- ARCHIVE - Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire

[Longinus]

Heinrich Zakrzycki herbu Wczele speaks on behalf of Emperor.

"Your Graces,

It is also His Majesty's wish to drop this issue and not to blame new branches of the House of Hessen, His Majesty would like however to see new ruler of duchy and take his oath before his authority and the rest of Empire.

A formal letter shall be sent to His Grace Franz I soon."

 

[Fireblade]

Comte Estéve d'Anjou is handed a note. As he reads it, his face darkens. Then he stands, and angrily addresses the rooms.

"Princes of the Empire! I have just been informed by the Cardinal of Marseille, Jean-Bernard Law, that the ancient privileges granted to the Archbishops of Cologne, Trier, and Mainz have been stripped from them! How absurd.. the three ecclesiastical electors of the Holy Roman Empire, having their rights as Cardinals stripped from them! Whoever did this is most surely a heretic, and Provence demands that this oversight be corrected!

Whichever Pope the Conclave elects shall most surely be a heretic, and an Anti-Pope. And I swear to you, the King of Naples, René I d'Anjou, shall not, and shall never, tolerate an Anti-Pope!"

 

[Karamazov]

von Ludovico raises an eyebrow and speaks:

Can you elaborate, mein Herr? What authority attempts to drive a wedge between the Church and the Empire? I would think that the Cardinal of Marseille has no particular authority over German Cardinals. Is there proof to your words?

 

[Fireblade]

Comte Estéve d'Anjou raises an eyebrow.

"Perhaps I misspoke, or perhaps you misunderstand. The King, the Cardinal, nor myself do not, and never shall, claim any authority over the Church of Germany. I only speak as a Prince of the Empire, who is quite.. disturbed, at the ancient privileges granted to the Archbishops."

 

[Petrarca]

Apprehensive Delight
Nürnberg​

A ruffle announced the entrance of Ladislav into the Diet. Count Rozmberk rose as His Majesty entered, curious to see who else followed and desired better relations with the Crown. Speaking with the kanzler, Ladislav prepared to address the Diet:

“Notable delegates to the Reichstag, commendably representing your principalities, republics, and ecclesiastical properties, we greet you and bid you all fair tidings.

We have beseeched this august body, the council which guides the direction of the most Christian and catholic Empire of Humanity, to appear before those assembled, in hopes of continuing the reign of honorable justice over the proceedings of the united Empire. Long have my families watched with favor the rise of noble dynasts and their realms to authority large and small, bettering the Empire through their service, and indeed both houses, those of the Wittelsbach and those of the Luxemburg, upheld their share of responsibility and even going beyond that in the performance of duty. I cite with nostalgic heart the efforts of His Imperial Majesty Karl IV, who created the very structure upon which we rest upon, the Golden Bulle and the various other constitutions core to our Empire. More recently, His Imperial Majesty Erich, the Law-bringer, who fought on the for justice both on in the halls of this Diet and the field of battle.

But we do not mean to bore you with tales of exploits pass’d. The once-bright fire of the Luxemburg house, spanning this continent in glory, has dwindled to where shadows of rebellion, sedition, and revolt now overpower the light. To begin to relate the tale of Karl of Limburg, the archvillain among men who destroyed both his own person and the Duchy of Luxemburg in his greed as he attempted to seize the fief for himself, would bring tears to the eyes of all honorable men, for it is an account filled only with tragedy.

Tragedy, you great notables from all the Empire, is too often ever-present in the lives of men. We seldom escape it, usually in the form of reaffirming Christ’s promise of salvation. But rarely, we have a chance to undo the cruel turns of Fortuna’s wheel and right the world, molding it into a more Christian fashion and defying the machinations of Satan. Should opportunity ever be open to you, to use your strengths to restore the Almighty’s justice and proper order, then we urge you to seize it, for such moments are rare and fleeting. On whatever scale, right the wrongs perpetrated on the innocent and chastise the wicked for their crimes.

Yet we come not here today to scold your utterly honorable persons. We have felt that the Empire has truly acted according to the will of God in restoring what was once lost to those who have lost it and properly punishing thieves even if by force of arms.

And so we congratulate all who labored and fought on the side of justice, to do right and reinstate our line, Wittelsbach-Luxemburg, long forgotten and slowly harassed until oblivion, onto our proper thrones with the ducal tiaras that, when lost, left an aching hole in our hearts. Lower Austria, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola—these are all names of family possessions, dearly prized and loved by us, that the Empire has brought back to us like Christ brings back sheep to their flock. We are in perpetual gratitude to those who fought the Habsburg depravity and injustice and were our partisans.

One has done far more than ever required of him by law either divine or created by man. Frederick von Wittelsbach, King of Epirus, Archsteward, Count Palatine, Duke of Swabia, committed to us both his arms and his undying loyalty. To this we can but reciprocate, for he has gone beyond the borders of the Empire and what is merely required to advocate justice across the world, a justice that knows no bounds. His wisdom, and that of His Eminence, Cardinal Rainmund, the illustrious Judge-Elector, gave to us another possession that was lost to us.

The regalia of our venerated uncle, His Imperial Majesty Sigismund, Emperor of Humanity, King of Bohemia and Hungary, Duke of Luxemburg, has been returned to us in His Majesty Frederick’s most gracious royal generosity. The Crown of Bohemia, that of sainted King Wenceslas, and the royal scepter already pertained to us. But now His Majesty recognizes his cousin, brother both by blood and royal sovereign duty, as the true successor to Sigismund’s line. The array of Sigismund—his royal robes, the Crown of St. Stephen, the ducal tiara of Luxemburg—are now returned to our family.

We pray that you, the ever-wise delegates, will acknowledge the undeniable righteousness and veracity of our proclamation. Our dear uncle, Sigismund, who labored long for the Empire he loved, has but one descendant left of his family’s line. We are the last remaining Luxemburg, and yet even the name is not exclusive, for we share it with our father’s, that of Wittelsbach.

As the nephew of Sigismund and last of his dynasty, we seek to pursue the primacy of our claims wherever they may lie. Ours is the only contention to the Duchy of Luxemburg, in chaos since the death of our aunt, the most wise Duchess Elisabeth.

Ours is the only claim to the lands of the Luxemburg, and it shall not be denied by usurpers. We cannot permit those who would oppose our preeminent claims for their own gain of dominions rightfully ours to defeat the proper sovereign. We offer no quarter to traitors and rebels, and we will continue to prosecute our claims until the sovereign sits on his proper throne with his realm secured.

We extend this same commitment to any other prince of the Empire, be he secular or religious. We guarantee the rightful throne to its ruler so that justice may indeed reign. We take as example for edification the position of René de Anjou, Count of Provence, et cetera, who has rightful position as King of Naples, a position most unfairly denied him by the nobles of that country. Were it possible, we should seek to aid the action to regain that territory to its true owner.

Let your pardons be begged and forgiveness asked should this address fall unkindly upon your ears. Some may declare this the last gasp of a dying dynasty, attempting to proclaim grandiosely before fading into the night. Let us assure you delegates that we have no intent nor would we brook passive decay, and that our only purpose is to purge the criminal usurpers and subversive traitors who would seek to engender such decay. Extremism in the defense of justice is no vice.”

 

[unmerged(10894)]

Albrecht, while in Nuremburg decided to address the reichstag on the issue of the lands of Tirol after the festivites of the wedding.

"Honourable delegates of the Holy Empire's reichstag, I am Albrecht III, Duke of Bavaria, around which lands you live. I am assuming you all know me and my views, and I am sure that all of you are aware of Bavaria's loyalty to the empire.

In previous wars, Bavaria has helped the empire against nemesis' like Austria, in which Bavaria holds claims of. Back in the times of Swabia, Bavaria ruled the area of Tirol, but then it was lost to the Habsburgs. However it has always been rightfully ours, and we've fought for it up until 1399, and even in the first Austrian war.

Recently Austria was no more, as the Habsburgs faultered. However Tirol went to the nation of Bohemia as a temporary solution to where lands would be allocated.

I am asking all now that is it not fair that Bavaria gains control of these lands, which rightfully belong to it? We are a fair, and obedient servant of the empire and we would cause no trouble by having these lands, but Bavaria must be united again with its long lost mountains in the county of Tirol.

If claims must be settled for the region, then Bavaria is prepared to financially help that nation. However Bavaria's claim is strongest, and any such payment would be out of Bavaria's sincere desire for peace over the matter with it's neighbours.

We have fought when no one else dared, and never given up. But please, do not tell me that it has all been in vain.

Thank you for your time."

Then Albrecht sat in a seat reserved for guests as he waited for reponses.

 

[unmerged(24249)]

A little man representative of Baden Johann Shwarzkopf arrives to reichstag.

"Honorable members of Reichstag.I have to speak about matter of Wurzburg and Baden.These two states treathen me,especially Wurzburg which is playing major part in this treacherous game.As for Bavaria I don't know how great is their part,if any.They are threatening us by war .Richter von Sud germania was been alredy informed just like High imperial treasurer.I hope that law and order will prevail.I have also doubts about his Archbishopric grace as I believe proper christian wouldn't do such thing.I ask you is this proper behavior of man of god?Is this proper behavior of Prince of holy roman empire?I doubt that.I ask Bavaria's representative how great is your deal on this?"

 

[unmerged(8054)]

From one of the seats reserved for the Imperial organizations, a man rises.

"Honoured delegates.
I am Jürgen Kleins, today representing the Imperial Commerce Commission in the Diet.
In response to the questions concerning Wurzburg and Baden, I can inform that the Imperial High Treasurer have found the tax installed by the margrave of Baden to be legal, and that the right to install such taxes are well within the rights of an Imperial prince.
This decision have yet to be contested by Wurzburg, and as far as the Commerce Commission goes, we consider the case closed. In regards to the allegations regarding conspiracy with the aim to wage war, and accusations of insults, such matters must be brought to the attention of the Reichskammergericht."

 

[unmerged(18481)]

Benedetto Correano scratched the bald spot on the top of his head, sighed a deep, heartfelt sigh with utmost sadness over the fact that the delightful, calm days were gone once again, and rose to speak, adressing the duke of Bavaria.

“Duke Albrecht, Your Grace, milord… Indeed, the question of Tyrolia needs to be resolved. And indeed, the Bavarian claims on the County of Tirol seem to be legal and well-founded… even though, according to my modest knowledge of history, the Markgraf of Tirol enjoyed independence back in the times of Schwabia, in the times of Emperor Otto, just like the Markgraf of Carinthia; the Duke of Bavaria was their overlord merely as the Lord of the Eastern Marches, which post is currently unfulfilled… But there are much more knowledgable men who should judge the issue: as far as I remember, this most noble assembly decided that the Reichskammergericht should decide on the case of Tyrolia. And this fact, by the way, once again brings up another issue of utmost importance, namely that the Reichskammergericht still has to lack the wisdom of two honourable Judges…”

After slightly bowing toward Albrecht, Correano adressed the Diet.

“… but yet again, that’s not why I am speaking. The matter I would like to bring before this most noble assembly is… this,” he announced, holding up a parchment. “Let me read it, noble delegates. Khm…”

The Treaty of the Black Forest​

​

I. Hereby this day Wurzburg and Bavaria create a 1 year alliance. It shall be offensive, and only for purposes of subduing the nation of Baden.

II. This treaty shall only be triggered on the basis that casus bellum is held against Baden.

III. Wurzburg will grant Bavaria RoP. If for some reason Wurzburg is to need Bavarian RoP, then it shall have it also.

IV. May this treaty not be abused for greedy ambitions, but because of common hurt inflicted by the target.

x. Signed, Joseph Wagner, Chancellor and Regent in the Duke Albrecht III of Bavaria's absence.

[x] Signed, Johann III von Brun, Archbishop of Wurzburg, Duke of Eastern Franconia

“This… thing… is rather interesting, don’t you think, noble delegates? Please, let me read the first article again…”

I. Hereby this day Wurzburg and Bavaria create a 1 year alliance. It shall be offensive, and only for purposes of subduing the nation of Baden.

“And let me emphasize the word: ‘subduing’. Did the honourable signers mean ‘subjugating’? Or rather ‘constraining’? Either way… this is the most disgusting document I have ever seen,” Correano declared. “For even if they meant ‘constraining’, the honourable signers were greatly overstepping their authority, to say the very-very least. As isn’t the Reichskammergericht and this very assembly are the two proper bodies to settle disagreements within the Imperium? The honourable signers should have sought the ruling of the mentioned institutes, if they had found evidence of any kind of Badener agression.
In the other case, namely if the honourable signers meant ‘subjugating’, then…” he trailed off, heavily scratching the bald spot on the top of his head, then he turned to Albrecht again.

“Thus hereby I, Benedetto Correano, on behalf of His Grace Antonio di Savoia of Piedmonte, would like to ask you, Duke Albrecht… what reasons drove you, the… hmm… ‘fair and obedient servant of the Empire’… to give your approval to such a most disturbing document? Or was it that Joseph Wagner, who signed the document without your consent? Either way,” Correano continued, “I would like to officially ask the Reichskammergericht to look into the matter, and mercilessly punish the found criminal elements, to once again show the strength of the Empire to every traitors.
Thank you, noble lords, for your honouring attention.”

 

[Karamazov]

Dieter von Ludovico speaks:

While the document is disturbing, I think an agreement alone can not indict anyone, as an agreement means nothing if not used. I doubt that Bavaria or Wurzberg would dare follow through with such an act, though we are interested in hearing what could possibly justify such an aggressive move.

 

[Longinus]

Lord-Chancellor of Reichstag, Baron Hans-Dietrich von Kuppelweiser, rose to speak before the Diet.

“Most noble Princes and Esteemed Delegates,

First I would like to greet and address His Grace Duke Albrecht of Bavaria who undoubtedly is great man and important pillar of the Empire.

He brought up before us many important issues and these issues should not wait any longer for the time set by his Imperial Majesty already passed. The question of Tirol must be answered, as well as the question Luxemburg and Hannover. This we should discuss. His Imperial Majesty shall soon attend the meetings again and will help us to reach appropriate decisions.”

He turns to newly named Badenian delegate.

“Herr Shwarzkopf, truly it is good to know your name.” He bows slightly. “Your Grace uses strong words and these strong words shall be taken into account. Let us all remember however that we are part of the Holy Roman Empire which brings stability and peace to our homes, justice is the value we cherish most.” He pauses. “Your Grace mentions however that the Richter von Sudd Germania was already informed about the quarrel, I must however highlight the fact that, with death of the late Duke of Hessen, we lack a man in this very post. Perhaps his son, who is said to be a man of great honour and balance could be elevated to this position, still it hasn’t happened yet.”

Finally he nods to Benedetto Correano and Dieter von Ludovico.

”Your Graces are both right. While the content of the said agreement is alarming for the peace within Empire is guaranteed to us by the Bull called Martial. Clearly the character of this accord is, well, “offensive” it can be used as an evidence and as a source of further inquiries but as long as not a single drip of blood was spilled, I am sure that both gentlemen understand me well.”

 

[unmerged(24249)]

Baden's representative turns to von Ludovico.

"Sir I have to disagree with you,altought it wasn't used still there must have been someone who proposed this treaty.And I swear by the God that Baden will not be 'subdued' by any enemy."

 

[Fireblade]

The Papal Nuncio to Gallia, Cardinal-Archbishop of Anagai, Benedetto Lorenzelli, enters the Diet, flanked by several Papal Guards. After the appropriate formalities, the Cardinal stands to address the Diet.

"Princes of the Roman Empire. I bring before you now an opprotunity to be the Sword and Shield of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to be the Defender of the Faith and Saint Peter, and to serve the Church loyally. The Papacy needs strong, Christian princes, to pledge themselves to the defense of the Church from enemies both in and out of Christendom, for the lions are circling, and I fear they wish to devour true Christians once again, as they did under Nero..

This document, on the golden pillow, is a copy of the treaty of the League of Christ, the alliance dedicated to the defense of the Papacy. As you know, indulgences are most expensive, and they are not given out lightly. The Pope offers a partial indulgence if you sign this treaty, with the possibility of a full indulgence later on.. but, God willing, it will not come to that."

With a flourish, a priest produces a pen, and waits for loyal Princes to step forth and sign the treaty..

All members of the League swear to protect the most holy Papal States by all means humanly possible. First priority shall be of a direct, military manner, but should this for some reason not be possible, His Holiness can choose to accept aid in the form of coin, either directly to His Holiness' own armies or armies of the allies.

This is purely a defensive League to keep the Papal States safe from the demonic aggression which man is so capable of committing. Should His Holiness decide to embark on an offensive campaign, the members of the League have no obligation to join him, but are nonetheless encouraged to do so, in the spirit of the holy nature of His Holiness.

All members shall grant other members right of passage in time of defence of the Papal States

Should two members of the League be at war against each other, they are in their right to be so. However, should His Holiness need their help via the League, the parties at war must sign a peace, temporary or permanent, so that they can focus on defending the Papacy. The protection of Rome and the church holds supreme priority. Should they still wish to conduct war after the defence of the Papacy is concluded, they are free to do so.
However, His Holiness urges the members of the League to remain on friendly terms for the sake of Christian love and brotherhood, in accordance with the teaching of Christ our saviour.

Never shall any member in any way work against the welfare of the Papacy. Members of the League shall not aid the enemies of His Holiness with forces, with coin or even moral support, be it in private or diplomatically. This League is a matter of protection of Rome in both body and spirit. All who support it, shall recognise the supreme dignity and holiness of the Papal States.

The rulers in the League shall be granted the honorary title of "Supreme Knight of Divine Christian Defence", which they shall bear with pious zeal, holy dignity and honourable commitment. This shall forever more be known as the greatest title to be granted by the holy church, and thus the greatest honour in all the lands of Christianity, surpassing all other signs of privileges and honour.

Any ruler that honours their oath shall be spared from 100 years in Purgatory upon joining the League, and be spared an additional 200 years for every time they come to the aid of His Holiness. Should they chose to aid His Holiness in a war with His Holiness as aggressor, this will spare the ruler from an additional 300 years in Purgatory.

Should a member not honour their holy oath, they shall be condemned to 2000 years in Purgatory, unless His Holiness grants them dispensation from their holy duty. Should a ruler in the League die or otherwise step down from power, the responsibility shall pass to the ruler that takes over, be he heir, protector or something third. Should he chose not to honour his predecessors commitment, he shall face an additional 1000 years in Purgatory on top of the punishment for what else his sorry soul may have done.

 

[Longinus]

Lord-Chancellor of Reichstag, Baron Hans-Dietrich von Kuppelweiser, bows before Papal nuncio and speaks up shaking his head.

"Your Eminence, with not disrespect intended but still..." he pauses "Rome alredy has most excellent protection, guarnateed by the most powerful realm of Earth." he points at the black eagle and white cross on the red field.

"That is the HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE Your Eminence. This is our purpose, to serve the church and defend it against evil. We are the shields and swords of the Holy Mother Church, are we not?

Does His Holiness doubt in our words? In the words swore by His Imperial Majesty, his Princes and this very Imperial Diet? Are we not knights on the service of the Church?"

Old Lord-Chancellor breaths heavily still digesting this unusual idea.

 

[Alex_pharaoh]

A message arrives from Genoa:

"To his excellency, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Baron Hans-Dietrich von Kuppelweiser:

I, Antonio di Merchanno, head of the Ghibeline party of the Genoese Republic, have siezed controll over the Republic with popular and senatorial support. The reason is that the last Doge, Tommaso di Campofregado or what we call it here Tommaso the Inept was uncapable to rule. His corrupt and tyranic rule which had left Genoa in it's worse times ever recorded in it's history has ended, and now the rise of a new Doge, with a new order, shall take his place. In case you are alarmed by these news, fear not, for the new Doge, who will probably be myself for I am the leader of the Ghibeline party, will bring Genoa to a more stable and prosperous situation, and will bring loyalty to his exellency, and also to the Duke of Piemonte.

However, as I and my people prove our loyalty, perhaps one day you will forgive our nation from the herecy of Andrea Doria.

-Sincerily, Antonio di Merchanno, leader of the Ghibeline party."

 

[Fireblade]

The Cardinal nods.

"Lord Chancellor, I mean no disrespect. But you must understand, the Church.. has been in conflict in the past with several Imperial states and princes who would call themselves Christian. Indeed, did not the King of Denmark, with several of his cronies, attack the Emperor himself, the secular ruler of mankind? If beasts like those exist who lack the loyalty to defend the Emperor, then could they not as easily attack the Church? The Church holds many lands within the Empire, and they could just have easily been attacked.

Neither I, nor his Holiness, have any doubt whatsoever of the loyalty of any reigning Imperial Prince to the Church. But, you never know if a usurper might arise, and with Satanic dreams of riches, covet the Church's lands in the Empire. Is not a little more insurance within this troubled world desirable?"

 

[Longinus]

Baron von Kuppelweiser bows again.

"Your Eminence,

We all perfectly understand Papal need of protection and security, especially after the recent fall of constantinopole and Mongol Devil who almost invided Italy. In light of this we stand united, always helping Rome and Church. Did ever in the history Empire failed Holy Mother Church?" old baron frowns

"There are always oath-breakes and traitors, there are always sinners and blasphemers, but Empire continues to exist and defend Holy Faith. His Imperial Majesty was always the first to stand shoulder to shoulder with Rome. I am merely a Lord-Chancellor of this noble assembly, and old ritter, but still my knightly honour is touched Your Eminence. How will His Imperial Majesty feel?"

 

[Fireblade]

The Cardinal comes before the old Baron, and lays his hand upon his shoulder. He then smiles.

"God bless you, my son. No, the Pope never had any doubt of your loyalty, nor of the loyalty of the Emperor, nor any Christian Prince. This was a test of the chivalry of the Princes of the Empire. I am glad to see that among the decadence spreading throughout the world, there are SOME knights who would keep their word..

Since the Church is satisfied of your loyalty and chivalry, and the loyalty and chivalry of the Empire, then I shall reveal this:

His Holiness may have found the location of the Holy Grail, the Cup which our Lord, Jesus Christ, drank out of during the Last Supper. One of the holiest artifacts in all the world, lost during the Crusades.. and now, possibly found again."

As the assembled nobles lean forward slightly, the Cardinal continues.

"His Holiness wishes to invite fifty of the most brave and chivalrous of all Imperial Christian knights and nobles to Rome. There, they shall assist the researchers study the final fragments. Once the clues are deciphered, the Knights shall make their way to the resting place of the Holy Grail, where they shall recover it. It shall be a hard task, it shall be a long task.. but it shall be among the greatest tasks ever done for Christ.

If there are any here, from the lowest Knight, up to the Emperor himself, who wish to embark upon this Holy Quest, then let them stand, and be counted among the heroes of the Church."

 

[Longinus]

Baron von Kuppelweiser nods.

”Your Eminence,

Now I understand His Holiness’s intentions behind these words. We are all honoured Your Eminence, we truly are.”

He smiles satisfied that the whole matter turned to be merely test of honour and Imperial authority was not put into question.

"As for this noble quest Your Eminence, although I myself am an old ritter, I am nore then sure that there will be plenty of most honourable and noble knights from the Empire that will gladly participate in such enterprise. They shall soon swarm upon Papal call.

Glory to the Holy Mother Church and Holy Roman Empire!"

 

[unmerged(10894)]

Duke Albrecht rose to speak again.

"In response to all representatives having concerns about the Black Forest treaty that Bavaria created, I understand your scepticism. Perhaps my scribes need to master German better, as "subdued" was not the word in which would best convey the meaning intended for this treaty.

The treaty itself is merely a piece of paper. Bavaria has no real desire to follow up on this treaty, more so since the High Treasurer's report concluded that Baden's taxes were legal. Bavaria meant no harm be done in signing this treaty, and while it may look threatening, this look is deceptive, I can tell you with complete certainty.

The world knows much bloodshed, but Bavaria does not delight in this unholy act. We will do what's necessary, but we assure that we will not be the one's rushing off into combat. Treaties are often penned in order to pressure any one nation, but usually are not followed through. This is a tool of diplomacy, and I'm sure that all of you standing here have knowledge of your nation doing so at one point in time.

Bavaria is happy with the imperial treasurer's decision and is willing to forgive the margrace for his diplomacy, or lack thereof. However Bavaria would still insist that Baden's former advisor be handed over for disciplinary measures to be taken. He has disgraced Baden in the eyes of Bavaria, and must be dealt with.

And so Bavaria hopes that no hard feelings linger from this treaty as they were not intended in this way. If any other imperial state is highly offended by this, then Bavaria offers it's apologies."