Imperial Diet

[Kagemusha]

Fifth Elector stands up and asks again permission to speak:

"Who are we to judge Gods plan?God see`s into men´s heart and works in mysterious ways. St.Peter was left in to the world to be the bedrock of Christians and who sits on his thrown is the father of the church and representative of God on earth. If we deny that we are not true sons of the Church. Where is the proof that Papacy is in turmoil? All i hear is hear say.Where is the proof. About the gold. Dont we leave gold to the church after the mes so our churches can look astonishing proof of our faith? As men leave gold to their parishes. Kingdoms and Empires leave gold to the Papacy as sign of their faith."

The fifth Elector sits down looking rather upset.

[econ21]

[Prinz Henry:] My good friend Count der Stolze, I did not say "support" the Pope. I said "use" the Pope.

We must distinguish between the office and its current occupant. I would certainly prefer to see Cardinal Scherer or another good German man of the cloth in the office, and indeed, my proposals are partly designed to that end.

But given that the office exists, I believe we should respect it so that we can use it to our advantage, rather than provide our enemies with another weapon against us.

As I have said, I do not believe we should attack our Catholic nations unprovoked, so I do not see the Papacy as a hindrance to us. If, as I fear, we are eventually subject to an unprovoked attack by our Catholic neighbours, good relations with the Papacy will provide us with several advantages. It may induce our assailants to cease their attacks; or it might expose them to excommunication and our crusades if they refuse to desist.

This is an age in which men are fired up by religious passion - we should use that zeal to our advantage, not get burned by it.

[TinCow]

It is indeed wise to exploit a weakness when it is revealed. Though I believe fervently that the rightful order should be restored in Rome, I am not such a fool as to think we can march our armies into the Eternal City without causing much strife to our homelands. I fully support the form of policy Prinz Henry advocates, but only after Pope Gregory is burning in the fires of hell! He has already excommunicated our Kaiser and has proved himself a fervent enemy of the Reich. We cannot pander to him nor grovel to him without losing a part of our soul!

Let him waste away and die, then let us use politics, trade, and any other resources at our disposal to gain influence in the Vatican. With influence comes power, and eventually the ability to restore the rightful order to Christianity.

[Lucjan]

Dietrich smiles, bemused at the current exchange, and leans forward in his seat. He fixes his gaze on the Steward of Bavaria.

Most surely our good Mandorf understands that at the moment the Reich is not excommunicated at all, we're simply not in the Pope's best of graces. As such, it would not be prudent to intentionally incur Papal condemnation by invading one of our Catholic neighbors without a cassus belli, without a reasonable, internationally recognizable cause for war. This would be wholy unwise.

My father used to recite a little saying. "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." My point is that the Pope has excommunicated us in the past, and I feel we've all had our moment of ire for the man because of it, but let's not give him a reason to do it again. Instead, let us use his weapon to our advantage. Let it be said that the House of Franconia stands firmly beside the wisdom of the prince. You are wise beyond your years brother Henry.

[Ituralde]

With the votings concluded I'd like to take the floor once again to adress matters I consider dire for the House of Austria and the good of the Empire.

Conrad von Schüsselen bows respectfully to the assembled Nobles:

With the previous heated discussion concerning the representative of god in this world I have to align myself with our wise Prince Henry, he speaks true and his feelings mirror mine. We should not anger the Pope, not as Christians and not as Holy Roman Empire. We had our differences but honour prevailed and we were able to settle the conflict honouring timeheld traditions. Dear Elector Mandorfs outbursts do indeed worry me a little. He surely is a man as pious as any of us, but I fear he has not forgiven the Papacy for their recent actions. In the light of his statements, having him and the House of Bavaria in control of Bologna within striking distance to Rome, makes me worry indeed.

Which brings me to the next matter of the general allocation of fiefdoms in Italy. I still beg to hear a reason for the land distribution as decreed by our dear Kaiser. Those who know me, can testify that my interests have lain in Italy for decades no. I have fought along your Grace against the Italians many times and taken time to study them. To be honest I had hoped for at least a little fief on the peninsular to put my studies to use and enjoy the remaining years of my waining life. Alas, my wish has not been granted yet.
Furthermore I have to disagree that Edict 2.4 tries to establish firmer ties with Venice. It merely announces once again, that once the Empire gives his word it is not broken. We are all men of honour that surely stand to their word.

As mentioned before, Edicts have been passed once again, but a clear strategy for the further years has not been established. Maybe we should try to push our discussion in that direction. Maybe men of more widsom want to take the lead in this. I have taken up enough time of the Diet already.

Conrad sits back down again. He looks a little weaker than usual and his speech seemed to have drained many of his limited reserves.

[IvarrWolfsong]

Cardinal Scherer, having whispering in Latin to his attendants, again turns his attention to the Diet...

I beg your pardon friends and brothers, may I belatedly respond to our Kaiser's question?

Frankly, my Emperor, no I am not up to the task by myself. Even Our Savior used the apostles to spread the Word, and I am just a lowly sinner unworthy of the redemption He granted me through his death. The assistance of other men of the cloth will not only aid us in converting the pagans of Stettin, but will ensure there are well respected and pious men in the Imperial clergy who will, in time, perhaps, ascend to the College of Cardinals. I am getting old, and when I pass on the Reich MUST have a presence in the College.

However, I understand and applaud the Kaiser for his reluctanence to put any additional financial burdens upon his subjects. Regardless of whether 2.8 passes or not, I hope I may go to Stettin with his Highness's blessing.

Holding his mitre in place, Cardinal Scherer bows to the Emperor.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Elector Conrad, the reason that Austria was not allocated any settlements was because Prague was not taken in time for the midterm session. This is not me pushing the House in any way, it would just be rather ridiculous. I believe Steward Mandorf touched on the point earlier. Rest assured, you will have Prague and hopefully Breslau by the time of the next session.

Cardinal Scherer, I do understand your perspective, but please understand mine. I, unlike you, have not devoted my life to religion, which requires little thought towards any other subject. I have devoted it to leading, and when leading, several factors must be taken into account. Religion is a priority, yes, but it is not the number one priority. Successful management and expansion of a large Empire is, so I do not wish to needlessly spend money in one specific field unless it is of high importance. I wish you and von der Pfalz well on your mission, Cardinal.