Duchy of Austria

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Duchy of Austria

Provinces of Austria:

Vienna - Imperial Large City, Capital of Austria
Prague - Imperial City
Zagreb - Imperial City
Venice - Imperial Large City
Budapest - Imperial Large City
Ragusa - Imperial Fortress
Bran - Imperial Fortress

Austrian Nobles

Arnold - AussieGiant, Duke of Austria, Count of Budapest, Count of Venice, Count of Ragusa, Count of Bran
Karl Zirn - Northnovas, Count of Zagreb
Edmund Becker - Cecil XIX, Count of Prague

Dukes of Austria:
Leopold (1080 - 1228)
Arnold (1228 - )

Counts of Vienna:
Leopold ( 1080 – 1228)
Sigismund von Mahren (1240 - 1274)
Arnold (1274 - )

Counts of Prague:
Leopold (1120 - 1166)
4th Elector (1166 - 1212)
Jonas von Mahren ( 1212 - 1220)
Ehrhart von Mahren (1220 - 1226)
Edmund Becker (1228 - )

Counts of Zagreb:
Leopold (1154 – 1166)
3rd Elector (1166 – 1220)
Karl Zirn (1220 - )

Counts of Venice:
2nd Austrian Elector (1166 - 1220)
Arnold (1220 – )

Counts of Budapest:
Leopold (1174 - 1228)
Arnold (1228 – )

Counts of Ragusa:
Leopold (1184 - 1228)
Arnold (1228 - )

Counts of Bran
Arnold (1274 - )


Deceased Nobles:
Erhart von Mahren, 1226 - gibsonsg9212
Leopold, 1228 - Ituralde
Sigismund von Mahren, 1274, Cecil XIX

Inactive:
Bizzair, Verdizzy, ArchdukeEvan

Order of avatar assignment:
Whoever dies first!

Vienna 1138

Austrian Nobles, fellow Electors!

We meet today in the venerable capital of our Duchy to discuss matters of House and Reich alike. As you are all aware I have chosen to leave the Diet to its bickering. Clearly my recent arguments have fallen on deaf ears and it seems to me that my father, our beloved Emperor has made it his goal to alienate every Duke serving under him. I will not enter the Diet floor or partake in any votings until those differences are settled once and for all!

The Empire seems to have left us in our most dire hour. Vienna has been besieged two times now in the recent years and even as we speak another Venetian army is gathering to destroy us! It is time that we take things in our hands and show the Reich that we are true servants of the Reich and well capable of not only defending ourselves, but purging the Venetian threat once and for all!

I have already sent word to the Chancellor that he equip me with the money necessary to muster a force of mercenaries strong enough to attack the Venetians, not cowering behind our walls, but attack them on the field of battle where true glory lays! Already the guilds are in uproar over the recent sieges and the ensuing downfall of trade. You all know that trade and money have been the life blood of this city for a long time and I can understand their desires. However I can not understand that they have mustered an armed force that is currently occupying the Danube crossing into Bohemia! I believe in going on the offensive against the Venetians and crushing every army they send against us in the field we can prevent further sieges and hopefully the guilds will see reason and abandon their foolish plans.

The other problem I see is with the Polish thread to the North. So far they seem content with ravaging the Franconian lands, but Prague lies well within their grasp. Negotiations with the House of Franconia to coordinate our war efforts against Poland are already on the way. Still a large scale attack on Prague may well spell disaster for my plans to the south.

Well, here we stand now at the brink of destruction. What say you my dear Electors? What are your plans for the future of Austria and of the Reich?

Leopold looks expectantly at his Electors, before settling down.

My Lord Duke Leopold!!

I whole heartedly support your strategy and will endeavor to make ours House heard in your absence.

We must be given the autonomy to defend ourselves and take the fight to our regional enemies independently of any other Imperial actions.

Yes, My Lord I also support your strategy and echo my fellow Elector that I will have our House heard in your absence.
Now that we are all together it is time to implement the details of your plan to defend Austria.

The 6th Elector bows to his Duke and temporarily excuses himself for Sunday morning prayers...

I also second this, we need to defend Austria's land!

Lets get too! :smash:

Lordship!

this is a good plan... and i do so support it

but do you suppose it would be possible to attack Zagreb... or to move north to Krawkow (ooc... polish capital... idk sp) ?

more than just the glory of the Feild battle... the horrors of a seige are the most profitable i belive...

A courtier enters the chambers where the meeting is held and walks up to Duke Leopold offering him a sealed letter. Swiftly Leopold brakes the seal, bearing the crest of the House of Franconia, and scans the page in front of him. A thin smile creeps on his face and he stands to face the Electors once again.

It is good to hear that you support my plans, now I only need the Chancellor to follow my suggestions and soon I will be on my way to the Venetian heartland. I agree that either Venice or Zagreb should be besieged eventually. With Venice excommunicated the time is ripe to act against them.

It is good that you mention the Poles to the north. I can announce that my plans for our Bohemian border have been successful. Dietrich von Saxony Duke of Franconia has agreed to send the noble Knight Jonas von Mahren to defend Prague against any Polish incursions. In return I will grant him powers over the city and its garrison.
While I agree with you that the Poles should be punished eventually, we have to be careful with our advances against them. Our standing with the Pope could hardly be worse and it looks as though there's only a shred seperating us from Gregory's wrath and excommunication. Strangely enough he holds the Polish oathbreakers in much more favour. You know I have been and always will be opposed to excommunication. As long as this thread looms over us we should be cautious in our advances against Poland. I believe the capturing of Magdeburg to the north should take precedence and will anger the Pope enough. With our northern border secured we can instead focus on Venice now, which now longer enjoys Papal protection.

It is of utmost importance that one or better all of you deliver these concerns in front of the Diet. I have deliberately left some of you in the Diet so that I will have some influence on the happenings while I'm away. I'm sure I can entrust you gentlemen to represent my oppinions and those of the House of Austria adequatly.

He casts a concerned look at the Electors, as though doubting their ability, before giving an encouraging smile.

The 6th Elector having returned from personal matters is elated by the Duke's news and rises to speak.

My Lord this is most excellent news and I am glad to see that my Lordship as remained on top of matters in his absence.

The assistance from the House of Franconia with the leadership of Knight Jonas von Mahren is most welcoming. The concern for our northern boarder and the Poles can rest for the time being.
We can now concentrate our efforts towards those swine Venetians. I will do my upmost to represent you in the Diet.
However, my Lord I must say that our work against the Venetians must be a most meticulous calculation and that we do not leave ourselves exposed in Vienna.

The members sits smiling to the other members......

i will try my best to represent your feelings in the diet lordship... even though they go some-what in a differant direction than mine...

Austrian Army... feild battle... venice... zagreb... prague and franconians... yes i belive i have it... thank you lord...

sits and starts writing notes

Leopold faces the Fifth Elector of Austria:

What are you mumbling about man? You have a different view? Well let's hear it then! What good is a ruler that doesn't listen to his advisors or an advisor that doesn't speak truthfully with his liege. So speak up man, voice your concerns so that we may look at their validity

The 6th Elector stands after receiving a message from the page....

My Lord this maybe the best time for a recess as the 5th Elector composes himself. It is my understanding that the troops are heading out to deal that rebel scum outside the city and your men are waiting for you.
I wait with anticipation to here of your victory hear in the house. We also may need to have a consultation on who we may wish to elect as the next Chancellor. From the last meeting in the Diet there could several candidates for the position.
Good luck and Godspeed my Lord.

The 6th Elector sits .....

firstly though i wish you the best of luck if you do so travel to defeat the rebal scum outside of Venice

and... uh... yes I do somewhat have differant ideas

stands

I belive that Venice... shouldnt be the Reichs main concern... in fact I velive that a strong defensive stance there will be enough to hold them while we deal with the weaker threat to the north...

once you said that the rich halls of Italy are vastly supperior to the Icy halls of Poland... but these Icy halls are a nusance that is causing us to fight a two front war... they are a drain on our recources that is easyier to kill than well equiped italian Militias...

are troops are on a more equal footing with Poland...and the gain of Eastern Lands will allow us to pool more money... to train Knights... to annihilate the Venician Militias...

we can continue to try to fight better armys... and will eventualy win at a huge cost of lifes and money... but Poland can easly be defeated by a well balanced army with archers... cheaper than armored troops... archers to shoot the horses of Polish Nobelmen... take Magdeburg... in the middle of Germany itself... take Krawkow... take Thorn... push them ever eastward... the Francionians have proved that we can take them on with small... spear-based armys... why not throw in some more Sergent Spears... some Peasentry that shoot Bows... a few Armored knights... and there you have an army... ineffective versus Italians because of Italian Militas... can run rampant over weak polish infantry...

that is my veiw... but as I said... everyone seems focused on the Riches of Italy and not on the potential of Poland to hit us unprotected...

sits... and seems a-little nervous

The 6th elector receives a message from a page and smiles...

I have some preliminary good news. Our Duke was victorious on this day annihilating the traders on the Danube. I also hear the Bologna was retaken by Prince Henry with no siege engines! There has also been victories over the Venetians in the Alps. This is definitely good news.
To address the 5th Electors concerns I think the help from the House Franconia to police Prague will alleviate our northern border concerns regarding the Poles. When the Duke returns we continue some training of our men and prepare for the Venetians. They surely must be hurting with our latest victories and their current standing with Rome we must utilize to our advantage.

Member sits and pledges a drink for all his friends tonight...

obviously you wernt paying attention
anyway... that is exactly what i am talking about...
dissmissing the Poles as a minor threat... do we know how far into Russia they own?... they may own Kiev... and Vilanis... Riga if they fight the Russians themselfs... now they own at least as many citys as Veince and are a weaker power... why should we strike at the Lions... if the Misquitoes will kill us?...

I am sorry i dont share your love for Italian wealth... but i do share your idea for a good drink...

orders some small beer to be brought forward for him to drink

Raises his glass to the member and sips from his frothy mug of ale..

I have no desire for Italian wealth when we can generate Austrian wealth here in Vienna. You make a very good point about the east. What is Russia up to? and what about our neighbour Hungary? I understand they have a large crusading army that is returning home.
The Poles will be dealt with but we must remember the Duke's feeling on excommunication with his Holiness. The Venetians are fair game at the moment. Reviewing the latest intelligence report kotr1938-2 the Poles have a higher standing with the Pope. A few more skirmishes with the Poles could lead to some warning from his Holiness. Once we start with the Poles we do not want to stop because of a threat of excommunication. The Venetians are looking vulnerable and we have the chance to ease the pressure on Vienna from Venetian sieges. We will see what the Duke's thought are on his return.


Sits and finishes his ale ......

Aye the pope...

the bane of our existance... isnt Greogory old as of yet?... he may just die sone anyway...

Duke Leopold, who had not returned after his battle against von Holstein, was now entering the Council Chambers again bearing a smug grin on his face.

Gentlemen!

I am joyful to announce that my campaign against the Venetians in our lands was successful! I just defeated the Venetian Heir Councillor Bartolomeo in battle. His troops have fled the field and those we were able to capture have been put to the sword. This shall serve as another example that every Venetian oath-breaker daring to cross into our realm has nullified his existence and will meet his end at the hands of an Austrian sword!!

Leopold too raises a mug, passed to him by a servant, in triumph

I was informed what has transpired here since I left and our 5th Elector raises some important points. However I believe most of your concerns have also been adressed by the 6th Elector.

I agree that a two-front war does not suit us well, that's why I have taken action to improve our cooperation with the House of Franconia that will help us defend against the Polish. This cooperation is not limited to defense however and while any action against the Polish will be commanded by a Franconian, they will be fought by brave Austrians!

It is important however that we delegate this theater of war, as we do not have enough able generals that could command our armies in the field. If I were to go north on an extended campaign against Poland, Vienna would be undefended in the meantime. You have seen how easy it is for the Venetians to attack us here in our very heart. We have to deal with this thread first, before we can cast our eyes elsewhere. An offensive campaign against Venice is imperative to give us a buffer against their attacks.

I hope these reasons make my decisions clear to you. Although we disagree on the importance of Italian against Polish lands, these are strategic considerations that you can not deny.


OOC:
Just like to throw this in just in case it hasn't become clear through my IC text. Any battle without an avatar as general will be autocalced. Vienna would fall quickly to a sizeable enemy force if we have to autocalc it so it is important that Leopold remains close to Vienna.

Gentlemen,

A toast to our Duke Leopold for another Heroic Victory as befitting the Reich's greatest General!!

And we must remain mindful of our situation. With only one general we must protect our greatest asset which is Vienna.

However, we must all support our Dukes attack on Venice as it is they that have directly attacked our Ducal capital.

Here,Here!!

A Heroic Victory from the greatest General in Reich! We must press for Imperial Florins to reequip our troops and muster so more men to the roll to finish off the Venetians.

Congragulations!

drinks the toast

now as to what i said... i ment not in an Austrian way... we have very few capible commanders beyond yourself... and so obviously House Austria can not single handedly take on Poland... i ment in the more general sence of the whole of the Reich to field armys agianst them...

but still... one land is as good as the other i guess... and the Poles will be whipped sone enough...

but as i said before... i will support your campiagns to the fullest... im not an revolutionary or anything...

but now... i here that the time for a new Chanceller is comeing... who are we to support if more than one runs?... will you lordship... run for the office?

OCC...I really dot care this much... but I exagerate because i think that Poland is being slightly ignored... anyway i have an extreem Medivial 2 disslike of the Poles... always defeating my hopes of a huge Russian nation... :wall: ... nothing agianst real Poles in anyway

Here, Here,

Forget about war tonight, lets get a beer and some fine women! ~:cheers:

My fellow Electors, I think it is time that you return from Vienna to attend the nex Diet session in our capital of Frankfurt. Important decisions are to be made and I have passed along a letter to each of you, outlining the agenda of the House of Austria for the next Diet session.

I am sure that you will agree with me that it is important that we work together to achieve the listed goals for the future glory and strength of the House of Austria.

He raises his goblet and proposes a toast!



OOC:
No need to apologize ArchdukeEvan. With Duke Leopold intent on Italy I think it's quite important to have people with other priorities in the House of Austria, so I really like your agenda. It's always a good thing to give one's character a goal he wants to obtain and push for it in the Diet and within the House.
It would be quite boring if everyone of you would always agree with me, so just follow your agenda ahead. Austria needs to expand its view over the Italian peninsular sooner or later.

My Duke, I have received your message and am prepared for the trip to Frankfurt. We must get our voice in the Diet and finish this Venetian business.

Leaves to join the convoy for Frankfurt.

The guards enter, followed by a Franconian messenger
My lords, I bring a message from Knight von Mahren. He is making the last of his preparations now, and attending to matters in the Diet, and will leave for Austria and Prague very soon. He would like to ensure you that your city will be in capable hands, and he looks forward to working with your people to repel the Poles and bring prosperity to the lands of the Reich that lie outside of Italy.

OOC... no apologys needed... lol... im always the person thats a little odd... :laugh4:

The Electors reviewing maps and intellegnce reports at a secret location....

Austrian War Council

My Duke, I see the reinforcements are on there way to Vienna. I have reviewed the map and the Venetians are looking to be hard pressed around Zagreb. Is there a time table for our offence against them?

Frankfurt, 1140

Duke Leopold had been pacing across the chamber floor set aside for the Austrian nobles in the Imperial Diet. A goblet of wine in one hand he was waiting for the last of the Austrian Electors to arrive and the scribes to scurry in. A short glance seems to show him that all he wished to be present have appeared. Abruptly he stands gesturing with the arm holding the goblet, not caring about the wine sloshing over is wrist. He looks infuriated.

What were you thinking, gentlemen, what in the world were you thinking back there?!? Don't you think it has been humiliating enough for me to growel in front of Emperor Heinrich like some lowly petitioner for his attention. To show weakness in front of the assembled Dukes, Counts and Electors?
I have promised him, promised him to have the House of Austria back his Chancellorship, and what do I get from you? What do I get from you after drafting an agenda for you to follow and several reminders that the upcoming elections will be important? ONE! One single vote came from the House of Austria besides mine! His fury suddenly subsiding he smiles friendly... For which you should be commemorated dear Sixth Elector ...before continuing in an angered voice. Our dear Second Elector even had the gist to vote for Mandorf! No wonder that he has left for an extended vacation on his Estates in Austria! How he can dare to do such a thing!

Leopold continues his pacing, breathing heavily after the outburst. Finally he slams the goblet down on a nearby table and casts a concerned look over the assembled Electors.

Now, I believe some of you, like the 5th Elector had valid reasons for not participating and our 3rd Elector has taken this inopportune moment to resign from my service for an indefinite amount of time. Has anyone of you heard from the 4th Elector lately? Well, neither have I. The state of our House is a mess if you ask me. Not only is our capital besieged more times than I can think of, but our political power is also waning.

Well, it is time to consolidate our holdings, economically and politically. We have not supported Mandorf openly, but I believe he will be competent enough to lead the Reich in the future. The promises he made for swift military aid sound promising. I have pledged for the Kaiser in the recent Diet for reasons, that I don't care to elaborate here, but I can assure you that I had the best of Austria in mind, but that does not mean that we can't cope with another reality. We should support the current Chancellor in his endeavours and hopefully we will soon be able to seize the Venetian cities to the south.

Once again, I'd like to bring the Sixth Electors efforts in furthering our agenda to the fore and with other Electors leaving you will be rewarded by promotion to 3rd Elector!
Once new lands are assigned to our control the title of Count may even be considered. Let that be a reminder to all of you that obedience and discipline can have their advantages.

To the matter at hand, as the Six.. 3rd Elector has pointed out rightfully we should leave for Zagreb as soon as possible, but the situation in Vienna will not allow a swift departure. Mandorf will be sending troops from Innsbruck and Staufen to aid us. I will join with the troops from Staufen most likely. Once the situation in Vienna is secured I will advance on Zagreb and crush any Venetian resistance!

The newly Third Elector slowly rises with a look of astonishment..

My Lord, I am truly humbled by your words and recognition. My allegiance and duty has always been to your father, Austria and the Reich. I thank you and I will not disappoint my Duke or his House.

The Elector bows deeply towards the Duke and sits...

stands... and falls imediatly back down indignatly... stands agian

My... L... My Lord!...

Trys to compose himself

My Lord... I must say this is unexpectated... since I have more experiance... and then I have been by-passed for promotion...

stands there... thinks over the past

which I guess I can except... with my many absances and rather Anti-Polish agenda... it isnt unexpected really...

Looks very sad

as for Zagreb... this seems viable to me... but if we use the Ducel Army do we conqueor in the name of Austria?... or in the name of the Reich?... it seems if our army takes the town it should be gathered into our possetion imeadatly... please correct me if im wrong...

sits and orders a strong beer

The members of the House sit down and try to comprehend the most recent and astonishing events..

My Duke, are we still looking at Zagreb?? The actions of your father has put the Reich in a spin. I am concerned about public order and our neighbour Hungary. They are in good standing with His Holiness and I cannot read what action they may take.
Would a defensive action of our forces be the most prudent at this time? I am afraid there are some dark days ahead.

Apologies my lord Duke,

I have been away and in fact I must again leave immediately to my estates in the east. I did believe Mandorf was the best man for the job and you did in fact instruct me to vitr as I saw fit.

I want to make clear my allegience to you, and ensure that I will complete my personal issues as soon as possible and rejoin you in the Diet immeditately upon there completion.

Leopold glances briefly at the Second Elector:

I'll speak with you in due time.

Then he turns to the 3rd Elector

The future looks grim and much depens on the outcome of the battle against Pope Gregory. Although it pains me to hear this, the only way we can get salvation is when Gregory dies and Heinrich succeeds.
While a defensive action in Vienna may be advisable I have no liking for it. We hav sat in Vienna long enough, it is time to strike out and I still believe that Zagreb should be our goal. If the Hungarians start acting up we can still divert our forces to the East. Zagreb or Budapest, either way the borders of our House will be expanded by the time of the next Diet!

Ponders on the Duke's comments and speaks

Excellent decision my Lord. The recent developments are a minor set back and we do have to rely on a decisive victory from the Kaiser for our security.
I suggest the best troops we have for the offensive on the Venetians and a respectable militia for Vienna. It would not hurt to keep our spy network between here and Budapest to watch for any Hungarian aggression.
Time is of the essence. I would fear a Venetian counter attack if they are able to rebuild such a force.
Victory to Duke Leopold and the Emperor!!

A glass is raised in the Duke's honour.

Dear Electors!

I have crushed the resistance in Zagreb and the city is now finally under full Imperial control. Although Heinrich has not officially decreed the settlement to be ours, the past has shown that lands conquered by Household armies go to the appropriate House. Already Chancellor Mandorf has contacted me about the plans for Zagreb. I don't need to remind you that we don't own a castle of yet. Zagreb is a small land-locked town whose profitabilty will be hard earned. He has suggested to turn the town into a castle. This would boost our defense in the south and finally provide an adequate recruitment center for our Household army. What is your oppinion on this matter?

My Lord, I had just recently viewed the area and noted we are lacking in a castle in the East. Your suggestion of a castle is a sound one for the Austrian House. Building a fortress in Zagreb will offer security and skilled units that will be quickly accessible for our needs.
Zagreb will not only offer security but a buffer as well till we clean up the area from the Venetians. It will also save us the time waiting for better trained units coming from the west.
I think this is a wise decision and I am in favour of my Lord's suggestion to convert the city of Zagreb in to a castle.

My lord... what size of Castle will your recent capture be converted to?... a Motte and Balley i assume?... it will be very uselful... congragulations...

as for the East... if we are optimistic... Hungary will attack and we will gain more riches than the rest of the houses!

OOC. sry for the delay... my network broke and i just got it fixed

Dear Electors!

With the Emergeny Session of the Diet running, you see that I have made my proposals. I have said what has to be said and will not waste any more words on petty squabbling between the Houses. If the Kaiser or Duke von Kassel can't see that they have done wrong in the past, then the Diet must show them their view and vote accordingly.

If you agree with me on Edict E1.4 then please second and support it in the discussions, otherwise it will not be put to the vote. Maybe one of you could make the necessary Changes to it and propose an Edict of its own calling for Florence to be given away? Either way we have to reconcile with the Papacy as soon as possible and prevent that any Elector leads us on a false Crusade without the authorization and the divine mandate needed for such a quest.

I have said my share and now rely on you to carry my agenda through this Emergency session.

stands and speaks through the small talk...

My Duke

i have heard wispers of the next chancellers to run... will you run for the office dear Lordship?...

sits after his question

Excellent move Duke Leopold. We have been sorely in need of a castle to ensure our ability to defend against our eastern boarders.

To be enitrely direct my Lord, I believe it is time you did run for the office of Chancellor.

What say you my Duke?

Duke Leopold I think the Electors have made a good suggestion that you run for Chancellor. You are in support of the Crusade even though a sanction Crusade would have been to the liking of this House, meaning you would have the Crusaders concerns in mind while administrating them and also the responsibility of administrating the Reich.
I think you would make an excellent Chancellor.

I am honoured by your support and as you can see I have held my inaugural speech in front of the Diet. It will now be up to them to make the obvious decision, but I am confident that you shall not remain the only ones supporting me. Already Dietrich von Saxony has declared for me and I am sure that more will follow.

With the Diet open this brings up the next point of Ducal Edicts. Do you have any propositions then please voice them so that I can bring them up in front of the Diet. Currently I feel no need to use any of them as my Chancellorship should give me enough powers to facilitate my agenda.

Duke Leopold I am pleased with your decision to stand for Chancellor. You would be a wise choice for the Reich and The Crusaders.
I have been thinking the Edict issue the past couple days and cannot really think of any pressing issue other then reconciliation with the Church. This will happen through progression and no need for any Edict.
I have no Edict to propose but will consider to second any brought forward by my fellow Austrian Electors.

well, possibly this...

It is along the lines of... since the cursade is in effect, only 1 town can be taken from a nation that declares war on the Reich...

I have heard that if Hungry attacks, the Crusaders want to take Sofia, becasue it would open their path to the East...

this i feel is a mistake, because Budapest is much more prosperous... so... if this rumors i hear are true... then possibly an Edict to take Budapest would be in order...

elsewise... i know of nothing that we need to address

edit:OOC i think i will bring that up myself

In antechamber off from the Diet floor *Austrian War Council*

Duke Leopold again I just want to bring the current situation up to date before the Diet ends and you return to Venice. Please excuse me for my lengthy presentation. The intelligence from the Crusading Forces is correct about the Venetian build up. However, sources tell me that Zagreb is not their intended target but Venice to lift the siege.
I think it was a wise decision on your correspondence to the Crusades Council that there help is not required and they should leave post haste with the men they have in the army. I think they are causing some confusion to the Venetians because of the size and their objective is unknown to them.
We have two options. First, the attack on Venice should continue. If you decide to attack quickly and capture the city the Venetian force will not be able to help and it will give you time to stabilize the city reinforce and come east. It would be uncertain then if the Venetians would head south or attack Zagreb. A minor build up in the castle could help.
The second option would be to let the Venetians commit to Venice. It will cut you off from Austrian lines but there could be support coming troops in N. Italy. Once the Venetians are close meet the oncoming force but not take the city or take the city and then meet the larger force.
I know my Lord that option two is more of a gamble but if there is any Austrian build up in Zagreb.(OCC or another avatar) We would be able to close in on the Venetian Force from both sides caught in the pass.
Again Duke Leopold this is my humble advice to consider and you may have far more responsibilities to consider after the Diet closes. My fellow Electors any comments for the Duke or other strategy?

I would agree more with option 1... we are on the verge of taking venice... if this force comes, and isnt intercepted.. it could but the assalt in jepordy... but if it gets stuck seiging or in Zagreb... then we can hold it there until after we take Venice... though it is our only Castle, i belvie that Venice is more important than Zagreb at the current time

3rd Elector your strategic proposals are sound and trapping a large Venetian host in a mountain pass an admirable feat. However I do not have it in me to abandon the siege of Venice. The city lies before me and I will take it!
Should the Venetian army be intent on Venice though, this would truly be excellent and all the more reason for me to maintain the siege, lest the Venetians consider the threat resolved and turn on Zagreb.
Should the army continue for Venice, as I hope I will do my best to ride out with our Household Army and try to meet them at the spot you suggested.


Since you haven't brought up any Edicts, let me propose one of our own. I believe many of us have been grieved by the recent excommunication, a thing I have always tried to prevent, and there are many loopholes in our Charter that one man could abuse to once again plunge us into excommunication should we ever be reconciled. Therefore I propose to you Edict 6.x:
Any decision that would lead to the excommunication of the Reich has to be authorized by a Diet vote, requiring a 2/3 majority.

What do you think of it? Especially the 2/3 part of it, one might presume it is too harsh or restricting.

Thank you my Lord, I do have some concern over the quietness in the Diet. I was thinking along the lines of your Edict 6.x and wonder what other loopholes are out there? Especially going in on an unauthorized Crusade I am concerned what technicalities may arise and the predicaments for the Empire.
I will second your Edict to prevent future excommunication this may also support any DOW against any faction that will result in excommunication.
Will one of my fellow Electors second Duke Leopolds Edict 6.x?

staying with the Church is a very important thing... and along thouse lines i will Second your proposal

My felow Austrian Electors!

I have an important announcement to make. As you may have heard I am of late proud father of a son. His name is Arnold, and although he is a mere infant now I can see it in his eye that he is destined for greatness. I am not getting any younger and since he is my first-born male I will make him my heir! I hereby announce that Arnold of Austria shall inherit all my titles!



OOC:
About time I mentioned this. :beam:
The way I see it this will make it interesting for those of you without avatars. Hopefully this will change soon, but in a mere 36 turns there will be at least two further Austrian avatars. The first avatar we can be sure of will be Meckils husband.
The way I see it we have AussieGiant up for the first avatar, followed by ArchdukeEvan and then Northnovas, since this is the order of your joining and you have all been very active!
Now AussieGiant has first refusal on Meckil's husband. If he takes it he will have an avatar, but he won't become Duke. If he refuses then another one can take that avatar, but he will have first refusal on Arnold again.
This of course only applies if we don't get any adoptions, but to be honest I have given up on that long ago.
Either way that's the way I plan the future of our avatars to happen, feel free to comment.

OCC:
That seems to be the most fair process for avators. We have all been pretty patient waiting and seniority should count for something. Whatever comes downhill I will take.

OOC. :embarassed: uh... at the time being i dont have a working copy of the game... and i definatly dont have what we are using... as my game is uninstaled... so I must place myself at the back of that line... because I cant do the battles if it is required... so if being an un-avitared count is better... maybe of like Zagreb... lol

OOC:
Ah, thanks for the info ArchdukeEvan. This puts Northnovas ahead of you then. Just let me know once you get the game working.
I have added a section in our first post to reflect the order of avatar assignation.
Concerning those Count titles, I'll probably make an announcement later today.

OOC:

Hi Ituralde and fellow Austrian electors.

I'm certainly leaning towards being your son Ituralde!! :)

That probably means someone can jump in ahead of me with Meckil's husband.

I'm back next week and raring to go, so get ready for some tall stories from Russia and some equally outrageous behaviour from me in the Diet :)

[I]A Messenger arrives to Dukes Leopold's tent. He is in plain civilian clothing and dusty had just come from the beseiged City of Vienna. The Messenger bows deeply and hands the Duke a letter with the Royal Seal it is from the Third Elector.....[I]

My Lord,
Excuse me for my directness and lack of formal greeetings. I am sending this communication from our beseiged capital. There has been little communictaion between the Electors in the House and with the enemy tromping on Austrian soil I was concerned. I returned to the capital looking for the Electors when I was caught in the in the city by the Hungarians. I was aware of your position from our intellegence and know that you were enroute. I do believe our garrison is larger then the Hungarians force with your Army on arrival I am sure they will run like the dogs they are or be soundly defeated in battle.
When we have the chance to meet I wish to discuss strategy to defending our soil. I know your role as Chancellory as added further repsonsibilty but I felt we must discuss Austrian issues. The 2nd Electors will hopefully return soon from the East as his word and I am searching the city for the Fifth.
Surely your Army will lift the seige of the city but I ask you.
Do we dare go on the offence and attack Budapest? I am told of the large Hungarian Army near Venice. Would attacking their capital lure that force homeward? I am sure the Hunagrians are busy enough with the Byzantines and cannot have to many troops outside of Budapest.
Or do we wait and go after the Hungarian force at Venice if it comes further east?
I leave you with these thoughts and hopefully can discuss these issues with you soon with the other Electors. God's speed.

Faithfully Servant

OOC... can someone tell me the dispotiotion of the forces?... if it is still relevant... Im at school...

IC... I have arived... i belive that the city must be freed first, and if the force is destroyed here... then it cant relive an attack on Budapest, so i say that we move unto Budapest second...

ArchdukeEvan,

There is too much to tell about what is going on.

It`s a complete shit fight with 4 major foreign armies in and around our boarders. The main thing Ituralde needs to due is relieve Vienna.

The rest must be dealt with by the other House Armies.

Ituralde,

How long before I get Arnold? It looks like there will be more than 4 battles a turn for the next few years.

yes... i gather that.. fact... we must prepare... anyways... the edict i sugestesed and pased in the last diet would force us to go after budapest...

Edit... im going to Tennessee... so i may or maynot be able to get on here... i got my game working agian... ty for the update... have fun

A messenger from Duke Leopold arrives in Vienna shortly after the Hungarian forces have lifted the siege.

Dear Electors!

I would have prefered to speak to you in person, but the current circumstances make haste a wiser choice. As you read this letter I have hopefully crossed the Danube and will be within striking distance of Budapest at the end of the season.

I have read of your concerns and will detail my defensiv strategem to all of you.
As my move against Budapest shows I am indeed planning on drawing the Hungarian forces to their capital. Although I believe that the Bavarian Household Army will deal with the Crusaders stranded close to Venice.
The Venetians have been quiet but could reappear around Zagreb any time. With only one army at our disposal, I plan to take and sack Budapest as soon as possible. It will then serve as a lightly defended buffer zone against Hungarian intrusions, keeping Vienna out of harms way. I will then try to position myself between Zagreb and Budapest and ward off any attacks by our enemies. I will priorise the defense of Zagreb though, as a castle is needed to support our army.

I hope you can see the logic behind my plans. If you do have any objections don't hesitate to mention them. As always I rely on your council and would have preferred to discuss this directly. The opporunity to strike at the enemies capital was there so we have to rely on messengers instead. I hope to fulfill Edict 6.1 as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully

Duke Leopold
Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire


OOC:
Hey AussieGiant,
Good to hear that you're back I'm gonna PM you once I have the time.
You will have to wait at least 20 turns before Arnold comes of age though, that will be 12 more turns than Meckil will take to come of age. That's why I posed the question of which avatar you want. Either way, unless an adoption comes our way it will still be a long until we have a second Austrian avatar. :thumbsdown:

In an antechamber of the Diet floor the Austrian Electors meet. Having much pride in their unified declaration for the new Emperor. They are drinking the finest Italian wine and toasting the Bavarian Army and their victory over the Hungarians at the River PO. The Third Elector then tells of the ordeal and the siege in Vienna his correspondence with Duke Leopold and Duke's reply.

Fellow Electors the Hungarian Army is destroyed and no longer a concern around Venice. The Duke marches not to lift the seige of Vienna but to capture The Hungarian capital Budapest. I feel this is an excellent opportunity to free the citizens of Vienna from the concerns of war by creating a buffer. One siege on the city is enough. Though Duke Leopold speaks wisely to no forget those Venetian dogs because they have been lying low. I think some intelligence that way to asses what they are up to in army build up would be prudent. What do you think of the Duke's correspondence?
Why there is still some wine left it would be rude of me if I did not make one more toast.
To Duke Leopold for his tireless effort as Chancellor and his defence of Austria and the Empire! Raises his goblet for a large swig..



OCC: It would be nice to get a few more Austrian Armies into play. Waiting very very patiently.......

IC:

Hear hear 3rd Elector!!

Our Duke's handling of the Reich has been excellent and now all can see the skill and fortitude our house has brought to bear at these times of trouble!!

I concurr with our Dukes plan. By striking directly torwards Budapest the Hungarian army beseiging Vienna will have no choice but to lift the seige and make it's way back to their capital.

Likewise once this is done, by placing the House army equal distance between Vienna and Zagreb we can easily defend each location should an army attempt to take each of these settlements.

With Budapest a hollow shell of it former self after the sacking we should have more than enough time to react to any armies moving up from the interior of Hungary.

OC: Hey Ituralde,

I look forward to your PM when you have a moment. I'm prepared to wait until then. Given we have been together from the beginning I believe we are best suited to a father son relationship in the game.

I can't wait!!

Plus one of these chaps can get their teeth around our first avatar and get into the thick of things very soon.

Cheers to you all
AG

My Duke, fellow electors,

Our Chancellor and Dukes time is nearing an end.

What are our collective thoughts regarding house legislation and ideas?

One thought I have is for our Duke to run again for election as Chancellor.

His handling of the Reich with our emporer gone has been excellent and as the brother of our Kaiser there is a mutual bond of understanding that is beneficial now he is on crusade to the east.

Any thoughts gentlemen?

I concur with my fellow Elector that Duke Leopold had done an excellent job and I would support his reelection.
As for legislative matters the only concern I have is our war with the Papacy and I don't know by what means we can use to obtain peace that has not already been tried.

Gentlemen,

Having spoken to Duke Leopold it would seem that being reconciled is our primary issue.

I would suggest we put forth an edict that generates significant resource allocation to educating priests in our cathedrals and sending them via ship to the middle east.

As a long term strategy this will work I believe.

Dear Electors,

Finally I can once again attend these halls. The past years have been quite busy. Being Chancellor has broadened my view of our affairs and helped me to understand the problems other Houses are facing.

I appreciate your effort, but feel that I can not run for reelection. Too long have I neglected matters of Austria and I feel that it is time for another one to step up and take the office.

As you have already said, we need to discuss the matters of legislature we should propose in the upcoming Diet. The main goals that should be achieved are ways for reconciliation. Furthermore I believe that our navies should be strengthened and one last thing that could be adressed is an Edict involving the capture or destruction of Ragusa to end the Venetian threat to our Southern border. This last Edict will stand in direct conflict to Edict E1.1, so we will have to find a way around this.

I will propose at least one of the things above via my own Edict, but would like to use Ducal Edicts for the other ones. My scribes will present you with the exact formulations later on and I hope that I can count on your support.

The matter of the next Chancellor will also be an important one, but I am not yet willing to give an exact mandate to whom I wish to be supported by the House of Austria.

Please voice your concerns now and offer your legislations that we can act united and thus stronger in the upcoming Diet session!

With the recent pleasant announcement by Emperor Henry, I will give the following title to the Electors here present.

2nd Elector of Austria, for your long service for our House and your everlasting support of my politics I hereby make you Count of Venice!
3rd Elector you have served me well in the past, becoming the Third Elector and fighting for our Reich. I would want no other man than you to defend our southern border against the Venetian threat and hereby make you Count of Zagreb!
On to the 5th Elector... 5th, let's make that 4th. To the 4th Elector, you know we had our disagreements in the past, but your drive against the Poles was a much needed factor in our politics. As a result I hereby make you Count of Prague!

I await your build queues for the next Chancellor and I also await your presence in the upcoming Diet.

Duke Leopold I am truly honoured and humbled in this appointment. I shall make Zagreb produce the finest soldiers for the Empire. I will do my upmost to defend the Southern Border.

As for political concerns I have been getting wind of some Edicts being drafted by Electors from other Houses that are addressing some of your concerns.
The most important being the Empire getting into good relations with the Papacy and remove this excommunication. It truly has been going on for too long. We may have to offer more.
For border security Ragusa and other cities are being identified so has not to conflict with E 1.1
I am willing to second some of the Edicts introduced to the Diet.

Dear Electors, I propose the following Edict to be treated as a House Edict in the upcoming Election. My recent dealings as Chancellor have shown me that our naval inferiority can prove disastrous in the long run. This has to be ammended during the next Chancellor's turn.

Edict 7.x
The Chancellor is instructed to build up the Imperial Navy as follows:
Three fleets are to be recruited and manned for our three naval areas. Baltic Sea, Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea.
Each fleet is to conatin at least five Holks, our most advanced ship type to date.
The fleets will be stationed in the corresponding seas and serve to secure naval supremacy.

Duke Leopold I will support your Edict 7.X to build HRE Fleets in their respective waterways. A strong naval presence can assist in defences and expeditions of the Empire.
However, I see these matters a bit confusing on what can be ordered built or constructed to the Chancellor. If we are to rebuild our fleets at least one of the ports in the designated areas must have the facilities present to support and prevent the fleets from going obsolete.
I would guess this would be at the discretion of the Duke responsible for that port if it is not an Imperial City?

I agree with you that there are some stones an unwilling Duke could lay in the way of these Edicts. To tell the truth my knowledge of the northern ports was never that good. Maybe I should revoice it so that the best ships available in the respective seas are built and maintained? Surely this should appease everyone.

I think a generic wording to build fleets in in the designated areas would suffice. Having a Mediterranean port we could go further and build our resources to keep the fleet up.
I see there is no Edict on expansion by any of the Houses because of the prior Edict.
What if we propose Edict 7.x because of the state of war that exist with the Venetians, the capture of Ragusa to eliminate the Venetian threat on the continent. Once their stronghold is taken we offer terms of peace. Something to that effect?

The fabrication of an Edict revoicinv Edict E1.7 to allow for the capture of Ragusa is already in the making I believe. It should have been proposed by one of the Bavarian Electors already.
I consider proposing something along those lines with my personal Edict should it not appear on our agenda soon.

Meanwhile, my dear 3rd Elector, you would do me a great favour if you could use your personal Edict to propose the fleet building. It seems that the lack of activity from our Electors denies me a second supporter to put it up as a House Edict.

Duke Leopold I have drafted my personal Edict for naval build up and will deliver to the Diet as we speak.

Business, Business Business gentlemen!!

My Lord Duke!!

You honour me with the poistion of Count of Venice!!

As for the edicts I will begin my presence here for the Diet session.

2nd Elector Austria

Gentlemen.

Legislation proposal:

Edict 7.xx

Nine Merchant caravans are to be created. Each shall spend five years inside the Reich to develop their skills. After such time they will be sent in groups of three to the following locations.

South Western Africa
The Holy Lands
Far North Eastern Russia

Acquisitions and targets of opportunity are at the discretion of the Chancellor and the reports he receives from these merchants. Priority is to be given to survival and long lasting success.

Edict 7.xx

A "Holy" flotilla is to be created of such size and strength as to secure safe passage for at least 5 priests. Once both groups are created they must then leave for the Holy Land in support of our pending arrival and for advancement in the Colleague of Cardinals.

Either of these edicts can be repeated as necessary to ensure ongoing presence and advancement over time.

Count of Venice.

Dear Count of Venice,

I agree with your proposals and will put them forward for Election, if another of our Electors supports them also. I agree with both pieces of legislature and believe that they should be put forward in the Diet. However tiime is running short so you may consider using one of your own Edicts to propose one of them in the Diet.

Duke Leopold,

I still can't quite get used to this title.

Duke Otto has pointed out that legislation is not needed to ogrqanise merchants and he would follow this policy without needing an edict.

I will use my personal edift to propose the priests being sent to the Holy Land.

Dear Electors,

Another Diet session is upon us and while the issue of Chancellorship will not be raised, with the Edicts governing the Crusade void there is much room for Edicts. If you have any proposals for the House Edicts, please don't hesitate to mention them. If you have no suggestions I will bring forth my own ideas at a later point.

We should also think about our general goals for the next Chancellor's term. I believe that soon my son Arnold should come of age to assist me in the reign of Austria. Furthermore Meckil will hopefully find a suitable husband soon. Although there are many courtiers I have found each and every one of them lacking so far. Maybe I shall be forced to lower my standards in the future. We will have to see.

I believe that further expansion in Europe is not necessary for the advancement of our House. We have more than enough land to pacify and cultivate to last for years. The goals of Emperor Henry concerning the Kingdom of Outremere are intriguing though. Damascus, a city that bustley with activity and trade would be a great prize to belong to our faction. No other than an Austrian general should storm the walls of that city! Maybe we should propose another Crusade for Damascus to help the Kingdom of Outremere and also fortify our claims there?

I await your answers gentlemen!

Duke Leopold I have no Edict in mind if we are not in expansion. I am satisfied to continue to build our infrastructure within the Reich. I would like to have the best training for our troops coming from Zagreb if our treasury can afford it.
I would support the Kasier's plan for the New Kingdom and the tasks that Austria would have in conquering new lands.
I would also caution my Duke not to be to lower his standards too much for the lovely Meckil and I am sure we can come to some arrangement for a suitable suitor.

Well, if you don't have any proposals let me ask you to support me in the following. I have one Edict in mind that would ask for peace negotiations with the Venetians. They have suffered enough at our hands and can hardly be considered a threat anymore. It would benefit both us and the Reich if our Southeastern border would quiet down and the trade routes through the Meditteranean would not be obscured by Venetian blockades.

Another thing that could be worthwile to propose is a merchant expedition, maybe accompanied by some priests, that will try to reach the far reaches of Africa or even Russia. I think the Count of Venice could provide us with more information on a viable target? I believe such undertaking would boost our coffers nicely and the spreading of Christendom is always a noble deed to undertake.

What do you think of this my esteemed Nobles?

I would second such Edicts from this House and look forward to the Count of Venice putting forth a recommended destination for a merchant expedition.