- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[Auspend]

Zweig finally notices Victors repeated comments about no other leaders being on the field during the crusades. He responds with a gradually increasing amount of anger in his voice.

"Umm... my lord Victor, if I may ahh respectfully disagree. You were not the only leader of the Empire on the field. My lord Ulrich, Count of Wuerttemberg, equal in almost every way in power to Count Heinrich, has been on the field with only the much smaller armies of the Palatinat and Wuerttemberg. Do not say how you have been the only one out on the field of battle. As we speak, while you are here lecturing us about how you are the only one with any courage, he is out risking life and limb as per Papal decree!"

 

[Schlieffen]

I appologise, Herr Zweig -- I must have missed him in the recent fighting. Unless I am mistaken, the Palatinat's forces marched on Albania rather than Macidonia, where I was, so I suppose that is how.

Although I know that the Archduke of Austria certainly wasn't on the fields, despite the "amazing bravery" he preaches about. Remember, Archduke, that Saxons, Bavarians, Kolners, and even more soldiers were facing a rebelious Bohemia, many more supporters for a much smaller foe, and Austria was far from alone. If I remember correctly, you were not on the fields there either.
Might I also point out the other mistakes, hopefuly not falsehoods, in your statements: First of all, Burgundy was rebelious before you were even removed as King of the Romans. Consult some of the Logs from Vienna and you will see exactly what I am talking about. The trouble with the Northern Alliance was not even completed at the time, to give you an idea of when an outright ceasation was mentioned by Burgundy, so I believe that holding them in without a war is at least a mild accomplishment.
The annexation of Bohemia was one of the reasons they were so close to leaving, Archduke, specificaly stated by de Laurendeau.
As for your system that makes it "nearly impossible to remove the Emperor", you were removed, were you not? I do remember a vote in the Diet, and I do remember your Steward stating fairly clearly that a vote for a new King of the Romans was to commense, a vote that I won.
I also note that your system that gave "every duchy a voice" seemed to only include your own Archduchy, as only two other states defended your annexation of Bohemia -- I could name several if you desire, although I'd rather not waste my breath reciting the name of practicaly every state in the Empire's borders.
As for your apparent hatred of the Golden Bull, what is to keep me or any other King of the Romans from stating that my heir will automaticaly assume the throne, without vote? Your disregard of Imperial laws is apparently shown by the rest of your family as well -- Lord Georg certainly did not leave a fine example of the rest of the Hapsburgs, and your attempt to place the murder of Joan of Arc on your Uncle -- I believe that's who it was -- doesn't say much for your family's stability either.

Gentlemen who wish to remove me, if you would not mind making accusations I can not respond to so easily I would greatly appreciate it. I would hate to think my own fiefs so misguided by their advisors or lower nobles that they would follow speaches of comparitive nobility and past acts of greatness that I can dismiss without any reasearch whatsoever.
Victor removes his right gauntlet and places it on the table so he can write something while the Cardinal and the Archduke try to think of something to accuse him with that they or another powerful ruler hasn't already done.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck rises, and slowly walks towards the bible held out by cardinal Corleone.
He places his hand on the holy book, takes a deep breath, and then calmly says:

"I, as representative of Bremen, have no confidence in Victor I von Blommenstein."

As Victor looks up, and cardinal Corleone smiles a half-hidden smile, Ullrich surprises everyone by continuing:
"However, that does not mean he should be replaced. Gentlemen, honoured electors. Some time ago you made your choice, and now you face the consequences of that choice. I, as many others, have been bitterly disappointed by the present Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, but I do not have to like him. Victor I von Blommenstein is my legal Emperor, and even though I distrust his motives, and will do my best to fight him in almost every decission he takes, since he has clearly shown himself unable to take any decissions worth supporting, I will not have him removed by any unlawfull means."

Ullrich the returns to his seat, leaving the Diet to think of his words.

 

[BusterBunny]

Vicomte André de Laurendeau speaks up:

"Your Imperial Majesty should think about a little fact that seems unknown to most of you.

Burgundy's army is at home, yes. It is not fighting in the Crusade, yes. Like the Imperial armies.

But Burgundy has done one different thing... we gave money to the cause. Up to now, 2,000 ducats were GIVEN to the Holy Church, for its fight against the heathens. Also, 1,000 ducats were loaned to Genoa for the defense of its land.

So, in fact, Burgundy has participated more than many countries in this Crusade..."

 

[Schlieffen]

De Laurendeau, I used your state partialy as an example -- many states have done less than those under my power -- but mostly as a warning; as your armies were never in the field, as mine weren't for only but a few days, will His Holiness not place your heads on the chopping block next?
Just a thought gentlemen.

 

[BusterBunny]

"Your Imperial Majesty, I am not sure that the most noble Cardinal Corleone asks for your death. He is merely asking other members of this most prestigious assembly to vote for your removal from this office... not for your death. Surely, his Imperial Majesty hasn't done anything to merit death!"

 

[Schlieffen]

It was a metaphor, sir. I ment to have my crown removed based on a absense that did not even total a full week.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

"Heh, heh.... *snort*"

"Well said my Burgundian friend. You notice the slip the Noble lord Victor makes again? How he continually twists words?"

He discretely mimics the Emperor Victors voice.

"I ment to have my crown removed based on a absense that did not even total a full week."

"Firstly my lord Emperor, you have no crown. This is the point at issue. We all would like to see a strong and united Empire. Under a crowned Emperor and God."

"The holy father refuses to crown you when you are so evidently incomp..... Scatty and poorly supported after a time where your merits should have become apparent to all."

"A crowned Emperor is unassailable as such and the Empire more stable and well lead. Let us make it so."

"I know not by what timepiece you work, but even I can tell the difference between a month and " not even total a full week.""

"You my lord victor are hoisted by your own petard. Even in your last words of twisted half truths."

"I have seen the opinion of the empires members and formally ask you to step down to run for re election."

"For the good of the Empire, church, and your eternal soul"

"In nomine Patri, et filii, et spiritus sancti..Amen"

He awaits to see if the Empire meens more to this man than his pride and selfishness.

 

[BusterBunny]

Vicomte André de Laurendeau speaks up.

"Obviously, at this point, Burgundy wouldn't have a word to say in this re-election. But the mere fact that the electors cannot reach a consensus about the reing of the current Imperial Majesty is quite disturbing."

 

[Schlieffen]

Cardinal, your attempt to use a metaphor I used as a falsehood would be almost jokeable were it not an honest attempt to discredit my name.
And if all you want is a strenghthened Empire, then why do you attempt to remove those who were eleceted to lead it rather then encourage them and support them? The situation in the Empire was salvageable before you entered this Diet, and the Vatican refused to inquire into the situation before sending their emmisary up here to remove leaders for non-existance crimes. If you wish to remove me from this throne, then at least honestly attempt to create some crime. Otherwise you'll be forced to remove the King of France, England, Castile, the Dukes of almost every Imperial state, the Queen of Lotharingia, and practicaly every other leader in Europe. Unless you can create a crime, then I suggest you leave quickly and let me attempt to salvage some stability out of this situation that you and Rome created.

 

[Schlieffen]

The next day, as the Diet gathers, Victor is not seen in his seat as he normaly is at the begining of the day. Instead his second eldest, Magnus, stands beside the large throne. After von Korff finishes the roll call, he speaks -- not with the same confident (arrogant by some standards) tone of his father, but in a rather powerful voice none the less.
Gentlemen, I will be speaking on the behalf of my father for the next few days, or perhaps weeks. News has just reached Frankfurt that his wife, my mother, has died recently, and he is simply unable to attend what may be the end of his carrear as King of the Romans, something that hopefuly will not come to occur. In any case, you can say to me what you regularly would to him without reservation, although do not expect me to make laws or such -- I only have the power to speak for him, not hold his powers.

 

[Schlieffen]

Magnus begins to address the Diet and its members after the normal business for the day is over.
Now, for the reason my father is back in the first place: the Papal idea of "no confidence". First of all, I know of no such procedure for removing an Emperor accused of no crime and willing and able to proceed in his duties, but I will worry about such matters later -- I am not a scholar on Imperial laws, although I know enough to function in the Diet.
Looking over the Diet, he continues.
Now, Cardinal, I will address the reasons you have stated he should be removed, at least the ones I have been told of -- I have not been in the Diet as much as often as of late, so inform me if I am missing any that hold any value.
First, he left the crusading armies to deal with a mild unrest within his relms. I believe that this can be dismissed, as he returned before the next battle and he has fought in all battles up to the point where you yourself arrived in the Diet which is much more than almost every other monarch in Europe, agreed?
Second, the Empire is not as loyal as it has been in the past. Neither is the rest of Christiantity -- count the participants in the crusade -- but I hear no-one calling for the Pope to be removed, or a reappointment of Cardinals. Also remember that many of the problems were evident even when Albert sat on the throne; I remember hearing of Burgundy long before I came to congradulate my father on assuming the title King of the Romans. Given the state of the rest of Europe -- remember Savoy and Province, Cardinal? -- I'd say that the fact that he at least attempts to police the Empire is enough for now, and perhaps Rome should give him support in his acts rather than have higher expectations then Rome itself can achieve with Christandom.

Now, unless I am mistaken, that is all Rome has against Victor; he temporarily threatened to turn armies under his control around to deal with rebelious fiefs, and he isn't dealing harshly or quickly enough with rebelious fiefs.
He frowns slightly, although it is hard to tell as he never seems to smile anyways.
Pardon me, Cardinal, but if Rome could decide which one they'd prefer and tell him I am sure that it would work out much better then if you came to Frankfurt and demanded he resign. Perhaps if His Holiness attempted to tell the accused what they need to correct before attacking them then he would be able to focus on actual criminals, such as the Portugese or others who abandon the crusades or insult the church.


And, if you would not mind Cardinal, do not speak to me in the tone I have heard so much about, and do not attempt to use my words against me by twisting them as I, also, have heard of. My mother has died and my mood is not one of my usual tollerance, and I'm sure I could get Victor to sign the papers to have you arrested and returned to Rome and ask the Pope to send a new representitive. Given what I have heard of your actions in Rome as well, I am sure that the Pontiff would more than understand.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck rises, waits for Magnus to notice him and give a sligt nod of permission, and then speaks:

"I do agree with his Imperial Majestys son.
I do not like Victor I von Blommenstein as Emperor. He has broken promises to my lord, duke Johann III of Bremen, and he has even insulted both duke Johann III and protector Joachim of the Greif. For these insults, we have not yet heard a siutable apology, and I trust that you understand, with this in mind, how neither of us have any love left for the Emperor.
But that the Emperor is mistrusted by two Imperial dukes does not make him unfit to be an Emperor. Should even all Imperial dukes have no confidence in the Emperor, he would still be the Emperor, although he would of course then find it very difficult to carry out any politics.

Magnus, if you please, I ask you to inform your father of these facts. Few of us in this room have any confidence in Victor, and many, myself not included, cries for his removal.
I know that Victor had great dreams for the Holy Roman Emperor when he was elected, by his policy with alienating the Diet, and refusing to correct previous wrongs, have made it very hard for him to carry out any politics.
I also know that in Bremen, and I am sure that this is the truth in many other Imperial duchies as well, the Empire is not seen as important.
As it is now, Imperial duchies work towards their own goals and dreams, and in theses cases where these goals require Imperial permission, this simply fact is ignored. Take a look at the situation with the kingdom of the Western Saxons.
It was papal, not Imperial, intervention that stopped Holstein from achieving this goal. And that because nobody listened when Victor spoke, because Victor have a history of not listening, when we speak.

But this doesn't mean the Emperor needs to be replaced, it just means the Holy Roman Emperor is paralyzed untill one of three things happens:
The Holy Roman Emperor is killed, a thing I do not hope for.
His Imperial Majesty decides to abdicate, a decision that is his to make, not the Popes, not ours.
Or His Imperial Majesty, Victor I von Blommenstein, decides to change some of his policies concerning the voices of the Diet."

Ullrich then bows to the Imperial Throne, allthough those trained in the arts of diplomacy will note that he gives a bow suited to greet an equal, not to a superior.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Corleone takes a deep sigh.

"My Lord Dyck. Very insightefull and quite correct."

"Though it continues to amaze me on how slow and stubourn some are being here."

"I will NOT try to make clear AGAIN what the situation between the Pope and Victor is, because I weary of repeating myself."

"Everything you have said is true."

"I am asking Duke Victor to abdicate for an election. For the health of the Empire and as the voice of an elector."

"The pope merely points out he will not crown an Emperor that is shown negligent and selfiish. That is all. It is not he that calls directly for a "Dethronement" as these... err.. gentlemen seem to insist on believing"

"I am impressed with you sir."

 

[Schlieffen]

So, Cardinal, you speak as a fief of the Emperor? You have said that you do not represent Rome and you come as an "Elector", by such I assume Trier.
Then your request to have Victor voluntarily abdicate, as you requested, is obviousaly denied, especialy with no crime against him. I am sure that no duke or count in this room would leave thier throne if their fiefs asked nicely enough, so I would not expect the same of the King of the Romans.


But Victor will not be in the Diet for the next few months. He will be taking a leave outside the Empire's borders for some time because of the recent death of my...
He stumbles on his words slightly, but recovers just as quickly.
...his wife and stresses within the Empire. During his absence, I will be serving as his regent, allowing hostilities towards him to cool down slightly, any disturbed parties to bring forth grievances against him without fearing repercussions, and generaly have the Empire cool down slightly.


The first matter I have had brought before me was insults apparently made by either my father or one of his representitives towards the ruling houses of Pommernaria and Bremen. I have heard much talk of the states from my father while he spoke of politics in the Empire, but I will not allow any bias in my thoughts and will attempt to do what is best for the Empire rather then attempt to hold out my father's flaws as well as his good points.
Gentlemen, on the behalf of my Father, Victor I, I appologise for any insults you have incurred, assume you have incurred, or have unknowingly incurred. Hopefuly your leaders are more noble then my father seems to think at times, and will allow me to be the bond between the Emperor and your states, and will accept the appology without holding a vendetta.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Corleone turns to the room.

"The holy father and myself don't want to see bloodshed, just a stable and pious empire."

"This mans idea of "self" overules all that."

"He is that insecure even that he will not have himself re afirmed."

"The Empire is the closest interest of the Papal good will, and will continue to be formost in our love and support, but we withdraw any support for Duke Victor untill he sees his folly."

"There will be a token representation of the Lateran in the diet and all good churchmen are asked to keep the word of god strong within the Empire if the Impious Victor allows. Also to keep close relations with the holy father."

"All good sons of the church will be welcome in Rome, and blessed by the holy father."

"If you support Victor for any reason other than the exulted possition he holds, only come to repent and seek forgiveness."

"Who knows? Perhaps this "shake up" has done good in makeing Victor find a middle way and garner support instead of discourd?"

"I leave for Rome. You know how things stand. There is great love for the Empire. In that, there is fear for it's future."

He bows and leaves before anyone can reply.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Ullrich Dyck rises.

"Noble delegates.
I have been informed, that Victor will not be available to lead the Holy Roman Empire for months, perhaps even for years, as he, according to Magnus, have left the Empire to come to terms with his grief over the recent death of his wife.

While I fully understand that Victor grieves over his wife, I say that this is not acceptable.
Had Victor been on the field of battle, leading Imperial armies against the mongols, I had not complained.
Had he been negotiating with the king of England, on behalf of the Holy Roman Empire, I hade not complained.
But, Magnus, you wish your farther to be respected as our sovereign, but then your father must act like a leader.
And no leader leaves his country in a time, where he's being attacked from within, and accused of not being able to lead his nation.

I do not say that this is my opinion, but I am sure that you can understand why some might question your fathers ability to act as Holy Roman Emperor, if he runs from his responsibility like this."

 

[Longinus]

After reading some correspondence Josef Zakrzycki stands up.

"Noble delegates,

The current situation in the Empire trurly worries all of us. The situation is clear, we have a direct conflict between papacy and von Blommenstein family. At the same time Victor von Blommenstein is elected and yet uncrowned Emperor.

Emperor without a crown and suppport of Holy Mother Church who has no confidence nor respect among his fiefs. Isn't that appealing gentelmen?

Now I recieved a letter which informes me that Victor is not able to stand before us as he is in sorrow for the loss of his wife!!! Gentelmen, who is Victor then? A leader or a nun?

Joachim's father is in terrible state since 1423 and still Joachim of the Greif doesn't mourn him but acts."

Some of the delegates laughts.

"I heard words of "apology" in these halls, but all those apologies where indirect and were not said by Victor himself. Now there is his son who claims to be some sort of "regent" to tell you the truth I have never heard of such insttution in the Empire. It looks like von Blommenstein clan usurps some powers and privillages.

Herr Magnus says something about Empire cooling down?! What does it mean? Are we to shut up and subordinate to von Blommenstein family? I say NAY to such policy.

Neither I nor my overlord wants to be a calm puppet in somebody's hands."

 

[Auspend]

After listening to Dyck and Zakrzycki, Zweig stands and speaks.

"If I may ahh ask a question of those present, how is this hmm different than ahh when Albert was imprisoned awaiting ahh trial in France? Are we not ahh in the same situation now? Is Victor hmm currently able to ahh run the Empire in his ahh current state? Hmm?"

He turns toward Magnus.

"If your ahh father were to return to rule us, I for one would ahh seriously consider retracting my vote of no confidence for coming back to us even in his horrible state. As is I have even less faith in his ability. It's hardly fitting that in the time where his rule is shakiest he disappears."

 

[Herr Doctor]

Otto Byss speaks to Corleone:

"Noble Cardinal, His Holiness said my duke Adolf VIII that we can speak with you about possibility of creation of Kingdom... What can you say us and offer us?.. and may be it is better to speak us in a private?.."