Imperial Diet II

[AussieGiant]

Right then...I guess we should all adjourn for lunch and take a moment to ponder our choices.

Of course the two members of Swabia who have their heads up each other back passages, might want to get their hands off each others todgers, put them firmly down their own trousers, and do something sensible at this moment in time, like take out their frustrations on their mistresses and not the heathen French scum!!

I look forward to the afternoon session with baited breath gentlemen.

Striding from the Diet Chamber the Count of Venice can be heard bellowing

Schultz!! Stutz!!

Get the rest of my blood sucking lawyers together...I have some work for you!!

[OverKnight]

Gunther looks nervously about the Diet and speaks:

Duke Hummel has disobeyed orders in a time of war and defied the will of the Diet, a serious offense. Yet the Duke will not be in violation of Edict E1.7 or CA 6.7 unless he takes Rheims. My master has written him to ask that he return to Metz. If he does so, then the Chancellor will consider the matter closed, though he cannot control the reaction of the Diet.

If, however, Duke Hummel continues with his siege and we receive a Papal bull forbidding an attack against France in the new year, my master will be forced to call for an emergency session. Does the Duke truly believe that he will receive better treatment from the Diet than the Chancellor?

The Rubicon has not been crossed just yet, but Duke Hummel is coming very close to mutiny and rebellion. The Chancellor asks that he step back from the abyss.

My lord believes the Swabian delegation is entitled to their opinions and while it is natural that they feel loyalty to their Duke, they also owe their fealty to the Reich. This is most true of Prinz Jobst. The Chancellor asks that he refrain from joining the Duke in any "independent" action.

[TinCow]

*The Count of Nuremburg's representative gestures towards a figure at the back. A man in dark, gilded robes comes forward and exchanges a few words with the representative. He then turns to the Diet and clears his throat.*

As the legal representative of my Lord, Count Maximillian Mandorf, I have been asked to point our the legal situation as it pertains to Chancellor von Kassel's most recent statements. The applicable regulations in regards to this matter are found in subclause 4 of Charter Amendment 5.1, which reads as follows:

4) At the beginning of each Diet session the Duke may assign general orders to the Household Army, which are to be carried out by the Chancellor. Between Diet sessions, any additional orders submitted by Dukes are to be implemented only at the Chancellor's discretion.

As you may note, the clause only requires the Chancellor to follow Ducal orders for the Household Armies when they are submitted in a timely manner, namely at the beginning of each Diet session. Orders submitted later can be followed at the Chancellor's discretion. We are all aware that Duke Hümmel did not submit orders for the Swabian Household Army in a timely manner. Therefore they could only have been carried out with the Chancellor's approval...

*The lawyer looks over at the Count of Nuremburg's representative, who nods sternly, clearly ordering the man to continue.*

...the Diet must conclude therefore that the Chancellor has given his tacit approval for this... maneuver... and...

*The lawyer starts to go pale and swallows audibly.*

...accordingly he may also be held accountable for the consequences of Duke Hümmel's actions. I hope this fact is considered by all parties to this dispute.

*The lawyer turns to sit, looking warily at the Chancellor's retinue. Suddenly he straightens and some light returns to his face.*

Ah, my lords, in light of my recent statements, perhaps it would be useful to point out another legal fact. Under subclause 8, the Chancellor has the authority to detach any units from the Household Army in excess of the minimum strength level for use elsewhere. This action does not require the permission of the Duke. Might I suggest that perhaps Chancellor von Kassel could give some emphasis to his warning to Duke Hümmel by reducing the Swabian Household Army to the minimum strength requirements allowed by law. Not only would this show that the Chancellor truly seeks to restrain the Swabian illegalities, but perhaps it would also make Duke Hümmel think twice about his actions, considering he would find himself isolated in enemy territory with an exceedingly small force to protect him.

*The Bavarian lawyer bows and sits down.*

[Ituralde]

Duke Leopold enters the Diet Chamber and after a brief discussion with his Houses members turns to face the Assembly.

I am honoured to announce that the mighty Venetian Fortress of Ragusa is now under Imperial control. I hope this puts a stop to the constant Venetian attacks on their former capital. While these are indeed good news it is another matter that brings me to this Diet today.

He turns to look at the Swabian benches.

I must follow the rest of the Diet in condemning Duke Hummels actions. They put us in peril of excommunication while violating our Charter and several Edicts! This madness had to be stopped as soon as possible. If the Swabian Duke were to follow through with his plan to conquer all of Norther France excommunication will be the result!

I can understand the feelings of the House of Swabia. I also had to endure numerous attacks from the Venetians, before I could finally strike back at them. But as others I believe that this Chamber should be a suitable enough forum for such concerns. A simple Edict calling for more offensive action against France could have done the job. No such Edict was laid before this Chamber. Instead Duke Hummel has decided to wage a private war against France that is not backed up by any Imperial authority.

As a result I already demand now that every land conquered through his unrighful actions shall be returned to France once this madness his over and his rampage is stopped. I have had my past differences with the House of Swabia, but I am not one to hold a grudge. This time they have gone to far though and have rightfully cast the Diets fury on themselves. I hope that this body will find the means to punish Duke Hummel and all his supporters for his insubordination!

[TinCow]

*Two incredibly large Bavarians enter the Diet. They scan the room and quickly locate the Count of Nuremburg's representative. He stares wide-eyed at them, as they approach and grab him by the shoulders. The representative starts protesting in an increasingly high-pitched voice, but the men physically lift him and drag him from the room. As they pass the Bavarian lawyer, one of the men hands him a note. The lawyer, who is visibly shaken, scans the note quickly.*

It appears that some individuals have understood my recent words as implying that the Chancellor was somehow complicit in Duke Hümmel's treachery. That was not my intention and I apologize for the misunderstanding. The Chancellor is most highly respected in Nuremburg and Count Mandorf's staff are under strict orders to ensure that no slurs are made against him in this Diet.

*The lawyer glances back down at the parchment for a moment before continuing.*

I am authorized to say that Count Mandorf will fully support Duke Leopold's proposal that all lands illegally conquered by the Swabians be returned to France by diplomatic means. My Lord Mandorf himself has ordered that, in the event that Duke Hümmel attacks Rheims and an Emergency Diet Session is called, an Edict be proposed which will strip Swabia of all control over her own Household Army for a period of 20 years, in accordance with subclause 10 of Charter Amendment 5.1. My Lord Mandorf will also consider proposing measures that are even more harsh if he deems them to be necessary in the future.

[AussieGiant]

Striding past the outward moving scrum of men and the ex-representative of the Count of Nuremburg, the Count of Venice indicates with a wave of his hand and is escorted into the chamber by four large unarmed men who look very Slavic in appearance. In addition there are 4 lawyers in his escort.

So I see the tension levels have risen.

Please note the four gentlemen here with me are Russian and they speak only their native language. Of course in my travels I have picked a few words of the language and they are under orders from me to ensure my liberty is maintained.

Raising an amused look to the departing representative of Nuremburg the Count continues

You might call it insurance to practice free speech if you will my lords

I also see my Lord Mandorf’s resources are far reaching enough to come to the same conclusions my own lawyers have here in Rome, minus of course the implied involvement of the Chancellor. I believe Lord Mandorf has made his feelings quite clear on the matter. The poor fellow seems to be in a spot of bother at this stage of his life.

If some representative of Swabia would be kind enough to relay these findings to Duke Ulrich then this would be most helpful. I'd hate to have the poor fellow find out about all this in the field with a French Full Stack army in his vicinity and his army disappearing before his own eyes.

Based on my own council, then the following actions are required: Duke Ulrich must cease and desist from any offensive actions towards the heathen French and any other nations for that matter. Immediate compliance is needed within the year or the SHA should be reduced to minimal levels. Duke Ulirch should then present himself to this Diet in person to face this group of August men on the matters at hand.

[Stuperman]

Gerhard Steffen:

In light of the legal crisis surrounding the Swabian mutany, I think that I have some significantly important information. Before the voting in the last diet session, I contacted a messenger, to send a draft copy of the legislation to all the Dukes and the Kaiser. I was specifically looking for input on proposed changes to Edict E1.7, changes that could have easily included Rhiems, Paris or any one of a number of targets for the Swabians to legally attack. This message was completely ignored my the Swabians, at the time I wondered why. Now it looks like this plan was in motion for several years now, Active Disloyalty by an entire Household?!?! The mere thought makes me sick to my stomach, the Swabians are no longer fit to be called Germans.

[Warluster]

Prinz Jobst walks in, looks around but then sits down. Then he wtaches the Diet with interest. Someone nearby whispers to him and tells him what the last few speakers have said,Jobst rises
Hm, Gerhad Steffen.

I woud say to shut up about now, as you are going far to anger people of mind.

I say this to the rest of you lot, that you call this a 'rebellion'? A mutinty? Do you even know what they are!? If Swabia was rebelling, we would not call ourselves Swabians. But we still do, and yes, we are Germans!

If you gerhad wish to meet Swabia in open battle, that is rebelling yourself. So how do we know your not? Hm?

Prinz Jobst swallows, has if to spit but thinks better

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

How sad it is that our future Kaiser endorses blatantly illegal actions.

I will say it again - anyone who condones Ulrich Hummel's actions and defends them is either a fool or a rebel. The questionable reclamation of honor for one man, long dead, is not enough to risk the undoing of Duke Otto's brilliant maneuvers with the Papacy.

It is clear that by reading on Hummel's latest moments that the Chancellor has proven unable to control this renegade force. With that in mind, I once again implore Kaiser Henry to call an emergency session so that Hummel and possibly Swabia can be properly disciplined.

[TevashSzat]

Friedrich Scherer enters the diet

I have recieved news of the pope's death and the election of new one. Due to our support of the new pope, we are in his highest favor and he has even agreed to call a crusade for us. Given the proximity of our crusader armies to Jerusalem already and our good relations with the pope, I have much doubt that he may order us to cease aggression upon the French. Should we fall into disfavor once again, surely once we have captured Jerusalem and give it to the pope, he will see our way and we shall be in his favor once again.

[Warluster]

Prince Jobst stands

Sorry Count Salier, I aplogise.

I was sidetracked by gerhad's absurd post, I meant to say to the Diet this:

I do not speak for the whole House/Duchy of Swabia. That right is reserved for Duke Hummel.

But I speak for myself.

I aplogise for any means to offend the Imperial Diet, and wish to stay neutral in this conflict, as I wish not to be caught up in such things.

[OverKnight]

Gunther looks alarmed at the current rancor in the Diet:

My lords, please this is a legislative body, not a tavern. I must make clear, that only Duke Hummel has violated an order from the Chancellor. The Prinz and Squire Scherer, while speaking in his defense, have not acted against the will of the Diet. They are free to say what they wish in this Chamber, while of course keeping in mind the protocols and rules of this body.

Swabia is not in revolt, it is one Swabian who has taken the Household Army on a personal mission. While a very serious matter itself, please keep this distinction in mind before speaking.

[AussieGiant]

Standing again

With that all said and done, I would like to therefore direct more comments to Duke Ulrich specifically and to none of the other members of the Swabian House.

Nodding to the four Slavic gentlemen they depart the Diet chamber but can be seen waiting out side the hall talking amongst themselves

[Warluster]

But I also say, Duke Ulrich was doign what he thought right, and was doing it for the good of Swabia and the Reich, most of you might not have the same views as Duke Ulrich.

[Ituralde]

I do not doubt Duke Hümmels intentions, nor his ambitions to strike at the French. What has brought this Diet into rage was the prospect of the Swabian Duke breaking several Edicts. We have a way here, that says we promote Edicts that let us fulfill our desires. We don't fulfill our desires and then hope that the Diet will sanction them. Not even a Duke is above the law, I'm afraid.

Leopold smiles faintly.

But let us divert our attention for a moment to a more glorious announcement. Finally our Crusade has found the true blessing of the Pope! With this approval of God's representative the Crusaders might find the zeal to traverse the heathen lands even more quickly and conquer Jerusalem in the name of all Christendom!

He raises a goblet, handily supplied by the Count of Venice.

I salute those brave men, enduring the hardships of the heathen lands to bring eternal glory to the Reich for retaking the place where God's own son performed his most memorable miracles!
I salute Chancellor von Kassel to have found the energy and spirit to guide not only the Crusaders but the Reich as well and readmit us to the brotherhood of Christianity!

[Ignoramus]

A page bearing Ulrich Hummel's colours enters the Diet.

Mein electors, Duke Ulrich has announced that he shall yield the Duchy of Swabia. He appoints Friedrich Scherer as his successor. After fighting his way through the French that surround Rheims, he will take the cross and take ship for Jerusalem.

The page bows and takes a seat by the Swabians.

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: There is no provision in the Charter for Dukes resigning. Consequently, the resignation of Ulrich von Hummel as Duke of Swabia takes us into unchartered waters, so to speak. Where there is ambiguity or incompleteness in the Charter, the Kaiser is the ultimate arbiter on what is and what is not constitutional.

In this case, the Kaiser has determined that he will accept Ulrich's nomination of Frederich Scherer as his successor, but only in the rank of Steward. At the next Diet, we should ammend the Charter to cover this matter and so find some legal means of installing a replacement Duke.

[OverKnight]

Gunther speaks:

Now that Friedrich Scherer is Steward, he will of course make his way to Swabia. I believe my master now wishes to have him serve with Prinz Jobst. I'm sure that the Prinz will get him into battle so that he may show his valor and be knighted.

I hope that with Sir Hummel's decision to take the Cross, we can put this ugly affair behind us. He has sought forgiveness by doing God's work, and my master does not wish to see any further acrimony between the Houses.

[AussieGiant]

Motioning towards his group of lawyers and his four Slavic gentlemen outside the Diet Chamber doors to leave the Count of Venice stands

Excellent, now that's settled I believe it's time to celebrate the success of the upcoming Crusade and toast our brave Generals in the far east.

I'm putting on drinks in the saloon outside if anyone would like to join.

[Warluster]

Prinz Jobst stands, and swhispers

It is your choice Hummel, your choice...

Jobst speaks louder

Well, it seems we have been deprived of enemies to prove a Knight.

Steward Friedrich, I shall send you a messenger outlining stuff.

If the Bavarian Army currently attaking Marseille, needs help, or does not succed, I am sure I and Steward Friedrich will be happy to help them...?

Prinz Jobst sits

[Ignoramus]

Rupolph von Hapsburg, one of Ulrich's retainers, rushes into the Diet. It is evident that he has just returned from battle, as his mail and surcoast are drenched in blood.

Mein electors, Herr Hummel has slaughtered the French outside of Rheims. When Ulrich slew Louis, King of France, the cowards put up but a faint resistance, and we took many prisoners. Indeed, Herr Ulrich's reatainers captured over 400. Herr Ulrich had no hesitation in butchering the lot of them, though some would argue that the 3,000 florins might have been more beneficial to the Reich. Nevertheless, I can safely say that Herr Sigismund has finally been avenged. May he rest in peace.

Rupert bows and sits down at the Swabian benches. Prinz Jobst is horrified that he has not at least bothered to clean himself, and a heated argument ensues, until Rupert angriliy shows the Prinz his wounds, wherewith the Prinz is silent.

[Ituralde]

Duke Leopold sips at his wine goblet remaining in his seat after finishing his toasts. He listens glumly to the new announcements, and after he hears of the recent Duke Hümmels plans he leans back and can not help but mutter: "How convenient..."
Showing dissatisfaction on his face, this is quickly drowned by another sip of his wine.

[OverKnight]

Gunther looks up at Ulrich's messenger:

And has Sir Ulrich retreated from Rheims? Which was the given reason for the battle in the first place?

We both know that he could have retreated cleanly without battle if he had chosen to. It seems that there was an ulterior motive. The death of King Louis would suggest this, as would the butchering of the French prisoners. The 3,000 florins gained from ransoming them could have funded the Ballista Towers Prinz Jobst wanted for Dijon.

Gunther sighs

If our wayward Knight is not destroyed by the French, he will still take part in the Crusade. Though he has delayed his departure and further weakened the forces he will bring with him. The Chancellor is displeased with this outcome, but will keep to his agreement.

[TevashSzat]

Messenger comes bearing a letter

Fellow electors, although the resignation of Duke Hummels was unprecedented, I shall do my best in order to further the goals of the House of Swabia as well as the Empire. I am currently making my way towards Prinz Jobst and hope to be of some help to him.

[OverKnight]

Gunther recieves a message and starts up from his seat:

My lords! Marseille has been taken by Count Steffen! Odd, I had no word of a battle. . .I refer everyone to the latest Chancellor's report.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=114

[flyd]

A message arrives from the north. It is from von Hamburg.

Good electors,

I have just been involved in a skirmish with a moderately sized rebel force just north of Frankfurt, the old seat of the Diet. Though they were numerous, they were easily routed. However, there is a matter to be discussed. Please examine the enclosed document:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

In it you will see a scene recorded at the skirmish. In it are depicted some rebels retreating before our knights. Do any of you, good electors, notice anything peculiar about the manner in which these rebels are armed? Perhaps some of you that have spent much time in Italy do not. However, I assure you that these weapons, the halberds, are far more advanced than the standard issue equipment of our militias in Germany. Indeed, there exists no smith in all of Germany who can produce these!

It would appear that the only places capable of producing these are in Rome and Venice. This brings up a question. How in the hell do rebels near Frankfurt obtain highly advanced arms produced in Italy? Well, I am certainly not surprised that those Italians would attempt to subvert our Reich. Being too cowardly to do so militarily, they are content with supplying others. That is no surprise. What is a surprise is that this is allowed to happen. Just how do these weapons get manufactured, in the cities, get smuggled outside of the city walls, across all of Italy, across the Alps, and into Germany, without anyone noticing?

Worse yet, why is none of this equipment reaching the Imperial forces in Germany? Even the rebel knights I encountered had plate armor, my knights being armored only with mail. As such, the men have been reduced to scavenging off the enemy (though unfortunately, most of the enemy knights fled the battle successfully).

I never respected Emperor Heinrich because he didn't care about Germany. He liked to pretend that he was the actual Roman Emperor. When he moved the capital to Rome, there was much discontent in the homelands, which continues to this day. But now I wonder, does anybody care about Germany? With most of Bavarian lands now actually being in Italy, the Austrians having too moved south, and the Swabians largely engaged in France, only Franconia remains German. We have fought off various invaders and insurrections, and have received little support. That isn't a problem, we don't need it. However, it would be nice if, at least, our enemies did not receive it either!

Fredericus von Hamburg.

[AussieGiant]

My Lord Fredericus,

I see your point entirely.

I will immediately begin making inquiries through my merchants to determine if any arms trading has been taking place.

Your documentation is impeccable and without refute so I do not think it should be too difficult.

[Ituralde]

My Dear Electors, Nobles of the Reich!

An eventful time lies behind us. Gerhard von Steffen has shown bravery and initiative by using the uprisings in Marseille to our advantage. Conquering a city without a single fight should truly be congratulated!

News has reached me from the East, where our Crusaders have won two important victories against the heathens. They even seized one of their Castles in the process. God must truly be smiling on the Reich and Chancellor von Kassel to allow for such fortunate events. I salute Emperor Henry and Count Mandorf on their excellent victories. Along with the other noble citizens of the Reich they are ensuring that our Crusade is a success and that the infidels fear us, before we have reached the Holy Land!

This is a time of opportunity and strength! We have crushed our enemies on the fronts and can even afford to send enough men to reconquer Jerusalem in the name of Christ! The Reich is truly blessed. We should take this opportunity, this stroke of luck that has gripped us and try to turn it to the greatest benefit for the Reich. Once Breslau is taken, we should look to stabilize our borders and finally attempt to reestablish the trade routes, broken of by decades of war with our neighbours. If we use our strength wisely in our negotiations with our enemies, we will not only find peace, but the opportunities for trade will be beyond our imagination. I ask the Chancellor to not let this period of stability and strength go by unused. We can now afford to draw a deep breath and concentrate on our non-military advance for once, instead of plunging on into the next war, on the next frontier.

I believe that peace is imperative for our country to rebuild and prosper once again. Our desires for war can easily be quenched against the heathens soiling our sacred places. We don't need to ruin good farmland, destroy roads and livestock in our country. I urge Chancellor von Kassel to take this opportunity to find peace, with our enemies, and for the Reich!

[Stuperman]

A wirey looking french lad enters the Diet bearing a message with a Bavarian seal

Gerhard Steffen

Greetings from the south of France!

I took the Chancellor's advise and decided to relax in a warmer climate for a while, let me spend some time with my family. Firstly I must congradulate the Many successes of of the Riech, Kaiser Henry, and Maximillian Mandorf for their victories over the turks, which have ensured the survival of the crusade for now. My thoughts and prayers for whatever they are worth are with the crusaders.

Prinz Von Salza also deserves recognition for his many defences of Dijon in the face of the French. Maybe a few of the Frenchmen will wander south and give me something to do.

Ulrich Hümmel, regardless of the politics of the situation, your command accumen is second to none, and I personally am In debeted to you. The 'tretchery' I accused you of earlier left Mersaille totally undefended, such a stroke of strategic genius shouldn't go unnoticed.

Duke Leopold, although several years ago now, your victory at Ragusa has secured the south east, and hopefully will lead to a lasting peace.

May Steward von Kastilien's action against the polish at Breslau go off without any problems.

I would like to take this time to emplore the chancellor as Duke Leopold has, Germany is strong, rich and mostly at peace. Should we squander this opportunity it will haunt us for generations, we must focous on continued security and development. Perhaps at the next diet session we should amend the charter to include larger minimum household armies, or smaller secondary ones?

[AussieGiant]

I agree with Duke Leopold and Lord Steffen,

We should make peace with our Christian brothers in Europe. There is much to be gained by re-establishing trade and alliances.

For those who wish to shed blood for the Reich then they can make their way East and defend our holdings there.