- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[Syt]

Duke Johann of Mecklenburg waits for being allowed to speak and when the Emperor permits him, he rises from his seat and speaks.

"Your Most Noble Emperor, Honourable Delegates of the Empire. Many matters need to be discussed, and I want to present my humble opinion on the events.

We are worried about the situation in Gelre, and frankly, we already noticed that our commerce with the region has dropped dramatically. We therefore seek a swift solution to the matter. We propose that the skillful Willem of Egmont receives our support as we view him as just and rightful leader of Gelre. Of course, should the Diet, and, more importantly, Your Grace decide differently, Mecklenburg will support you without question, nevertheless.

The war in France is dragging and long, and it will likely do so for even longer. It may be tempting to expand the Empire's influence west, but I'd like to remind everyone how much the war has drained from the power of France and England.

As for Hungary, I agree with your Highness. The rightful king needs our support, or else rebellions will engulf other contries, too.

Brabant should be returned to Burgundy. Not only does fragmenting this region destabilize an already dangerous situation further, it can generally not tolerated that rebels defy a rightful reign's rule.

Which brings me to Helvetia, a similar case, but weighted differently. Austria has bled in trying to regain the unruly people. The Austrian's are weary already and seem to seek a more peaceful solution. I suggest Helvetia becomes a fully recognized independent country. However, the rulers of Helvetia shall be obliged to pledge allegience to the rulers of Austria and be their vassals.

Thus I conclude on the matters brought before the Diet by Your Grace. I will therefore respond to the call for hlp of the envoy from Trebizond. Muslim states are indeed on the far fringes of Christianity. I do have confidence, though, that the people in the east will be able to handle this threat by themselves. In the unlikely event of a war taking place and our brothers in faith not being able to stem the tide the Empire should intervene. However, as the Empire itself is currently busy minding its more immediate affairs, we take no early action."

Thus finishes Duke Johann his speech. He doesn't sit down and he feels the eyes of the assembly rest on him.

"I do want to present a matter of my own Duchy of Mecklenburg. The City of Lübeck, seat of the formally still existing Hanseatic Leage, has lost a lot of its former importance. Foreigners move into the trade in North and Baltic Sea. The City Council of Lübeck asked me to come before the Diet to grant it a few permissions.

For one, trade within cities of the Hansa shall be limited to traders from other member cities, and traders from the Holy Roman Empire.

For another, the Vitalienbrüder, feared pirates, interrupted trade along Hanseatic routes, and more pirates are in the lurking. Not to mention ships from countries not favorable to neither the Empire nor the Hansa. We therefore ask for the Hansa to be allowed to commission fleets of vessles of war to handle such threats.

I would also like to announce that the Hansetag will soon convene as Mayor Heinrich Claasen of Lübeck informed me, and that he will send letters of invitation to the member cities soon."

With that the Duke takes a bow towards the Emperor, and thanks for his attention and that of the delegates. He sits down and waits for the other members of the Diet to hold their speeches.

 

[unmerged(6015)]

*Bruno Tzopfli rises to speak*

"As Helvetica has been much discussed I feel that we should maek our view on these issues known. First to the matter of Brabant. Yes we did say that they should seak independence, but we did not mean through force. Should both Burgundy and Brabant be able to diplomatically come to a decision to allow Brabant to cancel their vassalage we will support it. But we do not support the people of Brabant doing it by force. That is our position on the matter.
Also on Switzerland's independence. Helvetica is glad that their is a wise Archduke on the throne of Austria who seaks for peace in these matters, as it is one over which to much blood has been spilt. My Chairman asked for me to convey to you, the Archduke, that in response to your letter, he swears that he will never again use the name of Austria or that of the Hapsburgs in a bad tone. The time of war between us is over, now is the time for peace.
Also to the point the Genoan, I beleive it was, raised about a Swiss vassalship to Austria. We feel that Switzerland should not be forced to become a vassal of Austria, we have proved oru strength through feat of arms and through battle, this should not have to be given up. However we do propose a formal alliance between the nations of Helvetica and Austria. In this way it will be as thuogh militarily we have never divided, Austria will not have lost the valuable fighting spirit and power of the Swiss, and Helvetica will have found a friend in an age-old enemy. This would benefit both parties and the Chairman is willing to ride to Vienna to discuss it.

 

[LUDWIG]

Albert smiles at the Swiss delegation.
"Herr Tzopfli it seems our peoples shall be at war then.
We must declare war on those who would make us enemies, destroy the history of bad blood between our peoples and lay seige to the hostility that was once between us. We shall fight this battle in the hearts and minds of our people, it will be a savage war indeed but one we must engage in to ensure that no more good men should die needlessly. Will the good people of Helvetia join me in this epic struggle? Let there be peace between our peoples and let us no longer stand as foes but as allies and close friends. An Alliance would be a most sensible arrangement that our children could live in peace and safety. Inform your Chairman that I will meet him at his earliest convience in fair Vienna or any location of his choosing."

 

[unmerged(6015)]

Bruno Tzopfli rises with a large smile on his face, "Sir, you do not know how much it pleases me to hear you speak those words. After over a century of struggle, Switzerland and Austria can finnally be at peace. I have actually just received word that the Chairman has invited the Noble leader of Baden to come to Bern. Let me now also extend an invitation from him for you to be present.
As the Margrave's of Baden are to descended from Bern, the nations of Helvetica and Baden are at a base, the same. Therefore should both the Austrians and the people of Baden be willing, we would like to include Austria in a planned alliance between Baden and Switzerland. Can I tell the Chairman that you will attend?"

 

[LUDWIG]

Albert shakes Bruno Tzopfli warmly by the hand.
"Sir for too long our people have suffered when we should have been celebrating. I would be a poor ruler indeed if I didn't secure my borders and do what is best for my people. If you wish to join in alliance with Baden then I would be honoured to meet you both and discuss how we can be of service to each other."

 

[Martinus]

Fra Anton van Leiden waits for a permission to speak, and having been granted it, he raises.

"In the name of the Father God, the Son and the Holy Spirit, on behalf of my liege, Philippe Duc de Bourgogne, Comte de Flandres, Artois, Franche-Comte and Alsace, heir to Brabant, Lotharingen, Luxembourg, Limburg and Bar, etc. etc. allow me first, most noble rulers and esteemed delegates to extend to you Christian and fraternal greetings.

The House of Burgundy sends its most respectful regards first and foremost to His Imperial Majesty, Albert V, Kaiser and Erzherzog von Osterreich,

Then most esteemed Princes of the Holy Roman Empire, His Grace Johann, Herzog von Mecklemburg and His Grace Michael von Sternburg, Graf zu Plauen and Grand Master of the Teutonic Order,

Followed by most noble delegates and representatives, His Grace Jan Olbrecht, Herzog von Plzen; His Grace Jakob von Zähringen, noble heir of Markgraf von Baden; His Excellence Ambassador of His Grace Willem Graaf van Egmont and His Excellence Leopold Tesorieri di Genoa.

Guided by Christian spirit of love and forgiveness, I also extend my greetings to the representative of the Helvetian Confederation.

Last but not least, I extend His Grace's regards to the gracious representative of His Majesty, Emperor of Trebizond. I pray this gathering will always strive to maintain peace and friendship between Christian nations."

He crosses himself, sighing deeply.

"Now, if you allow me, my lords, I'd like to humbly present His Grace, the Duc's insights into the situation at hand.

Firstly, with your permission, my lords, I want to speak of the matter most painful, that brings tears to my eyes, the terrible war that grips the Duc and all of Burgundy in its deadly embrace. The Duc, moved by overwhelming grief over the death of his father, valiant Jean Sans Peur - may God watch over his soul - and the sense of honour, continues the war despite sorrow it causes to his heart. Let us pray the conflict will be soon resolved and just peace will reign in the lands of the West. At this, I wish to thank you, my lords, for a wise decision of not interferring in this familial dispute.

Secondly, I want to speak about the one who hasn't yet presented himself to this noble Diet, Herzog von Brabant, vassal of my gracious liege. Despite kind offers of friendship and protection, the good Duc Philippe, my liege, has received a response most surprising, questioning his sovereignty over his cousin's lands. I can attest that all subjects of our good Duc pray daily to the God Allmighty to inspire the Duke of Brabant to recant his reckless words and return to the just and benevolent protection of Burgundy. Alas, if Lord God chooses not to grant wisdom to Brabant, each and every one of Burgundians, be it a French, a German or a Dutch, shall support our liege in an unavoidably fratricidal, yet just and rightful war. In this, once again, I thank you my lords for your unanimous support and offers of aid.

Thirdly, there is a painful matter of Switzerland. I was attending the court at Dijon ont the fateful day when the first letter from the Chairman of Swiss Confederation had arrived and it has caused no small confusion and consternation among even the most lenient and cautious courtiers of Burgundy. When good Duc, not accustomed to being addressed in such a way by someone of a lower station, replied with an epistle proud yet not directly insulting, he received more insults and threats in return. In addition to that, there were news coming from Brabant that the Chairman incited secretly the Duc's vassal to rebel against his rightful authority. Now that this rumours were proven to be true, wrath of the young Duke, albeit perhaps too great, was justifiable. My liege is a man young, proud, valiant and because of this rash and quick in anger. Albeit, as all his ancestors, he also is forgiving and merciful. If his wounded self-love and pride are tended too by the Swiss in a manner fitting to his high dignity of the First Peer of France and Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, he may forgive this slight on his honour. Alas, if more insults follow, I fear another war may eruptr. Hence, speaking on behalf of the people of Burgundy, Alsace, Flanders, Artois and Flanders, I beg this Imperial Diet to influence the good men of Switzerland to make amends, so that we may be spared another bloodshed and sorrow.

Fourthly, I join in sorrow with the good people of Gelre, my compassion being that greater, as I come from Netherlands, were we consider Gelreans our brothers and friends. I can only assure this Diet that His Grace, Duc, will do all in his might to restore the order, peace and justice to this war torn land. All Dutchmen pray for quick resolution, so that greater carnage may be avoided.

Fifthy, there is an issue of Hungarian rebellion. I am not well versed in Eastern politics, my lords, but as you wisely decide not to interfere with the affairs of French conflict, perhaps a similar course should be followed here. Yet my heart weeps when I see Sigismond of Luxembourg, great Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, deposed by the Huns. Let us pray that he suceeds or if the God Almighty chooses to take his crown from him, let him not suffer too excessively than is the lot of man..."

He asks one of the serving boys to bring him a cup of water. He drinks it and continues to speak.

"Sixthly, my lords, there is the plea of the most gracious Emperor of Trebizond. Forgive me personal sentiments my lords, but the rumours of crusade always bring to my heart tales of valiant deeds of the old Duke, Jean Sans Peur at Nicopolis, his brave feats, tragic capitivity and glorious return to Burgundy. I am certain all these noble and pious characteristics express themselves fully in the person of his only son, Duc Philippe. Yet these are just emotions of a lowly monk, who doesn't pretend to know designs of the Allmighty. As for now Christianity is like a headless corpse, devoid of its Father and Head, Vicar of Christ. Once His Holiness is annointed by the Holy Spirit, Burgundy shall happily follow his lead and guidance.

Seventhly, most noble Grace, Herzog von Mecklemburg, being a Flemish of a birth myself, I join you in pious condemnation of ungodly pirates, that plague northern sea routes, joining grand cities of Mecklemburg, Flanders, Danzig and Riga. I have conversed privately with His Grace, the Duc, and it is his will to fight this plague together, perhaps with co-operation of the Grand Master and the Polish King, all suffering from this scourge of pious merchants. In any way, know that Burgundy wishes to commit her ships and seamen to defend those who toil, like the God Almighty ordained, from those who wish to devilishly steal their fruit from them.

This is all what I have to say now, noble lords of the Empire. I pray your wise decisions will help the peoples of Burgundy be finally free from the scourge of war."

 

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*Bruno rises to respond to the Burgundian ambassador*

Burgundian, I see that you are wiser than your Duke which I am glad of, I do not think I could stay at a council such as this with a man like that. Know that no apology will come from the Cantons of Helvetica, you have killed one of ours. You say that you speak only of peace and yet our messenger you send back half-dead, when our soldiers found him it was to late, and all they could do was read the last rights for the man. We could have killed on of yours, in fact we could have killed the Duke of Burgundy himself, but we choose not to. You killed an innocent and that will never be forgotten by the people of Switzerland. Should this erupt into the unholliness konwn as war the whole world will know that you were the one who killed the first person, and worse than that, he was an innocent. If anyone is deserving of an apology, it is us.

 

[TomHas]

Jakob of Zähringen passes a note over to Bruno Tzopfli:

„Helvetia can be proud of having such skilled diplomats as you are. How could Baden as a member of the Empire refuse an alliance with the emperor in front of this diet? But be aware! This has been the last time that Helvetia made decisions for our house.“

Then he rises and adresses the audience:
„My father Bernhard Markgraf zu Baden bids greetings to his Imperial Majesty and all the princes, noblemen and representatives of the Empire that have assembled in this noble diet.
Baden, as you all know, is small. This may be the reason that our thoughts are as small as our country.
And as our thoughts are small we appreciate and rejoice upon the fact that His Imperial Majesty is offering us an alliance together with our friends from Helvetia. Soon a representative will be send to Bern for further talks.
Concerning the matters of other parts of the world: Following the advice my worthy father I will listen carefully first to find out what is best for the people of Baden.“

 

[unmerged(6015)]

Bruno reads the massage and then turning the note over he writes a reply:

"Noble sir of Baden, I am sorry if it seemed that way to you for it was not how I intended it to be. I had thought that Baden would welcome the chance to have such a powerful ally. Perhaps we could meet after the Diet has adjourned for the day to discuss this further?"

Then standing to speak, this is what he says:

"We are delighted to see this movement towards peace and security from out friends in Baden, can we also expect an Austrian delegation to be present?
Also my Chairman would like for me to announce the news to you that he is getting married. He has chosen as his bride the lovely Jeanne d'Alençon. The marriage will be held in Bern and you are all invited to attend."

Then turning to the delegate from Burgundy he adds:

"Except for your leader. Considering the recent happenings between our two nations my Chairman does not think that it would be wise to have you attend."

 

[unmerged(1463)]

The Grandmaster stands up, and is given the word, and thereafter he speaks.
"As a Prince of the HRE, and a Leader of the most Holy Order of the Teutonics.
I can not sit silent, but have to say what i think is right.

As far as for Gelre, im not familiar fully with the situation. BUT if though refuse and rebell, then thy shall be devored by the Sword.
We must support the true regent.

Same goes for Hungary.

The French,The British,The Burgundians. ALL of them are sinners, and mighty sinners indeed.
We shall not be a part of their wars of ungodly proportions. We shall urge them all to do peace.
And if possible Banish those in HRE that do support any of the sides.

And as far as for Brabant, Rebellions shall be crushed, but i am confident Burgundy can handle this on his own.

it is a lot of chaos.
As for Switzerland. I have found the leader of Switzerland to be an very godly man. But so is the Holy Roman Emperor.
We shall try to solve this diplomaticly.

And finaly we pity the Burgundian Duke, that has been drawn into a ungodly war, in which he must fight, or die.
It is a tragical event, and we wish Burgundy the very best.
The Empire must remain strong and united.
And before i forget, i looked through the rolls of the attendants, apparently im not recognized as an Imperial Diet member!
(OOC: Current Events Thingy)
I must be going to try to solve this Switzerland issue, i am invited to Bérn and will try to do my best to avoid conflict.
My brother remain here.
"

 

[Martinus]

Fra Anton van Leiden raises, after hearing the words of the Grand Master:

"Pious words indeed, my Prince, and inspired by the godly flame of zealous faith. It is indeed only godly to wage a war and slaughter the heathen when done in the name of love of our Lord God Saviour, who died on the holy cross. Everything else is but grasse, yet man is a sinner eversince Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, and a mighty man is a mighty sinner. Hence I beg you, oh, noble Grandmaster, not to judge the lay men too harshly with your high standards of piety, as there are not many out there who could equal you who are a man ordained as a bishop and a grand master of a holy order.

However, you seem to mention another war into which my liege has been drawn, according to your words. Forgive me my perplexion, most noble Prince, but what is the war you speak of?

Finally, as for your recognition, noble Grand-master, I pray you don't see it as a sinful boldness to correct my betters, yet I do not recall whether the most pious Order of the Hospital of St. Mary of the German House of Jerusalem has been officially recognised as a member of this noble Diet. Yet I humbly refer in this to the most august Emperor, and shall instruct the scribes to correct the error, if it has been commited."

 

[unmerged(1463)]

The Grandmaster brother stands up looks towards Fra Anton van Leiden and speaks.
"We will not judge you to fast. We will see the development. And as for the "Second war" maby im misinformed, but havent a vassal of yours declared independence ?.

And as my dear brother have told me to make clear, is the fact that he is currently on route to Switzerland. And will be heading north to Denmark after this, and ask for Burgundian protection when entering the Burgundian soil, as war is at hand there 50 knights can't guard him fully.
"

He turns towards the Emperor.
"I graciosly ask if my brother, the grandmaster, is recognized as a part of the Imperial Diet, if not i will be on my way"

 

[LUDWIG]

Albert strokes his magnificent goatee and rises to his feet.
"My friends in 1214 the Emperor granted the Grand-master of the Teutonic Order the rank of Prince. He is therefore entitled to claim to be a Prince of the HRE as it was granted to him by a previous Emperor. Though it is in my power to nullify such a title I see no reason to do so and hereby recognise the Grand-master as a Prince.

As some of you have no doubt heard Helvetia and Burgundy are experiencing some strained relations. I have written to both sides to urge mercy and restraint. We gain nothing by tearing ourselves apart gentlemen. I urge both sides to resolve their difficulties through diplomacy and to hopefully repair their relations.

Some have also claimed I am in a secret alliance, any alliances I enter will be publically declared and the documents available for perusal. I do not hold with such detestable methods as secret alliances, I declare my position on a matter as soon as possible. Have I not voiced where Austria stands but still allowed the Diet to change my Imperial mind?

At present Austria has a non agression pact with Poland, Lithuania and Helvetia. Indeed should any member of the Empire desire one I will sign such a pact."

 

[Martinus]

Fra Anton van Leiden humbly asks for a permission to speak and once granted it, raises:

"I am deeply grateful, Your Imperial Majesty, for this most gracious explanation which shall, I pray, satisfy my liege. I beg pardon of the most noble heir of Baden, whose words I have obviously mistakenly interpreted, thus causing all the chaos by my most vile ignorance and not nimble mind, worthy of a commoner I am. Alas, God Almighty, in His most infinite wisdom, obviously did not gift me with a brilliance equalling men of much higher birth.

I also humbly beg His most esteemed Grace, Grand Master of the Order of Teutonic Knights, for forgiveness for my most ignorant and insolent remark about the membership of Your Grace in this august Diet. Alas, I am a poor monk who had in his disposal only the outdated maps of the Holy Roman Empire, on which the estates of the most resplendent order were not shown.

I pray my pleas for forgiveness will be answered with Christian kindness and mercy, worthy of most august lords.

Now, with the permission of your lordships, I'd wish to announce the most joyous news. Thanks God Almighty, the rumours about the Duke of Brabant's alleged rebellion were all false and creation of His Grace's envoy to Dijon, who, God have mercy on his soul, was possessed by Archdemon and caused to spout lies from his once noble mouth. Yet, the most honourable and valiant Duke of Brabant quickly renounced the words of his insane proxy, reinstating the bonds of love and friendship between the Houses of Burgundy and Brabant with his words of loyality and wisdom.

Let us pray!"

He bows his head and prays shortly.

"Alas the joy of this most splendid news is marred by another rumour, that greatly distreses all of House de Bourgogne. As all good people of Burgundy were truly shocked and saddened greatly by the declaration of war issued by good Duc de Savoy, who thrown his lot with the Dauphin of France.

It is not even the most worrying fact that the good Duke, peer of this Empire, by choosing sides in the war in France, violated the most wise orders and advices of the most august Emperor, the pious Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, and other renowned lords of the Empire.

Alas, what troubles me in even greater degree is that I still recall, now with my heart brimming with sorrow, a long standing friendship between the House of Savoy and Burgundy, cemented by common bonds of marriage and alliance. Noble Duke Amadee of Savoy still shares the marital bed and table with our lady, and aunt of my liege, most gracious Maria of Burgundy.

Most noble lords, I am but a simple man who is not proficient in courtly games and stately intrigues, yet perhaps through my simple and naive heart, I find the decision of the Duke of Savoy to ally with the Dauphin of France, a man accused of having his noble hands stained with blood of the Savoyard Duchess' beloved brother, great Duc Jean Sans Peur, deeply distressing.

Now, I am not privy with my liege's secret thoughts, yet I know he didn't want to risk the lives of fellow Savoyard in the conflict which is not their concern, hence he didn't offer the alliance to the noble Duke. Albeit, all of us, people of Burgundy, trusted that good Duke of Savoy, guided by years of love between our nations, will at least show us friendly neutrality.

Hence I am greatly disturbed, thinking about the unbelievable change that has occured so quickly in the noble mind of the Savoyard Duke, a change that has caused him to violate years of godly bondages of blood and tradition, and choose an ally, with, indeed, I fear to say this, demonic swiftness from amongst his former foes.

I have prayed for the whole night that no satanic force has possessed the good Duke's mind. Yet, if you chosen, my most noble lords, to seek an opinion of a common and naive man, I'd say the Duke of Savoy seems, from the tales I hear, a man completely different, as if guided by voices, sorcerers and stars, rather than by his faith and reason. As, call me a superstitious fool noble lords, what man would violate and disregard direct wishes of his liege, the Emperor; years of friendship and common tradition; and sorrow of his beloved wife, still mourning her noble brother?

Hence I pray wholeheartedy that the God Allmighty granted a swift cure to the disturbed mind of the good Duke of Savoy. And if, in His eternal wisdom, He choses not to alleviate this terrible madness, that enough men and women in Savoy arise, who still love the Duke as the man he used to be, rather than fear the monster he has just become, and take the heavy burden of rulership from him, for his own good, before he could cause more harm to his most noble person and his own domain.

As I am but a simple monk, I wouldn't dare to suggest what course of action shall you take, most noble lords, as it is your sovereign decision. I can only beg you to pray for the benighted soul of good Duke of Savoy."

With this he falls down to his knees and starts praying fervently.

 

[unmerged(6015)]

*Waiting until he has finished praying, Bruno rises to adress the Diet*

Helvetica does not see the Savoyards entering this war as anything all that bad. They are French are they not? And this is a French conflict. Of course it would have been much better had they not joined for that would have slowed the pace of this most evil of wars however it is something which we in Switzerland have expected of them for some time. We of course could not guess the side they would join as we all know how sporadic they have been in the past. However being of French blood must surely have left it's impression on the good Duke of Savoie. The French are all in this war together and I do not see why this move comes as something so unexpected to the House of Burgundy.

 

[unmerged(1463)]

The Teutonic representant, (The grandmasters brother,) is interupted by an messanger.
- Ja wa ist es ?
- Problemen aus den Osten front !, wir brauchte dir in Warsaw für sprachen mit Poland und Litauen.
- Ich abfahre schnell.

He turns towards the diet.
- Im sorry, but i must leave for Warsaw, and the diplomatic staff is not here.. So i have no choice as to let Freiherr Rudolph here be representative. I must go.

After that he runs out and rides with haste towards Warsaw.

Freiherr Rudolph walks forward.
-Most Holy Kaiser den deutchen reich, I am hier zum Ambassador, to reprenst das Grösse Teutonichen Order, Und I will arbeit für the Teutonic Order.

some representatives sneers at the ill educated ambassador, whom cant even speak correctly.

 

[unmerged(6015)]

Bruno stands, staring at all those who sneered at the mans english.
"Forget not that we are German, not English."
Then turning to the ambassador he says
"Ich chan dich verstanden mien her. Gang Veiter."


(OOC: Spelling??? )

 

[unmerged(1463)]

The teutoic ambassador turns and speaks
"JA das ist sehr gut. Eine freunde aus Switzerland, das deutche sprachen können. SEHR GUT.
Dan wir anfangt das frage den krieg aus Frankreich.
Was sollte wir machen ?"

 

[unmerged(6015)]

"Fur dan momant, nut. Aber Der Emporer sould schrankt irgendeine Nationen von Eintragen nicht ein."

 

[TomHas]

Jakob smiles, his face brightens up realizing that he'll be able to speak in his tongue now, he's joining Bruno Tzopfli and Freiherr Rudolph:

"Schön isch's ihr Leut, daß mir etzt könnet rede mitenand. Mir solltet au en Bier mittenander nemme, weil da lässt's sich besser berate. Aber es sei auch gesagt, daß die andere noble Herre da, könnet teutsch spreche"