Imperial Diet III

[Cecil XIX]

A message arrives from the Austrian fortress of Ragusa.

It is with a heavy heart that I have received news of my dear brother's death. Since childhood I had looked up to him for his bravery and uprightness, and his death serves as a stark reminder of our own mortality. Now I pledge that I will do everything in my power to avenge my brother and honor his memory.

With Sorrow,
Sigismund von Mahren

[TinCow]

A message arrives from Lothar Steffen's small force near Zagreb.

Ehrhart von Mahren died as a true nobleman should, sword in hand and with countless enemy bodies at his feet. His life was short, but glorious. What grieves me most is that I shall now never have the opportunity to bear arms with this noble brother of the Reich.

My men will not mourn tonight or any other night. We shall celebrate instead. Celebrate the valor of one of the Empire's finest men. He is an example to us all. Courage in battle. Leadership from the front. Death before defeat. Ehrhart von Mahren will be remembered as a hero of the Empire and his name will be told to our children for generations to come!

[Stuperman]

A message arrives from Gerhard Steffen

This is most terrible news, One of the Riech's own falling in battle! There will be a day of mourning across all Bavarian lands to honour the young Von Merhan. May his eternal soul rest in StoVoKor

My Appoligies for not being able to attend the Diet in person, but I am afficked(sp) with the most dredful of illnesses, and am unable to make the short trip from My bed to the Diet.

[AussieGiant]

A clean an unarmored Arnold walks into the Diet with obvious pain. Fresh and vivid wounds can be seen on his arms and neck and there is substantial bruising to his face and head

Gentlemen,

I have left Jonas von Mahren to bury his eldest son at their family estate to the north. I can only say that what took place at the gates of Durazzo was something that will be spoken about through the ages.

As a victory it was Heroic and at the same time tragic. Ehrhart von Mahren was to be my second in Austria and would have lead the other half of the House Army with great distinction and courage. Sadly that will now never come to pass.

I have commissioned a statue of Ehrhart von Mahren to be erected in Vienna to honour his passing and to ensure the sacrifice he made for his adopted home is never forgotten.

I have decided that Durazzo will be kept for the time being but it is at the disposal of the Chancellor and should to be used in any negotiations on behalf of the Reich. If the Venetian's come to reclaim it then so be it. They can have it. A token militia garrison can be established to prevent rioting and all other units will be coming north to rest, rearm and replenish in Ragusa.

Once back in Ragusa I will select another von Mahren to accompany me and we will drive the remaining Hungarian army from Austrian lands.

With that Arnold turns and leaves the Diet with the ex Count of Venice and another Military adviser shadowing him

[gibsonsg91921]

A man enters - he is Ehrhart von Mahren's lawyer:

We all mourn the loss of my master Ehrhart von Mahren. He died nobly at Durazzo for Austria, tragically going at such a young age. It was his dying wishes that Austria should one day drive Venice off the globe and that his brother, Sigismund, should conquer Crete and be its count. Let us have a moment of silence at his passing.

[OverKnight]

Otto is visibly shaken by the news of the young knight's death.

It seems like only yesterday he and I were arguing in this very chamber. It is a cruel fate that takes someone from us so young, with much of his life yet to be written.

Still, he died in battle, defending his friends and family. His sacrifice helped his father achieve victory against the Venetians. Ehrhart is a hero of the Empire.

My condolences to the von Mahren family and to Austria, the boy will be missed.

[FactionHeir]

*A messenger brings a notice from the chancellor*

My noble lords.
It is with pride that I present you... Sofia.
This Hungarian stronghold is now officially part of the empire and the faithless Hungarian prince lies dead as do most of his subjects who came to reinforce the citadel in its defence. Further, I have hunt down several Hungarian regiments around the citadel to secure it but have chosen to release the prisoners in a show of good faith, that peace may be possible.
As I have chosen to sack the citadel to subdue the locals from rising up against us, I have managed to fund twice as many constructions as before.

Please find the collated casualties for both sides with this notice

OOC Note: Even though Hans had an extra knight unit above the limit, in either battle, at least 1 knight unit was not utilized for combat.

[Northnovas]

A messenger arrives from the Austrian Household and addresses the speaker. They chat briefly and he unrolls a document and address the Diet floor..

Elector!, Greeting from the Count of Zagreb he wishes to express his gratitude to the young noble Sir Lothar Steffan for the liberation of Zagreb. This is truly joyous news. The Count gives the "key" to the city to Sir Steffan and his men. Rest and resupply and take what you need there is no expense for the work to rid those Hungarian foes. It is comforting to know the city is now save.
I also received the tragic news from Durazzo and I would also like to express my sympathy to the von Mahren and the death of the young Ehrhart. His valour will not be forgotten by the House of Austria.
Electors, the news from the Outremer is good. The Crusaders are almost at their goal . These Horse Lords from the East are different from any foe we have met. We are deploying new tatics and there numbers are many but we shall over come because we are doing the Lord's work in this barren land.
May God continue to bless the Reich and Kasier.

The messenger bows before the member and sits with the Austrian delegates.