Imperial Diet II

[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.