Imperial Diet & Rules

[The Celtic Viking]

Theodericus bows his head to the Kaiser.

"Thank you, my lord. You are as generous as you are wise."

[Zim]

Duke Beckers steps into the room, his aide in tow. Although his clothes are slightly scruffy from his time on campaign and the long ride to the site of the Diet, they don't come remotely close to the state of disrepair of Wilhelm's, which have now suffered too long trips with no break.

"Greetings,
I have just recently come to a grave realisation. I have been in flagrant disregard of our charter. While I have made many an oath to the service of my Empire and its liege, I have yet to make the formal one required in this chamber. I correct that now.

Helmut kneels in the direction of the Emperor or, lacking that, his section of the chamber.

"I hereby swear that, during my time as an Elector, I will serve the Reich faithfully and the Kaiser loyally. I recognize that the Kaiser is the sovereign of the Reich and, while I may disagree with him politically, I will not question his supremacy."

That done, the young duke bows in the direction of the section of the Flemish Duchy, now being dismantled.

I also wish to pay my respects for my fellow Duke Andreas Hummel, and express my regret that we were not able to speak about the issue of my marriage that vexed him so. And now, if I may be excused, I must get back to my forces so I can execute the "kill everything" part of the Emperor's 2 step plan. In my particular case the everything will be any Venetians that seek to prevent me from returning Innsbruck to the Reich, or are just too slow to get out of my way.

With that, Becker turns to leave.

[Nightbringer]

Greetings Becker! Its good to see you again. Sorry I couldn't accompany you in your "kill everything" mission, but my Lord has need of me. It does sound like a good way to pass the time though, may your sword find the neck of many a Venetian!

[Zim]

Thank you, Herden. I must admit after allowing those grubby merchants to get the drop on me the last time I'm looking forward to paying them back.

[Cecil XIX]

A page nervously comes up to the Diet Speaker and whispers into his ear. The Speaker pales slightly before addressing the assembly.

My lords, I have just been informed that a large Polish army has been spotting just to the east of Frankfurt.



They have already reached the river passing, thus we can only assume that their target is this city. Let us pray for deliverance, lest the proceedings of this august body be disrupted.

[Zim]

Becker enters the Diet Hall.

Gentlemen,
Innsbruck has fallen, although at heavy cost. I've left a garrison their and camped with the bulk of my army northeast of the castle, as I believe my chances better in the field against any army that takes it rather than trapped within it's meagre walls.

I might be able to turn towards Frankfurt within a pair of seasons if need be, but my forces are nowhere near adequate to destroy that Polish army.

[phonicsmonkey]

A messenger arrives with a scroll bearing the seal of Prinz Leopold. Ernst of Melk rises to read it to the gathered nobles.

Nobles of the Reich,

I fear for the safety of Frankfurt and wish to do all I can to defend it. However, the reality is that my army, currently in the field under Sir Jens Herden, is at least four and perhaps five seasons march from the capital and will arrive too late to prevent it falling into Polish hands, if indeed that is the intention of that army.

As for myself I have this season defeated the Hungarian Prince in a duel south of Wien and sent him fleeing back to Budapest. I'm of a mind to send Herden there to capture the city forthwith and while it is seemingly undefended.

As for Frankfurt, I note that the Polish army is comprised of ten divisions excluding its commander. Frankfurt is garrisoned by four, Premyslid has three within two seasons' march and can be reinforced by Der Bartige and perhaps even the Kaiser at a push. There are also mercenaries for hire which I will of course authorise in my capacity as Marshal.

Indeed, I will even pay for these from my own pocket should any man step up to the task of defending the capital.

What say you nobles of the Reich? Who shall defend our capital? Or should I divert young Herden, while you allow the city to fall and let me recapture it once the Poles have had their way with its women and the Kaiser's treasury and in doing so pass up the opportunity to add the Hungarian capital to our great empire?

Ernst looks around the chamber for a response from the gathered nobles.