Imperial Diet

[Braden]

First elector count Leopold of Austria enters holds he hand up to be recognised.

Fellow electors,

I apologise for my absence of late, I have been busy with certain...investigations of our neigbours and there potential intentions towards us.

I will like to support a call to secure Florence under our control. The income from the city for the Diet will be great and also I would also like to formally state that when I am absent it is the second elector count Conrad who speaks for Austria and his words and proposals have the same weight as those put forward by myself.

Leopold sits.

[OverKnight]

A messenger enters the Diet chamber and hands the Third Elector of Bavaria a sealed scroll. The elector opens the letter and begins reading the contents. His eyes widen at one point before he finishes. The elector stands and addresses the Diet:

My Lords, I have just received a letter from our long absent 2nd Elector, Otto von Kassel. He has asked me to read a portion of it to the Diet.

The elector clears his throat and reads from the scroll:

"Kaiser Heinrich, Prinz Henry and the Electors of the Reich, greetings from Innsbruck. I apologize that I was unable to attend the Diet this year, but my many duties as Castellan have kept me here. There is always something to repair, patrols to be made or some dispute between peasants to sort out. If I have to rule on another case about disputed pig ownership I fear I shall go mad. My patrols in the Brenner pass have been more fruitful. Our border with Venice seems quiet for now, but I have scouted several excellent locations for ambushes if they dare to march against us.

I have heard from the Kaiser that I am to go on Campaign! This is good news, I would much rather be on horseback than sitting behind walls. Innsbruck will need to be looked after however. I have asked Elector Gunther to keep things in order in my absence. I've already invited his wife Bertha and their children to the castle, so that they may be reunited when he returns. She says it has been too long since she has seen her husband and that there are several matters they must discuss. She is a formidable woman. Some wars are waged on the battlefield and others in the bedroom, good luck elector!"

The elector looks extremely uncomfortable reading that last part, but it seems he was instructed to. He continues reading:

"Preparations for the upcoming campaign continue in earnest. I hope the next time I write it will be from the field. I also hope you keep myself, and the elector, particularly the elector, in your prayers. Glory to the Kaiser! Glory to the Reich!

Otto von Kassel"

The elector furls up the scroll and speaks:

Well, ah. . .it appears I must leave immediately for Innsbruck. It has been an honor to serve Bavaria in the Diet, but it seems I must return to Innsbruck and my. . .beloved. . .wife.

The elector gathers up his belongings and exits the chamber.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: I wish to congratulate Army Commander Dietrich von Saxony for his stunning victory at Hamburg. It was imperative that we take that settlement to preempt the Norsemen, but the manner in which our conquest was achieved shows the makings of a great general!

Like any older brother, I confess I have looked critically at any would-be suitor of my sister, Agnes. However, after his accomplishments at Hamburg, I am delighted to toast her intended, Dietrich. I heartily endorse my father's choice of husband for Agnes. And I look forward to Dietrich steering the House of Franconia in a new capacity as its Duke.

[Kagemusha]

Fifth Elector of Swabia sends his Congratulations on the Duke Of Franconia!

"The word has reached me of the brave victory in Hamburg! I will send my best regards to man in charge of the succesfull assault and would also like to congratulate becouse of your marriage to our dear and beutifull Princess.

Hail Dietrich the Duke Of Franconia!"

Fifth Elector of Swabia

[pevergreen]

Well done Dietrich, I commend you on your assault. Now, I ask, what was your personal body count? I hope it was high, because I plan to get a few.
Whos up for a challange? Most personal kills by us and our bodyguard!

[Lucjan]

I thank everybody for their congratulations and good wishes. Especially Prinz Henry for his blessings. It has always been an honor to serve.

[OverKnight]

Otto von Kassel enters the Diet chamber and addresses the assembly:

Hamburg is ours! Glory to the Reich on our victory, may it be the first of many!

Congratulations to Steward von Saxony, not only has he taken a castle but a wife as well. Most efficient my lord! I hope you remember my words to the Third Elector.

I also wish the Kaiser luck in his siege of Florence and congratulations on the growth of his family. Reinforcements are ready at Innsbruck if he needs them. I'm sure our new allies would not mind if we used their roads, particularly if they didn't see us do it.

God has smiled upon us and our endeavors my lords!

[Ituralde]

Conrad von Schüsselen looked his usual composed self, which nearly made one forget his outburst on the Diet's floor during the last Voting. With news of conquest from the north and Siege from the south he seems content enough to rise and speak to the Assembly:

Dear Electors,

First I want to apologize for my recent ouburst. It seems that my temper got the better of me. Although I regret my harsh words their implicatons still mirror my convictions.

A slight look of Challenge appears on his face

I would also like to add my congratulations to our Duke Dietrich von Saxony. His brave attack on Hamburg castle has surely earned him this title along with the hand of the Imperial princess.
I'm also glad to hear of the new addition to the Imperial familiy, may young Elsebeth become at least as beautiful as Agnes and find a husband whose bravery and wisdom matches that of Dietrich von Saxony.

Although it pains me to be here, while our dear Kaiser finally brings Florence to his heels, I wish him swift progress in his ongoing siege. May he not forget the suggestions offered on this floor and continues his reign as Chancellor as successfully as he has begun it.

[Dutch_guy]

May I too, albeit somewhat late, congratulate Dietrich on his well deserved, and fought, victory.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich: Yes, congratulations to Dietrich on his splendid accomplishments at Hamburg. He is now the proud husband of Agnes, as well as Duke of Franconia.

I will not say too much until an official report is put out, but Florence is now ours and Metz will soon fall.

Elector Mandorf, I request that you set the tax level in Nuremberg to very high instead of its previous level of high. Currently money is rather tight and public order is at a very healthy 165%. I do not believe the peasants will mind giving a little extra to help out the Empire.

I await your response.

[Braden]

Electors,

Certain misunderstandings followed by uncharacteristic behaviour by the other Electors of Austria have come to light.

I formally insist that all the Electors of Austria contact me as soon as is possible, this is a formal meeting. We will resolve and unify our interests so that there will be no further public issues between Austria and the other Diets without first direction from either myself or the second elector.

I do not address you in dishonour though, but we must realise that we need to convein to establish a long term view and a code of practice for the Diet.

I am aware that many of the issues have occurred due to my absence...this will not happen again without sufficient contingency.

Leopold

[TinCow]

Mein Kaiser, it is certainly possible for the citizens of Nuremburg to contribute more of their income to taxes than they currently do. However, the people must be compensated for such an onerous levy. I will agree to the increase if you will agree to give Nuremburg and Innsbruck construction priority in the event that a lack of Imperial funds prevents investment in some settlements.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich: Yes, Elector Mandorf, I suppose that is not too much of a problem. Hopefully due to your agreement this problem shall not have to arise in the first place.

[Warluster]

The second elector of Swabia stands up
I only just got news of this great victory Dietrich the Duke Of Franconia won us, I wish to congratulate you on this great victory
The elector raises his hand in congratulations

[Lucjan]

Duke Dietrich stands and nods to the Swabian elector before rubbing his chin in thought, something clearly on his mind.

Much thanks, again.

News has reached Hamburg that things are going well in other parts of the Empire also. What can be said of our progress in Florence and Metz, as well as our potential prospects in Prague?

What has Venice been up to as well? Allies they may be, but I'm sure they realise it is only by strategic necessity. Once we gain a level of power their twisted little Doge decides he's uncomfortable with he'll scrounge up his militia and try to make a move. I'm sure many of our southern lords are counting on this, that they may put him in his place and take Venice for our own. But it is important to not let such 'friends by necessity' feel like they're not being watched, or they may make their move before we're fully prepared to put them down, otherwise they might set our plans back for a short time with their inconveniences.

[Ignoramus]

Sigismund der Stolze stands up before the diet, his face full of admiration.

I will not let it be said of me that I did not congratulate the Duke of Franconia on his marvelous victory over the Saxons in Hamburg. He showed good insight and wisdom in the way that he conducted a dangerous assault. Our Reich is blessed indeed to possess such men of bravery, valour, and loyalty.

[OverKnight]

Otto can be seen nodding in agreement to Dietrich's speech, he stands and speaks to the Diet:

The Duke of Franconia is correct my lords. While we are indeed allied with these merchants, I'm sure they would turn on us for much less than 30 pieces of silver. With one army in Venezia they can move to threaten Bologna, Vienna, or Innsbruck. They control the Adriatic and could blockade Bologna at will, cutting off trade in our only developed port.

By mentioning this I am supporting the Duke's call for keeping a close eye on our "allies", but I am not calling for renouncing this treaty or advocating a preemptive strike. The Diet passed edict 1.4, which I voted against, and we have an alliance. Being the first to betray our word would damage our future negotiations with other powers.

This should not stop us from watching them for the first sign of their inevitable betrayal! Once they strike at us we, having been vigilant, can rain down destruction upon them, secure in our knowledge that our fellow Christians will see us as the aggrieved party!

The Kaiser, in his wisdom, has kept our frontiers with Venice strong. Perhaps another watchtower or two on our borders would assist us in monitoring them, but that is merely a suggestion.

Glory to the Reich and the Kaiser! May his enemies die quickly and in great numbers!

Edit: Otto notices the new face in the chamber and speaks on the way back to his seat:

Welcome to the Diet, Elector Sigismund!

[Lucjan]

Dietrich, following Otto's speech, stands and raises a finger in the air, as if making a point.

Just to elaborate on my concerns, it must be said that the alliance with Venice was always intended as a simple measure of securing our Italian situation while Florence was besieged.

It has always been expected, and I have always anticipated that this alliance would not be beneficial to us only in its initial existance, but moreso in its disintigration. When Venice does decide to break the treaty, we will have every right and reason to exact the just punishment they deserve.

In essence, the alliance was intended as a weapon against our ally.

I am simply raising the issue now to make sure that none among us here become too comfortable, or too leniant in our watch of the Italian dogs. I am just assuring that we keep our eyes open, and our soldiers ready.

[Braden]

It appears that there has been some misinformation given. Whereas it was stated that an instruction for building was required for Austria, there was already one given by my Second Elector.

However, I would like it noted that the instruction that has been forwarded by myself and NOT the Second Elector holds at this time.

The Electors of Austria are currently in conference to decide the final outcome of our requirements for Vienna and Austria but they will NOT be to convert my fair city into a Castle!

However, that brings us to a point where The House of Austria are clearly without a military establishment and to this point I will petition the Keizer to allow Austria to have control of the next suitable Castle that is absorbed into the Reith.

On the subject of Venice, I am clearly in agreement with Dietrich, we will use them as we see fit but allow them a short leash.

[Ignoramus]

It appears that the valiant efforts of our Prinz have gone unnoticed. I will not allow this to happen. I fully commend and congratulate our Prinz and my Duke, Henry, on his marvelous victory over the rebellious Burgundians at MEtz.

[OverKnight]

Otto, who had been dozing in his seat in the Diet, snaps awake as Sigismund speaks:

What? Oh, yes. Yes! How rude of me, of course the Prinz is due our congratulations! As are you Elector, even if you were too modest to speak of your own exploits in the battle. I see the Kaiser chose well in his addition to the royal family.

Not only was it an brilliant assault with few losses, but we beat our "cousins" to the west to the prize! Well done!

Victories to the north, south and west! The Reich is on the march.

[Warluster]

the second elector of Swabia stands up, a look of guilt upon his face
I congratulate you Prinz Henry, Metz is finnaly ours, I also have anothewr thing to say, i feel I have not been contrbuting to the Diet, I shall put more effort in from now.
He sits down

[Kagemusha]

The clerk of fifth elector of Swabia asks for permission to speak and once cleared starts to read a letter:

"The fifth elector of Swabia sends his congratulations to our dear Prinz and to the Swabian forces that took Metz with perfectly launched assault.Unfortunately im still not able to join the diet,becouse my health is not the best it could be after wearing full armour for few years.Once i recover i will travel to the meeting right away.Now i have some skin problems to attend".

Fifth Elector of Swabia

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich: Good Electors! We meet again! It has been many long years since this Diet was last opened, and much has occured since then! I suggest you familiarize yourself with the latest situation (kotr1100) as well as my midterm report (see last post of Chancellor Reports thread), so we may have educated Electors when the time comes to propose and vote on Edicts.

And now, I declare this session of the Diet... open. *bangs gavel*

[Ignoramus]

Count Sigismund der Stolze stands up and quietly clears his throat.

Noble electors, we cannot allow the arrogant city-state of Milan to to expand her borders. News has reached me that the city of Dijon has fallen into her greedy hands. I tell you this plainly and simply; Milan must be destroyed! As of yet, she has no castles with which to train soldiers, and as such her armies consist of a rabble of peasants and milita - no match for the Reich's soldiers.

I humbly offer myself for the task of reducing Dijon. I cannot allow these Italians to openly defy the Kaiser any longer.

I therefore propose the following:

Edict 2.1: The Milanese city of Dijon is to be captured during the second half of the Chancellor's reign. Milan and Genoa must be captured before the end of the next Chancellor's reign.

[Ituralde]

Conrad von Schüsselen had not been seen a lot in the Diet during the recent years. Rumours had it that his illness has weakened him further and fits of coughing accompanied by seizures have troubled the Elector of late.
As he stands before the Diet now he has to support himself on an elaboratly carved waling stick. His voice has grown thinner, but his gaze is as austere as ever. He has to clear his throat noisily before he speaks:

Dear Kaiser, Dukes, Electors!

He bows deeply.

Let me congratulate our beloved Emperor for his successful reign as Chancellor so far. With the help of our valued Nobles we were able to secure many a settlement that had been lost during our recent struggles. I firmly beleive that this man will bring the Reich back to its former glory giving his antecessors a huge powerbase to work with. Once more the Holy Roman Empire will extend its influence over all Christians!

It may not come as a surprise to you that I can agree with the intentions of the Swabian elector, as I share his hatred against the Milanese. Alas, I don't beleive his strategy to be the wisest choice though. As he rightfully mentions Milan can boast no strong fortifications, yet! Already their troops are marching through Swiss passing the castle of Bern on their way to Dijon. By all means we must not allow them to get control of this castle. Leave Dijon to worry our French neighbours, I say, but let's concentrate on splitting the Milanese in half by capturing Bern castle. This will make all further moves against the Milanes much easier for us.

I propose Edict 2.2: Send Sigismund to capture Bern castle. His attack on Metz has proven his valour and strategic skill, surely Bern will pose no obstacle for him.

Now, to come to our Emperors midterm report I noticed some issues that should be adressed by this Assembly.

I have to agree with Heinrich that we should follow our Council of Nobles suggestion and take Breslau as soon as possible. This will bolster our borders against the Polish and the florins will be much needed for our treasury.

I propose Edict 2.3: Besiege and Take Breslau within the time frame set by our Council of Nobles.

There are also some things I have to disagree though. We should under no circumstances break our word against the Venetians. I have said before that we should not give our word away lighty. We have agreed to ally with Venice and should stand by that word and not take the first opportunity to break it to statisfy our need for Italien riches. The greed of this Assembly appals me sometimes.
Let us wait instead, those treacherour dogs will sheme against us soon enough giving us reaon enough to strike at their lands.

Thereby I propose Edict 2.4: The Alliance with Venice is not to be broken, unless a dire reason is supplied by the Venetians.

Another matter I would like to bring to the attention of this Assembly is the allocation of settlements done by our wise Emperor. It seems though that he has overlooked the services the House of Austria has done for the Empire in not granting us a single fiefdom. Duke Leopold is besieging Prague as we speak and still our Emperor grants Italian lands to the Bavarians. Have they not already two fiefdoms under their control? Even were the House of Austria to combine with the House of Swabia we still would only control as much land as Bavaria controls now.
I see that other Diet suggestions have been followed by our Emperor and Metz and Hamburg have been assigned to Swabia and Franconia respectively. Why has Florence not been given to Austria too?
It may seem that our House is willingly held back from the glory it could achieve. I'm saddened by these events and can only hope that Heinrich will reconsider.

Conrad von Schüsselen looks around the Assembly, his look a mix of sadness and defiance, before settling down.

[pevergreen]

You, my dear cousin, would believe this Diet is greedy? Shame on thou!

We have-eth trouble in these troubled times in providing buildings to keep our people alive, and yet you complain of greed! I am doing my part for the community, visiting far out towns, and paying for pleasure girls. I enjoy those community trips!

I formally Second Edict 2.1, 2,2 and 2.3

Ah, 'tis good to be back!
Lothar steps down and wanders around greeting friends.

[TinCow]

I agree with the Second Elector of Austria's sentiments on the strategic importance of capturing Bern prior to any actions against the Milanese. The castle is an important choke-point in the Alps and it will prevent any counter-strokes against the Reich, as well as provide an additional recruitment base for our armies.

However, I cannot second this motion as it is worded. It has not gone unnoticed in the House of Bavaria that all other houses have been granted military commands. Yet to this day, no Bavarian elector has been given the honor of such a distinction. This is not an insult as it stands, as the use of Franconian electors in the north, Swabian electors in the west, and Austrian electors in the east is certainly of the best strategic sense. However, with Bern so close to Bavarian territory and military commands having been denied to Bavarian electors, any march on Bern without a Bavarian in command cannot be seen as anything but a direct insult to our House.

As I am sure this is not the intention of the Kaiser nor the Diet, I propose a more properly worded edict:

Edict 2.5: Bern is to be taken before the end of the current Chancellorship. A Bavarian elector will be given command of the army assaulting Bern.

Regarding the disposition of territories, it seems clear to me from the Kaiser's former statements and the current strategic situation that the lack of a provincial assignment to Austria is entirely due to the delay in taking Prague. Given the previously expressed geographic preferences of the Kaiser, Prague could surely not go to any other House than Austria. It is thus worth noting that it is due to the Duke of Austria's own caution in assaulting the city, that it is not yet available for distribution to your most noble House.

Furthermore, while the province of Bolognia is welcomed by the House of Bavaria, it is a largely empty gesture. It is not currently contiguous with our lands, we have no way to support it, and we have no elector available to govern it. Thus, Bolognia provides absolutely nothing to the House of Bavaria at this time.

However, given our lack of commands, the House of Bavaria understand the concerns of the House of Austria and is sympathetic to them. We will support all reasonable efforts that the House of Austria puts forward to ensure that they receive an equitable distribution of lands. Let us not let the independant actions of the Kaiser create a wall between us. Bavaria and Austria have always been friends and it is our desire to strength this bond, not weaken it. We will need the combined strength of both our Houses to deal with the Italians and the Papal Usurper.

[OverKnight]

Mein Kaiser, Prinz Henry, and my fellow Electors.

I will second edict 2.5. I am grateful and honored that the Kaiser has placed Bologna under the rule of Bavaria, but we must prove ourselves worthy of this gift on the field of battle! The other houses have shown their valor in crushing rebels for the Reich and I am most eager for Bavaria to join them!

I assume my good friend Conrad von Schusslen proposed edict 2.2 to keep the newest member of the royal family occupied so that he would not march on Dijon, as Sigismund sought in edict 2.1. South rather than west, eh Conrad? Still, I will second edict 2.4. I would like not to be known as an oath-breaker. But I have already spoken about my views on our alliance with Venice in the Diet and will not bore you repeating them.

Now, if we are to talk of war with Milan, wouldn't we need an edict for a declaration of war? The Kaiser has also proposed that we cancel our treaty with Venice and seize their lagoon city for our own. War with them would also require an edict. I do not believe the time is ripe for war against either of the merchant states, much less both of them. They shall be ours, but the remaining rebel settlements on our borders should come first! If we do not take them, someone else will! I second edict 2.3 and I propose:

edict 2.6: Besiege Stettin as soon as possible, and assault it within 20 years (10 turns).

We should pluck the lowest fruit left on the tree before climbing to the higher branches.

Thank you my lords.

Edit: [OOC] I proposed a duplicate edict for Breslau.

[Lucjan]

"It is good to see our electors so eager to engage themselves once again in the Diet proceedings." Dietrich, making his way to the center of the Diet floor from his seat and rubbing his chin in contemplation, took a deep breathe as he looked around the room. It was strange being back in the Diet not just as an elector, but as a member of the royal house. His marriage to Agnes had elevated his station, but he stood among these men as equals, and as he looked about the room full of familiar faces, he smiled. "And it is good to see so much enthusiasm in guiding the Reich towards the greatter glory of the future, but I must urge caution in our pursuits from this point onward. We are now bordered on all sides by Kingdoms who, for all intents and purposes, have the same goals in mind for their people as we do for ours. So, I feel I should put forth my strategic review of the situation as we stand now, before making any comment or suggestion of edicts.

Firstly, in the south. I believe that while we have secured the necessary settlements in northern Italy to make our claim to the peninsula a valid one. We do not yet have a significantly favorable enough standing in the eyes of the Pope to blatantly declare war on Milan without incurring gruelling trials that accompany an excommunication. Milan is Christian and Italian, therefore, the Pope has every reason to be dually sympathetic to their cause, and not ours.

While we're on the topic of Italy, it has also come to my attention that a band of brigands are causing unrest south of Florence. Before any options can be considered to expand our position in Italy, we must make sure our position there is secure. Doing this means quashing rebellion before it spreads, and making sure that our rule is recognized as law, not suggestions.

In regards to Venice, and essentially edict 2.4, I must express both praise and reservations in with this proposal. It would wholy irresponsible to place the Reich in such a position as to be the betrayers of this treaty. We would see excommunication faster this way than by waging open war on Milan. I must agree that our word should not be given lightly. We are the leaders of the Christian world are we not? Then let us set an example. We must maintain our alliance with Venice until they break it. Let them take the fall for a move we have long anticipated. However, I cannot support this edict in it's current form because it advocates ourselves breaking the treaty in a "dire" circumstance. Proper maneouvering and use of the careful eye we've established to watch Venice will negate the potential existance of any such circumstance. If this edict is alterred to advocate only retaliatory action against Venice once they have broken the treaty, it will have my full unmitigated support.

Further west, we come to the question of Bern. Well, I feel there is actually little question here. There are many here who want Milan back under the Reich's authority, and antagonizing them by taking Bern before them may well be the way to starting that war without sullying our own good name. I have advocated the conquest of Bern anyway for simple strategic reasons. As for Bavaria leading the charge, I see no reason why brother Otto or Steward Mandorf should not be given the chance to prove their mettle. Therefore, I second edict 2.5.

To our most noble House of Austria and the situations in Prague and Breslau, I think Leopold's err on the side of caution may have been for the best. It will give us more time to bring reinforcements to Prague to keep the peace while the good Duke himself moves on after Prague's fall to extend the Reich's reach to Breslau.

As far as the north goes, I must continue to urge calm in regards to the Poles. There are many here that would try to paint these people in the same light as the Italian fetchers to our south, but there is no man here who knows more about these people than I. It is, after all, Franconia who bears the border with these people, and my f... Dietrich's voice trails off, as if he were going to say something then stopped. He shakes his head and continues.

I must propose an alliance with these people to maintain that we are not beset on all sides by war because of simple misinterpretations that could otherwise have been avoided. Therefore, I set out edict 2.7, an alliance should be offered to Poland as soon as possible.

Securing an alliance with these people will secure our position in the east against the Magyars and these Russians we're hearing stories of in the north, as well as giving us a friend in our ever growing sea of potential enemies.

I must draw attention to the Danes though. Those slimy sea snakes have used their longboats to circumvent the land block taking Hamburg provided against their expansion and they've landed in the low countries. Word has it that Antwerp has fallen to their raiders. A close eye must be kept on them, and work must be done to take Stettin before they can surround Hamburg on both sides. While this does deal with edict 2.6, I feel this edict does not push the urgency of the situation enough to truly represent our needs in the north. If the wording were changed to conquer Stettin as soon as possible with my proposed force, it would have my full support. By my calculations, Stettin could be secured with little effort, and our information reports that the Danes have no significant force of any kind within many years march of Hamburg, leaving the castle in no potential danger during this expedition.

I would require the following forces to accompany me and my retinue to take Stettin within the next 10 years (5 turns). Two regiments of mailed knights, these already available at Hamburg, four regiments of peasants, two of which are already available at Hamburg, and three regiments of mounted sargeants. This is an easy take gentlemen, do not overlook this oppertunity to stifle Denmark's growth and gain ourself the most lucrative potential trading hub in the Baltic. Converting Stettin to a city would net us huge profits in the Baltic sea trade.

There may be some question as to my request for large amounts of cavalry. The answer is simple. Swift deployment. Franconia is considerably isolated from the other houses and surrounded by potential enemies. We must have a force capable of rapid deployment from Hamburg that could reach Stettin or Frankfurt in swift time should the need arise. A rapidly deployable cavalry army would give us exactly the kind of force we would need to relieve any potential siege to Stettin, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. And you all know my affinity for cavalry command. I do not disappoint.

This action would, to show that I am not naive and overly trustworthy of the Poles, also allow us to surround Magdeburg in all aspects of the word pending the fall of Prague and Stettin, while Breslau would be a boon too, it is not mandatory to the encirclement of Magdeburg. I must reiterate the trust I have for the Poles, but I am not foolish enough to not have a strategy in case worse comes to worse.

May I also remind this Diet that any edict passed to conquer a rebel settlement becomes null and void if that settlement is taken by another power first. A direct declaration of war must be passed in the diet session to instigate a war on any of our neighbors with one exception. Our noble houses may declare war on any foreign forces they deem to be entering our territory on a mission of conquest without the approval of the diet. This, of course, being for emergency measures.

Dietrich nods to the Diet as he finishes his speach but stops halfway back to his chair.

"Oh, and one more thing. Could somebody be so kind as to send a learned physician to Frankfurt? There's a priest there by the name of Eusebius von der Pfalz who seems to be afflicted with a rather peculiar deformation. Quite frankly I'm not too fond of going anywhere near the man, who knows if it's catchy." Dietrich returns to his seat, patting his chest on the way with a rather disturbed look. He shudders as he sits.