Imperial Diet VII

[deguerra]

I meant no offense, Andreas, and I do apologise for getting his name slightly wrong.

I am just of the opinion that the Diet floor is for debates, and that especially junior members ought to speak only when it is of utmost importance.

On that note, I will now be silent

[Zim]

Andreas smiles for what seems to be the first time when actually inside the Council Chamber.

In that case, if there is no debate going on here, and we junior members have nothing of importance to say, I think a few drinks at the tavern are in order. I'd like to hear the story of how you eluded our illustrious Duke, and how Jan freed my city, if you don't mind.

Herr Dieter, you are welcome to join us if you'd wish.

[Privateerkev]

Dieter nods to Andreas.

I'll join you when I finish explaining something.

Count Bohmen,

My support for Duke Arnold is because I do not approve of Sir Fritz's revisionist history.

He keeps wanting to heap blame for the War of Reformation solely on Jan von Hamburg, who I hear the Church has recently made a Saint.

I remember being with my family in Zagreb. I saw flyers from both Saint Jan and Father Luther. And you know what? They basically said the same thing. Just switch the names around and they were proclaiming the exact same thing. Saint Jan called for war on Lutherans. Father Luther called for war on Catholics.

I can only conclude that the War of Reformation was caused by both Saint Jan and Father Luther. But, since only one of them died, the other's supporters can attempt to rewrite history without the victim being able to defend himself.

Also, with regards to the death of Kaiser Siegfried, Sir Fritz is claiming something quite dubious. He claims Kaiser Siegfried was killed by the Byzantines. But Diet records clearly show that Duke Lothar's investigation found the real killers. It was Milanese money funding disgruntled Assassin Guild members.

Therefore, I choose Duke Arnold as my candidate for Chancellor.

I now hope that my post has become substantial enough for Count Bohmen's approval. I wish him well in his self-appointed role as "Diet police".

Now I'm off to the tavern where nothing need be important!

[Warluster]

Duke von Salza stands, glaring at the young Dieter von Essen.

I do not recall the continued efforts of this blaming you refer to. I am sure if we Lutherens had our own religious capital, Father Luther would be a saint as well. Unfortunely, the Pope is Catholic.

I call for another investigation into the late Kaiser's death, seeing as Duke Lothar was not, somewhat, trustworthy at the time...

Duke von Salza mutters to his fellow Swabians

and maybe he is still not...

He raises his voice

But I think the investigation was riddled with problems, and was followed hortly afterwards by the time of troubles. If we investgate again, perhaps more into this Milanese Guild, we can find certian people behind it.

Duke von Salza nods to the DIet at large, and then leaves the Diet for a drink.

[Ignoramus]

Von Hapsburg stands to his feet and with great restraint begins to address the Diet.

In these troubled times, only Duke Arnold has the abilty and the sheer force of personality to whip the Reich's enemies into line. His very name causes the Hungarians and Venetians to quiver with fear, and he has prevented the enemy from penetrating to the heart of the Reich.

Von Kastilien, however, has appeared to change his tone to suit whoever's in power. His affair at Stettin was most disgraceful, and the way he carried himself during the last 10 years, as a pirate he brought shame to his family and to Franconia.

May I also remind the Diet that the Austrian Duke has been tirelessly labouring away for many decades, and has the experience to guide the Reich in a sound direction.

To the gullible Swabian electors. May I remind you yet again, that the Kaiser alone grants Imperial settlements to Houses, not the Chancellor. Von Kastilien's promise to hand Antwerp to Swabia is hollow.

Von Hapsburg resumes his seat.

[deguerra]

what Graf von Kastilien promises is between him and his concience. What I asked about is what he intended to to with Antwerp short-term (OOC: building orders etc) which our illustrious Kaiser has made the durisdiction of the chancellor.

Perhaps young von Hapsburg would be so kind as to think and read before opening his young mouth so wide the next time.

[Warluster]

Duke von Salza enters in time to hear von Hapsburg's words, and stands after Ludwig speaks.

I am in agreement with Count von Bohmen's words.

von Hapsburg, I am sure Duke Arnold does not need you as a lapdog speaking out more useless words of propaganda. I shall choose not to hear your just spoken words, and hope you shall speak later on wih dignity.

I am aware Duke Arnold has not spoken yet, come now, have you no reply to questions raised and the likes? Or are you letting lapdogs speak your words?
as spoken by von Hapsburg, do you care of the Reich's happenings? We hold Antwerp in great esteem, but here come your supporters and are taking votes from many electors in Swabia.

Duke von Salza glares at von Hapsburg, and then sits and nods to Count von Bohmen.

[Zim]

Andreas eyes von Hapsburg with the kind of look one might give a frog with two heads, conveying equal parts curiosity and distaste.

Herr von Hapsburg, what is this strange obsession you have with the status of Antwerp? Count von Kastilien said it was clear to him that Antwerp must be incorporated into Swabia. He did not say that doing such is in his power, or promise to do so.

At most I might expect a Franconian to worry about Antwerp, as it borders their House as well, but an Austrian? It is far from your homeland, and is the Kaiser's to do with as he pleases, not yours. Yet you argue with and insult members of the Diet senior to you, with more experience and holding high titles. Your unusual concern for the city perplexes me.

[AussieGiant]

Duke Arnold is handed the list of questions by his Priest, who whispers something into his ear. Frowning at the words being spoken he finally looks back at his Priest, who immediately takes a step back and resumes his seat.

Standing to address the chamber the Duke is clearly more annoyed at this line of questioning than he is letting on. Glancing back at his Priest for one last moment the Duke begins.

As von Kastilien has already answered these questions some of my responses will be rather similar. Some on the other hand wont be.

1. What was the candidate's greatest achievement?

To date I would have to say my ability to avoid getting married. Having seen some of my poor colleagues being brow beaten I've come to the conclusion that in the great scheme of things it has certainly been a boon rather than a curse.

There's an audible groan from a few of the Duke's retinue in the Austrian benches. Grom can be clearly seen chuckling to himself and even the Dread Knight Bane's body language indicates he is amused by the response.

2. What was the candidate's worst mistake?

There was a young serving girl in Ragusa...NOW she was a mistake...whiny, needy, she never gave me a moments peace.

At this line there is a loud and raucous laughter from the Duke's entire retinue save the Priest who can only look on in horror at what the Duke is saying.

3. Will the candidate if he is to become chancellor commit to the retaking of a Duchy's former settlements even without an edict? What territorial objectives does the Chancellor set for their term?

I don't believe there is any need for edicts to retake provinces that were once ours. The process of edicts and charter amendments is for those provinces that were not previously part of the Greater Reich in its former days.

Turning to a number of lawyers the Duke raises an eyebrow in question?

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

As for expansion...at this time it would be pure operational suicide to outline specifics. Targets of opportunity would be taken as long as it didn't jeopardize our current holdings.

4. Do you have any plans to heal the religious rifts in the Reich from the War of the Reformation?

There is no plan because in my mind it's over. I stated that in my speech and it doesn't change now. I will not work with or support any further attempt to address this topic. What has clearly been seen from this event is that Religion needs to be separated from the secular powers that govern this Reich. Neither side tried to calm the population and both sides inflamed the situation to tragic levels...in my view there is blood on both sides.

5. Out of our current enemies, which would you prefer to seek peace with, and which destroy?

If I'm elected I will certainly sound out all current enemies and see if terms can be reached. This could allow a diplomatic solution to a few of our more pressing military fronts. I hold little hope however as having already spoken to the Venetian's, they are supremely confident of continuing their attacks on us...even though it maybe over the dead bodies of some 10 000 troops I have personally overseen the death of.

6. Which front would the Chancellor personally like to campaign on?

Clearly I'll be located in Austria for the foreseeable future.

7. Would Imperial armies be committed to any other fronts?

This is something I've already discussed with the Kaiser. There are a number of army units that currently fall outside the legal framework we have. I will certainly not be disbanding these immediately but be looking to reconstitute them with the current authorised forces. Those that can't will be classified at “Imperial Troops” and be directly controlled by the Office of the Chancellor.

Clearly the Kaiser will be assisting Bavaria and Prince Peter's Army will be in Franconia...therefore Swabia and Austria will be compensate for the time being as all fronts are hard pressed.

8. Which field armies or fronts are in most urgent need of reinforcement?

ALL!! I'm not going to place any priority at this time. I'll listen to everyone's thoughts and make the tough choices myself.

9. As Chancellor, what would be your strategy in Outremer? How would you fight the Greeks and restore the Kingdom?

The strategy is similar to here in the Homelands. Reinforce as best as possible, fight defensively as a default tactic and counter punch when the opportunity presents itself. Matthias is perfect for the job. As for the Kingdom as a whole...then I'll quote my Father...”Outremer will be created one province at a time”.

10. Would the Chancellor prioritize recruitment or building? What kinds of buildings would the Chancellor be more inclined to authorize?

Recruiting is the first priority, once forces have been brought back up to fighting levels then the economy must be repaired. This is not a hard and fast process and it will be a delicate balancing act in the initial stages. Weighting will be given to troops and then slowly transitioned to more pure economic activities.

11. How will the candidate treat those who did note vote him differently from those who did?

I'll buy horses for everyone who voted for me and flowers for those who didn't!! Seems fair to me.

The Duke's Priest is clearly incredulous to some of the answers being given.

12. Why is does the candidate think he is better qualified than his rival?

Because Fritz doesn't like to drink and has never even bought me a drink. You simply can't trust a man who doesn't even have the decency to buy others a drink

[_Tristan_]

Hugo de Cervole stands and adresses the whole Diet.

Mes Seigneurs, you might see me as a French renegade, untrustworthy and out of place.

But, I've made my choice, France is forfeit to me and I stand here in these halls on the invitation of the Kaiser.

So let me tell you that all the name-calling and bickering I see among you does not bode well for the future of the Empire and its rebuilding.

Swabia is almost lost, our cities under siege by my former countrymen and still, you fight among you like dogs in a pen.

Now is the time for unity not for hard feelings and old feuds...

I say this also to the new Electors, stand down from your posing as old-time politicians... You are new to this game, as I am and I think it would be good for us to remain in the background and not speak our minds too openly for fear of resparkling those same old feuds.

That said, I will now stand down and hope my advice will find some grace in your hearts and minds.

Hugo then sits back down, looking disappointed with his fellow Electors.

[AussieGiant]

Seigneur de Cervole,

Your words ring true but alas I do not think there will be too many moments of peace here in the Diet.

It is what it is and we have traditionally be a fractious lot.

Swabia is in deep trouble and I fear we may lose two cities in the next few years.

[Zim]

Herr de Cervole,
I apologize if it seems like I have engaged in petty bickering. I see the wisdom of spending my first Diet listening rather than talking. However, it seems to me as if Herr von Hapsburg has gone out of his way to antagonize several other Electors, many in my own House. I truly regard his inclination to pick fights over things people did not even truly say about a city very far from his own lands. By confronting him directly I hope the issue will be settled and the older, wiser heads of the Diet be undistracted by the bickering of young men. It may be a vain hope, but I felt I had to try.

Andreas returns to his seat in the Outremer section.

[Ignoramus]

Von Hapsburg is clearly not amused as he rises to speak.

A lapdog, Duke Athawolf? Hah! We Hapsburgs are nobody's lapdog. I chose to take service with the Austrian Duke because I am bored of managing mein estates in Styria, and because even I am alarmed about the state of the Reich at this current time.

As for young Salzgitter, I would concern yourself about the Levant; I warrant the Greeks will soon allow you no respite for your thoughts to dwell on your homeland.

Von Hapsburg resumes his seat.

[_Tristan_]

Hugo de Cervole stands again, bowing to Duke Arnold.

Duke Arnold, fractious lot you may be but unity should be the order of the day, sorry if I repeat myself.

The Empire was almost on the brink of disappearance and might still be if we continue like this. This whole electoral process does nothing to reconcile the different factions within the Reich.

Turning to Andreas von Salzgitter, he adds.

Andreas, mon ami, I'm not one to give lessons, speak your mind if you think it is worth it but do not let yourself be drawn into petty quarrels by persons who should know better.

The best way of dealing with the insults of some is simply to ignore them. Indifference and comtempt is worse than hatred.

[Zim]

Andreas begins chuckling to himself.

While I thank you for the compliment, Herr von Hapsburg, I am not sure a man ten years my junior and not yet knighted should call me young, all the while dodging a serious question asked of him.

He then turns to Hugo.

Sir, I believe you are correct. Conversing with Herr von Hapsburg does not enlighten me and amuses me only insofar as his answers have absolutely nothing to do with the subject being discussed. Moreover, he is not of a station that would require my answering him out of politeness. I shall take your advice and keep quiet, and listen to the more experienced members of the Diet.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Gentlemen,

You may bicker away until your hearts content. If that is what you wish to do then so be it. Every Duke here has seen more than his fair share of internal conflict...if anyone was to step too far out of line then back room comments would be made a pressure brought to bare that would end the issues...

...I'm more than happy to see the younger generation getting their feet wet, those that perform and do well will naturally rise to the top of at least the Ducal levels. They aren't hereditary unlike some positions.

On a serious note I do need to address the Kaiser.

Looking around to try and find him with no success Arnold heads back to the Austrian chamber.

[Warluster]

Duke von Salza stands and looks at Duke Arnold

Strangely Duke Arnold, this bickering has meaning, if you sort the mess, you will find that it has meaning, and a good result.

You are evading my question though, what would you do in response to recent French attacks?

Maxmillian, I assume you are not talking to me, as my name is Duke von Salza, and Athalwolf.

Duke von Salza sits in a satisfied manner and waits for Duke Arnold's reply

[Ignoramus]

Von Hapsburg quietly calls out.

If I was in his position, I'd give Swabia a leader.

A page rushes to von Hapsburg's side, and whispers in his ear. Von Hapsburg grins and rises to his feet.

Excuse me, electors, but I have just received a report of alarming nature. By chance, a page happened to overhear a discussion in the Swabian chambers, and I find it of significant mutual interest to reveal it.

Athalwolf von Salza, commonly termed Duke of Swabia, has said something that perhaps he now may agree is unacceptable for an elector of the Reich. I now quote his statement:

"I also urge to the other Swabian Electors to ignore any comments spoken by young members of other Duchy's. There unlawful comments shall be brought to justice very... fast."

Turning to von Salza.

Brought to justice, eh? It would seem you have designs on our lives; how else could you legally administer such "justice". I need not remind electors that only the Kaiser has the right to decide whether comments are unsuitable, let alone unlawful.

Von Hapsburg sits down and awaits the Diet's response.

[Warluster]

Duke von Salza glares at Maxmillian

That sentence makes absolutely no sense at all,Maxmillian. I quietly wonder if it was aimed at me.

Duke von Salza sits, smirking.

[AussieGiant]

Frowning at Hapsburg's comment the Duke stares at him until he finally makes eye contact with the young noble.

Giving him a look that can only be described as: "Have you finished?"

The Duke looks back at von Salza.

I wasn't aware I was avoiding a question Athalwolf.

As you have not outlined who or where your two House Armies are or given them orders I'm a little perplexed at what you would like me to say.

If the French have half a brain Metz will be taken immediately and there's nothing we can do about that.

von Bohmen is currently in serious trouble in Bruge also and will simply have to survive as best he can. Without any further input from you then I'd recruit as best we could Staufen and have both you and Ruppel combine force and march on Metz. I certainly wouldn't be leaping past Metz to help Bruge as it would leave the interior of the Reich exposed.

Your thoughts Athalwolf?

[Warluster]

Athalwolf stands and nods, showing he gives satisfaction in the DUke's answer.

It is a good plan, but I know not what my fellow Swabians think of the matter, it is their opinion which will make the day. We hope for a quick blitzkrieg, it seems satisfavtory.

Unfortunely Arnold, we have no Household Armies present at this moment, the latest being destroyed at Bern. This problem will hopefully be solved in the next two years, I hope.

Duke von Salza nods at the Austrian bench, before sitting and waiting for his fellow's reply.

[Ignoramus]

Von Hapsburg rises to his feet.

Electors, it appears that I am unwelcome here; I understand. One who goes against the main opinion of the electors often suffers the same fate.

Perhaps I was unwise in some of mein comments, and for that forgive me. But I confess I was not brought up with doses of absurdity. I will remedy that.

For now, I am off to visit the Kaiser.

Von Hapsburg bows as he and his retinue leave the Diet.

[AussieGiant]

Raising his eyebrows at the departing Hapsburg, the Duke seems to shake his head in a little bewilderment at the young man.

Athalwolf, I am aware that there is little of the Swabian House armies remaining, but I would ask you to make your orders known in the Chancellor's book.

Please choose the General's you wish to lead them and their orders for the coming period. I will then do my best, if elected, to reconstitute them and place them in position to execute your orders.

[OverKnight]

Matthias follows the latest exchange and decides to speak.

Duke von Salza, as you are aware the Cataclysm disrupted the House Army system, either through civil strife, attrition in many battles or the raising of irregulars sworn to individual Electors and not Houses.

I was Chancellor when we went from one HA to two. The transition was difficult and not quick when it happened then. Many Electors were impatient with the process. Whoever becomes Chancellor will face an even more daunting task, trying to reassemble the HAs in the face of a stark shortage of Florins and active campaigning on every front.

My impression is that we will be relying on ersatz formations and levies for quite longer than two years, and that HAs will be reconstituted on the run. The results will not be perfect, but we should be patient. Central Authority has been restored, but remnants of the chaos from the Cataclysm will be felt for years. In my opinion Swabia has the most dire shortage of men, and should recieve priority for recruitment, but our Citadels, many of which have lost important facilities, can train only so many units a year.

I apologize if this is small comfort, but we must keep a sober assessment of our prospects lest we try to reach for too much too soon.

[deguerra]

Ludwig struggles to hide a satisfied grin as von Hapsburg leaves the chamber

to the Emperor indeed.

Herzog Arnold, I meant no disrespect either in my chastizing of young Dieter, nor in my somewhat aggravted remarks at von Hapsburg to you personally, your Duchy or your candidacy as chancellor. I hold you as an honourable and decent man, and I know that as long as there are men such as yourself to rule Austria, I need fear no...squabbling upstarts attempting to use Imperial policy for their own personal ends.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Count Ludwig,

Believe me when I say that the two young nobles of Austria are entirely responsible for their own actions and words until such time as I decide to get involved. Therefore I take no offense at anyone and their dealings with the two of them. They are old enough to fend for themselves and will represent the Duchy to the standards I require.

Being outspoken and full of "£$^* and spit" is nothing for either young men to be ashamed of.

[Ramses II CP]

I would urge everyone to allow Hapsburg to speak as much as he likes, for obviously the more words pass his lips the more clearly he reveals himself as a fool. Bellow on my young friend, it is always a pleasure when the Kaiser brings his personal jester to the Diet.

Young von Essen, as for 'Saint' Jan and my perspective on history... I've just had my left big toe sainted as well. Cost about 2 florins. Here's the patent from the Pope.

Fritz unrolls a rather ornamental document onto the table, but rolls it back up and puts it away before over much can be read.

I deeply suspect that if the Reich were to replace another Pope we could have Father Luther sainted with little trouble. Or a horse, if you know a good one, since a horse's *** has already made the trip.

Continuing on to my brother's execution, the Kaiser himself does not believe Duke Steffen's report. I have no idea what information the Duke based his conclusion on because he has not shared it publically, but hindsight is clear. One people took immense benefit from our Kaiser's death. The Byzantines. The subsequent disruption of the Reich and the passage of power to our good Emperor Elberhard opened the gates to a Byzantine territorial expansion beyond anything they had accomplished in hundreds of years and to the complicit theft of the Reich's treasury.

Where there is smoke, there is fire. You may disagree with me, but you cannot claim to know the truth of these matters. You accuse me of pushing an agenda, but clearly you are doing the same thing simply on the other side of the fence. I take no shame in saying that I am pursuing my brother's killers.

I will have further comments of more substance shortly, for now I must adjourn to the jakes.

[Northnovas]

Electors,

It is good to see the same behaviour back in the Diet. The young ones are always permitted to have a say and from their mouths come there wisdom. If someone has something to say speak and let you be heard.

It also good to see real issues come like men and resources brought up for debate Yes we are in a crises mode. There will have t be priorities and I see Swabia having the first in men and equipment. The French is our enemy not the other Houses. Once Duke von Salza proposes his strategy the focus will be on supplying him. The other Houses know that and will wait; we only have so many production centres.
The Outremer is another issue to protect Jerusalem and it would be King Steffen’s decision on what he needs and who should go. I have cautioned before it takes a special individual to answer the call but it is no use sending eager nobles to the Outremer with no command when they would be better served at home.
It is all about priorities and cooperation.
In this chamber Duke Arnold is the one who is addressing these issues and is making his best effort for a consensus with the Houses. These are the issues I want to debate how and when. There is no need to bring up the wrongs that have occurred in the past 20 years that a certain member running for Chancellor keeps bringing up on the floor.
It is time to move on for reconciliation amongst the Houses that will lead to cooperation and defeat of our enemies. The blame game is done and over there were mistakes made and events beyond our individual control. We have survived and now lest move forward.

Please excuse me for my candidate bias but I have seen the leadership in the Austrian House for a long time and can see that same leadership for the Reich has we begin a new era. We have a long road ahead of us.

[Ramses II CP]

Returning to the chamber Fritz withdraws another document from his battered case.

Very well then, just a few more remarks to address. Regarding Sir de Cervole's remarks, while we may seem fractured and uncoordinated in these chambers it is precisely because we settle these matters here that we can present one united front to our enemies in the field. Once I am chosen Chancellor I assure you the men who have spreads lies and insults on my good name will recant their actions in order to pursue their agendas more effectively. Politics in the Reich are not without rancor, but are also rarely irreversible.

I have been reviewing our army formations and funding situation, and I believe I have some effective economic measures prepared to deal with them, but my understanding is not yet complete. I will have a firm economic proposal to put on the table shortly, and I look forward to contributions from all sides to the plan.

Additionally I am starting to smell a scam surrounding Antwerp. As Sir Andreas raised the issue, so I ask directly, what exactly is Hapsburg's great interest in this matter? Given the ambiguous nature of the Kaiser's edict on the matter it is an issue of some importance. If our Kaiser were found to be scheming with this most disagreeable young noble... well, I can only hope some explanation is forthcoming.

There have been surprisingly few edicts proposed. Are there no more issues to be voted upon?

[Privateerkev]

After listening for awhile, Dieter speaks,

I am seeing a disturbing trend from some in here to "suppress dissent". I have every right to speak in these chambers, and to the best of my knowledge, I have observed every single protocol and decorum.

Yet, I keep getting lumped in with my colleage, Elector Hapsburg when people keep mentioning "two young electors." I believe this is a ploy by those who disagree with other people's candicacies and legislative agendas.

Let me make clear, while an Austrian brother, Hapsburg does not speak for me. I have my own thoughts on matters he speaks of but I will keep my opinions to myself. Any attempt to link the two of us, is simply a move of misdirection and is regrettable. Or is simply ignorance.

Sir Fritz,

While you have gone at length to just insult the Catholic Church, you have not actually addressed the issue of Lutheran complicity in the War of Reformation. While my mind is made up with regards to who should be Chancellor, perhaps other electors would like to hear more than insults heaped upon their faith.

As for the murder of Kaiser Siegfried, I have yet to see one shred of proof that the Byzantines were involved. All you offer is that they benefited. Well, correlation does not automatically equal causality. On the other hand, Duke Lothar has submitted reams of evidence to support his investigation. Including a confession. If you have a problem with his investigation or conclusions, then answer them directly instead of making your own spurious claim.

Now I will sit and await the flurry of comments about my age and how I should just shut up and let grown ups speak at the Diet. But such comments do little to alleviate the very situation that electors claim to care about.