Imperial Diet

[Kagemusha]

The now third Swabian Elector stands up and ask´s for permission to speak.

"Mein Kaiser,The honourable Diet and my fellow Electors. I have heard the messages coming out from different parts of the Reich and i must express how worried i am becouse of the situation. I would like to ask for the chancellor,what has been done to answer the Venetian threat against Austria? The War with Venice chances things considerably. I have already heard suggestions of moving troops from North to assist in the war in South. In my opinion this would be foolish and would just propably leave our Northern areas vulnerable to attacks from Denmark and Poland. I am very concerned about the situation and would like to suggest for calling out an emergency Diet,so we could decide what to do in the current situation. What say you mein Kaiser?"

The Swabian Elector stares in the direction of Kaiser and after that turns his face towards Prince Henry with asking expression on his face,but instead of asking anything he sits down on his place waiting for others to open their mouths to brake the supressing silence that has come upon the room.

[lilirishman1986]

The Fourth Elector of Bavaria stands and prepares to address the silenced Diet

You blame the Kaisers preparations for defense but is not the settlement of Vienna under the direction of Leopold and House Austria? They in their error have allowed previously not one but two small armies were allowed to enter the territory surrounding Vienna and the forces of Leopold did not take the open field and instead sat behind their wall up until they were under siege. House Austria has sat and done nothing for the defense of the Reich while the other houses have given blood and sweat to the expansion and protection of the Reich.

Due to these circumstances Leopold must be reinforced at the very soonest. Yet due to garrison duties we have not the men necessary to accomplish this task. By pulling men from other garrisons we leave ourselves weak. Yet by perhaps granting the pope with a gift or territory not only can we raise our standing in the Holinesses eyes but shore up a weakened border. This will allow us to send men to Leopold without compromising our borders. Simply put we would loan territory to the Holy Father until the time is right to recollect via the sword or via the prospect of gold.

[OverKnight]

Otto von Kassel rises to speak again:

The newly promoted Elector of Swabia and the new Fourth Elector from Bavaria, welcome Sir, have objected to my suggestion of moving some of our forces and nobles from the North to reinforce Italy and Austria. The Elector from Swabia makes a good argument that weakening our defenses in the North would invite intervention from currently neutral parties.

Yet, what I would ask them is, where do we get reinforcements then? I'm sure many of our towns and castles in the south have recruited as heavily as they can for the time being. If we send troops south from Franconia and Nuremberg, we can recruit troops there to replace those that have left. We are particularly in need of Castle trained knights, spearmen and archers. I would suggest Hamburg begin recruiting heavily as it is the only castle, besides Innsbruck, that can produce Sergeant Spearmen.

I have no wish to temporarily weaken our inactive borders, but the situation in Austria and Italy is approaching a crisis. Vienna is under siege with no relief force in sight. Our troops in Italy are depleted from successful but bloody attacks and are tied down garrisoning our new conquests. At the moment we cannot field an effective campaign army in the area. We need to rebuild and reinforce our armies before we resume the offense. That is why I suggest moving troops south.

I have heard rumblings in the Diet about what our course of action should be now that Venice, the curs, have betrayed us. I believe our first priority should be breaking the siege of Vienna. Then we should drive any invaders out of the Reich. After our Italian forces are reinforced, we should continue implementing the edicts passed in the last Diet, mainly finishing the war with Milan. The quicker we can strike the coup de grace on Milan the sooner we can turn our undivided attention to Venice. I look forward to the day when we take revenge against that nest of vipers lurking in their fecund swamp!

I will remind the Diet that while edicts 3.6 and 3.8 are in conflict with each other concerning Milan, 3.6 would take precedence in a war with Venice. While my proposal for a defensive war with Milan did not pass, and in hindsight I am glad it did not, I would suggest we apply the same strategy, for now, to Venice.

But once we do take their capital, I say we put Venice to the sword! Oath-breaking is a foul sin, and we should make an example of them! One that will reverberate throughout Christendom! Such is the price of treachery! Such is the price of defying the Reich!

My lords.

Otto sits.

[Kagemusha]

Third Elector of Swabia takes the stand after Von Kassel has finished.

"Mein Kaiser,my noble brothers. The aswer to the question lies in Italy in my mind. There are many mercenary bands open for hire in Italy and Alps.I would suggest that Otto Von Kassel would hire mercenary infantry from Brenner pass near Insbruck and build knights in Inssbruck and once again bring the battle to our enemies,by attacking Venice herself with these forces. I heard that Kaisers bodyguards were killed in the assault on Genoa mostly so instead of putting Kaiser in the risk. I would suggest our good man Von Kassel to take in charge the attack of Venice. This alone could brake the siege in Austria. In long term we are having a problem in Italy and that problem is that we dont have a castle there. So i think that for the future´s sake we should turn one of the Italian cities into an castle."

Third Elector of Swabia sits down back on his place

[Warluster]

the Second Elector of Swabia nods his head and stands up
I agree fully with my fellow elector, mercanries are very good, and would serve us well. But! They are dis loyal in some cases, if over whelmed they will turn on there tails and run! Loyal well serving HRE soldiers better them every day! And the money? Where would the money come from?

The Second Elector sits down

[Jalf]

The fifth elector of Franconia stands up and looks around

It seems many of the assembled lords see a need to reinforce our borders. While I have not yet been in the wars myself, I am inclined to agree based on the strategic maps and reports available.

And while the Third Elector of Swabia's suggestion of hiring mercenaries in the Alps may solve the problem, I feel I must point out that many highly skilled mercenaries are also available for hire in the lands of Franconia, at the very center of the Reich, outside the city of Frankfurt.

Central Franconia has been a peaceful place in recent years, and it seems the soldiers of the area are actively looking for work.

I have taken the liberty of sending a few trusted men to assess them and initiate talks, and it seems we could easily recruit as many as three hundred skilled spearmen, each fully the equal of the armoured sergeants currently being trained in Innsbruck!

However, what I see as even more important, is the almost equal number of mercenary crossbowmen also looking for work in the area.
Currently, most of our ranged units seem to consist almost exclusively of peasants! The Holy Roman Empire, Gods own country, is unable to find trained archers? Is the future of the Reich to depend on a few unskilled peasants with cheap bows?

These mercenary crossbowmen are not only far better trained with their crossbows, they are also well armoured and my reports indicate they could even hold their own in a melee, at least long enough to break an enemy charge, or allow our own reinforcements to arrive. I believe it would be wise to hire these crossbowmen as soon as possible, and send them to reinforce the fronts. Especially since our cities are regularly besieged, the value of skilled crossbowmen manning the walls should not be underestimated.

We are currently fighting two wars relying almost exclusively on armed peasants from Swabia, Austria and Bavaria! Why not hire the best Franconia has to offer, proper soldiers to shore up and reinforce our depleted units at the front?

I am aware that we are currently on a tight budget, but I believe this would be a worthwhile investment. These mercenaries could relieve our weary troops at the front, and allow us to defend our cities without having to pull in all our nobles.

My lord Dietrich von Saxoby seems to be in the area already, so if we act quickly, these troops could be ready to move out before the end of the season!

My lords. The Holy Roman Empire is a powerful empire. But she does not have many trained troops. We are currently fighting a war with peasants and city militias and town guards. We must reinforce these with skilled troops, soldiers that are paid to fight, and fight for a living.

Bows and returns to his seat

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

Good Electors, I may not be Chancellor anymore but I still may offer my opinion on things that have happened.

First of all, even though most of my escort has perished, I have learned my lesson and will use cavalry more prudently, if at all, in the next fight. Rest assured, I will not be putting the remains of my escort in danger until our numbers are once again sufficient.

I agree with Fifth Elector Jalf about mercenary crossbowmen - they have served me well in several instances where I had to crush rebels in Italy. Perhaps if we have enough money it would be prudent to hire one for full-time work.

As for Dietrich von Saxony, I believe he is still executing his duty of building watchtowers. Perhaps, when he is finished, Chancellor Sigismund would see him fit to give him another assignment, however, I doubt your Duke's loyalties, and besides, why would it benefit a Franconian to attack in Italy?

[Verdizzy]

The fourth elector of Austria stands up, somewhat timid as this is the first time he has spoken in the Diet

Fellow electors, brethren. It is today that I first speak on the matters at hand. But first I must give due praise and recognition to Kaiser Heinrich for his glorious victory over our Milanese enemies. This battle was crucial and I believe he has just made a giant leap for the advancement of our Holy Empire.

With that said, I'd now like to draw attention to the House of Austria. As you know those treacherous Venetians are at our heels and we have weak troops to defend against them. I'd like to add my support to the Fifth elector of Franconia's idea of recruiting quality mercenary troops to help reinforce our rather weak armies.

With the recent victory of Kaiser, I believe our western borders are now more secure than our southeastern front; at least for the time being. I'd like to now call on the support of my fellow electors to send aid to the House of Austria and help her get rid of these Venetian scums. Although they have formidable armies, I believe we have the territorial advantage and can launch a flanking assault on their 2 settlements south of the mountains.

Looking around at the electors, I notice the smirks on their faces as if to say "Who does this guy think he is?"

Brethren. I know my notions are bold. I know my experience is limited, but I also know that you can see the validity of my statements. We all know that Venice must go. Their elimination will unify our lands and solidify our core. For too long they have trespassed our lands and I say that it's about time we trespass on theirs!

Thank you for lending me your ears brethren. I hope my words have found their way to the core of your souls. Long live the Holy Roman Empire!

The fourth elector of Austria sits down anxiously awaiting the reaction of his fellow electors

[AussieGiant]

Somewhat bruised from his jousting session, but in fine spirits as usual, the 2nd Elector of Austria stands to speak

Greetings to all our new representative here in the Diet. May you all provide wise and sage council in this time of war. I especially welcome my colleagues from the Austrian House!!

Now...down to business men!!

Have just read our Kaiser battle report from Genoa, this situation is become untenable!!

We are dangerously thinning our forces. It is only our battle commanders skill which is preventing us from tasting defeat. With one stroke of bad luck we could all be reading the death of one of our own here in this Diet!!

Given my own home province of Vienna is currently under seige I would like ask again what my colleage, the 3rd Swabian elector asked...

....at what point do we need to hold an emergency session of this Diet to ensure that the edicts currently in affect do not lead to our own self destruction!!!??

Prinz Henry, Kaiser!!??

It is as if we are driving our armies into the ground despite ourselves.

Who is going to lift the siege of Vienna?? If we lose that province it will destroy our economy!!

Do I need to drag Helmut in from the Jousting Range and have him smash a few wine goblets to get an answer??!!

Smashing his mailed glove on the Austrian benches in frustration the 2nd Elector of Austria takes a seat

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: Only a fool would stay beholden to an Edict when it is clear that it would doom the Empire. I would remind the Diet that there is no automatic penalty for a Chancellor who does not follow an Edict to the letter. It is the Diet itself that will impose any penalty, whether it is a vote of censure or of impeachment. And I trust that my fellow Electors, being reasonable men, will not fault the Chancellor if he acts to the best of his judgement, rather than stays beholden to old legislation that has been overtaken by events.

Further, I trust that, in the new circumstances, the Chancellor will not risk excommunication to prosecute the war with Milan. Having lost their capital, Genoa and Dijon, Milan are currently little threat. Relieving Austria and humbling Vienna is a far bigger priority at this point than eradicating Milan. I agree with the Second Elector of Austria. Now it is time for consolidation - let us marshall our forces to meet the new threat of Venice, rather than over-extend ourselves chasing the last Milanese.

Personally, I do not believe an Emergency Session of the Diet is warranted at this point, although I believe all Electors would be relieved if the Chancellor were to confide with us his strategy for coping with the current crisis.

[Ignoramus]

Chancellor Sigismund der Stolze rises to his feet and address the concerned electors.

Do not fear, mein electors, about the situation in Lombardy. The situation, although dire, is not critical. The Milanese are restricted to the bleak islands of Corsica and Sardinia and our navy is growing even as I speak.

I intend to humble Venice, but I fear it will not be so easy as it was with Milan. The Venetians are crafty, and they will take some work to defeat them.

However, we cannot pull men out of the north to meet our needs in the south. A Polish army has entered Pomerania, and I fear it is up to no good.

Howbeit, I will not allow us to sustain unecessary defeats.

Chancellor Sigismund wears a concerned expression as he resumes his seat.

[AussieGiant]

The 2nd Elector of Austria rises again

My Prinz, Chancellor,

Your words are encouraging and help a great deal in allying my fears of over extending ourselves.

It is perhaps not necessary at this time to convene a Diet session. Please keep in mind some of us are not privy to the extensive Empire reports both you gentlemen have.

Looking far more relieved the 2nd Elector of Austria takes a seat.

[Warluster]

The second elector of Swabia stands up
Before we continue on with these discussions, I would like to thank everybody who won all the Great Victories for the HRE, if not for those great Generals, we would not be such a Strong,Great Nation.


Si of I ask of my fellow electors, from all houses, and the prinz and Great Emperor, we look back upon all the great things we have done so far, and give yourself an clap on the back for such noble victories!

Long Live The EMpire! And Emperor!

The Second Elector of Swabia Sits down

[Ituralde]

A messenger from Vienna arrives in the Diet:

Victory! I proclaim victory over the villainous Venetians that have laid siege on Vienna. It was a Heroic Victory and the enemy general has fled the field. All captured men were put to the sword as befits oath-breakers.

All hail to Duke Leopold, now that Vienna is free again!

[Kagemusha]

Third Elector of Swabia stands up:

"Hail Prinze Henry and Duke Leopold for these great victories! We are lucky to have commanders as talented as you in the Reich! It seems that the most grave danger has passed,but we are running thin on blood soon,if our armies are not maintained properly.How should we continue from here? There are now basicly two avenues to strike,either Venice or Zagreb. I have studied the maps of city of Venice and those offer us an unique chance of tactics. As we all know Venice is builded on Laguun and connected to the mainland via bridges. This could give us a tactical edge.If we could siege Venice,our besieging army would be positioned on the Laguun and if we would not assault the walls. We could stay there behind the bridges and wait for the Venetians to try to lift the siege by attacking over those bridges that are easy to defend. This way we could get Venice without costly assault and also defeat any Venetian army that would march to help the city in a defensive battle behind a bridge."

Third Elector of Swabia bows to the diet and sits down to hear the opinions of his fellow electors on his suggestion.

[Jalf]

The fifth elector of Franconia shakes his head slightly at this suggestion
The third Elector of Swabia should be recommended for his tactical mindset. If only he had thought the larger strategic issues through as well...

Your analysis is correct, but you draw the wrong conclusion.
Seen in a narrow tactical perspective, your suggestion would work very well. It could be a viable way to take the city of Venice if that was our only concern.
But in the larger picture? I think not. We can not afford the luxury of disregarding the other fronts.

Taking the city in this manner would require a combination of our two scarcest resources. Soldiers and time. Or more precisely, our soldiers' time.

Starving them out will take years! Big cities have a lot of supplies. We could be forced to wait for years on end! Pulling a large number of men from their regular duties just to sit outside Venice for a decade is ridiculous!

As you said, we are stretched thin already. The last thing we need is to tie up our precious remaining troops doing nothing for years. If we are to take Venice immediately, we have to do it by force, so we can free up the forces involved for other uses. This may cost us dearly, but if that is the case, then perhaps now is not the time to take the city. It is not going anywhere, we can always come back later.

Now on to other matters. Although initial reports are a bit confused, it seems Poland has betrayed us.
Well, I can hardly say it is a surprise... May I remind you of who predicted this years ago? It looks like my Duke was right after all. Perhaps in the future, such warnings from the Duke of Franconia will not be dismissed as, of all things, illoyalty.

Hopefully the assembled nobles will not again doubt the loyalty of people whose only concern is the safety and future prosperity of the Reich, and who, unlike the majority here, correctly assessed the consequences of our actions and even tried to warn the Diet.

While his astute foresight, and his direct manner of speaking may have offended a few people here, perhaps it is time to swallow your pride and make amends to the Duke Dietrich?

Looks around at the assembled nobles, most of which outrank him, daring anyone to speak

Well, let me just finish by reminding everyone of my earlier suggestion. With the recent developments in Poland, it may be more neccesary than ever to hire some skilled mercenaries. Franconia is ripe with veteran soldiers looking for work. Let us hire a few hundred crossbowmen, and send them to reinforce our weaker fronts.

That was all, I believe.
*Sits down again for a moment, hesitates, and then signals for a page to bring updated reports of the situation with Poland*

[AussieGiant]

Raising an eyebrow from his seated position the 2nd Elector of Austria remarks

Good god gentlemen!!

...they are breeding them a bit rich up there in Franconia these days.

Still...I can`t fault the fellows brain activity.

I think it`s time for afternoon tea men.

Anyone for a shot of whiskey??

[Kagemusha]

Third Elector of Austria speaks:

"My dear Franconian Elector.It seems you Franconians have been building watchtowers around the reich for too long.Have you heard the news of the Venetian army marching North on the Adriatic coast, or have you just dismissed it as a matter so small in your large strategig plans that it can be just forgotten?
That army will propably either reinforce Venice or attack us in Italy or Austria. Would you rather lure it on easily defended place and gain the Venetian capital in the process,or attack it what ever place they will see fit to besiege?"

The Swaban Elector sits back in to his seat with a little grin on his face.

[Ignoramus]

Chancelllor Sigismund rises to his feet with an annoyed expression on his face.

Would you have us throw away our Italian possessions? We are seriously short of men, and an assault on Venice is not possible. The Poles have betrayed us and now our northern frontiers are exposed. Count Manno Galli of humbled Milan still commands an army in the alps of Savoy of 900 men. The Danes surround Franconia and the Poles press at her borders. Would you have us weaken our northern lands to furnish Italy? Milan itself is under siege by a single company of Pavise Crossbowmen, yet I cannot risk salllying as we only have a unit of peasant archers and von Kassel stationed there.

Sigismund sits down, and hopes he has dismissed the sillion motions.

[Kagemusha]

Third Elector stands up and says:

"Well mein Chancellor.I remember suggesting an emergency Diet some time a go.Maybe we should make peace with Milanese? Also i dont recall suggesting an assault anywhere. It is these assaults that have drained our armies out of men. In principle i dont have anything against assaults,but the conditions and balance of forces should be good when one assault´s enemy castles or cities. "

Swabian Elector sits back on his seat.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

It would be foolish to call an emergency session at this time, when the next official Diet session draws so close.

Milan now has in their possession only the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. They have one medium-sized army on the mainland, once that threat is removed they can easily be contained.

Our western border seems both well-fortified and quiet. I suggest that we simply shift some forces over to the east. Poland was foolish to betray us, they have one large army and that is far east of Thorn. We can roll over three of their cities easily. I am more worried about the one Hungarian crusading force currently approaching our territory.

I am confident that Sigismund can handle these events - although I would be more so if that damn Pope didn't plant his army right outside my current location.

[TinCow]

Unprovoked attacks by Milan. Betrayal by our Viennese Allies when the war turned against Milan. Betrayal by our Polish allies who cling to the Pope's robes out of fear of the Rus heathens. Threatenening movements from a Hungarian Crusade. Gregory's hand is in all of this! Surely nothing beyond the threat of eternal damnation and the reward of everylasting life in Heaven could cause Poland and Vienna to betray us thus.

I will admit that with the unexpected opening of these many fronts, an attack on the Papal holdings would be foolish. Let us deal with the conflicts that have been thrust upon us, but do not forget the cause of these conflicts! Rome must be dealt with once its minions have been crushed.

[AussieGiant]

The 2nd Elector Rises again.

I agree with Mandorf!!

Let’s deal with our various enemies first and then deal with the Papacy.

Striking his mailed glove three times on the benches for added emphasis

CONSOLIDATE!!

CONSOLIDATE!!

CONSOLIDATE!!

This is the first order of business GENTLEMEN!!

What are we going to do about this?

[Ituralde]

Duke Leopold enters the Diet chambers with rapid strides. He his clothed in an expensive garment, his bald head adorned with a fashionable felt hat on which a bright pheasants feather shows of his wealth for everyone to see.
He goes immediately to the benches of the House of Austria. After some hushed conversations with his fellow Electors and a few astonished remarks. He stands up to speak before the Diet:

It is good to speak in front of this noble Assembly once again. To not be limited in my movement by some traitorous greedy Venetian bastards!

I traveled here as fast as I could. The Alps are swarming with Venetian Armoured Spearmen at the moment. My scouts report indicated that they are heading towards Innsbruck castle, which proved fortunate for my journey but might prove unfortunate for the Reich.

Before I talk further about these matters of state, I'd like to address those of you that have taken my absence to criticize my dealings in Austria.
His gaze swivels to the House of Bavaria
As long as you have not reigned over more than ten acres of land and have not commanded more than your personal bodyguard I forbid any notion concerning my dealings with the Venetians. To even be so bold to lay the blame of the Venetian attack at my feet is ridiculous. I am an honourable man and I keep my word. I had no reason to attack the Venetians without a reason, and without justification by the Diet or the Chancellor. They have broken their word, they have betrayed us. If it weren't for me, they would now be plundering Viennas riches! Think twice before you ever accuse me of being at the source of such vile treachery again!
Now his gaze finally locks with the Fourth Elector of Bavaria.

On to more important matters. I belive the Poles are besieging Stettin castle as we speak? I'm confident that Fredericus von Hamburg can deal with this thread once he returns from his building activities at the Polish frontier.
While this is most unfortunate and I agree that traitors should be dealt with a harsh hand, I don't think it would be wise to further aggravate the Pope by claiming more and more land as ours. Our standing could hardly be worse and I believe Polands actions are at least unofficially backed by Gregory. As much as it pains me, but I fear we just have to let time take its toll on the old man.
Another war would surely spell ruin for our Reich. Let's bring those we have to an agreeable end as soon as possible. Like my fellow Elector, I believe that consolidation of our holdings should be our primary focus in the future. I'd hate to fight against another professional army with nothing but Militia again.

Still, I believe that a decisive action against the Venetians is in order to demonstrate them what happens to oath-breakers. I would love to march on Venice itself, but I lack the professional soldiers and I also have to stay in Vienna to keep an eye on the Hungarians and the Poles, now that we're at war with them.
I have already dispatched messenger to the Crusader force currently traversing through Austria, encouraging them to march through our country on the shortest path possible. As much as I would have liked to force them, with my current forces in the area it would have been nothing but an empty gesture. Also a smaller Hungarian army is lingering close to our border north of the Danube. Perhaps we should dispatch a diplomat to the Hungarians to improve our relations. I'd hate to be stuck in Vienna while the Venetians, Polish and Hungarians are knocking at my gates!

These are indeed troubled times, meine Herren, and we should consider our next moves carefully lest they spell destruction for the whole Reich.

Duke Leopold takes his seat again.

[AussieGiant]

Prompted by the words of Duke Leopold the Austrian benches shout their approval!!

[Ignoramus]

A messenger with a mournful expression on his face runs into the Diet and hands a letter to Chancellor Sigismund der Stolze. Sigismund face is seen to express shock as he rises and addresses the Diet.

My fellow electors, I bring grievous news this day. Captain Manfred has sustained a heavy defeat against the Venetians in the Tyrolean Alps. He fought bravely, but even steel mail could not keep out the firery arrows of the Venetians.

However, the Venetians were not unmerciful, as they released the 85 prisoners they took.

We shall, of course, regroup and avenge this defeat, and make those merchants pay for their betrayal.

Chancellor Sigismund slumps to his seat, still upset at the news.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: The Fourth Diet is now open for the tabling of Edicts. The deadline for the submission and seconding of Edicts is Sunday 11am (UK time). There will then be a 24 hour period of voting.

[econ21]

Prince Henry: I have heard word from the Chancellor that the Pope has ordered us to cease hostilities against Milan and Venice, or risk excommunication. This is a very serious development, although not an entirely unexpected one. It is quite unjust that we should be so censured when we were the innocent victims of the Lombard League's unprovoked aggression. However, we must live with the world as it is, not as we would like it to be. I believe it is prudent, at this time, to abide by the Pope's injunctions. I propose:

Edict 4.1: The Empire will refrain from any action against Milan that will violate the Pope's order and risk excommunication.

Edict 4.2: The Empire will refrain from any action against Venice that will violate the Pope's order and risk excommunication.

Electors, I do not propose these motions out of timidity or cowardice, but out of prudence. We are stretched thin. We fight mainly with militia - even in my own castle, I am sending unarmoured men out to battle with Italians wearing chain and carrying pavisses. We need time to consolidate and regroup. We must of course vigorously defend Innsbruck, Vienna and other threatened settlements. But only so far as we do not violate the Pope's order.

Friends, I recently met a Russian traveller. He was a godless subversive man and brutally inquired for me: How many divisions has the Pope? The ignorant fool did not know that the Papal army is in fact quite formiddable. But more to the point, Catholic France, Denmark and Hungary all stand on our borders. If we are excommunicated, they may see our many provinces as easy pickings and raise powerful crusades against us. Why, even puny Poland has used the attack by Venice as an excuse to chance her arm against us.

I do not disagree with the Duke of Bavaria - in the long run, we must take up court in Rome. And it is likely, this will likely to conflict with the Papacy. But now is not the time.

Indeed, I would like to use the Papacy against our aggressors. Let us raise our standing with the Pope, so that if they rashly persist in attacking us, they will be excommunicated. Such an event would, of course, free us to strike against them unhindered.

Edict 4.3: The Empire will use gifts of florins to raise our standing with the Pope, so that it exceeds the standing of our enemies and so that we are able to call a future crusade.

[Kagemusha]

Third Elector of Swabia opens up a scroll and starts reading:

"Mein Kaiser,fellow Electors.
I shall propose following edicts in current situation:

Edict 4.4 "Reich contacts Milan,in order to create ceasefire and end the war. No land will be returned to Milanese in any case.

Edict 4.5 "Reich sieges Venice as soon as possible,but not assault her.We need to fight a deciseve battle with Venice somewhere,since our thinned forces cant handle each and every roaming Venetian army across Austria and Italy.

Edict 4.6 "Reich sieges Magdeburg immediately,but do not assault the castle. Again,lets decide where to fight and not give the decision to Polish.

Also i would like to second my Lords,Prinz Henrys edicts 4.1 and 4.2. Those are wise words mein Prinz!"

The Swabian elector sits back on his seat.

[TinCow]

Prior to this session, there was much evidence that Gregory is behind these attacks on our borders. Now that he has threatened to excommunicate us if we do not cease the assault on Milan or Vienna, his influence in the matter is beyond question. The threat against Milan is understandable from a Pope, if wrong, but the threat to stop the war against Venice is unspeakably obscene! Venice breaks their alliance, declares war on us, besieges the capital of the House of Austria, and we are the ones reprimanded?!

There is wisdom in keeping the Reich from gaining even more enemies, but Prinz Henry's proposal to give money to Gregory is insulting to the Reich and nothing more than pure insanity! Prudence is a worthy virtue, but Edict 4.3 would be treason if it had been proposed by someone other than the heir to the throne! Perhaps I should propose to give florins Venice and Poland to thank them for betraying us. Would that make me worthy of being the next Kaiser?