M2 HRE Test Imperial Diet Deliberations

[Strappy Horse]

I hope this message arrives in time, you all know how difficult it is to cross the Alps this time of year.

Leo,
thanks for your fine words.
Mother has been very well, she has been enjoying the Italian weather and sends her regards.
It took some 'convincing' before Gregory agreed to crown me as Emperor though,
Still, it's only my presence, at the head of a sizeable army, here in Italy that's keeping him from more 'bold' moves. I may need to appoint a new pope, sooner rather later.


Congratulations as well to the Chancellor, with the swift capture of Hamburg. It adds to the glory of the Reich, as well as your personal glory, Lord Diettrich.

I am sorry to hear about your reluctance to ally with King Philippe, the knights of France would make a noble ally. Then again, proving our own prowess in battle against such a renowned foe, accounts for much more glory!
Your skill as a politician astounds me again, surely you are the right man for this office.

[Lucjan]

My thanks to you for your kind words Emperor Heinrich. May I ask though, what is your initial opinion of the Danes?

Personally, I think these seafaring cousins of the Germans could provide us with some unique trading oppertunities, and having a small ally to our north could prove beneficial in at least that our attentions could be better aimed at solidifying the Reich's borders where they are more likely to become volatile.

[Strappy Horse]

The Danes, it's hard to judge them from southern side of the Alps, I fully trust your judgement in this matter, Lord Chancellor.
Their pagan and violent history does not bode well though, and I hear rumours from Venetian merchants that those Danish Hanse merchants use the same vigour and aggression in trade as their ancesters did on their raids.

One a slightly different matter, my son Henry has now reached an age of 21 years, it is due time for him to get a wife.
I received letters from the Kings of Hungary and Denmark, to talk about a potential marriage.
I hear Princess Pioska of Hungary is a pretty girl, and a marriage-bond would ensure a safe border in the east.
Princess Ingrid of Denmark is supposed to be as enthralling as any princess, and an alliance with King Knud would settle the northern borders. Unless ofcourse those Danes sell their womenfolk as just another trade good.

[Lucjan]

Personally, I'm not much of one to engage in arranging marriages, but maybe some of our other Dukes have an opinion on this?

[Tamur]

I know only what the common folk say regarding Princess Pioska, which is all good, and I think she and Henry would be a good match.

Ingrid is worth, from what I have heard, less than the roads she travels. She attempts to use her charms to lure in men and then she turns on them with the vigour of a Hanse merchant attempting to put someone out of business. No, I think Henry deserves better than this wench in fine clothing.

[Lucjan]

To be completely honest Ingrid did initially strike me as being a bit uncultured.

[econ21]

To the esteemed Dukes of Vienna and Nuremburg: I propose we form a south German combined army. Our first target could be those rebels at the intersection of our lands. In due course, our army could perhaps move east for conquest or, if the weather darkens, be valuable in mutual defence. I fear that, at least initially, we are too poor and weak individually to be effective on the field. But if we combine, we may have sufficient forces.

I am open to suggestions about the leadership and composition of this force. It strikes me that if all three of use personally join the army, we will form a powerful force composed of just our own escort of knights. (Moreover, should some of our brave men fall, we will be able to replace them over time by knighting other eager men - and do so at no extra cost.) We would need only to add a few extra infantry to have a battle worthy force.

I suggest we could recruit mercenaries until such a time as Innsbruck is ready to train true patriots. Some companies of mercenary sergeants and crossbowmen have passed by Innsbruck touting their services and they struck me as being decent enough fighters.

I am also open on the question of timing - delaying such recruitment will save us upkeep. But I caution that if we do not develop our military, some of our neighbours may come to see us as easy prey and embroil us in a war that will be more expensive to cure than it would be to prevent.

I would also welcome the Chancellor's views on this proposal.