Imperial Diet VII

[FactionHeir]

Somewhat bedazzled by Elberhard's colorful language and line of thought

Err so is this an emergency session now and the CA proposed?
Hmm if it is, then I do second the proposed motion...if not, then I need a good night's sleep!

[TinCow]

I second it as well. Close the Emergency Session, begin the vote, and let's be done with this farce.

[gibsonsg91921]

Ha. If Duke Arnold says it, let it be done. If he didn't really say it, we'll find out some way or another, but I'd rather have some manner of order.

Ironic - accusing the Kaiser of staging a coup for a lesser position? Such a situation would be laughable. Perhaps the Kaiser's authority is waning.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Herrmann Steffen:

Excellent, does this mean we can get back to fighting?

[Stuperman]

Von Essen, one would have to be accepting payments from the halfbreed Greeks or the in bed with the french to introduce such a manufactured political scandal in times like these, are you mad? or just a traitor?

[Privateerkev]

Hearing of the Emergency Session, von Essen returns

Fred, you can kindly go !@#$ yourself you stupid !@#$.

All I wanted was the law to be followed. Nothing more. I have said multiple times that I have no problem with the Kaiser. Personally, I like the guy. But, what he was doing was illegal.

If we give up our laws, then the Greeks have truly won. I'm glad to see that is not the case... yet...

[TinCow]

That is a... curious statement, Dieter. If I remember correctly, the reason the Greeks did not succeed in taking over the entire Reich was because several Electors, namely Peter von Kastilien, Tancred von Tyrolia, and Dietrich von Dassel, chose to break the law and attack Constantinople and Durazzo. Had they obeyed the law and not committed to those attacks, we would surely be ruled by the Byzantine Emperor.

[Privateerkev]

I was young or not even born when those events happened.

Sure, breaking the law worked but I am sure a better way could have been found that was legal. To me, breaking the law just shows a lack of imagination.

It's the Greeks who break laws. One of the millions of reasons why they are not fit to rule the lands they govern. We're better than that. And our willingness to admit a mistake, open an emergency session, and change the law to accommodate a terrible situation proves it.

Now if someone can please help get me to Outremer, I can personally help remove some provinces from Greek control.

[econ21]

Elberhard walks into the Diet, face swollen and eyes blackened - presumably from struggling with the mountain of orders sent to the Chancellor's office.

Elberhard: Dieter, believe me it would give me great pleasure to put you on a boat and send you to Outremer.

However, you have just been appointed commander of one of the Austrian Household Armies. Maximillan von Hapsburg is your second in command, but is currently on reserve duty. I suggest it might be best to wait for his return to active duty before @#$%^&!!!ing off.

[Privateerkev]

I am going to assume you meant it would give you "great pleasure" because you would be sending such a qualified person over to the Levant.

But, since you earlier brought up me arse, I shudder at the idea of what gives you "great pleasure".

So, please send me when the situation warrants.

And next time, try not to take legal debate so !@#$ing personal will you?

Jeez...

[econ21]

Elberhard: My God, you insufferable little @#$%^&!!! - you accuse your Kaiser of being an usurper, of committing a coup and then admonish him for taking it "personally"?!

Go to your army, soldier! I will attend to your transfer when you are relieved of your current command. The timing of that relief is entirely a matter for the Steward of Austria - or the Duke, when he recovers.

[Privateerkev]

Dieter shrugs

Your the one that was checking out me arse. I point you to this:

@#$%^&!!! it, that's it. I will not be accused of such villainy by that prattling self-righteous youngster who is exiting this Diet so that we may all see the shaft of truth and justice radiating from his arse!

I suppose "the shaft of truth and justice" is what you call your elephantine sex organ these days. But could you at least attempt to stop fantasizing about it going in and out of me arse? I know you were on that ship a long time but jeez...

It seems we did take a lesson from the Greeks after all...

[GeneralHankerchief]

Herrmann Steffen sits quietly throughout the exchange, his expression changing from one of glee to exasperation as the bickering continues.

[econ21]

Elberhard: My God, the boy even cites the Diet record to fish for comments on his arse! Well, I suspect this may be a better use of your formidable forensic talents than your pitiful attempts so far at law.

Dieter von Essen, if you truly wish me to meditate on the nature of your arse, I could oblige you. I would of course start by observing that it is where most of your pronouncements seem to emanate. However, I do feel that a prolonged discourse on this subject would not be in the best interests of the Reich.

I suggest we let the subject drop or I will be forced to ban us both from this place.

[Privateerkev]

While I agree that it would be quite improper to continue discussing my beautiful backside, I will point out that my "pitiful" attempt at law was actually successful. I pointed out an oversight, and then got the entire bureaucracy of the Reich to correct it. A good day's work if I do say so myself.

Now if your done showing all of us how big and strong you are, I have an army to run.

[econ21]

...time passes ....

[econ21]

Diet Speaker: Electors! I regret to inform you that Kaiser Elberhard has fallen retaking Bologna. Prinz Peter von Kastilien is now King of the Romans. The Kaiser is dead - long live the Kaiser!

[Privateerkev]

Dieter just sits there in shock. He turns away and hopes no one notices the tears streaming down his face.

[TinCow]

*Lothar Steffen sits quietly for a moment, deep in thought. Eventually he sighs, shakes his head slightly, and gives a chuckle that is half amusement, half annoyance. He slowly rises and draws his sword. The Duke of Bavaria stands the weapon on end, and bends to one knee, facing in the direction of Peter von Kastilien.*

The Kaiser is dead. Long live the Kaiser.

*As Lothar Steffen retakes his seat, he can be heard to mutter, "Five bloody Kaisers is too many for one man's lifetime."*

[Cecil XIX]

Edmund lowers his head in silent mourning.

[Warluster]

Duke von Salza stands and also bows low, before quickly standing

A true shame when late Kaiser Elberhard dies only just when the Reich is starting to reform. It is good though, he died in a siege of such a city, and his death will contribute to the overall peace of the Reich.

Long live Kaiser Peter!

Duke von Salza sits and quickly speaks to two messengers who sprint off, and the DUke is left sitting peacefully.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Herrmann Steffen:

Kaiser Elberhard...

...dead...

...

*#%!

I suppose a eulogy is required in these occasions, but judging by the lack of them so far in the Diet's response, the burden falls on me. Those who knew him best that had a voice in this body are dead as well.

Kaiser Elberhard of the Reich, son of Henry, brother of Hans, wife of Linyeve, father of Hugo and Eue, grandson of Heinrich. He spent the first part of his career in the Outremer, carving out a frontier for Christianity in the Holy Land and later spending his time defending it. He ascended to the throne during a period of great trial, and did his best to hold the Reich together. He is to be commended for this effort, as lesser men would have given up facing lesser adversity.

[Ramses II CP]

For all our squabbles the man was as fine a warrior as the Reich has ever known, and he met his end nobly leading an army of the Reich to victory over her hated foes. God save the Kaiser!

God save Peter von Kastilien, Emperor of the Reich!

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Who in the name of **** is going to lead the chivalrous characters now? Zirn is 62(?) and Elberhard is dead. Are we really going to become a pack of wolves, because Fritz might love that but it doesn't sound quite so enticing to me. :p

My sympathies Econ, Elberhard was a fun character.

[deguerra]

My sincerest condolences to his family.

Der Kaiser ist tot, es lebe der Kaiser!

OOC: Bloody well done, econ21, I only saw Eberhardt in a brief period of time, but he was an immensely enjoyable character to watch and interact with!!

[Northnovas]

The old elector walks to the floor. The sad news reflects on his face and body language...

Noblemen of the Reich,

We have lost a good man. He was not only my King he was my comrade, where status means little to brothers in arms. The Outremer was our battlefield and we were there for God's purpose. There has been so much against the Reich in these past decades and when we look to go forward calamity continues strikes futher. Are we God's choosen? Where have we gone wrong?

Karl looks around at the each man sitting before continuing...

I will tell you, are words to do not fit our actions! We say that we will be a righteous nation and yet do deeds that are not. We even try to write into law a noble deed but how many will truly follow it, finding some loophole?
If our Kaiser can be taken so quickly from us who is next??

With a shrug

I guess it could be me but I have led a full life trying to set an example for my family and my countrymen. Look at yourselves and take this time to reflect on what kind of men you wish to be and what kind of nation you wish to live in? Let us demonstrate to our enemies that we are not the wolves they label us but men faith, mercy and strength.

Long live Kaiser Elberhard! He who is finally at peace.

Turning to the new Kaiser.. A deep bow in the only way an old man can

Kaiser Peter von Kastilien, long may you reign with God's grace. My House pledges our allegiance and obedience to you.

[Stuperman]

Kaiser Elberhard, May his death not be in vain, He has paid the ulitmate sacrifice the first gains in Italy in 50 years, he inherited a broken nation, and despite a religious war that would have beaten a lesser man and destroyed a lesser Nation, He died with the Riech at it's most powerful in Decades.

I Hearby swear utter and total loyalty to you Kaiser Peter von Kastilien

[gibsonsg91921]

Kaiser Elberhard is a true hero of the Reich, regardless of past actions and efforts for unification. He is a valiant warrior, one of the greatest generals, and a beacon of chivalry. Rest in peace, friend.

[Zim]

A letter arrives from Outremer.
I have heard rumors that our illustrious Kasier died in battle. If true, we have lost a great man today. I pray those of us who remain will follow the example of the Kaiser, and devote their lives to the Reich.

Long live Kaiser Peter.

Andreas von Salzgitter.

OOC: Well, Andreas and Ruppel are the oldest Chivalrous characters left (barring Zirn), so I guess that makes them the leaders in charge of supporting a Chivalrous Reich. God help us.

OOC: Who in the name of **** is going to lead the chivalrous characters now? Zirn is 62(?) and Elberhard is dead. Are we really going to become a pack of wolves, because Fritz might love that but it doesn't sound quite so enticing to me. :p

My sympathies Econ, Elberhard was a fun character.

[_Tristan_]

Hugo de Cervole's is a mask, his features bearing the marks of deep mourning as he rises to speak before the Lords assembled.

I mourn for the loss of Kaiser Elberhard who made of me what I am now an Elector of the Reich when I was nothing more than a French renegade.

I wish I could have proven to him that he made a good choice but that is not to be...

Perhaps he will watch over the Reich from on high and so I will try to live up to the standards he set for the Reich...

For the once, I pledge my sword and my life to Kaiser Peter...

Long live the Kaiser

Hugo resumes his seat, tears beginning to stream down his cheeks.

[OverKnight]

A letter arrives from Outremer.

My fellow Electors,

It is with great sadness that I heard of Kaiser Elberhard's death in battle. Through his sacrifice, Bologna, the oldest Italian possession in the Reich was returned to us, but that does not even begin to balance the scales. The Kaiser died as he lived, doing what he thought was right, selflessly and with no regard for the danger to himself, thinking only of his duty.

Before he was Kaiser, before he was even Prinz, Elberhard was a young Crusader in Outremer. He emerged from his father Henry's long shadow at the battles surrounding the seizure of Edessa. He fought valiantly and with great success against Mongols and Egyptians. Sultans and Khans fell before his blade and Jerusalem had no greater protector.

His naming as Prinz was unexpected, his rise to Kaiser even more so. Assuming the Crown after Siegfried's death, he was honor bound to follow a legacy he did not want and tasks he did not ask for. Undaunted he took them on, and he suffered for it. Others felt honor bound to oppose Siegfried's legacy, and when those two forces collided, the Reich crumbled.

I was one of those who opposed Unification, I defied his will by clinging to Adana. And when Nikeforos took me, the Kaiser could have looked away. He could have left me to rot as a rebel. But he did not. He let Jan von Hamburg and an army push north to rescue me. He accepted me back into the fold, gave me an army and let me fight by his side.

Honor and duty called him back to Europe after a few years. He wished to save his brother, to reunify and heal the Reich. Yet when his voyage was finished, his brother and all the other leaders of the Swabian Civil War were dead. I can only imagine his fury and frustration. Yet what did he do? A lesser man might have pursued those he thought responsible for the fratricide. Purged those he thought disloyal. But Kaiser Elberhard was better than that, he knew pursuing a vendetta would only plunge the Reich further into darkness. He named a man his heir who had rebelled against him to heal this rift. He rallied us all and went after the real enemies of the Reich. He did what he thought was right, without regard for his own safety or selfish desires, and he died in that pursuit of honor and duty.

How many of us would have done the same to preserve the Reich? We may well find out in the coming years. May his example show us the way to rebirth, to a Reich worthy of survival. May God grant him Grace, and us as well.

Long live Kaiser Peter von Kastilien, Outremer is his to command.

Matthias Steffen