Imperial Diet V

**econ21** · 09-22-2007, 10:55

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** · 09-22-2007, 11:08

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** · 09-22-2007, 11:13

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** · 09-22-2007, 11:27

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** · 09-22-2007, 13:57

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.

**econ21** · 09-23-2007, 12:24

Elberhard: Just a reminder: Dukes should post orders and designate commanders for Household Armies. Governors should post build queues and tax settings.

Any instructions posted after 3pm Monday (UK time) will not be binding.

**Privateerkev** · 09-23-2007, 14:56

Jan tiredly pads into the Diet with his sleeping cap still on.

I hereby rescind CA 13.1. Please update the rolls. Thank you.

Jan stumbles back out, stubbing his toe on a pen left on the floor. His grumbling can be heard down the hall.