Imperial Diet II

[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.