Imperial Diet III

[OverKnight]

Otto speaks from his chair, as he seems to lack the will to stand:

From the scraps of information I have, it seems the battle was not planned, nor did Prinz Jobst initiate the assault. It seems to have been a colossal misunderstanding.

Yes, the Prinz did have the option of withdrawing, and his attitude in his letter alarming, but the grounds for war were already there. Withdrawal would change nothing, but it would leave a large hostile army on our lands. If our hand is forced, we might as well strike as hard as we can. There are no good outcomes to this, but we must deal with the situation as it is now. We can not turn back time.

When I called for an investigation, I was not singling out the Prinz, there is an unseen hand directing these events. We must find out who is responsible for this treachery and eliminate them. It will not change what has happened, but we must have retribution for what has occurred.

God save the Reich, God save all of us.

[Stuperman]

The whole room chills and the torches flicker hard against an unseen force, as Gerhard enters, Horrifying the Diet at his appearance, He coughs deeply and something emerges from his throat and is deposited on the diet floor.

"I hope he kills every last one of them.....

The Lands of the Danes are rich, and once conquered would allow us to eliminate a front, allowing us to better defends out boarders.

Although I know little of the circumstances of the battle, I can see many advantages to this war"

And as for the pope that blithering idiot can go rot in the 'hell' he's always going on about."

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

What?!

Gerhard, I expected better of you. Have we not for many years shared a peaceful border with the Danes? Lest you forget, the world views us as the initiator of hostile actions. We have never had any qualms with these people.

[AussieGiant]

Still visibly shaken the Count of Venice looks as Gerhard

WHAT are you talking about Gerhard!!

Have you gone mad or are you possessed by some crazed lunatic!!??

I thought I knew you my lord but clearly I was mistaken.

Do you actually want this all to happen?

[Warluster]

Prinz Jobst walks into the Diet, his armor cracked and twigs is his hair. He sits, where his aide fills him in on everything, then stands

Fellow electors,

I have returned from North Germany,past Frankfurt. The battle was one of the easiest of my career, and I am honored to say, I duelled and killed the Danish prince myself.
The Prinz winces but continues

Some say you wish to put me on trial like a witch, I ask why? It is not my fault the Danes came barging into our territory, I wasn't waiting for them! I was defending your homes, I was defending the Reich when they rudely walk through with no permission! Absurd.

But I had mercy, and we ransomed them for 2000 florins, I hope it upgrades your castles gentlemen.

Prinz Jobst sits

[AussieGiant]

Looking aghast at the Prinz

My lord,

Don't ALL crusading armies HOLD papers from the Pope that request free and unhindered passage through Christian lands!!!???

They were on Crusade weren't they Prinz Jobst?? Did you ask?

[Warluster]

Prinz Jobst nervoulsy stands and looks at the Count of Venice

Well... the leader of that army was a secret rebel anyway, its no real loss is it? And the Pope shall forgive us when he knows.

Jobst whispers silently

Or I'll kill him myself

Jobst straighens up and continues speaking

I was merely defending myself.

Jobst sits