Imperial Diet III

[Dutch_guy]

A Franconian messenger enters the Diet.

It seems we're losing good men at a high rate indeed, von Kassel will be missed by us all. Just like Ehrhart will, he was too young to leave this world - but at least he did so honourably.

Yours sincerely,

Duke Kastillien.

[McIwoo]

A Bavarian messenger enters the Diet.

To my dear Father and the to the Most Noble Members of the Imperial Diet,

I feel it is my duty to warn you about the unrest plaguing the civic order in northern Italy. It has come to my attention during my stay in this region that three cities in particular: Bologna, Marseille and Florence suffer from a generalized lack of patriotism. Several other areas I found to be also agitated, these include Milan, Venice and Geneoa.

If this situation was to be left alone, I fear the level of agitation would require a strong answer from the Empire, armed repression and potentially even military action. However, before reaching this dire level, the current situation could potentially represent a risk for the economical well being and growth of the region. I insist on this last point as northern Italy is of such a vital importance to the maintenance of our troops stationed in the Holy Land.

In the next few months I will apply myself to find potential solutions to these issues.

For Bavaria and the Empire,

Markus Steffen
Count of Marseille

[OverKnight]

Matthias Steffen enters the Diet and speaks:

This is a farce! My brother was sent into battle, on Austrian lands no less, with a mere unit of Teutons and his own retainers! Where was the Austrian Household Army, or the rest of his Army that he had at Zagreb? And if he is a "provisional" Knight, why wasn't his force enlarged since he left Zagreb, or at least Mercenaries hired to assist him? Not to mention the sheer cowardice of the Budapest garrison. Their commander should be stripped of rank and set to building watchtowers for such incompetence!

At least if we're going to send him into battle against such odds, we should give him the rank he deserves. Some of our men had been made Knights because they ran down some peasant who brandished his pitchfork in the wrong direction! End this joke of a not-quite-a-Knighthood!

Bavarian Honor demands it!

Matthias sits down in the Bavarian section with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

[FactionHeir]

You may be unaware, but supplies of horse and food were only enough to send his retainers and either the teutons or the mailed knights against the Hungarians besieging Budapest in time.
I chose to send with him the teutons, knowing they are our most elite knights.

It seems young Lothar has done well in the battle and finally proved his worth.
I am sure his father would like to have the honor of knighting him formally once he is back in Italy. I for one now consider him a knight officially.

[Stig]

Message from Ansehelm, as read out in the Diet

What is this? Don't you have to be knighted anymore to command an army? What is this for wahnsinn?
Today an unknighted noble, what will come tomorrow? Heinrich und Karl the dung collectors?

And next to all this Swabia is still allowed to penetrate further and further into French territory, without an edict, without the approval of the Diet.

I think the honourable Hans should ask himself the question if he's up for the job of chancellor.

Ansehelm
Count of Thorn
Heir to Franconia
Extremely off

[FactionHeir]

I believe the young Steward Ansehelm should be more careful in his judgement if he wishes to one day lead Franconia.

Firstly, Lothar Steffen did not lead an army but a small force as he cunningly derided from our charter. As there was no legal barrier that prevented him from doing so, it was approved.

Secondly, I ridicule your constant comments about Swabia's expansions as they have not advanced any further than Paris as we speak. Maybe you ought to look at our Imperial maps in the mornings when you may be more clear headed?

[Stig]

Another message from Thorn

Lothar Steffen might have led only a little army, he did have the overall command in the battle. Something which is normally only giving to an Army Commander.

And tell me which Edict allowed Swabia to march into France at all.