Imperial Diet II

[Kagemusha]

A crusader knight enters the Imperial Diet.He is the Veteran warrior of Dietrich Von Saxony.

"Electors of the Reich. I bring word of sorrow from the far away lands of Levant.My Lord,Duke of Franconia,Dietrich Von Saxony has departed from us and is now with the God in heaven.
He died peacefully on his sleep and im here to follow his last wishes,to give you his testament and final will"

Knight starts reading from a scroll

"Mein Kaiser,Prinz,Dukes,Counts and Electors of the Reich. As you are hearing this,it means that im not among the living anymore. I hope you will protect my widow and daughter and make sure that they will be treated accordingly to prestige they posses.
I have decided that my follower as the Duke of Franconia will be Steward Von Kastillien. I command each and every Elector of Franconia that they will do their utter most to help him on his task and obey him in all circumstances.
For my erthly remainders,i would hope to be buried in the location of my death facing North West towards Franconia.No need to move my body to another location. I wish that my personal belongings would be shipped to my widow.This sayed Goodbye mein Herr and Glory to the Reich!God be with you all.

Dietrich Von Saxony,Duke of Franconia"

Dietrich´s veteran closes the scroll,bows to the Diet and leaves.

[Warluster]

Prinz Jobst stands, his head bowed

Rest in Peace Dietrich...

You fought for The Reich many times, your bravery never faltering, from the times of Kaiser Heinrich, to the days of Kaiser Henry.

We shall not forget your service.

Prinz Jobst sits,head still bowed.

[Dutch_guy]

A messenger bearing a letter arrives, it bears the seal of Steward Günther von Kastillien.

A sad day it is, a great leader and friend is dead.

Franconia is in mourning, we console ourselves with the knowledge our late Leader is in a better place, watching over us from above. But it should not have to be said his presence will be missed, both by his friends as undoubtedly by his rivals.

A copy of his will is now in my possession, and I shall do my utmost best to lead this House to the best of my abilities. We have lost a great Franconian, but there are numerous rising stars who may - one day ! - come close to Dietrich's greatness. Time will tell, but I am confident in the people of Franconia. As I should be.

As of now all Franconian administration shall be in my hands. A new steward will soon be chosen from our ranks, and the decision will be made public as soon as it can be. I am hoping to be able to do this, this election for the Franconian stewardship, by popular vote. Note, as this is a matter of Franconia, her members alone will be able to vote in the matter.

I thank you for your time.

Yours,

- Duke Günther von Kastillien.

The messenger ends, heading back to the Franconian benches.

[OverKnight]

Gunther stands and speaks to the Diet:

As we await word from the battles facing the Reich, let me present Chancellor von Kassel's mid-term report to this body.

Prinz Jobst and my fellow Electors, the state of the Reich is strong. When I ran for Chancellor, I gave six goals for my term and the Diet entrusted me with seven edicts to fulfill. My first goal was peace and reconciliation with the Papacy. I am proud to say that with the elevation of Pope Lanbertus, this was fulfilled, along with Edict 7.3. The subsequent election of Pope Pisanus has further strengthened our ties to the Church. Using the Master Theologians Guild in Budapest combined with missionary work in Heathen lands I hope to foster many Imperial priests who will be qualified for the College of Cardinals. This way we can ensure our continued preferential relationship with the Papacy and meet edict 7.1. I hope one day to have an Imperial Pope.

My second goal was to have the Crusade arrive safely in the Holy Land. The Crusade forces are now in Palestine, except for those holding Adana, and are poised to successfully complete their goal. Due to the outstanding leadership of Kaiser Henry, Count Mandorf and the departed Duke von Saxony, we have also crushed three massive Jihad armies before they could reach the capital of our ally the Byzantine Empire. God has truly smiled upon us. Yet the end of the Crusade will only mark the beginning of our work in Outremer. Jerusalem will be gifted to the Pope, but there are many lands for us to conquer and bring into the light of Christ and the dominion of the Empire. I ask for a new wave of Crusaders from the Reich to accomplish this noble task. Who will join us?

My third goal was economic expansion. Merchant Guilds have been added throughout the Reich. Though only two merchants have been recruited so far, this will be addressed in the second half of my term. Tax collection has risen since the end of our excommunication, the financial difficulties of the beginning of my term have passed and a full construction program is progressing.

The fourth goal of my term was to rebuild the Imperial Navy and this was reinforced by edict 7.4. This is still a work in progress, and I hope to complete it by the end of my term. Ships have been built, but many of the them are bound for the Holy Land. 5 flotillas of Holks were needed to transport Sir Hummel's Crusade force. Also a further 3-4 flotillas will be needed to transport agents to the Holy Land. As we speak, five priests, a merchant (with another being recruited), a spy and diplomat are gathering at Venice's port to be shipped east. I apologize that the size of the fleet will be smaller than outlined in edict 7.7, but financial constraints and the fact that they had to travel separately from Sir Hummel's men dictated it.

The fifth goal was the maintenance of peace with our neutral neighbors and allies. This has met with mixed success. We have turned England from an enemy to an ally, but our relations with Denmark and Russia have fallen. We have kept our other allies though, we've helped elevate a Sicilian Cardinal to Pope, and saved the Byzantines from doom for the moment. Edict 7.6 was also fulfilled. I will continue to pursue peace with our enemies and neighbors, but if they stubbornly choose war, we will crush them.

My final goal was to stabilize the frontiers of the Reich, the means of which were spelled out in edict 7.5. Breslau eludes us for the moment, but Marseille and Ragusa are now ours. Besides the seizure of these territories my strategy was to assume an active defense, taking the initiative from our enemies and forcing them back on their heels.

Thanks to Count Steffen and Duke Leopold, the Venetians were crushed in northern Italy and their means to raid our heartland were destroyed when Ragusa fell. Despite a few stray units, they have not crossed our borders since. We also owe Duke Leopold thanks for destroying a Hungarian army near Zagreb in 1180, since then the Magyars have turned their gaze to other nations, and their former capital is firmly in our grasp. The Milanese have not been seen on the mainland since Count Salier drove them into the sea in 1176.

The French front has been more active, and though Sir Hummel's raid on Rheims did not have the sanction of this body, his gelding of the French relief force, combined with Prinz Jobst's valiant defense of Dijon, has bled them dry. Licking their wounds no doubt, they have not crossed our borders in the last few years.

The Poles are the exception. Our front with them is a hornet's nest. Yet, our drive on Breslau by Duke von Kastilien has pinned them to that area. There have been no more raids on Frankfurt or Stettin.

The eradication of Rebel scum has continued on pace, there are fewer outlaw bands now than at the beginning of my term. Count von Hamburg has been most helpful in this area.

Once the frontiers are fully stabilized, I plan to hold them for now without expansion. Let our enemies come to us, let them anger the Pope with their incursions as we bleed and weaken them. If they wish peace, so be it. If they continue to war with us, they will perish.

Together we have brought the Reich to redemption. We are victorious on every front. We have smote the infidel and we will bring the Cross to Jerusalem. With God's grace, the rest of my term will bring further glory and triumph to the Kaiser and the Reich.

[Warluster]

Prinz Jobst nods as Chancellor Von Kassel delivers his speech, and nearly roars in agreement with some parts. Eventually clapping at the end, and stands

A very,very good speech Chancellor Von kassel, all [oints finely delivered.

Except!

One pooint, of your 'reinforcments' to The Holy Land. As of now most of the Duchy's are shortened to two generals, Generals in The Reich. And if anymore leave, we may have none to defend the lands! I say scrap reinforcment plan, and just make Adanna better, and train better troop over there!

Prinz jobst sits

[TinCow]

*The Bavarian lawyer, now permanently acting as the Count of Nuremburg's representative, rises.*

Prinz von Salza, I understand your regret at the departure of your former Duke for Outremer. However, we have a wave of young blood who are nearly ready for performance on the battlefield. For the Franconians, Count von Hamburg's eldest son will come of age next year. For the Swabians, Kaiser Henry's youngest son will come of age next year and the late Sigismund der Stolze's daughter is already of marriable age. The Austrians will soon be graced with the presence of whomever Duke Leopold's daughter marries. The good woman is already of marrying age and will surely be wedded soon.

After this, within the remainder of Chancellor von Kassel's term, four more noble daughters and three more sons will come of age. There will be no shortage of noble generals to lead the Reich, I assure you.

[Ituralde]

Leopold rises slowly and begins to speak slow as well, his voice tainted with graveness.

It is indeed grave news that we recieve from the Levant these days. Duke Dietrich von Saxony, my trusted ally and friend dead? I mourn with his wife and children, I mourn with the House of Franconia and I mourn with the Reich over the death of one of our greatest Dukes!

He was such a noble man that he set out on this perilous endeavour, knowing that he will most likely never see the end of it. He has accomplished much through his presence though. His victory near Nicea and his assistance in the battle near Adana speak volumes for his military capabilities. But I am sure that also beside the battlefied he has been a helpful friend, who lends his courage and wisdom to those surrounding him.

It is with great sorrow that I have recieved the news of his death this day. I will not comment upon the Chancellor's midterm report or attend this Diet until after an appropriate time of mourning has passed.

Slowly Leopold leaves the Austrian benches and walks to the doors of the Diet nearing apathy.

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: As the next Diet session will soon be upon us, the Kaiser asks that any general wishing to discuss their next posting contact him privately. The Kaiser will be interested to hear any ideas generals have about their futures. If no representations are made, the Kaiser will assume that generals are satisfied with their current postings.

[Ituralde]

Duke Leopold rises from the Austrian benches, joy displayed clearly on his face:

We did it!

He triumphantly raises a fist!

We accomplished the mission we set out so long ago. I congratulate the Crusaders on finally wresting Jerusalem out of the heathen hands! Our most glorious duty is fulfilled. We have repent our sins and eternal glory both here and in the afterlife will await those brave men that took on the ordous journey to reconquer the holy sites of Christendom!

I heard already the Papacy has accepted our gift of the Holy City and they are even now building the Kingdom of Heaven where Christ himself walked the earth and every place bears remnants to the wonders visited upon them by God himself! This is indeed a glorious day for all Christianity, but more importantly for the Holy Roman Empire. Once again we are at the fore of defending Christendom against the heathens! I urge every god-fearing Christian to undertake the journey to the Holy Land to help our brothers defend those places against the infidels trying to pry our well earned conquests from our hands!

A time of glory and a time of greatness now lies ahead of us, what could possibly stop us now, where we have mastered our enemies in Europe and even those in the Levant?

Leopold raises a cup of wine and waits for the cheers to subdue before raising his voice again.

I raise my cup to Kaiser Henry, Pope Pisanus, and the new-dound unity between Christendom and the Holy Roman Empire! A bright future awaits us!
Nothing can stop us now!

He drains the cup in one long gulp!

[TinCow]

*The Bavarian lawyer stands.*

Diet Speaker, does this mean that Kaiser Henry plans to exercise his right assume the position of Chancellor this term?

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: Yes, indeed - the Kaiser will exercise his perogative at the coming Diet.

[AussieGiant]

So...that's it gentlemen, the votes are in, the Kaiser will be next Chancellor.

Thanks for everyone's time, the speeches were wonderful and lobbying for my vote was greatly appreciated along with all the fine dinning and gifts.

That's got to be the most inexpensive Diet election we've had in decades.

I LIKE IT!!

[OverKnight]

Gunther coughs and looks a bit exasperated at the Count of Venice:

Duke von Kassel is still Chancellor until he gives his final report in 1200 and the new Diet session opens. But yes, then the Kaiser will assume the Chancellorship.

Still, I am glad that I will not have to campaign for my master again. I found it to be very taxing.

[AussieGiant]

For just a moment the Count of Venice looks a little embarrassed but quickly continues in his usual manner

Ahh, yes, Gunther, well spotted...I do seemed to have jumped the gun a bit on that topic haven't I?

Yes, well, that's a rhetorical question, so never mind...I'm sure Duke von Kassel is going to do everyone proud as he rounds out this outstanding period under his excellent Chancellorship.

[Warluster]

Prinz Jobst stands

Several things to comment on...

Well done all noble Crusaders, you have reached your...goal. I hope you feel...re-established?

I also wish to congratulate Duke Von Kassel for what I think one of our best CHancellors. He has achieved all he promised.

And also I wish kaiser Henry a...happy term.

Prinz Jobst sits

[OverKnight]

Gunther unfurls a scroll and presents the last report of Chancellor von Kassel:

Prinz Jobst and my fellow Electors, my term as Chancellor has come to an end and I wish to give my last report to Diet.

I have fulfilled all the goals I laid out twenty years ago for my term.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=375

I have also fulfilled all of the Edicts passed by the Diet except one. The lone exception is 7.7, I provided only 5 holks to the "Holy Fleet". My apologies to the Diet and the Count of Venice.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=84133

Let me quickly address the changes that have occured in the Reich during my term in certain areas and how I believe we should proceed in the future.

First the Church, in the past twenty years we have reconciled to the Papacy, ending our excommunication. Our crusade was then sanctioned by the Church, and with the transfer of Jerusalem to the Papal States we have gained another ally. Our standing with the Church has never been higher and we now have four Priests in the College of Cardinals, the most of any nation. I hope our missionary work in the Holy Land will provide more.

Yet we must not take this for granted. In order to ensure our continued good standing and an Imperial Pope in the future, we must respect the wishes of the Church, and only defy them with good reason. Pope Pisanus has taken to the seas again, no doubt to make his way to Jerusalem, and will be out of reach of our diplomats for some time. We should keep this in mind.

Second, the Crusade has been succesfully completed. Not only did we liberate Jeruslam from the infidels, we crushed three Jihad armies on their way to Constantinople.

The Crusade may be over, but our work has just begun in Outremer. With the seizure of Adana and Acre we have established a presence in the Holy Land so that we may protect the new Papal States and return Christianity to the area. We must continue our efforts in Outremer and I again call on the Reich and its nobles to support this holy cause.

Third, as promised, I made the financial growth of the Reich a priority of my term. Merchant Guilds have been added to many cities, seven skilled merchants have been recruited and trade revenue has increased by 90% since 1180, from 12,000 florins annually to 20,000. Tax revenue has nearly doubled from 15,000 to 28,000, and projected profits have gone from 9,500 florins a year to 20,000. This is due in some part to our reconciliation and the ability the post-crusade euphoria gave me to tax at a higher level. We will lose some of this contentment in the next few years, but most of the growth in revenue is permanent.

I urge the Kaiser, the Duke and Counts to make economic development a continued priority in what they choose to build. Not to sound like a Venetian, but we need florins to fight, to build and to bribe. . .I mean negotiate.

Fourth, over 50 battles great and small were fought over my term. Six territories were gained, Ragusa, Marseille, Breslau, Adana and Acre, while Jerusalem was seized and donated to the Church. Our frontiers are stronger, the French, the Milanese, the Venetians and the Hungarians have been expelled from our lands and are quiet. The Poles remain a thorn in our side, but are mostly contained. Military expenses rose from 20,000 florins a year in 1180 to 30,000 in the present but our economic growth has outpaced this.

While we must mantain a strong military to enforce the will of the Reich, we cannot let it grow to such a size that it outstrips our ability to support it and still build and trade. We must also consider our future expansion wisely, so as to not anger the Pope and to keep defensible borders.

Finally, in the diplomatic arena, we have gained two new allies, the English and the Papacy. No new nations have declared war on us, though besides the Church and England we have not been able to make peace with any of our current enemies. The Russian incursion into Thorn caused me some concern, but the small annuity I negotiated with them for their maps seems to have worked. Their force has left our territory on a flotilla of ships and has not returned for now.

It will be up to Kaiser Henry to seek further negotiations with our enemies. I wish him luck, for all I have met with is stubborness and a denial of the dire situations they face. It only takes one nation to declare war, but two to make peace, and I have had no luck with it.

I now lay down my imperium, as they would say in the old days. I have been grateful for the oppurtunity to serve the Reich. We have triumphed on every front, and I wish to thank all of you who made it possible, particularly our departed brother Duke von Saxony. He was a giant among men, and even though he perished before we reached Jerusalem, I know he was there in spirit. I wish Kaiser Henry the best in his term and I will continue to serve his Majesty and the Reich in whatever task I am given. May the new century bring us new victories and greater prosperity.

Glory to God, the Kaiser and the Reich.

Duke Otto von Kassel

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1200.zip

[TinCow]

*The Bavarian lawyer stands.*

On behalf of the Count of Nuremburg, let me be the first to congratulate Duke von Kassel on his superbly administered term. My Lord was once a heavy critic of the Duke's, to put it mildly. Yet for many years now the letters he has sent me from the Crusade have been lavishing praise and esteem upon the Duke of Bavaria. On behalf of all the citizens of Nuremburg, I wish to thank Duke von Kassel for his unparalleled services to the Reich. This has been the most prosperous and successful Chancellorship that the Empire has ever seen.

*The Bavarian lawyer turns to Gunther and gives a deeply respectful bow.*

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: The Eighth Diet session is now open for the proposing of Edicts. The deadline for submission is 2pm Thursday, UK time, and there will then be a 24 hour period of voting.

[OverKnight]

Gunther speaks again:

My master has instructed me to forward this proposed edict:

Edict 8.1: The Milanese will be offered peace and trade rights with at most 5,000 florins as an incentive. If they refuse, they are to be destroyed expeditiously by taking Corsica and Sardinia, unless we are delayed from doing so by a Papal Bull. Once both islands are in our possession, Sardinia will be offered to the Sicilians in exchange for florins and/or their good will.

Proposed: Otto von Kassel
Seconded: Maximillian Mandorf, Gerhard Steffen

Our diplomat on Corsica has reported back about an army of cavalry and siege weapons on the island. Rather than wait for this axe to fall, we should make peace or finish them. Also, Sicily has stuck with us as allies through some dark times. They have shown that they desire Sardinia with their short lived attacks on the Milanese, so we should give it to them to improve our relations, and to prevent that island from causing a rift in our alliance.

Both islands are underdeveloped, so the goal here is to eliminate or neutralize the Milanese while improving our relations with the Sicilians, rather than just territorial acquisition. By doing both, we can secure Italy even further from attack or betrayal.

Please note that up to 5,000 florins is authorized. Personally I do not feel that the Milanese are worth that much, but we should give the Kaiser some latitude in this matter.

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: Although there will be no election for Chancellor this Diet, the Kaiser has sent me this message to the Diet to serve in lieu of a manifesto.

I am grateful beyond words to Duke Otto for his achievements during the last Diet. The motherland in Europe is strong and secure with powerful armies protecting our borders. We are reconciled with the Pope and have achieved our objective of gifting him Jerusalem, in a sanctioned crusade no less. These are tremendous achievements.

My Chancellorship will consolidate these gains. I propose a threefold programme:

(1) Continue to guard our European homeland, aggressively challenging any enemy armies that menace them. Franconia is perhaps the most pressed of our Houses - I will ensure its generals are well resourced. Swabia will be given a freer reign to strike at the French. Austria will be provided with additional commanders (from other Houses until more of her own emerge) to guard its large border. Bavaria guards perhaps our most secure border, that with Sicily to the South, and so her generals will be given an outlet for their talents in southern France and in guarding the hinterland of the Reich. But I will not lie to you - I do not propose an expansion of our European borders at this time. Where possible, I will emphasise measures that contribute to the strength of our economy, so my successors will have a strong foundation to weather any future challenges.

(2) Support our allies and seek to impose a Pax Romana on our enemies. We are the mightiest power in Europe - our word should carry weight. The first action here will be to return Constantinople to our brother Romans, the Byzantines. I will launch a seaborne expedition to take the city from the Hungarians and return it to Byzantium. If our enemies continue to defy us, we will strike aggressively at them - routing their armies and sacking their settlements, not to conquer but to enforce peace.

(3) Establish a Kingdom of Outremer in the Levant. We have two provinces there at present - Acre and Adana. They are divided and unsustainable as permanent outposts on their own. Outremer will only be viable if the rich city of Antioch is taken, allowing Acre and Adana to be linked. Aleppo and Damascus must also be taken to screen Antioch and Jerusalem from the East. Together this five provinces will constitute Outremer. I envisage this Kingdom being formally established at the next Diet by a Charter Amendment. The following is a draft of the kind of Amendment I will propose. However, I ask you not to vote on it now, but to let us trial this arrangement under my Chancellorship. If all goes well, I hope the Amendment will achieve the 2/3 majority necessary to pass at the next Diet. If not, we will have time to learn from any failures and to draft a superior set of rules around which there can be a consensus.

The Charter of the Kingdom of Outremer

1. The Kingdom of Outremer will consist of Antioch, Acre, Adana, Aleppo and Damascus.
2. The Kingdom of Outremer is an integral part of the Reich. It is not a fifth House.
3. The function of the Kingdom is defensive: to safeguard Jerusalem and protect the gateway to Christendom
4. The Kingdom will be overseen by a King of Outremer, who will be appointed by the Emperor at each full Diet session. The King will temporarily renounce all loyalties to his House for the duration of his appointment (e.g. if Duke, must appoint a Steward).
5. The King will command a Household Army, both acting according to Charter Amendment 5.2 (with the King assuming the role of “Duke”). He may delegate the day to day command of the Army (assign other generals to lead it in battle). However, contrary to CA5.2, to be in accordance with article (1), the Army may not be used to permanently conquer neighbouring provinces (recapturing Christian settlements taken by non-Christians and returning them to their original owners would be allowed).
6. Outremer’s provinces will be governed by Crusading Counts. These will also be appointed at every Diet, by the new King. The King will set the build queue for any provinces without a Count.
7. Both the King and Crusading Counts must be physically located outside Europe for the duration of their appointments.
8. All four Houses of the Reich have a stake in the Kingdom. Damascus is assigned to Austria; Adana is assigned to Bavaria; Acre is assigned to Swabia; and Aleppo is assigned to Franconia. Antioch will be the capital of Outremer and an Imperial province governed by the King of Outremer. The Crusading Count for a settlement must come from the appropriate House. They will gain an additional +1 influence (over and above any influence for being a Count of a European settlement) but only for the Diet session that marks their appointment. The cap of 5 influence for all but the Emperor remains.

[Ituralde]

Hear, Hear!

I absolutely have to agree with the representative of Count Manford! Chancellor von Kassel has been successful in all his promises.

It's also good to hear of the Emperor's plans for his Chancellorship. I believe his plans to be wise, although an expedition to free Constantinople can be a risky undertaking, for little gain.

I'm much more concerned with our posessions in Outremere and if we truly try to establish a seperate kingdom there with Crusading Counts from all Houses then we should instead focus our energies on conquering the proposed settlements. Maybe we should even attempt to call a second Crusade to reinforce our posessions and lead the decisive push against those settlements. Surely each House wants to be represented in the founding of such a glorious new kingdom under the rule of the Emperor!

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: It is unlikely that the Pope would sanction a crusade so soon after the one to Jerusalem, but if the opportunity should arise towards the end of the Kaiser's Chancellorship, I am sure he would seize it. The timing may well coincide with a move against Damascus.

On another matter, I have received a communication from the Kaiser on the allocation of newly conquered settlements:

In accordance with the draft Charter for Outremer, Adana and Acre will formally remain Imperial territories, but be governed by Bavaria and Swabia respectively.

Breslau is assigned to Franconia and Ragusa to Austria.

I have deliberated hard over the assignment of Marseilles. I recognise that France falls within the natural sphere of influence of Swabia and acknowledge that Swabia has shown some restraint in halting its "rebellion".

However, I cannot ignore that rebellion or be seen to condone it. I therefore assign the settlement to Bavaria, in recognition of Gerhard Steffen's initiative in taking the city by a coup de main and above all in gratitude to the Duke of Bavaria's outstanding accomplishments as our Chancellor.

I anticipate that this last decision may cause some dissension within Swabian ranks, but I can assure members of that House that as a former Swabian myself, I feel no prejudice against them. I am willing to start our relationship from a clean slate and work with them to expand their holdings. I warn them, however, that any further "rebellion" will be just as unproductive as the last.

Henry

[Warluster]

prinz Jobst stands,and whispers

Hm... I certianly don't like this term of 'rebellion'

Jobst speaks louder, but in a controlled tone

Good speeches Duke Von Kassel and kaiser Henry, many things have been made clear.

I have had a thought, but since Ulrich just reached the Holy Land, and either Adana or Acre is now Swabian, maybe Ulrich would wish to govern the Swabian one? It would mean he can't govern Metz anymore, which could be given to Duke Friedrich?

Jobst sits

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: My Prince, Acre has been informally assigned to Swabia but with Hans as the governor. It was Hans who took the settlement and the Kaiser has faith in the ability of his eldest son to help prepare Outremer for the trials to come.

As Steward, I believe Friedrich governs Staufen, the capital of Swabia, just as he would if confirmed as the Duke.

That leaves Metz available to either Ulrich or Elberhard. As Steward, Friedrich has the power to appoint either man as Count of Metz. Both are destined to serve in Outremer, but this is not an obstacle to governing a settlement in the homeland - most crusaders govern estates back home.

My Prince, your mention of Ulrich does raise the issue of the leadership of Swabia, which the Kaiser wished the Diet to formally decide this session. He proposes the following clarifying Charter Amendment:

Charter Amendment 8.1
Clause 1:
Amend 1.4 by adding: If no build queue is posted for a settlement, the Chancellor can build what he likes. The Chancellor may upgrade a settlement at any time (ie upgrade the walls regardless of a build queue), unless such an upgrade is forbidden in advance by the governor.
Clause 2:
Amend 4.7 by adding: If a Duke resigns, the Kaiser appoints a successor.

Assuming that Charter Amendment 8.1 passes, the Kaiser will appoint a Duke of Swabia. He wishes to consult the House of Swabia on this appointment. If members could contact him privately on who they wish to be the new Duke, their views would be considered when making the appointment.

Charter Amendment 8.1 requires two seconders. Also, if anyone else has some clarifying amendments to the Charter that they would like included together with the two existing clauses, please propose them and they can be bundled together.

[Northnovas]

The count of Zagreb stands to address the Diet...

Mr. Speaker I would like second CA 8.1.
The 1.4 makes sense having been in that position. The Chancellor is on top of these matters and could expedite an expansion because of the opportunities that arise and knowing what is in the treasury.
Clause 2 4.7 would also make sense having this matter before the house in recent memory and it should be the responsibility of the Kaiser to decide such an honourable position.

[FactionHeir]

The servant reads a message from his Count:

My noble lords, the Count of Bern wishes to express his support for CA 8.1 which the Emperor in his wisdom proposed.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

I must wish my Duke, Otto von Kassel, a sincere "well done." In his time he has managed to reverse many previous wrongs. I wish Kaiser Henry the same successes in his Chancellorship.

In addition, I second Charter Amendment 8.1.

[TinCow]

*The Bavarian lawyer stands once again.*

My lords, I have received word from the Count of Nuremburg and I am here to communicate his wishes for this session of the Diet.

*The lawyer unrolls a parchment and begins to read.*

Electors, we live now in a Reich that none of us has ever known. We are truly the Holy Roman Empire now in deed as well as name. We are the Pope's most favored nation, we control the ancient and holy city of Rome, and we are the Christian Guardians of the Papal seat in Jerusalem. Yet, there is still a blot on our Christian souls.

We fight and bleed for the Glory of God. We have defeated Muhammadan Jihads and are restoring the Word of Christ to the East. Yet to this day we remain political allies of the Moorish infidels! These beasts, these demons, who have subjugated and slaughtered the Iberian Christians, they are our formal political allies! How can we claim to be a holy Christian nation when we commit such diplomatic atrocities? There is only one way to purge ourselves of this shameful stain: we must throw down this alliance and let all know that we will not give aid and comfort to infidels. Therefore I propose the following Edict:

Edict 8.2: The Chancellor must end the alliance with the Moors. The Chancellor may not seek an alliance with any Muslim nation for any reason.

I note with pleasure the Kaiser's plans for an independent domain in the East. It is right and fair that these lands be kept out of the formal control of the Ducal Houses. The Lands of Christ are not prizes to be squabbled over by future generations of noblemen who may have less pure aspirations than our current crop of pious Romans.

However, I am displeased with clause 8 of the Kaiser's proposed Amendment. This clause specifically allocates certain territories to each House. While is this right and proper under the current circumstances, it does not allow for change and thus I cannot support it. What if, many years from now, a certain House falls under the sway of Demonic forces? From their right of command in the East, they could inflict great damage on the Papal Seat and the rejuvenated Christian Kingdoms. Therefore I urge the Kaiser to reword clause 8 to allow for a change in the Household assignment of provinces should he or a future Kaiser deem it necessary. I see no problems with the current allocation of Holy provinces to the Houses, but when making such significant changes to the Imperial Charter, it is important to consider future circumstances, no matter how unlikely.

On a final note, I have been greatly vexed by the amount of heresy that exists in the region. In my time in Adana, I have received reports that nearly 40 percent of the peasantry of this province is under the sway of heretic priests who openly conduct Devil worship. The problem is equally bad in the province to the west, where rumor has it that the local Devil worshipers have risen up against the Turks and thrown out their Muhammadan masters. As much as I hate Muslim sacrilege, they at least have the good sense to recognize the good works of Christ's teachings. The pagan idolaters who plague these lands are far, far worse. I urge the Kaiser to do all in his power to immediately combat the spread of this perfidious disease of the soul.

*The Bavarian lawyer finishes reading the scroll and looks up.*

I believe my Lord would also wish to second Charter Amendment 8.1. Accordingly, I hereby do so in his name.

[Ignoramus]

Lothar von Aachen, a retainer of Herr Ulrich, stands and addresses the Diet.

Mein lord, Ulrich Hummel, wishes me to convey his thoughts to the Diet.

I have heard that the Kaiser intends to create a kingdom in the Outremer, yet he intends to keep it under Imperial control. The Holy Land is not a personal possession of the Kaiser. Nein, indeed, those who have won those lands for themselves ought to govern them for the Church. Have not we sacrificed our lands, wealth, and honours in Europe? Should we not, therefore be free from Imperial control? Therefore, I draft an edict to grant those their due rights.

Charter Ammendment 8.2
The lands in the Levant shall be assigned by the Council of Crusaders. The King of the Outremer shall also be elected by the Crusaders. The Diet shall still discuss matters concerning the Holy Land, but the Council of Crusaders can put forward more than the maximum number of edicts, providing they concern the Holy Land.

I also applaud Count Mandorf's proposed edict. He is truly a pious man, and is concerned not only for things temporal, but also for things spiritual. Therefore, I second Edict 8.2.

Ulrich Hummel.

Lothar bows and sits down.

[Northnovas]

The Count of Zagreb stand to address the members...

I would like to second Edict 8.2 the Moors have been useful fighting a common enemy the French but I feel their is no need to be allied with them any further. The new lands will take some time to convert and feel that we maybe be battling non christian faiths for sometime. It would only make sense to refrain from such alliances and to use our resources for alliance with other Christian neighbours.