Commonwealt AAR:Diet sessions

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Jan Zamoyscy.


My dear Nobles, Princes, and King. I'm glad to see your faces again after a very disapointing year. Though I've been informed of our preparations for a war against Golden Horde, I must apologize that I will not be able to contribute to that. I was not able to find a General to lead my army into battle and I'm not very knowledgable in the Military field myself. With that, I'm now ready to open this Diet Session.

Today we must decide on the tax which will be alocated to King's Treasury. Due to the upcoming war against Golden Horde I suggest that we pay 20% tax to King's Treasury. This must be done to insure that our king and his Hetmen will have enough money to sponsor the war.

We must decide on this very quickly, do I have your agreement on this my dear Nobles?

 

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The messenger for Ostrogski stands

A scruffy looking person comes in. He stands by Ostrogski's chair...

Honoured Diet Marshall,

I must apologize for my appearance. I am from the House of Ostrogski. Since he is presently engaged in other matters, he sent me. I should introduce myself. I am his trusted messenger, Jan Filipkowski. He has asked me to speak on his behalf whilst he is away.He has given me a letter to read to the assembled Diet:

Jan pulls aletter from his satchel, and after clearing his throat, he begins

I ask forgiveness, noble brothers!
As I am currently engaged in preparations for glorious battle, I have sent my trusted messenger to speak on my behalf.Speak to him as you would to me.

In reagrds to taxation, I have decided that 30% of our income be set aside for war. We would not wish to be battling the Horde, only to find we have no money for the troops, or to gather supplies,yes?

As for not finding a general to fight for you,Noble Zamoyscy, I am certain that one will realize the Honour of serving you. Were I master not from the house of Ostrogski, I would serve you, if only to learn from much of the wisdom which you have.

Nobles, We shall have the Horde by the end of the year, no? I shall bring joyous news when I return. As always, God watches over this Commonwealth, in all She does on this world.

Until we meet again, I am always humbly
Roman Ostrogski

 

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Pan Jurek Sapieha stand up and start to speak:

Honoured Diet Marshall,

in the name of the Sapieha family I agree, that we pay 20% tax to the kings treasury.

 

[Achiles]

Achilles ZadZik walks into the chamber and prepares to speak...

I am sorry to hear the good Prince Ostrogski could not make it. His absence however is in the service of his country and I wish him the best of luck in his endevors to crush those mongrel dogs from the Kahnate of the Golden Horde. I do not however support his propposal of 30% royal taxes. Though we are in a war we nobles still must have enough noney to pay our bills and protect our homes. Then again we also must have the money to pay for our existing armies and raise new ones and from our noble and wise King's last report I see that we cannot afford to pay for our existng armies let alone raise new ones should the need arise. Therefore I propose a middle ground of sorts. I propose that 25% of or annual income go to royal taxes this year. I hope all of you will agree with me and see that this is a reasonable sum that should suffice to meet our nations needs while at the same time should not be to great a burden for us nobles to bear. I also propose that we decrease our spending in trade and infustructure reasearch for the time being and maximise spending on land tech and money going into our treasury.

Thank you good Noble lords that is all I have to say for now. Good day to you all.

 

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King slowly stands up. Now his age can be clearly seen.Last year was not kind for him

My brothers "cough".
We are prepared for upcoming war, i am sure that victory will be swift.
I am tired so I will be brief. Two issues bothers me.
1. First, after upgrading fortress in Bogutjar and raising 10'000 registered Cossacks, Royal Treasury is almost empty. In fact, our huge army cost us too much. Without Royal tax, i would have to disband some troops.
2.I urge you to elect my son, Jan Olbracht, as my succesor. Austrian ambassador will probably try to convince you to elect Habsburg on Commonwealth throne, but remember that the Jagiellonian dynasty led this country to greatest glory. We already made a mistake of promising them throne of Bohemia and Hungary if king Vaclav branch of my family will end without heir.

Forgive me,"cough", i will continue later.

King sits down, apparently exhausted.

 

[Achiles]

Achilles ZadZik rises too speak...

Noble lords I greet you and our most wise and benevolent King.
I would like to say today my noble and just King that you have no need to fear for I would rather die than see one of those butt ugly Hapsburgs sitting on Poland-Lithuania's throne. I fear that were one of them to do so we would never beable to remove the stench and have to burn the throne and get a new one. I will honor your majesties request that we vote for your esteemed brother Jan Olbracht. But I cannot vote in good concance for a man I have never met and know little about. So I humbly request that before the voting comence that the prospective canidate(s) present themselves before this assembly so that we may judge for ourselves their worth as prospective rulers of our great Commonwealth.

Thank you noble sirs for hearing me out. I shall now take my seat.

 

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The messenger for Ostrogski stands

He is oviously in awe of the host of nobles in all their regal uniforms. "Next time, I wear better clothes" he thinks to himself. He clears his throat...

Noble King, Milord Ostrogski and I have spoken about our service to the King. I am sure you know his stance on electing a new King, and so, if it is allowed, I shall vote as though he were here. He supports the nomination of your brother Jan Olbracht, without hesitation. Your house shall always rule our noble Commonwealth, until the end of time.

As well, as you say, would our nobles leave us defenseless, simply because they need to have the finest food and drink? 30% is too much hmm? Well, when the Russian's are knocking at the gates of this Diet, tell me, will your money do you any good? We must ensure that our forces can be kept at peak readiness. I admit, I am but a humble messenger, speaking at the behest of milord, but even I can see this.
Not to be insolent, but as I work for one of the poorer nobles of the realm, to see him willing to sacrifice 30% of his income to ensure the safety of the Commonwealth, this is something. Can not the other nobles see this as well? I am certain, were he able to, milord would sacrifice 60%. But I am merely a messenger, and so, I shall let others speak.

 

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Jan Zamoyscy

My noble King, I shall support your son Jan Olbracht to be elected as King of our great Commonwealth. I shall not stop untill I hear the crowd scream "Long Live King Jan Olbracht, Long Live King Jan Olbracht" all throughout our glorious country.

Since no Petty Noble General applied for service in my army, I decided to deposit 30d to Royal Treasury and I agree on the tax of 25% for the next year.

I also want to propose to raise tax once the war begins so we are not caught with an empty treasury during the war.

My last proposal is to hold an Emergency Diet Session on July 5th, to review news from the front and change our plans accordingly. [Maur will save the game on July 4th, and then wait for the end of the Emergency Diet Session to end.]

I hope to recieve support from all my brothers on these matters.

 

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The messenger for Ostrogski,Jan Filipkowski stands

Well, Noble Zamoyscy


I agree, that an emergency session be held on the 5th of July. I shall send word to milord Ostrogski, and mayhaps gather word form the front. I am worried that none supports the idea of a 30% tax. Are the honoured nobles here so desperate to hold onto their wealth?


Jan realizing that last remark could cost him his head, hastily adds...

Of course, I spoke too soon. Who am I to comment on how nobles spend their wealth. Well, if, after all have spoken, 25% is the amount of choice to raise taxes, then I shall lower my offer as such. I am sorry to have interrupted, please, continue

Jan sits down, and hopes his lord does not find his actions to be displeasing. He was told, hold at 30% and do not give in. He only hopes that if he is forced to compromise, his lord will understand...

 

[Achiles]

Great noble lords and our good and fair King! If I may have your attention for but a moment!

I am glad to see that my proposal of 25% royal tax appears to be gaining support. I was sure that all of you would see the reasoning behind this and would support it. I am glad that I was not wrong. However I do not support raising the taxes as soon as the war starts. I believe that if we temporarily reduce our spending on reaserch in the areas of trade, infastructure, and naval tech and then divert those funds to our treasury we shall have plenty of money to conduct this war to a speedy and victorius conclusion.

On the second point I think holding an emergency session on the 5th of July to check on the progress of the war and decide on what further action should be taken if any is a fine and good idea and I whole-heartedly support it.

Finally on a side note. Messenger Jan no one here would ever threaten your life as we are not barbarians and you are under the protection of the Ostrogski household. So you have no need to fear for your life. But sometimes living can be a fate worse than death. A fate which even Prince Roman Ostrogski might not be able to protect you from. So be careful of what you say from now on.

Thank you all for your patience.
*bows to all assembled and then takes his seat*

 

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Pan Jurek Sapieha stand up and speak:

Noble lords, my beloved king!

As the speaker of the Sapieha family I do not support any tax higher than 20% to royal treasury. The reason for that is, that Sapieha family planed to upgrad or support upgrading our northern border fortifications, which will need much more than another 5 or 10% of tax over years. And we have a small income so we need urgently the tax for upgrading the borderfortifications, which will make all of the glorius Commonwealth more safe.
If there is a need of a good military leader, which is able to beat the mongols or an other intruder, without big moneyexpense, huge armies and loses of men, so I offer the king my service.

 

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Jan Zamoyscy.

Pan Jurek, you must understand that your refusal to accept 25% tax, might loose our upcoming war. I think no fortification is important enough to do so. If you're really set about your fortification efforts I can arrange so that all your expenses shall be covered if you choose to agree on this tax setting.

 

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Pan Jurek Sapieha stand up and speak:

Noble Diet Marshall, my beloved king!

Sapieha family dont wont, that the Commonwealth will lose the upcoming war against the Horde, because we refuse the taxproposal.
But we and our sujects would feel more safe, if we have stronger fortifcation along the russian border or better relations with them.
Because if the russian invade us subjects and holdings of Sapieha family would be their first victims, before the invade the rest of our land. Nevertheless we agree, that 25% of tax goes to the royal treasury.
Every support for upgrading the borderfortifications would be gladly accepted.
We have the request that the Commonwealth try to arrange a royal marriage between our land and Russia. That would give us all the safety we need to resist our other enemys. Sapieha family would feel honoured, if one of our noble daughters or sons would be elected from our beloved king for such a marriage.

 

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The messenger for Ostrogski,Jan Filipkowski stands

Jan looks long and hard at the petty noble who would insult him and his master. This shall be noted...

Ahem, well, since it seems that no one shall support a 30% tax, I shall rescind the suggestion. Make it 25%, but no less. Pan Saphieha, I understand your fear, but it is misplaced. Would the Russians be devious enough to attack us as we went to war with the Horde? If you think this, you overestimate our simple Russian neighbours. As it stands, it would not bode well, were we to run out of funds during our war, for if we did, I can safely say, it would imperil the entire Commonwealth. Let us leave the forts on our Northern borders for now. We must not let ourselves think of several things at once. There is strength in clarity, weakness in dissension. We must all agree to this, for if we fail to, I cannot finish.

Just one more thing. Think of milord, and of Prince Radziwill, Ataman Mykhailo, Prince Wisniowiecki, and pan Lubormirscy. Would you leave them to die in a foreign land? Would you weaken them simply because a suitable tax cannot be agreed upon. I would suggest all support 25% tax.

Noble Zamoyscy,
As I am but a humble messenger, you will have to forgive my lack of knowledge. What is meant by raising taxes before war? Would they be risen above 25%? If so, I would agree, as would all of the men who fight against the Horde. Of course, i am certain the Hetmans in the field would also thank you.

 

[Achiles]

I am greatly pleased to see that or honourable friend Pan Jurek Sapieha has agreed to my proposal of 25% royal taxes next year. I also think that the wise Pan Sapieha's proposal of arranging a royal marriage with the Russians to protect our flanks is a good idea and I support it completely. As to who would be in such a union I believe that is up to our great and most brave King to decide.

As far as the proposal made by our good Diet Marshall, Pan Jan Zomoyscy, I am afraid I must respectfully dessent. This idea would mean that the motion for 25% royal taxes would be made null and void upon the first day of the new year. I believe that if the money allocated is not adequate than we can rectify that at the next Diet session held on the 5th of July. Besides as my father used to say "10 ducats or a million ducats it matters not when in the hands of a fool". Now I'm not saying our illustrious King is a fool. I am mearly saying that if spent frivously and unwisly even a great amount of money will gain you nothing.

Looks over at Jan Filipkowski with a pleasant, almost friendly look on his face.

On another note. Jan, may I call you Jan? I can see from the look you were giving me earlier that my comments displeased you. Let me clarify. I in no way ment to insult you or the noble house you represent. I wasn't trying to threaten you or the Ostrogski family. I would never threaten someone even when they have questioned my character and my patriotism. I was mearly trying to say that you might want to watch out for others who might not take such a slight as well as I do.

Thank you all. That is all I have to say for now.
As he sits he quickly glances over at Jan Filipkowski. I shall haved to talk to Roman about his help. Impertinant little brat!

 

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The messenger for Ostrogski,Jan Filipkowski stands

Looks close at the petty noble called ZadZik. To imagine he will marry Helena, oh well.. He looks at ZadZik, and smiles

Well, I accept your apology, noble. I am curious who would not take a slight, and I knew not I had even slighted anyone. But, as milord always says " Fools make enemies of friends"
I am curious why we have not heard from the Radziwills, and others? Surely they could send someone to speak in their stead. I would like to know what they think of this.
Well, it surely will gladden milord's heart, that all are agreeing to 25% for a tax.

He sits, and looks at ZadZik,. This is funny, actually. Why should he worry about someone as insignificant as this, this, this THING?!

 

[Rictus]

The Lubomirscy Envoy stands:

Sorry, milords, for not contributing, but I was under the impression that only the Nobles could decide tax rates, and since my lord is preparing for war, the Lubomirscy would be unable to help this year.

However, my lord would be willing to give up 25% of his income to the commonwealth, it is the least he could do.

 

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My most humble greetings, honourable Diet members!
As i can see from the worried and questioning looks on your faces, you do not know who i am nor whom i represent. I shall introduce myself!
I am Ioan Wisniowiecki, the son of prince Vaclav. My father has sent me to report to the Diet in his name, since he is currently too occupied with war preparations in the eastern provinces of our realm. There is no need however to worry about our estates being without a head, since my older brother Bogdan is handling all urgent affairs on the home front.
Concerning the war: my father wants it to be known that all preparations are going very well, and that he has the fullest confidence in his brave troops and skillfull generals.
I would also like to get back to several proposals that have been stated here in this Diet session. I speak for the house of Wisniowieccy, and my words can be interpreted as the official voice of my father.

- I strongly agree with the notion to raise the taxes for this year to 25%. This will provide us enough support for the raising of extra troops for the war against the Golden Horde, if this proves to be necessary. If any additional donations are required, the Wisniowieccy family would be glad to pledge some extra cash into the royal treasury - could you confer with me about this, my King?
- Pan Sapieha, i see that you are worried about your fortifications that seem to be inadequate? My opinion is that improving them is not an urgent worry, although i understand your uneasiness with the Russian monster at your borders. If necessary, i can supply you some funds to complete the works, when you decide to carry them out.
- It would also be greatly appreciated by my father if he could have a private session with the King when he returns victoriously from the barbarian lands, concerning the current private funds of the Wisniowieccy family treasury.

That is about all that i was told to inform you about. Thank you for your attention, and may we meet again in the not too distant future.

*starts to walk towards the great double door made of oakwood that seals the Diet chambers, but suddenly turns around:*

Oh yes, there is one more point! My father would like to see to it that me and my brother find a wife as soon as possible. Also my two sisters, Valeria and Anna, are seeking a husband. It does not matter to prince Vaclav whether the candidate is from another noble family, or from a foreign power. He has however expressed a strong desire to see one of us being married off to a member of the Radziwill family, as he wishes to tighten the ties between our respective families. All these things are to be discussed further after the war with the Golden Horde, so says my father. Any candidates can contact him personally when he returns home.

I shall leave you now, maybe we will meet again sooner than we think!

Regards from my father and brother,

Ioan Wisniowiecki

 

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Jan Zamoyscy.


My Dear Noble Brethren this Diet Session is now closed. We have decided upon the following issues:

*Tax of 25% for the duration of the Year.

*Emergency Diet session be held on July 5th.

I will see you all on July 5th, Farewell my Brethren.

[Please do not post in this thread untill the next Diet Session is opened.]

 

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Jan Zamoyscy.

My dear brethren, I'm very delighted with our progress and victories in this war. This session was planned in advance in order to prevent us from a total defeat. But I cannot be happier with the news from the forntier. There are no national matters that need our immedeat attention in this moment.

However I decree this session opened and I ask our dear King and our Great Hetmann to present Diet with latest news, especially the ones related to the ongoing war.