Imperial Diet II

[Kagemusha]

Franconian messenger enters the Diet,carrying a letter from Duke of Franconia. Messenger reads:

"Greetings from the Polish front Mein Herren!
I would like to inform the Diet,that affairs here in North are developing well. Our forces have opened supply routes behind the Ducal army,thanks to Count Von Kastillien. Also messengers are coming both from North and South telling that our reinforcements are marching towards the Ducal army. In this situation, i would like to give my heartfull thanks to Chancellor Mandorf,who has done excellent job, doing what he promised. Im sure that soon Magdeburg will be ours.

Duke of Franconia

Dietrich Von Saxony"

[nazgul3]

5th elector of bavaria stands firmly

Men my dear chancellor is correct. We will have the available funds to repel the French. However we must stop the squabling. I say this to all those who worry. Stop!. Create solutions and stop worrying about problems. Every country has problems. You think Scipio Africanus was worried when Hannibal stood at the door steps of Rome. Now there was a problem and we all know what happened to Carthage. We will receive our funds and put an end to the girly French. They are not like men of true Romans. God is on our side and the eagle flies high. We shall create our armies and sack their cities and then your worries about money will be gone. I have faith in mein chancellor. Don't you all? If not faith in the chancellor surely you have faith in Him that he will not let our empire fall.

Sits angered

[ArchdukeEvan]

Stands to talk

well... a war with France is well enough reason for every once of gold to be poured into House Swabia

with your new castle and all of the troops you wnat... you should be able to over-run France in about 6 years...

laughs sarcasticly as he sits

[Warluster]

Are you makign fun of the House of Swabia!!

We don't take that lightly...

Jobst von Salza laughs at memories

[TinCow]

*The sound of Church bells and wailing women fills the air. A messenger rushes in and whispers into the ear of an Elector near the back of the room. He gasps and his face goes white. An unspeakable tragedy has occurred.*

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

This Diet is to observe a short period of mourning for the terrible death of Sigismund der Stolze.

He was an honorable man, good Chancellor, and terrific fighter. He has done nothing but good for the House of Swabia and the Reich as a whole. I am honored to have called him an Elector and a friend. Certainly he would have not approved of his manner of death.

Of course his death must be avenged. I urge Chancellor Mandorf to refit my army immediately so that I may march to France and enact terrible retribution.

[FactionHeir]

What! Sigismund dead! How could this happen! I demand the assassin be caught and executed immediately!

[ArchdukeEvan]

he has died!? that is bad news indeed...

I must express my condolances to the House of Swabia for their loss...

mutters... scarely heard

bah... now we will have to give them everything they want... out of the pity in our hearts naturaly

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich

*addressing the 5th Elector of Austria*

What was that? My ears may not be what they used to be but I know a sotto voce when I see it. This is not the time to mutter about how one House is favored. Rest assured I would enact the same vengeance should Poland have done that to Leopold.

[ArchdukeEvan]

If Poland had killed Leopold then there would be NO Austria...

I truly do regret the death of Sigismund... he was a good man... always true to his word and very Noble with anyone he talked to and fought with...

and I have nothing agianst retalation... by all means... kill every one of the French Noblity... in fact i would support it!

but over all it seems we have emptyed the Treasury for this war with France... that is a problem that is uterly differant from my feelings for the great loss that the Reich has suffured

[Stuperman]

Those Dirty Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys!!

We must crush the French and burn Paris to the ground!

Sigismund der Stolze was a good man, and great leader the french must have been afraid of him after his Successes as Chancellor against the Millanese.

Would it not be prudent in light of recent events to arange for certian Frech Nobles to have tragic 'accidents'?

[OverKnight]

Otto enters the Diet after arriving from Italy. His expression is grave. In the intervening years since the last election he has aged visibly, his hair has begun to gray and he is unshaven from the long ride. He turns to the Swabian delegation and begins to speak.

I travelled here as quickly as I could after I heard the terrible news. I share your loss. Sigismund and I fought together many times. Without his aid, I would not have taken Bern. He held the Milanese back from there, and as Chancellor he crushed them! It is sickening that the Hammer of the Milanese has been laid low by a knife in the dark. Of all of us, he deserved that the least, as he set a shining example in Chivalry and valor! No doubt those Gallic swine heard of his prowess and Sigismund's intent to rout them, and they decided to strike from the shadows rather than face certain defeat in open battle.

I pray that Prinz Henry will inflict a terrible vengeance upon the cowardly French! I hope he bleeds them dry, so that when we do go on the offensive, their defeat will be swift and complete.

So it should be for all enemies of the Reich!

I must still attend to matters in Italy my lords. Gunther of Eichstadt, my old associate, will be my second in the Diet. I will relay messages through him, and he will keep me up to date on these proceedings.

Farewell.

Otto starts to exit the Diet, as he reaches the chamber doors, he turns, looks back once, and then strides out.

[TevashSzat]

We are all saddened by the loss of Sigismund der Stolze, but we must tell the French that although they use unchivalrous methods like assasinations, we shall still win the war!

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: Sigismund was like a son to me. I cannot express the shock and sadness I feel. He was to lead the House of Swabia after me; perhaps the Empire. His loss diminishes us all. The Empire has never had a more loyal or chivalrous servant. His legacy will be in North Italy, from where he expelled the Milanese and re-established our sovereignty, bringing us closer to Rome, our final destination.

Electors, I recall Maximillan once saying he feared no army, only the inquisitor. Perhaps with the changing circumstances, the inquisition has lost something of that dread with which some of us associated it. But now it seems we must add a new threat - a godless, dark threat: the assassin. I trust the Chancellor will know what to do to counter them: hire good men, spies, to find the devils and then hunt them down, either with our armies trapping them like vermin or with our own dark emissaries of death.

[Northnovas]

Electors!, The House of Austria is deeply sadden and shocked by the current events. Sigismund was a respected servant of the Reich and there will be a proper time of mourning and prayers. Though he would feel that his death was not noble because it was not on the battlefield he should have the honours of State Funeral for the sacrifices he has made for the Reich, the House of Swabia and the Kaiser.
May his soul rest in peace and his death be avenged by the men that are present here today.

The Third Elector of Austria leaves to assist in the planning......

[Warluster]

Jobst von Salza stands crying

Sigismund was a brother to me, we fought wars together, he never treated me unfairly, the loss is un bearable

Jobst von Salza words are unheard as his crying overpowers him, and he sit sdown, then wipes his face and stands
Fighting amongst the Houses
Sigh

From your words, Fifth Elector of Austria, I woudl think Your the Assasain, and in every way i shall treat you like that.

Because if this Diet wasn't so noble, you would not like the words I would be yellign at you, and blood would be spilt.

Sure, Austria was saved by Great Duke Leopold, a Greta Commander, but that is his glory, and he doesn't need his won Electors crowing on about nonsense,

Fifth Elector of Austria, what have you done for Austrai, the Duchys, The Reich? If you can name three things then I would clap hard, as there is no three things, other can you please be shut up! We don't need you rubbishing Swabia!

[Kagemusha]

A Franconian Messenger enters the Diet and starts reading a message:

"Mein Herr. While my heart is black from sorrow,after i heard about the death of Sigismund the Chivalrous. I have some good news on this black day. Magdeburg is now on the hands of the Reich! I would like to dedicate this victory on the memory of the Sigismund the Chivalrous and also give out my condolences to his family. Polish garrison have been beaten and the Ducal army of Franconia will soon continue its campaign to defeat the Polish by striking further to the Polish lands. Here is my short report:

https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/...ssault7pt3.jpg

Dietrich Von Saxony"

[ArchdukeEvan]

What is this!?

Pionting Fingers in the Diet!?

have you not listened to all that I have said!?

it seems that you havent... so next time use your ears before you use your mouth... I have nothing agianst Sigismund... as I have said plenty about before... and I will do so agian if I must...

do you know what I dont like!?... maybe you should go back and read what I have said from the Scribes books!

anyways... I have done the same service to the Reich that only an elector can! I have made edicts... I have voted... I have supported others in their plans... if you can name three other things an Elector can do than by all means... say something!

[Ituralde]

Duke Leopold enters the Diet dressed in a black mourning garb, streaks run down his cheeks where his tears have run freely as he heard of the departure of one of the great men of the Reich. Looking slightly dazed he enters the stand and starts to speak, sorrow filling his voice.

Sigismund the Chivalrous, Sigismund der Furchtlose, Sigismund der Unbesiegbare, he was known by many names. And every one of them shows us the respect he has earned amongst his friends and foes. This makes the fate all the harder to accept. The Reich has truly lost one of their greatest minds, most successful generals, and a shining beacon of Chivalry and generosity today! The enemy must have known that they could never stand up to Sigismund in battle or meet him face to face. That's why they had to rely on deceit and treachery to accomplish their goals. His death will be revenged! If I wasn't at the other end of the country I would lead the army personally onto Paris and have Phillip II flogged and beaten for this breach of Chivalry!

This is not the time to adress grievances between the Houses, old and new, every one here knows that I had my differences with Count Sigismund in the past, but I won't let that diminish my view of his accomplishments. I can forgive him and have always respected him as a man! I grieve with the House of Swabia, and I grieve with the Reich, and of course I grieve with you my brother Henry. You are not the only one who has lost a son this day. The Reich will never be what it once was.
I am sure that every single man assembled here has done his share to support the cause of our Reich and their Duchies and there's nobody here who does not feel the loss of Sigismund the Chivalrous! May his memory serve us as a reminder of what one man can accomplish!

A bleak look on his face Leopold returns to the stand of the House of Austria.

[Kagemusha]

Dietrich Von Saxony enters the Diet in full armour and takes the stand:

"Mein Prinz.My apologies for not being here in person on this moment of grief. I rode hear straight from the battle to show my respect on the departed. I understand while Sigismund was not your son out from Marriage,he was like your own to you. As last favour for him i ask your permision and urge the other Dukes to join me in this request. To show our respect towards Sigismund the Chivalrous.I would ask permission to carry his coffin with the other Dukes on his funeral, for the Dukes of the Reich to carry a brave hero of the Reich to his final resting place."

Dietrich bows down his head and walks among his Franconians.

[econ21]

Prinz Henry: I congratulate Duke Dietrich on the capture of Magdeburg - he continues to inspire us all with his indomitable spirit while campaigning in the cold north of our lands.

I am also inspired by Dietrich's proposal that we Dukes carry Sigismund's body at the funeral. My father is in charge of the funeral arrangements, but I am sure he will recognise this proposal as right and fitting.

[TinCow]

*Chancellor Mandorf enters the Diet, looking exhausted beyond all measure.*

I am but a Steward, but I would be most grateful if you would allow me to carry his body as well. Sigismund was the finest example of Christian nobility and morality I have ever known. His actions on the battlefield and off were always guided by a moral and ethical code that few of us can approach and none of us can equal. He was a great supporter of Bavaria and I personally considered him a good friend. I shall never forget his loss.

I also wish to say that the murderous fiend who committed this act shall not live long to enjoy whatever bounty he received. In one way or another, I shall ensure that he is sped into the next life so that Saint Peter may bar the gates and cast him down into the pit where he so surely belongs. I have heard rumors that the leaderless Swabian Household Army has been scouring the lands in search of this man. It is possible that they will trap and execute him themselves. If not, my friends in the Teutonic Order have told me that there are places in Frankfurt where Germans of a similar mind may be found. While I voted against the use of assassins in the previous Diet, there is surely no sin in using murderers to eliminate each other. They are all doomed anyway, so let us speed them to Hell even faster.

I must also urge all Electors to be wary of their surroundings. I will do all that I can to protect the Reich's leaders from our enemies, but there are limits to my abilities. Please, my friends, keep your bodyguards close and be suspicious of all outsiders. We must not allow another tragedy such as this to occur.

[Ituralde]

Leopold rises slowly

I would be more than honoured to carry Sigismund to his final resting place.

[nazgul3]

5th elector of Bavaria stands very saddened

It is truly a black day when the mighty fall. When the retaliation on France comes it shall be swift and destructive let no man in France forget what they are paying their lives for. Let "King" Philip watch in horror after what we do and make him fear the value of his decisions. This tyrant must be put to rest. May our hearts turn the anguish into a battle cry against France. Let all men know when they do battle they scream Sigismund in his rememberance.

Turns to pray
May God have mercy on his soul and welcome his spirit into the light of His passion and glory. May he find eternal bliss at the feet of God and find the happiness among all of the divine that live in the serenity of the Lord. I give thanks for the life that you gave Sigismund and granting me the opportunity to live in the time of such a great man. In this, I pray to the, Lord. In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen

Bows and Leaves to commemorate the deciesed

[Dutch_guy]

A tired and dirty messenger enters the Diet, his garments indicate his allegiance to the House of Franconia

Noble lords of the Diet, I speak for von Kastillien in his absence!

How sorry he is to not be here in this time of pain and most of all sadness, but it could not be so any other way. As he is doing our work in the barren north, fighting the treacherous Poles, who undoubtedly had something to do with Sigismund's death! He may have been murdered in the west, but our Polish King's influence is, sadly, still quite large. No question this assassination of one of our dearest lords was high on their list, plus, such an unchivalrous way of dealing with problems fits the Polish bill exactly.

The messenger paused, taking a deep breath before continuing.

Günther truly regrets not being able to visit Sigismund's funeral, but my liege is currently enroute to Thorn. Late Sigismund would have it no other way, as he always put the Reich before himself!

The messenger stopped, and seated himself in the Franconian corner.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Kaiser Heinrich:

Mandorf, as much as I admire the Russians for their total stupidity, I must warn you not to further violate edicts, as 5.29 ("The chancellor shall endeavor to send emissaries (without needing to train new ones) to contact other nations we have no contacts with to obtain alliances, and trade rights. Our payment shall be no more than map information and he shall aim to make all contacts pay appropriately for spending our time and efforts on them.") has already been violated.

Carry on.

[lilirishman1986]

due to recent actions on the part of our enemies i must ask what countermeasures do we have in place within our territory to uncover opposing vandals such as assassins and spies. Should we not put forth our own network of spies in our cities to keep such rabble out?

[Kagemusha]

Franconian messenger enters the Diet:

"A small rebel army between Frankfurt and Magdeburg has been destroyed.199 rebel casulties and 9 Franconians.

Dietrich Von Saxony"

[OverKnight]

Gunther of Eichstadt enters the Diet chamber. He is acting as Otto's second while he is away in Italy. He holds a sealed message in his hand and moves to the center of the room to address the Diet.

My lords, Otto von Kassel, my master, has asked me to deliver a message to the Diet. He has asked that I unseal the letter here, and read it's entire contents to you.

Gunther cracks the seal and unfurls some papers, one of which appears to be stained with wine, he begins to read:

"My lords, I am sorry I cannot personally appear in the Diet to address you, but it has been a busy year in Italy crushing Venetians and getting married!

First, I must give my most heartfelt thanks to the Kaiser for granting me his daughter Elsebeth's hand in marriage. She is a fine woman, and I foresee many grandchildren for my father-in-law.

With this marriage I am now Duke of Bavaria. I will do my utmost to serve the Kaiser and the Reich. I am humbled by the gift of Genoa and I will gratefully add the territory to my Duchy.

As Duke, there are several acts I must announce. First, the Bavarian capital is to be moved to Innsbruck. Second, Maximillian Mandorf, now that he is no longer Steward, will be made Count of Nuremberg! In honor of his long and competent service to Bavaria he is also to keep the title of First Elector. Congratulations Maximillian, you have earned all of it!"

Gunther pauses to flip a page, he reads a bit forward and visibly pales. He speaks:

My lords, please know that the Duke has rather forcefully instructed me to read this verbatim, and that I am just a messenger.

Gunther continues reading the letter:

"There are, however, more serious matters I must address as Duke. While I am grateful for the gift of Genoa, it appears that a foreign army is trespassing on my new lands. I hereby invoke Charter Article 3.3:

3.3. Any declaration of war must be authorised by an Imperial edict. The Chancellor or any Duke is empowered to declare war on a non-allied army entering its lands.

Using the power granted to me as Duke by the Imperial Charter, I declare that a state of war now exists between the Reich and the Papal States!

Pope Gregory's transgressions against our lands and dignity end today!

The Bavarian Household army is to move to the area of Genoa to help expel Gregory from our soil. I have sent a messenger to the Kaiser to request Imperial assistance in this matter. He and the Imperial army are near Rome, I am sure he will be able to aid us.

God Bless the Kaiser! God Save the Reich!

Otto von Kassel, Duke of Bavaria"

Gunther, dropping the papers in shock onto the floor of the Diet, staggers to a chair and sits heavily.

[Ituralde]

Leopold rises immediately:

This is madness and you know it!

He looks enfuriated at Gunther von Eichstadt and then at the rest of the Diet, before continuing rather calmly.

We can not allow the actions of one single man to lead us into a struggle that will last for years. An attack against the Papal States will entail excommunciation and this would be in clear violation of Edict 2.24 passed in front of this Assembly! I also ask every attendant Elector to consider the wording of Charter Article 3.3. Any declaration of war must be authorised by an Imperial edict. Surley there is no such Edict in place and while the Dukes may be empowered, Duke Otto surely was not authorized by this body to attempt this folly! I demand that Otto von Kassel appear in front of this Diet immediately to answer for his foolish plans.

He has to be stopped! It is not in the interest of the Reich to wage war against the Holy Church and it is not in the interest of the Reich to expell us from our fellow Christians. To punish our faithful peasantry by throwing the gates of hell open and casting purgatory or worse on all of their souls!
This action stands in direct conflict with our recent agenda and would overthrow many plans made in the previous Diet session. Before we do anything rash that some of us will regret in the future, I demand that an Emergeny Session of the Diet be called to address this matter in the depth and thoroughness such a drastic step deserves.