Imperial Diet

**Ignoramus** · 02-10-2007, 01:50

The same messenger rushes into the Diet. He wears a joyous expression.

Victory! Count Sigismund and von Kassel have trampled the Milanese militia. All but 17 of the Milanese were either dead or taken prisoner by our forces. Count Sigismund, in an act of generosity and respect, released the 272 prisoners we took on the field. It was a hard fought battle, and looked doubtful until von Kassel and his knights arrived.

Glory to the Reich!

**Kagemusha** · 02-10-2007, 02:00

" Praise the Lord! But i will have to warn this diet.One day we will face enemy force strong enough, that it will teach us a lesson,if we replace strategy with reckless bravery.Now if you will excuse me i will retire to my quarters."

The Elector greets the diet and walks away from the room with an expression on his face that shows he is thinking something intensively.

**econ21** · 02-10-2007, 02:38

Prinz Henry: Chivalrous Count Sigismund has performed valiantly in driving back the aggressors from Bern; I salute him!

I am within marching distance of Bern and humbly petition my father that I be sent to the front. I propose that my archers and knights from Staufen join with the spearmen from Innsbruck to march straight on the settlement of Milan itself. Milan is the not only our foe's capital, but it also divides our lands, leaving our Emperor cut off from most of his territory. Milan is, however, relatively lightly guarded. Our response to this unprovoked aggression from the Milanese must be swift, overwhelming and uncompromising.

Having recently acquired a fine guard dog in my retinue, I must disagree with Commander Mandorf, however. To call the Milanese dogs is a vile slur on canines everywhere.

**AussieGiant** · 02-10-2007, 08:45

Count's Sigismund and Otto have yet again proved their skill and bravery for the Reich!! This news is excellent, well done both of you!!

I must agree with His Highness Prinz Henry's proposal.

We must strike back quickly against the Milanese!! Their capital is a perfect choice, it will not only cripple them, but bring us one step closer to reuniting our Italian holdings with those in central Europe.

Attack!!!

**Ituralde** · 02-10-2007, 13:49

Conrad von Schüsselen has again not been seen during the troubling events of the recent days, but rumour had it that his screams of outrage coul be heard in the entire wing occupied the Austrian delegation when he heard of the Milanese attack.
Somewhat composed he stands again in front of the Diet.

I have to agree with all of you that this is an outrage! First they shake off our rule and now those treacherous money-lovers dare to attack us in Bern castle. Were it not for the courageous defense of Count Sigismund and von Kassels support it would have been a grim hour for the Reich! Let's seize this opportunity now to put an end to the Milanese scum! Rip out their heart I say, and finish them off for good. Were I younger I would lead the assault on the walls myself to personally cut the throats of every traitor I can find!!

Conrad has spoken himself into a fury, his hair in disarray and his stick flailing wildly about. His voice has grown harsher by the minute and now finally the withheld coughing comes to the fore and shakes his body violently. His right hand already rises to his mouth a velvet red handkerchief at the ready. But he no longer has control over his actions and slowly folds, while fine specks of blood appear at the corner of his mouth. With a final cough he collapses on the Diet floor.
Immediatelly secretaries and servants from the House of Austria rush forward to carry Conrad out of the Diet. All that is left is a sprinkle of blood on the floor and a velvet red handkerchief lying beside it, the crest of the House of Franconia set in one corner.

**Ituralde** · 02-10-2007, 14:04

Not long after the events around Conrad von Schüsselen, Duke Leopold storms into the Diet.

Mein Kaiser, Dukes, fellow Electors!

I came from Prague as soon as I heard of the attack on Bern. Praise be to the gods that our valiant heroes succeeded in driving the Milanese back. Every House should be proud to have such capable men within their ranks.

I'd like to apologize for my few visits in the past, but Bohemia has kept me occupied. You would not beleive what you find in those lands. Pagans and Heretics everywhere, it seems like every idea, however crazy, falls on well prepared soil there, maybe be we should send some of our Priests to pray there too.
I hope Conrad von Schüsselen was able to speak on my behalf, although I fear his condition has taken a turn for the worse. He may just recover, but he will no longer be able to perform his functions as Second Elector of Austria.
I hope we can find him a nice little household somewhere around Florence. He's always dreamed of ending his life in a quet little country home overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany and I think he deserves nothing less.

Alas, we have more important matters to turn our attention to. I would gladly take my host right to the gates of Milan itself and show those Milanes what happens to traitors, but as Fredericus von Hamburg has rightfully mentioned,is the fact that the Hungarians are casting envious glances across the Danube. In this time of trouble it is important that we appear strong to our neighbours lest they take an example on Milans actions. If that attack really met approval from Pope Gregory, the ever pious King of Hungary would surely see the time to improve his standings with the Pope if he managed to sack Vienna.
So while I will be busy showing no possible weakness for our enemies to strike at, I wish the generals leading their assault on Milan the best of luck and god's praise that the head of the venomous snake poisoning our lands will be swiftly cut off!

**AussieGiant** · 02-10-2007, 19:25

In unison the loud and deep voices of the Austrian benches can be heard bellowing their agreement.

The 4th Elector of Austria leads a loud banging of the tables from the Austrian delegations benches...the din slowly subsides after some minutes.