I agree with Zim that this situation is unfair - I can't stop Zirn from taking Milan but then he doesn't have to give any money to the Marshall? That stinks. I think I should have had an opportunity to prevent Zirn from assaulting Milan unless he was willing to declare war on me first. After all I was besieging the city - if Milanese troops can't get in or out without fighting me then surely I can stop a small force of cavalry!

And if Zirn is allowed to take settlements (by the Edict which we passed in the Diet) then he should have to pony up for the Marshall as per the game rules that we just established.

There's one thing for there to be a grey area and another for someone to exploit it so drastically to get an advantage over other players. After all, at any time Zirn has had the option to normalise his relations with the Reich (by swearing the oath) and thereby gain access to sacking florins, the ability to own settlements etc.