Imperial Diet VII

[gibsonsg91921]

My friends, the death of our Steward is saddening indeed, none less because it was our great Kaiser Elberhard. The Imperial Secretariat (OOC: econ) will continue to run day-to-day business of the Reich because according to our Imperial physicians, Duke Arnold will make a full recovery within the next year. (OOC: AG will be back jan. 2)

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: As stated by the our glorious new Kaiser, the Imperial Secretariat craves the indulgence of the Diet to be allowed to manage the day to day business of the Reich. Duke Arnold remains in a delirium and cannot name a new Steward. However, his prognosis is good and the Secretariat is required only to administer the Reich without him for this current year, 1246.

If any of our resident lawyers wish to contest this, we can call another Emergency Session of the Diet and have another vote.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: The alternative is to pause the game until 2 January - it's not worth installing another player just for one turn IMO.

[Ramses II CP]

Kaiser Peter, my brother, I have but recently heard of your intentions to march to Bologna to take command of the Imperial army there. I do not mean to belittle the importance of the Italian front, but I feel I must point out that the state of Swabia is now so dire that Frankfurt itself is potentially exposed to assault from the west. It would be terrible for Franconia to have closed the northern front just in time to open a western one.

To my eyes it appears that Bavaria now has sufficient armies to carry forward the offensive against the Byzantines, especially in light of the advance of (OOC: Prinz?) Dieter von Kassel from the south. I would propose that Swabia is in far greater need of Imperial aid, and that in so aiding our brothers Franconia could also be warded against another two front war. The the armed forces of Franconia have been terribly reduced by driving away the Danes, and I do not see how we could hold against the French at Frankfurt and the Poles at Madgeburg both unless your forces, Kaiser Peter, are used to aid us.

Perhaps call the Imperial cavalry to your side and leave the Imperial foot to aid the Italian advance.

Also before I leave Arhus I would appreciate it if my bombard crew could be replenished, and perhaps some gunpowder troops trained (No hurry unless I'm going to be needed at Frankfurt; I'm content to sit at Arhus for a few turns and rebuild) for my army. I have also considered building a fort on one of the islands southeast of Arhus to slow any potential Danish assault from that direction.

I am deeply concerned about this plague out of the east. What measures could be taken to prevent our armies being weakened by it? This is not my area of expertise.

Fritz von Kastilien

[gibsonsg91921]

For the plague, all generals should stay out of cities as it hits. Stay away from the hotbeds of infestation.

The situation in Swabia is indeed dire, brother. I shall indeed go to Italy and regain the multitude of lost Imperial territory. However, the treasury you have earned in the sack of Arhus could be sufficient in recruitment of large armies for the benefit of Swabia. Staufen still is subject to plague. If forces from Magdeburg and Innsbruck could be recruited quickly, perhaps Swabia may be saved.

I leave for Italy with naught but my feudal retinue - the other troops in the former Prinz's Army may be of assistance in Swabia.

These options, coupled with the valiance of Duke Athalwolf and his men, could yet win the day. The first target I recommend is Caen or Angers - a stable Citadel is necessary as long as Staufen is plagued.

[FactionHeir]

In a move that seems completely out of character, Ehrhart Ruppel slams his fist onto the nearest bench, sending a loud hallowing noise through the diet hall

Why must another great man of the empire fall yet again? How is it that those most valiant and noble leaders of our empire fall oh so much faster and in greater numbers?

Emperor Elberhard was a great mentor, leader and friend. I sincerely pray for his family that had lost a husband, father and brother. He may have been out only hope....

Nevertheless, I shall honor his will and hereby bow to the new emperor, Peter von Kastilien!

[gibsonsg91921]

I would request of Duke Dieter Bresch of Franconia that the maximum number of Teutonic Knights be recruited from Frankfurt and donated to Swabia for their efforts against the French.

OOC: I'll duplicate this post for the Orders and Reports Thread.

[Warluster]

Duke von Salza hears of Kaiser Peter's march to Italy, and at once stands, eyes narrowing

I will have to agree with Count Fritz, we are need not of donations, we received many of that from the late Kaiser, but armies. The SHA, the only one we have, is understregth. It can only block the bridge to Staufen, while Bruges, Antwerp and Frankfurt lay open.

I have some 500 soldiers, and that is all I can muster to take Dijon. The French have huge armies heading to Bruges and Staufen, the Swabian capital. There is another huge French army down south.

The Bavarians are capable commanders, and they have strong armies to counter most threats. Bavaria has cities capable of producing very good units, while Swabia is reduced to some three cities.

The Knights are welcomed, mein Kaiser, but we need much more. Unfortunely, compared to other suich houses, every single one of our cities are under immediate threat of being destroyed. Bavaria has legs now, its not like back in 1320 when the Greeks were coming up Italy.

Duke von Salza stares at his new Kaiser, hoping he got the message through, then sits, and tunrs around and says something to Count Ludwig, then stares at the Kaiser.

[gibsonsg91921]

It is true that due to the recent assaults of the late Kaiser Elberhard and Duke Lothar Steffen, the Greeks are crippled.

However, I still need to unite with the Kaiser's old army before I go to Swabia. I shall put off my return to Rome and instead forge a path to Swabia as soon as those forces are my own.

[deguerra]

Indeed I am with my Duke fully on this matter. I have held Bruges against one French attack, but the troops were hardly the cream of the crop. My walls are still broken, and my men are still depleted without reinforcements. Any help you can send is much appreciated, and I am immensely grateful for the knights you have sent. But if we are to be sure of victory, we will need as much as we can muster, or may the Lord have mercy on our souls.

[gibsonsg91921]

Indeed. I hope Bavaria can arrange for safe passage of the late Elberhard's army to me - I shall march south with my retinue to meet with it as it marches north to reduce the time it takes. I authorize Duke Lothar to take command of one regiment of his choosing from that army to assist in his efforts - I reccommend the powerful Gothic Knights.

[FactionHeir]

Ehrhart Ruppel strides into the Diet with a grin

My Lords, I present you... Dijon.
The French noble governing our rightful province was arrogant or foolish enough to have his men camp outside the city rather than garrison it and has paid with his life after being defeated by me in single combat.

While Dijon has been reclaimed, it is anything but safe. The walls are damaged from the previous assault by the French and it stands without any garrison.
However, the men are still loyal to the empire and many have asked to enlist in the local militia. I ask permission to order repair of its walls and recruitment of additional militia at once.

For the moment, I shall remain encamped inside Dijon as no less than four French armies patrol the region and many of my men are too tired to continue back towards Bern, which is under threat by a large contigent of an army composed wholly of veteran French Lancers.

I pray that Duke von Salza can hold them with aid of the SHA I left him and most of my levy.

Now if you excuse me, I have a city to rebuild.

Exits

[Stuperman]

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=227

The Hungarian Scum have been run off, although they ran west, the fools, so I suspect it won't be the last time We see them. They were ransomed for nearly 3400 Florins, The imperial treasury now stands at almost 29,000 Florins. I had to leave a half strength unit of Spearman in Innsbruck to maintain some semblance of order.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Herrmann Steffen:

Right...

Cataclysm, regicide, enemies on all sides making gains, political fracture, civil war...

...Black Death...

I know it's not an Emergency Session, and I don't want one, but can we please get something passed that says that next year is 1400? I mean, this century's really sucked so far and we're only halfway through it.

[Cecil XIX]

It is with deep sadness that I learn of the passing of Karl Zirn. He was an immenesly honorable man, with a record of service to the Reich that cannot be questioned. His service will be missed.

[Ramses II CP]

Karl Zirn's long service to the Reich carried through every moment of his life, and though I may have often disagreed with his methods I cannot question his results. It is a sad day for the Reich, and a time of mourning for us all.

As one generation steps down, the next must step up. Increasingly the Reich must rely on the younger generation. I urge those men to stand strong in the face of whatever calamities may come; lately this plague and God knows what next.

Fritz von Kastilien

[_Tristan_]

An emissary wearing a red-crossed white tabard arrives from the Legion der Krone and reads from a letter.

My Lords,

I wish to express my most heartfelt thanks to the Kaiser for the immense honour done to me in trusting me with the command of the Legion der Krone for the once.

According to orders, I will lead those men to fight the French in Swabia or join with Kaiser Peter's army, whichever makes most sense at this time.

I am glad to finally be of use to my new country and hope to be still more in the near future.

Hugo de Cervole.

The emissary then folds back the letter and departs.

[OverKnight]

A message arrives from Adana.

Electors,

These are dark times, it seems as if all we do is write eulogies. Karl Zirn was a great man, a Chivalrous Crusader, a fierce General, a loyal and competent son of Austria and he was my friend.

He came to the attention of the Reich when he married Meckil, Duke Leopold's daughter. He took the Cross in the second Crusade and fought in the assault on Damascus. He became the Count of the city, it's first and only ruler for Outremer and the Reich. The Cathedral Karl built there, however brief its existence, was a shining testament to his piety and devotion to the people he governed.

Count Zirn gained notoriety when he led the campaign to conquer the then Turkish city of Iconium. He also protected Damascus against multiple attacks from the Saracens. As Chancellor, when I looked for a leader for the Third Crusade, Karl Zirn was an easy choice. His retaking of Jerusalem helped erase the blight on our honor when we allowed the Egyptians to take the city.

In Austria's time of need, he returned home. His valiant defense of Austria's eastern frontier after the loss of much of its soldiers at Bucharest gave hope to a battered Duchy. His defiant and inspired leadership ensured that the Hungarian onslaught was blunted and eventually stopped short of Vienna and Zagreb. Even now, due to him, the reconquest of Budapest draws closer.

I will miss Karl Zirn. May Johann, his eldest son, carry on his legacy of duty, honor and chivalry.

Viceroy Matthias Steffen

[gibsonsg91921]

Karl Zirn was a great commander, a chivalrous man, and a very pious man. He was one of the most important assets of Outremer and when he came home, one of the most important assets of Austria. May he rest in peace.

[AussieGiant]

OOC: (I'm ignoring the fact I have the plague IC or at least that it would be stupid to walk into the Diet when you have it. I hope that's ok with everyone as trying to be the chancellor by correspondence would be crazy)

There are three slow but very loud knocks on the Diet Chambers massive doors. They echo for some moments before the Speak of the Chamber intones:

The Chamber welcomes the duly elected Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire, Duke Arnold of Austria!!!

The doors swing open to reveal the Duke covered in his traditional Obsidian Black armour and the familiar figures of his retinue arrayed behind him.

The group moves into the chamber with the Duke heading straight for the chambers centre. Once he arrives he stops, then begins pacing the chamber floor and placing his hands behind his back as he surveys the nobles in attendance.

The only sign of his ordeal are the dark shadows under his eyes and the streaks of silver gray hair that now line his temples.

My Lords!!!

His voice cracks across the room like a shell from a cannon.

It is with great regret that I stand here having left the service of this Reich while I was struck down by this plague we are enduring. I am currently in remission and am now able to fully discharge my duties to the Reich.

Since I have been away men have died, our war fronts have expanded in some areas and the treasury has increased nicely.

I see that my unplanned departure from the position of Chancellor prompted another Emergency session, which thankfully received the answer that was necessary at the time.

I mourn the loss of Kaiser Elberhard. He was a great man and someone that stood by his convictions no matter what the circumstances, and even though we were polar opposites I will always remember him for that.

My friend and brother in law Karl Zirn...

The Duke stops his pacing to gaze at the floor remembering various instances

he was family, and as such his wife, my sister and their children will be under my care until I depart from this earth.

He will be dearly missed in Austria as a noble who put duty and sacrifice above all else. His experience and leadership will be greatly missed in these times of trouble.

Gazing around the room making eye contact with as many nobles as he can the Duke's eyes flash with anger and conviction.

I'm taking back control of the Chancellorship and the governing of this Empire, any man that has a problem with this should make himself heard now in this chamber!!

Glancing at the newly appointed Kaiser Peter the Duke bows.

Long live Kaiser Peter. I swear my fealty to you and Prinz Dieter.

[Northnovas]

Johann Zirn:

My Kaiser and Noblemen of the Reich,

The Zirn Family thanks you for the kind words of our father. I wish to declare my service to the Kaiser and hope that I can follow in the servitude of my father for the Reich.

[AussieGiant]

The Chancellor:

Clearly frustrated at a number of issues being replayed to him Arnold holds a familiar battle field report. They are all marked with a red seal so they are easy to identify.

I'm not going to wait for the full report from von Luxemburg simply because the Kaiser has confirmed the crushing victory he has inflicted on the Poles threatening our Capital.

Considering the position of Chancellor is entirely about rules and the ability to best ignore them, I duly proclaim von Luxemburg a Knight of this Reich!!

Well done and keep up the good work...I actually might have to create some "Royal Protectorate" position for you boy!!!

Glancing at a number of official's the Chancellor mumbles something about looking into it

[gibsonsg91921]

I, Péter von Kastilien, with all of the electors as my witness, hereby name Dieter von Kassel to be my Prinz. Despite his father's actions, he has proved his loyalty and has exemplary skill on the battlefield. He has fought heroically in Outremer and in Italy, and he has no enemies. He is the perfect candidate for Prinz.

[Ferret]

Congratulations Dieter! You truly have earned the honour.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Standing the fatigued Chancellor is clearly in a foul mood. Waving away his Priest he stands.

Yes well done Dieter...inheriting the throne of this nation seems like a crap shoot to me, but who am I to judge.

Staring in the direction of the Franconian benches Arnold continues with some degree of sarcasm.

Lords of Franconia, I'm sure the facilities in Magdeburg are to your liking. Most Citadel's these days are far removed from the rudimentary hovel's I once new.

May I enquirer as to when anyone intends to leave said location?

I believe the siege is going to break some world record soon and I can't help but notice now that I've been Chancellor for 8 years...THAT THE ENITRE GODDAMN REGION IS ENTIRELY SCREWED BECAUSE OF THIS £$%£ING SITUATION!!

Smiling in an enormous effort to remain civil the Chancellor takes a seat.

The floor is yours gentlemen, I'd like some response if it doesn't inconvenience any card games being played out there.

[Ferret]

We simply lack the forces to break the siege. I have insufficient men to sally but can hold at the walls should they attack. Fritz has enough enemies to deal with in the North and cannot spare the time to attack the besiegers. So unless you can pop an army out of nowhere Arnold we can do nothing but wait until we are forced to act.

(OOC: I only just found out it is under siege, I better look at the save)

[AussieGiant]

OOC: Well the AI just attacked so your in the defensive battles list EF.

IC:

The Chancellor

Excellent Duke Bresch, I can already see that.

Mind you I have reports from around the area that the Poles seem to be making preparations for an assault. Maybe this will all be over sooner than I thought.

The malevolent glint in his eye is clear for all to see.

Thanks christ for that...the entire front has been hamstrung since Magdeburg was sieged.

[flyd]

Chancellor Arnold, I'm glad you're well. You may have missed it while reviewing the events during your sickness, but the original Polish army was destroyed, and the citadel was immediately besieged by another army. I assure you that our army at Magdeburg, which would have been considered modern in the 12th century, was hardly capable of taking on the first enemy army in the open field, which held overwhelming cavalry superiority, a superiority in numbers, and contained some rather nasty 9-flag foot knights. The walls of Magdeburg were essential in the defense with what resources were available at the time.

[TinCow]

*A Bavarian Messenger enters with a letter from Duke Lothar Steffen.*

Electors of the Reich, this evening I will be riding into battle against a Byzantine army that outnumbers my own force by three to one. I wish to contrast my stand in face of these odds with the decision of our own Kaiser to withdraw his powerful army from Bologna. This move has doomed Bologna, the city that Kaiser Elberhard died to protect, it has endangered the life of Friedrich Karolinger, it risks the security of Bavaria, and it has also removed any prospect whatsoever of recovering the Imperial Capital of Rome. All of this in order to send help to Swabia which will be irrelevant by the time it arrives.

I understand the plight of the Swabians and I sympathize with it, but the circumstances are grim for all Houses. Bavaria is under assault by three full armies and a fourth stands ready to march on us as well. The quality and composition of these armies are no less dangerous than those that face our western brethren. Bologna is certain to fall. Milan will likely fall as well if Bavaria does not receive aid. Were the Kaiser's army located in Swabia already, I would not even raise this issue, but the fact is that Kaiser Elberhard brought it to Italy with the express purpose of aiding the war effort in Italy. All of the plans and efforts of Bavaria have been based on the assumption that this army would be marching by our side. Now that it has been withdrawn, we once again face a full flight into the Alps with nothing but Innsbruck remaining secure.

I have been informed that the Kaiser's army has already marched a great distance away from Italy. What is done is done and we will have to live with it, however foolish and wasteful it may be. That said, there is still time for Kaiser Peter to show that he retains the wisdom and foresight of his predecessor. I ask of you, Kaiser Peter, as a fellow German, for the sake of the women and children of Milan, allow your army to march south to its aid. Together with the army of Fredericus Erlach, that city can be saved at little cost. Without your aid, all of Italy may fall.

I know that there has been bad blood between us over the past years. You believe me to be an evil and spiteful man. Perhaps I am, but if you ignore the plight of the innocent people of Milan because of a personal vendetta, you will be no better than I am. Show that you are a noble and honorable Kaiser, and that you protect the lives of all of your vassals. Divert your army to Milan, which is already nearby. After the battle there, continue on towards Swabia and I will express no complaints. This is a small thing that I ask of you, but it will mean a great deal to every Bavarian. The issue in Swabia will be decided one way or another before your army arrives anyway. A delay of a year or two will make no difference, but it will make all the difference in Bavaria. At least allow your army to take the field in a place where it can be of immediate use. Extend a hand of friendship to Bavaria and you will see one reaching back towards you.

Lothar Steffen
Duke of Bavaria

[Ramses II CP]

I must further rise a bit in defense of my Franconian brethern to say that while I was out driving back the Danes (And burning through one of our household armies) I could not have made any advances without Madgeburg steadfast at my back. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to drive on Breslau and butcher the Poles, but the state of our forces has not yet allowed for that possibility. Perhaps if the Danish assault which I fear is coming can be destroyed then the northern flank will be quiet long enough to secure Breslau and press back the Poles.

I had hoped when I signed my ceasefire with the Russians, so long ago, that the Poles would look north and realize how exposed and strung out the Russians are, but it has not happened yet. Indeed, I forwarded some suggestions on the subtle weakening of Russian control of Stettin not so long ago in this very room (Or the O&R thread maybe; send in the priests to keep religion Catholic and a spy to reduce order) that might work to expose their weakness. If the Polish pressure relented just a bit I believe any Franconian noble to be more than capable of retaking Breslau.

My Chancellor I follow the intent of your remarks, but I do not believe the men at Madgeburg have been overly cautious.

Fritz von Kastilien

[gibsonsg91921]

Let it be known that the Legion der Krone make a brief return to Italy to save Milan and Bavaria.

I regret having left so soon - conditions for Bavaria were much more promising when I left, but the Byzantines, as if assisted by higher powers, seem to produce veteran armies out of nowhere. At the time that I left, Swabia was in even greater need than Bavaria. However, the French have not proceeded in their assaults and the Greeks have. Hindsight is clear.

I shall return, and Hugo de Cervole, my new right-hand, shall join me if he wishes. Ehrhart Ruppel shall indeed receive his ribaults to combat the lancers. Bavaria will not fall.