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I would have much preferred for Zagreb to remain a Fortress, due to ist central location. But if Ragusa offers a superior infrastructure this hardly leaves us a choice. The outside factors of position really favoured Ragusa for a city, so I am a little disappointed that its training facilities will rob us of its trade potential.
Well as Count of Zagreb you have my authorization to go ahead and convert to a city. At least that will give us access to the Gold ressources by mining them.
I, Maximillian von Tyrolia, Fifth Elector, believe that it is in the best interest for our trade/missionary expedition that I and another suited merchant go to the rich gold fields of Timbuktu, while another merchant goes to Egypt to access its resources and divert them from our foes.
As far as the priests, they should be sent together to a single Egyptian city, preferably a productive city. This will increase unrest in that city and possibly bring about rebellion, or at least force Egypt to transfer resources that may have been used fighting our Kingdom of Outremer to quash internal conflicts. The largest port city should be chosen for this mission.
Duke Leopold turns to the newcomer.
Ah, Maximilan von Tyrolia what better man could we have chosen to lead our expedition than one of the most renown merchants of Austria. The Count of Venice personally recommended you to lead this important task. Your analysis of the situation already shows your aptitude. My lawyers tell me though that the proposed Edict may have been voiced a little too strict by me.
I fear that beyond your target there are not much options left for you to choose. So while I understand your reasons I fear you have to make a clean choice between Africa or Egypt.
Another matter that I would like to inquire this Council about is the target of our retaliation strike against the Venetians. As worded by our Edict we can move on either Thessalonica or Durazzo.
Sacking Durazzo would definetly enforce our rule over the Adriatic sea. I belive thoutg that Thessalonica is a well-developed town that would yield many benefits if we could plunder its riches. Also a surprise attack into the heart of Venetian territory should teach them to refuse our generous offers again.
What are your thoughts on this matter?
My Lord it is with regret that I have given my orders to the Chancellor but Ragusa can meet our immediate needs. Overall I think this would be the best choice for the Reich. Hopefully our merchants can make up for the loss potential of Ragusa has an economic city.
OOC: The 2nd Elector of Austria has assumed the title of being the economic advisor to most of the Reich. I'm assuming I know you well gibsonsg91921. And welcome.
IC:
Maximillian von Tyrolia you rogue!! It's good to see you. Duke Leopold is correct; it seems our ability to word edicts is still somewhat too specific. You will need to wait and take two fellow merchants plus some Priest with you to either Egypt or Timbuktu. I do recommend you go as a group as there were many dangerous episodes when I made the trip.
Duke Leopold, given the Venetians are addicted to money Thessalonica would be a far better physiological target. Let’s take their money and see where they fall!!
Maximillian von Tyrolia speaks:
Well, in that case I deem it best to send the expedition to Egypt in order to disrupt our enemy's trade and convert their population.
Excellent reasoning Maximillian.Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonsg91921
Thank you, your Countyship.
My Lord I would support the Count of Venice suggestion and Thessalonica would be the area to strike against the Venetians.
I have informed Emperor Henry of your decision and will move south to engage the Venetians in Thessaloncia as soon as possible!
Excellent! My Lord Godspeed and I wait to hear the news of another victory. If the Venetians would not accept the offer of peace then they must be taught a lesson not to turn down such valuable offers from the Reich.
The Count embarrassingly turns to the newest Elector of the House.
Maximillian, please excuse my lack of manners when you first arrived there was some pressing matters to be discussed. A hearty welcome to the Austrian House. I am so glad you have decided to work your mercantile skills for us. The Count of Venice has mentioned some of your travels and exploits. I can't wait to hear of more first hand.
I wish you success in your newest enterprise.
Maximillian's aide speaks to the Count of Zagreb:
Don't bother to apologize, no offense was taken by my master.
Turns to the Council:
My lords, the Chancellor has reported that the mercantile and religious mission headed by my master has embarked to North Egypt where they shall wreak havoc economically and politically in that barren wasteland - good tidings indeed!
Lord Leopold, gentlemen,
The House of Austria has received a new member. Karl Zirn!! Before he arrives I am wondering how we shall integrate him into the nobility of the House.
Any suggestions gentlemen?
A messenger arrives reading a letter from Duke Leopold of Austria:
Dear Nobles of Austria,
The siege of Thessalonica is going ahead as planned and I am sure that the city will soon be ours for the taking. Jonas von Mahren has joined me and will help me in the assault. Talks are underway concerning the situation of the von Mahren family and their status within the Austrian nobility. As you know their lands have long been on Austrian soil and their services to Austria have been outstanding.
I hear that my daughter Meckil has finally found a suitable husband in Karl Zirn, the eldest son of the Count of Zagreb. I am glad to hear of this fine addition to the Austrian nobility.
News of the Crusade in accordance with Edict 8.3 have reached me here and I urge every Austrian noble willing to take up the Cross to stake our claims in Outremere to join me in Thessalonica as soon as possible. I will contact my brother to see what course he has plotted for this second Crusade.
Leopold
Duke of Austria
OOC: I just went with your version Northnovas. Congratulations on the avatar, glad to have some company. :2thumbsup:
My word!!
He's your eldest son Count of Zagreb!!??
How did that slip past my notice!! I must get off the brandy earlier in the day.
There are only two generals able to join the crusade Lord Leopold. Yourself and Karl Zirn, unless I am mistaken.
When is the situation with the von Mahren's likely to be resolved?
A familiar face walks into the room and bows deeply. It is the Count of Zagreb secretary looking very tired...
My Lords I pass a message from the Count who is too gravely ill to attend matters of office. He feels his time is short but could not be happier with the most joyous of events for the Austrian House. There has been a lot of negotiating to have the The Duke accept his new son.
Karl is now in Ragusa to meet the Duke and will be ready to discuss Household issues.
The Count and his son met briefly on his arrival but the trip has taken too much from him. The Estate matters of the Count have been updated and finalized with Duke Leopold's final approval.
If you would excuse me while a prepare things for the Count.
The gentleman leaves heading over to the chapel....
OOC: I thought I would add something with my name mentioned in threads before heading to work. I think I will craft something letter wise to give some background to the character. At 29 he has had to something then be a professional student.
OOC:
Excellent work Northnovas.
Things are happening in Austria and I'm excited!!
Maximillian's aide stands, with a letter in his hand:
Lords, I have a letter from my master from Northern Egypt.
"Austrian nobles, I am but a mere merchant of the upper middle class, but I have lots of big ideas for the Empire.
Our allies, the Portuguese, have been plagued by our old enemies, the Moors, for too long. I believe we should send an Grand Iberian Army of the Reich to aid them in their plight as a token of our good will and to spread Catholicism and Eastern influence. This will also be an excellent way to open up a second front against the French so we may attack in concert with the Swabian armies.
Maximillian von Tyrolia, 5th Elector, from Egypt."
Aide sits down.
Your idea is a noble one Maximillian.
You will have to propose something like that in the next Diet session.
In the comfort of the Ragusa fortress the Austrian Nobles are together celebrating the expansion of the House and to discuss future concerns...
I have only one administrative matter to address and that is the title of my late father the Count of Zagreb. I have inherited his position in the Diet as the Third Elector but I did not know if you wished me to carry on the responsibilities of Zagreb and his title or if there were new responsibilities within the House.
When the Diet meets I will make my formal introduction to the Electors.
As for the next opening what are our issues to be addressed. Could the Office of Chancellor be again in the Austrian House?
Are we to concentrate on the upcoming Crusade or are there military options closer to home? I see my young brother in law riding today he is just months away from a commission and to have the responsibility to lead men.
Where do we want to take the Austrian House from this point onward?
Maximillian's aide stands:
My master stressed the importance of our Portuguese allies. If our enemies the Moors take over Iberia, there is a fruitful area of trade lost which includes the gold-rich areas of North Africa. The Reich must not forget that there is more to the world than the Outremer in the East where my master presently resides. We cannot lose the Western outlet to the Mediterannean Sea and Atlantic Ocean lest we lose lucrative moneymaking opportunities.
This is definitely a matter our house should propose an edict on in the upcoming Diet session.
Looking at the new Count of Zagreb the Count of Venice begins
As far as I am concerned you are more than welcome to keep the title of your father. But what is needed now is you must earn your Knight's spurs as quickly as possible so you may lead an army officially.
As for your other comments, then you raise a series of very important points Count.
I will have to think about them some more and get back to you all.
Entering the Austrian Council the Count of Venice is accompanied by a powerfully build young man
My Lords,
I would like your attention please.
I have the pleasure of introducing Duke Leopold's son Arnold.
Having spoken to the Duke I will be attached to Arnold as an adviser and attache. My role as the Count of Venice will remain unchanged, however I will be taking a less "hands on" approach in the Diet and other administrative matters of the Reich.
Taking a seat the Count of Venice hands over the floor to the now standing Arnold.
A messenger enters the Chambers where the Austrian nobles have assembled:
My master, your Duke, let's me excuse his absence this day. He will arrive in Ragusa as soon as possible before continuing to the Diet deliberations in Rome. He is currently held up in Thessalonica and will let you know of his achievements once he arrives here.
Regarding the question of the next Chancellor, I can tell you that my master does not wish to stand for a second term. He will be too busy preparing for the Crusade to undertake such a feat. I am to pass you word that apparently Hans of Swabia could be a candidate for Chancellorship. If you know of anybody else, please come forward with it now, so that we can discuss the future proceedings, this includes the option of one of you gentlemen standing for Election.
He turns to the Karl Zirn:
I pass on the best wishes of my master to your recent marriage with his daugther Meckil. He is sorry that he was not able to attend the ceremonials personally. He will speak to you upon his arrival here and I'm sure the succession of your father can be settled then.
Then he turns to the Count of Venice and Arnold:
I am sure my master is pleased to see that his son has developed well under your guidance Count of Venice. I am sure he is looking forward to seeing his son once he arrives.
Once again I apologize for the Dukes abesence but he will attend to all matters of state in a timely fashion.
The messenger bows and leaves again.
OOC: The Coop Story with Kagemusha is taking its time and I would not want to speculate too much, by appearing here and telling things that will turn out wrong. The results of this talk will surely be among the first things mentioned by Duke Leopold upon his arrival.
My Lord, the prospect of running for the Office of Chancellor is intriguing I do not feel that I am ready for such a position at this time. However , I have been reviewing some legislation and seeing that our good merchant as proposed his edict and I don't know what else is coming from this House I would like to use my edict or I should say CA.
The situation of the Reich's defence has been perilous at times and the fall of Thorn made me think of something to reinforce the Household Armies.
I was thinking of creating a new army that would be under control of the Chancellor's Office. The Chancellor in office would control the army to aid House Armies defending the Reich. This army would be strictly for the defence of the Empire proper (Europe).
I am not one for minute detail but following the guide of the Household Army legislation appears to cover the bases and would be good for discussion in the Diet.
I would hope to have the House support.
Forgive me Lord Zirn, but isn't there legislation in effect that covers this? The army of the interior is already in place and working no?
Yes, there has been but I figure there could be more support for the defences because of the current situation. There never seems to be enough troops when a threat occurs.
Yes I certainly see the point of your legislation Lord Zirn.
It seems as if my father has also made a very telling point about the House Armies. This legislation does not put a minimum on the number of house armies. The Chancellor is free to create more and assign then as required.
The Count of Venice (CoV in future), certainly drummed into me that it is better to have more flexibility that specific edicts or CA that define too many things.
To a formal matter. I wold like to thank Duke Leopold for naming me the Count of Budapest.
Father,
What will be the standing orders for the AHA?
I believe if you plan is to go ahead I should be Knighted as soon as possible.
Regards
Arnold
Dear nobles of Austria,
I have cast my votes on the legislations proposed in the Diet and I see that most of you have done so too. Let your conscience guide you for the benefit of the Reich and the House of Austria.
With Charter Amendment 9.2 about to pass, I officially welcome Ehrhart and Sigismund von Mahren into the House of Austria. Knowing your father well, I am proud that you will support us in our future adventures.
As you know one of those is the upcoming Crusade for Damascus. I will personally lead our forces to conquer this settlement. From our House, I know that Karl Zirn will join me, but what about the rest of you. You know that I want you to stay here Arnold and act as my Steward until my return or your ascension to Duke of Austria. This leaves you the choice, Ehrhart and Sigismund. I know that your father would most likely want you to stay in the Empire and with our vast frontiers at least one of you must stay. The choice is up to you, you can of course both stay here and help defend the Reich against its many enemies.
I want to remind you that you have to post build queues for the settlements under your control, before the voting period ends. Remember that you are now the Count of Prague Ehrhart von Mahren and the Chancellor will await your orders.
OOC: And a warm welcome to the Cecil XIX, and while I'm at it an official welcome in this thread to gibson, although you have already posted here.
Glad to see so many Austrian avatars for a change. Let's rock this Reich! :2thumbsup: