- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[Fireblade]

A man, dressed in the clothing of a Provencal noble, enters the Diet. He then strides to the front of the room, and delivers a speech.

"Emperor Joachim, nobles of the Diet,

I am Comte Estéve d'Anjou, second cousin of René d'Anjou, Duc of Anjou, of Bar, Comte of Provence, and rightful King of Naples and Sicily. My liege has sent me to this noble diet to take his place among his fellow princes of the Holy Roman Empire. Duc René shall personally travel to this Most August Assembly shortly, to personally swear fealty to the Emperor of Humanity, Joachim."

 

[Fireblade]

Comte Estéve d'Anjou is handed a message. He then stands and delivers a short speech.

"Emperor of Humanity, Princes of the Roman Empire, a most fortunate thing has occured. The Aragonese have agreed to drop their claim upon Naples, leaving Duke René the undisputed heir to the Crown of Naples. Duke René sends word that he shall be landing upon the shores of Napoli soon to claim his inheritance."

 

[unmerged(9600)]

A man approaches the Diet, taking a knee before the Imperial throne, and introducing himself to the illustrious assembly of German nobles. The representative from the Kingdom of Burgundy, Viscomte André de Laurendeau, glares angrily at the new man, and chews furiously on the end of his pipe.

"In the halls of the Emperor, I present myself to this Diet as a loyal son of the Holy Mother Church and the Empire of the Romans. I am Hermann Kastner, Count of Molsheim, loyal man of Prince Karl von Wittelsbach, Duke of Alsace. He has asked me to represent his wishes to this Diet, in hopes that the Imperial princes under the Lotharingian crown of Burgundy might continue to press their ancient rights, so long laid aside by strife."

Kastner waits for a response...

 

[Longinus]

Baron Hans-Dietrich von Kuppelweiser, Lord-Chancellor of Reichstag, greeted the Frenchman from Provance with sparks of interest in his eyes.

“Your Grace,

I wish to welcome you in the most humble Diet of the Holy Roman Empire. We are all honoured to welcome such a magnificent guest, still as the Lord-Chancellor of this very assembly I must request Your Grace to follow the protocol and formally ask for the right to speak before Diet and Emperor. The Forms Must be Obeyed. I am sure that Your Grace will understand that.”

He smiles gently and bows gracefully before proud count.

“Now, if Your Grace allows me I shall answer to your inquiries.” He pauses “Although I am not speaking for the Emperor I can assure Your Grace that His Serene Majesty will be most interested in speaking with You.

The issue of Provance as vassal to the Imperial crown is most delicate and undoubtedly should be discussed more. While the Treaty of Verdun was nullified, His Majesty King of France, senior of the province of Gualia and overlord of the House d'Anjou is still reluctant in swearing the oath before Emperor. I am sure however that d'Anjous would be most welcome to become first Imperial Princes in their line.

As for Your Grace’s cousin claims of Naples I have little to comment on apart of congratulations. I should remind though that His Imperial Majesty is the King of Italy at the same time, perhaps Duke René d'Anjou of Provance and Future king of Naples will pay homage to this crown as well. Time will tell and show what will happen.”

*****​

Baron von Kuppelweiser rose his eyebrows after hearing the words of the newest guest. ”Could it be that Princes are finally awakening from their apathy and fight back for their rights? It can mean a major turn in the west of the Empire, His Majesty will most probably like it, but would it be good for our stability? After so many internal strifes another is to come? I canot however deny this man and his lord his ancient privileges.”

“Hermann Kastner, Count of Molsheim,

Your Grace is most welcome in Nurnberg and by no means we would dare to deny any rights to members of noble Houses and Imperial Princes. Hereby, as the Lord-Chancellor of this very assembly I give you the right to speak before the assembly and His Imperial Majesty. Glory to the Empire, Alsace and House von Wittelsbach.”

 

[unmerged(18481)]

A rather cheerful, smiling Benedetto Correano stood up to speak. Obviously, he had received some good news not so long ago.

“Signore Lord-Chancellor,” he said, “with most respect, I would like correct you about the history of Provenzia… Provençe, as the Frenchmen call it. Actually, Provençe IS the part of the Empire according to the Treaty of Verdun, or even to the Treaty of Mersen. This territory was under the rule of the Kings of Lombardia, and later it became the center of the Kingdom of Arles, otherwise known as Kingdom of Burgundy. Both Kingdoms were, by their very nature, parts of the Empire. Provençe was widely regarded as Imperial until the times of… hmm… Charles I d’Anjou, who… hm-hmm… but that’s not so important.”

Correano, getting more and more embarassed, cleared his throat.

“But anyway… In my opinion the Count of Provençe has every rights to swear an oath of vassalage to His Most August Imperial Majesty, this way guiding his realm back under Imperial protection. And although I agree that serving two lords is not a very comfortable situation--” He broke off, but after a few moments of remembering, he continued, “--but Charles d’Anjou himself was Imperial vassal and the vassal of his brother, King Louis IX of France at the same time.
Signore Lord-Chancellor, noble lords of this most noble assembly, thank you for your attention.”

 

[unmerged(9600)]

Hermann Kastner nods his head as the Savoyard speaks.

"Indeed. And moreover, since the Treaty of Verdun and Treaty of Mersen have been nullified, anyone in the west who wishes to swear fealty to the Emperor should be permitted to do so."

At this, the Burgundian representative, André de Laurendeau starts up in his chair, and says "As I recall, the Treaty of Verdun was between three powers and not two. If France wishes to incorporate itself into the Holy Roman Empire, that is a matter for the French. However, the Duchy of Burgundy regards the Crown of Lothair as sovereign, even as the Kingdom of Burgundy pays homage to our sovereign Emperor. The Treaty of Verdun still applies to extra-Imperial lands in Burgundy."

Kastner narrows his eyes at his French counterpart, while de Laurendeau ferociously gnaws at his pipe.

 

[Fireblade]

Comte Estéve d'Anjou raises an eyebrow.

"Signore Lord-Chancellor, Provence has been a part of the Holy Roman Empire.. at least nominally, for hundreds of years. It is true that we have neglected to represent ourselves in this most August hall for many years, but that is something we hope to rectify."

Comte Esteve then nods at Benedetto Correano, for his support.

"Signore, Du.. King René has some business to attend to in the court of King Louis. However, as soon as possible, he shall personally come here to swear fealty to the Emperor.

I also thank you for your support, in King René's quest to secure his rightful throne."

 

[Bagricula]

There is a great deal of commotion in the Wittelsbach delegation, and soon a page brings to Herr Kastner three bottles of fine wine from the Rhineland as well as a small golden ring.

HM King Frederick of Epirus speaks briefly with Doctor Konrad von Richter who rises and addresses the Diet as a whole, his jovial face and ponderous body quivering with energy:

"Noble lords of the Reichstag, my master, His Majesty, King Frederick von Wittelsbach of Epirus, better know to your learned lords as the Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Swabia, or--Judge-Elector..."

He wags his finger, his wide grin turning to a dramatic scowl, as if accusing the entire Diet of some petty crime he and they were party to.

"Extends his shield to his cher cousine Duke Karl of Alsace, and perhaps more relevantly in this civilized age we live in his legal acumen. As paterfamilias Count Frederick of Wittelsbach knows well of his House's many holdings through the Lotharingian lands and where the crimes of the past have bereft his House of their lands. A pacific and pious man, like his father Heinrich of Wurtemburg, and his late foster father, His Most Serene and Pacific Majesty, Erich I Lexiferrous, Emperor of Humanity, Frederick ever seeks harmonious peace with the wise and radiant Queen in Dijon. Indeed, the long friendship between our two realms reaches back to before the reign of King Victor the Merchant. Certainly, then as patriarch of the Wittelsbach clan, he will work to ensure the civil and peaceful rectification of any wrongs against the ancient rights of His Highness, Prince Karl von Wittelsbach."

 

[unmerged(9600)]

Kastner, clearly impressed, says "Your Majesty, it is an honor. My lord was certain that his most noble cousin would stand ever by him, just as my lord stands by the high house of his fathers. We stand by our Queen, but we also stand by our Emperor, and despite the mistrust of some, the princes of the Kingdom of Burgundy must be allowed to have a voice in the Diet. I only hope that more delegates arrive, so that the purposes of Lotharingia and the Empire might be bound together in harmony."

 

[unmerged(24249)]

A breathless man arrives."I am extremly sorry but I arrived as soon as I get news about this debate...news are spreading quickly in this city"

"let me introduce myself I am Franz Steinburg representative of Baden grand duchy and I must say this is untorelable!Even we don't have vote in diet and we should give votes to some frenchmen?"

man turns to emperor "Your Most Serene and Pacific Majesty this must be some silly joke"

and then he turns to queen "such bad humor before emperor!"

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Stefan Drechsler of Bremen rises as the Baden emissary arrives.

"Herr... Steinburg?
I assure you that the Emperor is most willing to listen to Baden, now that a representative of Baden have arrived. What have given you the impression that Baden is not welcome here?

As for Burgundy. I fail to see why they should not be allowed representation here. All loyal princes of the Empire, and some extra-Imperial to, are allowed such. And is not Burgundy an Imperial nation, or does it al least not Imperial provinces?"

 

[unmerged(24249)]

"Your highness Burgundy didn't ever did anything for the empire and I am afraid might couse trouble to the empire for you see the France is divided and so I am afraid there is great rivalry among these nations and as part of holy roman empire they might ask for help altought these matters are no importance for us and furthermore fact is that about half of their land is off the borders of rmoan empire"

said ambassador

"And why we are not welcome your Your Most Serene and Pacific Majesty?We aren't neither Imperial delegates, parliamentarians, or representatives in the Diet and our magnificient grace Jakob I Grand duke of Baden Isn't even counted as prince of empire altought we belong to Imperial fiefdoms."

 

[HJ Tulp]

Rogier Klef rose too speak.

''I can make a speech about Burgundy or Lotharngia or whatever they are called this week. A speech that would be true yet very inpolite. However, Burgundy still is a Imperial nation, Burgundy should stay Imperial like all Imperial lands should. Every Impeirial nation has the right too express it's views in this noble Diet. The Holy roman Empire is also the sword of the Church and if I may say so, the greatest power of Christian Europe if it is united. That brings responsibility, if things that weaken the Church and the Empire happen in France then the Empire should act.

Fact is aswell that two-thirds of Gelres land is outside the Empire, so is Bremens land as I am still not sure if Prussia is Imperial land or not. The Most Serene and pacific Majesty himself owns large holdings outside the Empire. Should we be casted out? I think not. Furthermore, all our Head of States are princes or something like that. Your DUke as well, is he a Grand Duke now? Hmmm didn't know ofthat.''

 

[unmerged(24249)]

"You have refused to be inpolite to Burgundy just to be inpolite to us?And By adding burgundy to Roman empire we won't unite christian world oh no we would divide it as burgundy will drain our money and their armies will cross by our lands, and fact that emperor has possesions outside of empire is irellevant.And yes altought all of heads of states in roman empire are princes our grace isn't wich I find strange and It should be stated that he IS an prince of roman empire.You should watch your tongue here you are at court of roman empire and not in brothel,how dare not to greet with proper tittles!
"

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Stefan rose again, and spoke. His voice was a bit higher, and it was obvious he was loosing patience.

"Herr Steinburg, watch your toungue. I'll have you know that herr Klef represents Gelre, a nation that has exalted in her duties to the Empire, and that duke Willem Egmont of Gelre is Admiral of the North, a title of great honour.
I will also have you know that the duchies of Bremen, Hannover and Prussia holds all insults against Gelre as insults against insults against Bremen as well.

Enough said of these matters.
You are allowed representation in the Diet, and that the dukes of Baden has untill now not exercised that right cannot be held against this assembly.
Jacob I is a prince of the Empire, as is Johann III of Bremen and all other rulers of independent nations, be their titles duke, grand duke or margrave.

I personally consider the ruler of Lotharingia a prince of the Empire, or at least so within those parts of Her Majestys realm that fall within Imperial borders. As such, proper representation for these provinces should be allowed, and noone, save you, have contested that before."

 

[unmerged(24249)]

"A wise words indeed your majesty"
Said Steinburg in fear of emperors anger.
"I think you choosed most wisely and we agree with you in matter of representation of Burguny in diety but I'd like to say that we would be most happy if these provinces could be represented but Burgundy itself shouldn't be attached to empire or at least be given any high offices."

He bowed to emperor and queen and as he was leaving he was thinking if he was succesfull at all.

 

[unmerged(9600)]

André de Laurendeau at last stands to meet the representative from his lady's neighbor.

"Your Serene Majesty, I am not sure what my counterpart from Baden is speaking of. Every Imperial Prince, such as my lord the Duke of Alsace, or my sovereign, the Queen of Burgundy, stands equal in this chamber, save for Your Majesty. Indeed, on the constitution of Lotharingia, which bears the signatures of both of dear departed Pope Joseph, and Victor the Merchant, as well as the Kings of England and France, it clearly states the the Kingdom of Burgundy is an Imperial state, composed of Imperial states. Although the Queen of Lotharingia owes allegiance only to God and his holy church, as the Queen of Burgundy, she owes fealty to the Emperor, just as you all do. The Duchy of Burgundy remains outside the Empire, and has been seperated from France, and made subject to Lotharingia. To deny the ruler of so many Imperial lands the right to appear in this Diet, or to hold Imperial office would be a gross violation, especially since many of the allies of the Emperor have taken hold of much of Scandinavia by their wars there. There is no crime in their holding office here, and so it is with the Queen of Burgundy."

Hermann Kastner then stands.

"It is rare that I find myself in agreement with the Queen's envoy, but in this case we must stand together. To try and rob an Imperial Prince like my lord of his rights is exactly what I was sent here to prevent. I am a faithful servant of the Emperor, and my lord is a noble one of the ancient house of Wittelsbach. Why should I be denied the right to speak?"

 

[Longinus]

Baron Hans-Dietrich von Kuppelweiser, Lord-Chancellor of Reichstag, speaks to Benedetto Correano of Piedmonte.

“Your Grace is of course right, we are all awaiting impatiently the reunification of Empire started by His Imperial Majesty Erich von Wittelsbach first of his name.

Unfortunately, as we all know, Louis, King of France and Senior of Guail, after obtaining Imperial help against false pretender Richard of Normandy and annulling Verdun treaty is reluctant to move forward and recognize Emperor as his direct liege.

This indeed puts us in difficult situation, where Duke is before his King, very awkward."

Then he turns to Hermann Kastner of Alsace.

“Your Grace, I shan’t comment on this matter for I am not speaking in the name of Emperor. I know however that His Imperial Majesty wishes to resolve those issues once and for all in the near future. If I remember correctly, Queen of Lotharingia and late Regent and Duchess of Auverage were to come to Nurnberg and speak on those matters."

Finally von Kuppelweiser bows before Comte Estéve d'Anjou.

“Your Grace, we are awaiting Your liege and cousin eagerly here in Nurnberg.”

*****​

Sometime later Baron von Kuppelweiser witnesses a discussion between delegates and nameless ambassador from Daden.

”Sir Knight”

He speaks to Badenian.

“First I would kindly ask you to state your name, position, allegiance and credentials so that I could formally grant you the right of speak before this assembly and represent your Lord.

Secondly, I assure your grace that regardless of our background we are all Imperial nobles, some are German by birth, other French, other Italian, other Czech, some other Dutch, and so on and so on.

Empire and vast and powerful. Diversities makes us powerful and wise sire, no doubt about it. Every Imperial Lord and freistadt has the right to send their representatives to this Most August assembly, this is ancient our privilege.

Duchy of Burgundy is one of the Imperial fiefdoms and pays homage to the Holy Roman Emperor, after the annulment of Verdun treaties even her western positions falls under Imperial jurisdiction."

 

[Karamazov]

Dieter von Ludovico speaks to the diet, indifferently:

The Reichskammergericht has been given ample time to proceed with any charges against the government of Hessen regarding the incidents some time ago, yet no action has been taken. Therefore, it is clear the judicial body does not see the matter important, and my Lord feels that the matter should be dropped entirely so we can move forward, especially given that most of those involved have been deposed or have passed away and any actions were offically forgiven by those wronged.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

Stefan Drechsler rises in response to Dieter von Ludovicos words.

"As the representative of His most Clement Judge, Richter von Gross Germania Johann III of Bremen, I second that motion. Unless countermeasured by either Emperor or the Judge-Elector, no action will be taken against Hessen for her actions in the Danish war against the Greif-Schussel Allianz."