M2 HRE Test Imperial Diet Deliberations

[Lucjan]

This Thread is for the passing of Edicts and other deliberations that may occur in the Imperial Diet sessions. The first one starts today!

I believe it is now 8:45 PM GMT Friday, this session will last until 8:45 PM GMT on Monday.

Players are also encouraged to go to the Imperial Deliberations and set their first turn orders.

[Tamur]

Fellow Dukes, Counts, and others of the Imperial court,

It is with great anticipation that I address you today. We face challenges on from all sides. We are surrounded by those who were once part of the Empire but who have either recently or in the past broken from us. Our cardinal, as pious and devout as Saint Peter, is looked on narrowly by that Pope who sits in Rome. Trade with other nations has reached a low point beneath which we can hardly sink.

My nature, as you must know, is to do something about these things rather than let them stand. We must start again to build the Empire into something our children will be proud to take as their own.

I suggest three courses of action:

First, trade. I suggest that Princess Agnes be sent immediately to use her not inconsiderable beauty to secure trade agreements with the Hungarians and the Polish. Good relations with these two nations will secure our eastern border, and bring much wealth to the Empire. I do fear she will be offered for marriage before this happens, and I must warn in the strongest possible language that any offers of marriage be rejected until those trade agreements are secured!

Second, I suggest that someone question Captain Markus on his foolish and seemingly senseless laying of an ambush west of Hamburg! I realise he is young and inexperienced, but this is an almost criminal waste of the Imperial army. I would instead suggest that the army be reinforced and take Hamburg itself rather than sit on the road like petty bandits. I can offer one unit of Spear Militia to this cause.

Third, though it is not indeed my greatest love, someone ought to look to the spiritual well-being of such regions as Frankfurt -- no blame should be attached of course to our righteous leader Chancellor Dietrich, but the level of attention the common people there pay to the Church is a bit of an embarrassment to the Empire.

May you all remain in good health and with God,

Duke Leopold

[EDIT]:

My fellow landed nobles,

I humbly request that any of you endowed with a Castle write to me as soon as time comes available, so that we might discuss an agreement of mutual benefit regarding the protection of the wealthy but poorly garrisoned region of Vienna.

Yours, in God,
Duke Leopold

[Lucjan]

Are these requests to be noted as edicts good Leopold?

If so, I would like to suggest that perhaps the Hungarians and the Polish wait a while. They are not the most wealthy of our neighbors and Poland does not yet even border us. Could I persuade you instead to let our beautiful princess deal with Milan and Venice? Trade from there could bolster the coffers more immediately and substantially than Poland or Hungary. Though those two are also good ideas, I would prefer to send a diplomat rather than risk the life of our princess so far from Imperial lands. A diplomat could deal with Hungary, the Poles, and then Denmark before returning to Franfurt.

As for Captain Markus, he is young and a bit naive. I will be joining him at the helm of the Imperial Army soon to see that Hamburg is brought back into the fold, provided the dukes see this as the best course of action. As for reinforcements, Hamburg is weak, and a fast strike would be preferable to giving it time to bolster its defences or for the Danes to simply walk in and take it.

As for the spirituality of Frankfurt, I have become a bit concerned with this as well, and would like our Cardinal to come to Frankfurt in person to oversee the construction of a church there, and perhaps stay a while to further educate the population in the ways of God.

I hereby propose the following edicts.

1 - Trade Agreements are to be offered to Venice and Milan by the Princess, who can then be married off to a suitable noble.

2 - Trade Agreements are to be offered to Hungary, Poland, and Denmark in that order, by a diplomat from the Imperial Court.

3 - Hamburg is to be brought back into the Empire within the next four years (two turns).

EDIT:

I wonder what the position of the dukes is in regards to Hamburg. The Imperial Army is very close by, and within four years (two turns) I could meet up with it to besiege and fell the city, increasing the Imperial Territory's income. This could alleviate some taxation on our dukes.

Also, what would the dukes say to the proposal of trade agreements to the nations of Venice and Milan, and to a Trade Agreement and Alliance with Denmark?

[econ21]

Duke Leopold, I control our only non-Imperial castle. Please outline what you would like me to do with regard to the defence of Vienna.

I should say that my financial position is very poor and I am contemplating disbanding my standing army to save on upkeep so that I can eventually obtain the funds required to upgrade the keep. If anyone would like to purchase my existing troops, it would avoid the waste of disbanding them.

I will support the Chancellor in his plans and second his edicts. I would also welcome his advice on how I should acquire the money necessary to upgrade Innsbruck castle, giving other Dukes access to better trained men.

He should also consider whether the Empire would wish to receive a gift of my infantry (bearing in mind this would men paying the upkeep). And I would welcome his opinion on where the greatest threat to the Empire lays - particularly if he believes Innsbruck itself would be threatened if not garrisoned by any infantry.

[Lucjan]

To leave Innsbruck completely undefended would be folly, as both Venice and Milan are powerful neighbors with close borders there, and we aren't yet sure of their intentions. Perhaps an edict declaring your direct desires for Innsbruck could be outlined?

I would currently be willing to allow the Imperial coffers to absorb the cost of taking one of your spear and archer regiments into the Imperial garrison at Staufen.

I would also like to propose an edict altering our taxation levels for the next 10 years (five turns).

My review of our income suggests that in order to bring some money for advancement into the ducal households the Imperial tax must be lessened. Some disbandment will occur in the Imperial garrisons to allow our coffers to handle upkeep. But what is necessary must be done. The Imperial disbandment orders will be detailed more directly in the strategy room (The Orders Thread).

My suggested change for Imperial taxation is as follows.


Taxation Edict #1
1 - Until Bologne can put it's 1,000 florin grant to use in getting back on it's feet, the Imperial coffers will cover the cost of their 20 florin deficit.
2 - Taxes for Vienna set to 200 florins.
3 - Taxes for Innsbruck set to 0.
4 - Taxes for all other settlements will remain as is until we hear from the
occupying nobility, at which point this clause of the edict will be altered.

[Tamur]

Two matters:

First, what level of imperial tax are we to be facing for the coming few years? My accountants are a bit concerned that we faced 100% tax this year, and could face 100% tax in future years as well -- a prospect that pleases few.

Second, I appreciate the honest mention of your financial position, Duke Otto, and would like to help with it. Depending on what answer I receive regarding tax rate, I would be willing to pay you for part of your army, so do not disband quite yet.

I agree that Venice and Milan pose the greatest threat, as well as offer the greatest benefits, to the Empire at this time. If the Princess could be married to one of Venetian or Milanese blood, that would be a coup indeed! And I do second the edict regarding Hamburg, may it fall swiftly and with little pain.


edit: ask and ye shall receive! Please ignore my question regarding tax rate.

[Lucjan]

I have suggested a 200 florin tax for Vienna, at the very high taxes you've set this would amount to Vienna acquiring 742 florins income (every turn) if absolutely nothing changes in Vienna's economy. Though this is almost an impossibility as roads and the merchant you've commissioned will raise your cities trade level fairly.