Arnold looks on while Dieter speaks. Once he is finished the Duke gives the young noble a admirable nod in congratulations and then eyes the chamber for any further comments by the assembled nobles.
Printable View
Arnold looks on while Dieter speaks. Once he is finished the Duke gives the young noble a admirable nod in congratulations and then eyes the chamber for any further comments by the assembled nobles.
After waiting for some moments without any further comments Arnold is handed a parchment from his Military Engineer Sigfried.
Standing the Duke speaks.
Nobles of the Reich, I have examined the economic situation and have a series of measure I believe will be both successful and widely accepted:
1. Disband the immense fleets which carried Elberhard home, and disband all but a select few of the ships at Palermo. Over eight thousand florins are required just to keep those vessels afloat for a single two year per year.
2. The sale of the non-gunpowder siege works at Acre, Antwerp, and Palermo. These weapons are outmoded in the modern age and this would immediately raise over six thousand florins. Ballista makers at Zagreb, Genoa, and Nuremburg would raise the total to nearly nine thousand florins.
3. Prioritized repair of economic buildings throughout the Reich, notably the merchant bank at Bern and the warehouse at Hamburg.
4. Raising taxes across the Reich as high as seems tolerable, accompanied by a plea for aid and understand of the locals.
I have investigated the consequences of these actions and they are all in the best interests of the Reich. In particular phasing out the old system of siege works provides an immediate influx of funds to raise troops and deal with the remaining trouble spots around our homelands, while disbanding the fleets is a critically necessary move. Half of our expected debt is tied down in those ships. These reforms can demonstrate an adequate base upon which to build future economic success.
Raising his eyebrows at Fritz, the Dread Duke fires him a challenging glare and takes a seat.
*The doors creak open suddenly, revealing a large contingent of Bavarian knights standing in the outside corridor. The sound of booming footsteps resounds through the hall for a few moments, resolving into the figure of Lothar Steffen clad in full plate. It is clearly a finely made suit of armor, but it is designed for combat, not ornamentation. The armor is scored in multiple places, indicating that it has seen heavy combat. As the doors close behind him, the Duke of Bavaria takes his seat at the head of the Bavarian section.*
I had hoped to sleep through all of this politicking, but my scribes have informed me that this body remains as disorganized and incompetent as ever. I have therefore interrupted my well-deserved rest to come and sort out the Reich's problems yet again. Perhaps one day the Diet will figure out how to manage the affairs of the Reich without my intervention, but apparently that day is not today.
*Lothar glares around the room, managing to look angry with everyone, without singling out a single person for particular scorn.*
I will start with what someone else should have done several days ago. Under Charter Amendment 10.2, conquest of various provinces requires an Edict. While that Amendment also exempts 33 provinces from that requirement, the legislation is old and does not account for many of the later acquisitions of the Reich. Accordingly, we are not legally allowed to reconquer several former provinces of the Reich, even if we wished to. I therefore propose the following Edict to ensure that whomever is elected Chancellor has the legal authority to retake whichever of our lost provinces that he is able to:
Edict 14.3: The Chancellor is authorized to conquer Caen, Paris, Rheims, Dijon, Marseilles, Ajaccio, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Stettin, Thorn, Breslau, Krakow, Vilnius, Budapest, Bran, Bucharest, Antioch, Adana, and Edessa. Any currently held provinces which are lost to the enemy during this Chancellorship term may also be reconquered.
I believe that should be sufficient to fulfill any legal problems we may encounter. I encourage the Diet to adopt a similar Edict at each future session until the Reich is fully restored, so that the Chancellors may always have a free hand to regain our former provinces in whatever manner he sees fit.
Now, moving on to other affairs, let me address the abomination that is Charter Amendment 14.3. Elector von Hapsburg, you had best be glad that you are a vassal of a man I respect greatly. Were you a Bavarian, I would have you publicly flogged for proposing such a treasonous Edict. No one has the ability to remove a Duke other than the Duke himself! Dukes must, by nature, make important decisions for their Houses. Sometimes these decisions will be unpopular, even if they are necessary. Allowing the Duke to be removed by a simple popularity vote amongst his Electors is injurious to the entire purpose of the Ducal title. I do not care what legislation is passed, no man will remove me from my Duchy without first removing my head from my shoulders. Anyone who tries via legislation will be disemboweled, drawn, and quartered while he still draws breath. If you wish to remove a Duke against his will, the proper and time-honored tradition is to get yourself an army and see about it like a proper man. At least then you will be worthy of a quick and clean death.
On the issue of Outremer, I am pleased to see that it is in the competent hands of my brother Matthias. I support his proposed Charter Amendment 14.2 but I still believe that Outremer is of secondary importance when compared to the problems which beset the Duchies. Indeed, I would generally be content to see Outremer limited to Acre alone. However, as has been pointed out by multiple Electors, Outremer holds the possibility of being a second front against the Byzantines, drawing their strength away from their holdings in Italy and the Balkans. I support sending some of our much needed resources to Outremer, so long as the Chancellor remembers that a “second front” should receive secondary priority. Only after all Duchies have had their basic needs provided for should additional monies and armies be made available to Outremer. This is essential, as the whole purpose of a second front is to distract from efforts on the main front. If the main front in Italy does not receive sufficient support, the second front itself becomes pointless.
I also wish to emphasize that the reconquest of Italy must receive priority over all other offensive efforts. This is not to say that the defenses of other Duchies should be reduced. Far from it, the Chancellor’s first job must be to ensure that no more of the Reich’s provinces are lost. However, once our territories are secure, the most important area of reconquest simply must be Italy. Anyone who argues otherwise is a fool. Italy is the trade center of the Reich and it is in large part due to its loss that we are in such a major financial crisis at the moment. Regaining Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome will go a long way to restoring the Imperial treasury, thus providing sufficient wealth for the other fronts to switch to the offensive in turn.
I am sure that some people will think I would say this out of self-interest, however those people are ignorant. Of course I wish to see my lost provinces regained. However, of the four provinces I just named, one is Austrian and one is the Imperial Capital! Anyone who believes the prioritization of the Italian front to be erroneous had best explain why regaining Rome itself should not be a priority and which other area of the Reich will provide for more income than Italy. Anyone who wishes to criticize this strategy without answering those questions might as well not speak up at all.
Finally, I wish to state publicly that I will be voting for Arnold. It is no secret that I have been friends with the Duke of Austria since we were children and this friendship is certainly part of the reason I support him. However, it should also be clear that Arnold is a man whose abilities are unequalled in strategy and tactics. Make no mistake about it, Electors, this Chancellorship will be dominated by military decisions. No one alive can equal Arnold’s abilities on the battlefield and Austria’s remarkable successes in holding back the Venetians and the Hungarians at the same time show that he is a very capable strategist as well. He is exactly the kind of man the Reich needs at the moment.
Fritz, do not take my statements as in insult. I greatly respect the efforts you have gone through to defend Franconia. You made difficult decisions, but those decisions were crucial in providing for the defense of your House’s lands. I consider it a travesty that your contributions have not been adequately rewarded by your own Duke. The notion that Dieter von Kassel, who has never even set foot in Franconia, should be Count of Hamburg instead of you is simply absurd. I can only hope that this ‘oversight’ is corrected quickly. It is a shame that you are running against Arnold, for if your competition was any other man, I would offer my support to you instead. I do hope you will not give up your political ambitions if you are not elected. The Reich needs more men like you with the moral fiber to do what is necessary, even when it is difficult.
Edmund Becker, who has for some reason entered with the Bavarian delegation, raises his hand to speak.
"I second Edict 14.3"
He then turns around and leaves.
Dieter von Essen speaks:
I second Edict 14.3
Arnold can't help but smile at the Duke of Bavaria even when his scorn filled visage locks with his for a few moments.
Blowing the clearly annoyed Bavarian Duke a kiss in greeting from across the chamber simply further enrages his friends already combative demeanor.
Well stones the £$%"ing crows and slap me on the ass with a Bavarian pancake!!!
Turning to the bench full of lawyers who pour over the various points of legislation, Arnold throws a number of books at them. With unerring accuracy he manages to brain quite of few of them before screaming
I THOUGHT I ASKED YOU £$%£$ING IDIOTS IF WE NEEDED EDICTS TO RETAKE PROVINCES!!??
Stunned silence is the resounding response that meets Arnold's murderous gaze. Glancing up at the vaulted ceiling the Duke raises his arms in silent pleading with the Lord Almighty. Look back at the bench of half concussed lawyers.
GET OUT...ALL OF YOU...YOU'RE ALL FIRED!!
Composing himself immediately he turns back to Lothar.
Glad you could make it Lothar, I knew there was a reason you needed to be here.
It seems your edict has the required seconders...
Glancing at the impressive suit of plate covering the Bavarian Duke, Arnold looks down at his own night black suit, then back at Lothars, then again back at his own...pausing he points an inquiring finger in the direction of Lothar and is about to say something...he hesitates, then shakes his head in disbelief before taking his seat to await the responses Lothar's speech must illicit from the gathered nobles.
Lothar, have you seen Elberhard?
Matthias watches Lothar's entrance with an expression of bemusement. This quickly turns to a scowl as he listens to the Duke's speech. He stands to respond.
Thank you for lending your legal expertise to these proceedings, Lothar. How could we accomplish anything without you?
I thank you for your support of CA 14.2. I will second Edict 14.3 in the same spirit.
As for the importance of Outremer. . .I disagree with you. I claim no primacy, but I will not have the history and accomplishments of the Kingdom dismissed as a "distraction" either. We need Outremer not just to fight the Greeks but to shield Jerusalem, the Holy City, to maintain influence over the Pope and to curb any further threats from the East. It is unfortunate you never served in Outremer, you would have a better idea of what is at stake if you did. I hope one day the scales will fall from your eyes.
All I ask for is a fighting chance.
Matthias resumes his seat.
Fritz rises and again addresses von Essen.
Insulted all Catholics or just your pet Saint? I have merely pointed out a practical reality. At this moment we have considerable... influence with the Pope, influence which was abused to have von Hamburg sainted. I don't mind that so much, it's good to show these other Catholic nations our power, but to claim that his sainthood has some larger meaning or somehow defends his butcher's actions is patently absurd. If other Catholics were offended by my remarks they may take it up with me personally, but your claims are clearly political and will be answered in kind. I am widely known as a vastly more pious man than yourself, so if you wish to limit your discussion to matters of religion we can conduct it in a more civil manner in private.
As to Duke Lothar's investigation, I have just told you that it was the Kaiser himself who informed me that the investigation was flawed and cut short by the eruption of the Cataclysm, and further that the Kaiser had his own suspects in mind. When two men so far opposed on a matter of politics and history concur that the current explanation is deeply flawed, well, only young whelps with axes to grind continue to bandy about bad information.
Fritz nods cordially to Duke Lothar Steffen, but his expression is impassive.
Pleased you could make it, Duke Steffen, and though I am disappointed to lack your support I am grateful for your compliments. Perhaps you will reconsider at a later date. Edict 14.3 is ideal. I had thought of proposing something similar myself, but I have been every bit as befuddled by the legal gymnastics of our charter as Duke Arnold's former employees on whether or not it was necessary.
Fritz's face twists briefly with anger before returning to it's stoney blankness as he returns Duke Arnold's challenging stare.
It would seem I am similarly beaten to the punch on announcing economic reforms. The nature of the Duke's remarks on the economy are such that I cannot help but, to some extent, echo them. A good idea must not be discarded simply for the expedient of political advancement.
I would add that it is my intent to commission more merchants from the merchant's guild to provide long term advancement of our economy, and the careful manipulation of the prices of foreign goods (OOC: Moving the far east merchants onto the most advantageous resources).
I would also consider an appeal to our English allies for a loan as they are currently reputed to be quite well off (OOC: Diplomatic manipulation? It won't be easy with our repuation, but worth a shot). Perhaps even our enemies can be blackmailed into paying us for temporary peace.
Trade rights should be secured with the Papacy, of course.
If and when I get the chance to sack Arhus that will add considerably to our funds, and I believe it will likely prove a necessary evil to maintain order in the Danish capital, but that is a further future move.
Those things being said, I confess that they are in many ways a sideline to the reforms proposed by Duke Arnold. My own studies have led me to much the same conclusions at the Duke, though I have had to perform them without a significant staff or the resources of a Dukedom.
Therefore I must second the reforms the Duke has proposed. They are, perhaps, crudely stated but also accurate and necessary.
Unconciously Fritz snarls at this thought, but it's clearly directed inward for having let the Duke get ahead of him rather than at anyone. He then sits and broods quietly for a time, withdrawn from the debate around him but probably still listening.
Dieter sits back looking bored.
It seems you have again refused to answer my claims of Lutheran complicity regarding the War of Reformation. I have only brought this up because someone in here wished for me to better flesh out my reasons for supporting Duke Arnold. Your refusal to acknowledge basic history is a perfect example of why I will not vote for you. Since you keep refusing to discuss the matter, I am willing to let the whole matter drop instead of forcing you to keep ignoring basic facts.
As for my pet Saint, it seems you are twisting things. All I have done is point out an act of the Church. It says nothing of my personal politics or opinions. You seem to want to somehow link me with your old political opponent. I'm not sure how successful that will be.
You seem to welcome questions and concerns but then you verbally beat on a "young whelp" and play word games.
You have also completely failed to explain how Duke Lothar's proof is "bad information". Since I consider it "good information", repeating it in the Diet is not an indication of some sort of "axe to grind".
So, I believe I have brought up very reasonable points in light of your candicacy. Would you choose to answer them in a intelligent and mature matter? Or have you merely validated my belief that you are quite unfit to be Chancellor? If you can't even handle basic questions, then how can we be convinced that you can handle the job?
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Essen, so far as I can tell you have asked no serious questions. Perhaps you would care to repeat them? I have simply been answering your absurd political claims in kind to the manner you present them to me. If you wish a polite discussion you must first become a polite questioner.
It is explicitly recorded in our history that the arrival of Jan and his call to recruitment touched off the War of Reformation. Feel free to look it up. For myself, I lived through it, fought the rebellions it touched off, and saw the consequences first hand of the rioting.
It has been repeatedly and explicity stated that Father Luther acknowledged his errors and is attempting to correct them. No such acknowledgement of error has come out of Jan or his old allies in attacking Father Luther's disciples, though they claim to be the more chivalrous men.
Your claims regarding my brother are a political needle you prod me with to attempt to make me lose my temper. I deny you this, and so you repeat yourself endlessly. It's quite boring. I urge you to take up the matter with the Kaiser, who, as I have repeatedly stated, sparked my own investigation into the assassination with his speculation. It seems clear to me that only one party could have taken benefit, and, once again, I will repeat that where there is smoke there is often fire.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
:egypt:
*The Duke of Bavaria cocks an eyebrow as he hears his name continually mentioned with regard to the investigation into Kaiser Siegfried's death.*
Electors, surely this avenue of debate is exhausted. I have supplied the Diet with all of the information I was able to produce at the time of that most heinous event. My statements regarding the Milanese assassins are recorded in the Diet records. Unfortunately, all of my personal papers and effects were lost when Florence was sacked by the Byzantines. I have naught but my words to back up my claims. The only other man who conducted an investigation into the assassination was Duke Hans, who is now also deceased. Thus, my words, and the Diet records, are the only information that remains available on the matter. All else is gossip and idle speculation.
I am not ignorant about what is said behind my back. I hear the rumors that I personally arranged for the Kaiser's death with the aid of some 'secret' organization. That is all quite absurd and I suggest that the creators of those rumors look to a career in the theater, as it is surely the stuff of fiction with which to excite the masses. Perhaps Kaiser Siegfried was killed by some Hungarian on a grassy hill?
In any case, whether you believe my words or not, it makes no difference. I have told the truth and you are all free to make up your own minds on the subject. If you believe that I tell the truth, then the matter is done with and it is time to move on. If you believe that I am a liar and a murderer, then you had best state it to me directly. We Bavarians know how to deal with liars and slanderers.
*Lothar turns to one of his squires.*
Boy, go and make sure my sword is sharpened. I may have need of it soon.
I would like to make it absolutely clear that I have no reason to believe any German was complicit in the death of my brother. I myself often found his policies abhorrent, but it is flatly inconceivable to me that an agent of the Reich could have had our own Kaiser harmed.
:egypt:
Hans von Bavaria rushes in. He reviews the notes of a scribe he left behind.
Though it has the necessary seconders, I would like to declare my support, which is of little consequence, for Edict 14.3, and thank the Duke for bringing sense into the Diet.
von Bavaria resumes his seat int the Bavarian section
I did, of course, understand that fully Fritz. You have made it very clear that you believe the Byzantines to be behind the Kaiser's death, not myself or any other Bavarians. My statements were not directed at you; they were intended for the unidentified men who have circulated these slanderous rumors. With hindsight, there is much credibility in your statements about the Greeks. Perhaps the Milanese were themselves working with the Byzantines. Even with their renowned business skills, it did seem strange to me that they were able to raise such a large sum of money so quickly. Unfortunately, with my papers lost and the guilty Milanese noblemen long since dead, not even I would have any way to verify such a claim. I suspect that future generations will still be discussing the matter long after every Elector in this room has ascended, or descended, to their justly earned afterlife.
If my questions have already not been "serious" enough to be taken under your careful consideration, then I am of the opinion that they will never be serious enough to you.
I am done. I have explained my stance. I have explained why. I still think you have waffled on talking about Lutheran complicity in the War of Reformation. I still think you have waffled on why you believe Duke Lothar's evidence is wrong. I still think you have failed to prove why you should be Chancellor over Duke Arnold.
Since I truly believe my words will never be taken seriously by you, for the rest of the Diet, then further discussion is rather pointless. I have made my points and asked my questions. You have danced and danced. The success of your dancing will come out at the ballot box. If your dancing has convinced the majority of the voting power in the Diet, you get to be Chancellor. If your dancing is not suffecient, or turns people off, then you will not get to be Chancellor.
You know what, I don't even think you will be a bad Chancellor. I just believe Duke Arnold would be better than you. And your penchant for revisionist history is one reason why. If you can not take such honest criticism, then you truly need to rethink the whole idea of going into politics.
At least I will tell you what I think to your face. Others will smile at you and scheme behind your back. I have more respect for you than that, even though we might not agree on history. I might be Catholic, but I do not consider myself anti-Lutheran. All I have wanted is an acknowledgement that fanatacism on both sides helped cause the War of Reformation. As well as proof that the Byzantines killed our Kaiser.
Ludwig rises, the strain of several days of Dieting clearly starting to show (OOC: God I'm tired :P)
1. Young von Essen speaks with a conviction that belies his years, and I thoroughly applaud any discussion he brings to the diet, and do not believe others should shut him down, so long as it is discussion. I too would like to hear from most honourable Fritz some of the answers that this young noble seeks, and stress, as he does, that we ask not out of disrespect or animosity, but simply to get a succinct answer. More manner, gentlemen, and less art!
2. Duke Arnold, could you please, as Fritz has, comment on your policy on Antwerp, should you become chancellor?
Dearest friend Lothar, Péter says icily, the fact is that I did not grant Hamburg to Fritz von Kastilien because Stettin was his prior county and I assumed he would like it back. Also, being a freehold count, I have no authority to remove it from his power. Were he to give it up, as he did, I would give him a different land, one I am deliberating at this time.
I will not suffer criticism of my rule of Franconia from one who donates all of his house's treasury to rebellion.
In the spirit of forgiving, old friend, I second Edict 14.3.
Dieter, upon hearing Count Bohmen speak, is simply shocked silent. Finally he just gives a nod of appreciation towards the Count.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Arnold:
Antwerp...I'm not sure why it is so vital to single out that particular city amongst many others.
My thoughts:
Excellent gunpowder units, not especially profitable given it's location, dangerously close to the front lines and has no garrison to speak of.
I'd would say that it will be under threat in the near future depending on how you Ludwig, fair in defending Bruge.
In all likely hood it may fall to the French.
I thank you for your answer
you are correct, of course, Duke Arnold. But being the other half of Flanders, it is important to me.
Very well, as there is common interest among more than one elector, I will attempt to find those questions in the transcript and cover them adequately per Sir von Essen's private letter.
Here we are, my stance on the Lutheran contribution to the War of Reformation. Father Luther's warnings about the inevitable Byzantine treachery stirred up righteous anger about the errors of the Reich's leadership in setting us on the path of Unification. This clearly had a role in preparing the Reich for the coming violence, but gathering sticks does not create a fire. Luther brought together men of like minds to stop an action which he rightly predicted to have disasterous consequences.
Let's be clear, Luther's tracts and words have been proven out by history. In all the hundreds of years since the dominance of old Rome have so many cities ever been exterminated by one nation? Even by all the people of Europe?
No. Byzantium's atrocities are beyond any conception I could manage, even as a staunch Lutheran, before the war; but they were not beyond Father Luther's comprehension. Luther gathered the tinder that would burst into flame, but he did so purposefully, with the intent of saving the Reich from itself. Jan von Hamburg was the spark that caused Luther's justly angry supporters and starry eyed detractors to burst into flame. There is blame aplenty to go around, but let us never forget that without a spark the orderly transformation of the Reich's body politic into a Lutheran group might have been violence free.
I stress might because there is no certainty. What is certain is that a single event began the War of Reformation and lit the fires of rebellion and rioting, and that even was the return of Jan and his rabble rousing call to arms.
On to the matter of Kaiser Siegfried, my brother, and his assassination. I have only the proof of primary benefit to argue in my favor. Duke Steffen's investigation was, in my view and the view of the Emperor, incomplete and inadequate, cut short as it was by the cataclysm and the loss of his home city. I do not believe my version of these events to be conclusively true, but they best fit the information I am in possession of. As I challenged the Emperor, so I challenge all of you; if you know something regarding my brother's death that I do not, speak now.
Blood calls to blood, and if it is not my fate to die first I will see my brother's murderers as their eyes glaze over and their trip to **** begins.
Was there another issue?
Fritz's voice has remained calm throughout this speech, but by the end of it the papers in his hands are a twisted wreck. Without glancing down Fritz discards them on the floor, and takes his seat.
:egypt:
Wildly trying to break the tension that has filled the room, Hans von Bavaria quickly scribbles down a few sentences and decides to just get over introducing his edict, though he has not really worked everything out yet.
The English are the only friend we have at the present, and we would do well to aid them however we can. I know our forces in Outremer are spread thin and there are thousands of Byzantines headed toward Acre, but still, I would propose this:
Edict 14.4: In the likely case of a Turkish attack on the English in Damascus, a force shall be sent to aid the English if possible and if it seems there is any hope left for the situation.
I am not very well-informed about the Outremer, so forgive me and inform me if this Edict betrays any of my ignorance or inexperience.
Knowing it is not very well thought out, Hans resumes his seat praying that it will at least be noticed.
Andreas stands.
I will second Edict 14.4, Herr von Bavaria. As difficult as it is to imagine having the spare forces to help the English at Damascus in the near future, failing to do so would not only allow an ally to lose land we gave them, a terrible consequence in and of itself, but open a second front in Outremer against the Turks. If forces are by some miracle available, we must spare them for such an endeavor.
I will second edit 14.4 also
Matthias thinks a bit before speaking on the newest proposal.
I must admit that the English predicament in Damascus has mostly escaped my notice. I have been focused on the Greek armies marching south on Acre.
Outremer owes the English, their agreement to take possession of Aleppo and Damascus has helped us greatly in defending against the Byzantines. The Turks taking Damascus would be an unfortunate blow, as they would then border us and Jerusalem.
I do wish to assist the English, but I am not sure I have the forces to do so currently. Two large Greek armies threaten my position north of Acre and the Citadel itself. Not only do they block the most direct route to Damascus, but if I do move east, that will leave Acre open to assault. Those armies will have to be destroyed or dispersed before a force can be sent to Damascus.
Andreas and I, working with the Chancellor, will do what we can to enforce this edict if it passes, but any assistance is at least four years off.
I wish I could offer more, but keeping Acre and my army intact is my highest priority.
I will consult the latest reports when I can and see if I can figure something out.
Dieter stands up,
First off, I want to offer my appreciation to Sir Fritz in patiently attending to the questions of young electors.
To see him acknowledge the very complex layers of history is heartening. I won't pretend to completely agree with his interpretation of history. But I have a feeling that trained historians will be going over the details of this War for hundreds of years. So I won't pretend to have some sort of deeper understanding. All I wished was for Sir Fritz to acknowledge that there was complexity and multiple reasons for the War. He has done so and I am satisfied.
As for the issue of the Kaiser's murder, it seems there was more to the issue than the Diet records made clear. While I am not yet convinced that the Byzantines are responsible, I do hope we one day learn the truth. In that, Sir Fritz and I can at least agree.
I still have my choice for Chancellor. It is due in no part to some sort of deficiency on the part of Sir Fritz. It is only due to the exceedingly high quality of Duke Arnold. When silver is placed next to gold, it does not in any way diminish the glean of silver.
But I did owe Sir Fritz an apology for something I said and I have given my apology to him in person. I was wrong when I called him "unfit". I am young and new to the Diet. My emotions got the better of me and I offer no excuses.
Dieter gives a slight bow of the head to Sir Fritz
Now on to the topic of Edict 14.4. This edict does have the required seconders but I do support it. While it is no secret that I wish to see Damascus returned to the care of the Reich, I much rather see the English govern that city, rather than the Turks.
von Bavaria speaks again, noticably more confident:
I am glad that the Edict has the required seconders, and would like the Electors to consider a point which I failed to mention earlier. The Turks are the enemy of both the Egyptians and the Byzantines. Perhaps defeating them at Damascus would cause them to focus more of their attention on these two enemies instead, who are also of course, our foes. Though the situation would be bad if their army took Damascus, it would be much worse if their southward bound armies were diverted to the west once they saw our situation.
I had the same reservations as Herr Steffen, which was why I was somewhat lacking in confidence in the edict. However, though I personally wish to serve in Bavaria or Italy to become more experienced, I hope that others will come to the aid of Outremer and this will be able to be accomplished if not immediately, then hopefully before Christian rule of Damascus is merely a distant memory.
Ehrhart surveys the diet hall, somewhat unsure of the reaction he will receive for putting forth an edict before reading off a scroll
My esteemed nobles of the empire, I put forth to you an edict of Swabia:
Edict 14.4 Wolfgang Hümmel and Dietrich von Dassel will be confined to the Pillory rather than the main Mausoleum proper.
My belief on this matter is that these two traitorous rebels should not sully the ground our honorable and noble ancestors rest upon. They are not worthy to be worshipped together with men such as our most exalted emperors and dukes that are buried there, and are more comparable to men such as the late Jens von Kassel, who turned against the empire and German authority.
It is common knowledge that they are guilty of high treason, iciting rebellion, unlawful occupation of German lands, conspiring to rebel, premeditated murder of fellow Germans and disobeying authority. Indeed, they were the first to spill the blood of German soldiers before any loyalist had, at Normandy, Bern and Staufen. When told to cease their rebellion and rejoin the empire without many consequences, they refused and instead continued the fraticide and directly caused the loss of German lands to the French and possibly the Byzantines to the south as well, as Swabia was unable to lend her forces to her neighbor duchies.
Alexander Luther:
In that case, I demand that you include Duke Hans and Jan von Hamburg to the list, as they also participated in the same premediated murder of Germans as their fellows did. Jan von Hamburg particularly deserted his post at Outremer, leaving the defense of this important eastern front to the maligned Matthias Steffen, to sail to Europe, recruit an army solely for the purpose of killing Germans, and helped start the War of Reformation in the process, which claimed over a hundred thousand lives.
The war is over, Ruppel. Let it die.
I applaud the good Elector Ruppel for his wise policy of barring all those who are unworthy from eternal rest in the Mausoleum. However, I do not think this legislation goes far enough. I will agree with Edict 14.4 if the names of Hans and Jan von Hamburg are added to the list.
Hans was the first Elector in history to take up arms against a fellow German when he marched against Peter von Kastilien and Tancred von Tyrolia. He was also personally responsible for the deaths of thousands of Germans at Metz and Bern.
Jan von Hamburg, in turn, abandoned his appointed position as King of Outremer without even so much as consulting with his fellow Crusaders before leaving, thus causing a crisis of military leadership which jeapordized the entire defense of Outremer. He struck a deal with a Pope who was an enemy of the Reich, a Pope who was later removed from power through the wise actions of Kaiser Elberhard and Dieter von Kassel. He sold an ancient and valued relic of Christendom to further his own means of transportation. Then, when he arrived back in the Reich, he also took up arms against fellow Germans, slaying them happily in cold blood. As if that were not enough, he was responsible for sparking the War of Reformation, which cost well over 100,000 civilian lives and untold amounts of economic damange.
While we're at it, let us add both Edmund Becker and Ludwig von Bohmen to that list, as they both rebelled against authority. Though they are not yet dead, we should surely ensure that they are properly rewarded for their treachery. For that matter, let us also add Peter von Kastilien and Tancred von Tyrolia, as they surely rebelled against Kaiser Siegfried and violated the Charter when they marched on, and sacked, Constantinople.
Let us also add the names of Lorenz Zirn and Fritz von Kastilien, for they committed the atrocious crimes of sacking their own cities. Dieter von Kassel should similarly be reprimanded for killing a Pope, which, of course, should also require retroactive legislation to ensure that Kaiser Heinrich, Otto von Kassel, and Gerhard Steffen are added to the pillory for similar crimes. We must not, of course, forget my own crimes in supporting the above named rebels, so I must certainly reside there at the end of my days as well.
Have I missed anyone else that has erred and is deserving of scorn? I certainly hope not, for it would certainly taint the Reich to have any unworthy man resting at eternal peace with Christ. It is, after all, our job to determine whether a man's soul is damned for eternity, not that of the Lord Almighty.