Imperial Diet

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

I would like to congratulate my son Leopold on finally taking Prague. Well done, son.

Also, I advise the Diet that currently, none of our cities have the capacity to recruit a spy. If you wish that particular edict fulfilled, I request the governors, especially those around Milan, to revise their build queues.

-edit- Nevermind, I'll do it myself. Florence could use a brothel. (heh-heh)

[AussieGiant]

I'd like to formally congratulate My Lord, Duke Leopold in taking Prague.

With that skirmish concluded, we are now finished with over running rebel settlements to the east.

Given Prinz Henry's comments it would seem obvious that constitutional issues can only be argued between Duke's, and men of lower station in the realm.

As the Emperor has final say in all constitutional matters there is no point taking issue directly with him as it will be a short discussion to say the least.

[Ituralde]

Conrad applaudes lightly as he hears the message from Emperor Heinrich.

I have to agree with your gratulations my Lords.
Concerning your desire for an extended spy network, mein Kaiser. Vienna will not oppose the building of a brothel. I'm sure my liege would have mentioned this to you, but it seems he was preoccupied with his siege. I hear our merchants are already craving for distraction. Counting florins can be quite boring, at least that's what I'm told.

[Lucjan]

Dietrich bursts into the proceedings.

"This is intolerable!" Dietrich's tone is far beyond angry, though he retains his composure, his voice his booming.

"This man has, up to this point, done everything in an attempt to circumvent the laws of the diet and has blatantly proceeded to act contrary to the edicts in pursuit of his own ambitions! This is not diplomacy, this is tyranny! May I call the diet's attention to the location of Maximillian Mandorf. The Kaiser has deliberately sent him through Polish territory in order to take Stettin. Our diplomats report our relations with them have dropped to poor! The edict demands and alliance, yet this fool continues to antagonize and instigate war with people who have shown nothing but predictable responces of someone with concern for their own safety, not the intention of harming others."

Dietrich shakes his head, looking to the floor. "I will not follow the whim of someone so ignorant as you...build your own god damned watch towers. If I am needed I will be at Hamburg, unless I am needed by the kaiser, in which case you can meet me in Hell."
With that, the Duke storms out of the diet proceedings, adamant in his refusal to follow the kaiser's orders.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

Hmm, now things are a bit different, aren't they?

First of all, it seems as if you are now the one disobeying edicts by refusing to build the watchtowers. Not very sporting for one who has the office of Chancellor in mind.

Second, now all of a sudden you are not concerned with the speed of the capture of Stettin. Through Poland is the quickest way for Mandorf, and I thought that you were particularly concerned with the speed of its fall. This is how this argument started, is it not?

Third, no edict has been passed with the ban on our forces entering Polish territory. Therefore, I am in violation of no edict and the diplomat is on his way to offer an Alliance with Poland, which you so desparately crave.

[Lucjan]

There is mumbling from side of the House of Franconia. Then outright laughter, nobles, statesmen, even their secretaries can see through the Kaiser's pitiful excuses.

"Does he actually think we can't see through that nonsense?!" One man yells.

"He's deliberately lowering relations with Poland so they'll deny the alliance!" Another angry voice barks.

"The duke isn't refusing the edict, he was never ordered to build them, in fact, Franconia is the only house that had the foresight to erect such constructions prior to the edict! Each duchy should construct it's own towers! It's stupid to have a man with no knowledge of other houses building their watch towers!"

"He's a baboon!"

The rauckus laughter, after that last comment, only grows worse.

"He violates edicts! Argues that he didn't, then tries to make the Reich's situation WORSE by ignoring intelligent council and proceeding to deliberately act contrary to the diet's wishes!"

The Franconian section of the diet, now in an uproar, begins to angrily storm out of the diet, following their duke.

"This is not a diet! This is a dictatorship!"

"Tyrant!"

"Any man who thinks this dummkopf is an honorable man is ALSO a dummkopf!"

It takes little time for the entire section of Franconia's diet seating to be empty.

[OverKnight]

Otto von Kassel quickly strides into the Diet. His riding clothes are splattered with mud and the worse for wear. A bandage is wrapped around his head, with a hint of red showing through the gauze at the right temple. Otto speaks:

Mein Kaiser! Lords of the Reich! Bern is ours! The Reich is victorious! I have ridden three horses into the ground so that I could bring you the news myself!

Having made his announcement, some of the elation leaves Otto. He appears grimmer than you remember.

It was not without cost, however. The commander of their garrison, Helmut, knew his business and his walls were strong. Almost 400 of my men gave their lives for this victory. None of those bandits, however, lived to brag of it, I sent almost 700 of them to Hell!

Otto turns to Prinz Henry and the Swabian delegation:

Sigismund and his men fought like Lions my Prinz! Without their valor, I fear the day might have turned against us. All the men should be commended for their bravery!

Otto faces the Kaiser:

I bring with me 1500 florins for the royal coffers mein Kaiser. They were crafty and well armed foes, but not all that rich. Still, we are in commanding position in the Alps now.

Otto addresses the new Fourth Elector of Austria:

I thank you for the gift of wine you gave me before I left good sir. Sigismund and I drank it in the great hall, and it was excellent. I have a few choice bottles from the castle's cellar that I will send to you.

Otto turns to face the Franconian delegation, only at this point does he notice their absence. One of his eyebrow raises a bit, but he says nothing. Otto addresses the remaining members of the Diet:

I will present a battle report soon my lords, but I am very tired now from the road. I am going to rest. I might have something to say on the morrow.

Otto turns on his heels and wearily exits the Diet. He returns much later, rested and in a change of clothes, and begins writing a battle report at his desk.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

Wrong again, Franconia. The watchtower that Dietrich requested was to keep watch over the Danes, not the Reich.

And you were not the only house to have placed watch upon outsiders, either. Austria has done so with both the provinces of Vienna and now Prague too, and Bavaria has done so with a pass through the Alps leading into Italy, serving both as an interior and exterior view.

I suggest to the electors and their staff that they review the latest maps thoroughly as well as constitutional procedure before they... grace this Diet with their presence again.

[Ignoramus]

Count Sigismund der Stolze strides into the Diet building. He has not had time to change from his coat of mail into more suitable attire.

Mein Kaiser, fellow electors, and honourable lords of the Reich, I offer my heartiest congratulations to Otto von Kassel. He fought admirably at Bern and kept calm even when the day looked as if it may go against us. He is a credit to the Reich and the Duchy of Bavaria; it was an honour to fight alongside such a brave and shrewd general.

I apologize for the state that I am in; I received a mere scratch on mein arm from a Swiss spear.

Sigismund bows and quiety leaves the Diet.

[Ituralde]

Conrad had once again been suspiciously absent from the Diets meeting and now that he returned the reason for his absence was obvious for everyone. His skin was now drawn tight across his skull, like thin parchment, with his eyes set back . His hair has grown even less and thinner, dangling spindly in a small fringe around his head. It really was a sight to be reminded of ones own mortality.
His voice was also thinner as he spoke, but still managed to carry to the farthes corners of the Diet:

Much has happened, while my health has kept me from joining this Diet.
I must applaud our great military leaders for rewarding the Reich with these victories. My greatest respect belongs to Duke Leopold, Duke Mandorf, Otto von Kassel, and of course Sigismund der Stoltze, without his help the taking of Bern would not have been feasible, or so I've heard. Finally those treacherous Milanese dogs have been restricted by...
A short fit of coughing interrupts the Elector and it takes some time before he regains his composure.

I also have to apologize for the Absence of my Liege. He is quite busy in the East, building watchtowers and what not. Those uncivilized lands can not be left to themselves for just one month, I guess, not like our Italian holdings, where few of our esteemed Electors have visited recently.
Duke Leopold intends to return at the next formal Diet meeting the latest. In the meantime I shall do my best to represent the House of Austria.

Exhaling heavily he lowers himself back in his seat, relying completely on the support of an ornately carved walking stick, to do so.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: I would like to congratulate the House of Bavaria on leading our men to twin victories at Bern and Stettin. Both sieges were hard fought and I am pleased that the House of Swabia was able to contribute in some small way, with the gallant Count Sigismund riding at the side of Commander Otto. I hope the Emperor will bear Sigismund in mind to command the next battle of our forces, as I believe he is the only knight of renown who has not yet had a chance to lead us in battle.

I would also like to comment on the severe losses we suffered in the two sieges. I wonder if, in future, we should consider starving out garrisons rather than throwing our men against their walls? After all, a besieged garrison cannot go anywhere, and I would rather face the defenders in a sally (or even fight off a relief force) than storm city walls to get at them. This is particularly true while our assault forces consist of only horse and spearmen. Things may change when the day comes when we can provide a siege train or even persuade our proud knights to dismount to scale the walls. But until that time, I wonder if we should be more patient and not expect such rapid gains as we have become accustomed to.

[OverKnight]

Otto, at the mention of Bern, rubs his right temple and winces. He rises to address the Diet:

Mein Prinz, you speak truly. It is much better for us to fight an enemy who sallies out than assaulting their walls.

However, after taking Bern my clerks inventoried the castle's stores. According to them those schwein had enough provisions to last them another 10 years! (OOC: 5 turns) Sigismund and I would still be sitting outside Bern in our siege camp dicing if the Kaiser had decided to starve them out! Yes, we would have saved lives by waiting them out, but we would have had the largest field army in the Reich immobilized for the entire time. The sooner we seize a settlement, the sooner we can collect revenue from it and build it up, and the sooner we can replenish and redeploy the army that assaulted it.

In the future it would be wise to strike a balance between conservation of our forces and strategic interests when choosing in a siege between assault or starving out an enemy. I see this balance shifting depending on many variables such as the state of our treasury, proximity to reinforcements, and whether a relief force is close. Towns, particularly, are vulnerable to prolonged sieges.

In the case of Bern castle, however, the Kaiser ordered the assault at the right moment. I do not believe we had the time to wait until they sallied out, edict 2.5's deadline would have passed. Waiting a few more years, but not enough to starve them out, would have only reduced their numbers by a pittance. I had the siege equipment I needed and all the men I was going to get. The presence of Milanese forces in the region a few years later shows that the timing of the assault was correct.

Otto's expression becomes grim, his voice comes out in a low rasp:

We must not shy away from bloodshed if it is necessary for victory!

Otto's mood lightens a bit.

I agree with the Prinz's suggestion that Count Sigismund have his own command. He has fought well in two battles already and deserves a chance to lead an army of his own!

My lords.

Otto sits.


OOC: I think I'm enjoying that new point of dread.

[TinCow]

Maximillian Mandorf strides into the Diet with a stern look on his face.

Pardon the intrusion, but perhaps have any of you seen an infantryman around? I have been looking for one for some time now. Perhaps they are mythical beasts, for they are spoken of often, yet do not seem to be native to our lands.

Mandorf slams his fist down on a desk, causing a ceramic inkwell to tumble off and shatter on the floor.

Are we damned Turks?! Do we marry our horses and fire arrows out of our arses?!

The Steward of Bavaria looks around the room.

NO? Then why in the hells are our armies composed of nothing but cavalry?! Not only are they poorly suited for assaults on cities and castles, but they are also more costly to maintain.

How about this, fellow nobles; let us give some sharpened sticks to the peasants and put THEM in our armies. They certainly could not perform more poorly in a city than our pompous cavalrymen!

Mandorf takes his seat; a sullen look etched his face.

[Kagemusha]

Fifth Elector of Swabia stands up and says:

"I agree with Duke Mandorf here.We need to keep our armies in good order and balance. Ofcourse if our enemies were men enough,they would meet us in open field on a set time and place agreed by both parties, but this is not the case. They are hiding behind their walls like cowards and we need troops that can scale those walls. Or should we just hire our infantry from wandering mercenary parties and be dependant of foreigners with no loyalty to anyone.?"

Swabian elector bows and takes his place.

[GeneralHankerchief]

A message is posted for all to see in the main chamber of the Diet:

Attn Sigismund der Stolze

As you are now the governor of Bern please notify Kaiser Heinrich of your plans for that settlement. Do you wish to convert it to a city or keep it as a castle?

(OOC: Base your decision off of kotr1114-2)

[Ignoramus]

Sigismund der Stolze stnads up and speaks to the Kaiser.

Heil, mein Kaiser. I think it is in the Reich's best interests to keep Bern as a castle. One never knows what those Milanese are capable of and it would be best to be well prepared.

I would also like to construct a Small Chapel and a Mustering Hall there.

[AussieGiant]

Gazing into his 4 finger glass of whiskey the 4th Elector of Austria says to know one in particular;

Ahh Bern remains a castle to thwart the Milanese...

...I presume there is a cunning plan to ensure the Poles, Viennese and Hungarians never raise so much as an aggressive look in our direction...

...maybe we just keep the entire population of these nations drunk to ensure this never happens...

Sir Sigismund!!? Was that wine I gave Otto strong enough to ensure a man is drunk for weeks on end if given enough??

Kaiser, do we know the official diplomatic status with these three nations? Have our diplomats finished with this work?

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

Outrage! The people of Milan have brazenly and openly declared war on us by besieging our new castle of Bern! Sigismund and his garrison are trapped inside, and nothing may be built or done until these people are sent back home.

[Kagemusha]

"To arms!! Im sorry but when my fellow Swabians are in danger i cant sit on here and do nothing.Mein Kaiser how many are the Milanese? Can Siegfrieds men hold them at bay? I suggest to strike the milanese straight to the heart by counter sieging Milan itself."

Fifth Elector of Swabia remains standing staring the Kaiser and waiting for an answer.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

The Milanese outnumber and outclass Sigismund's forces. I have dispatched Otto von Kassel and some cavalry to assist him in the inevitable assault, but I fear that they will not arrive in time.

As for a direct counter-attack, that can be arranged but it may take some time.

[Kagemusha]

"Mein Kaiser.
Do we have any troops on striking distance towards Milan? Or any knowledge how strongly its garrisoned? If the sieging force is too strong for Siegfried i doubt sending troops towards Bern does any good for us. Our chances to save Bern in my mind are either heroic defence of Siegfrieds forces or quickly sieging Milan. I think that if we Siege Milan itself,the Milanese army could lift the siege and march back to save their capital. Which could give us time to strengthen the siege force in Milan enough to fight a deciseve battle outside the walls of their capital."

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

Good Swabian elector, I appreciate your concern. As we speak I am preparing a report that will detail everything, including the situation and my plans. I ask for patience.

(OOC: Report will be up probably in around 30 minutes, maybe less)

[Kagemusha]

"Thank you mein Kaiser. I will wait for the report,so we can see the full seriosnes of the situation."

The Fith Elector sits down and curses silently: "Damned.I shouldnt be here.I should be in Bern or somewhere where i could help my countrymen with my own sword."

[TinCow]

This is outrageous! The Papal lapdogs will be crushed! The House of Bavaria will not rest until every last Milanese bastard lowers his head before the Kaiser. Those who do not do so on bended knee will do so with a severed neck.

No doubt the Usurper will refrain from interfering in this matter, as it is surely his work. I have refrained from revealing this information as I was unsure of its truth, but these actions make its validity unquestionable. While I was in Stettin, Bavarian agents brought me the following document:



As you can plainly see, Pope Gregory was personally meeting with the Milanese just before their move on Bern! This cannot be a coincidence. The Milanese are acting under his express orders! Yet he has surely blundered. By unleashing his urchins to strike at us first, all nations will view our overwhelming retaliation as fully justified. First we will deal with the puppets, then we will deal with the master.

[Ignoramus]

A messenger hurries into the Diet. He is out of breath and looks exhausted.

He bows before the assembled Diet.

Noble electors, I bear this message from Count Sigismund der Stolze. I managed to slip through the Milanese lines besieging Bern.

"Noble elcetors, I will hold Bern to the last, I will not surrender to these Milanese dogs. I feared that Bern would be attacked; I am now sadly proven right.

Sigismund der Stolze, Count of Burgundy"

The messenger is carried out by a couple of guard to be attended to.

[Kagemusha]

Fifth Elector reads through the new report carefully and asks permisission to speak:

"Mein Kaiser.The situation is indeed threatening. But as i poundered our forces in Italy and distances to Milan i came to an conclusion that Immediate siege of Milan in order to divert the Milanese force besieging Bern is indeed possible. I suggest that Kaiser sends all his troops from Bologna to siege Milan immediately and rides speedily from Florence to lead them, in order to keep order in our Italian areas i suggest the redistribution of the forces of Florence to keep order also in Bologna. After this season we can then move more capable units to the siege force and return the militia units back to the Bologna. If we send also reinforcements from Innsbruck we have soon a mighty host sieging Milan. This should enforce the Milanese force to lift the siege of Bern and the dogs will find out that their siege effort has turned into siege of their capital by Imperial forces."

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

A good idea, Elector Kagemusha. However, I am not sure if we would be able to keep Bologna secure long enough for the militia to return - public order has been annoying with them.

Anyway, most of it is moot. I have received intelligence that Sigismund is attempting a sally in order to drive the Milanese from Bern. I ask that your prayers go out to him and his men.

(OOC: Ig, I forgot to put this in the PM but make sure you send me a screenshot of the casualties afterwards. Your inbox is full)

[Kagemusha]

After hearing Kaisers words about Sigismunds plans on sallying out. Fifth Elector looks into his feet for a moment and then raises his head up and speaks:

"I hope that Sigismund is succesfull on his sally. But sometimes bravery walks hand on hand with foolishnes. I pray the Lord that this will not be the last message we hear from Lord Sigismund."

The fifth Elector of Swabia sits down on his place,places his head between his hands rubbing his temples and stares the floor without blinking.

[flyd]

Fredericus von Hamburg enters the diet with a fraction of the Franconian delegation, who take their seats.

It is at times like these that the entire Reich must stand united. I am uncertain that Sigismund's decision to sally was wise, but I pray that his judgement is proven correct, and that he crushes the enemy.

We are somewhat fortunate that we have a diet session within one turn, so that we may in detail discuss what is to be done in light of the new developments. I urge the Kaiser to leave all non-urgent tasks, such as the Papal request that we break our alliance with Sicily, who, incidentally, is an enemy of Milan. Of course, the Kaiser should perform any military maneuvers that may be immediately necessary. What that will be in the south depends on what happens at Bern, but we should not get completely distracted. I hear reports of a large Hungarian army near Budapest, and notice that Vienna is virtually undefended. Leopold should think about returning to Austria with some of the troops.

[OverKnight]

A messenger from Otto von Kassel arrives in the Diet. He's in better condition than Sigismund's, but not by much. Pausing to take a breath he unfolds his message and begins to read:

Mein Kaiser, my lords.

This is not how I wanted Sigismund to have his first command! For those who argue that God does not have a sense of humor, I say this is proof that He does.

By the time my man reaches you, the sally should already be under way. I lead a small contingent, but we are fast and heavily armed. The Milanese force appears to be nothing but infantry, perfect for a siege but not ideal for action in the open field. I look forward to trampling many of the traitorous bastards beneath my war horse! I'm almost insulted that they did not deign to send one of their "nobles" to lead this force against us. Do they think us children?! They shall lose that impression when we send their Captain's head back to them on a pike!

As for the Kaiser's plans after this battle. I know he does not want to hear this, but our standing with the Pope is only slighter better than those merchants. If we move against their territory, we may suffer excommunication or he might try to call a halt to the war. If this is the price the Kaiser is willing to pay, than so be it. But, I would suggest bringing a majority of the Innsbruck garrison to the Bern region. We sit astride their supply lines to Dijon here. Let us fight on the strategic defensive, striking at their forces that dare show their face in the Bern area. Bleed them, weaken them and once they have fallen out with the Pope, then strike at their cities! There are only a few years left until Chancellor elections, perhaps it would be best for the next Chancellor to decide our long term strategy.

I must finish this letter as a messenger from Sigismund has arrived, we attack soon! I did not take Bern, lords, to allow it be lost a few years later! Milan shall pay for their insolence with blood! I am sending Sigismund's and my own messenger on to Frankfurt with our messages. Wish us luck.

Otto


OOC: Ignoramus, let me pass on the sage advice you gave me, "Don't kill my character!"

Good luck!