- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[unmerged(3110)]

Torquemada, being uncomfortable with all the jovialities and celebrations retires to a local inquisitional "detention centre" to amuse himself.

Wishing fervantly that Corleone would come and take his duties on rather than play pontiff.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A letter arrives.

“Noble Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire,

As we hold you in highest respect we have considered your oppinions and peace proposal and find it much to our liking. It is good to see that, as we tought, you were able to see the issue from both point of views. As a sign of good faith in your abilities and skills to promote peace, I will see to that the armies of Aragon will leave Liguria as soon as possible. Although the treaty seems fair and just we do how ever think your Imperial Grace is somewhat over geneorus to grant Portugal and Aragon a total of four provinces. It have never been our goal to claim any profit, just compensation so we would be fully satisfied with half the sum, namely Aleppo to Portugal and Lebanon to Aragon. Other then this we find the peace proposal acceptable. If it would be to your satisfaction I would be happy to announce a somewhat modifed proposal based on your own and ask the Genoan Doge to sign, so that we may put this terrible conflict behind us.

Signed by

Alfonso V, King of Aragon”

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Duke Henry appeared for what was supposed to be a permanent farewell to the Diet, but as he entered, he arrived just in time to hear the words of Pommeria's Josef Zakrzycki to Richard, the Duke of Normandy. A fit of frenzy suddenly struck the Duke as he witnessed the attack on his friend.

"Pommerian! Watch your mouth and show the proper respect that this great Duke is entitled to!"

With furious eyes, Henry stared at the Pommerian speaker. Adolf von Plau tried to get near the Mecklemburgian Duke to stop him from making any more diplomatic mistakes, but Henry ignored his advisor.

"It is bad enough that I have to suffer the rediculous words from you and your Duke, but to attack my friend and future family, that is where you cross the line! Why in God's name has noone put a stop to the endless insolence of the Pommerians, that is a great riddle to me! Since I have to bow before Imperial codex and tradition, I should expect YOU to do the same. I find your behaviour offensive and out of line! You didn't even know his name, but STILL you insulted him! I promised the Diet earlier that I would keep quiet from now on, but maybe that promise was premature!"

The Duke of Mecklemburg looks like a man that is going into a frenzy...

"You accuse the Plantagenet dynasty of excactly the same things you Pommerians do yourself. Only the difference is, that YOU are guilty of the charges and the Duke of Normandy is NOT!
YOU are the war-mongers, YOU are the aggressors, YOU are the rebels, YOU are the brigands and YOU are first of all the LIARS!!!"

The Duke waves his arms around

"I have been accused of defying the Emperor, after I had spoken my free mind, and I was labelled as a rebel. YOU on the other hand, lurk around in the dark and backstabs honest people, and not only do you get away with it, but you are also credited for it afterwards. Like the stunt you pulled with the Swedish crown! My God, man! Have you people no shame? What kind of Christians are you?"

The Duke has raised his voice to dramatic decibels, but then he shakes his head and holds a one minute break... Then he begins to leave... again...

"Argh! Whats the point of this? It seems like noone within the Empire sees the Pommerians for what they truly are. This is hopeless and fruitless!"

The Duke leaves in a hurry, with an angry pace... von Plau tries to keep up with him and looks over his shoulder to see the reactions of the Princes.

 

[unmerged(5730)]

Georg had been nodding during the speachs of both Duke Richard, Duke Henry and the man from Württemberg. He totally agreed with both of them. A thing that rather upset him was the way of the Pomeranian "diplomat" to handle the thing. He still sat down when he replied.

"Herr Zakrzycki, I must say that if I was your lord, I would strongly question the diplomatic skills of my representant in this Diet. But it seems like the skills of all you Pomeranians can be stronly questioned, so I guess Joachim had become blind about it. If you don't have the curage, skills or whatever your reason is for not replying to me I wont adress you anymore, I hope that will satisfy you."

Georg shook his head "What a diplomat, just like the Saxon farmers, just as smooth, just as clever, Joachi, really knows how to pick his representants." he thought for himself.

 

[Auspend]

In the Imperial Courtroom

Heinrich stands and adresses the other Richters.

"Most noble Duke Johann, my lord Emperor, I have decided to ask for your verdicts now. The Tuscans have stated their points eloquently multiple times, yet the Genoans have been silent. It is hardly fair to let their arguments go unsaid but we have waited long enough. Fellow richters, please state if you find the Genoans guilty of violating the sovereign rights of Tuscany as indirect overlord of the Eastern Empire, and guilty or not please state the justification for your decision. Once you have spoken I will state my verdict and if necessary give sentence."

Count Heinrich, Judge-Elector, waits for the other two Richters to respond.

 

[unmerged(547)]

King Kristoffer had listened patiently as the Pommeranians had attempted to belittle the Crown of Denmark, however, peace or no peace, he had heard quite enough.

Waiting patiently until the Emperor permitted his turn to speak, upon recognition, Kristoffer stepped forward and turned to the Hall. "Assembled nobility, Esteemed Imperial Majesty, first of all I wish to thank you for your most hospitable accomodations for myself, Queen Penelope, and the entire Danish Entourage." Though his eyes were dark, apparently from his late night discussions with the various envoys, Kristoffer's baritone voice was clear and his eyes burned with a fixed passion.

Turning to the Pommeranians, "You sir, should perhaps investigate the family geneology. My mother was Erik's sister, not cousin. Also, sir, your thinly veiled slanders are ludicrous. You hint that perhaps you have a stronger claim on my own throne? How utterly absurd! Should you have, then your Duke would have been offered the throne. However, since your Duke was not, since it is such a weak claim, then you should perhaps retract your claims.

Now, you attempt to be one who should decide who speaks on behalf of Denmark? I decide that,sir; not some Duke in Pommerania. You should be wary of your insults and meddling into affairs that do not concern you. You are acting as one who relishes in conflict and bloodshed, despite your words for peace. I find it peculiar, for such a peace loving state that your continual, sometimes overlapping wars, seem non stop. Since I have been Crowned, you have warred upon Saxony, Sweden, and Prussia. This is a peace loving state?

Now, your claim on the Swedish throne is totally criminal. Since the offer was sent by the

the government, lead by Sten Sture

, it is obviously offered by the nonlegitimate government of Sweden. Your delegation has stated here in the Imperial Diet that

as in fact Sture was a rebel and rest of the new, legal, Swedish government have nothing to do with him.

Therefore, sir, your claim is based on a rebel who has had no claim on the government for quite some time."

Kristoffer pauses and sips a bit from his goblet before continuing. "Now sir, since the Danish and Swedish peace is only delayed by your claims upon a crown which was illegally offered, we await your retraction of such claim. As for the offer of Gotland; when we offered you rejected it, therefore the offer is now a moot point; your thirst for conquest and expansion all costs shall not be fed upon the soil of Denmark. You shall not receive Gotland. Despite this, I will make one final offer of peace here in the Imperial Diet. As noted I have lowered the cessastions by Sweden..." Turning once more to the Pommeranians "and have not left you empty handed, despite the fact that you have lost no men, coin, nor material due to your role in this matter."

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The Nuremburg Accord

I. - In the Year of Our Lord MCDXXX at the Imperial Diet in Nuremburg, we the lawful God-fearing representatives of the Danish and Swedish peoples do enact and confirm these accords for all time.

II. - The Crown of Sweden shall forever and in perpetuity be bound to the Crown of Denmark, forming the Crown of Scandinavia. The Monarch of Scandinavia shall be crowned in Denmark and then crowned in Stockholm at his ascension to the throne. Sweden shall provide a value equivalent to one thousand Imperial solidi(1 econ) to Denmark for the cost of extended security during the Coronation at Stockholm.

III. - The Kingdom of Sweden forever recognizes the Crown of Denmark as their lords and masters, shall swear fealty to the Monarch of Scandinavia, and shall pay an annual tribute of half the Swedish Crown's annual income to the royal coffers of Denmark.

IV. - So that the Swedish people will never again rebell against their rightful lords, the lands of Smaland, Vastergotland, and Bergsladen shall be given up to the direct administration of the Danish Crown. All other Swedish lands shall be administrated from Stockholm by a Council of Scandinavian lords. War reparations of a value equivalent to one thousand Imperial solidi(1 econ) shall be payed from the Swedish coffers to the Crown of Denmark and one thousand Imperial solidi (1 econ) shall be payed from the Swedish coffers to the Duchy of Pommern.

V. - The Crown of Denmark forever pledges to protect and guard the welfare of its vassal the Kingdom of Sweden, as is the duty owed a vassal by his overlord.

VI. - Sten Sture and the former Union Counsel shall be presented within two months time to the Danish Crown at Kronborg for trial for their treasonous behavior. Axel Pedersen Brahe and his compatriots shall arrive within the same time span to pledge their renewed Oath of Fealty to the Danish Crown. In reciprocation, the Axel Pederson Brahe and his compatriots shall receive a Royal Pardon for their role during the war.

VII. - The Greifs of Pommern shall recognize all points of this Accord and return to peace with the Swedish state.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

​

 

[unmerged(1463)]

The Archbishop of Linkoping, travelling home from Rome, enters the imperial diet and speaks.

Firstly i hope my gifts to the Emperor was apreciated, and now to the affairs of Sweden..

I fully concur with the Danish peace proposal and the Nuremberg accord. And hope that the Pommeranian delegate sees things my way as well.

As Axel Pedersson Brahe is hard to catch, i hope my words weights as high as his, as i am present, he is not.

 

[unmerged(5587)]

A messenger arrives from the Kingdom of Hungary. He enters the forchamber where he can discussions taking place within the Diet's hall.

"I have messege for the Holy Roman Emporer," he tells a seated cleric, quite busy with numerous work. The cleric simply points to a corner on the desk where a large stack of lambskin messeges with broken seals sits.

The cleric looks up "You may choose to wait for a reply, I suggest you leave with me a place where you can found should the Kaiser have any use of your services."

The Hungarian is surprised, "But I have no place to . . .."

The old man cuts him off "Then find one, come back here and tell me where you will be, there are numerous taverns and inns. I have no more time to waste, please go."

With that the young messenger turns and departs. The cleric spies him to make sure he has left and immediately picks up the messege left behind. That is quite odd a messege from Hungary with the seal of black raven holding in its beak a ring, it looked oddly familiar but it certainly was not the seal of Hungary. He broke the seal and reading the latin realized this messege was indeed of sime import. He placed into a basket with only one other letter, so it would go the Kaiser's councilers. The cleric got back to work, reading through the correspondence of an Empire.

 

[unmerged(7849)]

A man who was standing in the court unnoticed by anyone else spoke,

"I am sure my lord Brahe will accept this peace. Currently Sten Sture is in our custody, and as soon as my message reaches Brahe he will present himself and Sten Sture to your King.

We hope to formalize this treaty as soon as possible."

 

[SiDeath]

A huffing and puffing Leopoldo Tesorieri comes running in to meet the other Richters.

"Wait, wait, good milords. I have my piece to say and I shall say it. Can Tuscany disprove that we now know Cardinal Nebucci sent them letter, which they had questioned the content of? Though the Doge did not know it at the time, it was sent. Its bizarre content had led to their direct quoting of the letter publicly in many spaces which the Doge took offense to. That much is assuredly true. The Doge allowed himself to take the apology of the Tuscans by hinting at his displeasure with the subtlety of a massive club. The Tuscans apologized that Nebucci had asked their aid in warring on the Athenians and Schismatic Imperials. Then, multiple messages were sent to Athens, the direct overlord of Byzantium, demanding that the Duke rein back the Byzantines and excersize his ancient rights. He relented time and again to the Emperor of Morea, allowing him to run free. The Doge finally was able to intimidate the Duke of Athens into at least standing aside and giving tacit permission t our forces. Finally, after the war was over, with no land changing hands and no blood spilt, Genoa negotiated a quick white peace with the Eastern Emperor. Tuscany is the overlord of Athens, this is true, but is not directly aligned with the Orthodox Emperor, and in this, we believe the case lies. Does His Most Serene and Pacific Majesty have the right to insinuate himself in this case also, being Tuscany's overlord? He does not seem to mind that independant nations take independant actions. Is the magic 'cut-off' number for overlords three? I think not! There is no cut-off mark, and the fact that our own Grand Lord does not take this offense also, means that this is a case with no warrant! In summation, good milords assembled, the Tuscans are not the true overlords of Byzantium, they should not have the right to dominate Byzantine affairs. They should, and do have the right to order the Athenians to meddle in the Imperial matters of the East, and that I do not contest. Good your lordships, this case is all for naught, and Genoa ought to be held blameless. With your leave, good milords."

Tesorieri sits himself down and drinks down a chalice of mead.

 

[Bagricula]

~Singer's Hall, Late Evening~​

Even in the majestic beauty of the Bavarian alps and the splendid opulence of the Emperor's court in Nuremburg, the courtiers and nobles grow idle and bored of the same dull Imperial business. To lighten their spirits and bring some excitement to the otherwise peaceful Neureichburg, the Emperor regularly holds hunts, banquets, and balls.

"Everyone enjoyed a waltz at the Imperial Ball."​

The Singer's Hall had been cleared of most of the desks, chairs, and documents used by the delegates and a small band of instrumentalists accompanied an ensemble from the Meistersingers guild. The fireplaces were all cracking gleefully, their hearths filled with large logs felled in the Black Forest. All the delicate golden chandeliers had been lit, and they looked to the dancers below like great nebulous clouds of golden flame. None of this compared to the swirling whirlpools of color formed by the courtiers and nobles spinning out on the polished floor. The dance was complicated, fast, a new one popular in Italy and slowly taking root in Germany. In the center of it all, the monarchs and heads of state danced along with everyone else. With so many princes gathered in one place, it was impossible to tell rank or title, and queens would dance with dukes who would be cut by viscounts while bumping into prince-electors. All the splendor and glory of the gilded lives of the powerful danced at the ball in honor of the newlywed King and Queen of Castile-Leon.

~Reichskammergericht, Same Day~​

​

Doctor von Richter nodded to the Richter-Kurfurst as he returned to the chambers of the Reichskammergericht from his lunch with the Emperor. There they had discussed many things, but primarily the Gericht case, for all knew that the Richtership of Italia needed to cast its vote and that the trial of a Richter could have a very serious long-term effect on the court. Konrad took a deep sip of water before standing and addressing the

Reichskammergericht,

"Noble and learned fellow judges, the Tuscan case in the belief of His Most August Imperial Majesty is the strongest. Without the proper hierarchy of Vassal-Lord-King-Emperor-Pope-God, all the universe would be in disarray. The Doge of Genoa showed disregard for this order and great folly in his military 'adventure', and thus should bear the blame for his own undoing. However, like a good Christian he did rightfully obey his Emperor and seek forgiveness, reaching a peace with the schismatics. The Emperor however hears the goodly words of the Genoan delegate, and will examine the Tuscan interference in Byzantine affairs.

The Judge of Italy hereby finds Alessandro Doria guilty, yet reccommends a mild sentence in light of his great humility.

His flaunting of this noble court, while understandable due to the war now raging in Liguria, is unacceptable to the business of the Empire, and I must reccommend that the Judge-Elector examine the future of this Richtership in Genoa. I must further reccommend that the Republic of Florence begin working in earnest to bring their vassals into the light of God, for it is the duty of a lord to look after the welfare of his vassals, and the
Emperor would not look favorably on allowing them to continue in the shadow of sin."

~Singer's Hall, Imperial Diet, Next Day~​

Why? Why couldn't he just have done the sensible thing.. Erich thought as he slowly paced the Diet antechamber, preparing to address the Imperial parliament. Doctor von Richter was relating events at the trial interspersing his monologue with small jokes while sipping some of the last of the Burgundian wine. The wines had stopped arriving from Dijon after the death of Queen Marie de Berry, and the effect on the Imperial economy had been subtle, though not as dramatic as many would have thought. Few traders now appeared from Burgundy proper, and the only commerce that seemed to come from the Kingdom of Lotharingia seemed to be dutch. Straightening his collar, the Emperor turned sharply to the entrance into the Diet. His gait was almost military in its rapid efficiency, but the sensechal still had a moment to announce his arrival:

"His Most Serene and Imperial Majesty, Erich, First of the Name, Emperor of Humanity, King of the Romans!"

The almost skeletal sensechal shrunk back after the exertion of the shout, even as the entire assembly rose in respect of their leader. The Imperial gamehounds lept up at the noise and commotion, but quickly composed themselves and trotted over to their master. Marius arrived first, with Sulla and Julius on his heels, but they shied back when Erich didn't recognize him. Obviously, their master was busy, so they contented themselves with circling near his throne and lying down again.

"Firstly, we shall address, our newest vassal, Prince Georg of Saxony. Know that Saxony has not been forgotten nor escaped our imperial gaze. The unique position of Saxony in the Empire is recognized as one of great importance. Due to Saxony's historical neutrality, we wish to bestow upon you the office of Imperial Emissary Extraordinary et Plenipontentiary. This is not merely an honorary title, or a pretty plume to be placed in the Saxon coronet. Nay, this is a position of great responsibility. Should you accept it you shall have to represent the Empire and our own wishes in international courts fairly and honestly. You shall have to negotiate armistices and peaces, such as the Genoese one or the Scandinavian one. Further you shall have to review any and all agreements made with foreign powers, and give report to us on their manner and nature. Your first duty, should you accept the burden, will be to work with the Imperial High Treasurer to review all trade agreements between Imperial States and States not within the Empire and prepare a report on them for ourself and our parliament.

Regarding, the Archbishopric of Wurzburg, we once again request clarification of the relationship between the Duke of Thuringia and the Archbishop of Wurzburg. If such clarification backed by evidence is not forthcoming, we will not hear the matter and waste the Imperial parliament's time. The same may be said for the Ingermanland contract. If you can bring proof of its existance, we would be glad to command the Reichskammergericht to look into the matter and see whether Saxony has been wronged, and if so right such crimes."

Erich leans back a little, taking a sip of cold water from a servant who stood nearby to tend to the Imperial needs, before addressing the Diet as a whole,

"As His Most Catholic Majesty, the King of Castile-Leon has mentioned, even as we speak the forces of the Republic of Genoa have been annihilated and the devil armies of Islam march over their lands. We wish to place a question before the Diet, should we decide to intervene militarily, at least against the Golden Horde, the Razers of Constantinople, which of my vassals would wish to fight and which would prefer to send monies to fund the effort? All who participate shall receive great honors, however, those who fight alongside their Christian brothers shall most likely be awarded lands wrongfully held by the Infidel Horde. Certainly, the Hordelands are vast enough that every Imperial prince who participates will be able to gain at least one new fiefdom. It is our belief that by spreading out the lands of the Infidel among our vassals that we can better focus our missionary efforts. This assembly is given two months(Tues.) before a decision shall be made regarding the possibility of Imperial War."

The Emperor then looks on the Pommeranian delegate,

"Herr Zakrzycki, we would be most joyful if you would send couriers to Pommern summoning Albert Boguslav to us, as he is distinguished himself in the last crusade, and his advice concerning a war agains the Infidel would do much to augment our efforts. Truthfully, if he can lead an expedition as successful as his last, we would be able to conclude this war with all haste and expediency.

We also expect your master, our cher brother, who is most dear to our heart to sign the most recently revised Nuremburg Accord, for it demands only three provinces from the Swedes and is a most generous and kindly offered end to this long and bloody conflict. Know that our Imperial conscious would suffer great displeasure should this matter be left unresolved."

With a smile, the Emperor turns to look on the entire Diet,

"Our heart is filled with great joy on this day, for it is today that we announce our marriage to the beautiful Annabelle, Princess of the British Isles. The ceremony shall be held in the Church of Mater Dolorosa in Nuremburg in three months time(Sat.); invitations shall be sent out to all the princes of the Empire.

Many here have dennounced the Greifs and the Plantagenets in turn. With our upcoming most holy union, we command that there shall be no more insults thrown between these two families, both bound through marriage to the Imperial House of Wittelsbach. Know that any who cannot moderate their language will not be heard further in this parliament. Know further that we cherish our brother in law Joachim as well we cherish our soon to be sister in law Elionor and Penelope, just as we cherish all the House of Wittelsbach, including our cher cousin Christoffer of Denmark.

Finally, we wish to place before you a policy which we wish this learned parliament's thoughts on. Two months are alloted for suggestions and petitions before the Bull will be ensconsced in the Lex Imperii."

The clerks move among the delegates handing out scrolls:

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The Martial Bull

Prima - In the Year of Our Lord MCDXXX, with the consultation of the Most August Reichstag, His Most Serene and Pacific Majesty, Erich, First of the Name, Emperor of Humanity, hereby enacts this Martial Bull as the Law of the Empire.

Secunda - Henceforth never shall a state of war exist between the loyal states of the Empire. Never again shall Imperial Princes breach the Emperor's Peace and violate the sovereign boundaries of the Imperial States unsanctioned by law. Any breach of the Emperor's Peace is tantamount to the rennouncing of all rights and privileges of the Empire, and any unlawfully belligerant prince by defying the Lex Imperii, immediately removes from himself all rights, honors, privileges, titles, etc. once held by himself, including the sovereignty of his own state. A disloyal prince's state shall be considered an Imperial Fief for legal purposes until a more pious prince can be found to administrate the lands.

Tertia - The Princes of the Empire guarantee free passage for all troops of all loyal Imperial Princes through their lands. This right of uiniversal passage may be removed from a Imperial Prince upon his rebellion against the Empire, or as part of a temporary punishment. The Imperial Feldmarshal may grant this right to foreign Catholic princes on a temporary basis and subject to the review of the Emperor. All Imperial Princes further take an oath to forbid their soldiers from damaging in any way the lands or peoples of those lawful Imperial States they are passing through.

Quarta - The Abgage Kaiserlich is henceforth created as an Imperial Levy, during times of Weltkrieg Kaiserlich or Imperial War. Should the Reichstag in conjunction with the Emperor issue a declaration of Imperial War, either in defense of the Empire proper or in defense of her external interests, such as a crusade, all Princes of the Empire shall either join the war or make a payment of one thousand Imperial solidi(1 econ) toward the war effort under the direction of the Imperial Feldmarshal. Payments shall be spread over the participants in the war, most notably the Lords of the East and Western Marches and the Grand Admirals of the North and South.

Quinta - Henceforth all conflicts between Imperial States that cannot be handled through normal interstate diplomacy shall be resolved by the Reichskammergericht or petition to the Emperor. Should the nature of the offense be such that it cannot be resolved by the Lex Imperii, notably slights of honor and insults, those in conflict may engage in a duel, provided that they follow the regulations that shall be ennumerated in future Lex Imperii.

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[SiDeath]

Tesorieri manages to return to the Diet only in time to recieve his copy of the Martial Bull. He seems to have heard of the Tuscan victory in the civil court and is already dismayed, but he cannot help but overlook a mistake in the Bull.

"Good people, forgive my speech, but I feel I must request that a clause be added to Res Secunda, stating that war is possible between Imperial states with our Emperor's permission."

 

[Auspend]

Heinrich looks at the Genoan delegate, and shakes his head slightly.

"With all respect, I disagree. War between two loyal Imperial states would only lead to chaos. Do you wish the Empire to crumble into civil disarray or to be torn apart? I certainly hope not."

Heinrich then turns to adress Erich von Wittelsbach.

"Cousin, Lord Emperor, I fully support you in both this new Lex Imperii and in whatever stance you take against the vile horde. Truely you again show great wisdom in granting these new powers to the Reichskammergericht, and taking these actions to preserve peace in the Empire."

As Heinrich speaks, an excited young Frederick claps in an enthusiastic fashion. Heinrich looks back and a warm smile comes to his face.

"Even my son, a mere babe, likes this law."

As Count Heinrich says this a few delegates are heard politely chuckling.

 

[SiDeath]

The Genoan comes forth again.

"I do not mean war is always going to happen. I do mean that the Emperor and only the Emperor may give the power for two Imperial states to war on one another. I do this for the obvious necessity of our nations: war happens. I want the Emperor himself to be able to dictate it. Furthermore, I believe the Emperor should have a standing bodyguard, his own Praetorian Guard. This is for his safety as well as the safety of all delegates. It is my belief that these are beneficial, or else I wouldn't propse them."

 

[Auspend]

Heirich looks on with delight as the Genoan metions a Praetorian guard.

"A wonderful idea my good man. I throw my support behind it, for what it's worth. Now about this idea of intra-Imperial war: the Emperor has the power to declare a state to be unloyal, in which case certain Imperial nations will doubtless be asked to become involved. In this sense His Majesty does have the ability to condone war, but only under these circumstances would I find it appropriate."

 

[SiDeath]

The Genoan nods and tries to explain.

"Say a certain nation is impertinent and deserving of humiliation. You feel the way many others do, but the Emperor has seen nothing that resembles treason so his hands are tied. However, if he gives you such support and a free rein, you would take it, would you not? Finding a casus belli is easier than finding treason. I thank you for your support over a Praetorian Guard. No Emperor should be without one, as the Romans used to say. What is a Roman Emperor without his Praetorian Guard? . . . Pardon me, sometimes I wax philosophically on historical happenings. I am complete."

Tesorieri sat down quickly.

 

[Petrarca]

Ludovico rises again:

To respond to the many sophistries of the Genoans may take some time. Nevertheless, I must begin.

Genoa argues that they had the tacit permission of the Athenian Duke, whom, as the Emperor has requested, we are trying to bring back to the one true faith peacefully, in attacking Byzantium. I for one demand to see such evidence, for it was both of the Greek states that requested our assistance as liege lords in their defense. I think rather that Genoa's idea of tacit permission came in the form of threats towards the safety of Athens, and am pleased that so far the Emperor has deemed Genoa guilty.

Genoa promotes the twin ideas of fratricidal war and unrecognition of the Emperor's rights. We are all vassals of the Emperor, and because of this we dare not go to war with each other, for to do so would defy His Serene Majesty's sovereign power over us all.

As for the idea of a Praetorian Guard, though it may seem fit, I believe the forces able to marshalled on the Emperor's command fit for any duty, especially considering the ancient Praetorians' habit of regicide. I have no interest in introducing fratricide and regicide into the Empire, and therefore must launch on behalf of my master a protest that no such Guard is created.

Finally, for the Martial Bull, we request that no Imperial state go to war with a vassal of another Imperial state, for the lines of fealty again trace back to His Serene Majesty, so to do so would be another form of disrespect to the Emperor.

 

[Auspend]

Heinrich adresses one last point before leaving the diet hall for the day to spend some time with his family.

"Herr Ludovico, as to your last point the precedent for what you speak of will be set by the resolution of your case against the Genoans. As soon as Duke Johann of Bremen renders his verdict we will know if this will in fact be the case."

Upon saying this Count Heinrich leaves taking his son Frederick with him. One of the Emperor's hounds, Julius, seeing the young child leave trots after them only to be stopped by a closing door. Confused about this impenitrable barrier he scratches at it hoping to elicit some response. After nothing happening the dog forgets what it was doing and returns to Emperor Erich's feet.

 

[unmerged(5730)]

Georg had been thinking about the wrods spoken by their dear Emperor.

That man really has cleaned away all my doubts against him as Emperor, it is always as I think that the dea... No, I cannot think that way, but I am sure that Sigismund would be perkectly satisfied, where ever he now is.

He turned to Erich, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, first of his name, and his face expressed complete satisfaction, happiness, pride of being a part of the Empire. He bowed deeply before he spoke his meeing

"Dear Emperor, Noble Erich I, Kaiser von Menschlichkeit, Good Friend.

It is a great assignment you are offering me, it is great trust you are putting upon my shoulders, and that brings me great satisfaction. Never have no one given me that much trust, and even though it is a hard work, I have no doubts about my decision. I will gladly accept it, and do my best to serve my Empire well. Let the Emperor and God be with me in my struggle."

He made a pause, only to continue after a few seconds.

"Then we have this Würzburgian issue, let me first tell you that I, as Saxon Prince, appriciate that you, as first Emperor of three, really cares about this question, also that will help to get the after this hard time tested Saxon selfrespect bigger. The thing can be rather complicated. Yes, the Archbishop of Würzburg rules his lands, that is how it should be, but the thing is that the borders are drawn awfully bad, The lands of Würzburg have come to include Thüringa and a lot of other lands that belongs to the Saxon Dukes. Except from Thüringa they have valid claims upon Cities as Coburg and Sonneberg. We do not wish to redraw the boarders, as that could be complicated for the administration and the inhabitants around the boarders. Instead we are offering vassalship, where we offer Us to protect Würzburg as it would be Saxon lands, and that they pay us a yearly tribute. We find that offer totally fair. Would this, your Excellence, be a valid ground to accept our pleed? In that case I will send for the papers prooving that all the claims, and titles I have mentionen, are true."

Once again he makes a pause, looks through a binch of papers before he continues.

"About the Ingermanland issue I have no proofs, as the thing was discussed mouth to mouth in private, but I do not find the actual question about Ingermanland belonging to me that important. The important thing is that Joachim the Grief lied to the Saxon State, and that is what cannot be tolerated."

He stopped and read though the Martial Bull quickly again, and then continued to speek.

"Futher more I like this BUll very much, I must say that it is an excellent piece of work that shows on great intelligence.
I like the second artivle, to prevent wars within the Imperal boarders. I totally agree with the word spoken by my Friend from Württemburg here, although I feel that the Genoan man has something in what he says. Bad behavoir and wrongdoings is not always follewed by disloyalty to the Emperor, that is how you reads it. What I meen is that the way it is stated could be read like that, and forbid you from attacking a wrongdoing country in the Empire. It can be problematic. To the other articles I have nothing to add or say other that I find them all to be very good, and that my hope and believe is that they will serve the Empire well."

 

[Petrarca]

I confess that I see no difference in how the Imperial states carry themselves, as the so-called bad behavior shall surely be chastised properly by the Emperor without need for any war. We anxiously await the decision of the Empire upon our matter, in order to set such precedent vis-a-vis vassals.

With this, Ludovico retires for the night.