :inquisitive:

Indeed, now make haste for Durazzo before the battle is over!

In other news, I present you the final chancellor's report for the year 1226 of our Lord.

My lords the news of the Chancellor's victory over the Hungarians is wonderful news. We have crushed our enemy and aided our ally in one fell swoop. I congratulate Count Hans on his victory.

I begin to think, however, that we may be overextended in the south east of the Reich. I hope Lothar will return Zagreb to the Empire, but our forces around Durazzo are worn down. I have heard rumors that the Chancellor wishes to take Sofia. This would be heavy blow to the Magyars, but can we hold down this Fortress while stabilizing Austria's borders? The addition of Sofia to the Reich would add hundreds of miles to our borders, frontiers vulnerable to attack from the Hungarians to the north and the Venetians to the south.

I fear we might be crossing the line from the defense of the Reich to all out greed for land. I'm all for fighting an effective campaign against our enemies, but if we expand too quickly we risk overextension and the collapse of our defenses in the interior, similar to what happened at Zagreb. If we take Sofia, I feel it should be offered to the Byzantines for military access, or used in peace negotiations with the Hungarians. The Poles, Venetians, Milan and France remain our true enemies in Europe, let us strengthen our efforts against them by removing the Magyars as an enemy. Our border with Hungary is vast and mostly undefended, with several key spots left unsupervised. We should address this weakness by seeking peace, Sofia could provide the neccesary chit.

As for Outremer, the gathering storm around Damascus shows that the next few years will be critical. I ask the Chancellor to give me leave to take the field. My new drillmaster and I have recruited many men at Acre who have been deployed, but with the Crusade in the balance, the Mongol Hordes nearing the Holy Land, and a crisis point approaching, I ask that I be allowed to join the fray. It would shame me to leave the Crusade and the Kaiser to face the horsemen and Egyptians alone.

Thank you my lords.

King Otto,

I shall send you with the reinforcement group to Emperor Henry's position the next year to reinforce our position against a possible Mongol invasion. Again, I will stress that we may not attack them until they show hostility or an edict or charater amendment is passed. Our forces in Outremer in combination with the crusade should be more than enough to eliminate any threat they pose however, as I have done most troop hiring in Outremer during my chancellorship to ensure its safety.

As for Sofia, I believe the troops that assaulted Zagreb originated from there and taking this citadel will stem any future invasions from Hungary on our eastern border. It is possible however that I shall use it in negotiations if necessary, although not necessarily with our Byzantine allies, as I have bought military access from them this year already.

Otto glances at some scrolls on his desk and shakes his head:

Thank you Chancellor, I should have paid closer attention to the diplomacy section of your report.

A messenger arrives bearing the Steward of Austria's seal

My Lords, King Otto,

I write this while preparing for battle so things are getting a little tense.

The Venetian's have quite a tidy number of men holed up in Daruzzo, it's a regular hornets nest of merchants and their bodyguards holding each other todgers I must say.

Never the less there are Venetian heads to cut off and a few likely women to plunder after this little tango down south.

The elder von Mahren is a real peace of work. He's out there given the boy's a little bit of the "rah rah, how's your mother" speech.

Personally I had my Austria dog's blessed by the local priest and then followed it up with and fairly ball tearing speech about hunting them down in the afterlife if they had the temerity to die on me...it seemed to work. I could see the whites of their eyes after that section.

It was spoilt of course by some smart ass who had the gumption to laugh right after I'd finished. I restored the fear of god back in them by knocking the offender out cold with my fist and daring any other swinging dick on parade to make a noise.

Silence rained supreme after that little effort.

I must say gentlemen our troops are getting arrogant with all these victories. I'd recommend a healthy dose of hard core discipline to those of you suffering from arrogance in your units.

Anyway, must be off, von Mahrens' screaming at me about something...he seems rather tense I must say. It must be age...they all get edgy when they age.

I'll send word once I've ripped a few guts out and turned them into garters!!

Venetian's...christ when did merchants afford so many bloody soldiers!!

Ahhh, I almost forgot. King Otto, I concur with your assessment regarding our South Eastern border. My plan is to create two quality half stack's lead by myself and the other by the most promising von Mahren. I believe this will be able to defend the region with the assistance of garrison militia units bolstering our numbers when the enemy stops to fight.

A messenger enters the Diet, with a message from Thorn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ansehelm von Kastilien

Meine Herren
At the time of the writing of this message I will be marching my personal bodyguard and followers into Thorn. Yes, I would have rather led the attack myself, but Breslau needed a good defense, seeing the near Polish army.
And I can tell you gentlemen that from now on Thorn will be defended and held. It is obvious that I cannot stay there forever, however nice the city is, but already my father has constructed a watchtower to make sure that we can see the Ruski's coming.

I have been long away from the easy, simple and good life in Rome and the Diet, but I have some things to say:

First of all I wish to congratulate the newly appointed counts in the Outremer with their positions.

Secondly on Crete, it will be of interest to take it, but do we have men and nobles to spare for such a journey. The journey takes long, and both Bavaria and Austria seem undefended.

Lastly I feel I should agree with King Otto, the Reich is getting harder and harder to defend. Especially when seeing the Mongol in the Outremer. France is in the west, and going further with attacking it might sound good, but be adviced that we have a real threat in the East now, both Hungary, Poland and Rusland are there. Maybe Swabia wants to direct it's attention on the Danish held city of Antwerp. Then if we take the settlements of Halych and Krakow in the coming 20-40 years we will have seen the last of the Poles, as they will have been pushed back to the steppes.

Ansehelm,
Heir to the House of Franconia
Rightfull Count of Thorn

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A thin noble of the House of Austria by the name of Dieter von Schüsselen raises from the Austrian benches to adress the Diet.

My Lords I have just received word from my master Duke Leopold about his successful landfall in the Levant. He should be approaching Damascus as we speak.

He wishes me to convey his congratulations to the appointed Counts of Outremere and I am to extend his gratitude towards King Otto von Kassel for appointing my master as a possible successor should anything unpleasant happen to his Majesty, which I don't hope.

He is saddened to hear of the loss of Zagreb but has every faith in the Bavarians under Lothar Steffen to remedy this situation.

A blood soaked Teutonic Knight enters the diet.

"I bring a message from my Master Count Von Mahren."

"I have no words. All is ashes. Durazzo is ours and the Venetians defeated,but this is just shadows and dust. The worst what can happen to a father have happened to me. My eldest son Erhart Von Mahren found his destiny near the walls of Durazzo. Fighting like a lion he came to our rescue when our lines were faltering but he never had the chance to witness our victory,nor me to know my son. I have knighted Count Arnold for his bravery in the battlefield. Now it is time for me to leave the army and bury my son. The messenger has Erhards still bloody sword with him to give to Kaiser,for my son payed the ultimate prize giving his life in the service for the reich."

The Knight places the sword on Erhart´s empty chair and leaves.

The empire mourns its young yet loyal follower. I would like to knight Ehrhart von Mahren posthumously for his valor in attempting to save the Austrian Household Army.

A young Prussian-looking noble enters the court

Herr Ansehelm mourns the death of his childhood friend Ehrhart. Once Ehrhart gets buried in the Von Mahren family crypt I will be there to pay my last respects.

Günther von Kastillien's messenger enters the Diet

My master offers his sympathy to the Von Mahren's, and is preparing to visit the burrial when it takes place. If there is anything else he can do, he'd be honoured to do it.

:balloon2:

A message arrives from the Austrian fortress of Ragusa.

Quote:

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It is with a heavy heart that I have received news of my dear brother's death. Since childhood I had looked up to him for his bravery and uprightness, and his death serves as a stark reminder of our own mortality. Now I pledge that I will do everything in my power to avenge my brother and honor his memory.

With Sorrow,
Sigismund von Mahren

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A message arrives from Lothar Steffen's small force near Zagreb.

Quote:

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Ehrhart von Mahren died as a true nobleman should, sword in hand and with countless enemy bodies at his feet. His life was short, but glorious. What grieves me most is that I shall now never have the opportunity to bear arms with this noble brother of the Reich.

My men will not mourn tonight or any other night. We shall celebrate instead. Celebrate the valor of one of the Empire's finest men. He is an example to us all. Courage in battle. Leadership from the front. Death before defeat. Ehrhart von Mahren will be remembered as a hero of the Empire and his name will be told to our children for generations to come!

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A message arrives from Gerhard Steffen

Quote:

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This is most terrible news, One of the Riech's own falling in battle! There will be a day of mourning across all Bavarian lands to honour the young Von Merhan. May his eternal soul rest in StoVoKor ~;)

My Appoligies for not being able to attend the Diet in person, but I am afficked(sp) with the most dredful of illnesses, and am unable to make the short trip from My bed to the Diet.

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A clean an unarmored Arnold walks into the Diet with obvious pain. Fresh and vivid wounds can be seen on his arms and neck and there is substantial bruising to his face and head

Gentlemen,

I have left Jonas von Mahren to bury his eldest son at their family estate to the north. I can only say that what took place at the gates of Durazzo was something that will be spoken about through the ages.

As a victory it was Heroic and at the same time tragic. Ehrhart von Mahren was to be my second in Austria and would have lead the other half of the House Army with great distinction and courage. Sadly that will now never come to pass.

I have commissioned a statue of Ehrhart von Mahren to be erected in Vienna to honour his passing and to ensure the sacrifice he made for his adopted home is never forgotten.

I have decided that Durazzo will be kept for the time being but it is at the disposal of the Chancellor and should to be used in any negotiations on behalf of the Reich. If the Venetian's come to reclaim it then so be it. They can have it. A token militia garrison can be established to prevent rioting and all other units will be coming north to rest, rearm and replenish in Ragusa.

Once back in Ragusa I will select another von Mahren to accompany me and we will drive the remaining Hungarian army from Austrian lands.

With that Arnold turns and leaves the Diet with the ex Count of Venice and another Military adviser shadowing him

A man enters - he is Ehrhart von Mahren's lawyer:

We all mourn the loss of my master Ehrhart von Mahren. He died nobly at Durazzo for Austria, tragically going at such a young age. It was his dying wishes that Austria should one day drive Venice off the globe and that his brother, Sigismund, should conquer Crete and be its count. Let us have a moment of silence at his passing.

Otto is visibly shaken by the news of the young knight's death.

It seems like only yesterday he and I were arguing in this very chamber. It is a cruel fate that takes someone from us so young, with much of his life yet to be written.

Still, he died in battle, defending his friends and family. His sacrifice helped his father achieve victory against the Venetians. Ehrhart is a hero of the Empire.

My condolences to the von Mahren family and to Austria, the boy will be missed.

*A messenger brings a notice from the chancellor*

My noble lords.
It is with pride that I present you... Sofia.
This Hungarian stronghold is now officially part of the empire and the faithless Hungarian prince lies dead as do most of his subjects who came to reinforce the citadel in its defence. Further, I have hunt down several Hungarian regiments around the citadel to secure it but have chosen to release the prisoners in a show of good faith, that peace may be possible.
As I have chosen to sack the citadel to subdue the locals from rising up against us, I have managed to fund twice as many constructions as before.

Please find the collated casualties for both sides with this notice

https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/6531/0022nn3.jpg
https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/4586/0023fd2.jpg
https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/4333/0025on5.jpg
https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/7255/0026ef4.jpg

OOC Note: Even though Hans had an extra knight unit above the limit, in either battle, at least 1 knight unit was not utilized for combat.

A messenger arrives from the Austrian Household and addresses the speaker. They chat briefly and he unrolls a document and address the Diet floor..

Quote:

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Elector!, Greeting from the Count of Zagreb he wishes to express his gratitude to the young noble Sir Lothar Steffan for the liberation of Zagreb. This is truly joyous news. The Count gives the "key" to the city to Sir Steffan and his men. Rest and resupply and take what you need there is no expense for the work to rid those Hungarian foes. It is comforting to know the city is now save.
I also received the tragic news from Durazzo and I would also like to express my sympathy to the von Mahren and the death of the young Ehrhart. His valour will not be forgotten by the House of Austria.
Electors, the news from the Outremer is good. The Crusaders are almost at their goal . These Horse Lords from the East are different from any foe we have met. We are deploying new tatics and there numbers are many but we shall over come because we are doing the Lord's work in this barren land.
May God continue to bless the Reich and Kasier.

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The messenger bows before the member and sits with the Austrian delegates.

Gerhard Steffen:

Congradulations My son on your most impressive victory, Clean up the hungarians in the area as you see fit. When you return home, we will discuss your Knighthood.

A scrawny man enters the Diet and steps up to the Podium to adress the Assembly:

Nobles of the Reich,

I am Gerhardt von Schenk and I am here to tell you how Duke Leopold of Austria died, fighting in the Crusade and defeating the heathens!

He launches into a detailed account of the battle against the Mongols

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...2&postcount=86

Afterwards he leaves the Podium to advance to the Austrian benches. He had been carrying a bundle which he now takes into his hand and carefully unwraps a plain Imperial Great Sword.

Duke Arnold of Austria? This is the sword carried by your father, used by him in his many battles against the foes of our Empire. This is the sword that has shed the blood of Aradai the Wrathful, Khanzada Batudhun, and the Great Khan Jebuk of the Mongol Horde itself. It is now yours, may you honour it and its bearer until the day you die.

Placing the sword in his palms he kneels in front of Arnold and offers him the sword.

Message from Jonas Von Mahren arrives in the Diet.

Quote:

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The word of Duke Leopolds death have reached me.Death in victory.A most worthy end for a Duke Of the Reich. It seems that death visits us regularly these days.Loss of a friend is always hard to bare. The old guard is almost gone,all that remains is the Kaiser. My condolences to Kaiser Henry for loosing a brother,To the new Duke of Austria for loosing a father and to Leopolds wife for loosing a husband.And to the Reich for loosing its best general. I raise a toast to you Leopold as you surely now watch us from heaven.

Count of Magdeburg, Jonas Von Mahren

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Message comes from Péter von Kastilien, Count of Breslau:

Quote:

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The news of Duke Leopold of Austria have reached my present abode in Prague. Alas for the Reich for losing its greatest general and for the House of Austria, bereft of two noble lords in glorious battle in so short a time. May Leopold rest forever in peace.

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Gunther, after recieving a message rushes to the Diet floor:

My lords! Duke Leopold is avenged! The Mongols are destroyed!

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=226

Prinz Jobst stands, Dieter standing behind him

It seems these last years have been quite a handful, a hard time it has been, the mongrels,deaths...

Jobst shakes his head

I am truly shaken by the two deaths...

Erhart was fighting to regain our land. He died honourably,to the aid of his father. I have not meet young Erhart,but I am sure he was mighty.

Then we come to Leopold... these horse lords we face! Wearing hats of Chinese fabric Dieter informs me! The chinese to wield so willingly, but from evidence it seems these horse lords have made contact with the Chinese! With the recent stop of the flood of Chinese Traders, I fear Asia has fallen to a tide, a massive flood...

Duke Leopold, you died on a Crusade, from evidence you went out fighting bravely, fighting to claim Damacus, stopping a flood.

Good luck Duke Arnold.

Prinz Jobst sits, Dieter bows and sits

Standing in silence Arnold takes some moments before speaking. At his side hangs the sword of his father. Behind him is Gerhardt von Schenk and an advisor.

My father was a proud and sometimes ruthless man.

As a son to Kaiser Heinrich, a brother to Kaiser Henry, a father to me and a leader to all, I will remember him as a true Knight of the Reich.

King Otto has avenged my father and I extend my personal thanks and that of all Austrian's both noble and low born.

Austria has taken two heavy blows in the space of a very short time, but I can assure there will be no weakness shown to any foe of the Reich.

The Hungarians will unfortunately feel the wrath of my loss and wonder why god has forsaken their country. I intend on expelling them from my borders and striking at the heart of their empire.

In the east Lord Zirn will continue upholding Austria presence and representation of our noble house.

Lords, gentlemen, Austria has a new Duke and I intend to ensure my father is proud of what is to be accomplished under my rule.

Gerhard Steffen:

Such a glorious Victory King Kassel comes to only the best commanders.

The emotional ride that the entire Diet is being put through is trying, the loss of the Young Von Mahren and Leopold the Mighty as his scribe put it pains all of the riech.

But the Destruction of the Horse Lords, and the Death of thier Khan is wonderous news indeed.

Several Kegs of ale are seen beingwheeled into the back of Diet

We now await news of the Crusade from Conrad Sailer, with a Bavarian such as he in command, success is assured, although I don't want to seem over confidant, With all the events of this past year I have made arrangements to have a Grand Feast Here in the Diet. With Ales form across the Riech, I await news from Outremer to put the pig on the spit.

It shall be a time of rememberance and Celebration!

Message from Jonas Von Mahren.

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My congratulations for King Otto for breaking down the horse lords.Im sure your victory will be remembered long after we are all gone. To other matters. I believe now that the threat of the horse lords have passed.We should start discussing the issue of Outremer in the Imperial Diet. My wiewpoint is that Outremer is getting way too much from our resources and we should normalize the forces in there into level that would mirror the levels of troops on the areas of the great houses of the Reich. After all we are Germans and as Germans we should stay, focusing too much to far away lands wont benefit us,when we should be building up the Reich so no other Empire could ever compare with us.

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Henry: I rather fear that the Mongols have done your proposed "normalising" of our forces in Outremer for you, Jonas.

Outremer is not yet complete - we must take Damascus and Edessa to fulfill its constitution. However, then by that same constitution, we will switch to a purely defensive stance in the Levant. Nonetheless, I fear we will always require at least two field armies stationed there: one in the south, to guard Jerusalem from Egyptians coming from Gaza and Cairo; the other in the north, to hold off the Turks who are massing north of Adana.

That is pretty much what I had planned as well. To decomission any forces that still lack combat experience and are not crucial to our mission there while keeping two armies at half-strength ready to be expanded when needed.

Duke Leopold was truly an excellent Duke, and his loss weakens the entire empire. But now that these Horse Lords are destroyed, perhaps we can finally get some peace in the east. I look forward to serving under Duke Arnold for the many decades to come.

Prinz Jobst stands

I think... this is the time where we stand and wait, we wait for the next part of our history unfold.

Recently I think we have had quite a problem with our cities rebelling, it is happening everywhere. SOme cities are fine, its citizens happy.

other cities have rebels actively and publicly denouncing our Great empire!

Enough I say, we either kill them or find the problems.
I suggest we send investigators and offcials to find the problems.

Jobst sits

Gunther reads a message from Otto von Kassel:

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I congratulate Count Fredericus von Hamburg on the taking of Damascus. He, along with Conrad Salier and Karl Zirn, have seized the goal of the Second Crusade! My thanks to you all.

In recognition of Count Zirn's bravery in the assault, and in respect to the wishes of the departed Duke Leopold, I name him Crusader Count of Damascus. May he bring honor and glory to Austria and Outremer.

King Otto von Kassel

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An exhausted Prussian looking man with a big moustache enters the Diet.

My lords, I carry a message from Thorn:

Quote:

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Meine Herren,

I'm sorry that I don't have had the time to send my condolences after the recent deads, but things are busy in Thorn.
I hope that this message will even reach you. Thorn is under siege and all I have are a handfull of knights. Now would we sally out I think we would gain victory, but something like that is dangerous as well.
I hope in future that we can strenghten Thorn with more men, and I'm planning on starting the building of better barracks when we have the money for it. So Thorn will be a thorn in the enemies eye.

Ansehelm,
Count of Thorn
Heir to Franconia
Currently awfully busy

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A message from Péter von Kastilien arrives:

Quote:

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What madness is this? The gift of Durazzo to an old man with a hideous hat in exchange for his friendship? My friend, nay, my brother, Ehrhart von Mahren died serving the Reich in the capture of that city. To give it away wantonly is folly. Previously I stood on the side our Chancellor Hans, but his actions have driven me away.

Péter von Kastilien
Count of Breslau

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Firstly, the city was not gifted to the papacy, it was part of a deal to grant us both an alliance to allow more security for the empire and at the same time military access to prevent our troop movement in Outremer from alienating the pope from the empire, leading to another Investiture controversy.

Secondly, Duke Arnold and Emperor Henry have encouraged me to use the city in negotiations as it was previously designated to be abandoned as it stretched our borders too far. Instead of abandoning it to our foes the Venetians for the taking, I have decided it to be transferred to the papacy to grant us a secure southern border, prevent Venetian aggression against Austria, as well as diplomatic success.

All these goals were fulfilled and Austria and the empire are much more secure with Durazzo in the pope's posession. I am sure Ehrhart would approve that his death has delivered more meaning, security, and prosperity for the empire, yes?

Péter von Kastilien stomps into the Diet in person:

Is this complete, utter madness? Is the Reich possessed with a lunatic desire to appease an old man who sits on his "Holy" throne, accepting bribes from nations and demanding they "behave" or else he'll let God loose on you?

I would ask you to show some respect towards our common faith in the halls of the diet, Count of Breslau.
If you were to read the history of our empire, you will see that the reason we are at war with most our neighbors and have abysmal relations with them is solely due to the word of the pope. As such, appeasing the pope also means improving relations with other Christians and sparing the lives of our own subjects, allowing more trade and prosperity.
Due to the influence of the pope, few dare to oppose him openly in fear of excommunication, and even if the sole purpose of diplomacy with the papacy was not to appease the pope, it was at least to secure our southern border. I am sure you would see this?

I will show respect to Catholicism, but ne'er to the corrupt old man that sits around telling his subjects what to do. Ehrhart von Mahren was a brother to me, and to give up his most noble, ultimate sacrifice for "diplomatic gain" is to flout his memory. He is a hero of the Empire and rests in the annals of the Reich with Count der Stoltze, Kaiser Heinrich, Duke von Saxony, Count Mandorf, Duke Leopold and King Otto. We must always honor the memory of the young Count von Mahren and his feats at the gates of Durazzo!

Well, then tell me. Did von Mahren die just to take Durazzo or did he die in service of the greater glory of the empire?

He died in service of the Reich, a glorious death in battle it was. And I ask you, Chancellor Hans, is it the custom of the Reich to throw away its young nobles, friends, and sons piecemeal for the "good" of the Reich? Not only did young Ehrhart die, but hundreds of forgotten soldiers. They died for the Reich, to secure its influence in the Balkans. How can you say that his death brought the Empire glory, when you wantonly trade away his life for "diplomatic concession."

Would you say that increasing the empire's security is not increasing its glory likewise? Would you consider an abandoned Durazzo, up for pickings to the Venetians instead honoring our dead? I tell you, if the Venetians had retaken the city instead of us giving it away to the papacy, that would have shamed the empire and our fallen. Giving it to the papacy, on the other hand, only brings the empire more security and creates a barrier through which the Venetians cannot pass.

So tell me, would you rather me let the city rot as was commanded and abandon it, gift it to the papacy, or give it to the papacy in exchange for their goodwill, security, AND the promise to tend to the graves of our dead?

I would that Durazzo be fortified and held as our bulwark to the south, not waste it on some tyrant who sits delightfully on his throne in Jerusalem drinking his golden cup of Jee. It was a triumph of the Reich to deprive it from the Venetians, our mortal foes, and giving it away for "security" is foolish.

Kaiser Henry approved this, you say? Perhaps the House of Swabia in general is plagued. Do not forget it is the incursions of the SHA upon the God-fearing French's soil that lowers our reputation in the eyes of the Most Holy and Untouchable Despot.

Not only did the Emperor but also the Austrian Duke approve it. Would the Duke of Austria not wish the best for his own house, considering Durazzo would have been assigned to it?
And since you were not present at Durazzo when I surveyed it, it was greatly dilapidated and unable to produce any troops for a long while after its populace was massacred. It would not have been a bulwark but a liability to hold it.

I will remember these insults, Hans. Tell me this. Was it part of your supposed "master plan" from the start to take Durazzo and spend Imperial lives only to give it away again? I tell you, it is folly. Folly to waste our young men's lives and folly to bow to an unholy master.

I believe the idea to take Durazzo was brought forward by Jonas von Mahren actually and with Austrian support. I would ask you to please inform yourself of the matters before throwing around wild assumptions.

I doubt Jonas was pleased his son's sacrifice was ill-spent.

Conrad Salier:

I fail to see how any good nobleman of the Reich would consider it a "master plan" to purposely throw fellow Imperial lives away. Obviously the Chancellor made a calculated decision and thusly decided that it would be more benefit to the Reich if Durazzo was given away. Since you, Peter, are so far the only one with any objection to this decision I figure that it is more a case of your heart in the wrong place than a diabolical plot by the Chancellor.

Another Prussian looking noblemen enters the Diet

My Lords, I bring a message from Count Thorn

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Meine Herren,

I have routed two Polish armies in the last 2 weeks. The two knights that died in those battles have recieved Imperial honour during their burials.
I would like to propose the moving north of the Franconian Household Army, as I see a strong Russian army closing in on Thorn. And Thorn is not ready for it.
Furthermore I would like to tell my little brother and the honourable Hans to quit arguing. If the Pope excommunicates us again we'll take it back, no big trouble.

Ansehelm,
Count of Thorn
Heir to Franconia

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OOC: I like the giving territories, Durazzo to the Pope, Sofia to the Byzantines and Paris to France (in exchange for peace).

Péter looks sober and stricken:

The death of Ehrhart has affected my personally in a very profound way, Count Salier. I maintain my belief in the error of giving up conquest as well as bowing to the false idol of the Pope.

I must return to Franconia, the Russians are at our borders.

Péter bows and exits.

Conrad Salier:

I shall pray for your soul, Peter, for it is clear that you are doing no such thing currently.

I shall hope then, that the battle against the Poles will ease your pain somewhat.

A messenger from Péter von Kastilien reads aloud:

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Lords, you must forgive my recent outbreak on the Diet floor. Ehrhart was like a brother to me, and we were very much akin to each other. He died gloriously for the Empire, and my main goal was to prevent the trade of Durazzo from diminishing his ultimate sacrifice. My views on the Pope as a supreme authority of the Catholic faith are another matter. I go now to battle the Poles and Russians - but first I must pray for my friend and calm my nerves.

Péter von Kastilien
Count of Breslau

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Elsebeth von Kassel enters the Diet. She is dressed in mourning, clothed in a sombre black dress and with a black veil covering her features. Her bearing, despite the simplicity of her garments, remains regal. Lifting her veil, she addresses the Diet:

My Husband, King Otto von Kassel, has died at Acre. He requested that his earthly remains be buried at the battle site at Galilee, so that he could be at rest with his soldiers that fell there. Already Pilgrims have gathered at the large cemetery for the fallen there, and Otto. . .

Elsebeth pauses to compose herself.

. . .and Otto has taken his place among them. An order of Monks, with a donation from my own funds, has assumed responsibility for tending the graveyard and they have set up an Abbey on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The artifacts that Otto rescued from Jerusalem were laid to rest with his body, which now has drawn even more Pilgrims to the area. What the Reich accomplished against the infidel Mongols will not be forgotten.

Otto also requested that even though his body would be laid to rest in Outremer, he wished his heart to be interred at Innsbruck. He defended Outremer, but could never leave Bavaria completely behind him. Once I depart Rome, I will ensure that this is done.

Otto wished to pass on his blessing to Gerhard Steffen as the Duke of Bavaria. He also wished that Kaiser Henry consider Conrad Salier as his replacement as King of Outremer. The Bavarians are closely linked to Outremer, Maximillian Mandorf planned the First Crusade, Otto was Chancellor during its completion and the first King of that land, and it would be fitting to have Count Salier follow him. It is, of course, my brother's decision.

Otto had one final message, "Do not forsake Outremer. Do not forget the sacrifices made there by the soldiers, priests and Generals of the Reich, Leopold at their fore. We are now the protectors of the Holy Land, consecrated in blood, do not abandon this blessed task."

My lords.

Elsebeth lowers her veil and walks out of the Diet. The youngest son of Duke Gerhard Steffen, after a word from his father, rises from the Bavarian delegation to escort her.

The Prussian looking noble stands

Herr Ansehelm has given me the right to speak freely in his case. And so I will do.
As you know we all mourn about the recent dead of Otto von Kassel. And it's a great wish that he wants to see something done with the Outremer. But once again there must be underlined that we shouldn't forget the Heimat.
Herr Ansehelm himself has beaten two Polish armies not long ago. A Russian army is at our border, next to that we have a Polish Army near Breslau and one ready to fight the Franconian Household Army.
Next to that we also have the Hungarians to worry about.
Ofcourse we want to do something in the Outremer, but once again it must be said:
Don't forget the Heimat!

Duke von Kassel will be sorely missed. That he was able to rise to such a level of honor and strength after being an accomplice to Emperor Heinrich is a true testament to his character. The Reich will be forever at a loss without his guidance.

Conrad Salier:

Otto von Kassel was a great Duke, King, and friend. It is an honor to have served with him and for him to consider me as his successor in Outremer.

Prinz Jobst stands

King Otto was well and truly one of our more calm generals, we always had the situation under control. A great general, he was one of the Reich's most honorable and amazing men, you shall be missed King Otto.

Clearly, the old generation is fading away...

Prinz Jobst sits

Message from Jonas Von Mahren

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Another great one is gone. Loosing of King Von Kassel is hard blow to the reich. He should be always remembered as the man who retrieved our relationship with the holy father with his sharp and clever politics. Also a great general and first King of Outremer. My condolences for the friends and family becouse of his departure.

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