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"Humm, it must be one of those Dutch accent intricacies. I didn't sense a question in my last statement. Maybe I'm getting rusty with my german."
"If everybody was just a coward like you the yes. But we can stop them, but we have to stop them now."
Ullrich Dyck finally grows tired with the endless bickering between van Egmondt and de Laurendeau.
"Gentlemen, please remember where we are.
Neither Gelre nor Burgundy can be accused of cowardice.
I seriously hope neither of you two intend to carry out the threaths you throw around you.
Please, even if you are unwilling to end your hostilities, discuss them in private.
Remember the very serious issues we have to deal with, such as the orthodox plea for help, the Reichskammergerights founding, the annextion of Bohemia, and stop wasting this Diets time with your quarrels."
Ullrich then bows to the Emperor and the Steward.
"Lords, I apologice for wasting this assemblys time."
"Gentlemen, please remember where we are.
Neither Gelre nor Burgundy can be accused of cowardice.
I seriously hope neither of you two intend to carry out the threaths you throw around you.
Please, even if you are unwilling to end your hostilities, discuss them in private.
Remember the very serious issues we have to deal with, such as the orthodox plea for help, the Reichskammergerights founding, the annextion of Bohemia, and stop wasting this Diets time with your quarrels."
Ullrich then bows to the Emperor and the Steward.
"Lords, I apologice for wasting this assemblys time."
De Laurendeau speaks up:
"Yes, our Savoyard vassals are already there. If you want to join them, go ahead. This will probably prove to be another endeavour where Imperial troops will go fight something that is not its own, and when a more direct threat to the Empire will come up, we will simply not have the ressource to defend ourselves.
Better defend on our own turf than attack in their cities. We know our terrain, we know how to defend ourselves. Let them come to the Empire, exchausted, instead of going to them.
Of course, Gelre's brilliant military campaining brought it to the important size of territory it has now. Unfortunately, Burgundy was never able to conquer any lands. And we all see how dwarfed we are by it now."
"Yes, our Savoyard vassals are already there. If you want to join them, go ahead. This will probably prove to be another endeavour where Imperial troops will go fight something that is not its own, and when a more direct threat to the Empire will come up, we will simply not have the ressource to defend ourselves.
Better defend on our own turf than attack in their cities. We know our terrain, we know how to defend ourselves. Let them come to the Empire, exchausted, instead of going to them.
Of course, Gelre's brilliant military campaining brought it to the important size of territory it has now. Unfortunately, Burgundy was never able to conquer any lands. And we all see how dwarfed we are by it now."
"Monsier Dyck is right, there are many more important issues at the moment. The creation of this court of Justice, and Bohemia. Two matters INTERNAL to the Empire."
"Yes and we all know what Burgundy did in Holland. Force a lady to cede here lands. But I won't spoil Imperial time. What does the Diet think about this : Byzantium will convert to Catholism and will join the Holy Roman Empire, in exchange for that the Empire will send troops to aide Byzantium against the Turks.
About Bohemia i say let them be independant."
About Bohemia i say let them be independant."
The door of the Diet enters slowly, and a sickly man with a cane enters. His skin is pale as snow, his eyes sunken. Slowly, he moves towards the Emperor. Murmers are heard across the Diet floor: Leopold von Spangler has survived the Black Death.
He kneels before throne:
Your excellency, Hessen will be re-opening it's borders soon, and with God's grace I shall remain here to advise the Diet in German affairs, as I had done for some time before the sickness.
The sickly man bows, and slowly stands. He moves, painfully unassisted to his vacant chair.
He kneels before throne:
Your excellency, Hessen will be re-opening it's borders soon, and with God's grace I shall remain here to advise the Diet in German affairs, as I had done for some time before the sickness.
The sickly man bows, and slowly stands. He moves, painfully unassisted to his vacant chair.
Victor walks into the Diet. For the last few hours he had been in his office filling out paperwork.
Gentlemen, the issues that present themselves before me are not easy ones to answer. If I please one side, I upset another. Remember this if you are on the side that become irritated, as any of the answers that please you upset your opponents just as much.
Concerning Byzantium's fate, I feel that perhaps when I meet with my rival Emperor we could find a deal that would involve more support, but for now I will pledge none of the Empire's support. I will encourage economic support be sent, but not force it. Should any nation wish to send military support, I will request that our Italian states offer their warships for transport and, but I will not have our soldiers die in the fields of Constantinople without adequate reason.
As for Bohemia...
He then holds up the papers in his hands, reading from them. Several guards begin to walk into the Diet as he speaks.
Lord Georg, you are under arrest for the unlawful execution of the Bohemian delegation. Future charges such as treason may be brought up at a future date if deemed appropriate by me or the Imperial Court if it is created in time.
The guards grab Lord Georg and several others from the Austrian delegation.
Monsieur de Laurendeau, could you send a message to the Queen, requesting that she tell the Archduke his Regent is in prison? Also have her inform him that, if he does not appoint a new Regent soon, I will be forced to do so.
He had to annex Bohemia...
Gentlemen, the issues that present themselves before me are not easy ones to answer. If I please one side, I upset another. Remember this if you are on the side that become irritated, as any of the answers that please you upset your opponents just as much.
Concerning Byzantium's fate, I feel that perhaps when I meet with my rival Emperor we could find a deal that would involve more support, but for now I will pledge none of the Empire's support. I will encourage economic support be sent, but not force it. Should any nation wish to send military support, I will request that our Italian states offer their warships for transport and, but I will not have our soldiers die in the fields of Constantinople without adequate reason.
As for Bohemia...
He then holds up the papers in his hands, reading from them. Several guards begin to walk into the Diet as he speaks.
Lord Georg, you are under arrest for the unlawful execution of the Bohemian delegation. Future charges such as treason may be brought up at a future date if deemed appropriate by me or the Imperial Court if it is created in time.
The guards grab Lord Georg and several others from the Austrian delegation.
Monsieur de Laurendeau, could you send a message to the Queen, requesting that she tell the Archduke his Regent is in prison? Also have her inform him that, if he does not appoint a new Regent soon, I will be forced to do so.
He had to annex Bohemia...
De Laurendeau, maybe a little tired, had difficulty to understand:
"Your Imperial Majesty, you're asking me to ask Marie de Berri to tell... Albert Von Hapsburg that Lors Georg is now in prison, and to appoint a new regent? I am just confused as to who is who right now, your Majesty."
"Your Imperial Majesty, you're asking me to ask Marie de Berri to tell... Albert Von Hapsburg that Lors Georg is now in prison, and to appoint a new regent? I am just confused as to who is who right now, your Majesty."
Another letter from the Bohemian nobles
Lords of the Empire,
Bohemia has been invaded by multiple armies in the past years. Among the last the Habsburg and the plague.
The peasants, still harboring sympathy towards the Hussite teachings that emancipated them, have little to live for. For them the world has ended.
The little hope in the Crown of St.Vaclav that they had, they lost with the usurpation of that honorable title by our Habsburg overlords (and that they are we all agree).
Alas, even Jan Ziska of the Orphan hordes did not steal the crown for himself.
We, the nobles of Bohemia, loyal to the Empire and the Catholic teachings, fear that unless the Congress of Nobles at Karlstein resumes its activity of choosing an heir to the throne of Bohemia, ill tidings will be unleashed!
The peasant fears nothing now, for he dies the next day no matter what. They have been spotted wielding weapons as in the dark days of the Hussite Regency. Now only a new king of Bohemia will be able to stop this course. A new King of Bohemia, Elector of the Empire, chosen by the Congress of Nobles, according to an ageless custom will return faith and hope into the hearts of the Bohemians. Noble or common. For with a new King, we will return to the happy days of the late Vaclav IV.
Please, we implore you, declare the annexation illegal and have the Austrian troops leave the Congress of Nobles so that we might bring Bohemia back. Elect a King and thus quell the sparks that might ignite into a flame once again!
Oh God, for how long will our once prosperous and God-fearing Kingdom have to endure these catastrophes. Wars, Herecies, Plagues!
The Noblemen of Bohemia
Lords of the Empire,
Bohemia has been invaded by multiple armies in the past years. Among the last the Habsburg and the plague.
The peasants, still harboring sympathy towards the Hussite teachings that emancipated them, have little to live for. For them the world has ended.
The little hope in the Crown of St.Vaclav that they had, they lost with the usurpation of that honorable title by our Habsburg overlords (and that they are we all agree).
Alas, even Jan Ziska of the Orphan hordes did not steal the crown for himself.
We, the nobles of Bohemia, loyal to the Empire and the Catholic teachings, fear that unless the Congress of Nobles at Karlstein resumes its activity of choosing an heir to the throne of Bohemia, ill tidings will be unleashed!
The peasant fears nothing now, for he dies the next day no matter what. They have been spotted wielding weapons as in the dark days of the Hussite Regency. Now only a new king of Bohemia will be able to stop this course. A new King of Bohemia, Elector of the Empire, chosen by the Congress of Nobles, according to an ageless custom will return faith and hope into the hearts of the Bohemians. Noble or common. For with a new King, we will return to the happy days of the late Vaclav IV.
Please, we implore you, declare the annexation illegal and have the Austrian troops leave the Congress of Nobles so that we might bring Bohemia back. Elect a King and thus quell the sparks that might ignite into a flame once again!
Oh God, for how long will our once prosperous and God-fearing Kingdom have to endure these catastrophes. Wars, Herecies, Plagues!
The Noblemen of Bohemia
Ullrich Dyck rises after the letter from Bohemia has been read, bows to the Emperor and the Steward, and starts to speak:
"Delegates, I hope you all by now realises what is happening in Bohemia.
By this unlawfull annextation, Austria is destroying all that was won in the war against the Hussites. If Austria is truly concerned about the souls of the Bohemian peasant, then any action that will cause them to reembrace the false teachings of the Hussites will be against Autrias own goals.
If Austria truly wants to secure peace in the region, then any action that causes the peasants to once again rise in armed rebellion will go against Austrias stated goals.
However, if Austria intends to grap land and increase her own power, then and only then will annexing Bohemia fullfill the goals of Austria.
Which of these motives ar noble and pure?
Which of these motives should be rewarded?
Delegates, which of these motives do you think drives Austria in this cause?"
Ullrich then sits, and waits for a response.
"Delegates, I hope you all by now realises what is happening in Bohemia.
By this unlawfull annextation, Austria is destroying all that was won in the war against the Hussites. If Austria is truly concerned about the souls of the Bohemian peasant, then any action that will cause them to reembrace the false teachings of the Hussites will be against Autrias own goals.
If Austria truly wants to secure peace in the region, then any action that causes the peasants to once again rise in armed rebellion will go against Austrias stated goals.
However, if Austria intends to grap land and increase her own power, then and only then will annexing Bohemia fullfill the goals of Austria.
Which of these motives ar noble and pure?
Which of these motives should be rewarded?
Delegates, which of these motives do you think drives Austria in this cause?"
Ullrich then sits, and waits for a response.
De Laurendeau speaks up:
"Monsieur Dyck, allow me to be the devil's advocate, and to even talk in a very egoistical way.
If I tell you the peasants and nobles of Burgundy could revolt if we were not given our rightfull claim within the Empire to the crown of Lotharingia, would that force the Emperor to create this kingdom?"
"Monsieur Dyck, allow me to be the devil's advocate, and to even talk in a very egoistical way.
If I tell you the peasants and nobles of Burgundy could revolt if we were not given our rightfull claim within the Empire to the crown of Lotharingia, would that force the Emperor to create this kingdom?"
"Herr de Laurendeau, you offer a most interesting point.
I must of course answer a clear no to that question, but the situation outlined by you, and the situation in Bohemia is in no way simular.
If the peasants of Burgundy threathened with open rebellion due to foreign invasion and annextation, then the Emperor, with the advice of this Diet, should consider whether or not said annextation was in order despite the risk of rebellion.
I am outright against any annexation of catholic land, and would in that case, as in the case in Bohemia, speak against.
The point I tried to make when I last spoke was not that the Emperor should bow to the peasant, but that Austria are not fullfilling their stated objectives by carrying out the annexation, They might, as I also said, be fullfilling not stated objectives but if they really have as noble objectives as they claim to, then this letter from Bohemia should at least make them reconsider their options."
I must of course answer a clear no to that question, but the situation outlined by you, and the situation in Bohemia is in no way simular.
If the peasants of Burgundy threathened with open rebellion due to foreign invasion and annextation, then the Emperor, with the advice of this Diet, should consider whether or not said annextation was in order despite the risk of rebellion.
I am outright against any annexation of catholic land, and would in that case, as in the case in Bohemia, speak against.
The point I tried to make when I last spoke was not that the Emperor should bow to the peasant, but that Austria are not fullfilling their stated objectives by carrying out the annexation, They might, as I also said, be fullfilling not stated objectives but if they really have as noble objectives as they claim to, then this letter from Bohemia should at least make them reconsider their options."
"Ah, yes, I understand. Maybe Austria is uneasy with the Kingship title given back to Bohemia. It has been stated here that we were trying to limit the number of kingdoms in this Empire, for it seems to cause unrest. I, myself, is uneasy with this reformation of kingdom..."
A thunderous voice booms from outside the huge doors leading to the Diet. It seems the guards are refusing to admit a new arrival. The doors are opened and the Captain of the guard appears to be cowering from the new arrival.
A huge mountain of a man enters, his uniform adorned with medals from many campaigns. His step speaks of a firmly rooted military tradition, his sword is clasped firmly in his left hand to prevent any unruly noise. Aside from the sheer amount of metal the new arrival appears to be wearing, the most striking thing is the bushiest beard yet seen. The kind of beard that keeps a man fighting fit in all weathers.
Grasping a crumpled letter tightly in his right hand the new arrival advances towards the Austrian seat in the assembly.
Turning to face the Emperor's dias the new arrival begins his address.
"My name is Otto Bremmer General of the Royal Austrian Army, Commander of the Bohemian Campaign. I was summonned to appear here as a result of our delegate being arrested.
I am a military men gentlemen, my manner is not as polite as a diplomats so pardon me if my rough words offend your ears.
"
His voice booms across the entire Diet, several scribes are nearly deafened by the noise. It seems a life spent roaring orders across noisy battlefields has given the General a most incredibly loud booming voice. The General does not appear to shout but merely appears to have his voice amplified far more then is common.
"Austria has occupied the rebellious, treasonous and heretical lands of Bohemia. Lord Georg ordered that the Bohemian delegation be executed on several grounds
Firstly that they are heretics as they have admitted being Hussites in blatant violation of several public papal calls for their immediate suppression.
Secondly they have attempted to leave the Empire on more then one occassion and thus committed treason against the Emperor Albert.
Thirdly when conquered by Imperial forces and negotiations were ongoing the Hussite rebels sent agents throughout the Empire in an attempt to spread their vile heresy across the Empire and lead to further revolts.
Annexations of Imperial lands are not uncommon.
Burgundy annexed Lorraine and no one is demanding they return such lands. Austria legally annexed Bohemia in accordance with the rights of conquest. Bohemian cities are under Austrian guarrisons, Austrian forces patrol Bohemian streets and trade routes. Austrian tradesmen work to rebuild the ruined infrastructre after many years of fighting.
Austria is entitled to the lands of Bohemia and has legally occupied them.
Will the Emperor declare that he is in favor of allowing a state that has thrice broken the very fabric of the Empire to exist?
Is the Emperor in favor of punishing the very state which crushed a rebellious revolt nearly single handed?
Austria has suffered enough at the hands of this Diet.
We have watched our Archduke be sent far away to rot without trial.
We have watched our allies be mistreated by the sheer arrogance of some in this Diet.
We have been given no thanks, no recognition and no reward for decades of selfless service to the Empire.
Are we to assume that the Empire is going to turn and flog Austria whenever things get bad?
Are we to assume that Austria has fallen from her status as a noble nation to some perverse form of lackey for the Empire to order about according to their whims?
No! I tell you no!
Genoa under the mighty Doge John departed from this Diet in protest over their treatment.
Burgundy strives to distance herself from what is becomming more and more like a third rate talking shop for bitter disgruntled cowards who dream of greatness and spew venomous bile upon those who dare to strive for excellence.
Austria has had its fill of being verbally abused for the sins of others. Austria does not believe this Diet offers any modicum of reward for loyalty or noble service.
I implore those of you who are friends to Austria to speak out against this injustice. The Emperor has profitted greatly from the excellent efforts of the Austrians. Yet he sees fit to degrade us, humiliate us and publically rebuke us for whatever minor matter has irked him that day. This is no way to treat a major member of the Empire, who has worked tirelessly to improve the standing of the Empire with other nations, has brought stability to the Empire and who strives daily to restore the words faith in the Empire's institutions.
"
A huge mountain of a man enters, his uniform adorned with medals from many campaigns. His step speaks of a firmly rooted military tradition, his sword is clasped firmly in his left hand to prevent any unruly noise. Aside from the sheer amount of metal the new arrival appears to be wearing, the most striking thing is the bushiest beard yet seen. The kind of beard that keeps a man fighting fit in all weathers.
Grasping a crumpled letter tightly in his right hand the new arrival advances towards the Austrian seat in the assembly.
Turning to face the Emperor's dias the new arrival begins his address.
"My name is Otto Bremmer General of the Royal Austrian Army, Commander of the Bohemian Campaign. I was summonned to appear here as a result of our delegate being arrested.
I am a military men gentlemen, my manner is not as polite as a diplomats so pardon me if my rough words offend your ears.
"
His voice booms across the entire Diet, several scribes are nearly deafened by the noise. It seems a life spent roaring orders across noisy battlefields has given the General a most incredibly loud booming voice. The General does not appear to shout but merely appears to have his voice amplified far more then is common.
"Austria has occupied the rebellious, treasonous and heretical lands of Bohemia. Lord Georg ordered that the Bohemian delegation be executed on several grounds
Firstly that they are heretics as they have admitted being Hussites in blatant violation of several public papal calls for their immediate suppression.
Secondly they have attempted to leave the Empire on more then one occassion and thus committed treason against the Emperor Albert.
Thirdly when conquered by Imperial forces and negotiations were ongoing the Hussite rebels sent agents throughout the Empire in an attempt to spread their vile heresy across the Empire and lead to further revolts.
Annexations of Imperial lands are not uncommon.
Burgundy annexed Lorraine and no one is demanding they return such lands. Austria legally annexed Bohemia in accordance with the rights of conquest. Bohemian cities are under Austrian guarrisons, Austrian forces patrol Bohemian streets and trade routes. Austrian tradesmen work to rebuild the ruined infrastructre after many years of fighting.
Austria is entitled to the lands of Bohemia and has legally occupied them.
Will the Emperor declare that he is in favor of allowing a state that has thrice broken the very fabric of the Empire to exist?
Is the Emperor in favor of punishing the very state which crushed a rebellious revolt nearly single handed?
Austria has suffered enough at the hands of this Diet.
We have watched our Archduke be sent far away to rot without trial.
We have watched our allies be mistreated by the sheer arrogance of some in this Diet.
We have been given no thanks, no recognition and no reward for decades of selfless service to the Empire.
Are we to assume that the Empire is going to turn and flog Austria whenever things get bad?
Are we to assume that Austria has fallen from her status as a noble nation to some perverse form of lackey for the Empire to order about according to their whims?
No! I tell you no!
Genoa under the mighty Doge John departed from this Diet in protest over their treatment.
Burgundy strives to distance herself from what is becomming more and more like a third rate talking shop for bitter disgruntled cowards who dream of greatness and spew venomous bile upon those who dare to strive for excellence.
Austria has had its fill of being verbally abused for the sins of others. Austria does not believe this Diet offers any modicum of reward for loyalty or noble service.
I implore those of you who are friends to Austria to speak out against this injustice. The Emperor has profitted greatly from the excellent efforts of the Austrians. Yet he sees fit to degrade us, humiliate us and publically rebuke us for whatever minor matter has irked him that day. This is no way to treat a major member of the Empire, who has worked tirelessly to improve the standing of the Empire with other nations, has brought stability to the Empire and who strives daily to restore the words faith in the Empire's institutions.
"
De Laurendeau, surprised by the Austrian words, stays silent for a moment, like the rest of the Diet. He then breaks the silence:
"I'll say some matters needs to be discussed... the Austrian does bring interesting points..."
"I'll say some matters needs to be discussed... the Austrian does bring interesting points..."
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