Imperial Diet

[OverKnight]

Though the hour is late, there is one matter I feel must be considered before the Diet. I propose edict 5.30: As a demonstration of the price of betrayal and to send a message to all of Europe that the Reich will not be defied, when the city of Venice is taken the populace will be exterminated.

My years in Milan have taught me how difficult a restive population is to keep under control. When Venice is taken we must establish the rule of the Reich with such authority that the city will never dare rebel. This will also allow us to garrison the city with less troops, so that a large part of the assaulting army can continue on campaign.

The curs deserve no mercy, and we will give them none.

I will also second edict 5.26.

[Ituralde]

Edict 5.30 is seconded! I believe you know what is necessary to deal with traitors Otto von Kassel! The Venetians deserve nothing less.

[FactionHeir]

*nods to von Kassel* I shall second 5.30 for you.

[econ21]

[Prinz Henry]: The 5th Session of the Diet is now closed. Voting will open imminently.

[FactionHeir]

-grmbl wrong thread. delete please-

[lilirishman1986]

death to the Venetians is all well and good but consider the need for income from these cities at the same time... death should only be considered if our Venetian slaves fail us

[OverKnight]

Fourth Elector, I realize the severe punishment we will inflict on Venice might impact the money we will get from the city, but there are considerations besides florins. The Venetians betrayed our alliance, attempted to assault Vienna multiple times, and briefly took Bologna from us. Such insolent oath-breaking deserves a heavy reprisal. I can think of no better way to show the Doge this, than by laying waste to his capital, the foul lair of these vipers.

This will also serve notice to our enemies, those thinking of attacking us, such as France, and even neutral or allied countries, that war with the Reich will only result in death and ruin for them.

The more practical aspects of edict 5.30 are that, once occupied, we will need less troops to garrison Venice, freeing up forces to assist against the Milanese outside Florence, or continuing the assault on the Doge's forces in Zagreb or Ragusa. With the Ducal armies amendment likely to pass, campaign troops will be at a premium while the household armies are being formed.

Yes, the loss of population will effect the economy of Venice, however the buildings and facilities that fuel it will be intact. Good German settlers will replace the vanquished and the city will be prosperous again in a short time.

I consider a short term loss of Florins in exchange for long term stability, strategic flexibility and a resounding message of the superiority of the Reich, a more than fair trade.