Imperial Diet VII

[OverKnight]

OOC: This should be read as going before the previous post.

Matthias enters the Diet looking travel-worn and tired.

My fellow Electors,

I wish to congratulate Duke Arnold on his term. Never before, with the possible exception of Saint Maximillian, has a Chancellor faced so much adversity: Plague, financial ruin, the aftermath of a civil war and countless enemies. He confronted each with an iron will and we are stronger for it. The Reich has survived, and soon the apostates, infidels and scum of the world will tremble once again at our approach. I thank Duke Arnold for his role in our rebirth.

Matthias pauses, taking note of the quiet chamber.

Yet. . .I would not have this turn into complacency. Rumors have reached me in Outremer of inertia on some parts of the Home Front. For the Reich to embrace it's destiny, each Elector must put forth their maximum effort. In the past what fueled our advance against the despotic and arthritic kingdoms around us was the strength of our nobles: Dukes, Counts and Electors. If we are to advance again, we must reclaim the initiative and drive of our fore-fathers.

The world is ours, all we have to do is reach out and take it.