Imperial Diet

[Ignoramus]

OOC: Don't you mean edict, econ?

Swabian Elector: The Kaiser is right! Recent rebellions have weakened the Empire; we must reconquer these lost lands.

I propose that the castle of Metz be taken with all speed. We cannot allow the Burgundians' rebellion to go unpunished. I say that we march against them immediately. For, if the French were to seize this most valuable stronghold, who knows what havoc they could do? I depise the despicable French who are to despised most of all. The weak French kings cannot rule Paris itself let alone France, but we should not give these weaklings even the sniff of a chance to seize a valuable fotress on our borders.

As to whose responsibilty its capture is assigned, I say that Swabia should undertake this noble task.

Edict 1.2: The Empire shall send an army to capture the castle at Metz within 5 turns to establish a strong border with the Kingdom of France.

[Lucjan]

Dietrich turns to face the Swabian side of the diet. Don't you think you're being a bit hasty? With William currently gifting the French with headache after headache thanks to his conquest of England, I think such a swift conquest of Metz may be unmerited, and place other sections of the Empire at peril. We have strong enemies all around, and focusing too hastily on one section of the empire places us all at risk.

I've thought much of the current situation, our standing with the Pope, and what may be done to bring us all into greatter prosperity. In that respect I propose the following edicts for review by the diet.

The Danes have harried and hassled Europe over the past centuries and proven their worth as warriors and raiders, but have recently come to a stall. Their current king, I believe, has come into some amount of wisdom in his years and may be keen to alter Denmark's attitude towards the rest of the world. But there is no guarantee that he will be able to control all men of influence in his still somewhat barbaric nation. In that respect, I propose the following.

Edict 1.3 - The House of Franconia instructs the chancellor to immediately besiege Hamburg with the army north of Frankfurt. I, Dietrich von Saxony could arrive to lead the army within 4 years time (2 turns), to ensure the success of our endeavours.

I will not disappoint, nor will the results of this conquest. Hamburg will provide us with a port in the north, block the more zealous Danes from southern expansion, and, if they cannot be controlled, at the very least provide us with a forward, easily defensive position against their aggressions. It also opens us up to the possibility of later deciding what to do with the Germans of Magdeburg and Stettin. Both cities worth bringing into the Imperial fold.

To the south, we have the issue of Bologne and the Italian city states. Kaiser Heinrich is currently in Bologne but I fear he may shortly become seen as an unwanted German guest in a land of Italian houses. In that respect, I feel it would benefit us to secure, at least for now, peaceful relations with the city state of Venice. Lieing directly between Bologne and the Duchy of Austria, Venice will be pivotal in the safety of the Kaiser himself. Once we can cement our standing with Venice, Florence becomes a viable option for conquest, more properly educating the neighboring would-be Italian powers to the level of German strength and authority. Therefore.

Edict 1.4 - - The House of Franconia instructs that a diplomat be trained and sent to secure both trade rights and an alliance with the city state of Venice.

The Kaiser's safety rests on this alliance. As Venice is powerful, and were they to bring up arms against him in Bologne, the rest of Italy would surely follow suit. They may be independant of each other, but an Italian is an Italian, they all claim the same lineage and they all jealously covet the same resources, antagonize one and you antagonize his neighbor.

Not far north of Italy lie the hereditary lands of the House of Austria and the House of Bavaria. Both comprised of noble and honest men, and both gifted with strong natural resources. But in natural strength comes outside jealousy, outside defiance.

Bavaria, in particular, lies in the heart of our Holy Roman Empire , but even so is taunted with the existance of the independant Czechs in Bohemia on their border. Eventually these people will have to be taught that independance is not something that should be used as a taunting gesture towards your betters. I suggest then, that the following be done.

Edict 1.5 - The House of Franconia instructs the Chancellor to scout out the lands of Bohemia, and to infiltrate their city with our spies. If possible, its siege should begin before the next meeting of this diet.

Yet further east comes the question of Austrian protection. While the Danube provides us a strong natural defence against invaders, Vien still lies significantly outside the reach of any swift reinforcements from the Imperial heartlands. It will, therefore, be important to establish some manner of keeping a closer watch on our Hungarian neighbors in the east, so that the river becomes our watchman, and not our own limitation. We must also be careful that we are not blind to the actions of Venice or the Byzantines in the south. In that respect, I propose the following.

Edict 1.6 - The House of Franconia instructs the Chancellor to establish watchtowers along the Danube near the border with Hungary, and near Austria's southern border.

However, we must not forget that the west is also an integral part of this Empire, and I hope my earlier comments of caution have not shut the ears of the House of Swabia to my proposals. I realise the importance of Metz to the Empire and to keeping those wretched French dogs at bay, but I fear only that your proposal is not flexible enough to allow the Chancellor the potential leeway he may need to ensure a proper defence of Metz after it is taken. Being so swift in taking it before the French could instead place us in a weakened position against a large and fresh French army. Though I do support the initial cause. So I make the following edict available for the diets discussion.

Edict 1.7 - The House of Franconia instructs the Chancellor to prepare a force capable of taking Metz by the end of his term.

After Metz has been secured, we can give more thought to solidifying our border with the Italians by capturing Bern.

At the last, I must reiterate that I am all in favor of the Kaiser's proposal of expansion for the safety and strength of the Empire. But we must not forget that expanding too quickly leaves us weakened at home, and we must be careful in our early calculations, so as not to stretch ourselves thin. There are many people all around us that may not be as peaceful or trustworthy as we desire. Until we can afford to swiftly field the vast armies required to put such treacherous dogs to the sword, we must be vigilant and cautious. The conquest of Hamburg, Prague, and Metz by the end of the Kaiser's term as Chancellor and the parallel strengthening of the rest of the Empire during this process will provide us with the building blocks we'll need to turn the Empire into the leading power of Europe, and the leader of all Christendom.

Ah, and, Kaiser Heinrich, if you will, next time you see your lovely daughter, Princess Agnes, extend her my greetings and good tidings. I hope her stay in Bavaria is treating her well. Her presence in the capital is sorely missed.

Dietrich sits, and amidst the diets debate talks quietly over things with the other electors of Franconia.

[Warluster]

Swabian Elector- I propose that we should take an settlement for the good doing of our EMpire
Edict 1.8-We take Antwerp in 15 turns
OOC-Is that hwo ya do it?

[flyd]

I hereby second Edicts 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7.

I particularly urge everyone to support Edict 1.3. It is essential that the Empire gains access to the northern sea, particularly for the purposes of trade by sea.

The Second Elector of Franconia.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich: Ah, noble electors, it is good to see you all present and contributing! It is the people like you that make empires, and even Republics of old, so strong and powerful! I am also glad to see good healthy discussion within and between houses. It is only as a united Empire shall we be feared and revered.

I shall now present my opinions on the edicts that have been proposed so far:

Edict 1.1: Yes, I suppose that for now we can strengthen Papal relations. My son, always the diplomatic one. I second this edict.

Edict 1.2: Swabia, it is indeed important that Metz be captured. However, do not place this Kaiser on such a schedule! Metz will be taken, but I would prefer a larger window in which to do it. I cannot second this edict unless it is amended.

Edict 1.3: I agree, Hamburg is of special importance. I second this edict.

Edict 1.4: Do not think, Dietrich, that this Kaiser has no fight in him! While I admire your concern for my safety, the Empire does not need to align with certain nations just to ensure it. No, I do not trust Venice. They would stab us in the back as soon as the oppurtunity was presented. I would prefer a simple exchange of trade rights and a watchful eye on the Venetians. If we must align with an Italian people, I would prefer it be Sicily, or Milan. I cannot second this edict.

Edict 1.5: I believe one of our spies is currently in position to infiltrate Prague. It should be an easy job for him, and we could use the territory. I hereby second this edict.

Edict 1.6: The foreign power that Vienna needs to keep an eye on is Venice, not Poland. Nevertheless, it is always good to have an extra pair of eyes. I hereby second this edict, as well as promise to place watchtowers on the southern border of the province as well.

Edict 1.7: Ah, now this is a timeline that I can work with! Yes, hopefully Metz will have already been incorporated into the Empire by the time my term as Chancellor is up. Seconded.

Edict 1.8: A noble thought, Swabia, but Antwerp brings us too close to England and France, and that is not a war that we want to get involved in, at least not yet. I do not second this edict, but propose that we re-examine it once our current borders are closer to Antwerp.

...*cough* And yes, Dietrich, I shall pass along your message to Agnes.

[Ignoramus]

Swabian Elector: In deference to our Kaiser's comments, I shall withdraw Edict 1.2. Instead, I shall support Edict 1.7 provided that Metz is captured by a Swabian army and is to be incorporated into Swabia.

As for my humble opinion on the afore tabled edicts:

Edict 1.1: It is indeed good that we should not be hostile to His Holiness, however, why should we put ourselves under Rome's yoke? I fear that our ensuring wars may arouse the ire of His Holiness, so I advise that the diplomat is not too liberal in his gifts of Florins to the Papal coffers. I second this edict.

Edict 1.2: I shall withdraw this edict.

Edict 1.3: Hamburg is an important stronghold, enabling us to protect ourselves from the Danes to the north. I second this edict.

Edict 1.4: While I acknowlege your good intentions, I cannot agree to an alliance with those despicable traitors, otherwise known as Venetians. They have, by their guile, robbed and betrayed many a king or emperor, and only a dummkopf would put any faith in them.

Edict 1.5: I agree, what use are spies if they do not spy? I hereby second this edict.

Edict 1.6: I do agree to constructing watch-towers near our borders with the Hungarians. We must not allow those Magyars plunder us as they did last century. I hereby second this edict.

Edict 1.7: I have been swayed by the wisdom of Dietrich von Saxony. I hereby second this edict on the condition that Swabia leads the army and after its capture Metz is annexed to the lands of Swabia.

Edict 1.8: It is, as our gut Kaiser says, a noble enterprise, however, we have not the means of dealing with the pikemen of Flanders. And to repeat what our Kaiser has said, the Kingdoms of England and France would see this actions as an act of hostility towards them.

[DMu]

This elector wishes to present himself before the diet.
Nameless Elector: Salve Caesar! Too long have the House of Austria remained silent. I wish to bring the following vital necessities to the Diet's attention.

Edict 1.9: Trade in Austria is stagnant. We must build a road network at Vienna.

Edict 1.10: We must recruit spies to infiltrate Prague. The Bohemians should be brought to heel by Turn 9.

Edict 2.11: Our Duke, Leopold would like to ask for the hand of the Imperial Princess. (aside: Thanks for the money, Duke. I live to serve.)

Edict 2.12: Austria needs protection. This elector asks that the city of Vienna be protected by recruiting more than 4 companies of young men of military age.

Dutifully submits this official document to the speaker of the diet

Document says:

Edict 1.1: Seconded
Edict 1.2: Nay
Edict 1.3: Seconded
Edict 1.4: Seconded
Edict 1.5: Seconded
Edict 1.6: Seconded
Edict 1.7: Nay
Edict 1.8: Seconded

Vale Caesar!
respectfully steps aside.

[TinCow]

I, Maximillian Mandorf, Steward of Bavaria, agree with the Swabians that it is important that we establish a firm barrier to prevent French aggression against our territories. Yet we must not ignore the threats posed by other nations, most particularly the aggressive Papal lapdogs to our south. Milan, Venice, and Sicily may choose to fight amongst themselves, but it is certain that at least one, if not all of them, will turn on us in quick order.

We must maintain power in Northern Italy both for the purposes of trade and to allow us better control over the Papal throne. The Pope must learn that he cannot continue to ignore the right of the Kaiser to appoint the most worthy priests to the position! It is the proper order as prescribed by God and must be restored!

In order to ensure the influence of the Empire in Italy, we must first secure and strengthen the Alpine provinces to provide for defense against any trechery and a springboard for any attacks. You all know that Bern is the first and most vital step in such a plan.

Yet, I am not an ignorant or unreasonable man. We are all grasping at straws in all directions. Bern is an important province, but its control can perhaps be delayed for a short while until other actions have been fulfilled. I will support provisions giving Metz priority and ceding control of this territory to Swabia, but Bavaria must be compensated in return. I will vote for such provisions, but only if my Swabian colleagues will support the following edict:

Edict 1.13 - When Bern is conquered, it shall become the property of the House of Bavaria. This Edict will remain in effect until the Holy Roman Empire conquers Bern.