Duchy of Austria

[Cecil XIX]

My duke, I would support Fredericus von Hamburg. In these trying times, having someone with experience is more important than ever.

[AussieGiant]

I believe you are right Sigismund.

At this point his seniority would be invaluable to "steadying the ship" as it may be called.

I have certainly altered my initial view on the matter after Elberhard first mentioned it.

[Northnovas]

A message arrives from Adanna

Fellow Austrians, we have mobilized and had our first contact with the Turks. It was quick victory but the prize lies just ahead. We are besieging Iconium as I write this message. May we continue with victories in the Austrian House. Godspeed Duke Arnold on the recapturing of Budapest.

Karl

[Northnovas]

Duke Arnold

In the words of your late father " I hate sieges!" Congratulations on the victory at Budapest. May the Austrian House have continued success.

OOC: It's nice to get one under our belts after all this time. Though I hope my next one is not for a city. Sieges do drain the resources.

[AussieGiant]

Count Zirn, I now also hate sieges!!

I am certainly concerned at this stage. We have reunited the House of Austria, but now the Hungarian's are pressing their advantage.

Time is short and we need more men.

Good luck with your battle Lord Zirn

[Northnovas]

Well what is in store of the Austrians in this session? Duke Arnold, von Mahern?

[AussieGiant]

Arnold enters the Austrian chambers from a side entrance.

Moving stiffly he takes a seat and reads the latest reports.

Count Zirn,

Things look decidely shaky in Outremer.

The main topics for this next session are many and varied.

A new Chancellor.

Confirm a new Emperor.

Decide on retaking Jeruselum.

The Crusade to Russia.

Various provinces to attack and to weaken out enemies.

The Mongols.

The general stance on Outremer.

[AussieGiant]

Two edicts for consideration gentlemen,

And firstly let me just say that I will hand over the AHA to Sigismund and head towards Ragusa to ensure reinforcements are continued and to ensure these Sicilian's don't get too arrogant in crossing our borders. I will also sweep the interior of all rebels in Austria.

(Personal Edict)

Edict 11.x

A suitable bride will be sought out for Duke Arnold to ensure the ancestral house of Austria and the structure of the Reich remain as designed by out forefathers. Duke Arnold has the right of refusal on any proposals.


(House Edict)

Edict 11.x

The Hungarian Capital of Bran will be taken by Austrian forces and lead be lead by a general of House Austria.

[Cecil XIX]

My duke, I will second and support this edicts when brought before the Diet. I also thank you for the opportunity to proof myself as a leader of men.

[AussieGiant]

Excellent Sigismund.

I will put them forward. Do you have any idea regarding out second House edict?

[Cecil XIX]

My lord, an idea has struck me. As each of our cities is capable of supporting a certain of regiments without cost to the Greater Reich, I believe it is prudent and just to propse a Charter Amendment where each city is required to maintain this number within its walls at all times. This will allow more leaway in taxation, and the permanence in our defense will act as a deterent to prevent small-scale aggression as well as ensuring that our cities have moderate protection at all times.

I know that most cities are already following this, however I think recent events have shown that we cannot take such things for granted in our growing Empire. The main reason for passage would be for protection against less then competant Chancellors, as anyone who does fulfill such a simple and common sense task most likely does not have the Reich's interest at heart.

I would like hear both your opinion and that of Count Zirn before I make a formal proposal.

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:

Sigismund it is a good idea to prevent bad administration in a Chancellor and I would support such a proposal. However, do we need more bureaucratic red tape in our day to day operations? The Chancellor has the right to recruit units and the Count of a settlement is responsible for taxes. Along with the Household Army that creates the balance.
I am not sure of the other Houses but if you fell strong enough about it I will be willing to second your proposal and leave it to the Electors.

[AussieGiant]

Lords of Austria,

With the voting nearly upon us I will say the same thing my father used to say at this time of the Diet session.

As a house, and as Duke of this house and someone you have sworn feality too, there will be certain edicts and amendments that I will request you vote in a certain way.

I will request this of you at some point soon and I will expect you to follow my request to the letter.

If you have any real problems with some of my request then please send me a letter explaining your issue. This house is small, by voting as a block we have our only chance at really influcencing anything.

Please send me your own requests via letter if you wish certain edicts or amendments to be voted on. I will then speak with the Streward, Dukes and Kaiser accordingly to organise your request.

[AussieGiant]

A letter has been sent to both of you.

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn, Count of Zagreb, Governor of Damascus

I would like to state the following with the blessing of Duke Arnold;

In the event of my death I wish to bequeath the following to my son Johann.

I leave the my lands and titles involving the County of Zagreb to my eldest son Johann, nephew of Duke Arnold, grandson to the late Duke Leopold and great-grandson of the late Kaiser Heinrich.
May he continue to defend the Reich and the Austrian House with honour as I have done.

OOC: I might as well line up the next Austrian avatar Karl may not be around upon my return. It will be close depending on the pace. I also had to bump the Austrian thread up from page 2.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Lord Zirn,

I am more than happy to confirm your request of the Zagreb holdings and title to your son Johann.

With my own personal situation becoming increasingly unsatisfactory and with little or no attempts by the Chancellor in gaining me a wife, it may turn out that he inherits far more than we can both believe Zirn.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Lord Zirn, before Edmund Becker arrives here I'd like to take a moment to grieve the loss of my own Mother and now the sudden departure of Sir Sigismund von Mahren.

This house has now taken a mortal blow to its existence and we are hanging on by just a few wisps of hope.

You're family is increasingly likely to be our only hope of maintaining the legacy of this House. Until I am married and able to continue the lineage to Kaiser Heinrich's family, my sister and your children are the only hope we have left.

I've spoke to the Chancellor on the next steps due to Sigismunds death. I expect word from him soon.

I will proceed to take command of the AHA and Herr Becker will need to join me so I may see if he is worthy of Knighting.

My only request at this time is that you send your first born son back to Austria as soon as he comes of age.

[Cecil XIX]

My lord, what do you need of me?

[AussieGiant]

Looking somewhat pale and without sleep Arnold is sombre but as usual very intense

Becker...

Firstly, welcome to House Austria. Your arrival, under very sad circumstances has been much needed.

You're were a brother in law to Sigismund and your father in law is Jonas von Mahren so you have large shoes to fill as the saying goes.

At this point Arnold voice turns to steel

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

I'd like you to join with me as soon as possible so I can assess you martial skills and ability to lead men...

...I don't know what type of man you are yet Becker, but I'd prefer to see some common sense from you man!

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!!

Looking at Becker for sometime, the Duke is clearly assessing his new noble, the Austrian chamber is full of the Duke's retinue and there seems to be a stillness in anticipation of something

Where do you stand on all this at the moment Sir?

[Cecil XIX]

My Duke, I have already heard this from my wife. Rest assured, I intend to play it safe and use maximum possible force when called to fight.

That being said I would prefer to stay away from the front, and I would very much like to administer the County of Prague from the city itself. However, I realize that things are difficult and will never complain of being sent into battle where ever Austria needs me. I merely hope that you will remember my wishes when the situation is under greater control.

[AussieGiant]

After a few moments Arnold's demeanour brightens. With a solid slap on the back the Duke grins.

Excellent Becker.

I understand your wishes but we must have you knighted at the very least.

The province of Prague has fallen back to me to govern for the moment.

We'll see what happens to your request is due course.

You're wife sounds like an astute woman. Once things are settled I'd like you both to join me for a more social occasion.

Bring your regiment east as fast as possible and form on me when you can.

[AussieGiant]

Becker, some administrative matters.

I've named you count of Prague as you requested.

Serve the city well Count Becker.

[AussieGiant]

ROME 1280

Glancing at the three empty seats that make up the Austrian Chamber, Arnold shook his head in disappointment at the state of his fathers House.

Lord Zirn's seat was covered in dust, he wondered if his brother in law would recover soon. His sister has reassured him that Karl's health would improving but it had now been some years since he had heard from him. Unfortunately his sister didn't realise just how precarious Austria's situation was.

He then glanced at Sigismund’s old chair...now occupied by the as yet unknown von Heidelberg. He hadn't even presented himself since wedding the last von Mahren daughter...a pity...

Lastly there was Becker. The only active member left of House Austria.

Was there any point having this chamber open anymore he thought?

While the other House Chambers bustled with the activity of nobles coming and going, reporting to their Dukes on House matters, he was left sitting here staring at dust and wood.

Suddenly the Duke began speaking

Welcome nobles of Austria. It’s a pleasure to see you all here for the 12th Diet session…we have much to discuss as the state of Austria is hard pressed at the moment.

First item on the agenda, Hungary!!!!

His steadily voice rose in anger as he continued, Groms eye’s widened at the site of his Lord speaking to no one…Bane glanced at the Priest, his dark helm somehow conveying his thoughts that something seemed terribly wrong…

…Arnold continued, his voice reaching levels that he reserved normally for battlefield commands

We must crush them!!! What say you lords of Austria, are you with me!!!???

Silence was the predictable response…

…with a slow but enormous show of strength, the Duke clenched his fists, the pressure so great the metal of his gauntlets groaned in protest. Shockingly, to those that witnessed the spectacle, blood began running through the chain mail and plates dripping onto the bench beneath his hands.

Finally, with a prodigious explosion of energy the Duke slammed his fists into the bench. With a shower of blood and wood it was broken in half.

Stunned silence filled the Chamber…the cold dread of violence filled the room causing everyone to back away from the Dread Duke…Grom raised his eye brows in startled surprise as he witness Bane place a hand on his sword in anticipation of what the Duke might do next.

LEAVE ME!!!

NOW!!!!

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

Becker, a moment if you will.

I would like you to come with me to Bran so I my assess you for Knighthood.

After that I would like you to Command the second House Hold Army.

Do you have any concerns at this time? I detect some hesitancy in you?

Speak your mind Sir. I would like to know how you feel.

[Cecil XIX]

I am here, my lord. If you have need of me to command the second Austrian Household Army, I will do so. However I would be much more enthusiastic if I knew that I had a son to carry on my name. If the 2nd AHA could be headquartered in Budapest when it is not needed, I would be very greatful.

[AussieGiant]

Well Becker it seems most nobles of Austria are cursed with the same fate. I have no children either. If we both die that would end our blood lines as fast as they begun.

I hear your request but I am unsure if Budapest is a correct position to defend out eastern borders.

You have to be Knighted first so I wil discuss it with the Chancellor at a later date.

[AussieGiant]

Striding into the Austrian Chambers, Arnold has made no attempt at cleaning himself up from the battle fought a week ago.

Right then...down to business.

Becker, you did a good job and certainly deserve to be Knighted.

I hear by proclaim, that due to your actions against the heathen Hungarian scum in the battle outside Bran in the year 1286, you are now Knighted.

Congratulations Becker, tell your wife that you wont be back for very long...and don't be late for the Banquet.

[Cecil XIX]

Aye, Lord. And thank you.

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:

I offer my most sincere congratulations Becker! Another noble knight to defend the homeland. Well done!

[AussieGiant]

BECKER!!

Now that you're commander of the 2nd AHA, I don't need to remind you that this war with Hungary has been dirty, vicious and one of the most deadly conflicts in the entire Reich's history.

I don't want to see any acts of madness or mercy shown. Get in there, gut them and make sure there is no one to talk about it afterwards.

Can you do that for me Becker??