Imperial Diet VII

[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.

[Zim]

Another young man enters the Council chamber. He is somewhat above average size, with wide shoulders and a square jaw. He is wearing a traveler's cloak, a tabard with a crusading symbol, and chainmail armor, as well as the dust of a long travel. He moves to take a seat in the Outremer section by Matthias Steffen. Before he sits, he nods to Hugo and Dieter von Essen.

Hello gentlemen. I hope to fight by you in Outremer someday. It is a difficult situation, but quite satisfying to serve the Lord in such a way.

[Privateerkev]

Dieter sits in silent awe as the Crusader nods at him. To him, these men are giants. Larger than life. He nervously nods back.

[Warluster]

Duke von Salza enters and takes his place at the Swabian bench, the place is different to Rome, but he soon takes it in his stride.

I have guaranteed my support, so I second CA 14.2.

I hear the Kaiser's call for past differences forgotten, so I willhave to, though with extreme difficulty...

Athalwolf glares at the bavarian bench.

While I congratulate the two men already putting themselves forward for such a difficult job, I wish to question their motives. Both men seem to have a, war like past, as Chancellor, would you rule the Reich through war? And would you take enough in to also control the government side of things?

I am assured, and reassured, that you would rule us greatly with military, but with resources...

Duke von Salza sits, and awaits a long answer.

[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.