- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[Karamazov]

Leopold von Spangler raps his cane for attention and speaks:

Your excellence, while your intentions are indeed honorable and good, I feel I must point out some issues that are of cause for concern. The Imperial Princes have always been given the responsibility of protecting their lands, and their honor. What do you say to the fact that this Bull severely inhibits the birthrights of the Imperial Princes, by forcing them to harbor foreign armies and removing any legal ability for them to determine appropriate use of force in conflicts?

I would like nothing more than for peace to reign across the Empire, but by declaring such a Bull you are decreasing the rights of the Imperial Princes, and I feel such laws are simply useful until someone gains enough support to break them, and why allow conflicts to escalate to a point where such defiance is necessary.

I admire your idealism, but certainly, whether they admit it or not, the Princes of the Empire will feel slighted by the notion that they no longer have the ability to effectively control their lands. If a conflict between two states arises, which no doubt it will, why force a small conflict to slowly boil until it becomes a large conflict?

Your excellency, these are simply concerns I think must be addressed, as rapid centralization of the Empire will undoubtably leave behind a layer of dangerous nationalism. It is not that I wish for war or conflict, but I believe war is better averted through cooperation, not conformation.

 

[Auspend]

Zweig looks at the Hessian, glad that Heinrich has finally left the chamber. Smiling in his own fashion, which can only be called nasty, he speaks.

"And pray tell us sir, do you ahh have a better idea for preserving the hmm peace? And how does this ahh Bulle keep conflicts from being resolved. It just makes them happen in a ahh different fashion. What makes a ahh duel or trial any worse than an ahh armed conflict hmm? Or do you personally have some hmm plans that this law interferes with? Oh yes, you say foreign armies, but the peacekeepers would be none other than ahh Imperial troops who are hardly ahh foreign."

 

[Karamazov]

von Spangler glances at Zweig without emotion:

Do not presume to point a finger at my Lord for simply disagreeing with a policy. He will, of course, do his best to adhere to the laws of the Empire as always.

The central problem with duels and trials is that after they are over, conflict can still erupt, possibly at a worse scale then before, and since the Emperor would be relying on forces he does not control to police his laws, it is conceivable that, like Victor I's reign, support for the throne could be lost, and all wars that had previously been prevented would ensue. When I say foreign I mean armies not controlled by the leaders of the land.

If you really want my opinion, simple mediation, negotiation, and humility are the best ways of avoiding conflict at this time. That is our position, which we simply believe should be heard.

 

[Longinus]

Josef Zakrzycki yawned after Henry of Macklemburg outburst and replied with phlegma, however he adressed Johann of Bremen and ignored Maclemburgians completly.

"Good God, I smell alcohol in the air... hmmm yes but it is not my bussines at least I am sober.

Your Grace,

I require Imperial Court assistance and hereby accuse Henry of Maclemburg of gravest slander these halls have ever heard. I respect the right to state ones opinions, freedom of speech etc. etc. Especially concerning the fact that Victor von Blommenstein himself was trying to shut me up.

However, Macklemburgian duke's violent, blunt, continious and barbaric attacks are unprecedented. These attacks have also no basis in truth and facts as we all know that House of the Greif is one of the most noble and honorable ones, not only in the Empire but also in all Europe.

I call duke of Bremen to review this case as he is Richter of Gross Germania and Macklemburg is under his jurisdiction. If I am wrong then I require the Imperial Court to procede with the trial of Henry, Duke of Macklemburg.

As to Saxon Regent's claims they are prepestrous, Saxons betrayed us and dethroned the legal Regent Freidrich von Wettin. They supported Victor von Blommenstein who was plotting against the Pope. All in all they put forvard a child as a candidate for the Imperial Purple which was a mockery of the Elections. By doing all of it Saxons betrayed her allies and didn't even help in negotiating the peace with Prussia and Lithuania. Death of Friedrich von Wettin was the sorrowful event and thus Saxony lost their gratest benefactor."

After readin a preachment handed to him by the page Josef pauses for a moment and then speaks up again.

"Your Most Serene Majesty, Noble Princes and Delegates,

I was informed a moment ago that Joachim of the Greif will soon adress the Emperor and the Diet concerning the Scandinavian issue and the Martial Bull."

 

[unmerged(8054)]

It had been some hectic days for Johann III of Bremen.
First, he had to give his verdict in the trial against the Doge of Genoa, and since he had his secretary take notes during most of the sessions in the Reichskammergericht, that required that he read through paga after page of transcriptions.

Second, he spent some time discussing with the Emperor. The contents of the discussions were not known to the public, but it was widely believed that the two of them planned increased power to the Imperial Commerce Commission.

Third, the Saxons appointment to Imperial Emissary Extraordinary et Plenipontentiary had meant, that the two of them had spent days reading through the various trade agrements signed by Imperial nations with non-Imperial nations, discussing each one as they found it.

Fourth, the Emperors newly proposed Martial Bulle had required some time from the allready busy dukes schedule, as he had decided to read it personally rather than delegate the task to some underling, and then follow said underlings advice.

However, one by one the Bremer dukes obligations were concluded.

Reichskammergericht​

"I, in my position as Richter von Germania, finds the doge of Genoa guilty in violating the territory of Tuscanys vassals, and it was not only the right, but also the duty of Tuscany to intervene, or have other intervene on their behalf.
The doge of Genoa is further to blame for the continuation of the war. By having ignored the continued attempts by fellow christian monarchs, the doge was the direct cause of the continuation of the war, and thus the death of thousands of christian soldiers.
While I do understand what prompts His Imperial Majesty to call for mercy in the punishment, I find that the doge of Genoa has shown himself not to posses most of the virtues that should dominate the personality of a christian prince.
Though it is not in my power to judge, I do propose that the doge of Genoa is placed in direct vassalship to the Emperor of Humanity, a vassalship that will be reevaluated by this 'Gericht once a year, untill such time as we deem the doge ready to once again accept full responsibility for the fate of his nation."

Imperial Diet​

"Honoured delegates, Your August Imperial Majesty. I have, in close cooperation with herr Georg of Saxony, Imperial Emissary Extraordinary, reviewed the treaties binding various nations of the Empire to nations outside the Empire.
We have decided that it is not within our power to undo treaties signed by christian rulers, nor have we any desire to do so, and thus all signed treaties to this day are, from the viewpoints of the Imperial High Treasurer and the Imperial Emissary Extraordinary, found to be legal.
We do have a few points of concern, most of which deals directly with Genoa.
Allthough Genoa is currently involved in a series of wars against the heathens of the East, the doge of Genoa has signed numerous trade accords with the same heathens.
These treaties all share one thing; they exclude other Imperial nations from trading with a number of goods.
While I do not object to any nation negotiating benefits for its merchants, such as protection from harbour fees, imports tolls and the like, I do object to the praxis of excluding other nations merchants from markets.
Furthermore, on a personal basis, I object to treaties being signed with heathen rulers. Christian princes should not deal with the Devils worshippers.
As said, this is not commands, as all treaties are found valid, but rather recommendations.

Finally, to the matter of this "Martial Bulle".
I am firmly against it. We all agree that Imperial princes should not war against each other, but to be frank, this bulle is one step to many towards a centralized Empire ruled from Nurnberg.
Our strength is our diversity. Each and every one of us rules the lands we know, directs the lives of a people we understand.
His August Imperial Majesty, Kaiser Erich I, is wise, and is a noble lord of the people of the Palatinate, a man I am proud to serve as Imperial High Treasurer. But he is not a Bremer, and he does not understand the needs of the Bremer people like I do.
There is a reason I rule Bremen, just as they is a reason each and every prince in the Empire rules his fief.
The Holy Roman Empire is not England. It is not one state, but a multitude of states, each striving to strenghten both the Empire and itself.
The Emperor is not duke of Bremen. I am. And I, and I alone, decide when Bremer soldiers will march to war, and when they will not. That is my right as Imperial prince.
It is also my right to ask the Holy Roman Emperor for his support, or his protection, and should I find myself the victim of an unjust war, started by one of my enemies within the Empire, I would use this right. As I am sure we all would."

 

[Petrarca]

Ludovico sighs,

"I welcome the declaration of Genoa's guilt by the Duke of Bremen. It is sad that Tuscany herself shall receive no compensation for the devious actions of Genoa, but such is life. Perhaps the demonstration of Genoa's need for guidance illustrates also that Piedmont-Savoy should not be held to the Genoese for their own guidance."

 

[Auspend]

~The Verdict~​

Heinrich looks on impassively as the Pfalzian and Duke Johann state their verdicts. As they finish, he stands and addresses the court.

"My fellow honored judges, thank you for your words of wisdom. I shall heed them as I speak now. Firstly, I find the Tuscan's case to be stronger and just. The Genoans interfered in the affairs of Tuscany by trying to undermine their authority in their vassal state of Athens, and it's own vassal the Eastern Empire. As the decision seems unanimous in favor of the Tuscans I must now pass sentence.

Firstly I must speak of the Genoans unique cirumstances at the moment. They are under seige by forces both of vengeful Christian states and by those of the hated infidel. It is because of this that their punishment shall be more lenient than it would otherwise. The sole punishment to Genoa is as follows.

The Richtership of Italia shall henceforth not be held by the Doge of Genoa. The title shall instead be granted to Cosimo de Medici or his duly appointed representative, pending the approval of the Princes of the Empire.

In addition, due to the Genoans inability to give more, I ask that the Emperor also grant the Countship of Canossa to Cosimo de Medici as recompense. In addition, I recommend that an Imperial representative is sent to the court of Genoa to keep such fiascos like this from ever happening again. As Richter-Kurfurst thus I speak, and thus shall it be done.

 

[SiDeath]

Tesorieri grinds his teeth upon hearing the verdict, but bows instead.

"You are too kind, milord."

Upon hearing the words of Bremen's Delegate, he replies:

"You have said that this would further centralize the government here in Nurnberg. To be quite frank with you, it would. What do you have to fear from a demand that war must not be made among men of the Empire? Is there something you wish to tell the assembeled body? Perhaps you do not feel that mutual protection is worthy of our monies? What about the Martial Bull, besides a wise move to centralize, do you contest?"

 

[unmerged(5730)]

Georg, after hearing the statements of Duke Johann replies.

"That is right, that is what is decided, and I hope that our Lord the Emperor will agree with our thoughts. Anyway", he begins, "I have a suggestion to prevent complications."

He turns to Emperor Erich and bows.

"Dear Emperor, my suggestion is that you in the Martial Bull add an article concerning the relation between the written word in a treaty and the words of the Emperor. The thing is that for me, and many others I hope and believe, the word of the Emperor stands higher than anything else. But I believe that for some it might not, because of that, I would like to in the Martial Bull include a line that states that the Emperor's word stands higher than any treaty, any word or anything at all. That is ofcousre nothing to concern about, as it is only formal, and just states what we all takes for a part of nature.

Futher more I would just like to add that I fully support Emperor Erich and the Martial Bull, I see it as a great idea to bring all of us closer and the co-operation between Imperal States better, without taking too much power away from the Imperal Princes. As we all have seen in the last time, the Empire has too many times been near a breakdown. And that is dangerously, and concerns me. This is the only way to prevent a collaps in the future I believe is actions like this, have that in mind. Are you worth risking the future of the Empire?"

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Johann of Bremen, returning to the Diet from the office in which he conducts his business as Imperial High Treasurer, reads through the notes taken by his secretary, when the secretary discreet points to a passage in the papers.
Johann then raises and bows to the assembly.

"Noble delegates, Your August Imperial Majesty.
Herr Tesorieri of Genoa asks why I am against the Martial Bulle.
I am against it for exactly the same reasons herr Tesorieri call wise; that it is a move to centralize power in Nurnberg.
It might be hard to understand for a Genovese, but when I took upon my head the ducal coronet of Bremen, I swore an oath to the nobles and the people of Bremen, that I would always work for the benefit of Bremen, and first among the demands that this oath puts on me, is the struggle to keep Bremen independent.

For us Bremers, the independence of Bremen is not something to take for granted. And that is why we defend it. The soldier defends it on the field of battle, my many diplomats defend it daily in the many courts of Europe, and I and herr Dyck defends it within these halls.
I do know that His August Imperial Majesty only wishes the best for the Empire, but my duty is to God first, the citizens of Bremen second, and the Holy Roman Empire third.
The city of Bremen will not tolerate the loss of any of its privilegies. The duke of Bremen shall, as any other Imperial prince, be allowed to mint his own coins, to rule by his own law, and to wage his own wars, should it be needed.
Herr Tesorieri, I do not wish to start wars, that I leave for others..." At this point, the duke of Bremen holds a pause, and stares the delegate from Genoa directly in the eyes "... and thus I have no objections to the idea behind the Martial Bulle.
However, I do object to any privilegie, any at all, being removed from an Imperial prince.
Therefore, I do propose this compromise. If any in this room have fear of being attacked, this idea will allow them to sleep sound.
And those who feel like I do, that we will nor surrender our rights and hardwon independence, should hopefully be able to live with this.
I propose that the Emperor of Humanity is allowed to declare any war entered by an Imperial Prince unjust, and to order that prince to call home his soldiers.
None here would dream of starting an unjust war, I am sure, and therefore this does not diminish our rights. And should any prince enter a war with just reason, well, such wars would be allowed buy the original Martial Bulle, nicht wahr?"

Johann bows and returns to his seat.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Gerhard von Lübbel, Mecklemburgs speaker at the Diet, looks at Josef Zakrzycki, the big-mouth Pommerian.

"Bold words sire, bold words. You wish to drag us before the Gericht, ehh? Are you sure that is what you want?"

the Mecklemburgian smiles arrogantly

"If I were you, I would think about what kind of defence we would come up with. We would of course line up ALL the times that Pommeria has reacted like liars, men of war, plunderers, usurpers, false kings, backstabbing friends, false allies... the list goes on and on and on... I am not sure that Duke joachim would be so thrilled to see his dirty laundry be put on public display."

von Lübbel looks at the assembled princes.

"I think I speak on behalf of most people here, when I say, that your claims of your Duke being the most noble and honourable prince in the Empire is... ha, ha... is... hi, hi..."

von Lübbel laughs as he has never laughed before. And it is a long laugh...

"HA, HA, HA!!! Then the state of honour in the Empire is truly sad, if your Duke represents the best... aaahh... he, he..."

the Mecklemburgian wipes the tears of laughter from his eyes. Then he shakes his head.

"We would be delighted to be put before the Gericht. Our witnesses would be every nobleman that your Duke has misused during his reign. It would be sons and daughters of people, your Duke has slaughtered. It would be every victim of Pommerian injustice that there is in the Christian lands... and thats is a lot, sir! If you were in doubt. So please, go ahead, accuse us! Come on, be men about it, or is it just empty words, again?"

 

[Longinus]

Josef looks with disgust at von Lübbel and turns again to Duke Johann and Count Heinrich.

"Your Graces,

As you can see Macklemburgian can't help themselves and continiue their barbaric and primitive attacks.

I call once again the Richter of Germania or whole Imperial Court if this is not his responsibility, to summonl duke Henry of Macklemburg as I accused him of high slander against House of the Greif."

 

[unmerged(9313)]

von Lübbel looks at Duke Johann and Count Heinrich

"It would be our pleasure to stand before the Gericht and speak against the Pommerians. The sooner the better!"

 

[unmerged(3110)]

A note is passed to the Emperor from Cardinal, prince elector Torquemada.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Aletter arrives at the offices of the Imperial Inquisition.

Respected Imperial high Inqisitor,

It has come to the attention of his Holiness that certain serious allegations are being made in Mecklemburg.

Treason, murder, conspiracy against the Duchy of Mecklemburg, conspiracy of assassination, theft of Duchal property, theft of Church property, etc. etc.

By the Seven Counts

Apparently they are to be beheaded.

His holiness expresses concern over this, as it is rare in the extreme that such a body would do such a thing, and more likely a malicious power play is afoot.

Therefore you are asked to set such officers as you see fit to look into this matter, and please inform his most August majesty and the Inquisition Grandmaster along with his holiness of your findings.

It is our concern in veiw of the fact that it is claimed church property was stollen and the Emperors for more obvious reasons.

On behalf of his holiness

Father Alphons

 

[unmerged(547)]

With his gratitude offered to the Empire for permitting his words, King Kristoffer returns to Denmark and leaves Niels Galt in Nuremburg to finalize the Accord. Apparently the Queen and her personal guard are heading...West?

 

[unmerged(5730)]

Prince Georg turns to the Pomeranian, Josef Zakrzycki and Herr Gerhard von Lübbel from Mecklenburg.

With a sight of disgust he begins to speak with Josef.

"You will win nothing by your arrogans, dear Josef. I see that you Pomaranian men seems to have a hard time being critizised. Bringing Duke Henry to the Gericht for his words seems to me to be a total waste of their valuable time. But, I know another man that would stand before the Gericht, that is the man from Pomerania that attended at the Imperal Elections, I believe it was you, but I am not sure. That man, was the main reason that drove young Sigismund to take his own life. Futher more I agree with Herr Lübbel that the injust acts of Pomerania are far greater than the ones of Mecklenburg, who I find have done nothing wrong."

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Johann III of Bremen, Richter von Gross Germania, adresses the delegates from Pommern and Mecklemburg.

"Very well, since herr Josef Zakrzycki is adamant in hs demands that Duke Henry IV of Mecklemburg is called before the Richter von Gross Germania, I am forced to do so.
Gerhard von Lübbel, would you kindly inform duke Henry IV that his presence is required in Bremen in two weeks (OOC:tomorrow).
I will leave the Diet today, as my business here is concluded. Duke Henry IV will be asked to present evidence that he has not lied about the Pommeranian Protector.
Herr Josef Zakrzycki, a representative of Pommern is called to serve as prosecutor in this case, I trust you will be able to find such a man, and order him to present himself in Bremen in two weeks(OOC:tomorrow).

Genltemen, I must leave you now. Ullrich Dyck will continue to represent Bremen in thos noble asembly."

The next day, Johann III of Bremen starts his tour home to Bremen, and to his son, whom he has not seen for over half a year.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

von Lübbel adresses Duke Johann...

"I am sorry, your higness, but my Duke will not be able to come to Bremen personally. There are several things he has to end here, for example his wedding. Would it be sufficient if another high ranking Mecklemburgian took his place? Perhaps Adolf von Plau? Anyway, a journey this soon is not possible, I am sorry, even though we definitely look forward to presenting our oppinion."

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Johann answers von Lübbel in private.