Imperial Diet VI

[GeneralHankerchief]

Dietrich von Dassel:

I apologize Duke Ansehelm, I thought much worse of you. Clearly you are a German patriot and I regret ever siding against you.

[TinCow]

While I do not support an attack on our Byzantine allies, I do believe that Peter von Kastilien acted out of loyalty to the Reich and the desire to do what is right. In consideration of his lifetime of service to Franconia and the Reich, I join with Duke Ansehelm in calling for his release. Let Peter's own Duke determine the punishment which is warranted for him in this matter. His history of service is more than sufficient to counteract a foolhardy move that was the result of a passion of the heart, rather than a rational mind.

[RoadKill]

I also agree, Peter should be realeased! He only attacked our Byzantium allies for the sake of the Reich, is that not what we all want, Loyalty to the Reich! We should even follow his footsteps, and continue where he has left off!

[Privateerkev]

Dassel,

My how you whine when you only have yourself to blame for your situation. Your the one that agreed to do the dirty work of others. Your the one that agreed to be the public face of a group of people who were trying to overthrow the Kaiser's prerogative. Your the one that harbored a man who has advocated violence against the Holy Father as well as innocent civilians. Your the one that keeps agitating matters with your own Duke in hope that some benefactor will come and sweep you away from the cruel fate that has befallen you. Your the one that has raised an army on the very doorsteps of the Papal capital while harboring a man who wishes to supplant the Pope. Surely any reasonable man could see why we would look at you with suspicion yet you act like your the lone persecuted populist rebel. You reap what you sow.

Duke Lothar,

It was Pope Abbate himself that pushed for religious re-unification. He himself had the humility and humbleness to admit he is not infallible. He is a great man that you and I could never hope to emulate. But at least I try to be faithful.

Duke Arnold,

After our Kaiser was assassinated on your lands, surely you can see how we would raise an eyebrow to the fact that you claim to have authorized Dassel to raise an extra army right on the Pope's doorstep. Also, could you be good enough to leave Kaiser Elberhard's wife out of your ranting? Show some respect.

Duke Ansehelm,

You never cared one lick for Outremer so spare us your false platitudes. You have done everything but publicly endorse Peter's rebellion. You refused to fire him. Even now he stands ready to inherit all of Franconia if you die. As for me betraying my father by gifting Outremer, leave him out of this. He never cared for you or your whole family. My father warned me that the Kastilians would drive this duchy into the ground. You've always had your narrow vision only on the Russians and Poles in front of you. You've sure picked a convenient time to pretend your cosmopolitan.

To the whole Diet,

This circus has gone on long enough. The Kaiser's absence has made some believe that they can ignore the clear power relationships established by the Charter. Well, the Kaiser is here and some seem to resent those power relationships being re-established. I get charged for being a lapdog when all I have done is what everyone should have been doing all along. I just didn't go off and run to grab as much power as my greedy little hands could carry like some of you did. I refused to take advantage of the Kaiser's absence. Now there are sour grapes among some of you because things aren't as easy to get away with. If you don't like something, go through the proper procedures. Do not incite rebellion. Do not make your army mutiny. Do not form a secret cabal so you can usurp power for yourself. And do not assassinate the Kaiser all because he did not bow to your petty whims.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Dietrich von Dassel:

You are speaking in tongues, von Hamburg. I've never heard of such a thing in my life. Do you realize how stupid you look? Do you realize that you are pointing your grubby little finger at the entire Diet in this supposed plot to assassinate the Kaiser? Yes, yes, we all conspired to do it together. That must be it! Never mind we could have just called an Emergency Session. Fool.

Once again, to all who doubt my motives: I am raising an army for the protection of the people of Ragusa. It seems to be working. I suggest all of you who get in a spot of bother (how's that new Cathedral in Damascus holding up?) try it sometime.

[Privateerkev]

It's amazing how fast you can shift from being magically prescient to completely ignorant.

Let me know how it's working for you.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Dietrich von Dassel:

You paranoid maniac, you have just accused the entire Diet of killing the Kaiser. And yet I'm ignorant.

[Privateerkev]

I did no such thing. I only told them what not to do. I challenge you to find the words where I say otherwise.

Your word twisting almost has a twinge of desperation in it. Can you at least try to accomplish your political goals by using the truth? Are you even capable of telling the truth?

Bah, soon Duke Hans will have the situation well in hand. By harboring that criminal, you have enabled all of the violence and death that has crept across this land. Him being in custody will be a small comfort in this dark time.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Dietrich von Dassel:

I'm not desperate. I'm pissed off. I'm pissed off that somehow, a pretentious, snivelling, Holier-Than-Thou, lapdoggish, homosexual, blinded, stubborn, stinking, smelling, desert rat, suck-up, wimp, flaming homosexual Mama's-boy could be considered dignified and a voice of reason whilst I am a pariah!!!

You have no authority to determine whether that great man Alexander Luther is a criminal. You have no idea what his capture will mean to the Reich. You have no idea even what you just said, twisting your own words and mine to suit your purpose, God knows what it is.

First of all, you have somehow accused me of being in this cabal, and somehow being the public face of it. Yes, this cabal, if it exists, has certainly protected me. Look at me. I have no County, no House, no power. Moron.

Secondly, in addition to what I said earlier, I now add you are a flaming hypocrite, yelling at Duke Ansehelm for daring to put you and your dear father in the same sentence, and at the same time attacking his entire family.

Thirdly, and finally, you have told the entire Diet not to assassinate the Kaiser. Specifically, in a manner that has already occurred. Ah yes, you meant "don't do it again." I see.

May God have mercy on us all and have the good sense to strike you mute so that we may end your ridiculous, paranoid, rantings.

[Stuperman]

I must agree with what Mien Duke Lothar says, Peter was acting out of concern the Riech, not attempting to grab power. His release will send the message that the ideals of the riech still stand, and that politics won't come before them

It also disturbs me that Florence has been implicated in the Kaiser's death, Bavaria as a whole is loyal to the Riech, and the idea of re-unification, infact between Naples, Palmero, and Thessaloníki no duchy has done more to that end.

And Jan, the only thing pope Abbate care about is selling indulgences, the more people he can sell to the better, that's why he pushed for this arrangement.

[Privateerkev]

Dassel,

I didn't say "don't do it again". I said, "do not...". Also, I do not judge you competent enough to divine meaning from my words.

I didn't attack Ansehelm's family. I only stated my father's opinion of it. My father was a very blunt man God rest his soul.

As to the rest, the worth of your opinion falls faster every time you open your mouth.

As for Luther, I will pray for both your soul and his, that God will show you both the True Path.

Jan, folds his hands, bows his head, and starts praying

[Privateerkev]

Jan stops praying and gets up. He grabs some reports and a map and sits back down at his desk. Unrolling the map, Jan matches points on the map with coordinates from the reports. He looks up with a furrowed brow.

Ok, maybe someone can explain this to me. Why does Ragusa have the equivalent of a Household Army garrisoned within it's walls? Both Austrian armies are pretty full at the moment.

According to the report from Hans's spy, the garrison has 3 regiments of spearmen, 3 regiments of footknights, 3 regiments of missile troops, 2 regiments of cavalry, and... 3 regiments of catapults.

6 catapults? What possible use could catapults have in garrisoning a settlement from internal dissent? Are you going to hurl flaming boulders at the crowds? The amount of troops present are far in excess to what is needed to garrison a castle and maintain civil order.

Yes, I know I will hear the claim that this is just to be a replacement force for Austrian armies. But this map shows that both Austrian armies are much closer to Bran than they are to Ragusa. And Bran has the ability to make cannons. So, Ragusa has 6 obsolete pieces of artillery far from either Austrian army.

But those 6 catapults are very very close to somewhere else...

[Stuperman]

Fredericus Erlach bursts into the diet

My lords, I'm happy to report that the french incursion has been halted, unfortunately, while setting up camp on the bridge west of the alps, we heard screams for help, I immediately sent out search parties. Alas when I got there, I found a papal inquisitor dead, torn apart by wolves, aparently the lord failed to tend to all his flock.



What concerns me more Jan, is the byzantine army marching on Rome.

[Northnovas]

From the Austrian bench stands a very distinct individual. One who feels a little uncomfortable in the settings for it’s been a long time since he had spoken in the House but presents a man of gentleness and authority…

Kaiser, Speaker, Electors!

It has been a long time since I have sat at this bench and debated the issues of the day. It is good to be on dry land after such a long voyage. Congratulations Fredericus on your victory. That is the news I like to hear on the floor. Smiling and looking towards the Kaiser

First Kaiser Elberhard, I pledge my allegiance to you and wish you a long and prosperous rein over the Reich. Bowing deeply in the Kaiser’s direction and then facing the Electors…..

I am shocked to hear of Siegfried’s death and near Austrian lands! I assure my Kaiser this House is loyal to the Crown. ….looking upwards and taking a deep breath he begins…..

I am told in my absence there is a circus in this Diet and I believe it because the performers are still at it!!

King Jan, you stand before this House and accuse every Elector here of some ill matter of disrespect or disloyalty to the Crown yet you set the worse example of an Elector or Nobleman when speaking in this House. I keep hearing where everyone else has erred but you!

Electors, the Outremer is lost and was lost in 1260 when with the first sacking of the city by the Egyptians and Papacy lost its capital moving back to Europe. We lost!! That’s was the end of the Outremer. Yet for the past 50 years we have continued the Charade by appointing King’s and Crusader Counts. For what I ask you!?

To fight non Christians in relentless battles for to protect something that no longer existed. The mandate was gone. Duke Ansehelm you say of the German blood spilled by our fore fathers those First Crusaders who had a mandate for Christianity. That is who let down when we lost Jerusalem. The lost lands now are a completely different matter that is not worth spilling of German blood. There are buildings of worship in the Outremer and the Reich destroyed. Looking amongst the Electors….

A man’s life of work wiped out not by the sword but the pen. The damage is done. I am glad I left because I had foreseen what was coming when the words of the mandate were only on paper and that spirit of the men was gone. It was not in their hearts to be the defenders of the faith and it showed by the Crown’s approach to the Outremer. To know that Damascus is smoldering in ruins breaks my heart. The one diamond in the rough destroyed. I could not bear to see the waste that is there now or see the reason to keep an army there. What of our men that are still there?? When do they return?? Why should we be left to defend Byzantine holdings?? .. looking around the room … coughs coming from the backbenches. There is no Pope in Jerusalem.

In fact I hear the Papacy abdicated in the reunification. The Unified Roman Church!? I cannot accept such an act of fornication. My faith will not be destroyed by the whims of an alliance with a culture who only holds contempt for us and does not wish to have a union of an empire. These are very dark time gentleman. ….lowering his voice…..again scanning the room.
Very dark times and we sit here watching the circus. Indeed how many of are you laughing. I am not!!! Our Kaiser is murdered and we have Duke Hans investigate who had an issue with the late Kaiser’s ascension to the throne and he blames the Bavarian House for the act??? Then questions Austrian House about its army build up. Everyone is pointing fingers and they don’t know what they are pointing at!

Here we are arguing about grammar tense and name calling when some cities in the Reich are at the boiling point. The Fraconian Peter, is he a hero and Heir to the throne? Why are we not discussing these issues? (I guess the sarcasm is lost in the text.)

Elector Dassel speaking from the heart and not the head very much like our King in his younger days challenging Dukes before the House, this childless bantering is not for this House take it to the Tavern. This is a House of debate by nobles not peasants.

Young Dassel has a “guest” residing in Ragusa with him. Who is this Luther? Is he an enemy of the state? He does not call for political change, he sees the Papacy abdicated so he questions why we are still following the Pope. Those are some good questions we should be asking ourselves. There is only one God and all men are equal before him. Buying the high priest favours does not advance us before the Lord. Our day of reckoning will come.

Electors, Let us focus on the issues. If we have no control over the gifting of lands then let’s debate what we have control over.

1. What is our diplomatic status and what are we doing against enemy states of the Reich?
2. What is Peter’s status?
3. What of this Luther and the implications of his removal from Ragusa.
4. What is the strength of all House Armies and what of the troops in the Outremer, do they return home or disband?
5. What is our faith so the people of the Reich know?

Zirn looks through the room again and exasperated look on his face as he slowly sits down to his seat…….

[AussieGiant]

Standing as soon as Karl Zirn sits, the Duke nods in acknowledgement to his senior most noble.

A few points my Lords.

Firstly Duke Hans, your comments about troops being Imperial are entirely your opinion and not accurate in my view. These troops are Austrian men, authorised by me, to man Austrian garrison and Austrian Field Armies. The fact that this has happens proves my point.

If you haven’t noticed please check the Austrian Chamber reports, I ordered Dietrich to maintain the unit surge during this time of escalation and it has turned out to be a correct move.

I have had the Kaiser murdered inside my Duchy, I’m personally extending my 2nd AHA to take Krakow for the Franconian’s, and there is unrest over half my land…combine that with the recent attacks on clergy and my subsequent orders to have them all escorted, then YES there are many more units than in times past. And I’d say they are an astute move given the situation!!

Therefore Duke Hans, you’ve made you investigations so I’d ask you to remove yourself from Austrian Lands. The last thing I am requiring is more armed troops in my Duchy.

Turning to King Jan

Of course all this can be applied to your comments as well. PLUS let me remind you, my loyalty and that of my nobles is without question and the actions of Becker and the 1st AHA prove that King Jan.

If you wish to gift your administrative responsibilities to the Byzantines then you are mad. I’ve seen the life work of my family in Outremer gone in the blink of a pen and based on some back room deal that seems to have no basis in reality.

God knows why any noble of this realm would believe that giving so much of our hard work to another nation for the simple need for reunification is beyond me. We could easily extend our selves past and around the Byzantines, maintain our alliance and continue on without losing a thing!!!

As for the religious reunification of the church, then is only a huge amount of naivety, that anyone can believe this is not just another secular deal. We own the church for god sake. How many Popes have been Holy Roman Cardinals in the last 100 year!!! The number will shock you gentlemen.

Turning to Karl Zirn.

Please make your way as soon as possible to the 1st AHA so you may take over command.

Looking at Kaiser

I assume you have no issue with this my Lord.

[Stig]

Ansehelm:
I suggest Jan does not make too much enemies, afterall, soon he will be the same rank as Herr von Dassel, no county, no command, nothing.

I have fought all my life for the Reich, I defended it, partly due to me the Russians and Poles, with their vast armies never managed to broke through. I know what is best for the Reich. I have seen men die for the Reich, charging the Polish and Russian hordes, not because it was for their own good, but for the Reich. Jan your own brother, and don't give me some lecture, he never liked you, I knew him better than you did, died for the Reich, he did not die for some foolish unification, I died to save the Reich. I did not march all the way to Moscow to see this at my return.


And I totally agree Herr Zirn, if I would have the choice of keeping or laeving Outremer I would leave it.
However, I would not give it to people who never did anything to deserve it. These men are the worst soldiers in the world, they have been pushed back all their time, they never won a proper battle. And we want to give them something that is German, why do they deserve it? We gave them Sofia, and they managed to lose it in 2 to 4 years. What will happen to the Outremer? Will these Greeks lose that as well. Then what's the use?
We'll have two armies, in Jeruzalem and they'll be unsupported, brave men, I'd call the foolish, especially if you have to rely on the Byzantines to protect you. I marched to Moscow without support, but atleast I didn't have the Byzantines to defend me.

[Northnovas]

Karl Zirn:

Ah yes, Ansehelm you are correct. How could I forget our other real estate tranasctions they receive land from us then sell it or give it away. Maybe the Horse Lords are looking? They couldn't take from us maybe the Byzantines can set them up with a nice offer or possible the Turks or Egyptians? It did not cost them anything for the lands, any offer will be accepted.

[TinCow]

A Bavarian man-at-arms enters at the rear of the Diet. When there is a pause in conversation, he approaches Duke Steffen, hands him a sealed letter, and bends down to whisper into his ear. At first the Duke nods, then smiles and claps his hands.

Excellent! Excellent! Thank you, Wilhelm, you are dismissed. Convey my appreciation to the captain of my guard.

The man straightens up and strides out of the Diet. Lothar opens the letter, reads it, then stands to address the Diet.

I bring great news, Electors! The Kaiser’s killer has been caught! My men followed some leads which were gained through soldiers disguised as rogues in some of the baser Florentine taverns. It seems that a wealthy Milanese nobleman living in Florence, some cousin of the last Duke, I believe, wished to gain some amount of revenge for the destruction of his rebellious nation’s short-lived independence. He sought out like-minded Milanese who were still living within their former homes, now part of Bavaria. We all know that those mercantile dogs were far better at finances than they were at war, so it is not surprising that they were able to raise such a considerable sum without it being noticed.

However, simple wealth is not enough to accomplish the murder of a Kaiser. No, the Milanese formed an alliance with another group that is far more adept at these kinds of things: the Assassins’ Guild! Apparently they too have been disgruntled with the Reich as of late. I had heard rumors that they had threatened the lives of some Electors if their demands were not met and it is public knowledge that, then Prinz, Elberhard refused to allow them to build a ‘Master’ Guildhouse in Stettin only a short while ago. It seems that their grievances, combined with the immense monies supplied by the treacherous Milanese, were enough to gain their cooperation. With Milanese gold and Assassins’ Guild agents, the mercenaries were located and hired and the dark deed was done.

Lothar holds up the letter.

I hold here in my hand the signed confession of one Giovanni Legnano, the ringleader of this entire circus of treachery, and a resident of the good city of Florence. He admits to his crimes and freely names the Assassins’ Guild and several other Milanese noblemen within Bavaria as accomplices. My household guard is currently hunting down the rest of these animals and I can assure you that they will not be long for this world. As for Giovanni Legnano himself, he has already paid for the sins he has committed. He expired shortly after signing this confession, as a result of the rigorous questioning that my men put him through. I admit that I would have liked to have seen him stretched on the rack in front of the Diet itself, but we all know the side-effects that often result from a proper judicial torturing. These other accomplices will undoubtedly require similar questioning methods to get them to admit their guilt, but I will order my personal surgeon to be present so that they may be kept alive for as long as possible.

The one avenue I cannot pursue is the Assassins’ Guild, for they are not based within Bavaria. I urge all Electors whose lands harbor these vile creatures to have their guildhouses burned to the ground and their members executed on the spot.

[Privateerkev]

Count Zirn,

I point to your past comment:

King Jan, you stand before this House and accuse every Elector here of some ill matter of disrespect or disloyalty to the Crown yet you set the worse example of an Elector or Nobleman when speaking in this House. I keep hearing where everyone else has erred but you!

I did no such thing. I specifically used the word "some". You use the word "every". "Some" does not equal "every Elector". By saying "every Elector", you are claiming that I accused everyone in here when I clearly did not. You seem to be taking lessons from the "Dassel school of debate". I thought you were above twisting words. You disappoint me. Though you disappointed me long ago when you refused to have your votes match your lofty ideals. And then there is this comment:

The Fraconian Peter, is he a hero and Heir to the throne? Why are we not discussing these issues?

I think we are not discussing this issue because we didn't know about it. Prince Peter? Where on Earth did you hear that from?

Duke Arnold,

I am afraid I must disagree with your concept of troop orders. The Duke does not order his Citadels to produce an extra third House Army. The Duke asks the Chancellor for forces that are above and beyond the minimal requirements for the two House Armies. Therefore, if the troops in Ragusa were raised without the Chancellor's authority, then they are illegal. All you have done is admit complicity in what is essentially an illegal act.

Also you contradict yourself. You use this quote to justify having 3 House Armies: "then YES there are many more units than in times past. And I’d say they are an astute move given the situation!!" Then you say this to justify asking Duke Hans to leave: "The last thing I am requiring is more armed troops in my Duchy." So, you both need more troops and less troops?

Also, I didn't need to be reminded of your loyalty but I find it interesting that you seemed to feel the need to announce it. I am just going to assume your loyal until I see actions otherwise. Now, I think you'll agree that there is no need for 6 catapults in Ragusa and you won't mind if they are immediately disbanded.

Duke Ansehelm,

Sorry but I don't believe in taking the easy quiet path. I will say what I believe needs to be said.

I notice how you keep saying this: "I did not march all the way to Moscow to see this at my return." You bring this up every time you don't like something. It's like you believe that going on a foolish pointless suicide mission somehow gives you some extra amount of authority. I have this question for you. Why did you march all the way to Moscow and back? You keep telling us why you didn't. Now tell us why you did.

When Lothar speaks, Jan just raises an eyebrow.

[Tamur]

*Fritz von Kastilien speaks quietly with a scribe, who begins writing what look like figures for summation. Fritz rises from the Franconian benches and nods towards the Bavarians.*

Well done, Duke Lothar! The speed with which you have found the guilty party is remarkable. I hope the Diet will be allowed to question at least one of the accomplices in this plot. I am tempted to call for the crucifixion of these miserable Milanese along the main roads out of Rome, as was done in the old Empire. But perhaps this would be frowned upon by the current Pope.

[Stig]

Ansehelm:
Why I marched to Moscow, simple, to punish the Orthodox, the Russians. And it has been a grand success. Since then we have hardly seen Russians around, they foolishly sieged Thorn once, but soon they were gone. Now we got only the Poles to deal with.

[Privateerkev]

Ok, so for how much longer are you going to where it like a badge of honor? Most of the people in here seemed to not even care that you went. A lot of us voted for it only for political reasons. You almost seem bitter that your adventure into Russia was not given more respect from some of us. Were you expecting a parade? Well, you did at least get a replacement House Army out of the deal. You didn't even have to fire Peter as Steward like the Kaiser had originally asked. To bad my brother had to die but he did seem to be one of the few people to believe in what you were doing. So, at least he died doing what he wanted, may his soul rest in peace.

[Tamur]

*A messenger arrives at the Franconian bench holding a scroll. Fritz von Kastilien speaks with his scribe, and the messenger, and reads the delivered parchment. He startles slightly, and rises again.*

Duke Lothar, I hesitate to inform you in front of the Diet, but this may be good for all to hear.

A message was just delivered to my apartments instead of directly here, and my staff have brought it to me just now. Instead of describing it, let me simply read it. Here is the text:

*Fritz holds the parchment at arms length and squints*

Fritz, I am a member of the Diet. I cannot give my name in case assassins are lurking about even in Rome. But I have reason to believe that Lothar is a liar. Meet me at...

*Fritz looks up*

Well, I should not give the location or the time, but apparently some coward wishes to pass information along.

*Fritz looks at the Bavarian benches, and waves the parchment*

The word of a coward is hardly anything to go on. But, if this is true, Lothar, this is a most serious charge. I will find out what this figure in the shadow has to say, and report back to the Diet immediately.

And if it is a false charge, the person responsible for this must surely be punished for their impudence!

[TinCow]

Thank you for that information, Fritz. It is certainly cowardly to level accusations at me behind my back, but I would have been surprised if such rumors were not being discussed at all. Had the same events transpired in any other House, I would certainly have been skeptical of the result. I freely admit that the Milanese involvement seems to be too convenient, but sometimes things simply are exactly as they seem. I have heard of the work of an English Franciscan monk named William of Ockham, who has expressed a similar opinion. He says "entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity" and in this case we have clear evidence that vengeful Milanese dogs and treacherous assassins conspired and murdered our Kaiser. The hatred of both these groups for the Reich is well known, as are their respective abilities at finance and murder. While it may be convenient that these men have been discovered to be the culprits, it is also logical and consistent with the facts.

I will, of course, freely respond to any doubts that may exist about my involvement in such a matter. As I am completely innocent, I see no reason to avoid questioning of any kind.

[Warmaster Horus]

A message comes from Friedrich Karolinger. A messenger enters, and speaks up quickly, while there is a small break in the agitated discussion.

Members of the Diet! I have heard that the murderers of the Kaiser were found. I have heard that those who commissioned the murder have been found as well.

I wonder now, even far away, why? Why did they decide to kill him? What could the Kaiser have done to prevent what was almost finished, the annihilation of the Milanese? Why did the Assassin's Guild employ mercenaries for this very important job? I believe they would wish it to be professionnal, and the Assassins are just that: Assassins. Killers. Murderers. I, personnally, believe they would have done the act themselves.

Respectfully,
Friedrich Karolinger, Commander of Bavarian Household Army Otto von Kassel.

The messenger finishes, and leaves as quickly as he had begun to talk.

[AussieGiant]

Duke Arnold,

I am afraid I must disagree with your concept of troop orders. The Duke does not order his Citadels to produce an extra third House Army. The Duke asks the Chancellor for forces that are above and beyond the minimal requirements for the two House Armies. Therefore, if the troops in Ragusa were raised without the Chancellor's authority, then they are illegal. All you have done is admit complicity in what is essentially an illegal act.

Also you contradict yourself. You use this quote to justify having 3 House Armies: "then YES there are many more units than in times past. And I’d say they are an astute move given the situation!!" Then you say this to justify asking Duke Hans to leave: "The last thing I am requiring is more armed troops in my Duchy." So, you both need more troops and less troops?

Also, I didn't need to be reminded of your loyalty but I find it interesting that you seemed to feel the need to announce it. I am just going to assume your loyal until I see actions otherwise. Now, I think you'll agree that there is no need for 6 catapults in Ragusa and you won't mind if they are immediately disbanded.

King Jan,

If your thoughts on the recruiting process are apparently accurate, then how do you explain the physical presence of troops in Ragusa?

Either I'm right and the Chancellor does not have the level of control you and Duke Hans believe, or, I've asked the Chancellor and he has authorised them and therefore they exist.

Pick one.

As for your attempt at twisting my words, as you so enjoy pointing out to others, then try this for a concept towards troop increases.

I'm not contradicting myself FROM my point of view at all. I do need more troops and I have them, what I don't need is any troops in my Duchy not under my command or under the command of Austrian Nobles, which as you might of noticed is what Duke Hans is. Is that being too unreasonable King Jan…considering I AM talking about MY £$%^ing Duchy?

Is that clear enough for you or do you need me to spell it out further?

As for my announcement of loyalty, then it was your comment;

After our Kaiser was assassinated on your lands, surely you can see how we would raise an eyebrow to the fact that you claim to have authorized Dassel to raise an extra army right on the Pope's doorstep.

That I decided to interpret as you questioning at my right to raise troops and my relationship to the Kaiser...is that fine by you or would you care to elaborate on your meaning?

[Privateerkev]

Duke Arnold,

The Chancellor recruits troops. I challenge you to find the point in the Charter that says otherwise.

Each house gets two house armies. The rest of the troops are Imperial. I challenge you to find the point in the Charter that says otherwise.

The Prince army can go where it pleases as long as there is coordination between the Prince army commander and the Chancellor. I challenge you to find the point in the Charter that says otherwise.

If the Chancellor did indeed recruit the troops in Ragusa, then we have no problem. If he didn't then those troops are in fact illegal and need to be immediately disbanded. By covering for the raising of an illegal army, you are in fact enabling this action and are complicit in any action the army commits in the future.

There is an illegal army near the Papal capital. The army is led by a man who is no friend to the current Pope. And the commander is harboring a man who is definitely no friend to the current Pope. And the army has catapults when there seems no need for there to be any present. Any claim that these catapults are for keeping the peace are laughable. Any claim that these catapults are meant to be reinforcements for Austrian House armies is laughable due to the fact that both Austrian HAs are much closer to Bran than Ragusa and Bran can build cannons.

If this army is used to take over the Papal capital, like I fear it might be, then I will hold you responsible for helping it happen.

So, you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Pick one.

[AussieGiant]

Jan,

You've avoided answering any of my questions. Well done.

You've also now decided that your opinion is law, and by challenging me to quote whatever piece of legislation is applicable you've signed your own end to the debate.

Why don't you tell me where it says what I have done is actually illegal?

If the Chancellor is the only person able to recruit troops then how did they come into existence?

I've asked for troops to be recruited, the fact they have not been deployed to either of the AHA's doesn't suddenly make them illegal.

As for the Duke Hans and the Imperial Army, then I've asked the Kaiser to haven them leave Austrian lands as his investigation has been complete. Therefore I have co-orindated my wishes with the lords in question. Does that meet with your approval?

As for your massive logic jump to then have me suddenly responsible for anything they do seems a little strange. If they are illegal and therefore not under my command then I'm not responsible at all, in fact I’d appreciate you ceasing to make judgements on what I do and don’t do in my own area of responsibility.

As you can see I can dance the debating dance with you all night Jan, but in reality it accomplishes nothing but work for the scribes

So why don't you stop bothering the scribes with ceaseless words and do something about it if you don’t like it!!!

[Privateerkev]

Duke Arnold,

I had wished to spare the Diet from a legal lesson but if you insist...

The power of the Chancellor to recruit troops is enshrined in 2.1:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

2.1 The Chancellor is much like the player of a solo M2TW campaign - he moves all the units and agents on the map; he decides all the buildings and which units/agents to be trained.

The chancellor is only constrained in this by CA 11.5, CA 5.1, and CA 12.6. Any recruitment not authorized by the Chancellor is illegal. I have it from the Kaiser personally that he did not authorize the recruitment of the army at Ragusa nor does he control them. Therefore, the army is illegal and your assistance in providing political cover implicates you.

House Armies are enshrined in CA 5.1 and CA 12.6.:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Charter Amendment 5.1: Each Duchy shall have a Household Army with which to defend its territories. The Household Army will be governed by the following clauses:
Quote:
1) The Household Army may not be removed from the House’s provinces without the permission of the Duke.
2) The Duke will determine where the Household Army is to be garrisoned. This location can be changed at any time, so long as the Duke informs the Chancellor of the move. The Chancellor will not remove the Household Army from the garrison without the Duke’s permission, except as required to fulfill Clause 4.
3) The Duke will determine who commands the Household Army.
4) At the beginning of each Diet session the Duke may assign general orders to the Household Army, which are to be carried out by the Chancellor. Between Diet sessions, any additional orders submitted by Dukes are to be implemented only at the Chancellor's discretion. The Duke may select one of the following Orders: (1) attack any rebel force in House territory, (2) attack any hostile force in House territory, including other factions, (3) attack any foreign or rebel army in House territory, including neutral (but not allied or crusading) factions, (4) temporary assignment to another House, (5) assignment to offensive duties. If Order (4) is chosen, the Duke may determine the time limit of the temporary assignment and the commanding general, but all other decisions are made by the Duke of the receiving house. When the time limit expires, the Household Army must be immediately returned to House lands, no matter what other circumstances occur, unless the Duke agrees otherwise. If Order (5) is chosen, the Duke may specify an enemy settlement or army as the objective and the commanding general. The settlement or army must be in a province that borders the House and the Reich must already be at war with the target. All other decisions are made by the Chancellor. The Duke may recall the Household Army from offensive duties at any time and for any reason.
5) The Household Army will consist of a minimum of 3 infantry regiments, 2 ranged regiments, and 1 cavalry regiment. The Household Army will ideally consist of 4 infantry regiments, 3 ranged regiments, and 2 cavalry regiments. For the purposes of this rule, Generals’ bodyguard units do not count as cavalry regiments. All regiments must be professional soldiers, not militia.
6) If a Household Army falls below the minimum strength level, Imperial military recruitment must be allocated to restoring the Household Army to minimum strength before forces can be sent elsewhere.
7) The Chancellor will attempt to maintain the Household Armies at full strength, with the highest quality regiments available.
8) In emergencies, the Chancellor may detach any units in excess of the minimum strength level for use elsewhere. The Chancellor may not reduce a Household Army below the minimum strength level without the permission of the Duke.
9) If the Imperial Treasury cannot support all Household Armies at minimum strength, the Chancellor must consult with the Dukes and receive their permission to reduce the Household Armies in such a way as to eliminate the deficit.
10) The Imperial Diet may temporarily remove any or all of these rules by a simple majority vote. The temporary period will last no longer than 10 turns.

and

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Charter Amendment 12.6: (1) Each House will have TWO standing Household Armies. They will operate according to CA5.1 in all respects, but have separate commanders appointed by the Duke.
(2) Outremer will have two standing armies. They will operate in accordance with CA9.1, but have separate commanders appointed by the King.
(3) The Kaiser and Prinz will each command standing Imperial armies, of the guideline size given in CA5.1. The Kaiser and Prinz can each give orders for their army during full Diet sessions. They are expected to personally command their own armies but can nominate a replacement commander at any time if they are too busy attending to civil matters. The Chancellor and the Kaiser/Prinz are expected to liase closely over the use of the deployment of the Kaiser/Prinz's army.

Therefore anything above these two forces is Imperial and not subject to control by the Duke. Both Ragusa and the Prince army are Imperial forces. Unless you are claiming that the Ragusa army is yours. That of course would implicate you in owning an illegal army.

The movement of the Prince army is enshrined in CA 12.6 which I have already shown. As you can see, movement of this army is between the army commander and the Chancellor. The Duke has no authority to order this army to do anything. He can ask though.

So, according to section 2.1 of the Charter, the Ragusa garrison is illegal. According to CA 5.1 and CA 12.6, the Ragusa garrison is above and beyond the authority of the Duke of Austria. According to CA 12.6, the Prince's army is above the authority of the Duke of Austria. Therefore, by claiming that the Ragusa garrison is a legitimate Austrian Army and by preventing Duke Hans to disband it, you are admitting to helping break three laws at least.

In light of my belief that you are committing illegal acts, it is now entirely appropriate to question your loyalty. By covering for this illegal army, you are responsible for it's actions.

[TinCow]

Count Karolinger raises important questions. While I currently have no more information than I was provided with earlier today, I believe some logical reasoning will produce the likely answer. For the Milanese, while killing Siegfried would certainly not bring back their lost rebellion, not all men act only out of expectation for future gain. Italians such as the Milanese, and particularly the Sicilians, are well known to act out of revenge long after their enemies have forgotten about their previous conflicts. It seems to me that this Milanese traitor and his brethren simply wished to harm the Reich as compensation for their own losses.

As for the Assassins' Guild not attacking the Kaiser directly, it is well-known that Siegfried survived multiple assassination attempts at the hands of agents of the Danish King. As we all know, Guilds represent a single force and are managed by a central authority beyond the control of any single nation. Therefore the Assassins' Guild itself was already responsible for at least two attempts on his life. It seems obvious to me that instead of risking yet another failed assassination, they decided that the more efficient method would be to overwhelm him with numbers in a direct assault. Since assassins are trained to operate with stealth and kill without confrontation, I doubt they would have the numbers or the wherewithal to field a full force on a battlefield. Thus, they hired mercenaries for that role. It should also not be forgotten that Siegfried counted a Master of the Assassins' Guild amongst his personal retinue. That man could easily have betrayed the Kaiser's location and signalled the proper moment for ambush to the waiting mercenaries.

Of course, this is just speculation on my part, but it seems like the logical answer to these unknown questions. Perhaps when some of these other man are captured, we will learn more.