Imperial Diet VI

Dassel,

I didn't say "don't do it again". I said, "do not...". Also, I do not judge you competent enough to divine meaning from my words.

I didn't attack Ansehelm's family. I only stated my father's opinion of it. My father was a very blunt man God rest his soul.

As to the rest, the worth of your opinion falls faster every time you open your mouth.

As for Luther, I will pray for both your soul and his, that God will show you both the True Path.

Jan, folds his hands, bows his head, and starts praying

Jan stops praying and gets up. He grabs some reports and a map and sits back down at his desk. Unrolling the map, Jan matches points on the map with coordinates from the reports. He looks up with a furrowed brow.

Ok, maybe someone can explain this to me. Why does Ragusa have the equivalent of a Household Army garrisoned within it's walls? Both Austrian armies are pretty full at the moment.

According to the report from Hans's spy, the garrison has 3 regiments of spearmen, 3 regiments of footknights, 3 regiments of missile troops, 2 regiments of cavalry, and... 3 regiments of catapults.

6 catapults? What possible use could catapults have in garrisoning a settlement from internal dissent? Are you going to hurl flaming boulders at the crowds? The amount of troops present are far in excess to what is needed to garrison a castle and maintain civil order.

Yes, I know I will hear the claim that this is just to be a replacement force for Austrian armies. But this map shows that both Austrian armies are much closer to Bran than they are to Ragusa. And Bran has the ability to make cannons. So, Ragusa has 6 obsolete pieces of artillery far from either Austrian army.

But those 6 catapults are very very close to somewhere else...

Fredericus Erlach bursts into the diet

My lords, I'm happy to report that the french incursion has been halted, unfortunately, while setting up camp on the bridge west of the alps, we heard screams for help, I immediately sent out search parties. Alas when I got there, I found a papal inquisitor dead, torn apart by wolves, aparently the lord failed to tend to all his flock.

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/...2m_456941e.jpg

What concerns me more Jan, is the byzantine army marching on Rome.

From the Austrian bench stands a very distinct individual. One who feels a little uncomfortable in the settings for it’s been a long time since he had spoken in the House but presents a man of gentleness and authority…

Kaiser, Speaker, Electors!

It has been a long time since I have sat at this bench and debated the issues of the day. It is good to be on dry land after such a long voyage. Congratulations Fredericus on your victory. That is the news I like to hear on the floor. Smiling and looking towards the Kaiser

First Kaiser Elberhard, I pledge my allegiance to you and wish you a long and prosperous rein over the Reich. Bowing deeply in the Kaiser’s direction and then facing the Electors…..

I am shocked to hear of Siegfried’s death and near Austrian lands! I assure my Kaiser this House is loyal to the Crown. ….looking upwards and taking a deep breath he begins…..

I am told in my absence there is a circus in this Diet and I believe it because the performers are still at it!!

King Jan, you stand before this House and accuse every Elector here of some ill matter of disrespect or disloyalty to the Crown yet you set the worse example of an Elector or Nobleman when speaking in this House. I keep hearing where everyone else has erred but you!

Electors, the Outremer is lost and was lost in 1260 when with the first sacking of the city by the Egyptians and Papacy lost its capital moving back to Europe. We lost!! That’s was the end of the Outremer. Yet for the past 50 years we have continued the Charade by appointing King’s and Crusader Counts. For what I ask you!?

To fight non Christians in relentless battles for to protect something that no longer existed. The mandate was gone. Duke Ansehelm you say of the German blood spilled by our fore fathers those First Crusaders who had a mandate for Christianity. That is who let down when we lost Jerusalem. The lost lands now are a completely different matter that is not worth spilling of German blood. There are buildings of worship in the Outremer and the Reich destroyed. Looking amongst the Electors….

A man’s life of work wiped out not by the sword but the pen. The damage is done. I am glad I left because I had foreseen what was coming when the words of the mandate were only on paper and that spirit of the men was gone. It was not in their hearts to be the defenders of the faith and it showed by the Crown’s approach to the Outremer. To know that Damascus is smoldering in ruins breaks my heart. The one diamond in the rough destroyed. I could not bear to see the waste that is there now or see the reason to keep an army there. What of our men that are still there?? When do they return?? Why should we be left to defend Byzantine holdings?? .. looking around the room … coughs coming from the backbenches. There is no Pope in Jerusalem.

In fact I hear the Papacy abdicated in the reunification. The Unified Roman Church!? I cannot accept such an act of fornication. My faith will not be destroyed by the whims of an alliance with a culture who only holds contempt for us and does not wish to have a union of an empire. These are very dark time gentleman. ….lowering his voice…..again scanning the room.
Very dark times and we sit here watching the circus. Indeed how many of are you laughing. I am not!!! Our Kaiser is murdered and we have Duke Hans investigate who had an issue with the late Kaiser’s ascension to the throne and he blames the Bavarian House for the act??? Then questions Austrian House about its army build up. Everyone is pointing fingers and they don’t know what they are pointing at!

Here we are arguing about grammar tense and name calling when some cities in the Reich are at the boiling point. The Fraconian Peter, is he a hero and Heir to the throne? Why are we not discussing these issues? (I guess the sarcasm is lost in the text.)

Elector Dassel speaking from the heart and not the head very much like our King in his younger days challenging Dukes before the House, this childless bantering is not for this House take it to the Tavern. This is a House of debate by nobles not peasants.

Young Dassel has a “guest” residing in Ragusa with him. Who is this Luther? Is he an enemy of the state? He does not call for political change, he sees the Papacy abdicated so he questions why we are still following the Pope. Those are some good questions we should be asking ourselves. There is only one God and all men are equal before him. Buying the high priest favours does not advance us before the Lord. Our day of reckoning will come.

Electors, Let us focus on the issues. If we have no control over the gifting of lands then let’s debate what we have control over.

1. What is our diplomatic status and what are we doing against enemy states of the Reich?
2. What is Peter’s status?
3. What of this Luther and the implications of his removal from Ragusa.
4. What is the strength of all House Armies and what of the troops in the Outremer, do they return home or disband?
5. What is our faith so the people of the Reich know?

Zirn looks through the room again and exasperated look on his face as he slowly sits down to his seat…….

Standing as soon as Karl Zirn sits, the Duke nods in acknowledgement to his senior most noble.

A few points my Lords.

Firstly Duke Hans, your comments about troops being Imperial are entirely your opinion and not accurate in my view. These troops are Austrian men, authorised by me, to man Austrian garrison and Austrian Field Armies. The fact that this has happens proves my point.

If you haven’t noticed please check the Austrian Chamber reports, I ordered Dietrich to maintain the unit surge during this time of escalation and it has turned out to be a correct move.

I have had the Kaiser murdered inside my Duchy, I’m personally extending my 2nd AHA to take Krakow for the Franconian’s, and there is unrest over half my land…combine that with the recent attacks on clergy and my subsequent orders to have them all escorted, then YES there are many more units than in times past. And I’d say they are an astute move given the situation!!

Therefore Duke Hans, you’ve made you investigations so I’d ask you to remove yourself from Austrian Lands. The last thing I am requiring is more armed troops in my Duchy.

Turning to King Jan

Of course all this can be applied to your comments as well. PLUS let me remind you, my loyalty and that of my nobles is without question and the actions of Becker and the 1st AHA prove that King Jan.

If you wish to gift your administrative responsibilities to the Byzantines then you are mad. I’ve seen the life work of my family in Outremer gone in the blink of a pen and based on some back room deal that seems to have no basis in reality.

God knows why any noble of this realm would believe that giving so much of our hard work to another nation for the simple need for reunification is beyond me. We could easily extend our selves past and around the Byzantines, maintain our alliance and continue on without losing a thing!!!

As for the religious reunification of the church, then is only a huge amount of naivety, that anyone can believe this is not just another secular deal. We own the church for god sake. How many Popes have been Holy Roman Cardinals in the last 100 year!!! The number will shock you gentlemen.

Turning to Karl Zirn.

Please make your way as soon as possible to the 1st AHA so you may take over command.

Looking at Kaiser

I assume you have no issue with this my Lord.

Ansehelm:
I suggest Jan does not make too much enemies, afterall, soon he will be the same rank as Herr von Dassel, no county, no command, nothing.

I have fought all my life for the Reich, I defended it, partly due to me the Russians and Poles, with their vast armies never managed to broke through. I know what is best for the Reich. I have seen men die for the Reich, charging the Polish and Russian hordes, not because it was for their own good, but for the Reich. Jan your own brother, and don't give me some lecture, he never liked you, I knew him better than you did, died for the Reich, he did not die for some foolish unification, I died to save the Reich. I did not march all the way to Moscow to see this at my return.


And I totally agree Herr Zirn, if I would have the choice of keeping or laeving Outremer I would leave it.
However, I would not give it to people who never did anything to deserve it. These men are the worst soldiers in the world, they have been pushed back all their time, they never won a proper battle. And we want to give them something that is German, why do they deserve it? We gave them Sofia, and they managed to lose it in 2 to 4 years. What will happen to the Outremer? Will these Greeks lose that as well. Then what's the use?
We'll have two armies, in Jeruzalem and they'll be unsupported, brave men, I'd call the foolish, especially if you have to rely on the Byzantines to protect you. I marched to Moscow without support, but atleast I didn't have the Byzantines to defend me.

Karl Zirn:

Ah yes, Ansehelm you are correct. How could I forget our other real estate tranasctions they receive land from us then sell it or give it away. Maybe the Horse Lords are looking? They couldn't take from us maybe the Byzantines can set them up with a nice offer or possible the Turks or Egyptians? It did not cost them anything for the lands, any offer will be accepted.

A Bavarian man-at-arms enters at the rear of the Diet. When there is a pause in conversation, he approaches Duke Steffen, hands him a sealed letter, and bends down to whisper into his ear. At first the Duke nods, then smiles and claps his hands.

Excellent! Excellent! Thank you, Wilhelm, you are dismissed. Convey my appreciation to the captain of my guard.

The man straightens up and strides out of the Diet. Lothar opens the letter, reads it, then stands to address the Diet.

I bring great news, Electors! The Kaiser’s killer has been caught! My men followed some leads which were gained through soldiers disguised as rogues in some of the baser Florentine taverns. It seems that a wealthy Milanese nobleman living in Florence, some cousin of the last Duke, I believe, wished to gain some amount of revenge for the destruction of his rebellious nation’s short-lived independence. He sought out like-minded Milanese who were still living within their former homes, now part of Bavaria. We all know that those mercantile dogs were far better at finances than they were at war, so it is not surprising that they were able to raise such a considerable sum without it being noticed.

However, simple wealth is not enough to accomplish the murder of a Kaiser. No, the Milanese formed an alliance with another group that is far more adept at these kinds of things: the Assassins’ Guild! Apparently they too have been disgruntled with the Reich as of late. I had heard rumors that they had threatened the lives of some Electors if their demands were not met and it is public knowledge that, then Prinz, Elberhard refused to allow them to build a ‘Master’ Guildhouse in Stettin only a short while ago. It seems that their grievances, combined with the immense monies supplied by the treacherous Milanese, were enough to gain their cooperation. With Milanese gold and Assassins’ Guild agents, the mercenaries were located and hired and the dark deed was done.

Lothar holds up the letter.

I hold here in my hand the signed confession of one Giovanni Legnano, the ringleader of this entire circus of treachery, and a resident of the good city of Florence. He admits to his crimes and freely names the Assassins’ Guild and several other Milanese noblemen within Bavaria as accomplices. My household guard is currently hunting down the rest of these animals and I can assure you that they will not be long for this world. As for Giovanni Legnano himself, he has already paid for the sins he has committed. He expired shortly after signing this confession, as a result of the rigorous questioning that my men put him through. I admit that I would have liked to have seen him stretched on the rack in front of the Diet itself, but we all know the side-effects that often result from a proper judicial torturing. These other accomplices will undoubtedly require similar questioning methods to get them to admit their guilt, but I will order my personal surgeon to be present so that they may be kept alive for as long as possible.

The one avenue I cannot pursue is the Assassins’ Guild, for they are not based within Bavaria. I urge all Electors whose lands harbor these vile creatures to have their guildhouses burned to the ground and their members executed on the spot.

Count Zirn,

I point to your past comment:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Count Zirn

King Jan, you stand before this House and accuse every Elector here of some ill matter of disrespect or disloyalty to the Crown yet you set the worse example of an Elector or Nobleman when speaking in this House. I keep hearing where everyone else has erred but you!

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I did no such thing. I specifically used the word "some". You use the word "every". "Some" does not equal "every Elector". By saying "every Elector", you are claiming that I accused everyone in here when I clearly did not. You seem to be taking lessons from the "Dassel school of debate". I thought you were above twisting words. You disappoint me. Though you disappointed me long ago when you refused to have your votes match your lofty ideals. And then there is this comment:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Count Zirn

The Fraconian Peter, is he a hero and Heir to the throne? Why are we not discussing these issues?

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I think we are not discussing this issue because we didn't know about it. Prince Peter? Where on Earth did you hear that from?

Duke Arnold,

I am afraid I must disagree with your concept of troop orders. The Duke does not order his Citadels to produce an extra third House Army. The Duke asks the Chancellor for forces that are above and beyond the minimal requirements for the two House Armies. Therefore, if the troops in Ragusa were raised without the Chancellor's authority, then they are illegal. All you have done is admit complicity in what is essentially an illegal act.

Also you contradict yourself. You use this quote to justify having 3 House Armies: "then YES there are many more units than in times past. And I’d say they are an astute move given the situation!!" Then you say this to justify asking Duke Hans to leave: "The last thing I am requiring is more armed troops in my Duchy." So, you both need more troops and less troops?

Also, I didn't need to be reminded of your loyalty but I find it interesting that you seemed to feel the need to announce it. I am just going to assume your loyal until I see actions otherwise. Now, I think you'll agree that there is no need for 6 catapults in Ragusa and you won't mind if they are immediately disbanded.

Duke Ansehelm,

Sorry but I don't believe in taking the easy quiet path. I will say what I believe needs to be said.

I notice how you keep saying this: "I did not march all the way to Moscow to see this at my return." You bring this up every time you don't like something. It's like you believe that going on a foolish pointless suicide mission somehow gives you some extra amount of authority. I have this question for you. Why did you march all the way to Moscow and back? You keep telling us why you didn't. Now tell us why you did.

When Lothar speaks, Jan just raises an eyebrow.

*Fritz von Kastilien speaks quietly with a scribe, who begins writing what look like figures for summation. Fritz rises from the Franconian benches and nods towards the Bavarians.*

Well done, Duke Lothar! The speed with which you have found the guilty party is remarkable. I hope the Diet will be allowed to question at least one of the accomplices in this plot. I am tempted to call for the crucifixion of these miserable Milanese along the main roads out of Rome, as was done in the old Empire. But perhaps this would be frowned upon by the current Pope.

Ansehelm:
Why I marched to Moscow, simple, to punish the Orthodox, the Russians. And it has been a grand success. Since then we have hardly seen Russians around, they foolishly sieged Thorn once, but soon they were gone. Now we got only the Poles to deal with.

Ok, so for how much longer are you going to where it like a badge of honor? Most of the people in here seemed to not even care that you went. A lot of us voted for it only for political reasons. You almost seem bitter that your adventure into Russia was not given more respect from some of us. Were you expecting a parade? Well, you did at least get a replacement House Army out of the deal. You didn't even have to fire Peter as Steward like the Kaiser had originally asked. To bad my brother had to die but he did seem to be one of the few people to believe in what you were doing. So, at least he died doing what he wanted, may his soul rest in peace.

*A messenger arrives at the Franconian bench holding a scroll. Fritz von Kastilien speaks with his scribe, and the messenger, and reads the delivered parchment. He startles slightly, and rises again.*

Duke Lothar, I hesitate to inform you in front of the Diet, but this may be good for all to hear.

A message was just delivered to my apartments instead of directly here, and my staff have brought it to me just now. Instead of describing it, let me simply read it. Here is the text:

*Fritz holds the parchment at arms length and squints*

Fritz, I am a member of the Diet. I cannot give my name in case assassins are lurking about even in Rome. But I have reason to believe that Lothar is a liar. Meet me at...

*Fritz looks up*

Well, I should not give the location or the time, but apparently some coward wishes to pass information along.

*Fritz looks at the Bavarian benches, and waves the parchment*

The word of a coward is hardly anything to go on. But, if this is true, Lothar, this is a most serious charge. I will find out what this figure in the shadow has to say, and report back to the Diet immediately.

And if it is a false charge, the person responsible for this must surely be punished for their impudence!

Thank you for that information, Fritz. It is certainly cowardly to level accusations at me behind my back, but I would have been surprised if such rumors were not being discussed at all. Had the same events transpired in any other House, I would certainly have been skeptical of the result. I freely admit that the Milanese involvement seems to be too convenient, but sometimes things simply are exactly as they seem. I have heard of the work of an English Franciscan monk named William of Ockham, who has expressed a similar opinion. He says "entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity" and in this case we have clear evidence that vengeful Milanese dogs and treacherous assassins conspired and murdered our Kaiser. The hatred of both these groups for the Reich is well known, as are their respective abilities at finance and murder. While it may be convenient that these men have been discovered to be the culprits, it is also logical and consistent with the facts.

I will, of course, freely respond to any doubts that may exist about my involvement in such a matter. As I am completely innocent, I see no reason to avoid questioning of any kind.

A message comes from Friedrich Karolinger. A messenger enters, and speaks up quickly, while there is a small break in the agitated discussion.

Quote:

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Members of the Diet! I have heard that the murderers of the Kaiser were found. I have heard that those who commissioned the murder have been found as well.

I wonder now, even far away, why? Why did they decide to kill him? What could the Kaiser have done to prevent what was almost finished, the annihilation of the Milanese? Why did the Assassin's Guild employ mercenaries for this very important job? I believe they would wish it to be professionnal, and the Assassins are just that: Assassins. Killers. Murderers. I, personnally, believe they would have done the act themselves.

Respectfully,
Friedrich Karolinger, Commander of Bavarian Household Army Otto von Kassel.

---

The messenger finishes, and leaves as quickly as he had begun to talk.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Privateerkev

Duke Arnold,

I am afraid I must disagree with your concept of troop orders. The Duke does not order his Citadels to produce an extra third House Army. The Duke asks the Chancellor for forces that are above and beyond the minimal requirements for the two House Armies. Therefore, if the troops in Ragusa were raised without the Chancellor's authority, then they are illegal. All you have done is admit complicity in what is essentially an illegal act.

Also you contradict yourself. You use this quote to justify having 3 House Armies: "then YES there are many more units than in times past. And I’d say they are an astute move given the situation!!" Then you say this to justify asking Duke Hans to leave: "The last thing I am requiring is more armed troops in my Duchy." So, you both need more troops and less troops?

Also, I didn't need to be reminded of your loyalty but I find it interesting that you seemed to feel the need to announce it. I am just going to assume your loyal until I see actions otherwise. Now, I think you'll agree that there is no need for 6 catapults in Ragusa and you won't mind if they are immediately disbanded.

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King Jan,

If your thoughts on the recruiting process are apparently accurate, then how do you explain the physical presence of troops in Ragusa?

Either I'm right and the Chancellor does not have the level of control you and Duke Hans believe, or, I've asked the Chancellor and he has authorised them and therefore they exist.

Pick one.

As for your attempt at twisting my words, as you so enjoy pointing out to others, then try this for a concept towards troop increases.

I'm not contradicting myself FROM my point of view at all. I do need more troops and I have them, what I don't need is any troops in my Duchy not under my command or under the command of Austrian Nobles, which as you might of noticed is what Duke Hans is. Is that being too unreasonable King Jan…considering I AM talking about MY £$%^ing Duchy?

Is that clear enough for you or do you need me to spell it out further?

As for my announcement of loyalty, then it was your comment;

After our Kaiser was assassinated on your lands, surely you can see how we would raise an eyebrow to the fact that you claim to have authorized Dassel to raise an extra army right on the Pope's doorstep.

That I decided to interpret as you questioning at my right to raise troops and my relationship to the Kaiser...is that fine by you or would you care to elaborate on your meaning?

Duke Arnold,

The Chancellor recruits troops. I challenge you to find the point in the Charter that says otherwise.

Each house gets two house armies. The rest of the troops are Imperial. I challenge you to find the point in the Charter that says otherwise.

The Prince army can go where it pleases as long as there is coordination between the Prince army commander and the Chancellor. I challenge you to find the point in the Charter that says otherwise.

If the Chancellor did indeed recruit the troops in Ragusa, then we have no problem. If he didn't then those troops are in fact illegal and need to be immediately disbanded. By covering for the raising of an illegal army, you are in fact enabling this action and are complicit in any action the army commits in the future.

There is an illegal army near the Papal capital. The army is led by a man who is no friend to the current Pope. And the commander is harboring a man who is definitely no friend to the current Pope. And the army has catapults when there seems no need for there to be any present. Any claim that these catapults are for keeping the peace are laughable. Any claim that these catapults are meant to be reinforcements for Austrian House armies is laughable due to the fact that both Austrian HAs are much closer to Bran than Ragusa and Bran can build cannons.

If this army is used to take over the Papal capital, like I fear it might be, then I will hold you responsible for helping it happen.

So, you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Pick one.

Jan,

You've avoided answering any of my questions. Well done.

You've also now decided that your opinion is law, and by challenging me to quote whatever piece of legislation is applicable you've signed your own end to the debate.

Why don't you tell me where it says what I have done is actually illegal?

If the Chancellor is the only person able to recruit troops then how did they come into existence?

I've asked for troops to be recruited, the fact they have not been deployed to either of the AHA's doesn't suddenly make them illegal.

As for the Duke Hans and the Imperial Army, then I've asked the Kaiser to haven them leave Austrian lands as his investigation has been complete. Therefore I have co-orindated my wishes with the lords in question. Does that meet with your approval?

As for your massive logic jump to then have me suddenly responsible for anything they do seems a little strange. If they are illegal and therefore not under my command then I'm not responsible at all, in fact I’d appreciate you ceasing to make judgements on what I do and don’t do in my own area of responsibility.

As you can see I can dance the debating dance with you all night Jan, but in reality it accomplishes nothing but work for the scribes

So why don't you stop bothering the scribes with ceaseless words and do something about it if you don’t like it!!!

Duke Arnold,

I had wished to spare the Diet from a legal lesson but if you insist...

The power of the Chancellor to recruit troops is enshrined in 2.1:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

2.1 The Chancellor is much like the player of a solo M2TW campaign - he moves all the units and agents on the map; he decides all the buildings and which units/agents to be trained.

The chancellor is only constrained in this by CA 11.5, CA 5.1, and CA 12.6. Any recruitment not authorized by the Chancellor is illegal. I have it from the Kaiser personally that he did not authorize the recruitment of the army at Ragusa nor does he control them. Therefore, the army is illegal and your assistance in providing political cover implicates you.

House Armies are enshrined in CA 5.1 and CA 12.6.:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Charter Amendment 5.1: Each Duchy shall have a Household Army with which to defend its territories. The Household Army will be governed by the following clauses:
Quote:
1) The Household Army may not be removed from the House’s provinces without the permission of the Duke.
2) The Duke will determine where the Household Army is to be garrisoned. This location can be changed at any time, so long as the Duke informs the Chancellor of the move. The Chancellor will not remove the Household Army from the garrison without the Duke’s permission, except as required to fulfill Clause 4.
3) The Duke will determine who commands the Household Army.
4) At the beginning of each Diet session the Duke may assign general orders to the Household Army, which are to be carried out by the Chancellor. Between Diet sessions, any additional orders submitted by Dukes are to be implemented only at the Chancellor's discretion. The Duke may select one of the following Orders: (1) attack any rebel force in House territory, (2) attack any hostile force in House territory, including other factions, (3) attack any foreign or rebel army in House territory, including neutral (but not allied or crusading) factions, (4) temporary assignment to another House, (5) assignment to offensive duties. If Order (4) is chosen, the Duke may determine the time limit of the temporary assignment and the commanding general, but all other decisions are made by the Duke of the receiving house. When the time limit expires, the Household Army must be immediately returned to House lands, no matter what other circumstances occur, unless the Duke agrees otherwise. If Order (5) is chosen, the Duke may specify an enemy settlement or army as the objective and the commanding general. The settlement or army must be in a province that borders the House and the Reich must already be at war with the target. All other decisions are made by the Chancellor. The Duke may recall the Household Army from offensive duties at any time and for any reason.
5) The Household Army will consist of a minimum of 3 infantry regiments, 2 ranged regiments, and 1 cavalry regiment. The Household Army will ideally consist of 4 infantry regiments, 3 ranged regiments, and 2 cavalry regiments. For the purposes of this rule, Generals’ bodyguard units do not count as cavalry regiments. All regiments must be professional soldiers, not militia.
6) If a Household Army falls below the minimum strength level, Imperial military recruitment must be allocated to restoring the Household Army to minimum strength before forces can be sent elsewhere.
7) The Chancellor will attempt to maintain the Household Armies at full strength, with the highest quality regiments available.
8) In emergencies, the Chancellor may detach any units in excess of the minimum strength level for use elsewhere. The Chancellor may not reduce a Household Army below the minimum strength level without the permission of the Duke.
9) If the Imperial Treasury cannot support all Household Armies at minimum strength, the Chancellor must consult with the Dukes and receive their permission to reduce the Household Armies in such a way as to eliminate the deficit.
10) The Imperial Diet may temporarily remove any or all of these rules by a simple majority vote. The temporary period will last no longer than 10 turns.

and

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Charter Amendment 12.6: (1) Each House will have TWO standing Household Armies. They will operate according to CA5.1 in all respects, but have separate commanders appointed by the Duke.
(2) Outremer will have two standing armies. They will operate in accordance with CA9.1, but have separate commanders appointed by the King.
(3) The Kaiser and Prinz will each command standing Imperial armies, of the guideline size given in CA5.1. The Kaiser and Prinz can each give orders for their army during full Diet sessions. They are expected to personally command their own armies but can nominate a replacement commander at any time if they are too busy attending to civil matters. The Chancellor and the Kaiser/Prinz are expected to liase closely over the use of the deployment of the Kaiser/Prinz's army.

Therefore anything above these two forces is Imperial and not subject to control by the Duke. Both Ragusa and the Prince army are Imperial forces. Unless you are claiming that the Ragusa army is yours. That of course would implicate you in owning an illegal army.

The movement of the Prince army is enshrined in CA 12.6 which I have already shown. As you can see, movement of this army is between the army commander and the Chancellor. The Duke has no authority to order this army to do anything. He can ask though.

So, according to section 2.1 of the Charter, the Ragusa garrison is illegal. According to CA 5.1 and CA 12.6, the Ragusa garrison is above and beyond the authority of the Duke of Austria. According to CA 12.6, the Prince's army is above the authority of the Duke of Austria. Therefore, by claiming that the Ragusa garrison is a legitimate Austrian Army and by preventing Duke Hans to disband it, you are admitting to helping break three laws at least.

In light of my belief that you are committing illegal acts, it is now entirely appropriate to question your loyalty. By covering for this illegal army, you are responsible for it's actions.

Count Karolinger raises important questions. While I currently have no more information than I was provided with earlier today, I believe some logical reasoning will produce the likely answer. For the Milanese, while killing Siegfried would certainly not bring back their lost rebellion, not all men act only out of expectation for future gain. Italians such as the Milanese, and particularly the Sicilians, are well known to act out of revenge long after their enemies have forgotten about their previous conflicts. It seems to me that this Milanese traitor and his brethren simply wished to harm the Reich as compensation for their own losses.

As for the Assassins' Guild not attacking the Kaiser directly, it is well-known that Siegfried survived multiple assassination attempts at the hands of agents of the Danish King. As we all know, Guilds represent a single force and are managed by a central authority beyond the control of any single nation. Therefore the Assassins' Guild itself was already responsible for at least two attempts on his life. It seems obvious to me that instead of risking yet another failed assassination, they decided that the more efficient method would be to overwhelm him with numbers in a direct assault. Since assassins are trained to operate with stealth and kill without confrontation, I doubt they would have the numbers or the wherewithal to field a full force on a battlefield. Thus, they hired mercenaries for that role. It should also not be forgotten that Siegfried counted a Master of the Assassins' Guild amongst his personal retinue. That man could easily have betrayed the Kaiser's location and signalled the proper moment for ambush to the waiting mercenaries.

Of course, this is just speculation on my part, but it seems like the logical answer to these unknown questions. Perhaps when some of these other man are captured, we will learn more.

Elberhard: Duke Arnold, King Jan - I am most dissatisfied at the turn the discussion of the Ragusa affair has taken.

The army being raised there is an unauthorised one. I did not request its raising. If Duke Arnold did, he did not inform me. So long as the army remains commanded by a committed Lutheran, it is unsafe to allow it to be camped so close to the home of the Holy Father in Durazzo.

Earlier, I agreed to Duke Arnold's request that Duke Hans army be called off Ragusa and that the Duke be allowed to take control of the situation. I now see that my agreement was unwise.

Duke Hans will take his army - formerly the Kaiser's army, now we can call it the Prinz's army - and blockade the Lutherans at Ragusa. He will take no further action until Duke Arnold arrives to help resolve the situation, but the Lutherans will not be allowed to levy more men from the countryside nor to leave the Citadel.

King Jan bows to the Kaiser and sits down without saying anything further.

While you men are so busy trying to start a civil war in the Reich, I would like to request the aid of the Kaiser and the King of Outremer. I have received word that Adana has been gifted to Byzantium as planned. My brother Matthias has stated several times that he would fight such a move. I was therefore very surprised to see that this had been accomplished without any disturbance whatsoever. As a result, I attempted to contact my brother in Outremer to discover what had transpired.

I have been unable to do so. It seems that no one in Outremer knows where my brother is at all. He has simply disappeared along with a group of his most trusted soldiers. This disturbs me greatly, as it should the entire Diet. Not only is Matthias my brother, but is also the longest-serving Chancellor the Reich has ever known. I therefore request all possible aid in locating him as soon as possible and ensuring that he has come to no harm. Since King Jan is still nominally in charge of the forces of Outremer, I fully expect him to lead up this investigation. Of this, I am glad, for I know his chivalrous nature will not let him abandon one of his men.

Duke Lothar,

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I knew of Count Matthias's intention to hold Adana. I assumed that when the hand-over happened, he would come south to meet up with us. I will look into this at once.

Jan writes a note and hands it to Gunther who leaves.

Ansehelm:
As I said Lothar, I would stand by your brother would I be there. He is a true German, not a traitor to his country. I have the feeling more is happening than just some Lutheran uprising. All true Germans are slowly disappearing.
Some of the most loyal men in the Reich are gone. Peter, one of the most loyal man I personally know. Matthias now, another of undisputed loyalty.
Arnold, another loyal German is being criticized by someone who holds the title of King of Nothing, even though we know Arnold is another loyal man.

I also want to speak for disbanding the Prinz' Army as soon as Duke Hans has finished his task. There is currently no Prinz so keeping an extra army costs money, too money we could spend on better things.


And I'm getting fed up by the fact I know nothing of Tancred von Tyrrolia. The Chancellor lost this man and an army with him, and I see no progress in finding him.

*Fritz von Kastilien enters the Diet, waits for silence, and approaches the floor*

Friends, I bring news. Or, I bring rumour to be more exact.

I have met with Lothar's accuser. Or met with someone who speaks for him. There was an unfortunate use of masks and disguised voices, which irritates me to no end.

*Fritz shouts out while wildly looking about the chamber* If you want to bring forward damning evidence, do it now, coward!

*Fritz' nostrils flare, he shakes his head and composes himself*

Be that as it may, Lothar's accuser has told me that he has evidence of two things. First, that Lothar made an agreement with the leaders of the Assassins' Guild to do away with Siegfried. Second, that the man hired to lead the killers was none other than the mysteriously disappeared Tancred von Tyrrolia.

*Fritz makes a wide grin and laughs derisively*

I suggest that this Diet withhold judgment on such pronouncements until Hans' investigation has run its course. I have tasked two of my staff to perform their own inquiry into these charges.

It may be that these investigations prove some or part of this. On the other hand, it may that these are specious lies concocted by some ambitious member of this assembly who wishes to gain political advantage over the house of Bavaria. If it is the last...

*Fritz pauses and sweeps the Franconian bench without resting on anyone particularly*

...I pity the man who has done such a despicable thing.

Jan addresses the Diet,

In light of Duke Lothar's concerns, and with the Kaiser's blessing, I am going to immediately take AoO north to Adana in order to investigate the situation concerning Count Matthias. I will issue a full report to the Kaiser when my investigation is complete. If Count Matthias is in Adana, we will find him. If he is in trouble, then a whole army is coming with me to lend him assistance.

I ask that you keep Count Matthias in your prayers.

Jan leaves the Diet

Once Jan leaves the Chamber Arnold turns on the Kaiser.

Smashing his fist in emphasis Arnold's voice sounds like cold steel.

An audience with you if you please my Lord!

Elberhard: Duke Arnold has requested that I make clear that he retains my confidence in his ability as Duke of Austria. I would like to state publicly that I accept his assurances that he was not responsible for raising the army in Ragusa. Neither was I responsible. It is precisely this lack of control over the emerging army that is cause for alarm.

Were the Duke to be close to Ragusa with an army, I would be happy to entrust a resolution of this issue to him. Unfortunately, facts on the ground dictate that Duke Hans is better placed to intervene. This is no reflection of a lack of trust in Duke Arnold, just an appreciation of geography.

I am grateful to King Jan for bringing this issue to my attention, but would ask that it does not lead to a rekindling of the feud between him and Duke Arnold that we all so vividly recall from the past. I wish the King every success in his efforts to track down Matthias Steffen.

Arnold bows his head just slightly towards the Kaiser. He then begins writing orders handing them to his Sword bearer Szczepanski, Grom and Bane.

Mathais missing? This is most Disturbing news indeed, King Jan I emplore you, help find my wifes brother, she has already lost one. It would kill her to lose another.

*A Swabian clerk is handed a piece of paper. He reads it, sighs, and stands up to address the Diet.*

My lords, the following is a message from Dietrich von Dassel, who is currently halfway between Ragusa and Durazzo.

Gentlemen,

Thank you so much for your wonderful idea about what to do with my army. Without bright, intelligent, paranoid Electors such as Sir von Hamburg, Duke Hans, and Kaiser Elberhard I would have never thought to attack Pope Abbate. You must all be congratulated on your military sense.

I go to Durazzo to end re-unification once and for all. This madness has gone on for too long. Godspeed, gentlemen.

Oh dear.

While King Jan has been away in Adana searching for Matthias, a lone clerk staffs the Outremer table. Upon hearing the news from the Swabian clerk, he speaks.

Outremer clerk:

My lords,

It is amazing how, even now, Sir Dassel attempts to avoid responsibility for his actions by blaming others. I know I speak for my King when I ask that everyone do what ever is possible to protect the Holy Father. Furthermore, excommunication will rip the Reich apart at this fragile time. All of the civil unrest and blood that comes out of this will be on Sir Dassel's hands.

The clerk bows and sits down looking quite distraught.

Ansehelm:
So, Jan doesn't like it that Dietrich sends messengers, and here we have a messenger of his own.
No meine Herren, Herr von Dassel does what he thinks is best for the Reich, just like Peter. We should talk with people like them, it's obvious what happens if we don't, we're seeing that even now. If we ignore them they will take matters into their own hands.
Many mistakes have been made, especially by some who claim to be ruling parts of the Reich.

Noble electors, I would like to stay and discuss Count Dietrich's latest moves. However, I think my time will be better spent putting down the revolts in my county. I wish you all well.

*Fritz strides quickly from the chamber, shouting for his horse*

The clerk speaks

Outremer clerk:

Duke Ansehelm,

With all due respect, I meant that Sir Dassel is blaming my King, our Kaiser, and Duke Hans for his march on the Holy Father. My statements had nothing to do with Sir Dassel's use of clerks and I apologize profusely if my words led you to believe otherwise.

Ansehelm:
How does it come, that no-one who works for a Von Hamburg understands sarcasm?

Another Swabian clerk stands to read a letter

My Lords,

My Duke informs me that while he may not be able to intercept Dassel in time, the Bavarian HA near Thessalonica would be able to reinforce the Papal forces at Durazzo before Dassel reaches them with his artillery.

*Lothar Steffen slams his fist onto the table.*

NO! I will not have a Bavarian army be responsible for starting a Civil War within the Reich! I do not care what the consequences are, my Duchy will not be the first to shed the blood of their brothers! If Hans wants a Civil War, the blood will have to be on his hands, not mine!

Ansehelm:
There will be no need for civil war. Many of us agree on points. It's just a handfull of people who don't agree with the majority. That's no proper cause of a civil war, an uproar maybe, no civil war.

*Ansehelm gets out an knife and throws it into the table in front of him*
And if someone thinks he can start a civil war, let him keep in mind that the Teutonic Army is still strong, made up of many veterans of the attack on Moscow, these men know what it is to march half the world and attacking someone, so don't think you can sit save in some castle you stole.
Let that be a warning to everyone here, if someone thinks of starting a civil war, remember this: you will have this up you, and you will not like it.
*Ansehelm puts away his knife*

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

That reminded me of Jones:
http://blog.whatfettle.com/images/jones.png

*The Swabian clerk receives another paper and audibly groans. After being recognized he begins to read it aloud.*

Ahem... Gentlemen, it seems that Sir von Dassel has... graced... us with another letter.

Come on Hans, can't catch me? Can't be in twelve places at once? Can't match up with the lowly von Dassel, who isn't even a Count? You must be slipping, my lord. Surely this isn't the same Hans the Mighty who never resists an opportunity to boast his accomplishments to the world.

If you want to be known as the man who started the civil war by catching up to the dastardly von Dassel and his devil-worshipping Lutherans then by all means, march faster! Come on, you must have it in you somewhere!

Ugh... I resign. Somebody else can read these *#%! letters now.

Diet Speaker: Count Peter von Kastilien is to be released from prison in Rome into the custody of the Duke of Franconia.

Mutters into his beard:

...and God help us all.

A man last seen in the Diet thirteen years ago enters again.

"Home sweet home," Peter thinks.

ELECTORS! I return triumphant from my journey to Constantinople! I knew you couldn't afford to hold me in prison for long, with the Lutherans on my side.

Count Becker and Duke Hans, you forgot about Tancred. A grave error. Wahrheitburg is now part of the Most Holy Roman Empire!

Peter glances at Empress Theodora for a fleeting moment, then continues.

I wish to go home to Franconia, quickly. But first, I shall be celebrating our triumph over the Greeks in the Tavern! Lars and Ulrich brought me countless riches from sacking Constantinople, and Greek coin is valued well. Join me - all night, all men drink for free!

Laughing and singing loudly, Peter leaves the room and walks down the street.

The clerk at the Outremer table just buries his head in his hands in disbelief.

The Swabian clerk rises

Forgive me for the interruption, but Duke Hans did suggest to the Austrians to secure their eastern front to ward off Tancred if he tried to infiltrate after your capture.

I have no words for your release, but my Duke will certainly have his own view on that matter.

The clerk picks his head up and speaks,

Outremer clerk:

Is Peter even able to speak in here? It was Kaiser Elberhard who banned him, even though he did hold a different position at the time.

Peter's veteran warrior, whose names is Jonas, speaks. He is a teetotaller and doesn't like to drink.

My name is Jonas. I was born by the twin rivers Cuomo. But enough about me.

Jan? Yeah he can. Elberhard gave Péter full reinstatement at the Diet when he released him. Go figure!

And, Hans? There's no way Tancred is stupid enough to try and attack his own countrymen. It would take a total moron to use armed force to try and prevent something catastrophic. Really stupid.

Jonas's voice trails off...

Reminds me of someone...

Ansehelm:
Since Peter is now in my custody I think I can safely tell you that he will move to Hamburg to join forces with Fritz untill Dieter arrives. Peter and Fritz are to defend that border of the Reich, and if possible I want them to move at Antwerp. A clear victory might be good for the Reich.

Diet Speaker: Duke Ansehelm, on the subject of Antwerp, I am pleased to report that our English allies have entered the war with Denmark and are currently besieging the city. I have no great faith they will succeed, but they will weaken our foe.

On another matter, Kaiser Elberhard has asked me to communicate to you the result of King Jan's investigation into the whereabouts of Matthias Steffen:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Privateerkev

King Jan's report on the whereabouts of Count Matthias

My Kaiser,

Please make this report available to the Diet in full.

Myself and a small group have left the army behind in Aleppo so as to be unassuming and hopefully unnoticed. I have taken my party through Adana and here is what I found.

1.) From questioning the Adana crusaders, as well as locals, the Adana garrison complied with the handover peacefully.

2.) According to their testimony, Count Matthias was on patrol up north when the handover happened. He was not at the Citadel.

3.) I found a battle site where Count Mattias's horse and bodyguards were found dead. The marks in the sand show that the Count was dragged away and that there were many attackers. Arrows recovered are of Turkish design.

4.) From visiting local village leaders, I learned a local mercenary unit had been hired to ambush someone. The mercenaries are of Turkish descent but do not belong to the Turkish Army.

5.) Up at the northern Adana border, a caravan informed me that a convoy headed into Caesarea. A wagon had a wounded man on it and the men in the convoy bore the markings and dress of Byzantine soldiers.

6.) While I was allowed to travel around Adana without hassle from the Byzantines the atmosphere has changed. My party is prepared to defend itself at a moment's notice.

7.) I have received an intelligence report from a reliable source that Matthias may be alive up in Caesarea.

8.) Because of this intelligence, I am taking the party north to Caesarea to see what I can find.

9.) If he is indeed held by the Byzantines, then I will demand his immediate release. If they refuse to comply, then I will extricate him by force and make our way back south.

I ask the Diet to keep Count Matthias in your prayers.

Yours,
King Jan

---

From this report, it appears that a renegade Byzantine general may have kidnapped Matthias Steffen in order to ease the transfer of Adana. Kaiser Elberhard assures the Diet that, despite our fraternal feelings for the Eastern Romans, King Jan and the Army of Outremer North will conduct aggressive negotiations for Matthias Steffen's release.

Péter von Kastilien walks back into the Diet.

They have Matthias? Those @#$%ers. I'll give 'em some aggressive negotiations. Just say the word, and Tancred takes Nicaea. Or anywhere else we feel like.

Once again, the Diet takes a while to realize that I am right, but it happened.

Athalwolf enters and bows

Mein lords, I wish to speak of my undying loyalty to the real Duke of Swabia, Duke Hans. I care not that some upstart from Caen thinks otherwise, but all the same, Wolfgang, the one who I talk of, I shall make sure your dead body is buried beneath this earth before the end of this century.

I also wish to speak of my commitment to the 95 laws Luther speaks of. I openly discourage the fact of quietning this, are we not allowed Free Speech and thought of mind? What does this make diffrent? Is not germany excommunicated, soi how does the Pope care?

I wish not for war between The Lutherean Army near Durrazo, but if it comes to force, I shall back up Dietrich von Dassel very much. And I openly appauld Peter.

Gone are the days of the Pope and his somewhat evil laws, and of those who believe in them.

Athalwolf whips around and walks from the Diet, to escape capture as has happened to other Luthereans.

Kidnapped?!?! News from the diet becomes more unbelievable everyday, I surley hope that all efforts of extract Mathias are being made.

A letter arrives from Outremer from one of the few ships still plying the ever more dangerous trade lanes.

Quote:

---

My fellow Electors. The news of my abduction is accurate, but thanks to King Jan, and to Duke Lothar who originally brought up the matter of my disappearance, I am now a free man. I do not wish to go into details, though I'm sure they will eventually emerge.

Let me emphasize that my imprisonment was the responsibility of the Byzantine Strategos Nikeforos the Mean. He acted alone, without the approval of his superiors, as far as I know. This should be familiar to many of our Electors. "Independent Action" has become quite popular.

I have reviewed the records of the past few years, and while horrified, I will not go into details. This has been a trying time for all of us. I beg all of you now to abandon these disparate machinations and unite. We no longer have the luxury of unquestioned supremacy or unlimited resources. The threats that face us are very real, and if we do not meet them together, we will fall.

I propose a status quo ante bellum. We cannot rescind our excommunication, or the breaking of our alliance with the Eastern Roman Empire, but we can move forward together from this low point to rebuild what has been destroyed, regain what has been lost and take back our rightful place at the head of Europe.

We must act before it is too late.

---

Ansehelm:
Tancred will take no city. Tancred will take his army and return to Franconia to reinforce the Household Armies. Having an outpost deep into enemy territory is dangerous, I suggest we destroy every building in Constantinople, the money will be of good use to us.

Agreed, brother! I am a bit disturbed that the efforts of my journey will not bear as much fruit as previously anticipated, but the war with the Byzantines is inevitable. We can destroy every single building of that godforsaken place - it will no longer be Wahrheitburg, but it shall still be a triumph.

Ansehelm:
The Poles outside Thorn are beaten again, we lost 60 good Germans.

I hereby order the former Stettin garrison to join the Teutonic Army, and Fritz to move to Hamburg. The Lutherans are now in command of Stettin, I think he can live with that.
The Teutonic Army needs reinforcements, there are three large enemy armies coming, which means the Teutonic Army needs more money to reinforce than any other army. Thorn is the last happy settlement, making it fall would be the same as commiting suicide.

*A messenger enters the Diet*

My lords, Fritz von Kastilien sends greetings to all of you.

He has received orders to move to Hamburg and abandon Stettin to the Lutherans who refuse to let even him in. He wishes the Diet to know that he will not stand for this situation, and he will be assaulting Stettin and raiding the treasuries of its miserably unstable magistrates as soon as he sufficient strength to do so. He trusts that the magistrates in Hamburg will do better than those in Stettin.

If he cannot get enough strength for an assault, he will, as ordered, return to Hamburg.

*The messenger bows and exits*

Diet Speaker: Electors, dreadful news! I regret to inform you that the Imperial Treasury has been emptied and the gold is unaccounted for! We have no funds to recruit more men or even pay those we have. This will surely increase desertion and further undermine Imperial authority!

The Treasury guards say that the money was taken in the name of Kaiser Elberhard and the Empress Dowager Theodora, but the Kaiser's men have no knowledge of where the gold is and the Empress Dowager has also disappeared!

Treason!

Péter chuckles, faking being shocked and acting like he's never heard the word before.

Ansehelm:
Is it not strange that everything occuring now somehow has to do with our "leaders" and they still claim innocence.

Sides, I told you not to trust Orthodox Christians.

This is the last straw. Bavaria formally announces that it will no longer support any attempts at maintaining goodwill with the Byzantines. They are thieves and villains and have shown themselves to be such. I hereby order Count Karolinger and Household Army Otto to return immediately to Bavaria, even if Thessalonica has not yet fallen.

Furthermore, Bavaria will not lift a finger to defend Rome if it risks the security of our Duchy. Since Kaiser Elberhard has seen fit to aid in the theft of the entire Imperial Treasury, surely he has enough funds to recruit an army to defend his own capital.

*A messenger arrives, waits his turn, and proceeds to the edge of the floor where he begins reading*

Fritz von Kastilien sends this message:

"My lords, I wish I could join you in debate at this time. But I am currently overseeing security in the region around Stettin.

"I have heard rumours that the treasury has been emptied. I pity anyone who is surprised by this.

"In response, I am holding the ten thousand florins liberated from Stettin's magistrates in safety here, to prevent further robbery at the hands of the Byzantines and Kaiser Elberhard.

"This money and any other which I happen to come across will remain locked away until such time as those who sided so recklessly with the Byzantine cause have been removed from power.

"May God protect the Reich."

*The messenger bows and leaves*

This is madness! Kaiser Elberhard is weak and a fool. Why should we submit to folly?

Lorenz Zirn bursts out at the news of such blasmephy.

THIS IS MADNESS!!! What type of fool would do such things! He is asking for the end of the Reich

Diet Speaker: Dear Electors, there is no suggestion that the Kaiser has stolen his own Treasury. That would be rather ... unnecessary ... would it not? His only involvement in the affair was that one of his retinue, a Teuton Captain, was unwittingly used as part of the heist to help provide a veneer of legitimacy.

The story, so far as we can make out, seems to be that the gold was moved out of the city under false pretences - orders signed by the Empress Dowager Theodora. Once her aides had taken possession of the money it was diverted south towards Naples, rather than north to our new administrative capital as had been planned.

The militia organised a vigorous pursuit, of course, but were forced to turn back when they spied several large columns marching north across the border with Naples.

Silence, speaker! The funds of the Reich are not for the Kaiser, but for its people. The Kaiser has betrayed what little trust we have placed in him, and he has failed us.

The Kaiser is weak and an outlaw, my friends. The cities are rebelling, Swabia has broken away, we have unfunded armies defending a fool of a Pope in the Levant, and he has stolen our money!

Until the Kaiser returns from Outremer to justify his actions, I declare myself Prinz of the Holy Roman Empire, and will be acting as Kaiser until he reveals his spineless self again. Am the brother of the late Siegfried and the only one of you to act when hope seemed lost. (OOC: This is assuming Dietrich, Tancred, Athalwolf, Wolfgang, and Fritz are not present) We will not be a vassal-state of the Greeks, nor doormat allies any longer!

There shall be a unified Roman Empire, sealed in the blood of the Byzantines! We shall start by reconquering what has been lost. Duke Lothar and Bavarians, are you willing to take back Naples and Palermo for your Duchy? Jan and Matthias and all those in the Levant, are you willing to reconquer Outremer? Then let us unite! The bounds of the Reich are only where men will not tread - if it is reachable, it will be ours, and Pax Romana shall be the result!

When Elberhard returns to this Diet, he will receive a "generous welcome." Now raise your flagons to glory!

Lorenz grins insanly and laughs

AI!!! We shall follow the steps of Peter and conquer what has been last to our great nation, we shall crush them under our power, and take back what is rightfully ours!

That is the fighting spirit, Lorenz! The Holy Roman Empire shall rival and be even larger than the first Roman Empire, only we shall not succumb to weakness (OOC: and orgies) like our predecessors!

I ask all Germans the question, do you have the strength to cast aside oppression and malfeasance, and strive for glory? WHAT SAY YOU?

The clerk at the Outremer table is not sure whether to laugh or be appalled.

Outremer clerk:

Let me make this really clear right now. King Jan does not recognize Peter as Kaiser. We have a Kaiser and that is Kaiser Elberhard. You can't just come in here and proclaim yourself Kaiser.

If Peter is truly Kaiser, then I challenge him to ban King Jan, and all of his aides, from the Diet right now. This is a direct challenge to the authority that Peter claims he holds. If he truly is Kaiser, then he should prove it.

Until then, we have much more important things going on.

I shall not ban ye, as ye have all the right to speak your mind. Lesser Kaisers lacked the virility to be questioned in the least, it is more forceful to let you speak your mind and silence with argument. If Elberhard is truly not the one in charge of the robbery, he can remain a figurehead and remain his dignity, whatever remains. One day he will die and his soul shall leave the earth to wherever it may go.

In the meantime, his weakness is inexcusable. He calls Tancred a pirate, rather than the hero he truly is. We are at war with the Greeks, and it's about time. Tell Jan that unless he swears to serve the Reich, the true Reich, he will be banished from it.

Outremer clerk:

King Jan does not need to justify himself to a man who rebelled with a whole army. The King will serve who is Kaiser, not who gets uppity and claims it on a whim.

Again, I hereby challenge your authority as Kaiser. If you were Kaiser, you couldn't let such a challenge stand and would have to ban the King. How do you answer such a challenge Peter?

King Jan! I shall challenge YOUR ATHOURITY! You are more capable then this Kaiser. Our Kaiser has left us taking everything with him to save himself, do you seriously want to follow such a man, who does not give a !@#@ about your life!? He has left us with nothing, he has abandoned us, HE HAS FORSAKEN US!

Outremer clerk:

The King's authority derives from the Kaiser according to the Charter of Outremer. No matter what "Peter the Pretender" claims, he is not Kaiser.

Now, on to far more important matters.

According to reports, Count Becker has fallen in battle. The King grieves for the loss of a good and honorable man. He sends his condolences to Duke Arnold and House Austria for their loss. May the Lord see Becker to a better place. Amen.

If it is rebellion to unite and save a failing Empire, then I am a rebel. If it is treason to draw swords against enemies and fight for the betterment of Germany, then I am a traitor. If it is the right thing to do to sit by and let my home country and my friends and my people be destroyed, then I am a sinner.

Unlike other Kaisers and Princes who did not have the manhood to be questioned, I will not ban you. Your foolish words have already done that. Have Jan visit me, so I can treat with him in person and not a feeble proxy.

Peace, Lorenz, I do not wish to spill German blood, even one so weak as Jan's clerk.

EDIT(posted at the same time as PK's): Becker is dead? That is terrible news. He was a true soldier of the Reich, a true man. Why has the von Mahren family been stricken so? The von Heidelburg children must be protected from this pox.

Outremer clerk:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Peter the Pretender

Your foolish words have already done that.

---

"Peter the Pretender", please tell me how the King's words have banned him. I have yet to see Imperial troops come in to arrest me.

If you are Kaiser, then why don't you call an emergency session and set all of this right? Even as Prince, you would have this authority. You could set things the way you want them right now if you were Kaiser or Prince.

Becker...dead...? Damnit! Another death to the Austrian household. He was a great man, wanting peace, but yet these wars force him to fight till his last breath.

What an excellent idea - I can call an emergency Diet session and have all of the good men of the Reich come in and set things right. Of course, this is moot as the end of the term is nigh. Tell Jan that his weakness has been noted and that he shall not expect to be King next term.

OOC: I don't have the OOC balls to call a Diet session and annoy the crap out of everyone.

Outremer clerk:

Since King Jan does not recognize you, and you have yet to actually prove your authority, your threats and insults mean little.

As for the King being here in person, he left for Outremer some time ago to rescue Count Matthias. Events in Outremer, as well as a difficult travel situation lately, have made it quite impossible for the King to be here in person. If you've noticed, many nobles have made the same decision in order to be where they are needed. Are they all "weak" Peter the Pretender?

But, never fear, I am here to answer all of your queries my good Count.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gibson

OOC: I don't have the OOC balls to call a Diet session and annoy the crap out of everyone.

---

OOC: I was gambling on that. ^_^ Would be funny to see Peter try though. Remember, we don't know your Prince yet. And Peter's word is not going to be good enough by itself. You'll need something more to convince everyone.

And these nobles are doing their duty for the Reich. Matthias is a hero, withstanding and surviving capture. King Jan is a hero for retaking Aleppo, not so for letting Outremer be given away without a struggle.

Nay, I still shall not ban you - you have been misguided and lied to by Elberhard and know not the follies you utter.

But internal struggle and deliberation is diminishing the significance of Becker's death. He not only leaves Austria undermanned yet again, but the Reich is robbed of a true man and a true soldier. A moment of silence! After due grieving, I shall see to it personally that Austria is reinforced by Tancred von Tyrolia or Friedrich Karolinger so it does not fall weak.

The clerk observes the moment of silence

Outremer clerk:

So now you command Bavarian Household Armies? So, not only are you both Kaiser and Prince, but your the Duke of Bavaria as well? What title should you claim next?