Duchy of Austria

[AussieGiant]

My Duke, fellow electors,

Our Chancellor and Dukes time is nearing an end.

What are our collective thoughts regarding house legislation and ideas?

One thought I have is for our Duke to run again for election as Chancellor.

His handling of the Reich with our emporer gone has been excellent and as the brother of our Kaiser there is a mutual bond of understanding that is beneficial now he is on crusade to the east.

Any thoughts gentlemen?

[Northnovas]

I concur with my fellow Elector that Duke Leopold had done an excellent job and I would support his reelection.
As for legislative matters the only concern I have is our war with the Papacy and I don't know by what means we can use to obtain peace that has not already been tried.

[AussieGiant]

Gentlemen,

Having spoken to Duke Leopold it would seem that being reconciled is our primary issue.

I would suggest we put forth an edict that generates significant resource allocation to educating priests in our cathedrals and sending them via ship to the middle east.

As a long term strategy this will work I believe.

[Ituralde]

Dear Electors,

Finally I can once again attend these halls. The past years have been quite busy. Being Chancellor has broadened my view of our affairs and helped me to understand the problems other Houses are facing.

I appreciate your effort, but feel that I can not run for reelection. Too long have I neglected matters of Austria and I feel that it is time for another one to step up and take the office.

As you have already said, we need to discuss the matters of legislature we should propose in the upcoming Diet. The main goals that should be achieved are ways for reconciliation. Furthermore I believe that our navies should be strengthened and one last thing that could be adressed is an Edict involving the capture or destruction of Ragusa to end the Venetian threat to our Southern border. This last Edict will stand in direct conflict to Edict E1.1, so we will have to find a way around this.

I will propose at least one of the things above via my own Edict, but would like to use Ducal Edicts for the other ones. My scribes will present you with the exact formulations later on and I hope that I can count on your support.

The matter of the next Chancellor will also be an important one, but I am not yet willing to give an exact mandate to whom I wish to be supported by the House of Austria.

Please voice your concerns now and offer your legislations that we can act united and thus stronger in the upcoming Diet session!

[Ituralde]

With the recent pleasant announcement by Emperor Henry, I will give the following title to the Electors here present.

2nd Elector of Austria, for your long service for our House and your everlasting support of my politics I hereby make you Count of Venice!
3rd Elector you have served me well in the past, becoming the Third Elector and fighting for our Reich. I would want no other man than you to defend our southern border against the Venetian threat and hereby make you Count of Zagreb!
On to the 5th Elector... 5th, let's make that 4th. To the 4th Elector, you know we had our disagreements in the past, but your drive against the Poles was a much needed factor in our politics. As a result I hereby make you Count of Prague!

I await your build queues for the next Chancellor and I also await your presence in the upcoming Diet.

[Northnovas]

Duke Leopold I am truly honoured and humbled in this appointment. I shall make Zagreb produce the finest soldiers for the Empire. I will do my upmost to defend the Southern Border.

As for political concerns I have been getting wind of some Edicts being drafted by Electors from other Houses that are addressing some of your concerns.
The most important being the Empire getting into good relations with the Papacy and remove this excommunication. It truly has been going on for too long. We may have to offer more.
For border security Ragusa and other cities are being identified so has not to conflict with E 1.1
I am willing to second some of the Edicts introduced to the Diet.

[Ituralde]

Dear Electors, I propose the following Edict to be treated as a House Edict in the upcoming Election. My recent dealings as Chancellor have shown me that our naval inferiority can prove disastrous in the long run. This has to be ammended during the next Chancellor's turn.

Edict 7.x
The Chancellor is instructed to build up the Imperial Navy as follows:
Three fleets are to be recruited and manned for our three naval areas. Baltic Sea, Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea.
Each fleet is to conatin at least five Holks, our most advanced ship type to date.
The fleets will be stationed in the corresponding seas and serve to secure naval supremacy.

[Northnovas]

Duke Leopold I will support your Edict 7.X to build HRE Fleets in their respective waterways. A strong naval presence can assist in defences and expeditions of the Empire.
However, I see these matters a bit confusing on what can be ordered built or constructed to the Chancellor. If we are to rebuild our fleets at least one of the ports in the designated areas must have the facilities present to support and prevent the fleets from going obsolete.
I would guess this would be at the discretion of the Duke responsible for that port if it is not an Imperial City?

[Ituralde]

I agree with you that there are some stones an unwilling Duke could lay in the way of these Edicts. To tell the truth my knowledge of the northern ports was never that good. Maybe I should revoice it so that the best ships available in the respective seas are built and maintained? Surely this should appease everyone.

[Northnovas]

I think a generic wording to build fleets in in the designated areas would suffice. Having a Mediterranean port we could go further and build our resources to keep the fleet up.
I see there is no Edict on expansion by any of the Houses because of the prior Edict.
What if we propose Edict 7.x because of the state of war that exist with the Venetians, the capture of Ragusa to eliminate the Venetian threat on the continent. Once their stronghold is taken we offer terms of peace. Something to that effect?

[Ituralde]

The fabrication of an Edict revoicinv Edict E1.7 to allow for the capture of Ragusa is already in the making I believe. It should have been proposed by one of the Bavarian Electors already.
I consider proposing something along those lines with my personal Edict should it not appear on our agenda soon.

Meanwhile, my dear 3rd Elector, you would do me a great favour if you could use your personal Edict to propose the fleet building. It seems that the lack of activity from our Electors denies me a second supporter to put it up as a House Edict.

[Northnovas]

Duke Leopold I have drafted my personal Edict for naval build up and will deliver to the Diet as we speak.

[AussieGiant]

Business, Business Business gentlemen!!

My Lord Duke!!

You honour me with the poistion of Count of Venice!!

As for the edicts I will begin my presence here for the Diet session.

2nd Elector Austria

[AussieGiant]

Gentlemen.

Legislation proposal:

Edict 7.xx

Nine Merchant caravans are to be created. Each shall spend five years inside the Reich to develop their skills. After such time they will be sent in groups of three to the following locations.

South Western Africa
The Holy Lands
Far North Eastern Russia

Acquisitions and targets of opportunity are at the discretion of the Chancellor and the reports he receives from these merchants. Priority is to be given to survival and long lasting success.

Edict 7.xx

A "Holy" flotilla is to be created of such size and strength as to secure safe passage for at least 5 priests. Once both groups are created they must then leave for the Holy Land in support of our pending arrival and for advancement in the Colleague of Cardinals.

Either of these edicts can be repeated as necessary to ensure ongoing presence and advancement over time.

Count of Venice.

[Ituralde]

Dear Count of Venice,

I agree with your proposals and will put them forward for Election, if another of our Electors supports them also. I agree with both pieces of legislature and believe that they should be put forward in the Diet. However tiime is running short so you may consider using one of your own Edicts to propose one of them in the Diet.

[AussieGiant]

Duke Leopold,

I still can't quite get used to this title.

Duke Otto has pointed out that legislation is not needed to ogrqanise merchants and he would follow this policy without needing an edict.

I will use my personal edift to propose the priests being sent to the Holy Land.

[Ituralde]

Dear Electors,

Another Diet session is upon us and while the issue of Chancellorship will not be raised, with the Edicts governing the Crusade void there is much room for Edicts. If you have any proposals for the House Edicts, please don't hesitate to mention them. If you have no suggestions I will bring forth my own ideas at a later point.

We should also think about our general goals for the next Chancellor's term. I believe that soon my son Arnold should come of age to assist me in the reign of Austria. Furthermore Meckil will hopefully find a suitable husband soon. Although there are many courtiers I have found each and every one of them lacking so far. Maybe I shall be forced to lower my standards in the future. We will have to see.

I believe that further expansion in Europe is not necessary for the advancement of our House. We have more than enough land to pacify and cultivate to last for years. The goals of Emperor Henry concerning the Kingdom of Outremere are intriguing though. Damascus, a city that bustley with activity and trade would be a great prize to belong to our faction. No other than an Austrian general should storm the walls of that city! Maybe we should propose another Crusade for Damascus to help the Kingdom of Outremere and also fortify our claims there?

I await your answers gentlemen!

[Northnovas]

Duke Leopold I have no Edict in mind if we are not in expansion. I am satisfied to continue to build our infrastructure within the Reich. I would like to have the best training for our troops coming from Zagreb if our treasury can afford it.
I would support the Kasier's plan for the New Kingdom and the tasks that Austria would have in conquering new lands.
I would also caution my Duke not to be to lower his standards too much for the lovely Meckil and I am sure we can come to some arrangement for a suitable suitor.

[Ituralde]

Well, if you don't have any proposals let me ask you to support me in the following. I have one Edict in mind that would ask for peace negotiations with the Venetians. They have suffered enough at our hands and can hardly be considered a threat anymore. It would benefit both us and the Reich if our Southeastern border would quiet down and the trade routes through the Meditteranean would not be obscured by Venetian blockades.

Another thing that could be worthwile to propose is a merchant expedition, maybe accompanied by some priests, that will try to reach the far reaches of Africa or even Russia. I think the Count of Venice could provide us with more information on a viable target? I believe such undertaking would boost our coffers nicely and the spreading of Christendom is always a noble deed to undertake.

What do you think of this my esteemed Nobles?

[Northnovas]

I would second such Edicts from this House and look forward to the Count of Venice putting forth a recommended destination for a merchant expedition.

[AussieGiant]

My Lord Duke and my esteemed Count of Zagreb,

I whole heartedly agree with our Kaiser's thoughts on Europe and the Holy Land. His thought and depth of knowledge on the realm is amazing and I truly believe we should support him. Likewise Duke Leopold your thoughts on the matters at hand echo my own. We are in agreement yet again.

As for the concepts you have outlined, I believe an edict as follows would suffice.

Edict 8.xx

A group of experienced Merchants and Clergy should make their way in large numbers to either two locations.

Option 1: Central Southern Morocco
Option 2: Southern Egypt

A group is defind at five or more Merchants and five or more Priests. Maps of the area are vague at best, therefore I have left the exact location open to the leader of these edicts.

The Southern Imperical Fleet should be used or a second Southern Fleet created for this task.

If this edict is to you liking gentlemen then please feel free to add your thoughts. We could then issue this as the Austrian House Edict.

Damascus...my Lord Leopold...we MUST have Damascus!! It is truly amazing.

[Northnovas]

I think this would make an excellent Edict from the Austrian House! The route should be the one we feel more secure to take with the limited intelligence we have at this time. The building of extra vessels should not be a concerned to other Houses because these ships can support our lands in the Outremer. A strong Mediterranean fleet gives over security in the region.
Also my Duke an Edict to offer terms of peace to the Venetians would be a wise choice in this time of peace and building.

[Ituralde]

I will go ahead and propose something to the like of what you have mentioned Count of Venice. While the more merchants and priests will yield us more money and glory respectively, I find the numbers you suggest to be a little bit exaggerated. There may not even be enough ressources to gather for so many merchants in the appointed regions. Maybe we should reduce the number to three to better suit the purpose.

Let me revoice the Edict in this light and also present you my proposal for peace with Venice.

Edict 8.xx

During the next Chancellors term a group of merchants and priests shall be dispatched to at least one of the following places, preferrably both:
- The far reaches south of the great Saharan desert.
- The Nile upward in the south of Egypt.
A group should consist of at least three merchants and priests each.

Edict 8.yy

The Chancellor shall try to find peace with the Venetians as soon as possible. A moderate amount of florins may be used to persuade them. Should the Venetians decline, subsequent raids towards their holdings in Durazzo and Thessalonica, resulting in possible razing or extermination of those cities, shall teach them the error of their ways.

I purposefully left the vehicle to be taken by the merchant group open. I am sure our Emperor and Chancellor shall find a suitable mode of transportation for them without us decreeing anything.

[AussieGiant]

Excellent my Lord Duke,

Please proceed with these when you can. My greed is something both my mistresses have mentioned before. Three merchants is more than enough now that I think about it.

[Ituralde]

My dear Electors,

With the Voting drawing to a close I want to draw your attention to the matter of the newly gained Fortress of Ragusa. As my scribe has informed me Zagreb has already grown to a Fortress itself and can easily rival Ragusa for the troops it can produce. Now the question is whether we really need two of those huge bulking Fortresses, that while being highly defensible, to close to nothing for the economy of the Province.
Ragusa especially would be a suitable spot for a flourishing coastal city, we could use the Adriatic Sea to further our trade. I think Ragusa holds much potential and is somewhat held back by its Fortress.

What you you gentlemen think about this? Can we afford to weaken our southern border in the future? Can we afford to weaken it at all? In my oppinion one Fortress should suffice to supply all of Austria with the troops it needs. I would be happy to accept your judgements in this matter. As Count of Zagreb I am especially interested in your oppinion Third Elector.

[econ21]

An Austrian at the Imperial Secretariat who happens to be passing at the meeting and timidly pipes up.

My Duke, please forgive this intrusion by a lowly functionary, but I believe the Kaiser is very impressed with the level of development of Ragusa. It is one of only two fortresses in the Reich that can currently train pavise crossbowmen (Staufen is the other). Its position at the borders of our Reich also makes it a more suitable location for a castle than Zagreb. I would ask that your Lordships consider whether it is Zagreb, rather than Ragusa, that should be converted.

With that, the official bows embarassedly and leaves.

[Northnovas]

The Count notes the comments made and looks at the latest strategic map...

My Duke I agree with your comments and was unfamiliar with the training facilities of Ragusa. Having 2 forts in that area does not have the same effect as if they were out on our frontiers in the east or west fronts.
The position of Zagreb as a fort offers access to troop supplies to several points from Northern Italy,to the Southeastern area and quick supply to the capital.
The position of Ragusa overall I would be inclined to think economical because of it's port access and I think the Second Elector would agree to the economic potential of a port city.
We could wait to see what the Venetian situation will be, if there is peace or a continued war.
You are correct we do not need 2 forts in the region. I would like to keep Zagreb as the military point and Ragusa an economic location. Looking at the build of Zagreb I was trying to promote growth but if I rely on the other cities in the Household then I would transform to strictly military production and adjust the queue.
My only concern was the happiness and public order of the citizens and being away with other duties I wanted stability of the Fortress in the absence of a military governor.
I am your humble servant and will follow your wisdom for the better of Austria and the Reich.

[AussieGiant]

Looking from the departing functionary and the Count of Zagreb the Count of Venice seems a little non plussed.

So it seems our Kaiser wishes to develop Ragusa due to its ability to train pavise crossbowmen. On the other hand the Count of Zagreb believes the location of his own holding is ideal due to logistic reasons.

It seems we have an impasse. From a purely economic standpoint we do not need two fortresses in the region, the question remains which one should be converted.

At this time I am unable to find a viable point to break the tie. The only things I will say is that we need to make a choice as soon as possible in order to avoid wasting valuable conversion time.

Ragusa is now a border province while Zagreb is not. Given our need for Pasive Crossbowmen and the fact there is only one other location in the Reich able to train these men I would suggest the Count of Zagreb convert his fortress into a city. He has an ideal port location. There will be some initial issues but in the long term with expansion in Europe being limited I think this would be best in the long run.

I leave the final decision to Duke Leopold and the Kaiser.

[Northnovas]

My Lord and Count there is no real impasse. I have further reviewed the facilities specs of Ragusa and it is by far more advance in buildings then Zagreb. There would be significant expense in Zagreb to catch up. Though I prefer the location of Zagreb, Ragusa is a better option because what it can offer in troops to the Reich now.
The port facilities mention by The Count is in Ragusa and there can be the build up of land and sea forces. Unfortunately, Zagreb is landlocked and once the conversion is made I would not expend too much in resources other then the mining exploitation that is possible in that region.
I will change the queue after the paved roads to convert to a city.

Addresses one of the scribes to complete written orders for the Chancellor and Zagreb.......

[AussieGiant]

Remind me to shoot my cartographer the next time I see him Your Grace, I am embarrassed to have not realised Zagreb was landlocked.

Still we have a decision and that is the main thing.