Imperial Diet II

[ArchdukeEvan]

i will sign your declaration!

moves to sign the paper... does so...

May all the Diet know my alligance to the new Emperor!

[Northnovas]

The Third Elector Of Austria stands and looking rather tired from his ordeal in Vienna follows his other two house members walking to the table in the Diet and signs the document support Emperor Henry...

Emperor Heinrich will be sadly missed for his work to building this Empire. May he finally have his rest. Long live Emperor Henry and our Empire grow greater in glory!

Signs the document Third Elector of Austria

[AussieGiant]

Standing from his seat in the Austrian benches and gazing towards the other houses

So gentlemen, it seems the entire Austria delegation has pledged allegiance to the new Emperor. Do I sense some hesitancy on behalf of the rest of you that have not made comment or signed the declaration?

[GeneralHankerchief]

*A new face walks into the Diet with a flourish*

Conrad Salier:

I believe that the time has come to take an active position in Imperial matters. As such, before I can participate in this Diet, I must swear fealty to my Duke, Prinz, and Kaiser.

*Conrad signs the paper.*

However, I must address this new face that our new Kaiser has picked up on the way to Jerusalem. If the rumors are true then Kaiser Henry is traveling with a pagan magician! Most unbecoming of a Crusader, no?

But I overstep my bounds. Kaiser Henry, may your reign be long and prosperous. Whilst our late Kaiser Heinrich was something of a force of nature in this Diet, from what I've heard, he did have a tendency to stir things up a bit. I sincerely hope that he has found peace in the next life.

[AussieGiant]

Raising an amused expression to the new young arrival

Nice start Conrad. Do you deliver all your allegiance statements with qualifcation remarks like that?

Or are you just trying to get a reaction from everyone?

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Well, if it was my goal to get a reaction then obviously I have failed, as you are the first person to speak in the Diet since I signed the paper, which was 36 hours ago, more or less.

I was simply making my presence known in the Diet and accordingly delivered my opinions. I believe that you did this several times with our previous Kaiser, did you not?

[Stuperman]

*A messenger arrives, out of breath, he places a hastily written not covered in blood and mud on the center table for all to see*

"Greetings from the other side of the Po!

I bring good new of Victory over the Hungarians! It was a glorious battle in which Conrad Salier Fought Bravely, even taking on Prince Jakab Himself! My official report will be avaiable shortly, for now here is the preliminary results:

http://i13.tinypic.com/2vtejcn.jpg

-Gerhard Steffen"

[OverKnight]

Gunther of Eichstadt clears his throat and reads a message from Otto:

News of Gerhard's crushing victory over the former Hungarian Crusader army has reached me. A magnificent triumph! As our own Crusade is about to leave the Reich and enter Magyar lands, I hope their humiliation will serve as a warning not to trouble us, lest they be destroyed. Though I am sure the Chancellor has his own plans about that with Budapest.

Gerhard and Conrad are to be commended. I am sure Salier has been knighted and as for Sir Steffen, I have an appropriate reward for him.

My lords, as Duke of Bavaria, I am proud to elevate Gerhard Steffen to the rank of Count. His County will be Genoa, a city he has done so much for in the past.

All hail Count Gerhard Steffen, lord of Genoa! I eagerly await your battle report.

The BHA stands ready to break the siege of Venice if needed.




OOC: Stuperman's avatar should have command of that battle, so he gets a bump he deserved in the last one.

[AussieGiant]

Conrad Salier:

Well, if it was my goal to get a reaction then obviously I have failed, as you are the first person to speak in the Diet since I signed the paper, which was 36 hours ago, more or less.

I was simply making my presence known in the Diet and accordingly delivered my opinions. I believe that you did this several times with our previous Kaiser, did you not?

Yes I believe you are correct Conrad. My time spent in the Russian courts has obviously made me find slights where they are not to be found.

My apologies good Sir.

My I also pass on my congratulations to Sir Steffan. That is truely an amazing victory.

[Warluster]

The Prinz stands

I congratulate Count Steffen and Ritter Conrad on their victories.

I see no reason to sign the document pledging my allegiance to the new Kaiser. As the Kaiser knows, I am already loyal to him, and have pledged my allegiance to him hundreds of times, so I will not sign the papers, but I encourage others if they feel disloyal to the new Kaiser.

And my fellow comrades, I ask for your opinion. The French are currently at Dijon, and I am to sally forth soon, but should we re-take Metz? Once Dijon is saved the Swabian Household Army might attack Metz, should we?

Prinz Von Salza sits

[Warluster]

Prince Jobst comes striding into the Imperial Diet, his trusted Knights bedside him

I bring excellent news from the lands of Burgundy and DIjon!

I have repelled the siege of Dijon, and sent the French crying back home, and we lost barely 100! The lands there are safe, and I prepare to ride to Metz!

Now if you will excuse me gentlemen...

The Prinz walks out, heading for a bathhouse

[Ituralde]

A messenger from the House of Austria arrives in the Diet, bearing a parchment written by Chancellor Leopold, which he reads out loud!

Nobles of the Reich, Dear Electors!

It is with much grief that I have recieved the news of Emperor Heinrich's death. He was my father and like a father he has cared for every one of his minions in the past. His shelter and protection are now lost for the Reich forever. While I have been one of the foremost critics of many of his actions, I always had the well-being of the Reich in mind as he did. I am convinced that the future will show us that the actions of Emperor Heinrich were wise and just and that he has done all a man can do and more to advance the Reich under his rule. He will always be remembered as one of our most successful Emperors. Anyone who follows after him will have a hard time filling out his foot steps.

He has left us with his eldest son and heir, my brother Henry, who although on his way to the Holy Land, has my full support as new Emperor! I pledge my allegiance to him and although he is many miles away from us, his thoughts and blessing is with us. Even from afar he will protect his people from our enemies and I will support him in his every decision! That the Reich may not falter while our Emperor himself undertakes one of the most important journeys this Reich has ever seen.

I pledge my allegiance to the new Emperor Henry and mourn for the passing of Emperor Heinrich.

Chancellor Leopold,
Duke of Austria

[TevashSzat]

Chancellor, I believe that your grief are a bit too late seeing as how the Kaiser has already been dead for some time now...

[Ituralde]

The messenger had intended to read his message and return, but the prompt and cheeky answer from one of the Electors made him change his mind.

You do realize that it takes some time to travel from Vienna to the Diet, considering that the way is beset by Hungarian, Milanese and Rebel forces. I brought this message here as fast as possible. It is still the same season our Emperor has died, that I arrived here and I proclaimed this message.
Also, it is never to late to grief for such an austere figure or have you already forgotten all his deeds that you feel the grief for him out of place?

Sniffing in exasparation he returns to the Austrian benches. Getting insulted by a man that didn't even bother to see who was proclaming the Chancellors message.

[OverKnight]

Gunther of Eichstadt rises and reads a message from Otto von Kassel:

Chancellor Leopold has expressed full support for the Crusade and for his brother Kaiser Henry. Yet I would ask why the Chancellor is stripping troops away from the Crusade to enlarge his own army?

Kaiser Henry's army 1170:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Kaiser Henry's army 1172:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Chancellor Leopold's army 1172:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Chancellor has transferred 120 Teutonic Knights from the Crusade to his assault on Budapest, just as we are leaving the Reich. This has severely weakened the Kaiser's army at our moment of need! Do you think the Hungarians will allow us to march past Sofia without a fight?

I demand an explanation and the return of those knights!

Duke von Kassel

[OverKnight]

Gunther of Eichstadt can be seen receiving another message. He clears his throat and speaks with great reluctance:

Duke von Kassel officially requests an Emergency Session of the Diet to be called.

The Duke also withdraws his permission for Florence to be used in negotiations with the Papacy, until such time as all 120 Teutonic Knights are returned to the Crusade Armies.

I will spare the Diet the Duke's rather salty language. I will simply say that my lord regrets having to take these actions, but that he feels the Chancellor has not kept his promises, and therefore cannot be trusted.


OOC: The use of console commands is also an issue we must address if we do have a session.

[AussieGiant]

Rising slowly

Swabia, can I interest you in a belly dancer from the Steppes of Russia.

She's sure to addle your brain further.

I'll tell her to come to your quarters tonight as say...9pm?

Agreed?

Taking a seat the 2nd Elector of Austria write on a small parchment and hands it to a page while motioning in the direction of the 4th Elector of Swabia.

[AussieGiant]

Standing again

For god sake Gunther can't we have the Dukes resolve this without an emergency session? Surely there is an explanation.

What say you?

Is it handbags at noon using seconds as neither of the Dukes are here, or are we going to get drunk and solve this issue like men??

[TinCow]

*A nervous messenger walks in and unfurls a scroll. He looks immensely unhappy to have to read the message.*

From Former Chancellor Maximillian Mandorf, Crusader and Count of Bavaria, to the Imperial Diet:

This abduction of the holy and noble Teutons from the Crusade is nothing less than an open assault on the Crusaders and their goal of Holy Salvation. If the Chancellor does not immediately order the Teutons to return to the Crusade, I will be forced to call for the Impeachment of the Chancellor.

*The Messanger glances around warily and slinks to the back of the room.*

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

This is, erm, unfortunate.

Chancellor Leopold's actions are quite lamentable and his motive is clouded. It seems as if he is deliberately harming the Crusade, which is a most unholy and dishonorable act.

However, that said, there is no provision in any of the edicts that states that the Crusaders will retain full control over their armies, or that they are to be treated as if they were House Armies. Therefore, the Chancellor has not technically violated an edict.

Perhaps, if an Emergency Session were to be called, it would serve better to reprimand him and place legislation in place that would prevent future occurances such as these rather than impeach him.

That said, I vehemently disagree with his acts, although it is on a personal level rather than a legal one.

[Warluster]

Jobst stands, wondering what to do, then smiles

There are two points here, both a agreeable.

An emergency session shall not be called, as for now it is not needed.

Yes, The CHancellor did pull out the Teutonic Knights, some of them, but not all. And I am sure his will was to send them back?

Of course, before we accuse or backstab, listen to what the Chancellor ahs to say, it could heal this wound. Duke Leopold shall stay CHancellor until the end of his term, ro if fate has other means for him.

Jobst sits down

[Ituralde]

An Austrian messenger arrives in the Diet, once more.

Nobles of the Reich, Dear Electors!

I bring word of my Duke, Chancellor Leopold.
The allegations made against his person are taken very serious by him. It was not his intention to deprive the Crusaders of any of their men. The mentioned Knights are already on their way to rejoin the Crusade as I speak here.
Chancellor Leopold will appear in front of this Diet once the siege of Budapest has been resolved. He will then listen to every charge brought against him and give an explanation for it that will be satisfactory for all factions concerned.
This has been a misunderstanding with grave consequences, but the Chancellor is more than willing to remedy it.

He salutes in front of the Assembly, before leaving the Diet again.

[TinCow]

*The Bavarian Messenger looks immensely relieved. His body noticably sags and for a moment it appears as if he is going to drop to the floor due to extreme fatigue. After a few moments he recovers himself and steps forward.*

My Lord will be most pleased to hear this news, Chancellor Leopold. *He pauses for a moment and looks at a pouch hanging from his waist.* There is... one final message from my Lord. I was instructed to convey this information to the Diet in relation to the Teutonic matter. Though the issue is now resolved, I suspect that he would wish me to convey the essence of the message regardless.

*He pulls out another scroll from the waist pouch, scans down halfway, and begins to read.*

Electors, I wish to remind you that Edict E1.1, which deals with the creation and conduct of the Crusade itself, specifically gives control of all strategic decisions to the Council of Crusaders. I suspect that some of you would argue that the disposition of the Teutonic Knights is not a strategic matter, but I firmly disagree with this line of thought. Even if the Knights themselves are beyond strategic control, surely depriving the trailing Crusade Army of its entire allocation of cavalry is a strategic matter.

*The Messenger looks up from reading.*

There is, of course, more, however it is no longer applicable to this situation. I suspect my Lord would wish me to encourage you all to remember Clause 4 of Edict E1.1 in all future decisions about the Crusade.

*The Bavarian Messenger turns and leaves the Diet at a brisk pace.*

[AussieGiant]

The 2nd Elector of Austria stands with a bland expression on his face

Excellent...

Pausing to look around at the assembled nobles and advisors

...I believe at this point all our constitutional lawyers are pleased with proceedings. We can now pay them a king’s ransom in fees and get back to governing this bloody realm.

Do I need a vote or further consultation from our battery of advisors on this, or can I take the silence as a resounding "Yes" from those of us present?

....no need to answer gentlemen it was a rhetorical question.

For those of you who are inclined I'll be holding a small party this evening to show off the "acts" I have brought with me from Russia. Prince Jobst, would you care to partake in the festivities? Some of these ladies are very educational...

[OverKnight]

Gunther rises to deliver a message from Otto:

My lords, I congratulate the Chancellor and Count Hans on the seizure of Budapest. It is a great victory and I hope it will serve to turn the attention of the Magyars to their own defense and from pointless expeditions into our lands. Even now a large Hungarian force has turned from the Reich and lingers outside their former capital. While I respect the Chancellor's zeal in pursuing the Venetians, I am afraid he will have his hands full before then.

Congratulations are also due to the Franconians, who have only added to their martial reputation with their victories in the north. I hope their attention will soon turn to Breslau. Once we have taken this settlement, I am sure it will put an end to these bothersome Polish raids on Frankfurt.

I have been informed that the Tuetonic Knights wrongly taken from the Crusade are on their way back to us, with reinforcements no less. While I am worried about their ability to cross the Hungarian plains safely, I am gladdened by their return. If the Chancellor wishes he may once again use Florence in negotiations with the Spanish Pope.

The Papacy vexes me. We offer them a great deal for peace and yet they refuse. I hope Conrad can finish the Milanese soon, so he can travel to Rome and secure the city. This Filippus the Warmonger might yet live up to his name.

Despite the Chancellor's best efforts, our negotiations have failed. I would ask the Diet how we should proceed. As I see it, there are two ways we can proceed to increase the chances of peace and reconciliation.

The first is the way of the sword. I believe Kaiser Heinrich wished this pursued more. We attempt to make peace with the current Pontiff, if he proves intransigent, we remove him and vote for a candidate who might be more receptive to us. There are no Imperial Cardinals among the Preferati, but if we vote for the Cardinal who does become Pope, it might serve. If the Pope we vote for is ungrateful for our support, we unfortunately might have to repeat the process. I have found this idea repugnant in the past and I do not propose it lightly, but it may bring about peace more quickly.

The second is the way of the Book. We recruit more priests into the Imperial service, build churches in the Reich and have our missionaries convert the heathens in far away lands. This will eventually improve our standing with the Pope and again we might have peace more quickly. A secondary benefit is that many of those new priests would prove useful on the Crusade.

Either option requires that we set aside a large amount of money to facilitate negotiations. The first option would most likely be quicker and cheaper, but it is much more distasteful than the second.

What is the opinion of the Diet? Any ideas to break this stalemate would be welcome.

[Warluster]

I see you have put a lot of thought into this.

Maybe we could do a mxture of both options? We could train heaps of priests, and we keep killing off popes, until ours is elected? But thats no gurantee that our Pope would reconcile us.

The way the Pope is acting now, I ahve to say I think he will not reconcile us for his own personal ways. He wants the Reich! I say kill him, before he does anymore damage!

[Ituralde]

Wearing a travel-worn somber gray coat, Chancellor Leopold enters the Chamber. Once he has paid visit to the Austrian benches and consulted with his scribes he turns around to face the assembled Electors

Dukes, Counts, Electors!

It is indeed a grave matter that I have been held responsible for by this Diet. Depriving the Crusade of their cavalry will seriously hamper them in their travels through the hostile Hungarian lands in front of them. I assure that I did all that was under my control to make sure that the Crusade is fully functioning.

You may wonder how this relates to the fact, that the Teutonic Knights are now trailing behind the main body of Crusaders. My brother Henry decided to leave his son Hans behind in Zagreb castle to finish his education and teach him matters of military and history that were not easily feasible on the road.
With Zagreb belonging to the House of Austria, I felt obliged to take care of Henry's eldest son personally and send him after the Crusade safely once he came of age. As instructed by our Emperor I send him off to join the Crusade and even gave him the support of 120 Teutonic Knights so that he could traverse the Croatian lands safely.

It was with shock that I realized that Hans was disobeying both the Emperors and my orders and was even somehow able to convince the Knights accompanying him to join in the folly. I was surprised to see him in my camp outside Budapest, when I expected him to have joined the Crusade already. Not wanting to deprive the Crusade of its cavalry I immediatelly sent the Teutonic Knights to return to the Crusade. Concerning Hans, he had disobeyed me once, and he revealed to me that he still has no intention to join the Crusade, so I kept him close to ensure that the Knights reach their destination. He was a help to me in the attack and took great part in the fall of Budapest and I am sure that many things I say would be clearer, if he were here to explain them.

Unfortunately, Hans has once again shown his disobedience and left Budapest in the night after its taking. I can only assume that he will now try to join the Crusaders.

As you can see, the allegations made against me are not correct, while I was present and even had contact with those Teutonic Knights, I took no willing part in abducting them from the Crusade. My plans were always to support the Crusade, but they were foiled by a young man, whose mind seems set.

Still I want to apologize to all factions involved for the inconvenience these actions have caused. Mabye I have become too lenient, as sometimes happens in an advanced age. I have reinforced the Teutonic Knights with Mailed Knights from Zagreb, doubling their numbers. Once they reach the Crusade the cavalry support should once again be guaranteed.

I hope this answers all questions this matter has caused and enable us to return to more important tasks, like the Papal matter just mentioned by Gunther von Eichstadt.

[AussieGiant]

From the Austrian benches shouts the 2nd elector

A more comprehensive and detailed answer you could not get my lords.

In fact I'm exhausted from just listening.

So that brings me to my next point. Drinks gentlemen, we need vodka after that episode!!

[OverKnight]

Gunther reads a message from Otto:

Sir Conrad Salier deserves the congratulations of Bavaria and the Reich on his victory over the Milanese. He sent the merchant scum sailing back to their windy castles on their pathetic islands. Without cities it seems they can't recruit their powerful militia infantry, a shame for them.

For Conrad's determination and bravery in facing such an oddly configured army, I name him Count of Milan. He has spent much time in the city and given who he won his victory over, I think it is appropriate. Let the Milanese chew on that in exile.

I hail Count Salier, may this be the first of many victories!

[Stuperman]

Congradulations Indeed Count Conrad Salier! It takes an adept general to adapt to such varied armies.


For the Glory of the Riech and Bavaria!