Imperial Diet IV

[Privateerkev]

Jan looks at poll numbers while listening to everyone speak and when they are done, gets up.

My lords,

I would like to proclaim that the matter is now legally settled. While I believe the Kaiser is chosen by divine right, not everyone agrees. But a majority, myself included, voted for CA 11.1 and Edict 11.9. A Duke council formed to choose the Kaiser according to CA 11.1 and they have concluded by a majority that Kaiser Siegfried is the Kaiser. Since it was not unanimous, Edict 11.9 called for a Reich-wide vote. And, after looking at poll numbers, a clear majority of the voters have already voted for Kaiser Siegfried. So, Kaiser Siegfried has been legally declared Kaiser of the Reich. I think it would be best now to put this matter behind us.

Thank you

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

42 out of 82 have voted. 42 > 41

[Stig]

No vote has ended before pre-maturaly, for me little Siegfried doesn't become Kaiser Siegfried till the voting is officially over.

[Privateerkev]

Well, true, the matter is not really over till the poll closes. But there are so many votes in favor of the Kaiser, that it does not matter. Even if every remaining vote voted no or didn't vote, it would not change the eventual outcome. Kaiser Siegfried will be Kaiser.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

As much as I hate to say it, bloodright was thrown down the privies when Kaiser Henry ascended to the throne. If I can recall he selected Jobst over you while you were of age. I believe that the selection process now consists of merit and the Kaiser's whim.

[FactionHeir]

Considering I had less than 13 hours to present my evidence to the Ducal council after naming a representative, I would not be surprised if this vote were to end prematurely as well.

Regardless, it may be word against word, but all Dieter has in a forged will I remind you and nothing else to back it up. Why would Jobst have only told him about the choice of heir and not anyone else including Siegfried I ask?

And does the diet not care about Dieters attempts to assassinate our emperor Jobst? Maybe it even sponsored Dieter to do it, considering he needed considerable funds to bribe the Danish rebels to attack the German force led by the German emperor? Afterall it would be highly unlikely for one man, Dieter, to have accumulated such wealth for this with the Danes in an internal struggle and unwilling to start another war and the English our close allies ever since? Would it not beckon anyone that the only other sponsor thus would be a German noble or the traiterous French?

I am truly surprised that the diet would remain so steadfast behind Siegfried due to this snake's words that will throw our empire into doom instead of reports gathered from ever since my chancellorship investigation into this matter as well as living witnesses who can confirm this chain of events.
Perhaps I should forge Jobst's will as well with no consequence?

This is truly apalling.

[Cecil XIX]

The fact that you hadn't bothered to speak at all until the matter was virtually settled speaks volumes. If you didn't care enough to present evidence when it could have actually affected something, why should we care that you're presenting it now?

Indeed, since the Siegfried now has only to wait for the polls to close there is no large incentive to disprove your claims. Quite convienent, isn't it? Whereas if you had said something publicly during the Eleventh Diet, during the council, or even when the vote was still in question it would have come under much closer scrutiny. And then there is the matter of your evidence, which is little more than hearsay, speculation and witnesses that could have easily been bought off.

I'm sorry Hans, but the circumstances surrounding your evidence are more suspicious than the Kaiser's claims.

[Stig]

Do you want to know what I think of you Hans? I think you are the lowest of the lowest kind. First you present all sorts of "evidence" that my little brother is not the Kaiser, and Hummel really supports you in that.
However, now, when everything is happening you turn is back on him. He voted against Kaiser Siegfried, while you, low as you are went hiding somewhere. Be a man, stand firm together with him, but you couldn't. You didn't dare to.

You Hans are one of the lowest creatures that walks on this earth.

[Ituralde]

Emperor Siegfried enters the Diet Chamber, adorned in the full regalia of the Kaiser of the Holy Roman Emperor. His head is slightly raised and an arrogant stare escapes his eyey, while his mouth is twisted up in a confident smile. He settles on the throne overlooking the Diet and addresses the assembled nobles.

King, Dukes and Counts!
Nobles of the Reich!

I thank you all for your confidence in my person and into the last wish of Emperor Jobst. You have chosen wisely to end these disturbances and clarify the matter once and for all. The matter is settled and there's no need for further talk among this in the Diet.

He waves a hand absently.

Could you remove those men from the Diet, Count Hans? They're services are not needed anymore. Their lies will not be heard. Nor will I listen to anything more you have to say on this matter.

He never so much as glanced in the directon of Hans, but his smile had turned unpleasant. The smile returning he continues.

I thank Duke Steffen for his loyalty and service to the Reich. The House of Bavaria is given the lands of Ajaccio and the surrounding island. They deserve nothing less for the sacrifices the Steffen family has endured to take it.

I thank Duke Arnold for his loyalty and service to the Reich. The efforts for finding you a suitable bride shall be doubled, and I am sure the future shall give me opportunity enough to reward the House of Austria.

I thank Steward Ansehelm, who acted on behalf of Duke von Kastilien for his loyalty and service to the Reich. The Russian Crusade and your constant vigilance on the Eastern border should give enough opportunities to reward the House of Franconia in the future.

I thank King Salier of Outremere for his loyalty and service to the Reich. It shall not be forgotten when the time comes to appoint the new King of Outremere.

Although I have said it before, I will repeat for clarification that Prince Elberhard will follow me on the throne. I hope this official announcement will stall any attempts at invoking CA 11.1 again and we can leave the memories of those horrendous voting marathon forever behind.

[AussieGiant]

Standing dramatically Arnold raises his hands to the vaulted ceiling of the Reichstag and proclaims

PRAISE THE LORD WE HAVE A KAISER!!!

Grinning from ear to ear Arnold raises a massive wooden gavel and pounds the benches

*Whack whack whack*

Hear ye Hear ye!!

Charter Amendment 11.2 has now been completed, you may now all breathe a sigh of relief.

Men lock up you daughters because he's not married; therefore he's the most eligible bachelor in the known world.

Those of you who have mistresses, ban them from any social events, he's bound to wink at one of them and turn them to jelly in an instant.

Having run completely out of breath Arnold collapses into his chair. Raises his goblet and continues

Three cheers to the new Kaiser!!!

Thunderous cheers erupt from the Austrian Benches in response.

Hip RAH!!

Hip RAH!!

Hip RAH!!

[FactionHeir]

(A week later - refer to Warluster's story)

The Swabian benches are mostly deserted as the doors to the diet suddenly slap open and a bloodied Luka storms in
Murderer! Murderer! Dieter attempted to kill me just now and he is battling a city watch sergeant who tried to protect me as we speak! Help someone, anyone!

[AussieGiant]

Looking up from a stack of reports

And exactly who are you?

And will you please stop bleeding on the Diet Chamber floor!!?

[Stig]

If you got attacked go to the local count or city watch, don't come bursting in here.
Who are you and what gives you the right to enter this place anyway? Speak, before I finish something a certain "Dieter" couldn't do.
Keep your troubles out of here.

Sides aren't you one of Hans' little minions? I thought my little brother, who happens to be Kaiser told you to sod off, don't you follow the Kaisers orders? Do you want to be hang from the highest tree?

[TinCow]

By the Heavens, a man comes stumbling in bleeding and shouting about murder, and he is greeted with threats of execution? It is a sad day when a German cannot even receive aid in the Diet itself!

*Lothar turns to the bleeding man.*

I assure you, sir, that you will be safe in here so long as I still draw breath. If there is a murderer roaming the streets, tell us of him so that the rogue can be caught.

[AussieGiant]

Chuckling to himself Arnold can't help but eventually laugh out loud at the exchange of pleasantries

[Stig]

Lothar I don't have the time to attend to petty criminals, there are more important things in life than just a simple murder, they happen every day ... and if you look at things like this like our pious friends Arnold and I are murderers as well.
If he got attacked let him go to some city watch, not to the highest chamber in the Reich, we have more important things to settle than hunting little criminals, if you want to do that, be my guest, but I have more important things to do. Russians and Poles for example.

[FactionHeir]

Luka backs off at the threats from several nobles, but speaks, encouraged by Lothar's calming words.
I..I know Siegfried wishes not to see us again after he was confirmed, but his henchman...D..Dieter..he tried to kill me! He's out to silence me! You must believe me! I ....need... protection lest you wish me end ...like..like the other witness that was ..murdered in Frankfurt last week! Please!

[Stig]

The matter is settled, my little brother is Kaiser, I see no use why he needs to kill someone as low as you. Next to that why would he want to kill someone as you like that. I would simply execute you and your little friends for treason would it be my decision, simple as that, no need for sneaky murders. Big townsquare, loads of happy townsfolk, big party.

[AussieGiant]

Laughing for some time Arnold eventually composes himself, straightens his face and throws the gentlemen a silk cloth

Will you please bind that gash and tell Lothar and myself what happened.

Steward, there's no need to be so harsh man.

Looking confused for a second

Did I just say that!!? This bloody priests been following me around lately. He seems to be brain washing me.

Turning to Grom and Bane

Where going out tonight and make sure that bloody priest thinks where playing cards or something!!

Turn back to the bleeding figure.

Forgive the Steward, his brother has just recently become Kaiser and he's seeing treachery at every turn.

Come, tell Lothar and I what happened.

[Stig]

Oh no need to forgive me, it's been clear that my brother is Kaiser for quite some time now, only few of them spoke up against them, and as could be expected they were wrong.
Next to that he said he wouldn't listen to anything more Hans' minions have to say on the matter, and that they should leave the Diet. I don't care if he's faking some attack or if it was real, don't let him waste my time.

And believe me Arnold, I could be far more harsh ... and seriously you should get rid of that priest, you're turning soft.

[AussieGiant]

Turning quickly to the Steward Arnold raises his finger to his mouth


Shhh, keep your voice down Steward. It's not as if Grom and Bane haven't suggested that already.

Last night they hung him by his feet out a church tower trying to teach him how not to scream like a girl everytime something crazy happens!

Poor fellow hasn't spoken to me all day.

[Privateerkev]

Jan walks in, in full Crusader regalia

My lords,

My time is short here but I wanted to say a few words in regards to the latest Chancellor report.

First my uncle, Duke Gunther, has passed away. I would like to call for a moment of silence from the Diet.

waits for a full minute in silence.

And I would like to give my heartfelt condolences to the Kastilian family and to let them know that my prayers are with them.

To all of my cousins, I wish you to know that you can come to me with anything in this time of grief and sorrow. Let me know if I can be of any help or service.

The next thing I wish to discuss regards my brother-in-law Jens-von-Kassel. My sister's husband is a traitor. I wish I was available to hunt this man down personally, but I unfortunately am not. I want to state right now that you will hear no complaint from me in regards to his punishment. He is a Russian agent operating behind in our lines in a time of war. He needs to be stopped immediately.

Thank you

[Stig]

Ansehelm walks into the Diet again, looking down

Meine Herren, today far worse news about reached me than this playing around we have here. Gunther von Kastillien, Duke of Franconia and mine and the Kaisers father, has died of old age in the city of Thorn.
Even though my fathers dead was expected, we mourn for him, but in true Franconian spirit it should not stop us of what we want to achieve. Therefore we will continue hunting down Poles and Russians trying to enter the Reich even more than before.
Gunther von Kastillien will be buried in the Kastillien Family Chapel near Stettin, which was once his city.

Next to this sad news I also bring news from the Franconian Crusade, it is due to start this year and it's planned to breakthrough the Russian border in the year 1266 AD.
As for the news of Jens von Kassel, I would gladly wait for him in Moscow, so I can supprise him. There will be true Germans, even in the heart of Russia. Let him know that. However I think it's better for us that he is hunted down, an army should engage him before he can escape from the Reich.

[gibsonsg91921]

Father...

I had expected that he was getting on in years, but I had not really realized he was going so soon.

I swear fealty to the Duke of Franconia, Ansehelm von Kastilien!

[Privateerkev]

Now that he is here, I will also swear publicly my fealty towards Duke Ansehelm.

May God go away with you on your journey!

[Tamur]

Fritz stands and nods to Ansehelm, then addresses the Diet

I also swear fealty to Duke Ansehelm. Long may he live. I share my brothers' grief at our father's death, and remain in good hope that his soul is winging its way to its eternal home...

Fritz trails off for a moment, then snaps his gaze upward again

...with God! With God.

And, I wish to remind you all, not that there is any question in my mind, but simply remind you, that we, none of us, or indeed any person in the Reich, can look forward to the same happy journey without fully honouring his memory by falling behind Kaiser Siegfried and doing their duty for the Reich!

Fritz nods quickly around, and seats himself again

[Cecil XIX]

Duke Gunther was an honorable man. He will be sorely missed. Ansehelm, I'm sure you'll show the Russians that the new Duke of Franconia is not to be trifled with either!

[TinCow]

Duke Gunther von Kastilien was a true and noble German. His martial and political prowess kept the Reich safe during the most desperate times. We are all the poorer for his loss.

[gibsonsg91921]

My father was the restraint on the House of Franconia - we are all to warmongering, too belligerent. He was the wiser one always, and we will miss him.

[FactionHeir]

Luka, holding his neck, slowly makes his way to Lothar and Arnold for a private conversation.

----
Letter from Hans:
While I would like to say it in person, the siege of Jerusalem leaves little time for travels.

I am greatly saddened by the death of venerable Duke Gunther, may his soul rest in peace and he find a less troubled world in god's haven.

It is also saddening that the diet deems Dieter's words to be a divine mandate, but to keep the empire intact and in full integrity, I wish Siegfried a prosperous reign, but ask him to be mindful of what Dieter poisons his thoughts with.

[AussieGiant]

On behalf of House Austria I extend my sympathy to the Franconian House.

Gunther was a true German until the end. He will be missed greatly.

Arnold is then handed multiple reports, and after quickly scanning them his face turns from anger to amusement

Right then a few points to discuss.

Firstly, I'm more than happy to hunt down the rebel scum through the interior of the HRE!! Jens von Kassel needs to be exterminated and I believe I am the man for the job. Any thoughts would be welcome.

Secondly, well done to the men in Outremer for removing the Mongol threat for the second time and additionally to all those involved in taking back Jeruselum.

Count Zirn should be commended for doing an excellent job.