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.