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*Fritz startles awake with the commotion of Athalwulf's voice*
Can't a man get a decent sleep around here? I've been trying to get this new House Army in shape and all they do is drink and womanise! It takes all my energy to keep them in line. The youth of today...
*Fritz nearly says "gah", but instead he goes out and rides off to battle*
Messenger brings word of Friederich Scherer currently in Caen
I have been defending Paris for decades now with Caen looming just over the horizon, but I unable to take it due to my need in the defences of Paris. With someone competent finally able to take care of Paris, I feel that it is my duty to bring Caen down as quickly as possible. I merely took an opportunity that may have been lost had I reported to you, Matthias, and no harm has come.
Chancellor, I am pleased to report that the Sicilians have been completely driven off of Sardinia. Due to the simple exercise of patience, the reinforcements arrived long before my army was put under any strain due to the siege. Not a single man was lost to privation or disease. Furthermore, the additional forces that were assembled during the short wait were more than sufficient to give my army a significant advantage. As a result, the Sicilians have been destroyed with the loss of barely more than 100 men.
This means that the entire army is still intact and capable of immediate operations; a happy state that it likely would not have been in had I attacked last year. While I take a certain amount of satisfaction in being vindicated from your attacks, I am even more proud of the fact that my army now stands ready to support our father's march on Palermo. Even if he does not need my personal presence, I offer him any and all of the regiments under my command. I believe the dismounted knights and the catapults would be particularly useful to him, and I hope they will be sent to him as soon as possible.
My lords, the Russians have been defeated near the outskirts of Thorn, and our prisoners obliterated. I am honored to have continue to crush our enemies with the Prussian Army under my wing!
Congratulations to my brother, Duke Ansehelm for his sack of Moscow! I propose we ceremonially rename it Ansehelmburg in honor of the good Duke!
Arnold
My congratulations to Duke Ansehelm on his success deep behind enemy lines.
It seems our foes are very forgiving when it comes to penetrating their borders.
I'd like to also pass on my congratulations to Lothar for a very astute series of moves in our southern regions.
Lord Chancellor, are we in a postion to attack the Hungarian's given the Pope's statement?
Congratulations Lothar such victories keep the Reich Strong. I will defer general orders for your army's deployment to you, I have trust in your judgement. The addition of the Catapults would be a great asset for my siege of Palmero
Dietrich von Dassel:
It seems as if we have secured victories on all fronts. Therefore, congratulations all around! May all of us taste further victories against our enemies, and sooner rather than later.
*Fritz von Kastilien rises to his feet quickly*
The Reich is unstoppable! Those vile inhabitants of Arhus and Krakow are probably making plans to evacuate their unholy cities even now! I look forward to the day when these cities see our armies' attentions.
*Fritz smiles smugly and seats himself*
Matthias speaks.
Duke Arnold, the Papal Bull banning us from attacking the Hungarians, which stemmed from the departed Sigismund von Mahren's seizure of Bran, only bars us from offensive actions. If their forces enter our borders, we may deal with them as we see fit.
Matthias ignores Lothar and addresses his Father.
I will examine the situation around Cagliari and Sicily. We now heavily outnumber the Sicilians in manpower, but their navy could prevent our forces on Sardinia from linking up with you. I will keep you updated on our progress.
Matthias turns to Dietrich von Dassel.
We have victory for now, Sir Dietrich, but the situation in Swabia concerns me. With Duke Friedrich's forces occupied in Caen, I will push forward the creation of the second HA as quickly as possible. It will however be few years before it is fully deployed.
I hope the Franconians will keep the example of Caen in mind when Count Peter moves on Vilnius. It would be wise to strike only when Count Fritz's army is fully formed. Even then, he will have his hands full covering the Danes and the Polish.
The Prussian Army is up to the challenge, Chancellor Steffen. And my brother with the Saxon Army is quite capable for defending our borders. We are eager to destroy our enemies at Vilnius, yet we can wait until the opportune moment.
Arnold
A decidedly menacing grin spread across the Duke face
Excellent Lord Chancellor. Bane and Grom will be please. They have devised more psychological concepts for our next battles with the Hungarian's.
It seems the "highway of death heads" has not had the desired effect.
Now, onto another matter entirely I have an invitation to extend to you all.
Gentlemen of the Reich I'll be hosting a Gala Dinner and Banquet at the Tavern in three months time. The second Saturday in June is the date.
Please invite as many guests as you like. The entire establishment will be reserved for the weekend, and all costs will be born by myself. Feel free to reserve apartments and room as needed.
Bowing Arnold departs the Diet
Arnold:
My lords a small administrative matter.
Edmund Becker has now been Knighted for his action in Battle outside Bran against the heathen Hungarian scum.
Lord Becker will be joining us momentarily.
Lord Chancellor,
Please now go ahead with the creation of the second AHA. Sir Becker should take command. I leave it to your discretion on how this is done exactly.
*Fritz rises and raps the table*
I commend the House of Austria for their brave defence of the artillery capital of the Reich. I look forward to meeting this Becker, and pray that God will hold his all-protecting hand over the young man.
And I have less pleasant matters to air as well.
*Fritz clears his throat*
Many of our alliances have been, if not extremely helpful, at least beneficial on the sides of the Reich. The English, for example, have been a foil on our western flank to annoy and amuse the French, and for that we are indeed grateful. Our alliances with our Italian neighbours have been, in their time, useful and beneficial. Until we were... betrayed.
*Fritz stops and looks about the chamber*
Byzantium. Byzantium.
Even the word makes one think of purple-robed monarchs and golden tables bending under the weight of delicacies; of jewel-encrusted thrones and huge swaths of farmland cultivated to satisfy a single appetite; of stately halls littered with the glittering remnants of entire civilisations swallowed up by Byzantium.
*Fritz stops and stares*
Is this what we want for the Reich?
I fear we have made a grave mistake, my friends.
As Theodora taps her chin absent mindedly, Siegfried starts to speak:
I have to disagree with your statement, brother!
In fact, I am a little surprised about your deep insights concerning Byzantium. On the contrary I have spent a long time there just recently and while some of the things you mentioned are true, I don't understand your opposition to them. The only thing I can infer from your speech is that you fear that our civilization could be swallowed by Byzantium? That's laughable!
The Western Roman Empire has been an independent entity for far too long for any of this to happen. As guardians of Christendom we would never succumb to the Eastern Empire. An irritated frown creases the Empress' forehead. We are far more advanced than our neighbours. Still their leader doesn't carry the name of Emperor for nothing. And as fellow Empire it is only natural that we would be willing to engage in a closer relationship. Our Roman heritage connects us and will lead to bountiful successes in the future.
Furthermore I want to remind you that any attack on the people of the Empress in this hall will be seen as a personal insult to her and not be tolerated. So consider your words carefully, before you throw empty accusations around, my dear brother!
A thin smile curves the Empress' lips.
Pardon me if I speak out of turn, but isn't connecting Byzantium to us by means of an ancient, soon-to-be-a-millenia-old empire a bit... exagerating things? It seems to me that already, when the Roman Empire split, the Eastern part of it was closer to having a Greek heritage. And consider also the name: it's no more the "Eastern Roman Empire", but the "Byzantine Empire".
However, these are only musings... I understand that we now have a duty to our allies, and I wish only the best to our Empress' people, but my meaning is clear, I think.
Again, most sincere apologies if I spoke out of turn.
*Fritz takes a step backward, and frowns*
Brother! How could I possibly consider making an attack on the Empress, beautiful lady as she is. My words are against the Byzantine Empire, and have been for years, not against her person. I most humbly apologise if any offence was found in my speech.
*Fritz bows sweeping his hand down and stands again, but now with a smile that connects three scars on his face*
But... *and here he pauses, flicking a glance at Theodora* the young Friedrich has a point. Though we can work together on some common ends, I fear there is much that is, in fact, far from common between the view we take of the future, and that of the Byzantines.
*Fritz pulls a scroll from the table and waves it in the air*
I have here a letter written not even thirty years ago, by the then Emperor of Byzantium, Michael VIII Palaiologos -- borne to Theodora Angelina. *Fritz coughs a couple of times* In it, he states his wish that his daughter Euphrosyne Palaiologina be married to Nogai Khan...
*Fritz' voice drops to a whisper* ...of the Golden Horde.
*Fritz stops, holds the scroll open for a moment, then rolls it up slowly*
Thus does our ally deal with the enemies of the Reich.
Dietrich von Dassel:
This is a serious accusation indeed, Count von Kastilien. Before this I had deemed further discussion of Byzantium a useless endeavor. Now... I am not so sure.
Before I make any judgements, however, I shall have to examine this in further detail. I'm sure I speak for most of the Electors when I say this.
King Jan sits at his table reading the omni-present reports on Outremer affairs. He is for the most part ignoring the discussion. That is, until his cousin mentions the possible alliance overture from the ERE to the Mongols. The King looks up and scrunches his brow. He lets some time pass to collect his thoughts before speaking.
Count Fritz...
Many of our dear friends and colleagues have fallen in battle against the horse-lords. What you speak of is very serious. While I have nothing but the utmost respect for you my cousin, you are bordering on accusing the Queen's people of cavorting with the deadliest foe the Holy Roman Empire has ever known. As your friend and relative, I humbly ask you to think very carefully about your next words.
On the other hand, I will say that I believe any attempt by anyone to try to ally themselves with those Mongols is seriously misguided at best and an enemy of the Empire at worst. The honor of Duke Leopold, King Salier, and Count Jens demands no less than to look at any ally of the Mongols as an enemy.
But, until there is more concrete proof, all of this is idle speculation. I agree with Elector Dassel that there should be an investigation of the matter before we rush to judgment. I thank the Diet for allowing me the opportunity to air these thoughts and concerns of mine and will now yield the floor.
Siegfried leans over and exchanges some hushed word with Theodora, before adressing the Diet:
I am afraid, brother, that you have not fully understood me. By insulting the Byzantine Empire you are insulting the Empress. I will not have the ties that have grown between our Empires and have been fortified by my marriage be severed by the rumours you spread.
The mentioned Emperor was in fact the grandfather of my wife and she personally assures me that such an arrangement has never even been thought of in Byzantium. When I have to choose between the word of my wife, the Empress, and some old piece of parchment you have dug up god knows where, it becomes clear which one is more trustworthy.
You have not listened to my warning, but instead sullied the name of Empress Theodora even further. You, Fritz von Kastillien, are hereby expelled from this Diet until the beginning of the next official Diet session. I hope you take the time to consider your words more carefully the next time you enter this Assembly.
And you, Friedrich Karolinger, I'd like to remind you that I am not exaggerating when I refer to the old bonds between the Western and Eastern Roman Empire. While our Western sholars prefer to call them the Byzantine Empire, I can assure you that my wife and all her people still see themselves as heir to Roman tradition, much like our own Reich.
Dietrich von Dassel:
With all due respect, Kaiser, I was under the impression that they considered themselves Greek, and we consider ourselves German.
And still we are both Roman!
The term 'Byzantine Empire' was invented by westerners. I believe they refer to them selves as 'Basileia ton Romainon', though I might not be saying it right. Regardless, one does not need to know greek to know what 'Romainon' means.
Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but I have just checked the imperial records and the Emperor at that time was not Michael VIII Palaiologos but a man named Isaac.
https://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8381/issacxy1.jpg
What's more, his successor was named Niketas.
https://img479.imageshack.us/img479/45/niketaskl4.jpg
If Count Fritz's letter cannot correctly name the Emperor, I doubt that anything else therein is credible either.
OOC: He used real historical events, not in game stuff. Thats neat work, however
*Fritz eyes Edmund icily, nods kindly to Dietrich, and turns to face Siegfried and Theodora*
Very well. You will not hear from me again until 1300 -- a year which no doubt will live in the history of the Reich for many, many years. If I, who have fought and bled for the Reich, and earned this many scars in its defence, can be dismissed on the word of a Byzantine, it is indeed a sorry day for us all.
*Fritz seems about to say something else, but his face turns red, his eyes glisten, and he is gone with a few swift strides*
Siegfried!!! How could you ban your brother? Are you blinded by your sick love for a foreigner possessed?
Dietrich von Dassel:
I wouldn't go quite that far, Count Peter. It is obvious that the Kaiser's time in Constantinople has endeared himself to Byzantine culture, and he clearly forged bonds during that time, bonds which he is averse to breaking.
That said, I do believe he went too far with banning his own brother. Kaiser Heinrich endured much worse insults during his time in the Diet and only banned one person, and that was because that Elector threatened his life.
Staring at the departing figure of Fritz intently, Arnold shakes his head at the man with a angry look of bewilderment.
The Dread Knight Bane can be seen joining the Count and handing him a note before turning back to the Austrian benches and resuming his place behind the Duke.
Looking back at the Kaiser, the Duke of Austria is clearly becoming angry at something.
My Kaiser,
It seems as if the presence of the Empress is having some impact on men in this room.
It is entirely your decision but perhaps it would be more constructive if there was not such a beautiful distraction here?
After watching the exchange, King Jan finally speaks,
Duke Arnold,
With all due respect, the Queen has every right to be here. If we are so easily distracted by her beauty, no matter how radiant, then perhaps we all need to find another line of work.
And to the rest of the Diet,
It seems that with the Kaiser's extended absence, some people have forgotten the decorum that is required to be present in this august body. While I regret that Count Fritz had to learn the lesson in such an abrupt manner, it was none-the-less, a lesson that had to be learned. I only hope that everyone else here has learned it as well so we do not have repeat performances.
Arnold
I might have to disagree with you here King Jan.
Striding on to the Diet floor the familiar feel of intensity and passion is clear for all to see...and feel.
The Duke's voice is like a shockwave on his audience, his pacing and physique clearly dominating the attentions of those able to hear his words and watch him move.
There is no precedent for the Empress being here. This is the Diet Chamber not the Royal Palace or Throne room.
We have never had a permanent member any other nation sitting in our deliberations in our entire history.
If I wish at some time to have a serious and frank debate on the Byzantine Empire then I will BY GOD!!
And I'm not going to be dissuaded by the presence of ANY ONE IN THIS ROOM.
This is the Diet Chamber of the Holy Roman Empire, AND nothing else!!
If member of this Chamber are going to be expelled for speaking their mind then it is a significant moment. Death threats...then fine...I've threatened to remove parts of people anatomy, which to me is acceptable, talking about another Empire falls firmly below this in my view.
I don't see the Princess Linyeve here and I've never seen her here.
Turning to the Kaiser, his eyes locking briefly with the Empress before landing squarely on Siegfried
Kaiser, do we have an issue here?
Matthias looks up from his paperwork, a bit surprised that a Diet member has been expelled. He opens his mouth to speak, but closes it. Tapping a finger on his cheek, he glances at the Kaiser and the Empress inscrutably before returning to his work.
The King stays seated through Duke Arnold's speech. He remains seated. The King steeples his fingers and rests his elbows on the table. He stares straight at Duke Arnold and his voice is deadly calm.
Duke Arnold,
It seems that we are witnessing the Kaiser exercise his power. But since the power the Kaiser is exercising, is enshrined in the Charter itself, there is little anyone can do about it. The Queen has a right to be here because the Kaiser wills it. Count Fritz was expelled because the Kaiser wills it.
I seem to recall a past episode where I went up against a Duke. I was flying against authority enshrined in the Charter. If you recall, I did not fare well from that exchange. As a courtesy, I extend that story to you as a friendly piece of advice so you do not make the same mistake I did.
Butting heads against your better, over a matter that is clearly enshrined in the Charter, can only end badly for you.
Having taken a seat to listen to the responses, Arnold raises an eyebrow at the Chancellors reaction, or lack there of.
Listening to King Jan causes him to snort in reaction to the comments.
I see the King has learnt well from his experiences.
I'm well versed in how politics works. Your advise has been heard.
Turning back to the Kaiser the Duke is again clearly looking for some direction on the matter.
Duke Arnold, we do not have an issue here. I remind you that as my wife, the Empress Theodora is as much a member of our nation as would your future wife be, no matter which nationality she ends up to be coming from.
Also it was me, and me alone that expelled Fritz from this chamber, after warning him not to insult the Empress again. It was because of me, and I have to disagree with you, I am very well capable of disuading you from 'speaking your mind', as you put it, in these chambers if it insults another member of this Diet or the Royal family.
This does not mean that no educated debate about the Eastern Roman Empire and our relation can be held here. Hurtling false information, that has been shown as such on two accounts, to severe the ties between the Western and Eastern Roman Empire, that has just been cemented through my marriage, does not count as debate. If you have a problem with that Duke Arnold, feel free to spend even more time in the tavern than usual.
Kaiser,
I've been insulted numerous times by various members in this chamber with not one of them being expelled in such a fashion as Fritz has just been.
It's your prerogative of course, but there are consequences at taking such an inconsistent approach to this topic.
I have no issue with the alliance we have between ourselves and Byzantines...and that is not my point.
In time things change, perhaps our relationship with the Byzantine Empire alters, if that were to be the case, I’m certainly not going to take into consideration the Empresses’ former status or her presence here when talking to you or anyone else about potential topics this body must know about…NO matter how controversial they maybe!!!
If that gets me expelled then it’s a poor reflection on how things stand.
As for your comment about me spending time in the Tavern...then it would be a shame to have that establishment be the Holy Roman Empires Chamber as appose to HERE where it should be!!
Arnolds mailed glove slams into the bench for emphasis at his final point.
Gert von Runstede, recognized by his white beard, enters the Diet
Meine Herren electors, I do not have much to say, but I do bring a message from Duke Ansehelm:
Gert leaves the Diet again, mounts his horse and rides off to the northQuote:
My friends,
I would like to state that all of you are forgetting one thing: The Byzantines are Orthodox Christians, just as the Russians. And you may very well know who the Russians are. How many have died fighting them, how many scars I've got from my numberous battles with them, how they took Thorn, how we had to fight to protect it from them. And how I marched an army and took Moscow.
These Russians my friends, are of the same faith as the Byzantines. Surely this is not the fault of my sister, the Empress, as she cannot help it. But you have to see that Orthodox Christians are not our kind. We fight battles with them, and we certainly do not take over their culture. A culture which I have been fighting from childhood. A culture which Gunther von Kastillien, your father Siegfried, has been fighting for a big part of his life.
And may I remind King Jan that there are two kinds of betters: superiors in command and older family members.
Ansehelm von Kastillien
Duke of Franconia
Leader of the Teutonic Army in Poland
I once again apologise, Kaiser.
I had forgotten the name they had chosen: the Basileon Ton Romainon. If they consider themselves Romans, then such is the way they are to be considered.
Friedrich appears to wish to say something else, but after a few seconds later shakes his head slightly, and sits down.
Duke Arnold,
If I learned well, it is because I had an effective teacher. And I was not being so presumptive as to assume that I could teach you anything about politics. My comments were only meant to be a courtesy to repay some of the courtesy you have shown me lately.
Jan turns to look at the door Gert walked out of.
And I am puzzled by Gert's comments. I know quite well who my betters are and have learned some of those lessons the "hard" way. But I don't understand what Duke Ansehelm means by "older family members". While respect for elders is a venerated ideal, there is hardly a feudal ranking system based on age. There are many of us in here that hold rank, but are younger than many of the electors. If I am mistaken, someone else if free to educate me on the matter.
An Austrian clerk stands before the Diet with some documents to address the concerns of Empresses presence….. bows in the direction to the Emperor and and Empress.
Kaiser, Chancellor, Electors, there appears to be some issue with the Empress being present in the Diet Chamber. I read the following from our archives regarding the formation of this body and the Emperors powers …
Powers continuing to read the documentQuote:
Originally founded by the Treaty of Verdun in 843, the Holy Roman Empire has evolved into a complicated patchwork of large and small sovereign states. Spread out over several European regions, this medieval institution was not governed by a hereditary monarch, but by an elected Emperor who was later crowned by the Pope.
In theory, the Imperial electoral process allowed any member of the nobility to acquire the title of Emperor. Responsibility for the election of a future Emperor lay with the Council of Electors (Kurfurstenrat) and the Council of Princes (Furstenrat) within the Imperial Diet. The Council of Imperial or Free Cities cast only an advisory vote.
To be eligible for a seat on the Diet, a member of the nobility had to possess land – immediate territories with the status of ‘Imperial Estates’ – within the boundaries of the Holy Roman Empire (the city-councils of the Free or Imperial cities also had this status). The clerical members of the Ecclesiastical Bench did not possess this land personally (it was the property of the Church). Consent of the Council of Princes was also required for a new member to join its ranks.
In addition, several German and foreign princes of the ancient nobility voted in different councils or colleges – usually because they had acquired more than one immediate territory through marriage or inheritance.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Jura reservata still blabbering on...
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
As stated by King Jan if the Emperor wills her presence so be it she just does hold a personal vote on legislation. The clerk bows again and returns to the Austrian seats.
The thunderous scowl on Arnold's face would be comical if it wasn't for the clear threat of violent death being projected towards the Austrian clerk now taking his seat.
With a nod to Bane, the Dread Knight taps the clerk on the shoulder and motions for him to proceed into the private Austrian Chambers.
A moment passes before there can be heard a series of loud thumps and crashes. Finally there is silence. Another moment passes before the Dread Knight reappears, nodding to the Duke.
Arnold then turns back to the Diet Chamber and carries on as if nothing ever happened.
Right then...
...what my asteemed administrator is trying to say is that the Emperor can do what ever he likes with regards to this topic.
Again I have no problem with this. Just don't expect me to act differently due to uncommunicated protocols.
Looking over at Jan
Apologies King Jan I have been somewhat difficult of late. Your advise has been timely indeed.
As the Austrian Clerk drones on, King Jan's eyes go out of focus. It is clear that the long legalistic speech is inducing sleepiness in the King. As the clerk's monotonous tone induces confusion and lethargy, Gunther slides his foot over and taps the King's foot. Jan snaps out of his legalistic induced trance and blinks. The clerk finally finishes and leaves, to which Jan says almost to himself,
I think I am beginning to see what Count Jens, may his soul rest in peace, meant by "legal obfuscation." I will have to endeavor to make sure my own speeches in here are curt and to the point. Wouldn't want to put anyone else through what I just suffered.
As Jan hears the sounds of violence being done to the clerk, he smiles and replies to the Duke.
No apology is needed Duke Arnold. I know a thing or two about "being difficult". A lot has happened lately and I think we can all use a drink... or three.
*nods respectfully*
A Franconian Ritter enters the Diet
I have a message from my Duke, Ansehelm von Kastillien
Quote:
Meine Herren of the Diet, I hereby wish to make a simple note.
From this moment on Gersenda von Kastillien to be my heir. She holds the future of Franconia, note some middle aged nobleman like most of us. Would I die before she marries my brother Peter will act as Steward, as he normally would. I personally doubt I will marry ever. I don't have the time for it, hardly for women at all. My life is fighting, I've done it my entire adult life, I know nothing else. I don't have time for courtromances, or travelling to a family-in-law. All my life I've fought the Orthodox and the Poles. And I intend to continue so, my army should stay behind enemy lines, but within reach of the Reich to draw the attention of Polish armies till Vilnius is safely taken. Would Duke Arnold agree with it I don't mind doing the same with the Hungarians, I can easely draw multiple armies towards me, and while I fight those the way is open for others to launch attacks.
*A messenger runs out, there is silence, and then a dreadful stream of oaths which trail away to nothing*
King Jan looks up,
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Count Fritz and all of his people, banned?
Also, and this is a minor point, can a princess of the Reich be made an heir to a duchy?
Haha, you can't prevent a messenger of him from taking notes. In fact, some of my clerks are doing just that!
Count Peter,
Your right, taking notes is ok. I was mistaken earlier when I called out against Count Fritz having a scribe in here and I apologize. He is only banned from speaking or having his own messengers speak for him.
During this, a lawyer baring the livery of the Prince walks in and hands King Jan a note. Jan unfolds it and reads it. He becomes visibly relaxed and addresses the Diet.
Well, it seems there is no issue with having the Princess holding the title until she is married. I was worried about the possibility of a non-German becoming Duke but I have been assured that, that is legally impossible. While I know Kaiser Siegfried would never put us in that position, there is no guarantee as to who would be Kaiser when it became time to marry the Princess off so I did not want to leave anything to chance.
The King writes a reply to the note and hands it off to the lawyer who bows and leaves.
I wouldn't be too worried about not having an ethnic German as Duke. After all the current Duke's entire family originally hails from Castille, and they've done as well as any German could have.
Count Edmund,
Are you implying that the whole Kastillien family is not German? I believe they are. I'm afraid I would need to see some serious genealogy records before I would believe that.
Truly, we did originate from Castile, but that is many generations ago and our Spanish blood is more German as of now.
The Franconian Ritter enters the Diet again
Herr Becker is right. The Kastillien family comes from Spain originally. Duke Ansehelm told me that he personally even has one or two castles there, but he never visited them.
I believe that some of their family even hold important positions at the Spanish Court.
I think that once Duke Ansehelm arrives here in the Diet again, during the next Diet session he will be willing to explain it to you.
Matthias speaks.
Duke Ansehelm's naming of a female heir, even if only a proxy for her eventual husband, if she marries, is unique in the history of the Reich. There's nothing in the charter specifically forbidding it, but most of the rules for determining an heir mention sons and nearest male relatives.
Rolling his eyes in clear amazement.
#$^#ing hell.
Talk about drama.
Striding back into the Diet Chamber Arnold stops mid stride...did I get banned or was that Fritz...ahh yes it was Fritz...with that thought now having flashed through his mind Arnold turns to the Chancellor.
Lord Chancellor!!
Is seems von Heidelberg has decided to present himself for duty.
About £$%£ing time I'd suggest too!!
Please ensure he joins on myself or Becker for assessment of his martial capabilities and potential knighting.
Gazing back at Becker, the Duke continues in a much lower voice.
Covered in blood Becker, I want to see him tested fully. These late comers need to be put through their paces.
Understood?
Matthias seems lost in thought, and only seems half aware of the events in the Diet. He absentmindely twirls a dagger in his hand while drinking from a small vial in the other.
Yes. . .covered in blood. . .I'll see what I can do. . .
Leaning forward Grom whispers into the Dukes ear. He seems to be drawing attention to the bizarre behavior of the Chancellor.
Arnold double takes once he realises what he is, or is not seeing.
Chancellor!!
There's a very long, drawn out pause before any visible sign of reaction is seen from from the Chancellor responding to the Dukes exclamation. Eventually as the moment turns into minutes, Arnold's eyes widen in concern, then shock and finally amazement at the response he is seeing.
Are you ok? Did you hear what I said?
And what on earth is that shiet you are drinking??
Matthias sighs dramatically and rises. He stabs down with the dagger and leaves it quivering in the wood of his desk.
I heard you Duke Arnold. You wish the newest Austrian Squire tested in battle.
I'll add it to the list of the requests I've gotten from the other Dukes, and those who think they're Dukes, and get right on it.
I need a drink, the laudanum seems to be doing nothing for my nerves.
Matthias, muttering to himself, stalks out of the Diet.
Nodding with a somewhat surprised look on his face
Oookey then. It seems all is well in the world of men and mice.
Looking at the figure of the departing Chancellor Arnold leans over to Grom.
Grom, send a bottle of absinth to the Chancellors Room. Maybe that will give him the desired result.
Athalwolf leans back and yawns, then suddenly bursts to life and jumps up after a while.
I have seen, or more and less forseen...
He glares at every face in the Imperial Diet, not all innocent.
More or less, some electors have come here drunk! Here we are, talking over the latest issues and problems of the GREATEST Empire in the world, we have the fate of millions of people. NOt just Germans, but Poles, Rus, Turks and Egyptians!
And all you people can do is drink!
Honestly, no offence mein Kaiser, as I know you'd never do such a thing, but I wouldn't be suprised if the Kaiser turned up drunk!
So I say...
He looks at Matthias empty seat.
Get you bloody act together! Or go to outremer, the next drunk person to step over that bloody doorstep is either going to be cut in half by ME, or hopefully
Athalwolf coughs in the Kaisers direction and whispers
Our Kaiser will take some action against them.
He speaks in the ear of a messenger, who rushes of towards Matthias room with a letter clutched in his hands.
Matthias enter the Diet chamber, a bleak look on his face and a black armband on his sleave. He strides to his desk, retrieves the dagger he had left there and sheathes it.
Duke Gerhard Steffen, my father, is dead.
A curious mix of emotions crosses the Chancellor's face.
Long live Duke Lothar!
Matthias gaze turns to Athalwolf.
As for you, which is the worse offense, public drunkness or threatening the life of a sitting Chancellor?
Speak to me as an equal once you have few more battles underneath your belt.
Entering just after the Chancellor, Arnold is covered in his jet black platemail and cloak. A somber look on his face shows clear signs of unhappiness
A sad day gentlemen of the Reich.
Gerhard Steffen was the next closest man to me apart from my father.
Having raised me in the later years of my youth, my time spent with him and his sons was an amazing time of my life.
I will miss him dearly.
Long Live Duke Lothar!!!
King Jan stands up and bows his head,
Indeed, this is a sad day. Losing a father is hard and both Duke Lothar and Chancellor Matthias have my sympathies. But I am sure that Duke Gerhard is resting peacefully up in Heaven. May the Lord bless and keep his family through this trying time. And finally, may the good Lord also bless and keep Duke Lothar through a long and prosperous reign as Duke of Bavaria.
Amen
Athalwolf bristled in offence
Threaten the life of a CHancellor!? What blasphemy is this? I Never even mentioned the word Chancellor! I don't think I did...
He leans back, talks to someone else then resumes his talk
Yes, the death of Gerhad is truly moving, I somewhat mourn for the sorriness SOME members of the Steffen are going through. Though through several actions I have seen maybe not all...
He was a conqueror, and somewhat true man of Bavaria.
A Franconian messenger enters the Diet, reading a message from his
Quote:
First of all I must say I am saddened with the dead of Duke Steffen, but I also have something else to say concerning Steffen.
It was in the Edict that Vilnius should be taken, and I'm partly happy that it will be taken. However it is being taken by the Prussian Army, the army charged with the defence of Thorn, Breslau and Stettin. Now the Saxon Army needs to be taken from it's positions to help out, not according to plan.
Would this have gone as I asked to this would never have happened. Remember Chancellor, Franconia has 2 armies. The Prussian and the Saxon, and both have 3 provinces to defend. What will you do if the Danes march against us now? Franconia is too stretched out to do daring military operations, you should have waited till I myself came within supporting distance.
Yes indeed, it is sad Gerhard has passed away. Nevertheless, I wish to express my congratulations to Duke Lothar, may his reign be prosperous and his house obedient to him.
I am saddened to hear about the death of Gerhardt Steffen. He was a very capable Duke and from what I could learn a great man. He will be missed and we can only hope that his son will be as adapt as he was at governing Bavaria.
Were the Chancellor drunk out of grief for his father, I would understand him, but otherwise I have to agree with Athalwolf von Salza, that drunken electors is not the think we are aiming for. Still I reserve any kind of punishment on this matter to me alone, so don't make empty threats within my Diet, Athalwolf.
*Lothar Steffen stands, his face pale and sagging. There is a great sadness in his eyes.*
Today, I have lost a father and the Reich has lost its greatest defender. Duke Gerhard Steffen was the last of an old breed of Romans, who’s like we see too little of these days. He believed in duty and honor above all else. He did what his Duchy and his Kaiser asked of him without question and without fail.
He was the last man alive who could claim to have fought in the war with Pope Gregory. Indeed, my father stood on the walls of Genoa itself, beside Kaiser Heinrich, as the last great battle was fought. I will leave it to scholars to determine whether the war was right and just, but one thing is certain: Gerhard Steffen acted as a true Roman. His Kaiser and his Duke led the fight, and it was his duty to serve. It would be good for many men alive today to remember that.
Duke Gerhard’s first battle as the commander of the Bavarian Household Army was a taste of what was to come: he led his men to the aid of Austria, destroyed a massive Hungarian host, and broke the siege of Venice. He cared not what House the men and women belonged to, he cared only that they were Imperial subjects. For Gerhard Steffen, that was always enough.
While Maximillian Mandorf, Otto von Kassel, and Conrad Salier went East, Gerhard Steffen remained in Bavaria to protect his people. While other Houses made land grabs and other Electors sought little more than glory, his priority was the simple welfare of his people. It was for this reason that he was made Duke of Bavaria. No one in the history of the Reich has deserved it more.
He ruled Bavaria peacefully for many years, until the Milanese once again brought war upon our House. He personally led the invasion of the Milanese islands, simply to halt the constant raids on coastal farms and towns. He marched not for rank, influence, or wealth. He marched for the common people who were suffering. Duke Gerhard paid a high price for this service to the lowest class. He and much of his family were cursed by a powerful witch. The only one to escape unscathed, my brother Markus, paid with his own life to see the Milanese threat ended for good. His death hit my father hard, but he did not allow his grief to cloud his judgment. His leadership ensured that despite great personal loss, the Milanese threat was ended. All this he did for the Bavarian commoners, not for himself.
I will mourn my father’s passing greatly, but not even my grief can match that expressed today in the streets and markets of every Bavarian city, town, and village. My father acquired a less than savory reputation towards the end of his life, due to his actions on the field of battle; actions made to defend the people of the Reich. Yet the people will always remember him by the name he earned many decades ago: Duke Gerhard the Honorable.
Be at peace, father, your work here is done.
Immediately following Lothar’s speech, Arnold draws his sword and raises it into the air.
Three cheers for the Departed Duke Steffen!!!!
As one the lords, retinue and retainers of the entire Austrian Household roar their approval.
HIP RAH!!!
HIP RAH!!!
HIP RAH!!!
Jan waits a respectful amount of time after the Austrian section cheers. He then stands up to speak.
I wish to take this oppurtunity to say something else about Duke Gerhard. My brother-in-law Jens von Kassel turned traitor against us and joined the Russian army. It was Duke Gerhard that hunted the traitor down and brought him to justice. My sister is still beside herself in grief over the loss of honor. The good Duke's actions helped return some of that honor to the von Hamburg family and I feel that is a debt we can never fully repay. As the highest ranking von Hamburg, I will make this pledge. Either of the Duke's sons can come to me and I will try to help them however I am able. While I can never fully make up for the stain on our family's honor that Jens von Kassel brought upon us, I can at least attempt to return some of the kindness that Duke Gerhard showed our family. He went about this task with the professionalism of a true knight. His kind are too few in our world.
Jan sits
I join Bavaria and the Reich in mourning Duke Steffan. The Duchy of Bavaria was truly lucky to have Duke who was content to rule so peaceful a Duchy. I wish Duke Lothar a long and equally glorious reign.
For his service in battle, I hereby grant Tancred von Tyrolia his knight's spurs. He is now fully capable of fighting a battle.
The Prussian Army, fiercely loyal under my command, is now ready to move to Vilnius.
On a sadder note, I would like to take this time to express my condolences to the Steffen family over the loss of Duke Gerhard. Long live Duke Lothar!
Peter whispers to Lars and Ulrich, his shield and lancebearers, then sits down.
Dietrich von Dassel:
I think, gentlemen, we can finally say that the last of the Old Guard has finally passed away.
It is clear that Duke Steffen had a profound impact on Bavaria. He was the sole Bavarian Elector present in Italy for a period of time, holding the fort down extremely admirably. Under his long and prosperous reign as Duke he oversaw the final destruction of Milan and the crippling of Sicily, a feat that anyone can be proud of.
I personally feel some grief, as the good Duke was personally responsible for my knighthood. Duke Lothar, Chancellor Matthias, I am very sorry for your loss. A great man has passed.
That said, let the benevolent reign of Bavaria continue! Duke Lothar, may your life be long and your Dukehood fruitful in more ways than one.
Wheilm von Heidelberg enters the room with his Alchemist retunine following quickly behind. He enters with a smile, but the smile slowly turned into a frown, he can see that faces all around have a gloomy and saddened face hanging. On the right he can see his duke, Arnold calming down in what seems like a cheer.
"Wheilm, the great Duke Steffan has passed away today," Yelnuts whispered in Wheilm's ear.
Wheilm quickly forwned at the message.
"Although I'm not very close to this man, but I am sure Duke Steffan was a great man, and I am sure heaven's gate will open for him,"
Wheilm quickly knelt down and whispered a prayer for the fallen man
"Although I know it is a day of a death, but I have something to propose."
"As I still do not have much athority, I am asking for the permission to allow me to take one preist with me where ever I go, this may seem like something unnesccesary, but I would like to spread the word of god to every single man, woman and child to everyone."
"Please take this in consideration."
Weary messsenger arrives with a message from Duke Scherer
I too am saddened by the recent loss of Duke Steffen. It seems that many who were there at the beginning of the Reich, when we were still a small country without much influence, are dying off.
He civilized Northern Italy and yet still managed to retain the favor of the pope not a stone's throw away from those embattled lands. While I do wish to go to his funeral personally, I must stay at Caen and see to its defences for the French number greatly and I dare not to let Swabian defences falter.
This body seems to bear the tidings of death far too often these days. Let me be the first to give my condolences to Austria for the loss of Wilhelm von Heidelburg. I did not know the man personally outside this Diet, but served his Duchy and his Reich dutifully. We will be poorer for his passing.
In this time of crisis as the result of the destruction of the Second Austrian Household Army, I formally offer Bavarian aid to Austria. If there is any way in which we can help our Alpine brethren, you need but say it and we will comply. In particular, I put the full resources of the citadel of Innsbruck at your disposal to replenish your losses and strengthen your defenses.
I too wish to offer my condolences for the loss of Heidelburg. While we did not know him well, he was a noble and a man of God. May he find peace in Heaven.
I would also like to remind Duke Arnold that Outremer is not very far from Austrian lands. With the destruction of the 2nd Austrian HA, many fronts will be left undefended. If the Duke wishes, I can work with the Chancellor and have reinforcements moved by ship over to Austrian shores.
Between Bavaria and Outremer, we can give enough assistance to Austria in her time of need to ensure that no borders will be left undefended.
4th Elector of Bavaria:
This is a Disaster! my heart goes out to Austria, They are truly feeling the cost of Roman expansion. I stand firmly behind Duke Lothar's offer of assistance.
A Teutonic Knight enters the Diet reading a message from Ansehelm
Quote:
Franconia is also shocked by this defeat. I therefore suggest that the Teutonic Army changes direction: it will move directly for Krakow, with an edict next Diet Session Krakow will be taken. This will not only shorten our borders, but also punish the Poles.
Long has my father fought the Poles, after that I took it over, and now my brothers fight them. If we take Krakow we will push them back towards the Steppes where they form no threat anymore.
I mourn for the destruction of the Austrian Army and the passing of von Heidelburg! He died, fighting and defending those he cared. What better death could a noble of the Reich achieve? I hope his death is an inspiration for the generations to come at what price our freedom is paid!
Wolfgang sports a wry smile as he rises.
Mein Kaiser, who would be inspired to die for you? I blame not von Heidleburg'd for ending his life, if only to escape your rule.
Wolfgang resumes his seat.
He died for the Reich!
I hope my brother's retribution against the Poles is swift. Without Vilnius, it will be more difficult for the Poles to feed their armies with soldiers, and without Krakow, it will be next to impossible to finance expeditions. I would that every bloody Pole, Hungarian, Ruski, and Byz- *ahem* Sicilian, were dead!