- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[unmerged(6501)]

The Imperial Steward stands.

"Herr Russdorf. You have paraded that letter about again and again. Herr Fourner wrote it as he has acknowledged. I do not doubt the sincerity of Herr Fourner. However, that does not settle the issue. The Emperor himself declared before us that the matter of Pommern is unresolved.

"I, for one, have found absolutely no valid cause for yielding an imperial duchy to Livonia, either outright or in vassalage. You have no claim to the duchy whatsoever. Piracy does not give one claim to land which rightfully belongs to another.

"Again, Herr Russdorf, I ask you. Does the Grand Duke of Livonia intend to make war against the Empire. Why will you not answer this simple question?"

Burgrave Erhard whispers in the Steward's ear. The Steward frowns and turns back to the Diet.

"Amelio Vantan of Naples. You have not been recognized by this assembly and have no right to speak before us without that recognition. In addition, your words are haughty and offensive to the majesty of this Holy Empire. I suggest you withdraw and contemplate your words more carefully. If you wish to represent some concern of Naples here, seek permission to speak from myself or the Emperor."

 

[Schlieffen]

Kapitän David von Loen mearly sits grinning at the Livonian delegate. There are few in the Diet that do not know the oppinion of Cologne and the Kapitän, so he simply waits for a time where his knowledge and ability are needed in debate.
I wonder if the Electorates will be called on for a vote, he thinks to himself, as this seems to be going nowhere...

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

I have answered that question over and over again...I even challenged Herr Leonardo to do exactly the same thing about this Englische Federation..I say it again:We have no cause to start a war in the Empire

But can you answer me on this, why shall we simply give away territory that was given to us by the Imperial advisor? Let me remind you that the Emperor had given power to the advisor while he was away..

One more time, give the realm a suitable Duke to rule it as a vassal of Livonia, that is the best guarantee to stop the piracy, after all, we cleared the waters and harbors of Pommerania, the only help we had was our loyal ally, King Erik of Denmark and our vassal in Prussia..Where was the help from Brandenburg?

Why is suddenly Pommerania interesting now but not before? I wonder if You have any idea what the mess was like in Stralsund and Greifswald when we moved in?

I think not. First we help the Empire to clear its waters from pirates..the gratitude is this..German sailors died for German brothers, now you ask us to simply give it away!

Or is there some other, hidden reason?



Paul, now clearly angry, looking at the steward..

 

[unmerged(6501)]

"Herr von Russdorf. By imperial decree I am empowered to speak for the Emperor and by that same decree I may set aside any decision made on the Emperor's behalf by one of his advisors. When the Emperor is absent, I wield his power and authority in his name above all others.

"However, Herr von Russdorf, it is not my intent to disregard Herr Fourner's action. The Emperor seeks to know the mind of the Empire on this matter.

"Do not give me offense, Herr. Help from Brandenburg. Tell me, Herr von Russdorf, from whence should ships set sail from Brandenburg? When did you request help from Brandenburg? Who claimed before the Empire that an imperial lord was harboring pirates? This talk of piracy is meaningless! First Prussia laid claim to Pommern. Then Livonia. A claim based on false information about centuries dead rulers of Pommern and Pommerellen."

Turning back toward the Diet.

"I call upon the Electors of the Holy Roman Empire to declare their minds on the matter, privately to me, so that they may speak freely and without concern. The Bishops of Mainz, Trier, and Koln, the King of Bohemia, the Count Palatine of the Rhine, the Duke of Saxony, and myself."

 

[unmerged(5941)]

Leopoldo speaks to the Imperial steward.

"I believe the Emperor also wanted to hear what his advisors have to say as well.

I can tell you one thing, I will not see Pommern annexed by anyone and the vassalization issue is very weak, as I see the Livonians making no ground to prove their loyalty to the Emperor."

 

[Schlieffen]

Kapitän Loen stands.
Cologne has nothing to hide on this issue Herr Steward. We are firmly against Livonia gaining the territories of Pommernaria or vassalization over the actual owners of them. The Archbishop has sent this in writing if you require his actual approval...
He hands a paper to the Imperial Steward and walks back to his seat, but before he sits, he turns to the Livonian.
I hope that you will not forget your promise to join the Empire, lest we be forced to take into account the information I recently found about the strength of your Northern Alliance. The only thing now keeping us from fearing your alliance as much as we fear the Federation is your membership in the Empire. I suggest you tell the people back home to remember this...
The Kapitän sits.

 

[Estonianzulu]

Count Giuliano Casini steps into the Diet, he quickly, quietly and gracefully takes the seat formerly held by Giovanni. He arrived in time to watch the Aragonese delegate closely. He had been specialy assigned to watch that Count. Something had happened. Casini motioned to a messanger, and asked for all recent documents.

He quickly flipped through some documents on the status of the Pommern food supply, and found something new. This was when he learned of the Pope's untimely demise, and the request of his monarch.

He then addressess the Diet.

"Fair Diet, I am here to announce that the Sire of Modena wishes to keep Pommern in total loyalty to the Empire. It should either be created as a new state with a new ruling family, or given as a vassal state to the Emperor, whoever that may be.

It would become a trust territory for the Emperor, whoever is the Emperor, also commands the lands of Pommern." and with that he sits again.

"Oh yes, I am also asked to bring forward the plan to create an organization of bishops to look into the murder of His Holiness.""

 

[Schlieffen]

Von Loen stands again.

No Herr Casini, they will regain their independence as soon as they are reorganized. At least that is my hope...

 

[LUDWIG]

Albert enters the room and feels the air of frustration thickening with every second. Turning to face the assembled delegates Albert addresses the Diet.

"My fellow Lords of the Empire of Charlemagne we are both blessed and cursed with our reputation.
Many have travelled vast distances to attend this gathering, some have contributed wisely and others have been silent.
I have watched as this debate floundered under the immense volume of speeches. I fear I have been too lax and by allowing those not part of the Empire to attend the Majesty of the Empire has been turned into a vast talking shop.
Though it may be unpalatable to many I feel I must reinstate the original purpose of this court, the Empire must be able to conduct her business. Therefore I politely request that those visiting partake of a tour of the many fine lands of the Empire.
The debate on the FEderation has inspired many passionate speeches but alas the vast bulk seem to be from those outside the borders of the Empire. I recognise that this issue affects many outside our borders but alas the Empire cannot debate the issue when the air is filled with the voices of our guest.
It is quite embarassing for me to see what was a simple offer of openess to those who have another side to present to the Diet turning into something that stifles the Empire.
I ask our guests to grant us respite from the passionate speeches and to take the air in the Imperial gardens.
I need to hear the voice of my fellow Lords and the presence of so many visitors is preventing this from happenning.
If my policy of openess is responsible for suffocating the EMpire then I shall be forced to recind it and insist that only Imperial nations participate here."

Pausing for a few moments to quench his thirst from a cup of wine Albert surveys the effect of his words.

 

[LUDWIG]

Albert carefully reads from his notes and addresses the Diet oncemore.

"There are two issues I feel we need to resolve.

The first is Livonia's claims on Pommerania.

The second is the Federation.

The debates have raged back and forth for long enough, I desire to know only the will of the Empire.
To ensure that these issues are resolved swiftly I shall call upon the Empire to vote on a simple statement.

1) Livonia should be granted the lands of Pommeriania. Yeah or Nay.

2) The Federation should be recognised as a valid Alliance, and the Empire should have some involvement in the affairs of the Federation. Yeah or Nay.


All I desire to hear from the Electors is merely how they vote on both statements. The time for debate has ended, we must now act. "

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

Originally posted by BloodyAmerican
Leopoldo speaks to the Imperial steward.

"I believe the Emperor also wanted to hear what his advisors have to say as well.

I can tell you one thing, I will not see Pommern annexed by anyone and the vassalization issue is very weak, as I see the Livonians making no ground to prove their loyalty to the Emperor."

Well, Herr Leopoldo, have you answered my challenge?
I think not. And I have repeatedly said that, we are not going to attack any country within the empire...but what about you, Sire?
You haven´t even bothered to answer me..
You also have a way to speak with the tongue of the emperor..
Are you the emperor...No, you are not.
Under current leadership, Livonia has never engaged in war actions, merely policeactions against piratechiefs and warmongers..that´s all..

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

Originally posted by dlr
"Herr von Russdorf. By imperial decree I am empowered to speak for the Emperor and by that same decree I may set aside any decision made on the Emperor's behalf by one of his advisors. When the Emperor is absent, I wield his power and authority in his name above all others.

"However, Herr von Russdorf, it is not my intent to disregard Herr Fourner's action. The Emperor seeks to know the mind of the Empire on this matter.

"Do not give me offense, Herr. Help from Brandenburg. Tell me, Herr von Russdorf, from whence should ships set sail from Brandenburg? When did you request help from Brandenburg? Who claimed before the Empire that an imperial lord was harboring pirates? This talk of piracy is meaningless! First Prussia laid claim to Pommern. Then Livonia. A claim based on false information about centuries dead rulers of Pommern and Pommerellen."

Turning back toward the Diet.

"I call upon the Electors of the Holy Roman Empire to declare their minds on the matter, privately to me, so that they may speak freely and without concern. The Bishops of Mainz, Trier, and Koln, the King of Bohemia, the Count Palatine of the Rhine, the Duke of Saxony, and myself."

Herr steward,

How is one to know if the advisors....or stewards have this or that power?
It seems to me that one week the emperor relies on its emperor, the next there is "civilservant-ruling".
I am sick and tired of this constant change of powers, either the emperor himself strengthen his grip over ruling, or the civilservants take over, we cannot have both.

This issue was, taken by the emperor, from this diet and over to his advisors for decisionmaking.
Now yoy say, it was not!!
You cannot simply shift position if the wind changes direction.
How would it look if we went into war against an outher threat?
The emperor says, defense is handled by defense advisor...A week later, the steward says, no it wasn´t. The third week the mongols may decide who is in charge.

Is it this type of government we want?
No, Sir, I think not.

A given treaty is a treaty...or would you question that as well?
Thiefs and robbers in the shape of seapirates I can bare...but what has this diet come to?
Is it ruled by the one who speaks louder?
Is it ruled by civilservants or by his Imperial majesty?

In the Pommeranian issue we have received no less than three different official decisions, which one shall we trust?

I think that the people of the empire can clealy see that the rules for government needs a few clarifications..

...otherwise this will destroy the empire...and we don´t want that, do we?

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck waits more and more impatiently for an apology from Paul von Russdorf, but von Russdorf simply acts like he has never insulted anyone.
Finally Ullrich has had to much.
He rises, wait for permission to speak, and say:
"Honoured Steward, honoured delegates.
I am sorry for wasting your time with a personal matter.
Paul von Russdorf, should you one more time speak without giving an apology for your insult to all in this room earlier, I'll have no choice but to challenge you to a duel."

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

*..looking angrily on the little furious corpral type Bremer gentleman..*

Herr von Dyck,

What is your problem? In what way have I insulted you?
Tell me that and I will of course apologize..I haven´t even addressed you as far as I know..
Now, kindly go back to your seat..this is the Imperial diet, no beerparlour or brothel in Bremerhaven..
We have much more important matters to attend to than personal feelings of you...or me for that matter..If any one is insulted, it´s me, after all I am trying to get things done in here...in vain it seems sometimes..

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck answers the Livonians question:
"Paul von Russdorf, did you or did you not say, that only herr Baron Schwarzpuke, and need I remind you that this insulting play of words upon the Barons name was you idea, could count to two of all the delegates?
I for one feel insulted by you implying that I'm unable to count to two. As for your insult to the good Baron, that must be a matter between you and him."

 

[unmerged(1057)]

Paul von Russdorf

My god man,

The Baron von Schwarzspock and I are good friends, I merely was trying to say that only he...and I, recognized the fact that we had two major issues on the table..

I beg your pardon if you find that insulting, but I think that Baron von Schwarzkopf know what I mean..

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck rises, and notices that almost all delegates prepare for another boring speech about his own honour.
He thus decides to make his point short, and simply says:
"Apology accepted"

 

[unmerged(2461)]

Baron von Schwarzschloß takes advantage of the lull in the arguing to reply to Herr von Russdorf with one raised eyebrow,

"Herr Russdorf... Paul, your puns on my name cause me no end of mirth, I'm sure... But shall we leave them for the Inn rather than the Diet? After all, we all have reputations to maintain and entire realms to represent..."

 

[Estonianzulu]

Casini stands and answers the Emperor's call.
"Modena puts her votes this way.

To the question of Pommern going to the Livonians, Modena votes Nay



To the Question over The Federation being recognised as a valid Alliance, and the Empire having involvement in the affairs of this Federation, Modena votes Yeah." and with that he sits

 

[Longinus]

A seven mounted riders approached the city from the north east.
One of them; a little, obese and ruddy fellow smiled.

-At least, I thought this torture would never end. - he started to massage his bottom. – uaaa what a relief. STOP staring at me! Hehehe. Hmmm, lads you know why we are here so follow your orders carefully, do not bring shame to me and …err our master. Keep your eyes wide open. Try to look like KNIGHTS, I mean… you know… do not show off and …err wish me luck.

He rushed his horse what almost ended in disastrous neck breaking.

- Damn that devil’s animal!!!
Finally they headed to the city’s gate.