- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[unmerged(3110)]

Sir Rowan acknowledges his invitation to speak by noding his head to the Steward.

Ok.. so he could speak, but he would just be repeating himself. He waits a long time listening.

When the Neapolitan speaks he looks startled that he had the ordasity.

Fearing that the heroic diplomat from Aragon was tirring he take a moment to compose his thoughts.

This was all wrong. Where was the Emperor, or Cardinal Von Webber? They knew the treatury of France and how to find the middle ground. Unlike these men.

The pope is ailing an weak. What was there to do? Few wanted to speak of reason. Just War or dismantling the Federation.

Scaremongers and charletons were about, but a few were impartial and likely to speak up if his Imperial Majesty was here.

No one had asked some very relevant questions, though they spoke a lot.

Hmmmm he must think.......

 

[Darth Tracid]

Elisabeth Luxembourg slowly rises and walks out of the diet. Upon the mumbles of several delegates, she turnes.
"I have now been here long enough to see what is being discussed here. And I have come to the conclusion that the imperial diet is now not more than a gathering of all imperial and non-imperial nations where anybody can come up with something which is than discussed in lenght, but no conclusion is reached. This is certainly not my place, nor the place of any other of the nobles of the empire. I am greatly disturbed by lack of a strong leading hand which only the emperor can constitute. I hope that in the future the empire will not be rendered forceless and unable to act on behalf of that which is right by this body. The nation of Luxembourg has no business within such a body, nor within an empire that is no more than a gathering of men, quarreling over meaningless papers and treaties, while their people suffer from war and insecurity."
She makes a sign to the luxembourgian delegation and they all walk out. At the door Elisabeth turns again and says.
"Luxembourg will always be loyal to the empire and it´s leader, the emperor, but not to this ineffective body. I withdraw my delegation until I have the chance to meet with the emperor. Good day"
They walk out, and leave behind the baffled delegations of the imperial diet.

 

[MacRobert]

A man on hoarseback arived, he jumped off his horse and then ran into the building, he opened a message and spoke:

"Martin V, Pontiffus Maximus, Severus Severum Dei, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Christ, Descendant of Peter, Christ's True Representative on Earth was killed."

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Sir Rowan addresses the Diet.

"Thank you Baron von Schwarzschloß . Things were getting a little out of hand there."

"The philosofy of the federation is that all matters may be solved by, pateints, tolerance and negotiation."

"There is a lot of "sabre rattling" going on here at the moment"

"The Gentle noble from Aragon has come here in good faith showing that it is not just England that believes in this holy mission to bring peace and stability to Western Europe, and he's very neerly abused."

"Please allow us to compromise."

"Matters of such depth should not be done without the Holy Roman Emperor present."

"Could you delegates not return to your pressing matters concerning....errr.... Pommergn, is it?"

He watches as Elisabeth of Luxembourg walks out.

"I seek to speak no further. For as has so well been put. It is purest folly without the Emperor or his findings after the talks in Calais."

"I will not Polute your air with my words, if it upsets the balance of the HRE."

"My deapest respects gentlemen."

He gestures to the Aragon Noble. He hopes he recognises the sign as... sit down by me and let them get on with it for now.

As the Irishman runs in and speaks his news he moans and begins to cry.

 

[Schlieffen]

Kapitän David von Loen lets out a small sigh.

I suppose you are correct Herr Rowan. The Emperor is the man who holds the final word here. He asked for our opinions and views on the Federation and Pommernaria and obviousaly gained them. Now we must wait for his comments on the two issues.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck rises, bows to the Steward, and starts to talk.

"Honoured delegates, I will make this short.
The Empire consists of independent states, and an independent state have a right to choose its allies as it wishes.
I too fear a war in France, I fear that christians will slaughter christians, but will the Empire take the necessary steps to stop such a war?
It fighting between the Federation and France broke out, the Empires only chance to stop would be to send in soldiers. I doubt this will be done.
It the Federation is ordered to dissolve, and disobeys, the Empies only option to force the decision through would be war, and I doubt we are willing to take this step.
If the Federation is dissolved, nothing prevents the members from offering ther support in times of war anyway, and thus nothing would be gained.
Delegates, this is a waste of time. We cannot reach any decision on this, and any decision reached, should that be possible, would be impossible to carry out. Let's stop wasting our time, and start talking about issues we can reach decisions on, such as the question of Pommerias future."

Having said this, herr Dyck once again bows to the Steward and takes his seat.

 

[Sharur]

Lord Bendtsen leans over to Paul von Russdorf.

"Oooh, my head hurts... what is this nonsense about the Northern Alliance allying with the Federation? I'm confused... it is about time that we discussed Pommerania, if that issue is not brought up soon, it will be forgotten entirely..."

 

[unmerged(2461)]

There was a time when Baron von Schwarzschloß would have jumped to his feet in defence of his Emperor after Elisabeth of Luxembourg's claim of a 'lack of a strong leading hand'. But recently, he has not been so sure himself...

The Baron shakes his head sadly, his eyes cloud over wistfully, and his mind drifts back in time to happier days.

 

[unmerged(5941)]

Leopoldo, visibly shocked by the news, exits the room for a while. He returns a while later, weaker and stronger at the same time. He regains his composure and begins to speak.

"Delegates, the long and time consuming process of voting for a new Pope has begun, and christianity is now entirely blind for the following segments of time. May God help us through these dark times and bring us the leadership that christianity needs."

Leopoldo gets on one knee and whispers a prayer. He then stands back up, takes a deep breath and begins to speak again.

"I beleive that we have heard enough about the federation. My mind is already set on it, and the arguments I hear are all repitition, and every one of Pere's arguments includes a statement of the evils of Genoa. He also finds a new country or person to associate with Genoa, calling them such things as our lapdogs and other related insults. Genoa has no lapdogs or puppets, and I am insulted by this fool who claims we do. I want to hear no more from the Aragonese, for my mind is swimming with his nonsense.

Instead let us move back to the Pommern issue, before my Danish and Livonian friends die of boredom.

I am completely against handing Pommern over to the Livonians, as is my liege, the military advisor. I do see a possible resolution in the matter of a vassalized Pommern. However, Livonia will have to prove herself to be loyal to the Emperor. How they do that is up to them, but I will not allow Imperial land to be handed over, in whatever state, vassalage or annexation, to a country who has shown no loyalty to the Emperor or christendom. Prove your loyalty to the Emperor, and remember, actions speak louder than words."

Leopoldo turns to the rest of the delegation.

"What do the rest of you think about this compromise?"

 

[unmerged(2461)]

Baron von Schwarzschloß runs a weary hand through his hair and stands,

"Your Excellency Leopoldo, that sounds like the first attempt to find a positive solution to one of our problems that I have heard in a long time."

"In the absence of higher guidance, your proposal sounds reasonable. I should say that at the most, the Livonians should be satisfied with vassal-ownership of the provinces in question, with very real obligations submitted to the Empire for the privelidge."

"Quite what those obligations should be, I don't know..." the Baron rubs at his tired eyes, "ach, mein kopf..."

He sits down heavily.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck rises, and wait for the Stewards permission to speak. As soon as it is granted, he bows to the Steward and says:
"Honoured delegates.
Concerning Pommern, I'll support Kapitän von Loen view.
He proposed that the Electors vote on the issue.
This assembly needs to show courage to make deceisions, instead of wasting the time with pointless discussions, as have been the case concernig the Federation.
Should the electors decide against Livonias ownership, and here I support Leopoldos view, that no non-member of the Holy Roman Empire should ever own or control as a vassal a member of the Empire. The Empire looks after her own, that it her sole reason to exist. Instead I propose a member of the Empire takes over Pommern as a vassal for a set period of years, say 2 years, untill proper rule has been reinstalled.
Honoured delegates, honoured steward, thank you for taking your time to listen to me."
Ullrich Dyck bows to the Steward and sits back.

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

Meine Herren,

What is this? Some brothel in the Russian steppe? Some beerparlour in Britain, no offense Sir Rowan..No, meine Herren..
this is the Imperial Diet!

So, calm down and talk like sensible people...

I have to say that the noble Baron Schwarzpuke is a sensible and honrable gentleman..
He is the only one who can count to two.
Yes, we have at least two issues on the table, Sirs...
Forget the Federation for a minute or two, take a break, go outside and get some air....listen to the birds...it is a blue sky...girls are singing...mommy´s appelpie...Err...where was I?

Yes, the honorable Baron von Schwarskopf is clearly a man of vision..let us decide in the Pommerania matter before we go back to the Federation business..
I have proposed that The Grand Duchy of Livonia releases her as a vassal...provided that we can find a suitable Duke for her..

I understand that the Baron Schwarzspock is of the very same meaning, am I correct?..

 

[unmerged(2461)]

The Baron's eyelid flickers uncontrolably at the Livonian legate's mis-pronounciation of his name. He stands, takes a deep breath, tugs the creases out of his black doublet and prepares to reply. It's been a long day,

"It would be a blessed relief to come to a solution on this matter, but what does Livonia have to offer the Empire in return for overlordship of Pommerania?"

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Re: Paul von Russdorf

I have to say that the noble Baron Schwarzpuke is a sensible and honrable gentleman..
He is the only one who can count to two.

Upon hearing this, Ullrich turns quite red in the face, and it is only with visible difficulties he can restrain himself from interrupting. As soon as the current speaker is finished, he jumps to his feet, and starts to speak without asking permission.

"I demand an apology. You, good sir, are insulting all members of this fine assembly by speaking as you do. I demand an apology, or you will have to defend your words with your sword.

Ullrich then relaxes, and turns to the Steward.
"I ask forgiveness for speaking without permission, it will not happen again."

 

[unmerged(6757)]

Sir Munsford, sitting quietly and observing the back and forth talk for some time, begins to wonder when the Emperor will step forward and lead them as he should. Sir Munsford silently applaudes the Luxemburg delegation as they leave, wishing he could do the same, but knowing his Duke would string him up for it. Finally when the conversation returns to the topic of the fate of Pommerania, he rises to make Hannovers thoughts known.

"Noble Emperor and Delegates,
Hannover agrees with the delegate from Bremen, the Empire must look after its own. If you all feel that Pommerania is truly so leaderless and cannot rule herself then give her a vassalazation to an Imperial Fief, maybe even to the Emperor himself. But please I beg you do not just give it away, for no ruler has the power short of God himself to dethrone another ruler who has done nothing wrong. I also think when I look around that others in this room know that there countries too may claim other land that is not theres. But they out of homage, respect, and loyalty to the Emperor and Empire do not come forward and press there claims. So I say this to the Livonia delagate since I grow weary of these talks that accomplish nothing. If you truly want more lands of the HRE then stop hiding behind papers and fancy speeches and show your true self. Just declare war and we shall settle once and for all, who has the right to decide how things are run in the Empire, the Emperor or your Grand duke."

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

Looks at the Bremer..*boy you are something aren´t you*..

Meine Herren,

I would like to adress Baron von Schwarzschnauss in person if I may...What would Livonia have to offer?

Well, Herr Baron Schwachschloss, peace for one thing, remember what this business started with?

I can assure Herr Schwarzschoss that we have no intention of braking the Imperial peace..

The second reason is the 7 provinces we bring into the Empire..
My lieber Herr Schwarzshop, that is indeed something to offer..

Furthermore, Herr Wartschloss, we have prepared a papal..err, I mean paper that you would have as a security for our good intentions..

All we ask, Herr Schwoschenloss is that the Emperor finds a suitable Noble as a Duke in the realm..That is our offer...Herr Schwarzschloss..

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

Herr Munsford...bitte,

This was before your time in the diet..maybe you are not fully aware of how this..unfortunate, if I say so, business started..the Imperial records are down the hall to the left...guard, if you would be so kind and show the gentleman..thank you..

 

[unmerged(6501)]

The Imperial Steward, who has been in and out of the chamber with great frequency, rises, somewhat angrily.

"Gentlemen, the Emperor has asked only that the members of this Diet make clear their feelings on the matter of this Federation. I believe that has been done most adequately. Any member who wishes to express their opinion or fears or concerns privately may send a private message to me and I shall see that such concerns are fully represented to his highness.

"The matter of Pommern is the most urgent task before us. The Livonian envoy has declared that his lord will be satisfied with vassalage. I must ask what makes the Grand Duke of Livonia believe that he is entitled to any such relationship with Pommern. Again, lords and delegates, no one has presented what possible claim Livonia has. I could just as easily proclaim myself Archduke of Austria!

"Herr Russdorf seems to imply that war is possible. I ask you, Herr Russdorf, does your lord threaten the Empire with war if his demands are not met. It is a simple and straightforward question and will clarify the matter considerably.

"If your lord does not threaten the Empire, then I ask you to make clear on what ground your lord's claim over Pommern rests."

 

[Ebusitanus]

The Count is totally abated, he heard first the messager's new about the death of the Pope, but somehow in his inner recesses he hoped, even prayed that it would just be another of those false alarms that come sometimes when somebody is ill or weak. He prayed to his inner self.."No, this can't be possible...God could not be so cruel as to take him away from us at this time, no, it can't be"...His sweating hands played with his silver cross...
Then, a Catalan messanger brought him a sealed document...The Count, more nervous broke the seal and extended the roll in his lap...His heart and hopes fell to his stomach...He is dead..dead..My God, my God...not only dead...murdered...murdered...His hands grasped the document without him noticing...crumpling it in the process...
The Count, was hearing in the backround the Nobles giving speeches about Pommerania, then he heard Leopoldo talking...his voice somehow took him out of this trance he was floating in..his voice made him focus..his brain began to work..slowly the Count began to raise his slumped head towards the noise...the insults...His view was suddenly fixated, not anymore on the aged Leopoldo, not on his words...No, his view was fixated in Leopoldo's Genovese Coat of Arms..he couldn't take his view from it..and his helplessness began turning into rage...rage on that acrused Shield, that white field and that red cross..red..red..like blood..."No" he thought.."no, no...this is too much, this is too dirty, this can't be...no..there are certain rules..some things just can't be done...no..this blaspheme can't get away with it like that...Oh God!...this is not fair..this can't be...Nobody seems to care at all...This is a joke"
On the Count's cheek a tear of rage rolls down and falls on the document, his lips are crisped together in fierce force. "Damn you Genova" He thought "damn you Dodge, Satanas shall not triumph, I haven't fought all these years the Moors to see this rat do what no Muslim ever could have dreamed about doing" The Count is silent, with his eyes fixed in the Genovese who to add to insult has not even cared to answer a single question of the ones the Aragonese had thrown at him the whole day...His ommisions were even more damning than The Napolitan representative laughting openly in the Emperor's face about the Empire's political Electoral system, insults noboy even cared to answer...The Count's faith in the objectivity of this Diet began to flatter...Were all his passionate words for peace for nothing?
Then he saw the English representative signal to him to keep quiet and the Count just slupped into his Chair staring emptyly into his document.

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

Looking rather surprised at the Imperial Steward

Mein lieber Herr steward,

I have shown the Imperial letters before, perhaps you aren´t fully aware of what is going on in this house?

I will show it again, mind you, the "foreplay" to this you should have in good memory, all the piracy that has been going on for several years...and they all had their bases in Pommerania, surely you remember this:

Here is the deal
To Those It May Concern in the Tuetonic Order
The Emperor doesn't want war and I dont think you want it either. So here is our offer: we give you Pommerania, which there is no way your getting it unless through war which you MIGHT win, and in exchange you become the secular Duchy of Livonia and officialy join the Empire. If you dont agree, the Pope might force both these options on you anyway and excommunication wouldn't be in your best interest. We are doing you a favor, we are making you more powerful and allowing you to become a secular state. All we want is it to be a Duchy instead of a Kingdom and that you pledge your loyality to the Emperor and join the Empire.


By own hand, at The Imperial Diet
Leonard Fourner