Imperial Diet IV

[OverKnight]

Matthias sighs.

I think this Chamber has seen enough bloodshed in Classical times that we don't need to add to it.

Matthias grimaces wryly.

Well in the past few hours, I've heard of the unexpected passing of the old Kaiser, possibly angered the new Kaiser, and been threatened with death. A full day. I'm known as a sensible drinker, but I might make an exception in this case.

I'll buy the first round at the Tavern, anyone care to join me in raising a few steins in memory of Kaiser Jobst?

[Stig]

*Ansehelms slaps Matthias on the shoulder*

Good idea, man

[AussieGiant]

Having maintained silence through the burst of activity Arnold finally stands to speak.

So gentlemen,

I believe we are done here, with only one final point to be resolved in my mind before I swear fealty.

If Hans can come forth and pronounce his fealty to Siegfried von Kastilien then I believe all men here and abroad will be satisfied.

And for the record scribe...

Arnold looks to the Diet Speaker

...please note that the affront made by Hans previously has been resolved to my satisfaction and the one made by Jan von Hamburg through that sack of shiet Tueton over there has not been resolved.

I've done nothing to warrant such affront to my honour on my name by Jan von Hamburg or his proxy clown Teuton.

Let the record show that if the Teuton wants to come into the Reich's Diet Chamber and act like a fool then he should remember that he is neither a Lord of this Realm or a person able to make claims or comments to other such Lords of the Reich. As a Duke I even out rank his master.

I'd suggest he retracts his statement or I'll be forced to take measures.

And before anyone else chimes in I'd like to it noted that I didn't insult anyone until I was insulted first!!!

THE KAISER IS DEAD....

Arnold sits waiting for Hans to appear.

[Stig]

*Ansehelm stands*

Now you attack this Teuton, for which you have every right to, because his master is not here to speak.
But have you forgotten that Hohenburg here insulted the Kaiser himself, only because his master too doesn't want to show his face himself.

And might I remind you that Hans never made a claim to emperorship.

And may I also state that if a Franconian wants to make a statement here in the Diet, that from this moment he comes himself here, and he doesn't send lousy aides, be a proper man and show your face.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold grins at Ansehelm

Lord Ansehelm,

I'll be more than happy to take Hohenburg apart once Han's makes his decision and Hohenburg continues the way he has before.

I say this because at that point Han's will have relinquished his claim and Siegfried von Kastilien will be Kaiser, and any man that speaks to the Kaiser that way will quite rightly receive the death penalty.

Until that time I'm undecided.

[TinCow]

Thank you, Dieter, for your words. It appears that Siegfried was truly Kaiser Jobst's choice for his heir. I would never disgrace the memory of Kaiser Jobst by opposing him in such a manner. I hereby proclaim my loyalty to Kaiser Siegfried.

*Lothar kneels and bows his head.*

Forgive my words of doubt, my Kaiser. I simply wished to ensure that the traditions of the Reich were upheld. I hope that I will have the opportunity to demonstrate my loyalty to you in the near future.

I am also very humbled by Kaiser Jobst's offer of his daughter's hand in marriage. I must say that I never expected, nor sought, such a thing, but nor shall I reject it. I shall do my best to treat her as a Princess of the Reich deserves and to father many healthy Bavarian sons.

[Stig]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: your dead m8

*Ansehelm looks at Arnold*

You're right my friend. However how can Hohenburg say that Hans is Kaiser if Hans never said he was Kaiser.
I think the Hummels are up to something again.

[AussieGiant]

I guess it is because I and many others were aware of an assumed succession plan.

Even though it has never been fully explained I believe my lawyers had advised me that Han's would be the next Emperor.

We have certainly never had a Kaiser personally proclaim his Heir. That is why I will wait for Han's to come forward to settle the matter. He was the successor based on the undocumented assumed procedure we have all followed for the past few centuries.

This self proclomation procedure is new and I wish to leave no one in doubt as to who the next Kaiser is.

And yes I agree with you. The young Hummel, is very much like his father it seems.

Arnold sits with an obvious grin on his face. Upon seeing the Teuton his visage immediately turns to one of controlled fury. His retinue, speaking quietly until this time, falls still in anticipation of something...

[Stig]

Well Arnold, as you heard Diet confirmed that my little brother has been made emperor, and believe me, I too don't see any sense in it.
Maybe we should look into his will, that would help better. Afterall the Kaisers will is law, wether you agree with it or not.

Have you not heard of the last letter the Kaiser Jobst has written?

[AussieGiant]

I am certainly not protesting what the late Kaiser Jobst has done. It is perfectly acceptable to me.

Taking some time to compose his next words, Arnold continues in a measured tone.

I just want to make sure Han's is not confused about what has happened here. Any and all doubt must be resolved immediately. That is why I wait here until we are all of one thought on the matter.

[Ituralde]

Siegfried has been following the struggles within the Diet with a calm face and made no notion to refute the points brought up against him up to the point where Dieter had entered the Diet to confirm his claims. Now he stands up again to address the assembled Electors.

Dear Electors,

I hold no grudge against any of you feeling surprised at my sudden ascensions. But as you have now heard, it was truly the last wish of Emperor Jobst that I be his Heir. There has never been another named. I can understand that many people may wonder why this decision was made, but this isn't for us to contemplate. Emperor Jobst acted as he did, and I will fulfill his wish to the extent of my abilities and I expect every Noble of the Reich to do the same.

With my blood line not continued so far, I will none the less name my heir now, here for everyone to hear and bear witness ,to avoid confusion in the future. It is my understanding that the House of Swabia has brought forth many a successful Emperor in the past. I therefore choose to name Count Elberhard as my successor and heir should any grave tidings befall me during my reign. He is already serving as a Co-Chancellor and he is a direct descendant of Emperor Henry. This will ensure that the Imperial Line will fall back to Swabia should I fail to produce an heir of my own.

With that settled, as Emperor it is my duty to oversee the Diet.
I demand that the Duke of Austria and Count von Hamburg stop their bickering. Their points on the subject of how to treat prisoners of war has been made clear to all of us. Should they desire further investigation in this issue, I propose them to pass according Edicts or Charter Ammendments during the next Diet session.
I hereby expell Wolfgang Hummel from this Diet until he apologizes for his insubordination and refutes his allegiance to Count Hans!

[Stig]

*Ansehelms stands*

Brother, I'm sure Hummel did not mean much harm. To everyone Hans or Elberhard would have been more obvious choices.
And I'm sure Hans had nothing to do with Hummels rebellion, Hummel is more or less angry that his father was overthrown, he seems to be in for revenge.

[AussieGiant]

Standing to address Siegfried

I disagree My Lord.

I'm not bickering with Jan von Hamburg who I might add holds no rank apart from elector.

He insulted me, and I demand an apology or that you sanction him for his unprovoked words against me.

It's very clear to me what has happened. Surely everyone can see that.

I don't understand how anyone can not understand my stance on the matter.

Arnold sits

[Ituralde]

You don't have to agree, my Duke!

I am not here to decide over the nature of your dispute. If you feel that you have been insulted by Jan von Hamburg contact him or talk it over with his Duke, Gunther von Kastillien. I will not have the peace of this Diet disturbed by this throwing of insults between two members. Especially since you outrank him, you should be able to see above this pitty squabbling and not let yourself be dragged down into a mudfight.

I have reprimanded the young Jan von Hamburg as well and I want to hear no more of it. We have an Empire to administer and there are far more important threats looming on our borders!

[Stig]

Siegfried! You should very well know that your father is having a little holiday. I'm doing the administrative duties for Franconia now, and I've already been in contact with Arnold on this matter.

[gibsonsg91921]

Brother, I could have never expected that you would be the Emperor. My little Siegfried... The Kaiser of the Most Holy and Powerful Holy Roman Empire! It sounds funny at first, but once you think about it you know it's right. Kaiser Jobst favored you much - I swear my fealty to you, brother. I swear that I will follow your rule without question.

[Privateerkev]

Jan von Hamburg arrives in the Diet after the funeral for Emperor Jobst. He walks over to Frederick who whispers in his ear. Jan turns towards the dais and walks up to the new Emperor and kneels.

My Kaiser,

I kneel before you and pledge my life and my sword to you. May your reign be long and fruitful. God go with you. I apologize if I have caused any disruption in the Diet. Alot has happened lately and there has been much confusion. I will put this business with Duke Arnold to bed at once.

Jan turns and returns to his part of the table next to Frederick. He addresses Arnold.

My good duke,

I apologize if you have taken insult from the fact that I have had Frederick speak for me. For I thought it was clear that Frederick's words are to be taken as my own. Now that I am here, I can make this clear to you in person. I hereby, and in public, with God, the Kaiser, and the Diet as my witness, do not retract any statement either I or Frederick have made regarding you or your actions. At the Kaiser's urging, I will work on enacting legislation at the next Diet session regarding your actions. I hope this clears up any confusion regarding the matter.

Turns and addresses the rest of the Diet

Now, is there any other business going on today? I apologize but I am needed in Outremer and I can only be present for another day or two at the most before I must return. The horse lords have gotten around our fortifications and I intend to be there when we fight them off for once and for all.

[gibsonsg91921]

That Hummel... I never trusted him or his father. I promised to not recall the late Count Ulrich in a bad light, but his son Wolfgang reminds me of him too much. He insulted you, brother, and is in open rebellion! I wish to defeat him in battle if it becomes more of a problem. Teach him what it means to be Franconian.

[FactionHeir]

OOC starter note: Its late and I am not completely up to date on stuff, so this might not be too coherent.

IC:

I am not sure why Emperor Jobst declared Siegfried his heir, considering he is the youngerst son of the adopted Duke of Franconia, and not one of pure royal bloodline.
At the same time, our charter is not completely clear on successions, thus leaving quite a bit of dispute over who should rightfully inherit the empire.

While some have been trying to elevate myself to the most honorable position as the head of state, I would like to state that at this point, I am not certain where the loyalties of the Duchies lie, and whether I would want to risk plunging the empire into another dark time with a war of succession.

As such, I propose that to resolve this matter, we should hold an emergency diet session to amend the charter to ensure future successions are laid out clearly and do not result in strife, and at the same time by a diet vote of the eligible, determine the rightful emperor of our holy roman empire.

[Stuperman]

Gerhard Steffen struggles to his feet, looking rather drained even for someone as chronically sick as he is. Murmers through out the Diet say that he's been this way ever since his son died against the Milanese.

I extend my condolances to the slain Kiaser's family, re-afirm my allegiance to the current Kaiser, whoever it is this week, and hope that thses petty squables about who said what about who can be put aside during this time of deepening crisis.

We have enemies at the gates in outremer with the return of the Mongols, we have French, Russians, Poles and Danish troops in the north, and Hungarian barbarians in the east. Only through co-operation can we ever hope to reach salvation.

More great victories like those won by Arnold against the hungarians will be needed if we are to continue foreward.

I have heard Sentimnet that the resources being used for the raid on Russia would be better used going after Karkow, I would agree with this, it would firm up the boarders while hurting our strongest enemies on the front.

As for accusations that Bavaria is avoiding most of the fighting both Austria and Franconia have been offered Bavarian troops under my Watch as Duke, it is not my fault that they haven't been used as effectively as they could have been. I am also concerned that given our boarders with France, our slowly worsening relationship with Sicily, and the Spanish advancement on Sardinia, evacuating all thr troops out of Bavaria woudl leave Bavaria, and the Capital Rome dangerously undefended.

(OOC: Does Rome still have a larger than normal garison?)

[AussieGiant]

The Austrian bench stands as one. Arnold draws his sword and points it at Jan

YOU PIECE OF FILTH!!

Before this Diet, the memory of my father and which ever godforsaken Kaiser ends up ruling this LAND, I swear to you JAN I will make you pay for your insults!!

I'm looking forward to placing your head on spike right on the border between my lands and that of Christ forsaken lands to the east.

Looking back at Franconian benches Arnold explodes into one last livid tirade

I asked you to deal with him Ansehelm!! You don't see my nobles insulting you ever, or repeatedly in the face of the Kaiser!! You're man life is forfeit in my view and I don't expect any recriminations from your Household on the actions I take to rectify his behavior!!

With that the Austrian benches leave en mass Arnold can be heard screaming orders to his household retainers and knights.

[gibsonsg91921]

As such, I propose that to resolve this matter, we should hold an emergency diet session to amend the charter to ensure future successions are laid out clearly and do not result in strife, and at the same time by a diet vote of the eligible, determine the rightful emperor of our holy roman empire.

An emergency session of Diet? Are you mad? You would reject the late Kaiser Jobst von Salza's wishes and refute Kaiser Siegfried von Kastilien's claim?

Gestures to his Shieldbearer and Lancebearer: C'mon, gents, lets escort this man and his retinue out of the building!

[Ituralde]

Siegfried raises a hand:

You will do no such thing, brother! This is a place of discussion and everyone is free to speak their mind about it. It is up to Emperor to remain the peace and not for every Elector and his accompanying bullies. In fact, I hereby ban all retinue bearing weapon from these Halls. We can't have this turn into a battlefield.

He turns to Hans.

I don't see any need to call an Emergency Session of the Diet either though. It is true that the exact formalities of succession are not covered by our Charter. At the same time though, it is clearly stated that the Emperor has the power to regulate when things are unclear. Surely this would apply to naming his own heir. I don't see why this should change all of a sudden. May I remind you that the late Emperor Jobst was also adopted, as was my father, and I have not heard of anyone doubting Emperor Henrys choice when he appointed him his heir.

While I agree that a formalization of this tradition may solve future crisis, it has no valid power over the current state of affairs. Jobst von Salza named me his heir, a fact that should better be accepted by all members of this Diet!

[Privateerkev]

The Austrian bench stands as one. Arnold draws his sword and points it at Jan

YOU PIECE OF FILTH!!

Before this Diet, the memory of my father and which ever godforsaken Kaiser ends up ruling this LAND, I swear to you JAN I will make you pay for your insults!!

I'm looking forward to placing your head on spike right on the border between my lands and that of Christ forsaken lands to the east.

Looking back at Franconian benches Arnold explodes into one last livid tirade

I asked you to deal with him Ansehelm!! You don't see my nobles insulting you ever, or repeatedly in the face of the Kaiser!! You're man life is forfeit in my view and I don't expect any recriminations from your Household on the actions I take to rectify his behavior!!

With that the Austrian benches leave en mass Arnold can be heard screaming orders to his household retainers and knights.

Jan and Frederick both look up at Arnold's outburst.

My dear duke, why wait? I am right here. I rather get this over with before I return to Outremer and face real enemies. You sir are a disgrace to your house, nation, and the lord. If you are going to threaten me, then just do it. I am tired of you, your words, and your actions. If noone else here is going to set you straight, then by God I will! I have fought far better men than you. Come Frederick, let teach this piece of !@#$% a lesson!

Jan and Frederick get up and leave the Diet chambers.

[TinCow]

All retinue bearing weapons...

*Lothar frowns and looks at his heavily armed companions, including a veteran warrior and a sheildbearer. He gestures for them to approach and then mumbles a few words which cannot be heard over the constant din of bickering in the Diet. As a group, Lothar's men begin to unstrap and unsling their various weaponry. As each deadly instrument is removed from a body, Lothar takes it and straps it to his own person.

After a few moments, he is so heavily laden with weaponry that their very weight makes standing difficult. With blades of all shapes and sizes protruding from scabbards, pockets, and chest-straps, Lothar Steffen sits back down. Just as it looks like he is getting comfortable, he lets out a yelp, reaches under his legs and pulls out an unsheathed dagger. Cursing mildly, he slips it gently into a breast pocket.*

As per the Kaiser's wishes, my retinue are now disarmed. Of course, they will need to stay very close to my person so that I do not fall over when I try to walk.

*Lothar eyes Jan von Hamburg as he departs and begins to finger one of the many instruments strapped to his personage.*

[Stig]

*Ansehelm stands*

As you know Arnold I said that I did not agree with Jan's words and still do not.
I hereby suggests he does not come back to the Diet till he needs to vote during the next Diet Session. No, I hereby order him not to come back till the next Diet Session. It is not my fault a Franconian insults other people, I have no control of his words, since my father is on holiday I don't want to make too big decisions, I take it you understand that.
And my apologize for my young cousin. Maybe you should take things up with his father, he might be able to beat talk some sense into the boy.

Now if you forgive me, I have to tell one of my aide's that he can bring a message to Breslau, there are still some Poles that need to be executed after my last battle.


And Hans, you know as well as I do that you can't break the Kaisers will. I too see no sense in making my little brother Kaiser, but it has been done, and the problem is is that it cannot be changed.
I also wish to state that I'm against a Emergency Session, the proper Diet will start next year, what's another year, hey?

And to another taking over as Kaiser, there's little we can do, the people see Siegfried as the new Kaiser, as they heard the will of Jobst being read out. If someone else takes over they will see it as a rebellion, which will break up the Reich. Something like that shouldn't happen, I take it you agree.

[gibsonsg91921]

If anyone more challenges the claim of my brother, Holy Roman Emperor Siegfried von Kastilien, to the throne, they will have to deal with me personally, as well as the Franconian Household Army.

Dismisses his retinue: Wait outside, there may be trouble yet. Keep your weapons ready.

[Privateerkev]

an aide to Jan von Hamburg stands up and addresses Ansehelm.

Respectfully my steward, I do not see how you have the authority to ban Jan von Hamburg from the Diet. Only the Emperor can do that. This matter is between Arnold and Jan. It was Duke Arnold that tried to bring you into this on his behalf. Jan never tried to get others to handle his conflicts and has always handled this by himself. So, to be clear, Jan von Hamburg respectfully disagrees with your order concerning the Diet and will not obey it.

Thank you and have a good day.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: I know I said I'd try to have Jan speak in here more but I just RP'd having him walk out after Arnold and AG and I are planning something outside.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Conrad Salier:

Too much has happened recently to continue to discuss matters like good Christians and honorable men. I suggest that everyone head back to their posts and wait for orders from the new Kaiser or the Chancellor. Hopefully everything will have cooled down enough in 1260 to resume a more civilized discussion.

I also hereby swear my allegiance and fealty to Kaiser Siegfried. My Lord, Outremer is yours to command.

[FactionHeir]

Considering the exhaustion of our esteemed diet members, I shall then refrain from calling for an emergency session but remind that this matter shall be resolved at the next full session.

I mean no disrespect to the Franconians, but there are some rather serious doubts remaining about the truthfulness of the word and letter elevating young Siegfried to this position.