Imperial Diet VII

[FactionHeir]

Ruppels sifts somewhat lost through all those papers and stops for a mere moment to speak before he returns to his read

I second the emperor's charter amendment

[OverKnight]

Matthias enters the Diet looking tired and travel worn, almost as if he has come fresh from a battle. He kneels before the Kaiser and then rises to speak to the Chamber.

My lords, it is good to be back. I had forgotten what it was like to have all of us in one place.

Matthias pauses as if a bit overwhelmed.

I, with the assistance of Sir Andreas von Salzgitter, have stemmed the Greek advance in Outremer. Their forces, which had been driving on Acre, have been thrown back. This has allowed me to attend this session personally.

While the Kaiser has wisely spoken about refraining from changing the Charter, I am afraid that the new situation in Outremer is something Kaiser Henry never envisioned when he authored the Charter of Outremer. A new Charter is needed to cope with these difficult times.

Believe me, I'd rather be driving the Greeks into the sea than proposing law, but is necessary.

Therefore I would like to propose:

Charter Amendment 14.2: A new Charter for Outremer is to be adopted, what is proposed below will completely replace all previous legislation relating to the Kingdom (Changes are in bold).

The Revised Charter of the Kingdom of Outremer

1. The Kingdom of Outremer will consist of Antioch, Acre and Adana as its core territories, they cannot be given or bartered away. If they are lost, they must be reclaimed as quickly as possible. The Kingdom may also include up to three more territories, with preference given to Aleppo, Damascus and Edessa. However, no conquest is allowed of any territories belonging to an ally.

2. The Kingdom of Outremer is an integral part of the Reich. It is not a fifth House.

3. The function of the Kingdom is mainly defensive: to safeguard Jerusalem and protect the gateway to Christendom. However, conquest is permitted against heathens and schismatics as long as it does not endanger the defense of Jerusalem. If a Pope assumes power who excommunicates the Reich, Jerusalem may be taken, if needed, as part of his removal, but it must be immediately donated back to the Church upon reconciliation.

4. The Kingdom will be overseen by a Viceroy of Outremer, who will be selected by the Emperor from among the current Crusaders. A Viceroy is appointed by the Emperor at each regular Diet Session. Viceroys may be reappointed. The Viceroy will renounce all loyalties to his House for the duration of his appointment. The Viceroy of Outremer is permitted to resign, if the Emperor is willing to accept the resignation, upon which a new Viceroy is appointed by the Emperor. If the Viceroy of Outremer is deemed incapable of his assignment, he may be impeached by the Emperor and two Dukes, by the Prince and three Dukes, or by the agreement of all four Dukes. Upon removal, the Emperor will appoint a new Viceroy.

5. The Viceroy will command an Army, equivalent to a Household Army with the Viceroy assuming the role of “Duke”. If the Kingdom is larger than or equal to three territories, a second such Army will be placed at his disposal. He may delegate the day to day command of the Army or Armies to other Generals.

6. Outremer’s provinces will be governed by Crusader Counts, except for the designated capital, which is the personal domain of the Viceroy. The Crusader Counts are appointed by the Viceroy and serve at his discretion. They will gain +1 influence, but only if they are not already a Count in their Duchy, and only for the duration of their appointment. The cap of 6 influence for all but the Emperor remains. If any County is left unassigned, the Viceroy will set the build queue for it.

7. Both the Viceroy and the Crusading Counts must be physically located outside Europe for the duration of their appointments.

8. All four Houses of the Reich have a stake in the Kingdom. While the loss of many of the original Outremer Counties currently negates apportionment by House, assignment of Counties will ensure that each Duchy is represented by a Crusader Count if one is present. All efforts will be made to assign a Swabian to Acre and a Bavarian to Adana. Once there are two newly acquired territories, they will be governed by representatives of Franconia and Austria. While historical precedents will be respected, priority will be given to Crusaders who are in Outremer.

9. The Viceroy of Outremer is allowed to propose two pieces of legislation per Diet Session related to Outremer. Prior to being tabled in the Diet, these must be seconded by two Crusaders, or if there is less than two Crusaders, one will suffice.

OOC: The Viceroy will have +2 influence as presently given to the King. All references in the Reich's Charter to the King of Outremer are to be changed to the Viceroy of Outremer.

Matthias pauses after reading the amendment.

I realize that the Kingdom now only consists of Acre, and that this proposal seems a bit odd considering the circumstances. But I swear that Outremer will be rebuilt, and to do so will require a strong foundation. This Charter provides that.

I would be glad to answer any questions about the Charter.

Matthias seats himself at the edge of the Bavarian section.

[Ferret]

I second CA 14.2

[Privateerkev]

Dieter von Essen stands,

Count Matthias,

I hereby second CA 14.2.

With Duke Arnold's permission and blessing, I wish to be reassigned to Outremer as soon as is practical in order to serve as Austria's representative in the Holy Land. My new bride has told me many tales of her life growing up in Damascus and it is my wish that Damascus once again come under the loving protective embrace of the Reich.

Dieter sits

[Ramses II CP]

I would urge that all members of the Diet take the words of Matthias Steffen to heart. Outremer is the key to the eventual defeat of the foul Byzantines, the very source of much of our latest difficulties. Despite being utterly abandoned by his companions, including his Kaiser, Matthias Steffen has, with vision and forethought, made the best of a terrible situation. Ask yourselves this, gentlemen, if we should abandon the homelands of Jesus to the Muslim and Orthodox hordes what wrath might fall upon the Holy Roman Empire from the heavens?

Matthias Steffen's amendment should be passed without pointless bickering from those of us hundreds of leagues distant from the situation.

I would further ask, of the Kaiser, is it really necessary to have two edicts to incorporate Antwerp into Swabia? Simply tie the two together in a single edict and it will have my support. Otherwise one must ask what exactly it is you intend to do with the city.

[_Tristan_]

Hugo von Holland stands from the Swabian benches and clears his throat.

King Steffen,

I have fought many battles against the Muslims from my Temple chapter house in the Levant.

If you would have me, I would gladly join you in the defense of Outremer.
Guillaume, that you can see behind me, will also come with me as well as my own retainers, Templar brothers all.
My sword is yours to command.

I hereby second CA 14.2.

France is too near for my own good at the moment... Too many memories...

Hugo sits back down, a sad and faraway look upon his face.

[Ramses II CP]

Fritz von Kastilien sweeps a sheaf of papers into a battered leather case, rises to his feet and raises his voice above the low rumble of varied discussion.

I stand now to announce my own candidacy for the position of Chancellor of the Reich.

While the lordly Duke Arnold has preceeded me in listing his admirable qualities, he has, as is his wont, settled rather single mindedly on a single possible course of action. 'Strike our enemies, drive fear into their hearts, and conquer them!' Very well said, one cannot help but concur and even cheer such a course.

And yet... if the cataclysmic events of the last few years have taught us anything, it should be that our enemies do not fear us, our armies are not immune to defeat, and our own decisions are sometimes more threatening than any external opponent. The Dread Duke is a fearsome and valiant warrior for the Reich, but his approach to the other aspects of governance reveal that his penchant for force extends well beyond the battlefield.

Here Fritz pauses to gesture gently at the broken remnants of the scribe's desk.

What the Reich needs in truth is a not merely a man who inspires fear in his friends and enemies alike, but a man whose experiences and characteristics mirror those of the Reich itself.

A man like me.

Again Fritz pauses to look across the chamber, well aware of a few discreet snickers and coughs.

Yes, like me, a man who has demonstrated valor in the field and at the walls.

A man who has conducted difficult negotiations with a dedicated foe, and brought home a ceasefire.

A man who has managed to remain devoutly faithful in a trying religious time, who has held steadfast his loyalty even in the face of horrific errors by the leadership of his nation, and who has made great sacrifices for the good of his House and his Empire.

Again Fritz pauses, just long enough to meet the Kaiser's gaze.

A man, too, who has erred, whose own mistakes have cost him personally just as the mistakes of the leadership of the Reich have had terrible consequences for us all.

I am that man who has suffered with the Reich, who has been wrong as has the Reich, and I am the man who has sought out the reasoning of his error and redeemed it in sacrifice.

Now Fritz's gaze travels across the entire room, quickly seeking out every noble and man of consequence.

Just as we of the Reich must all redeem ourselves.

It is early to speak of policy, but let me be clear that we will not retreat. Where Germans have planted our flag, there will the line be drawn. If any of us falter at the line let another arise to take his place. If any of us rebel, let every hand be raised against him and every face turned from him. Now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time for our return to glory and the path of righteousness. Now is the time for victory!

God be with you, nobles of the Reich!

Fritz returns to his seat, his face dark but unreadable.

[_Tristan_]

Hugo von Holland stands again and bows to Matthias Steffen, looking a bit flustered.

Lord Steffen, some people have made me remark that I shouldn't have called you King.
I hereby wish to present my excuses to any people who saw any malice in this.
Nevertheless, out of respect for the Lord I hope to serve, and in the light of the Charter Amendment you proposed, let me call you Viceroy.

So Viceroy Steffen, command me and I shall obey...

Hugo sits back down, with a look of assurance about him.

[Stuperman]

I fully support My Brother-in-Law's ideas about the outremer, Our mission as the HRE is to protect the church from threats within, and without. This legislation gives us the legal tools we need to enforce God's will in the holy land.