Imperial Diet

[Ituralde]

Conrad raises quickly after Dietrich von Saxony has spoken and raises a finger.

I may have voiced some of my Edicts not as clear as I had intended.
Edict 2.4 was meant to entail that any aggression against Venice should be started by them. I'm sorry if my description of 'dire reasons' has led to confusion. I think we are of one mind here Dietrich.

Also the army command for Sigismund should not be mandatory and I can fully understand the House of Bavaria's desire to prove their worth on the battlefield. I will second Edict 2.5. Still Edict 2.2 will remain to be seconded, I would not want to curtail the House of Swabia on this matter.

I trust the House of Franconia in judging the North and the Danes and will therefor second any Edict Dietrich proposes for a swift taking of Stettin.
Concerning the Poles I will have to discuss this with my advisors, as Austria seems to be entangled in the East now where my own knowledge is scarce ,rather than Italy.

[Ignoramus]

Count Sigismund again rises to his feet.

I am pleased that our Bavarian friends are eager for battle, but surely if we intended to strike at Milan we would send them to conquer that city itself, rather than sit at the walls of Bern. For, if we leave the Milanese to themselves they will wax stronger, and that we cannot allow. Therefore, I humbly urge this Diet to attack Milan with all haste.

As of my opinion on the edicts that have been proposed so far:

Edict 2.1: I have decided to withdraw this edict, bowing to the superior wisdom of others. I realise that though a threat, Dijon is not as important as some other towns and castles.

Edict 2.2: I will only second this edict if the Diet thinks that I am the right noble to conquer Bern.

Edict 2.3: This is a sensible edict, and as such I second it.

Edict 2.4: For shame, noble electors! Would we treat our own word so lightly? Where is our honour? I cannot support such a shameful deed, and I am apalled that anyone honourable should support it.

Edict 2.5: Again, I must refrain from seconding my edict until later in this session.

Edict 2.6: Another sensible edict; Stettin is a valuable Baltic port and yet again thrawts the attempts of the Danes.

Edict 2.7: Perhaps we ought to wait a while, lest the Poles try to prevent us taking Breslau and Stettin.

[OverKnight]

My lords,

The intent behind edict 2.6 was indeed to take Stettin quickly. By besieging as soon as possible we could lay a claim on those rebellious pagans that the Danes or the Poles could not contest without attacking us. Once besieged the intent was to give the army commander the flexibility, to a degree, to determine when to assault the settlement. I did not wish to dictate tactics from the Diet chamber, only strategy.

Still, the Duke of Franconia will most likely be that army commander, and if he wishes to have more of a challenge and to free his army earlier so he can move onto Breslau, than I shall rephrase the edict. The Duke and I are also of a similar mind when it comes to seeing the potential of turning this small castle into a trading port.

Otto clears his throat and speaks again:

Edict 2.6: Stettin shall be taken in 10 years (5 turns), the Diet recommends that Dietrich von Saxony lead this attack and be assigned the required troops.

I am not comfortable dictating what troops we should recruit. If Governors have sole authority over what they build, shouldn't the Chancellor have sole authority over which soldiers he recruits?

As for an alliance with the Poles, I will second edict 2.7. On our other borders we have some natural barriers, the Rhine, the Alps and the sea, but not in the east. A friendly, or at least a nonbelligerent, power would be welcome there. I have my doubts about whether they will accept, particularly if we beat them to Stettin and Breslau. Still, it is worth the effort.

[Lucjan]

Dietrich is slow to respond to Otto's final comment, turning his words over in his mind before determining the prudent responce.

I have a fair degree of confidence in how the Polish mind works. Extend the alliance to them, I see no reason why they would decline. They sit at a tenuous position between us, the Magyars, and the Russians further north. Their conquest of Magdeburg was probably a nervous reaction as an attempt by some of their nobility to secure an early defensive position because of our swift expansion and slowness in extending an early hand of friendship. Just as our nobility have offered rewards for the conquest of lands, so do theirs.

Were we in their position, I'm sure we'd do the same. Let us, instead, offer these people our good graces.

As far as edict 2.6, I can second it in its current form. I'm sure father and I can work out a fair agreement on the composition of the soldiery.

[Braden]

Leopold had entered the chambers during the last two speeches, muddy and clearly tired from the road. He now sits nodding to himself before rising to address the Diet.

Electors,

I see no reason why we should not at least reach out with an olive branch of Alliance and trade to the Poles. I am a cautious man and slow to trust, as yet the Polish have done nought to suggest they will not be valued allies and if we envisage a conflict in the near future with Hungary it would be very prudent to attempt to secure the North East if we are to fight a war in the South East of Europe.

A few choice alliances now, are vital as I foresee trouble from the Norsemen as well as Hungary and Milan ahead of us. Both the Danes and Milaniese are great traders and have access to funds the like of which we will not see for a few years yet, hence we are at a disadvantage on the battlefield.

I do not doubt the skill of our generals, only the ability of our peasant armies to repel a professional enemy force. Even now my army besieging Prague face a militia of greater training than our own, better paid, better armed and better trained. I have no doubt that I will prevail and take the city soon but it is a wake-up call to me to see a REBELLIOUS state have sufficient income to field troops so far more professional than our own.

[Kagemusha]

The fifth Elector of Swabia enters the Diet,asks for permission to speaks and starts:

"First we would like to say that the last few years have been good for the Reich.Many lands that were rightfully ours have been returned to the Empire.About the new edicts":

Edict 2.2: Send Sigismund to capture Bern castle. His attack on Metz has proven his valour and strategic skill, surely Bern will pose no obstacle for him.

"I second this edict and think that the Rebellious Swiss should be returned as part of the Reich.I dont see no reason to drag Generals from all the way from Bavaria to lead the effort when we have good Swabians nearby ready to handle the effort"


Edict 2.3: Besiege and Take Breslau within the time frame set by our Council of Nobles.]

"I agree that Breslau should also be taken and our Eastern Border secured.Altough if Polish will get there first.I dont think we should go to war with them for Breslau so hereby i would like to make:".

1st amendment to Edict 2.3: If captured by Polish before we should leave Breslau be.

Edict 2.4: The Alliance with Venice is not to be broken, unless a dire reason is supplied by the Venetians.

"I second this amendment.We are the Kings of Romans and should be men of honour. We should not go to war with excuses.No the Empire is no lesser kingdom that attacks others based on opportunism.When we go to war,we go to war becouse of the right reasons".

Edict 2.5

"I wont second this like i stated my opinion before.No need to bring Generals far when there are able men already close"

edict 2.6: Besiege Stettin as soon as possible, and assault it within 20 years (10 turns).

"We will second this edit also,but with same reservations as 2.3.Taking of Stettin should not cause war between the Reich and Poland"

edict 2.7, an alliance should be offered to Poland as soon as possible.

"We will second this edict.In my mind we should have good relations with our neighbours unless they themselves cause war with us."


The Fifth Elector of Swabia bows to all parties and sits down on his place.Others can see that his health is not what it was still few years a go.

[IvarrWolfsong]

Cardinal Peter Scherer stands from his tall wooden seat. He gently raps on the floor 3 times with staff of office and waits to be recognized...

First off my brothers, I wish to say that it brings me great joy and fulfillment to sit among you again. Once more I feel compelled to apologize for my absense during the last meeting of this distinguished body.

Now beforeI speak to the wise proposals at hand, I wish to address the issue of our Holy Father, Pope Gregory. We all know that his Holiness and our Reich have had diffrences of opinion in the past. Gregory, regardless of what may think of him as a man, is the rightful Pope and the instrument through which Our Lord speaks to us during our short time here on Earth. One would be well advised to put wrath and pride aside for the moments we spend in this world so that one would hasten his soul's reception into the Kingdom of Our Lord in the next.

As to the proposed edicts, I have this to say:

2.2 I support this proposal in it's desire to capture the fortifications at Bern. The Swiss have strayed and must be brought back into the fold. If blood must be shed, so be it. Their children will thank us for it in a generation. However, I withhold my support for this proposal in lieue of proposal 2.5.

2.3 Again I support the use of our forces to bring these people under the protective and benevolent rule of our Kaiser, may God bless him with long life. Currently, these folk have no lord above them. They have no stability. If these people are left to fester in such a state, they will surely engage in all sorts of unspeakable depravities too foul to mention in these hallowed halls. It is the duty and privlege of the Empire to bring order and security to these wayward souls before they succumb to the heresies that seem to flourish in the east.

The cardinal glances toward the Austrian electors

2.4 I am no friend to the Venetians. They love money more than brother, babe or Church. However, I agree with what so many here have said far more eloquently than I. We should not be the one's to play Brutus here. Instead we should let the Venician's greed for silver cast them in the role of Iscariot. Doing so will make our action appear just when we, in retaliation, drive the Doge into the sea.

2.5 Steward Mandorf's proposal seems fair. I know the valor of the Bavarian people and fires that smolder in their hearts. As a son of Bavaria, I share it, though I have chosen a different field of battle. It seems almost cruel to deny these men the chance to serve the Reich and to put their lives on the line for a chance to bring glory to the empire and the Kaiser! I support this proposal.

Additionally, the position of the Holy Father remains nuetral in the cause of Swiss independance. An attack on this settlement now will bring no reprecussions from Rome. Should we wait until Milan has seized it, we would risk Gregory's scorn. As I explained in my letter to this body at it's last meeting, our reputation is already poor in the Vatican and we should do what is possible to avoid throwing more tinder on the flames.

2.6 Of all the settlement in need of our protection and tutelage, none cry out so loudly as Stettin. How a nation of unbaptised pagans has survived in the Heart of Europe for so long long is beyond my comprehension.

The cardinal's voice grows louder and his face begins to redden with suppressed anger

Even the Norsemen are Christians, yet these Stettinvolk still revel in carnal orgies and make blood sacrafices under the moon! It is an affront to the Church! ((Loudly taps his staff on the floor)) It is an affront to the Reich! ((Taps his staff even more loudly)) It is our duty to put an end to the evil of that place and bring the people to the Glory of accepting Christ, Our Savior.

The blush of firey red that had flushed the Cardinal's face begins to fade and his voice returns to it's normal volume. He seems completely calm and ingarciating again.

Securing this Baltic Sodom will give us access to the sea and the rich trade that flows there. As we enrich the local's souls, they will enrich our treasury.

2.7 The Poles are good sons of the Church. They are like a pavis provided by the Lord to guard the heart of Europe from the hordes of the East. It is wise and noble of us to provide them our hand in friendship.

Now I would like to make a proposition of my own...

2.8 "Eusebius von der Pfalz and I, Peter Scherer, Cardinal, should travel to the region of Stettin to begin readying the populace for acceptance into the Church of Rome."

Such a missionary undertaking will no doubt bring glory to the Reich, especially in the eyes of the Holy Father. For this reason I ask that the move be made as an official Edict of this Diet.

Lastly, I would like to address the fact that while many new churches have been built by the order of this most pious and reverant Diet, we must consider that we do not have a great church building anywhere in the Empire. While the French build massive abbeys and the Italians bring greek architects in from the east to plan magnificent Basillica, the Reich has no true seat of Christianity as it exists in our Empire.

I understand that times such as these may call for a build up of financial and military structures, but please do not forget that the soul also needs a fortress of faith which inspires it and strengthens its resolve.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: I would like to inform your noble lords that all the edicts currently proposed have been listed at the front of the Diet building (post #1). Where edicts already have two seconders, additional seconders have not been listed.

I would like to support Cardinal Scherer and second motion 2.8. In fact, I would like to go further. I believe more priests should be recruited to accompany the Cardinal and Eusebius von der Pfalz. Unlike Count Dietrich, I do not wish to cast aspersions on the ability of these two men of the cloth. The Cardinal is an inspirational figure and having met Eusebius, I can testify that the young man has a quite remarkable air of purity and goodness. But to convert a whole province of pagans is a mammoth task and I believe it requires more than a couple of men of the cloth to achieve in a reasonable time frame. When Stettin has seen the light, I am sure we could find employment elsewhere for our missionaries. My own attention has been drawn to the Holy Land and believe the day may soon come when men of the cloth can no longer abide the occupation of our most sacred sites to infidels.

I would suggest to Cardinal Scherer that he ammend his edict to include an instruction that at least two more priests should be trained and sent to accompany him and Eusebius.

[OOC: Priests get good traits if they convert non-Catholics quickly; more priests in a province means a faster rate of conversion and more chance of picking up good traits.]

More generally, I wish to support my father's proposed course of action for the second half of his term as Chancellor. I do not wish to see us embroiled in major wars without just cause. Given our central and dominant role in Europe, I fear war will find us soon enough anyway. When it does, if we are not entangled in an existing conflict with a major faction, we will be much more able to respond vigorously. While a move east does not favour my own House, Swabia, I see the logic in it - the road west is currently blocked by Milan at Dijon and the Danes at Antwerp.

I must study the other proposed edicts more carefully, but on first glance none causes me great displeasure.

[TinCow]

Cardinal Scherer, there is no doubt that you are a good and pious man. Your concerns for all of God's children are admirable and are worthy of high praise. Furthermore, your statements about Bern and Stettin are insightful beyond measure.

However, I am exceedingly disturbed by your statements regarding the Papal Usurper! *Mandorf spits on the ground and crosses himself.* The rightful Pope?! Since before the time of Constantine, the Pope was elected by pious and honorable men such as those who sit here in this very room. This was as God willed it and it cannot be otherwise.

Antipope Gregory, in an attempt to seize earthy power beyond that decreed to him by God, refuted this most sacred and holy of traditions and removed the entire body of Christianity from their divinely given right of choosing the Pope! In the place of this most just electorate, he gave the power to his own sycophants in Rome, ensuring that future tyrants like him would be placed on the Highest Throne. In his wisdom, Kaiser Heinrich initially opposed this injustice with all of his most righteous power. It was only due to the rebellion of many, now deceased, traitors to the Reich, that his attempts to restore the rightful order was thwarted.

We stand now, faced with this continued Satanic Tyranny... *Mandorf crosses himself again* ...that grows in Rome. Antipope Gregory has aligned himself against God and the Reich, for we are His chosen defenders on Earth! Your own statements show the Usurper's evil intents.

You say that if we attack Milan first, Gregory will support them instead of us. How true this is! *Mandorf begins to sweat profusely, his arms flailing around in wild gestures* Have you not forgotten that the Milanese have rebelled and thrown off the rightful rule of Kaiser Heinrich? The Antipope supports them because he wishes to gain dominion over all Italy as a step towards tyrannical control over all Christendom! The Milanese dogs are but a tool of Satan to be wielded against our most righteous Lord. If we bow our heads and submit to this unholy order, we too shall be doomed to burn for all eternity! It is our divinely ordained mission to destroy the Usurper and return the Papal throne to God!

*Mandorf sits down and wipes his brow with a handkerchief. For several minutes he continues to mutter quietly to himself.*

[Lucjan]

Brother Henry, I don't mean to cast an aspersion on any good man of the cloth, I'm just looking to his good health and the health of those he preaches to. I have no doubts about his purity or good intentions, I'm just concerned for his well being.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: On a procedural point, no closing date has yet been set for this Diet. In keeping with our practice of allowing three days for deliberation, we will close tonight at midnight (UK time). There will then be a 24 hour period of voting.

Electors who govern settlements should make sure they have posted build queues for the next Diet (10 turns) by midnight tomorrow.

[OverKnight]

Otto von Kassel again rises to speak:

My fellow Electors, the good Cardinal has spoken sensibly, I second edict 2.8. If Peter wishes to change the edict in light of the Prinz's comments, I will still support it.

Otto pauses and rubs his temples with one hand:

As for the legitimacy of the current Pope. . .I try to stay away from the internal workings of the church. Yet our empire has had a special relationship with Rome since Pope Leo crowned Charlemagne Emperor. Without the Pope we would not be a Holy or Roman empire, but without us the Pope would still be under the Lombard or Saracen yoke.

The investiture controversy has made relations with the Papacy worse, but are they irreparable? Pope Gregory is one man, he, like all men, shall die. Should we endanger our centuries old relationship with the Church for one man? I am just a soldier, I do not have the answers to these questions.

But the Pope, legitimate or not, has power. If we are excommunicated, the other Catholic nations of Europe will fall upon us, eager for any excuse for open war. Other nations will look upon us as we look upon Stettin, heathens and heretics who must be brought into the Lord's light. And if they loot, or burn, or pillage or set themselves up as rulers over us then it is God's will, or so they shall see it. For now, at least, we must be cautious in our dealings with Pope Gregory. We must continue the work of edict 1.1.

Otto pauses, speaking on religious matters has made him uncomfortable, he continues on a different topic:

This Diet session has only has a day left by my reckoning. I have reviewed the edicts proposed so far and my guess is, if passed, implementing them will only require about half of the Kaiser's next term! What is to be done then? Inactivity is a folly! Sleep is for the dead!

The Kaiser spoke of his plans in his report, but the Diet awaits his direction in this session. Please mein Kaiser, what are your thoughts? And if anyone else has edicts in mind you should speak now!

Otto takes his seat, glances over at his fellow Bavarian Electors, and again rubs his temples.

OOC: Edited to add more exclamation points.

[Kagemusha]

Fifth Elector of Swabia stands up and speaks:

"Mighty Kaiser, When i travelled here from Swabia i noticed the lack of watchtowers and patrols inside the Reich. Shouldnt we keep the Reich safe from bandits and know who are travelling inside the Empire?Therefore i propose:

Edict 2.9. Building of Watchtowers on strategig locations inside the reich.

Swabian Elector nods and sits down.

[Lucjan]

I find myself in agreement with the fifth Swabian elector. Keeping the reich from rebellion and heresy means keeping an eye on our lands. I second edicts 2.9, and, in the same spirit, propose edict 2.10 - The construction of watchtowers at strategic points on all our foreign borders should be accomplished whenever the extra funds and nobility are available to carry out these endeavours.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich: I beg your sincere pardon, dear Electors, for my absence of late. I was tending to matters of the state.

As a general observer, it is clear to me that the Diet does not share my ambitions about expanding east. While this disappoints me, I will nevertheless go along with its decisions.

Gentlemen, the question is no longer whether we anger the Pope by going after another Christian nation. Our successes in the first half of my term combined with the agressive expansion programs of the factions surrounding us have prevented that. The question is now which nation we attack, and how much do we incur the Pope's wrath?

It seems as if the Diet is pushing for an attack on Milan more than any other nation. Fine. But must we limit ourselves? Poland currently blocks our path eastward and Venice south. You know that eventually we will come into conflict with them if we seek to regain the Empire's glory. In the previous session we all agreed that this alliance with Venice was temporary at best. Yet now you seek to make that alliance more solid? You seek to align with Poland yet at the same time push for eastward expansion? Make up your minds, dear Electors!

I second Edicts 2.8, 2.9, and 2.10.

I yield the floor.

[IvarrWolfsong]

Cardinal Peter stands and clears his throat. He seems ready to speak then stops and picks a piece of lint from his vestment and drops it to the floor, watching as it slowly descends to earth...

My good lords...

Let me first address the matter of the Conversion of Stettin. I will happily ammend my proposition! I thank the Lord that men such as our Prince sit in this hall. His gracious ammendment is more than I could have hoped for.

Let 2.8 read: "At least two priest shall be recruited from our dioceses and accompany Eusebius von der Pfalz and Peter Scherer, Cardinal, to the region of Stettin to begin readying the populace for acceptance into the Church of Rome."

As to the outburst of Herr Mandorf, he knows not what he speaks... perhaps a fever. I shall take his blasphemous words as an emotional outburst of a man not well... and not as the type of heretical speech that might cause a man to be put to the question.

I understand that the ability to speak freely here is of the utmost importance... the ability of this ruling body depends on frank and truthful oration. However, I will not sit here and listen to Our Holy Father be abused and debased by men who speak with rage in their eyes and wrath in their hearts. Before Hildebrand began reforming the Church, vice and immorality were rampant... why the "Bishop" of Nuremburg was not only married, but he was married to TWO women at the same time! Sodomites, freebooters and half-wit court fops could be Bishops if they had enough gold! Bishops actively warred on one another at the whim of their Princes because it was the Princes who apointed them. His Holiness has re-established order and righteousness among the clergy.

And know that when you speak to election as illegitimate you insult my office directly. Do you feel the College to be invalid? Am I and my fellow Cardinals conspirators in this vast criminal enterpise that is Pope Gregory's reign? Are you, Maximillian Mandorf, saying that you are more fit to elect the pontiff than a college of men who have embraced the Word throughout their lives? Men who have not done murder, who have spurned the pleasures of the flesh fro the ecstacy of the soul, who have who have given up their familial rights to join into the family of the Church?

[GeneralHankerchief]

Cardinal Peter, if you proceed with this amendment to Edict 2.8, then I will withdraw my support. Religion is important, yes, but I do not want to spend an unnecessary amount of money on the conversion of Stettin. Do you consider yourself not up to the task of preaching the Word of God alone?

[OverKnight]

Otto rises to speak again:

I will be brief as I have already taken enough of this assembly's time. I second edict 2.9 and 2.10. These are sensible precautions that can be accomplished when more pressing matters are not present.

Mein Kaiser, I apologize if the direction that this Diet has taken displeases you. However, you have not proposed any edicts yourself, and I'm not aware of any rules that would prohibit you from doing so. If you have a specific plan in mind, let us know. Your voice would carry great influence in this council!

Thank you my Lords.

Otto takes his seat.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: Voting on edicts is now open:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=78296

In view of my father's intervention, I do wish to discuss whether we need to recruit more priests. Be in no doubt, fellow Electors, this issue is not about Stettin. It is much wider than that. A group of missionaries, tempered by experience in Stettin, will be a powerful asset to the Republic. I envisage sending them on, further east, to achieve more successes converting heathens. And ultimately, I see sending them to the Holy Land to prepare for our arrival there.

The issue relates to Maximillan's outburts and Cardinal Scherer's responses. The Pope acts as a restraint on the action of all god-fearing nations. The question is how do we respond to this? Do we ignore it and risk the wrath of all our fellow Catholics? I see no benefits to ignoring the Papacy, only risks and costs. That is one reason why I do not support any unprovoked war on our Catholic neighbours. And certainly not in this Diet, where the argument for a specific war has not been made.

The alternative is that we use the institution of the Papacy, by gaining influence with the Pope. This would be done directly by regular contributions as I proposed in the last Diet. And indirectly, by promoting our own Cardinals to positions of influence, as I have advocated may happen through sending many missionaires to Stettin and other godless places. If Cardinal Scherer achieves quick dramatic results in Stettin, his reputation for piety will rise and this may ultimately propell him into the Preferati or even beyond. Moreover, the young priests we recruit will also gain in stature and may join him as Cardinals, immune to heresy and capable of influencing the election of the future Pontiffs.

My own view is that we should use the Papacy, not ignore it. The rewards to working with Rome are substantial - for example, we gain the ability to launch crusades on our enemies and on infidels. With the Pope on our side, any would be invaders will be stalled or ostracised.

But if we are to use the Papacy it will cost us some coin. Regular gifts of around 100 florin every two years; the upkeep of a few priests. Electors, these are not large sums and it would be penny pinching if you vote for ostracisation for fear of spending a few hundred florin per annum. Religion has become a powerful force in the world of men - we ignore it at our peril.

[Kagemusha]

Fifth Elector of Swabia stands up after Prinz Henry and says:

"Truly i agree with our honourable Prinz and my Duke. We should have good relations with the Holy father. And as i see the speech of the Bavarian Duke.I think it is down right Heretic. We suggest that the Bavarian Duke to spend more time in Church of our Lord and search his heart to find the righteous path once again."

Swabian Elector sits down.

[Ignoramus]

Count Sigismund der Stolze stands up once again.

Noble electors, I will never let it be said that I am not pious or a true Christian, but I cannot in all good conscience support the Pope. The Roman Church, which is the mother of all churches, behaves more like a stepmother than a mother. The scribes and Pharisees place burdens on men's shoulders too heavy to be borne. They load themselves with fine clothes and their tables with precious plates; a poor man can seldom gain admittance.

Why then should we waste good Imperial gold on appeasing this pontiff who defies the Kaiser himself?

[Kagemusha]

Fifth Elector stands up and asks again permission to speak:

"Who are we to judge Gods plan?God see`s into men´s heart and works in mysterious ways. St.Peter was left in to the world to be the bedrock of Christians and who sits on his thrown is the father of the church and representative of God on earth. If we deny that we are not true sons of the Church. Where is the proof that Papacy is in turmoil? All i hear is hear say.Where is the proof. About the gold. Dont we leave gold to the church after the mes so our churches can look astonishing proof of our faith? As men leave gold to their parishes. Kingdoms and Empires leave gold to the Papacy as sign of their faith."

The fifth Elector sits down looking rather upset.

[econ21]

[Prinz Henry:] My good friend Count der Stolze, I did not say "support" the Pope. I said "use" the Pope.

We must distinguish between the office and its current occupant. I would certainly prefer to see Cardinal Scherer or another good German man of the cloth in the office, and indeed, my proposals are partly designed to that end.

But given that the office exists, I believe we should respect it so that we can use it to our advantage, rather than provide our enemies with another weapon against us.

As I have said, I do not believe we should attack our Catholic nations unprovoked, so I do not see the Papacy as a hindrance to us. If, as I fear, we are eventually subject to an unprovoked attack by our Catholic neighbours, good relations with the Papacy will provide us with several advantages. It may induce our assailants to cease their attacks; or it might expose them to excommunication and our crusades if they refuse to desist.

This is an age in which men are fired up by religious passion - we should use that zeal to our advantage, not get burned by it.

[TinCow]

It is indeed wise to exploit a weakness when it is revealed. Though I believe fervently that the rightful order should be restored in Rome, I am not such a fool as to think we can march our armies into the Eternal City without causing much strife to our homelands. I fully support the form of policy Prinz Henry advocates, but only after Pope Gregory is burning in the fires of hell! He has already excommunicated our Kaiser and has proved himself a fervent enemy of the Reich. We cannot pander to him nor grovel to him without losing a part of our soul!

Let him waste away and die, then let us use politics, trade, and any other resources at our disposal to gain influence in the Vatican. With influence comes power, and eventually the ability to restore the rightful order to Christianity.

[Lucjan]

Dietrich smiles, bemused at the current exchange, and leans forward in his seat. He fixes his gaze on the Steward of Bavaria.

Most surely our good Mandorf understands that at the moment the Reich is not excommunicated at all, we're simply not in the Pope's best of graces. As such, it would not be prudent to intentionally incur Papal condemnation by invading one of our Catholic neighbors without a cassus belli, without a reasonable, internationally recognizable cause for war. This would be wholy unwise.

My father used to recite a little saying. "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." My point is that the Pope has excommunicated us in the past, and I feel we've all had our moment of ire for the man because of it, but let's not give him a reason to do it again. Instead, let us use his weapon to our advantage. Let it be said that the House of Franconia stands firmly beside the wisdom of the prince. You are wise beyond your years brother Henry.

[Ituralde]

With the votings concluded I'd like to take the floor once again to adress matters I consider dire for the House of Austria and the good of the Empire.

Conrad von Schüsselen bows respectfully to the assembled Nobles:

With the previous heated discussion concerning the representative of god in this world I have to align myself with our wise Prince Henry, he speaks true and his feelings mirror mine. We should not anger the Pope, not as Christians and not as Holy Roman Empire. We had our differences but honour prevailed and we were able to settle the conflict honouring timeheld traditions. Dear Elector Mandorfs outbursts do indeed worry me a little. He surely is a man as pious as any of us, but I fear he has not forgiven the Papacy for their recent actions. In the light of his statements, having him and the House of Bavaria in control of Bologna within striking distance to Rome, makes me worry indeed.

Which brings me to the next matter of the general allocation of fiefdoms in Italy. I still beg to hear a reason for the land distribution as decreed by our dear Kaiser. Those who know me, can testify that my interests have lain in Italy for decades no. I have fought along your Grace against the Italians many times and taken time to study them. To be honest I had hoped for at least a little fief on the peninsular to put my studies to use and enjoy the remaining years of my waining life. Alas, my wish has not been granted yet.
Furthermore I have to disagree that Edict 2.4 tries to establish firmer ties with Venice. It merely announces once again, that once the Empire gives his word it is not broken. We are all men of honour that surely stand to their word.

As mentioned before, Edicts have been passed once again, but a clear strategy for the further years has not been established. Maybe we should try to push our discussion in that direction. Maybe men of more widsom want to take the lead in this. I have taken up enough time of the Diet already.

Conrad sits back down again. He looks a little weaker than usual and his speech seemed to have drained many of his limited reserves.

[IvarrWolfsong]

Cardinal Scherer, having whispering in Latin to his attendants, again turns his attention to the Diet...

I beg your pardon friends and brothers, may I belatedly respond to our Kaiser's question?

Frankly, my Emperor, no I am not up to the task by myself. Even Our Savior used the apostles to spread the Word, and I am just a lowly sinner unworthy of the redemption He granted me through his death. The assistance of other men of the cloth will not only aid us in converting the pagans of Stettin, but will ensure there are well respected and pious men in the Imperial clergy who will, in time, perhaps, ascend to the College of Cardinals. I am getting old, and when I pass on the Reich MUST have a presence in the College.

However, I understand and applaud the Kaiser for his reluctanence to put any additional financial burdens upon his subjects. Regardless of whether 2.8 passes or not, I hope I may go to Stettin with his Highness's blessing.

Holding his mitre in place, Cardinal Scherer bows to the Emperor.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Elector Conrad, the reason that Austria was not allocated any settlements was because Prague was not taken in time for the midterm session. This is not me pushing the House in any way, it would just be rather ridiculous. I believe Steward Mandorf touched on the point earlier. Rest assured, you will have Prague and hopefully Breslau by the time of the next session.

Cardinal Scherer, I do understand your perspective, but please understand mine. I, unlike you, have not devoted my life to religion, which requires little thought towards any other subject. I have devoted it to leading, and when leading, several factors must be taken into account. Religion is a priority, yes, but it is not the number one priority. Successful management and expansion of a large Empire is, so I do not wish to needlessly spend money in one specific field unless it is of high importance. I wish you and von der Pfalz well on your mission, Cardinal.

[Lucjan]

Dietrich shakes his head, quietly disagreeing with some of the Emperor's recent statements, but making no vocalisation about them. Instead, he prefers to add this event to his own private insights. He wastes no time though in offering up his services to the cardinal, leaning forward against the table in front of him as he speaks.

"Cardinal Scherer, let it be known that, while Emperor Heinrich can spare little time himself in the pursuit of the Holy Roman Empire's spiritual necessities, there are many amongst this court whose time is much less taxed and abated by the ever growing list of tasks that leading our great empire requires. After all, is that not the purpose of the Dukes, the Stewards, and all others who serve the Emperor? To mitigate the stress of maintaining the Reich by offering up the task of governance in all its forms where the Emperor himself cannot personally be present. The servants of the Reich are not here simply to banter back and forth in the diet and deliberate on edicts and laws, but also to impress on the people the rule of our great leader in his absence. We are here to govern our cities, our castles and our people. We are here to lead our people to war in defence, in conquest, and in practice. We are here to oversee the growth of people's culture, their heritage, and their pockets! But not only that, are we also not here to ensure that every man in the Reich's lands has heard the word of the Lord, has pledged his spirit to God, and holds within himself a heart of true, spiritual health? Good Cardinal, worry not the Emperor with the matters of the local Dukes. You have my word that your passage through Franconia, and, once Stettin has fallen, your continued presence there, will be allowed every liberty and moment of my time that is required of me in order to spread the word of God to those pagan lands. Such good German men should not be deprived of the true faith, left by their neighbors to worship in the dirt the false icons of old, pagan gods and be deprived of the enlightened path that we walk.

If there is anything that you may need, just let me know."

Finished with his speech, he sits back up against his chair and crosses his arms. He feels content, believing that, if anything, the Cardinal will not leave the diet with too much of a sour taste in his mouth, and he may have salvaged them from Scherer returning to Rome with a completely poor opinion of the Reich.

[Ituralde]

It saddens me that you have misunderstood my desires once again mein Kaiser. I do not cherish the Eastern lands with their religious quabbles and uprisings. With their heretic and pagan ways. I'm not saying the House of Austria is not up to the task of appeasing those provinces and bring them fully into the Reich once again, but close to our borders and already within our grasp lie the rich, civilized and prosperous lands of Italy, yet you deny us any fiefdoms within those lands. Regional preference you say. Why is it that other Houses get to reap the fruits cultivated over centuries while we have to plow the barren fields that lie to the East?

My interest lies in Italy and I will not rest until the House of Austria gets its rightful share of rich Italian soil. I think I've heard from the House of Bavaria sentiments regarding Bologna. And you seemed eager to have Prague stormed immediatelly, rather sacrificing German soldiers instead of letting hunger, thirst and disease takt its toll. If Bologna is not to your liking and you'd rather prefer fiefs to the East maybe a mutual agreement can be reached? Surely this should be discussed by Duke Leopold and Duke Mandorf, I'm just showing avenues of opportunity here.

Conrad von Schüsselen casts a rather exasparated look around the Assembly before settling down. Ever since he had to leave the army in Italy due to his bad health his claims on Italy have taken a turn to the wors. If only he had been younger and able to lead a regiment of men for himself, capturing one of those rebellious cities personally, would he have been rewarded with the view across the rolling hills of Tuscany already.