Imperial Diet VII

[Ramses II CP]

Duke von Salza I would hope that my negotiation of a ceasefire with the Russians and my gathering of overwhelming support for the Anti-Unification proclamation have proved that I have skills and experience beyond the battlefield. I concede that Duke Arnold has run a larger territory than I, but given the nature of Franconian politics in my lifetime I would hardly say he has managed a more complex set of circumstances than I.

Management of a nation's resources is not within the experience of any of the current candidates, so I claim to be as qualified as any.

[gibsonsg91921]

Tell me brother, and Duke Arnold, what will you do to bring the finances of the Reich into the black once again?

And trust me, my inquisitive attitude is not questioning your merit or the Duke's. Both of you seem very strong candidates and great warriors, but who shall garner the support of the masses?

[Stuperman]

By selling Greek slaves perhaps? what else would they be good for, I tried strapping a few to my plow, but 8 of those wastes-of-food couldn't do as well a single German Ox.

[Cecil XIX]

While Count Fritz has more experience dealing with foreign powers, it is Duke Arnold who has the better record of dealing with his fellow electors. I know from first-hand experience that he is quite capable of negotiating with any and all parties of the Reich with an even-handed but stern attitude.

[Northnovas]

The eldest member of the chamber rises and slowly makes his way to the floor from the Austrian benches. He acknowledges familiar faces on his way to the floor but there are also a lot of fresh new faces. This was becoming the new Reich.

My Kaiser, Electors, it feels good to be in a chamber and to discuss the business of the Reich. It has been a long time since we have gathered and though it is not Rome this building and city serves the purpose that is on hand. I have seen much in my years and it is good to see things come full circle and the stage of rebirth.

We have come through some dark times and there are very few here to remember how it all started. Let us take a moment and remember those brave nobles who are no longer with us……..

I am not here to talk about the past those are tales to be told elsewhere. I am here to talk about the future one that I will not see.

I am here to announce publicly my support for Duke Arnold. Why? It is his time. I have watched this boy become a man and mature into a statesman. Just think of the situation in Prague. His father Leopold was a fine Chancellor for us and it’s now it is his sons turn. I don’t support him because he is Austrian and family. No I support him because of his ability to manage in a crisis. Just look at how Austria had faced adversity and remained united. We need a man who will lead us through the difficult situation we found ourselves. We are not out of the woods yet. There are armies at our borders and cities. We have to fight to get some breathing room. Rebuild our infrastructure and then seek our vengeance one step at a time. Reclaim what is rightful ours and punish those that took advantage of us in a weak moment. Duke Arnold is our man to lead us in this time of renewal.

Noble Matthias Steffen, comrade warrior, a man of principles. He needs our help. I have spent my whole live in the Outremer defending the faith, recapturing the Holy City of Jerusalem in the Second Crusade from the heathens that occupied it. It is our duty to protect that city and what it represents. This Diet should not be bickering when and if and how much. We should be saying now, who and at all cost. I must caution those that think they are for the call to serve. It is a long and laborious journey, you may not return. You are taking on a special mission to serve God and the Kaiser to protect the faith. It takes a special individual. It was only God’s work that I left and ended up having to defend my own lands and if I could I would be leading the call back to the Outremer and assist Count Steffen.

Nobles, we have a lot of work to do lets focus on electing the right man for Chancellor answering the call of God and rebuilding this great nation. I pass the torch on to this generation to carry it proudly and let be your guiding light to correct the wrongs that have been done and make the Reich greater then it has very been.

The old man bows towards the Kaiser and slowly makes his way back to his seat.

[Ferret]

I am pledging my support to Fritz, despite the many disagreements we have had. I do not see how you can say that Arnold handled the Prague incident well, after failing to have enough men to attack, as he wanted, he was forced to simply accpet the insult to his rule and lose a County. Does the fact that Becker rebelled in the first place not suggest that Arnold's politics are not as efficient as you seem to think Karl? Perhaps your age has blinded your judgement.

Fritz, on the other hand, has made an entire nation of bitter enemies of the Reich bow to our knees in peace! The Russians were set on revenge and no man other than Fritz could have stopped their tides of warriors with his skills in the art of Politics. As for finaces I see Fritz as the superior in this area as well, not many can field an entire army of treasure hungry mercenaries and fund the lot from his own success!

Fritz is also far more helpful to other members of the Reich. He has benefited the entire House of Franconia and saved it from destruction many times, thus blocking the path for three of the Reich's greatest enemies into the rest of our Empire. Arnold has barely managed to hold on to his castle and made no attempt to help his fellow electors of Austria when almost of all the Counties there were threatened. No Karl, Fritz is the man to lead us to glory, greater glory than ever before!

[Zim]

If I may, my lords, what are your policies towards Outremer? It is in a difficult position, and it would take a strong Chancelor to improve it's situation.

[vpmd]

A man walks into the Diet, staring at the assembly of great, established noblemen around him as he walks somewhat awkwardly in the general direction of the Bavarian section with an scribe following him looking very nervous as well. Trying not to be too noticeable, he takes a seat in the Bavarian section, nodding at Matthias Steffen, clearly intimidated by the great Crusader. He sits down, hoping he will be assumed to be a new Bavarian elector and that he need not summon the sbility of speech to introduce himself.

[Cecil XIX]

My reasons had nothing to do with Duke Arnold's abilities as a leader. More importantly, the resolution of that situation came about because Duke Arnold was smart enough to want to avoid a repeat of the tragedy at Bran, as well as patient enough to continue negotiations until both parties were able to get what they wanted.

If anyone else besides Arnold had been Duke of Austria during the cataclysm, more German lives would have been wasted in fratricidal conflict and/or I would be before you putting forth a charter amendment recognizing the succession of Bohemia.

[Ignoramus]

Maximilian von Hapsburg rises to his feet.

Before I put forward mein edict, I must declare mein support for Arnold Salian, Duke of Austria, for Chancellor.

I now propose Charter Ammendment 14.3: "The Kaiser is granted authority to strip a Duke of his Duchy if a majority of electors of that House agrees."

Electors, we must not blame the current Kaiser for the woes of the last 40 years. It is true that he continued his predecessors policy of pursuing unification on religion with the Greeks. However, this was Kaiser Siegfried's policy, not Kaiser Elberhard's. Kaiser Elberhard's hands were tied. If he pulled out of the negotiations, then the Greeks would have a just causus belli against us. Doubtless, what was left of our already pathetic reputation would be shattered, and we would find even our allies, the English, joining the fray against us.

Nein, the greater blame must be attached to the Houses during this period of disaster. Electors hadn't enough respect for the authority of the Kaiser, that nothing held them back from rebelling from their Dukes.

I would fain propose another edict, but, alas, Diet procedure forbids me from doing so. Nevertheless, I will state what I think.

We must redistribute provinces in the Reich. Had we not such stark geograpical divisions amongst the Houses, then no rebellion would ever succeed. How would Herr Hummel have fared if Bruges had belogned to Bavaria? Or if Metz belonged to Franconia? We must overcome past sentiments and rebuild the Reich.

Maximilian begins to sit down, but hastily regains his feet.

And I also second Charter Ammendment 14.1.

[Stuperman]

We must redistribute provinces in the Reich. Had we not such stark geograpical divisions amongst the Houses, then no rebellion would ever succeed. How would Herr Hummel have fared if Bruges had belogned to Bavaria? Or if Metz belonged to Franconia? We must overcome past sentiments and rebuild the Reich.

I do not understand...You advocate a policy that would provide support for such a rebel? This is nonsense! You advocate a policy that by your admission would make the riech weaker and more suseptable to attacks and brigandry. This after we have seen the devistation that such things can breed.

The Reich has lost almost half her territory in just 40 years, land that took more than 300 to amass, and we are by no means in the clear. We still have limited control in some provinces, and enemy armies run rampant on our lands. Gentlemen we still have much work to do before we can call ourselves true Germans and Guardians of the Church. Electors that encourage further weakening of the Reich should be dealt with harshly.

And Luther, We should conquor the Greeks, although I'd advocate more of a Kill them all Let God work it out Strategy.

[econ21]

Elberhard: I wish to publicly endorse King Matthias's revision of the Outremer Charter. Matthias was gracious enough to consult me on the draft and I agreed that it adapts my father's vision for Outremer to these more desperate times. I also congratulate Matthias on his great victory over the Byzantines. He is, of course, formally re-appointed as King of Outremer (or, if CA 14.2 passes, Viceroy).

I must inform the Electors that Duke Arnold is taking the opportunity provided by his breaking of the siege of Ragusa to conduct diplomatic negotiations with neighbouring powers. I believe he will return to the Diet on Monday.

Finally, I was remiss in not welcoming the many new Electors to their first Diet. I confess, there were so many new faces, I did not know all your names. Now, however, my wife ... I mean the scribes ... have provided me with a proper Electoral roll, so let me make good my earlier lack of manners.

Count Ehrhart Ruppel - I see in you the sword arm of the Duke of Swabia. You have already been of invaluable service against our enemies - both external and internal.

Count Ludwig von Bohmen - the return of a prodigal son is always most keenly felt.

Andreas von Salzgitter - may you grow to love the sun and sand of Outremer as much as I did. And if you happened to find any elephants, write me ... we can work something out.

Hugo von Holland - I was going to welcome any aid you could give us against the French, but your service in Outremer would be just as valued.

Count Dieter von Kassel - you have just attained full manhood and yet already your service to the Reich has been immeasurable.

Lukas Godwinson - Franconia must be reborn; it is well that we have young captains such as you to assist in the labour. Just watch those castle steps, they can be mighty slippery this time of year...

Count Lorenz Zirn - thank you for your services during the cataclysm and especially for assisting in the relief of Prague. Those Poles had me worried about Count Becker's militia army for a while...

Maxmillan von Hapsburg - I like the sound of your name, it seems to promise great things. Welcome, soldier! It is good to see you here.

Dieter von Essen - It is most welcome to see Austria emerge at last with so many prominent Electors. And congratulations, son! (sotto voce) At least that's one Elector who won't be sniffing round my daughter.

Hans von Bavaria - I heard you might be considering a life in the diplomatic service, but you made the smart choice, lad - diplomacy is for pussies. What House are you in, by the way?


@#$%^&!!!ing hell - you newcomers seem to outnumber us old timers! While you may make me feel old, your presence here makes the Reich young and strong! Welcome all!

[gibsonsg91921]

In response to Dieter's charges and Count Zirn's responses, I would say that Arnold's duties in during the cataclysm were not cowardly or incapable in the least. I will grant that Arnold possibly would have attacked Bohemia if he could, I concede that he was wise not to when he would have damaged his loyal Counts. He is blameless as far as I can see.

Fritz is very noble as well, saving his rival Dieter from being outnumbered in Magdeburg, as well as slaying large numbers of our enemies, saving Franconia when all seemed lost. His fortitude kept all Duchies safer. There are countless heroes of the cataclysm, sung and unsung, and Fritz is certainly amongst those numbers. He can lead the Reich just as ably as Arnold.

This will be a very close race. If one does not come out as a far better candidate than the other I will abstain from voting to keep the peace.

[deguerra]

After a long hard ride through French lines, Ludwig enters the Diet at Nürnberg. He looks around somewhat sheepishly at all the mighty men sitting in his midst, but there is a slight gleem of despise in his eyes as well

Mein Kaiser, I thank you for your kind remarks, and hope I prove as good a subject as you can wish for. I have lost my father some years ago, and it would do me honour to call you father, in symbol only of course, as you are father to all of your subjects, Dukes, Counts, Lords, Knights and Commoners.

I wish to briefly publically endorse the new charter for Outremer as well. I am in no position to do any more, but home that any small contribution I can give will help the most courageous and brave amongst us, who choose to fight for the Empire there.

I also fully agree that Antwerp should be incorporated into the Empire. Before now, I have considered it my duty to protect both Flemish cities, Bruges and Antwerp alike, but under the threat of French invasion I find myself incapable of guaranteeing the safety of Antwerps citizens, while I struggle to hold Bruges. I therefore fully endorse placing Antwerp into Eberhardts sheltering hands.

[Zim]

Andreas briefly has a deer in headlights expression, as if trying to both process the shock of being addressed by the Kaiser and the oddness of his words. He recovers and bows.

Mein Kaiser, thank you for the welcome. I miss the snow in my homeland, but otherwise I find the climate in Outremer quite pleasant. Should I see any elephants, I will report it to you immediately.

Andreas then bows respectfully to Zirn.

Lord Zirn, I am very pleased that both candidates are such clear supporters of Outremer. I do not doubt Duke Arnolds devotion to guarding Jerusalem. I only wished to draw specifics from them with my question. Perhaps it is an unreasonable question given that circumstances could change drastically and alter both the needs of the Reich as a whole and those of Outremer.

Count Ludwig receives a nod.

Hail Count Ludwig. It is a pleasure and privelege to meet the Count of my parents' adopted city. Would you happen to know them?