Re: Imperial Diet
Otto looks up at the mention of Bologna, he appears to have been studying a map. Rolling it up he stands and addresses the Diet:
My lords. Let me first reiterate that Bavaria is grateful for the gift of Bologna. I will not have others imply that we are not!
Otto turns his head to stare briefly at Conrad von Schusslen.
Perhaps we were surprised by the gift, but we were not ungrateful.
Otto pauses, tapping the rolled up map against his hand.
The question of "where do we go from here?" has been asked in this Assembly. The Diet wisely chose to subjugate rebel holdings before moving on to our more powerful neighbors. Soon, however, that work will be complete. What then? Before I answer let me show you this map:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...870_Europe.jpg
This, fellow Electors, was the division of the Empire by the sons of Louis the Pious. After the death of their father they fell upon each other and the great empire of Charlemagne, father of Louis, which stretched from the Pyrenees to the Oder, was divided and lost. Eventually most of the Italian holdings were reunified with the Kingdom of Germany, and that is the Holy Roman Empire today.
What I propose is that we return the Empire to its former Glory! That we return to the golden age of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor! That we take our rightful place as the leaders of Europe!
Otto pauses to draw a breath, and his voice returns to a calmer tone.
It is a very noble goal, but how do we do it? First, we must finish our consolidation of the rebel lands. Second, we must improve our standing with the Pope so that we may move unhindered against our fellow Catholics. Third, we must increase the size and quality of our military. Then, and only then, can we begin to take back our greater Reich!
The first move should be against Milan. As many of us have said, they have defied our authority for too long! We would be able to pin them between our forces in Italy and, I hope, our forces in Bern. We would take Dijon last so that the forces gathered there could continue on the next step, the conquest of France!
This will prove more difficult. I am under no illusions that what I propose will be easy. But with Dijon and Metz as bridgeheads we could launch a two pronged attack against them. Perhaps an alliance could be sought with England? Though that would leave Caen to them. Either way, with the men in this room I have no doubt we will be successful!
Ah, but I can hear our good Duke of Franconia ask, what of Antwerp? That will be our third step, war with Denmark. The taking of Antwerp will be the primary goal, with Jutland a target of opportunity. Granted it was not a historical part of the Reich but we must, at the minimum, mortally wound the Danes.
Otto rolls up the map.
What say you mein Kaiser and Lords of the Reich? This endeavor will be a hard, long struggle. I am not sure if I will be alive to see its completion. I realize no plan lasts beyond contact with the enemy, but it is a good frame to build upon. Shall we take our destiny? Shall we return the Reich to glory and dominion? I say yes!
Otto sits and awaits the reaction of the Diet.
OOC: Edited to substitute Oder for Danube.
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