Imperial Diet V

[FactionHeir]

Apologies for my absence and to Duke Ansehelm for the unworthy insults of my vassal. While it is unfortunate that this had an effect on our alliance at this point, I hope that you will not think too much on some lowly man's words.

That said, few or none of us know about the conditions under which re-unification will come by and I would suggest that while healthy debate on this topic can be fruitful, outright refusing any possibility regardless how beneficial for us at this point is not wise. Let Siegfried negotiate as he wishes, but do know that it is us, the diet, who have the final say. Thus, there is absolutely nothing to worry about for the moment.

[AussieGiant]

Raising an eyebrow at the last comment

"Thus, there is absolutely nothing to worry about for the moment."

They could be some famous last words on this topic Duke Hans.

What would seem a perfectly reasonable request at this time is to have some back channel information on what is happening and progress reports from the Kaiser.

God knows how he is able to negotiate when any of the points he is talking about can be rejected by us.

And that is still my point!! By the time he comes back to us, it will be too late to do anything further that other "take it or leave it".

Looking at Prinz Elberhard

Any thoughts my Prinz?

[FactionHeir]

With all due respect Duke Arnold, I did say that healthy debate on this topic is fruitful. My last comment was directed at those who outright reject any attempt to begin with.

[OverKnight]

Matthias still looks under the weather but speaks.

While I am not a Franconian, what is to be done with Vilnius? Securing it was one of the major goals of my second term, and if its disposition is not dealt with by a CA, it will be abandoned by default. It seems a waste of all that effort.

I have also heard talk that if we do abandon it, that we should destroy its military buildings before doing so. I believe this would also require legislation.

I am surprised that is has fallen off the map, as it was quite the topic during the last session. Though considering this session, it's understandable.

Personally, from my own experience, I believe Vilnius can be defended and should be accepted into the Reich. I still think Krakow should still be taken to provide a link between Austria and Franconia and shorten our eastern border.

Of course, I am a Bavarian, so my views on these matters carry less weight than my eastern brethren.

[econ21]

Elberhard: Duke Arnold, negotiations are delicate things and are best left to individual negotiators to hammer out in private. Siegfried, due to his standing as both Kaiser and Chancellor, and his marriage tie, is uniquely placed to be our negotiator.

The Diet has the ultimate say on any Charter Amendments, but - with all respect - it is not the best place to work out a negotiating position. It is too fractious, too public and too unwieldy. Would we have to vote on each and every proposed term of the negotiations?! You know what the crusaders in Outremer call camels? - @#$%^&!!!ing horses designed by a committee!

Further, inevitably compromises must be made and, if we are to gain suzerainty over the entire Byzantine lands, we will also have to give up something in return. Until we get a feel for what the Byzantines are willing to deal, it is folly to publicly precommit ourselves to surrender this or not surrender that. If the Kaiser has first to thrash out the terms to this Diet first, he will be too constrained and have no room to bargain with the Byzantines.

The principle of the negotiations is clear - the Kaiser will become Augustus of all the combined lands of the Reich and the Byzantines, who will be - in effect - our vassals. However, for the details, let us wait to see what can be negotiated. If the Diet wishes to reject it and re-start negotiations, it may do so but at least we will be clearer about what the other side is willing to deal.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Fair enough Duke Hans, I assume you are not directing your comments towards me then.

Sucking a deep lung full of air through clenched teeth Arnold leans back into his seat.

You're missing my point Prinz Elberhard.

Shaking his head in amusement and some frustration the Duke stands and makes his way towards the outer room where drink and food are normally served.

Right then, I guess it's time for some white wine and appetisers gentlemen.

And Matthias, Krakow is being addressed by Edict 13.1.

[econ21]

Elberhard: Duke Arnold, if your point is that the Kaiser should send back regular reports to the Diet on his negotiations, then be assured he will.

If your point is how can the Kaiser possibly negotiate when the Diet is full of awkward @#$%^&!!! like you, then I would have to answer - it beats me, mate.

I'll take you up on that drink, though.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold

It's good to know there will be some type if dissemination of information.

God forbid any Duke or noble wanting to actually know about one of the most important events in their lifetime before it's all over.

And last time I checked Elberhard, this isn't a mushroom farm, so sitting in the dark and being feed bullshiet WILL make me one awkward %#$er!!

Drinks it is then and the KAISER is buying!!

[Stig]

Ansehelm

Vilnius is to be abandoned would it be up to me. With taking Krakow my brothers get enough to defend, let them be occupied with that, instead of shouting in here.
In the mean time I can simply sit back and relax in Frankfurt.