Duchy of Bavaria

[Stuperman]

A prudent decision, Lothar should be careful of those sword and buckler men, they can be nasty. Is caligari going to remain a castle?

[OverKnight]

While I believe I have the right to convert Cagliari to a city, the cost is 6200 Florins. In light of other expenses, it is not a priority. Though if the Sicilians are willing to accept it, I might begin the process before it's handed over.

[TinCow]

Father, Palermo is ours. I must admit, I am impressed with the work that the Sicilians have put into the place. It is easy the best Citadel in all of Italy and Bavaria. It can currently supply any type of footsoldiers and archers that we could possibly desire, including Zweihanders and Mounted Crossbowmen. The siege works is also very advanced and is currently capable of producing Trebuchets. The shipwright is well developed and can turn out Gun Holks on demand. Indeed, the only things that Palermo cannot produce appear to be Gothic Knights and gunpowder weapons.

Cagliari is a cesspool by comparison. Though the decision is not ours, I believe it should be disposed of in exchange for peace. With Ajaccio and Palermo under Imperial control, we can land strong Imperial armies anywhere in the Mediterranean.

[TinCow]

Bavarians,

I stand before you as your new Duke. I have learned much from my father and I wish to emulate him in rule, as well as surname. His even-handed guidance made Bavaria prosperous and stable. While other Houses have fallen to infighting, he kept us united under his authority. I will try and do the same. You will find me a firm, but fair. Obey my word and you will be rewarded greatly. We can all serve each other to our communal betterment.

There will be a few changes in Bavaria, now that I am Duke. First, I am officially moving the capital from Innsbruck to Florence. Bavaria's power has long resided in Italy and it is time to formally acknowledge that. Italy feeds the Reich's need for both gold and grain. Bavarians are the guardians of the lifeblood of the Reich and we are proud of it. By moving the capital to Florence, we can better manage the affairs of the Italian provinces and ensure that our people are managed effectively. Bavaria is also tasked with the great responsibility of protecting the Imperial Capital of Rome. With our capital adjacent to the Holy City, we can ensure that it will never be threatened, so long as Bavaria still stands.

Once current operations are compeleted, the two Bavarian Household Armies will be stationed near Palermo (assuming the Kaiser is good enough to grant this province to Bavaria) and Florence. The Palermo Army will be the Otto von Kassel Memorial Army. With its strength, and its position in dominance of the waters, we can quickly send forces anywhere in the Mediterranean. This is in keeping with its namesake, Duke von Kassel, who made daring, decisive moves for the betterment of Bavaria.

The second army near Florence I am renaming the Gerhard Steffen Memorial Army. It shall be tasked with the defense of all of Northern Italy and Rome. Like my father, it will serve the Duchy and the Reich unfailingly and without question. Wherever there are Roman people in need, the men of Gerhard Steffen will come to their aid. I believe this is a fitting tribute to my father.

Matthias, I know that in the past we have quarreled greatly. I wish to set that time behind us. Nothing of benefit has come from such animosity and suspect it was our father's dying wish that we be reconciled. I fully acknowledge the ways in which I have slighted you in the past and I offer you my full apology. I offer to you my hand in friendship and brotherhood. As a symbol of my goodwill, I grant you first choice of any two Bavarian Counties to rule. While you are a Freehold Count and I cannot take Milan from you, there is nothing that says you cannot relinquish it voluntarily if you wish it. If there is another province that holds more interest to you, name it and I will grant it without question. In addition, while Counts are only allowed to formally rule one province, I will rule a second in your name. Pick another province of your desire and inform me of the manner in which you want it managed. I shall simply sign my name to any governorship orders you submit. You will be its Lord in all ways that matter.

Frederich, for your loyal service to my father and Bavaria, I grant you the choice of any County that remains after Matthias has taken his share. Speak its name and it will be yours. Furthermore, I formally appoint you as the commander of the Otto von Kassel Army that will be stationed near Palermo. You will be the Hammer of Bavaria and it shall be you that is dispatched to lead our forces on the offense against any foe. I will do my best to ensure that you always have the finest quality of men and siege equipment available to you, no matter where the battlefield is located.

To the both of you, I say this: let us ensure that the power of Bavaria is united as the other Houses can only dream of. Obey my orders as law and we will all profit. I do not expect that you will agree with all my actions in the future, but know that I will never punish anyone for disagreement. If you believe differently than I, say so and I will consider your words very seriously. I am not without fault and I will correct any errors I make when they are pointed out to me. In return, I expect complete obedience in the Diet. In the end, I am Duke and my word is law. You will both vote in accordance with my desires at each Session.

With that concluded, I wish to hear your opinions on your choice of provinces, on your own careers, and your views on the future of Bavaria. Please speak your mind, this is not a House where opinion will be stifled.

[Warmaster Horus]

Duke,

I thank you for the ranks you give me. For the County, I will choose Innsbruck.

As for the Otto von Kassel Household Army, I assure you the Hammer of Bavaria shall always strike true and with precision. We are yours to command. I only hope we can keep with our namesake's actions.

As for the more political work you would ask, I say the same: you are my Duke, and I will obey.

I can only offer my most sincere, heartfelt condolences for your loss. Duke Gerhard Steffen was a great man. I am sure that your guidance will lead us through the problems Bavaria may face in the future.

[OverKnight]

Matthias is grim. He sits through the proceedings in silence, with only a raking cough breaking through now and then. With Friedrich's declaration, he stares down at his own hands and then up at the empty seat where his Father sat just a year ago. Finally, jaw set, his gaze turns to Lothar.

You have the truth of it. . .mein Duke. Father would want us to reconcile. I realized this when I announced his death in the Diet, and so I was the first to hail you as the new Duke.

You have my fealty, but you do not have my blind obedience. We have found common ground before despite our differences, and will again, more so now. You will find me a loyal vassal as long as your orders are wise, and your rule fair. But I reserve the right to disagree with you, brother. I am a Steffen, a Bavarian and Chancellor, it is my right. You are Duke, my Liege, but you are not an Eastern Potentate, reason not force or position, will win my support.

Such disagreements, if any arise, I will express privately. You are the face of Bavaria, and I will not drag you or the House through the mud in the Diet. We all lose that way.

Matthias smiles wryly.

As for the extra County, I will think on it. My hands are a bit full at the moment.

[TinCow]

Bavarians,

With the next Diet session nearly upon us, I urge you to begin considering whether there is any legislation you wish to propose. The earlier that it is discussed amongst us Bavarians, the easier it will be to have the proper number of seconds to allow me to propose it as a Ducal Edict in the Diet.