Duchy of Austria

[RoadKill]

Wilhelm arrives to his duke's chambers, kneeling before him, suited with shining armour, and a slick sword. Chivalry was everything to this man

Aye Lord! My name is Wilhelm von Heidelberg, I'm proud to join the Austrian household, and wish to serve the Empire as well as I can! Please guide me through everything I need to know, as I am still unfamiliar with many things. I promise you my loyalty and peity!

[AussieGiant]

Wilhelm arrives to his duke's chambers, kneeling before him, suited with shining armour, and a slick sword. Chivalry was everything to this man

Aye Lord! My name is Wilhelm von Heidelberg, I'm proud to join the Austrian household, and wish to serve the Empire as well as I can! Please guide me through everything I need to know, as I am still unfamiliar with many things. I promise you my loyalty and piety!

Walking into the Austrian Chamber there is a slight look of surprise on the Dukes face, as his retinue fan into the chamber to take their seats Arnold gazes at the kneeling noble before him. Moments pass as the Duke seems to be making an assessment of what to say.

Christ on the cross von Heidelberg!!! It's about $%^#$ing time you turned up!!

I've got no idea where you've been for the last decade but that's in the past I suppose. I'm not sure whether to charge you for dereliction of duty or have Grom here give you a bear hug in happiness...

Taking a moment to wave off Grom from doing just that the Duke continues in a far more foreboding manner.

Now, I've got no time for bloody Chivalry out here on the border, so I'll take your sword and your loyalty instead. Read the battle reports of Sigismund if you want to see what happens when thoughts of Chivalry go wrong!!

You're a son in law to the late great Jonas von Mahren so I'll say the same thing to you as I said to your brother in law Becker.

You're main task is to stay alive! Nothing too fancy nothing too flash just don't get yourself bloody killed.

If you have overwhelming force, then USE it. Don't pussy foot around with ideas of chivalry and fair play.

This Eastern Front is one of the most deadly in the Reich’s various conflicts, both the von Mahren boy's have died under my watch and I'm not interested in having one of his daughters left widowed!!

Oh and by the way...don't even ^##^%ing think of asking to go to Outremer at the moment. Lord Zirn is doing an outstanding job and I'm telling you there is going to be some heavy action on this front in the next few decades.

Now...administrative duties. You need to be knighted, so I'm going to have the Chancellor issue you orders to either join on me or your brother in law who's commanding the 2nd AHA. Who ever sees action first will have you as cavalry support.

Next time I see you von Heidelberg you better be covered in blood and gore and telling me you hacked the heads of a thousand Hungarian's!!

Without another word the Duke departs the chamber.

As Arnold’s retinue file out, the Dread Knight Bane pauses momentarily by the kneeling figure of von Heidelberg.

That went well...It seems he's already taken a liking to you von Heidelberg, that's always a good start.

Without another word von Heidelberg is left alone on the Austrian Chambers to ponder what just happened to his life and his future.

[RoadKill]

Wheilm quickly stands up to try to stop his duke, but knows its too late now.

Wheilm, was always a rightous man, every morning he would go to the local church and pray for hours. He beleived chivalry was the most important to a man, but now his duke wants him to be a dread knight on the battle feild slaughtering hungarians. Wheilm had no idea what to do. He lays back onto a chair and shakes his head in what is going to become of his future. Wheilm then quickly snaps back into proper posture, and exhales. "I have also been taught to be loyal, very loyal. I must obey as my duke wishes" Wheilm says to himself, and if my Duke wants me to kill, then I shall kill.

[AussieGiant]

Striding into the Austrian Chambers there is of course no one present.

Engraved on the newest seat is the family name von Heidelberg.

Glancing to his right, the Duke sees an Austrian shield on the wall, a mace and sword crossed over it.

Reaching for the mace the Duke hefts it in his hand for a moment.

Glancing at Bane the Duke slowly nods his head.

At that moment Grom and Bane remove the other members of the retinue and serving staff from the Chamber.

Stand outside the entrance, Grom and Bane completely block the Austrian Chamber entrance. The only thing that can be heard echoing in the Diet is the muffled sound of fury, anger and destruction.

[AussieGiant]

The newly constructed Austrian Chamber has a distinct smell of polished wood.

Becker!!

As is mostly the case, the Austrian voting block is only you and me.

Lord Zirn has informed me of his proxy voting which he has forwarded onto the speaker.

With the new legislation in force, it will require only you and I to second House Edicts for them to be tabled.

Let me know your thoughts.

I personally have been informed that Krakow should not be something we need to invest our resources into.

Therefore I believe it is clear that we refocus eastward once more.

[Cecil XIX]

I've given it some though my Duke, and I have noticed an idea in the late Sigismund's papers concerning our old enemy Venice. In the many years proceeding his command of the AHA he had a great deal of time to think, and this plan was certainly one of his most ambitious ideas. If you please, consider this his words as well as mine.

It should be noticed that Venice has been quite admirable in not waging war against us. They could have marching to Ragusa continuously like the Poles or Hungarians, but have shown a remarkable amount of restraint. This makes them our only enemy to have actually learned from waging war against us. This is quite admirable, and I believe they should be rewarded.

Of course, they should not be forgiven completely. What I am proposing is that we embark on a campaign to subjegate them as a vassal state, rather then crushing them utterly as we did with the Milanese. Turning an enemy into an ally would not only help our reputation, making diplomacy easier, but would also serve as a useful lesson to the world that nations can profit from treating the Reich with the respect we deserve.

To accomplish this, we must first conquor Thessalonica. Whether we then keep it or give to an ally is of no matter. Afterwards, we take Rhodes and convert it into a city. That way the Venetians will be able to pay us more tribute. Finally, we land a strong army on Crete and demand the Doge swear subordination to the Kaiser in return for Rhodes.

The beauty of this plan is that by sequestering the Venetians to two islands, we limit any agressive impulses. They will also pay us a fair percentage of their income as a sign of their loyalty. Finally, by becoming our subjects they will make peace with Byzantium by default.

What say you, my Duke? Is this plan to your liking?

[gibsonsg91921]

Lars and Ulrich, Péter's servants, enter the Austrian chambers.

Péter von Kastilien, our master, would support your plan, Becker, as it was Ehrhart von Mahren's dying wish that Crete be conquered.

[RoadKill]

A servent walks into the chambers almost running away after seeing the great dreaded Duke Arnold

Mas..ss..tt...eerrr.. There has been a report that Austria will be receiving a new genreal, many rumours have been spreading about this. I would just like to inform you.

The servent bowed down and sprinted away.

[AussieGiant]

Becker!!

Intriguing...and who do you propose will undertake these tasks?

How many men would be needed?

Glancing at the servant interrupting his discussions with Becker, a brief flicker of annoyance passes across his face...

Bane, make sure people knock before they enter these Chambers...if they don't please correct their behaviour. It seems there is a bit of activity about.

[Cecil XIX]

In light of the magnatude of this task, I believe we could mandate the recruitment of an additional army specifically for this purpose. The precedent is already there with Duke Ansehelm's Teutonic Crusade, and if the Diet is willing to raise an army to spend two sessions marching deep behind enemy lines to sack a single city then they should be more than willing to raise an army to subjegate an entire nation that is just offshore of our nearby allies.

As the Venetian territories are all rather isolated from each other, one very strong army could conceivably accomplish the task alone. Some reconnaisance of Rhodes and Crete will allow for a more accurate assessement, but if the army were commanded by a general skilled at seperating enemies with the cover of darkness, than one army would be enough.

[RoadKill]

Lorenz Zirn, freshly recruited, he was a broad and tall man. In his shining army he marches into the Austrian Chambers. He scans from left to right, it seems as if the place is fresh and clean, and new. He sees a man dressed in a glorious armour. Lorenz looks at the mans, face; just by looking he can tell the man has been through numurous blood sheds, and have seen too much, in life.

Duke Arnold, I greet you with great pride. It is a fantastic honour for me to join this fabulous Austrian Household. I may be a fairly young man, but I assure you Duke Arnold, I am more then worth the fight and blood shed, I am at your disposale.

Wheilm was like a brother to me, when we were small. Every day he would take care of me, train me to fight, train me to be brave. He always taught me that Chivalry is the most important, and that God should be my everything. But the damn the foolish and idiotic Polish, every single one of them will be crushed by my horse, and slain by my sword!

Lorenz Zirn knelt down, in great pride and anger.

[AussieGiant]

Glancing down at the young noble, Arnold scans the parchment handed to him...reading it for a good few minutes he finally roles it up...he's clearly testing the young man and his ability to hold his kneeling position in full armour. Finally he seems satisfied...

Rise Zirn,

Would you be related to Karl Zirn? I must know this before we speak further.

Glancing to Becker the Duke raises an eyebrow

Becker!!

Now that there are edicts being proposed by the Kasier requiring us taking two provinces, plus the issue of revenge against the Poles for killing von Heidelberg, how do you think we should proceed?

We simply can't do all things at once.

Looking around the new Austrian Chamber Arnold notes the four empty seats, a moment of sadness crosses his face as he notes his father, the two von Mahren's and the latest death of von Heidelberg.

Looking a little startled he can then see that above each of the seats of the departed who ring the outside of the chamber wall sit a very life like wooden bust of each man. Amazingly detailed and extremely well made the heads of each man can be seen gazing down at those still alive and able to act on behalf of the House.

I like what you've done with the place Grom.

At hearing his name the huge barbarian grins.

Ey my lord, I know a number of good carpenters. They've done a fine job with the place.

[Cecil XIX]

Strategically, Krakow should be our first priority. It is a huge pocket of resistance, closing it would do more to streamline our borders than anything else.

But if you are asking me what I would do myself, then I would prefer to continue my family's war against Hungary. Having a port on the coast of the Black Sea would be triumph for Austrian commerce and naval power.

Becker pauses to observe the busts while absentmindedly tracing one of his scars.

...Truly amazing. Grom, you have my compliments as well. These improve the dispostion and majesty of this room on a very fundamental leve.

[AussieGiant]

Alright then,

I shall draft up a House edict regarding Krakow. I'll speak with Duke Ansehelm to see how this should be worded.

Once this is finalised I'd say we will then postpone your recommendation on the Venetians. We will instead deal with the Hungarian's once and for all.

[RoadKill]

Lorenz Zirn rises, dusting off some dust from his elgent and new armour.

Duke, I think that it is just a coincidince that we both have the same sir name. Maybe a cousin? I don't know. That is of no matter though my lod, I will surly be twice the better general then who ever this man is.

Lorenz Zirn then carefully listens to Beckers request.

DUKE!! Please allow me to support the seige, on Krakow, if it is to happen, I promise I will swear myself worthy.

Lorenz Zirn, looked at Duke Arnold, with great ambition and seems like he is more then eager to finish the pathetic polish.

[Northnovas]

A tired but elated Count walks into the Austrian Chamber. A quickly walks towards the Duke with an outstretched hand...

Brother it is good to see you! Karl shakes and Arnold's hand, forgetting the formality and glad to see family again...

It's been a long trip but my work in Damascus is done and I have returned in time for the Diet Session. It appears not much has really happened. Smirking as he speaks. He then looks at the other members present and hearing the newest members last words...

Surly twice the general?? I like your talk young man and maybe facing the Poles will show your worth. We need confidence in our young leaders. I think we may be related something cousin twice removed my uncles were roaming merchants. Good to have you here. My seat is rather dusty in my absence I think it could use a good polish.

I have much to discuss my Duke on personal matters and the Great Cathedral that has been built in Damascus. It's been a long time and I have brought some fine wine from my travels. Though I would prefer to share it hear amongst our brothers. This drinking establishment I have heard of is not in my interest and I hope that you can understand if I decline any invitation to drink there.

What is this house to propose for voting!?

[AussieGiant]

Embracing Lord Zirn, the Duke is clearly pleased to see his brother in law.

Karl it is good to see you after so long. How's my sister and your children?

Turning to Lorenz, the Duke demeanour takes on a more serious tone.

Well then we have a few things to take care of. I like your confidence Lorenz, therefore I hereby name you Count of Budapest. I will make a formal announcement in the Diet.

Narrowing his eyes for a moment…

Keep in mind Lorenz the place has rebelled once already. I don’t want a repeat of that fisco. If there is I’ll strip it from you before you can blink.

In addition there will be some action South of Krakow. You’re order to form on the 2nd AHA under my command for assessment of your martial skills and command ability.

Becker!!

What is the 1st AHA status at this time?

Finally I'd like to reinforce that I will have orders for a number of edicts and Charter Amendments at this Diet session. I expect those orders to be followed.

As for any edicts...I still have none at this time. Do any of you have suggestions?

[RoadKill]

lLorenz straightens out, and a grin stretches across his face. For once Lorenz looks like an 18 year old.

Thank you duke, I will not let you down. Budapest, will be in good hands. It is also my honour to join you under your command, as I have always wondered how powerful the Duke of Austria can be.

Lorenz's grin this time was not a cheerful one, it seemed like he was some what challenging the Duke.

[AussieGiant]

Casting a long and somewhat curious eye on the young Lorenz the Duke is about to respond until his Priest places a hand on his shoulder and whispers something into his ear. Upon listening for a moment the Duke is now clearly focusing on another topic.

My Lords, given there are four of us we do have at least one piece of legislation to consider that directly affect us.

Edict 13.3:
The Austrian Household Armies are authorized to conquer the city of Bucharest and the fortress of Sofia. Once Bucharest has been conquered it will be given to the House of Austria, by will of Emperor Siegfried. Sofia will be gifted to our Byzantine Allies.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Both targets lie south of Bran.

Operationally I would first assist Duke Ansehelm is taking Krakow and cleaning the area of Polish forces. This must be accomplished first in order to protect our northern border and ensure we are not attacked from behind our front line.

Simultaneously the 2nd AHA under Becker could march on Bucharest. While Becker focuses on that target I would follow with the 1st AHA and leapfrog him to attack Sofia.

If you have any strategic alternatives let me know.

However, the one thing we must decide is if we wish to support this edict as it stands. Having been the instigator of the first piece of legislation that gave Sofia back to Byzantium, I'm loathed to do this again due to the fact they sold it the last time we gave it too them.

How do you stand on the issue men? If we don't support this edit we must quickly come up with an alternative more to our liking.

[Northnovas]

My Duke, the plan is straight forward. I would make sure becker has sufficient forces to take the city. When we are in full control of Bucharest then Sofia would be next.
Having been in this situation of capturing Iconiumto be gifted to an ally. I would ensure that the Chancellor reinforces your army with artillery so the walls will not be a challenge and men's lives wasted in a bloody battle that will offer no strategic value in the end. The less men committed the better for Austria.
I will support this Edict.

[RoadKill]

Lorenz sits there listning carefully to the Duke's word. Then after reveiwing his thoughts, he seems confused.

Duke, I'm half half with this edict. I know I am without experience, but I think we should consider Sofia for ourselves. The Byzatium are orthodox, and I have no trust in them. Giving Sofia to Byzantium will be like giving a gift ot the devil. Therefore I am in disagreement. Sofia should be kept for Austria, Duke. Sofia will also serve very useful to your borders to reinforce in battle.

As a side note, I also want to assist you in taking Sofia as well Duke.

Lorenz looks at Becker, with somewhat anger. It is obvious Lorenz is blaming Becker for the death of von Heildburg.

[AussieGiant]

Frowning at Lorenz for another moment the Duke listens to the debate about the various topics.

Karl, can you check on our ability to produce artillery? You're comment about taking Sofia is correct. I'd prefer to bomb them back to hell before sending any Austrian troops to take that massive Citadel especially if we are to then give it away to Byzantium.

Lorenz,

What do you propose instead of edict 13.3? If you don't come up with an alternative then depending on how thing fall I may have to ask you to support it anyway.

And yes I have every intention of bringing you with me to Sofia after we fight the Poles.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Gentlemen,

Post your build queue's and taxation levels as soon as possible.

I'll draw up orders for the House Armies.

[Northnovas]

Karl

The Fortress of Bran is capable of producing fime artillery pieces for the planned assault. I would advise the Chancellor to build the best units possible for the assault.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Lord Zirn, I've taken note of your information. These artillery pieces have been requested for the assults of Bucharest and Sofia.

[RoadKill]

Lorenz fidgets around, with a peice of paper, looking wooried, and confused.

Duke... I am a man of youth, and I have never experienced something like this.

Lorenz shows Duke arnold the ballot for the voting of the edicts.

I don't know exactly which ones to vote for, mind aiding me here Duke?

[econ21]

An officious Austrian clerk pipes up.

I am sorry, young Master, but the polls were open for only 24 hours. They are closed now. You will have to sharpen up if you are to make anything of yourself.

[RoadKill]

Lorenz frowns at the comment.

Oh well, I'll just have to wait till the the next one then... if I can live that long.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Lord Zirn has officially made if know he will depart Outremer and return to Austria.

Becker, as the next senior noble I'm giving you the chance to Govern Damascus on behalf of this House.

Let me know what you think.

Scowling at Lorenz

I hope you're not late with your cavalry charges man!!! If you are it will lead to certain problems.

[RoadKill]

Lorenz, ashaming his duke, rose into a better posture and looked at the Duke.

Duke!!! When will the assault take place!? I am more then eager to stain my sword with polish blood.

Lorenz looks at his sword and grins.

Also, one more thing.... Duke I would like to ask if I, myself, could decide the fate of any polish prisoners, that is left unslaughtered by my sword.