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econ21
01-11-2007, 22:11
This thread is for Chancellors' Reports and for governors to post their build queues.

The following table gives key information about players and their avatars:

Playlist

3^#|Avatar|Knight|Civic Rank|City|Stats|Player|Inf|Act
7^2.2.3|Peter von Kastilien|Y|Kaiser|Nuremburg|10-9d-7-0|gibsonsg91921 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=23610)|7|6
The House of Swabia
7^1.1.2a.1|Athalwolf von Salza|Y|Duke|Staufen|6-1c-6-5|Warluster (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=17961)|5|10
7^1.3.2a|Ehrhart Ruppel|Y|Count|Bern|4-7c-9-6|Factionheir (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=77086)|3|11
7^1.4.1m|Welf von Luxemburg|Y|||5-3-6-4|econ21 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=5907)|2|15
7^Rec|Ludwig von Bohmen|Y|Count|Bruges|3-9c-9-7|Deguerra (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=7627)|3|1
7^Rec|Andreas von Salzgitter|Y|Count (C)|Acre|2-7c-8-3|Zim (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22485)|3|2
7^Rec|Hugo de Cervole|Y|||2-4c-7-3|Tristan de Castelreng (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=23135)|2|2
House of Franconia
7^2.1.3|Dieter Bresch|Y|Duke|Magdeburg|4-5c-4-4|Elite Ferret (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=19173)|5|3
7^2.1.2.1|Dieter von Kassel|Y|Count|Hamburg|7-7c-4-6|Mini Econ (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=26963)|4|2
7^2.2.2|Fritz von Kastilien|Y|Count*|Arhus|10-5d-10-7|Ramses II CP (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=24582)|3|2
7^Rec|Tancred von Tyrolia|Y|||3-1d-7-5|Dutch_guy (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=10000)|2|12
7^|5th Elector|||||FLYdude (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=3203)|0|12
House of Austria
7^3.2|Arnold|Y|Duke*|Ragusa|10-10d-10-7|AussieGiant (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=11338)|6|11
7^3.1m.1|Johann Zirn|Y|Count|Vienna|4-0-5-5|Northnovas (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=15760)|1|0
7^3.1m.3|Jan Zirn||Count|Zagreb|3-3c-4-5|RoadKill (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22952)|2|0
7^3.4.1m|Edmund Becker|Y|Count|Prague|4-5c-6-3|CecilXIX (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=14124)|3|6
7^Rec|Maximillan von Hapsburg|Y|||1-2c-5-4|Ignoramus (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=10336)|0|9
House of Bavaria
7^4.1.1|Lothar Steffen|Y|Duke*|Nuremburg|7-4d-10-8|TinCow (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=6193)|5|14
7^4.1.4|Matthias Steffen|Y|Count (K)*|Milan|10-4d-9-10|OverKnight (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=21979)|6|15
7^4.1.1.1|Hermann Steffen|Y|||4-1d-5-4|GeneralHankerchief (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=16104)|0|14
7^4.2.1m|Fredericus Erlach|Y|Count|Genoa|7-5c-10-5|Stuperman (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22105)|3|10
7^|5th Elector|||||Warmaster Horus (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22509)|0|2
7^|6th Elector|||||vpmd (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=27652)|0|1
7^4.1.1.2|Wenzel Steffen||||4-1d-6-4|To be assigned|2|
7^4.1.1.3|Bernhard Steffen||||3-1d-6-4|To be assigned|1|


Inactive players

3^#|Avatar|Military Rank|Civic Rank|City|Stats|Player|Inf|Act
The House of Swabia
7^|7th Elector|||||tripwirescars (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=18110)|0|1
7^1.4|Elberhard|Y|||3-0-5-2|Pharnakes (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22804)|0|1
House of Austria
7^||||||Bizzair (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22912)||1
7^||||||Verdizzy (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22718)||0
7^|4th Elector||Count|Prague||AchdukeEvan (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22987)|1|3
House of Franconia
7^||||||Lucjan (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=17016)||2
7^||||||Zomby_Woof (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=14514)||2
7^||||||Jalf (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22920)||3
7^|5th Elector|||||Ichigo (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=12337)|0|2
7^||||||FLYdude (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=3203)|0|11
7^||||||Kagemusha (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=11472)|2|11
7^||||||Stig (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=18556)|5|6
House of Bavaria
7^||||||IvarrWolfsong (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=21353)|0|1
7^||||||lilirishman1986 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22884)|0|2
7^|5th Elector|||||nazgul3 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22884)|0|3
7^||||||Tamur (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=7228)|3|1



Deceased avatars

3^#|Avatar|Military Rank|Civic Rank|City|Stats|Player|Inf|Act
7^1.1a|Sigismund der Stolze|Com|Count|Metz|3-6c-9-4|Ignoramus (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=10336)|4|5
7^0|Emperor Heinrich|Com|Kaiser|Florence|5-3c-5-5|GeneralHankerchief (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=16104)|5|7
7^2m|Dietrich von Saxony|Com|Duke|Frankfurt|5-2c-10-4|Kagemusha (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=11472)|4|8
7^4.2a|Maximillan Mandorf|Com|Count|Nuremburg|4-1d-9-8|TinCow (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=6193)|4|9
7^2.4.1|Erhart von Mahren|N|||4-2c-5-4|gibsonsg91921 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=23610)|2|1
7^3|Leopold|Y|Duke*|Vienna|8-5d-8-4|Ituralde (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=17117)|5|10
7^4m|Otto von Kassel|Y|Duke/KO|Innsbruck|8-7c-10-9|OverKnight (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=21979)|5|10
7^1|Emperor Henry|Y|Kaiser|Rome|6-8c-10-8|econ21 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=5907)|10|11
7^1.2m|Ulrich Hummel|Y|Count (C)|Metz|3-4d-3-4|Ignoramus (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=10336)|2|7
7^4.1.3|Markus Steffen|N|Count|Marseilles|2-0-8-5|McIwoo (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=24570)|3|1
7^1.1.2a|Emperor Jobst|Y|Kaiser|Rome|6-1d-4-3|Warluster (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=17961)|4|9
7^2.1.2m|Jens von Kassel|N|||3-1c-6-3|traitorous spare avatar|1|
7^2.2a|Gunther von Kastilien|Y|Duke|Stettin|4-4c-10-5|Dutch_guy (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=10000)|5|10
7^2.1a|Fredericus von Hamburg|Y|Count (C)|Hamburg|3-7c-8-7|FLYdude (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=3203)|4|11
7^2.4.2|Sigismund von Mahren|Y|Count|Prague|3-2c-6-6|CecilXIX (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=14124)|3|3
7^4.2.1a|Conrad Salier|Y|Count (K)|Nuremburg|7-8c-10-8|GeneralHankerchief (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=16104)|3|11
7^2.4a|Jonas von Mahren|Y|Count|Magdeburg|4-8c-10-6|Kagemusha (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=11472)|3|11
7^1.2.2|Jens Hummel|N|Count|Metz|3-2c-4-8|GeneralHankerchief (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=16104)|3|11
7^2.3m|Wikenus von Franken||||2-3d-1-4|spare avatar|0|
7^4.1a|Gerhard Steffen|Y|Duke|Genoa|2-3c-10-1|Stuperman (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22105)|5|8
7^2.4.4m|Wilhelm von Heidelberg||||1-2c-7-6|RoadKill (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22952)|2|
7^2.1.1|Helmut von Hamburg|Y|Count|Hamburg|3-4d-5-5|RoadKill (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22952)|2|0
7^1.1.2a.2m|Arnold Scherer|N|||0-0-5-3|Unassigned avatar|0|0
7^1.3.1a|Friedrich Scherer|Y|Count|Paris|6-4d-8-5|xdeathfire (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=20114)|3|9
7^2.2.4|Kaiser Siegfried|Y|Kaiser|Rome|7-4d-9-5|Ituralde (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=17117)|9|12
7^2.2.1|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Y|Duke*|Thorn|7-5d-10-3|Spare Avatar|5|0
7^1.3|Hans|Y|Duke*|Staufen|10-3c-7-9|Factionheir (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=77086)|6|9
7^1.1.1m.1|Dietrich von Dassel|Y|||4-6d-5-6|GeneralHankerchief (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=16104)|2|12
7^2.1.4|Jan von Hamburg|Y|Count (K)|Hamburg|8-10c-8-10|Privateerkev (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=24924)|5|2
7^1.2.1|Wolfgang Hummel|Y|*|Metz|7-1d-8-4|Ignoramus (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=10336)|2|8
7^Rec|Jan von der Pfalz|N|||2-0-4-4|Zim (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22485)|0|0
7^1.4|Elberhard|Y|Kaiser|Nuremburg|10-10c-1-7|econ21 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=5907)|1|14
7^3.1m|Karl Zirn|Y|Count|Zagreb|6-10c-10-9|Northnovas (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=15760)|3|9
7^3.1m.2m|Dieter von Essen|Y|||1-1c-4-4|Privateerkev (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=24924)|0|3
7^Rec|Lorenz Zirn|Y|Count|Vienna|3-0-8-3|RoadKill (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22952)|2|0
7^Rec|Lukas Godwinson|Y|||1-1c-4-3|FLYdude (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=3203)|0|12
7^Rec|Friedrich Karolinger|Y|Count|Innsbruck|2-2d-7-4|Warmaster Horus (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=22509)|3|2
7^Rec|Hans von Bavaria|Y|||1-0-3-6|vpmd (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/member.php?u=27652)|1|1



Notes on the table

[1] # denotes position on family tree: a = by adoption; m = by marriage
[2] Knighted: Y= yes; N=no
[3] Civic rank: (H) = heir to Duke; (C) = crusader Count; (K) = King of Outremer; *=natural born son of a Duke
[4] City = city governed
[5] Stats: command - chivalry/dread - loyalty - piety
[6] Infl = Influence, influential players get bonus votes - see spoiler for details
3.10 Influential players get bonus votes (max +6 bonus)

Appointed Influence (Max 4 points):
Duke: +3 OR Count: +1
Viceroy of Outremer: +2
Chancellor, ex-Chancellor, or Prince: +1

Stat Influence (Max 2 points):
15 or more total stat points: +1 (I thought about a lower number, but all avatars are given a base 3 piety and base 5 loyalty, which means those points are freebies. So, 15 is only 7 from actual traits, plus the 8 piety and loyalty freebies)
6 or more ranks in one stat: +1 (In the unlikely scenario where a character gets 6 or more in 2 stats without having 15 total, they get this +1 twice)

The player who is Emperor gets bonus votes differently, being equal to his authority.


[7] Act = activity (number of Diet polls the player has participated in).


Provinces by House

Lost provinces in italics

Imperial
Antwerp - not yet incorporated into Reich
Arhus - not yet incorportated in the Reich
Palermo
Rome
Caen
Naples

Swabia:
Staufen
Metz
Bern
Bruges
Dijon
Rheims
Paris

Austria
Vienna
Prague
Zagreb
Ragusa
Venice
Budapest
Bucharest

Franconia
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Magdeburg
Thorn
Stettin
Krakow

Bavaria
Nuremburg
Innsbruck
Milan
Genoa
Bologna
Florence
Marseilles
Ajaccio

Outremer
Acre (governed by Viceroy Matthias)
Antioch
Adana
Aleppo
Damascus
Edessa

Army Commanders
Kaiser's Army - Kaiser Elberhard
Prinz's Army - Prinz Peter
Army of Outremer - Viceroy Matthias
Swabian Household Army 1 - Duke Athalwolf von Salza and Count Ehrhart Ruppel
Swabian Household Army 2
Prussian Army (FHA 1) - Fritz von Kastilien
Saxon Army (FHA 2) - Count Dieter Bresch
Austrian Household Army 1 - Count Karl Zirn
Austrian Household Army 2 - Duke Arnold
Household Army Gerhard (BHA 1) - Duke Lothar Steffen
Household Army Otto (BHA 2) - Count Karolinger

econ21
01-11-2007, 23:00
Build queue for Staufen for First Diet

Turn 1: Dirt roads
Turn 2: Land clearance
Turn 3: Land clearance contd
Turn 4: Communal farming
Turn 5: Communal farming contd
Turn 6: Communal farming contd
Turn 7: Small church
Turn 8: Castle
Turn 9: Castle contd
Turn 10: Castle contd

[EDIT: corrected, thanks, pevergreen]

Commentary from Prinz Henry:Father, I believe roads are essential for our armies to move rapidly across our large Empire. Farming will give us the population growth we need to obtain a fortress, allowing the training of key troops such as dismounted knights. Churches I build to honour my Lord. A castle is necessary, but - unlike a fortress - can be delayed somewhat as it does not immediately give us access to any particularly valuable troops types. Our cities can provide basic infantry and our castles can already provide horse and archers. Innsbruck is slightly better suited to training superior spearmen than Staufen, so I have not commissioned the construction of barracks.

Notes on rules regarding build queues

Governors can submit build queues for the next 10 turns (or the next session of the Imperial Diet, if closer). If the Chancellor builds any buildings in the settlement, they must be in the order of the build queues.

A governor can be dismissed by Chancellor - or can cease to govern by leaving their settlement - but their build queue still holds until the next session of the Imperial Diet.

Governors can amend their build queues - e.g. after consultation with the Chancellor - provided they notify (PM) the Chancellor. Ammendments take effect when the Chancellor receives the PM (ie if the Chancellor has played on past a given date, he can't be made to replay those turns).

Governors can use their settlement's building browser to find plan their build queues (e.g. build times are given in top right corner, next to small blue egg-timer).

Governor build queues relate only to buildings. Recruitment of troops and agents is at the Chancellor's perogative by default, although it would be a suitable topic for Edicts.

pevergreen
01-12-2007, 01:47
Turn 1: Dirt roads
Turn 2: Land clearance
Turn 3: Communal farming
Turn 4: Communal farming contd
Turn 5: Small church
Turn 6: Church
Turn 7: Church contd
Turn 8: Castle
Turn 9: Castle contd
Turn 10: Castle contd


Land Clearance is 2 turns, Communal is 3 turns, yes?

TinCow
01-12-2007, 13:15
Build queue for Nuremburg for First Diet

Turn 1: Dirt Roads
Turn 2: Grain Exchange
Turn 3: Grain Exchange cont
Turn 4: Small Church
Turn 5: Wooden Wall
Turn 6: Wooden Wall cont
Turn 7: Communal Farming
Turn 8: Communal Farming cont
Turn 9: Communal Farming cont
Turn 10: Town Guard

Nuremburg is the trade hub of Bavaria, and as such it must concentrate as much as possible on generating revenue. Bavaria's future acquisitions are likely to be high in Castle regions. If we are to fund the expansion of these areas, we must have income from Nuremburg.

OverKnight
01-12-2007, 14:16
Build Queue for Innsbruck for First Diet 1.1

Turn 1: Dirt Roads
Turn 2: Leather Tanner
Turn 3: continued
Turn 4: Garrison Quarters
Turn 5: continued
Turn 6: Land Clearance
Turn 7: continued
Turn 8: Small Chapel
Turn 9: Castle
Turn 10: continued, finished in Turn 11

Mein Kaiser: Dirt roads are needed for quicker transport of armies.

The only melee infantry we can build at this time is peasants. First we will build a Leather Tanner, so any eligible units recruited will start with an armor upgrade. Then with Garrison Quarters we can produce Sergeant Spearmen equipped with padded armor, superior to their militia brethren and most certainly to peasants. Innsbruck is the closest castle to our Italian holdings, and you may be in need of reinforcements.

Land Clearance is needed to keep the castle fed and growing. A Small Chapel will be built so that you may be in our prayers, Kaiser. Finally, near the end of your term as Chancellor, Innsbruck shall begin it's conversion to a stone Castle. If you have any concerns, Kaiser, please send a messenger.

EDIT: Lucjan might have a point about farms. I've switched things around a bit sacrificing initial growth for better spearman, and the total is slightly cheaper.

Lucjan
01-13-2007, 14:03
Submitting for the Kaiser's review, I have prepared the following construction queue for the capital, Frankfurt.

Tax Rate = High
1 Town Guard Barracks
2 Town Guard Barracks
3 Town Guard Barracks
4 Market
5 Market
6 Market
7 Leather Tanner
8 Leather Tanner
9 Land Clearance
10 Land Clearance

Frankfurt, being the Capital city of our great empire, should set an example for all as to what it means to be a German. It should be an example of what it means to be a loyal subject to the laws and judgements of our great Empire, and to do ones service to the Empire in the militia with pride. For that purpose, the establishment of a Town Guard Barracks should be the first thing constructed.

The establishment of this facility will allow us to employ more, better drilled militia for the defense of the city. Better defense means better policing, and better solidarity of lawfulness and safety in the city. This will allow us to increase traffic in the city safely, while still maintaining public order and bringing in money from trade at the same time. Upgrading our small grain exchange to a Market should accomplish this task sufficiently.

To counteract the potential growth in traffic and the trouble makers that will inevitably come with such action, we must better outfit our militia, and a leather tanner will be able to provide them with the panoply they require to be better suited as a city wide defense force as well as a little bit more than simple cavalry and arrow fodder in the field.

All this growth will of course require a better way to provide for the city's grain stores and feed our growing population. Clearing out some forested land or draining some local marshes to provide for more farmland will help in this respect.

(OOC - Be careful how quickly you go for those farm updates, they don't bring in enough money early enough to merit the big boost they give to M2's already huge population growth percentages, especially since recruitment no longer lowers city population. If we go too fast for the farmland updates we may find ourselves picking and choosing which cities get the highly expensive public order/happiness buildings and falling short in our abilities to advance in other fields because our population is growing faster than our coffers can support. "Syracuse" from WotS anyone? Population was almost completely uncontrollable without very low taxes and a larger garrison than our other old cities, and our expansion elsewhere didn't allow for the multiple 1000's of denarii it required to build the enormous walls it would need to improve its public order.)

GeneralHankerchief
01-13-2007, 19:29
Kaiser Heinrich:

Well, we are four years (two turns) into my reign as Chancellor and things are going well for the most part. Several edicts have already been fulfilled, and we are well on our way to gaining more territory.

First of all, our spy Rainald Erlach, has infiltrated Prague and is sending me regular reports, hereby fulfilling Edict 1.5.



https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_000.jpg


Second, we have secured an alliance and trade rights with Venice, much to my chagrin. *grumbles about that particular edict*. Edict 1.4 has been... *cough* fulfilled.



https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_001.jpg


In other diplomatic news, we have acquired trade rights with the Papacy and Hungary, as well as built watchtowers on our eastern and southern border of Vienna, fulfilling Edict 1.6.



https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_005.jpg


However, there has been one slight problem...



https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_002.jpg


My advisors have informed me that we do not have the funds to continue building in Vienna and Innsbruck, and the queues have all been delayed for two years (one turn). Nothing major, we will soon get that money back. Once we do, I shall continue to work to fulfill the motions, especially those diplomatically-related as it is difficult to train diplomats at the moment.
The Council of Nobles has not made life easy for me when it comes to diplomacy earlier:



https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_004.jpg


I am thinking of dispatching my daughter Agnes to gain relations with France, however, she is currently on her way to marry newly-promoted Army Commander Dietrich von Saxony (Lucjan) who is about to assault Hamburg.



https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_006.jpg


In addition, I am currently besieging Florence and it shall fall in two years (one turn). Armies are currently being created in order to besiege Metz and Prague.

And finally, I am happy to report that I am once again a proud father:



https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_003.jpg


I am currently waiting for word on Dietrich before I make my next report. Until then, good Electors.

Lucjan
01-13-2007, 23:51
(This post moved to the battle reports thread.)

Braden
01-14-2007, 22:07
Proposed build queue for Austria first diet:

Turn1 Dirt Roads
Turn2 Land Clearance
Turn3 continued
Turn4 Small Church
Turn5 Market
Turn6 continued
Turn7 continued

At this time the Diet of Austria does not propose further than the 4th year as the growth of our city, and other external factors will dictate what we choose at that point.

Leopold

GeneralHankerchief
01-15-2007, 19:49
Promotions and changes in rank in Kaiser Heinrich's reign as Chancellor

(this post will be continually edited)

1080
- Dietrich von Saxony is no longer Governor of Frankfurt

1084
- Dietrich von Saxony becomes Army Commander

1088
- Dietrich von Saxony becomes Duke of the House of Franconia
- Prinz Henry is no longer Governor of Staufen
- Prinz Henry becomes Army Commander

1090
- Dietrich von Saxony becomes Governor of Hamburg (will be formally given to the House of Franconia upon the midterm session of the Diet)
- Sigismund der Stolz becomes Knight
- Sigismund der Stolz becomes Count of the House of Swabia

1096
- Leopold becomes Army Commander
- Sigismund der Stolz becomes Governor of Metz
- Prinz Henry becomes Governor of Staufen (again)

1100
- Otto von Kassel is no longer Governor of Innsbruck
- Otto von Kassel becomes Army Commander

1102
- Sigismund der Stolze is no longer Governor of Metz (assisting Otto in taking Bern)

1108
- Maximillian Mandorf is no longer Governor of Nuremburg
- Dietrich von Saxony is no longer Governor of Hamburg

1112
- Maximillian Mandorf becomes Army Commander

1114
- Sigismund der Stolze becomes Governor of Bern

Lucjan
01-16-2007, 15:05
For the remainder of this chancellor's term the construction queue for Hamburg should be.

6 - Roads
7 - Muster Field
8 - Small Chapel
9 - Leather Tanner
10 - Leather Tanner

GeneralHankerchief
01-19-2007, 23:53
Kaiser Heinrich:

After his stunning conquest of Hamburg (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1385671&postcount=2) in which cavalry were used splendidly,

https://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p108/lucjian/Sieges/Hamburg/victory.jpg

Dietrich von Saxony (Lucjan) had advised me to build a watchtower on the border of our newly-gained territory so we can watch over the Danes, which I agreed to. With the placement of this watchtower we can their keep an eye on their city on the Jutland as well as track their movements in the east.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_007.jpg

In the meantime, I personally assaulted the Italian city of Florence. As this land borders the Pope he must be worried.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_008.jpg

Not much, was it?

I began by giving a speech to my troops about the importance of intimidating that fool in Rome, and how this was another step in regaining the glory of the Empire, et cetera. What mattered most was the loot inside. A sack would bring some much-needed florins into the treasury. And we were not about to be turned back empty-handed.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_009.jpg

Kaiser Heinrich, in a diabolical strategy, gives his orders behind a bush so as to confuse the enemy.

Now, this rebel commander was smarter than the one Dietrich faced in Hamburg, so we were forced to do some more grindwork. Not like it mattered. The point of this assault was to send a message to the Pope and all the Italian states.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_010.jpg

We are back.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_011.jpg

Shortly after gaining Florence, we adopted a new member into the royal family, courtesy of Prinz Henry:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_012-1.jpg

Sigismund der Stolze is now officially a member of the Diet and the House of Swabia. May he serve the Empire well for many years.

I am pleased to report that several diplomatic edicts are being satisfied. In accordance with Edict 1.20, we have allied with Sicily. The Pope must not be pleased with this.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_013.jpg

In addition, I have satisfied Edict 1.19 by obtaining map information from Poland. Also, I know that I am slightly late in the fulfillment of Edict 1.25 but I continue to work at it. Trade rights are still to be established with Spain, Portugal, the Byzantines, and Russia, however, I promise that this will be completed by the end of my reign as Chancellor.

And finally, the Council of Nobles must also be pleased with the completion of their mission:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_015.jpg

There have been notable events in the careers of some Electors recently. First, it is my immense pleasure to announce the marriage of Duke Dietrich von Saxony and my daughter, Agnes. May you bear many healthy children (sooner rather than later, please).

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_014.jpg

My son Prinz Henry (econ21) and his adopted son Sigismund der Stolze (Ignoramus) both performed admirably in the assault on Metz (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1389546&postcount=3), and as a result, Sigismund has been knighted. Since the castle (converted to a town) is now ours, I am pleased to inform Fifth Swabian Elector Kagemusha that he may now take off his lederhosen armour.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_021.jpg

The final casualty count for Metz. Very admirable. I believe my sons are outperforming me! I'm getting old.

Upon his return to Staufen, Henry has also taken up a wife.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_017.jpg

My congratulations to all.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Recently, my attention has been fixed on the east as my spy in Prague has reported some unfortunate happenings. It appears that Poland also has an interest in the city, as they have sent their own spy in to infiltrate. However, it took a turn for the worse when I was informed that an army was advancing with intent to capture the city:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_016.jpg

Our small attacking force would not get there in time, but I dispatched my son Leopold (Braden) with a medium-sized force to advance on the city anyway. With a little help from God the Bohemians would prove to be worthy defenders.

My spy reported back to me on the Polish assault. It appears they were uncoordinated, commanded by one not of noble birth. The attack was decisively repulsed. However, the defenders of Prague will soon realize that the forces of the Empire are a much more potent enemy. Leopold will soon capture the city, bringing some (much-needed) glory to the House of Austria.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_018.jpg

Leopold assaults Prague while the defeated Polish army makes its way back east.

With the midterm fast approaching, I report that for the most part, our financial situation has improved somewhat, thanks to Maximillian Mandorf's (TinCow's) agreement to raise taxes in Nuremburg. However, two build queues are slightly behind schedule: Hamburg's Leather Tanner will not be completed until 1102, and we do not have enough money to upgrade Staufen's defenses.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_019.jpg

This will soon be remedied with the capture of Prague.

~~~~~~~~~~

I will report back in two years with a final midterm report as well as my agenda for the second half of my Chancellorship. Until then, good Electors.

GeneralHankerchief
01-23-2007, 01:52
Kaiser Heinrich: I now present my midterm report to the Diet.

Firstly, well... the College of Cardinals and Pope Gregory will just have to learn this fact for themselves:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_022.jpg

Now for more serious news. My son Leopold (Braden) has determined that the time was not right to assault Prague, so the city continues to remain under siege. Reinforcements are arriving. He informs me that he intends to wait for the Bohemians to sally out in order to make use of our superior archers. However, if this event does not occur, then he will assault the city in due time.

All in all, I believe the first half of my term has been very successful. Although money has been somewhat tight and building queues have not come out exactly, most motions have been fulfilled. The ones that still need to be made progress on are watching over Milan with a spy and acquiring trade rights with a number of factions, although we now have Spain exchanging goods with us.

This Empire can expand further. This term has taught us that we have many excellent commanders serving us. I hereby propose that we concentrate our efforts to the east for the second half of my term. The reasons for this are several.

First of all, the wishes of the Council of Nobles do play a part and they have the money:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_020.jpg

Breslau is to the east, as are other targets such as Stettin and Magdeburg. I realize that this puts us in conflict with Poland but we can crush them. Leopold, side-by-side with Dietrich von Saxony (Lucjan) can march to the direction of the rising sun and earn much glory for their houses. In addition, we may also expand southeast.

Venice's capital city currently lies undefended, aside from a sparse garrison. A quick strike by Otto von Kassel (dlain) along with the forces currently lying in Innsbruck would cripple our "allies" as well provide us another port in Italy. I would, of course, cancel our alliance with Venice before such an attack is made.

Do not think that I have left Swabia out of this. In the West lie potent enemies: France and Milan. Surely one of them will take the bait when our forces are engaged in the east and aim to grab our territory. Once this occurs we will strike with a vengeance, claiming their cities for our own.

By the end of my term I would like to see this Empire returned to its former glory. We have a considerable foothold in Italy, and we are making gains in all directions. If this trend continues we shall become the greatest power in the world. We have the men that are certainly up to the challenge. All we need, good Electors, is the resolve.

I hereby grant the following settlements to the following Houses:

Hamburg - Franconia
Metz - Swabia
Bologna - Bavaria

Florence will remain under my dominion. I hope to have many settlements to grant to the Houses when the Diet next meets.

OverKnight
01-26-2007, 15:56
Build queue for Innsbruck for the second Diet

Turn 11: Castle, last turn
Turn 12: Black Smith
Turn 13: --continued
Turn 14: --continued
Turn 15: Drill Square
Turn 16: --continued
Turn 17: --continued
Turn 18: Practice Range
Turn 19: --continued
Turn 20: --continued

If you have any questions or concerns Kaiser, please contact me.

Lucjan
01-26-2007, 19:00
Second Diet Conclusion - Hamburg Build Queue

1 - Finish Leather Tanner
2 - Garrison Quarters
3 - ""
4 - Stables
5 - ""
6 - Bowyer
7 - ""
8 - Mines
9 - ""
10 - Chapel

The basic idea for the second term is to round out Hamburg as a key training and recruitment ground for northern forces armed, at the least, with padded leather armor. Then to give work on some domestic improvements in the form of Mines to draw a strong income out of the area's natural mining capabilites, and with our new source of income completed, to construct a chapel to better deal with the castle's growing populations' religious needs.

econ21
01-27-2007, 00:14
Second Diet Build Queue for Staufen

Turn 1: Castle (3 turns)
Turn 4: Crop rotation (4 turns)
Turn 8: Practice range (3 turns)

The key thing here is to continue growing the population to get the good troops that are opened by a fortress.

A secondary issue is the practice range - I think Staufen has a bit of a head start over other castles in terms of missile troops, so it makes sense to concentrate on that arm and let other settlement specialise in melee infantry for now.

Ignoramus
01-27-2007, 01:17
Second Diet Build Queue for Metz

Turn 1: Land Clearance
Turn 2: --continued
Turn 3: Grain Exchange
Turn 4: --continued
Turn 5: Town Garrison
Turn 6: Leather Tanner
Turn 7: --continued
Turn 8:

(Will finish in a minute)

TinCow
01-27-2007, 03:25
Second Diet Build Queue for Nuremburg:

Turn 1: Town Guard (currently being built)
Turn 2: --continued
Turn 3: Market
Turn 4: --continued
Turn 5: --continued
Turn 6: Town Hall
Turn 7: --continued
Turn 8: Crop Rotation
Turn 9: --continued
Turn 10: --continued

The focus of Nuremburg continues to be economic development, driving towards a major profit center for the Reich. Town Hall (cheap) is placed between Market and Crop Rotation to help with accumulation of sufficient funds for Crop Rotation (2400, relatively expensive for early game).

GeneralHankerchief
02-05-2007, 20:03
Kaiser Heinrich:

My reign as Chancellor is now 3/4 completed and much has to be mentioned. Many of you know most of these events already from the Diet deliberations, however, there have been some things that I have left out.

After the midterm session of the Diet concluded I immediately sent Otto von Kassel (dlain) out with a fairly large army to besiege the rebel castle of Bern. Sigismund der Stolze (Ignoramus) will be meeting Otto from the northwest with a small amount of extra troops. This is all in accordance with Edict 2.5.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_023.jpg

I fully intended to set out for Breslau at the same time, however, I was informed that those stinking Polish had beat us to it. That was 2,500 florins down the drain.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_024.jpg

However, they have given me a new mission to initiate diplomatic contact with Portugal, which is perfect since a diplomat was on the way anyway and it gives me even more incentive to fulfill Edict 1.25.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_025.jpg

I am also happy to inform the Diet that I have fulfilled Edict 2.8, which instructed me to take along three priests along with Cardinal Scherer (IvarrWolfsong) in order to convert Stettin. However, it seems as if, er... the people in charge of making these people priests have long functioned without eyesight:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_029.jpg

My son Leopold (Braden, now Ituralde) has finally taken and sacked Prague, bringing some much-needed glory and land to the House of Austria. Already he has set up watchtowers to the east to keep watch on Poland.

https://img251.imageshack.us/img251/7169/clearvictoryjs1.jpg

In addition, I took care of some rebels to the south of Florence.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_028.jpg

However, the unnerving thing about it was not the small rebel army that was easily destroyed, but rather the significant Papal force in Imperial territory! Naturally, this situation will be closely monitored.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_027.jpg

However, my mind was quickly diverted elsewhere with the trouble in the Diet and news of Otto's spectacular capture of Bern (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1416988&postcount=4).

https://img62.imageshack.us/img62/2941/casultiesbernel0.jpg

With Bern falling under Imperial control, the remainder of my term will be focused on getting Stettin under our control, as well as putting up watchtowers around the Reich. Maximillian Mandorf and Dietrich von Saxony will be fulfilling those tasks, respectively.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_030.jpg

Until next time, good Electors.

GeneralHankerchief
02-10-2007, 00:04
Kaiser Heinrich:

Good Electors, I was not planning to make a report until my term has ended but several diplomatic situations have arisen that I believe need to be made known to the entire Diet. The other events that have taken place since my last report will be detailed in my final report.

First of all, and the least important, it seems as if Venice, our "ally," cares little if it angers us or not.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_033.jpg

Second, despite Dietrich von Saxony's worries, we have successfully allied ourselves with Poland.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_036.jpg

Third, a mixed blessing. The Moors, the Islam faction of southern Spain and Northern Africa, have surprisingly approached us with the offer of friendship. I accepted, but the Moors had to pay a price. However, more disturbingly, Pope Gregory has excommunicated our allies the Sicilians.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_035.jpg

It was not long before he ordered me to cut diplomatic ties with them.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_044.jpg

I am still mulling over whether to comply with the Papal order or not. We have plenty of time and a diplomat is close to Naples.

However, the main reason I make this report is that we, the Reich, are at war with the vile faction of Milan. Sigismund der Stolze is threatened, as the besieging army will most likely defeat him in an assault.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_045.jpg

I suppose I should have seen this coming, as I received this report some time earlier:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_034.jpg

Otto von Kassel and a regiment of mailed knights are on the way and have arrived (the picture is slightly out of date) in order to assist Sigismund, but unfortunately there are no mercenaries in the area. I will probably send Otto out to recruit some more in another province, but that will take time.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_046.jpg

The fifth Elector of Swabia (Kagemusha) proposed reconnaisance on the city of Milan itself in hopes of determining the garrison size, which I agreed was a good idea. However, the Milanese probably thought so too.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_047.jpg

What makes matters worse is that they dared make this diplomatic "attempt" around the same time:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_048.jpg

Now, the course of action I will probably take is the following:

Both Milan and Genoa are lightly-to-moderately defended. We have a significant garrison in both Florence and Bologna, but most of it can't be taken out of the city because unrest is a larger problem in our Italian possessions than in our German possessions. The best I can do is two regiments out of each city, including my own escort.

However, we can get a lot of units out of Innsbruck, including a regiment of Armoured Sergeants, our highest-quality infantry yet. The idea (which I must again give credit to Fifth Elector of Swabia Kagemusha) is to make the besieging force of Bern turn around and face the greater threat - the loss of Milan itself.

I am confident, with what I have available in Italy and southern Germany, I can defeat all but the largest Milanese force in open combat or city assault. This plan will follow through. Rest assured, Swabia, that Sigismund will not perish. Milan will recognize the threat and turn around, or at the very least split her forces.

I urge the Electors to view the current situation: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1118.zip

Until next time, good Electors.

GeneralHankerchief
02-12-2007, 03:32
Kaiser Heinrich:

I now make my offical end-of-term report for the Diet to review and discuss.

The previous diplomatic crises that I addressed in my last report (see above) have changed little. However, there has been no word from the Papacy condemning our actions against the Milanese so I suspect that Pope Gregory has little interest in how this conflict plays out. Either that or he is siding with us.

Hungary, of whom we were so concerned with a short time ago thanks to their large army within striking distance of Vienna, is now sending us mixed messages. That army has turned northeast to another target, but it would seem that they have indeed taken an active interest in the goings and comings of Austria's capital:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_049.jpg

~~~~~~~~~~

But now we must review what has happened over the course of my term as Chancellor.

Since 1180, the size of the Reich has doubled. All commanders are to be lauded for achieving this feat. The victories we have won in this half-term include the captures of Stettin, Bern, and Prague, as well as the defeat of numerous brigands outside of Florence and a heroic sally beating back the Milanese. The casualty reports that I have not already given may be found below.

Maximillian Mandorf's capture of Stettin (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1418319&postcount=5)
https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/TC/stettinend.jpg

Kaiser Heinrich's strange encounter with some rebels (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1420392&postcount=6)
https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_043.jpg

Sigismund der Stolze's sally from Bern
https://img50.imageshack.us/img50/220/sigismund22oz0.png

Our financial situation is better than in recent years. Our cash-on-hand for 1120 is slightly below what it has been due to spending in anticipation for the continuation of hostilities with Milan.

Aside from the florin problem, we are surely the greatest power in the known world:

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_050.jpg

And news has just reached me that my son Leopold (Ituralde) has gotten himself married. May you have many fine children.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_051.jpg

I am pleased to report that all edicts have been fulfilled (including 1.16, but the spy was killed in action - see previous report) aside from 1.25, but the diplomat is currently on his way to Russia as I make this report. He should initiate contact with them shortly.

We are allied with Venice, Sicily, the Byzantine Empire, the Moors, and Poland. In addition, we have secured trade rights with England, France, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, Hungary, and the Papal States. We are at war with Milan.

I expect that that Diet and the next Chancellor will have to deal with the following issues in order of precedence:

- The logistics of our war with Milan (passive or active, what do we target, who leads the attack, etc). Personally, I recommend a two-pronged front, with myself/Otto von Kassel targeting their Italian possessions and Prinz Henry/Sigismund der Stolze securing Dijon. The Pope has not condemned our sally attack, I doubt he will condemn this.

- Who to side with in the Sicilian Excommunication crisis.

- What to do about Hungary and their actions with Vienna

- Our continued building priorities. Do we wish to make money or successful war? Stettin would be an example of this. Currently the governor, Fredricus von Hamburg (FLYdude) will have to choose between upgrading Stettin to a full castle or converting it into a large town.

~~~~~~~~~~

1120 has caught several Electors in transition to their next assignment, and for that I apologize to Otto von Kassel, Maximillian Mandorf, Leopold, and Dietrich von Saxony. Otto and Maximillian are returning to Innsbruck, Nuremburg, and Prague, respectively, from military service and Dietrich is currently fulfilling Edict 2.9. I recommend that he be returned to Hamburg once his task is completed.

I hereby allocate the newly-conquered settlements to the following houses:

- Bern to Swabia
- Prague to Austria
- Stettin to Franconia

And with that, I relinquish my position of Chancellor. May the person you elect to hold it next continue to improve the Reich.

Heinrich, Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1120.zip

econ21
02-15-2007, 23:47
Prinz Henry:

Build Queue for Staufen:

Chapel - 2 turns
Mustering Hall - 1 turn
Garrison Quarters - 2 turns
Drill Square - 3 turns
Upgrade to fortress - 3 turns

Build queue for Bern:

Convert to city - 2 turns
Town watch - 2 turns
Town guard - 3 turns
Church - 2 turns
Leather tanner - 2 turns

Taxes to very high if no general is present in Bern; set to high if a general is present. But always lower taxes to avoid red faces.

Note: Please prioritise Staufen over Bern if necessary; it is essential that we get a fortress asap.

GeneralHankerchief
02-16-2007, 00:19
Kaiser Heinrich:

Build queue for Florence

1. Town Watch
2. ---
3. Market
4. ---
5. ---
6. nothing
7. Communial Farming
8. ---
9. ---
10. Stone Wall if available. Otherwise, nothing.

~~~~~~

The key here is first, to make sure that Florence can produce middle-grade militia to defend itself in case the Italian situation goes nasty. It should then continue to be an economic center of the Reich. The taxes are to stay at the level they are, but I give permission to lower them if the face turns red.

Ituralde
02-16-2007, 09:37
Build queue Prague:
1 Grain Exchange
2 continued
3 Small Church
4 Town Watch
5 continued
6 Town Hall
7 continued
8 Leather Tanner
9 continued
10

Build queue Vienna:
1 Church continued
2 Stone Wall
3 continued
4 continued
5 City Watch
6 continued
7 continued
8 continued
9 Fairground
10 continued


I'd also like to see the Stone Wall completed as soon as possible over any improvements in Prague. :yes:

Ignoramus
02-16-2007, 11:28
Chancellor Sigismund der Stolze:

My brief reign so far, although short, has been quite eventful.

First, our spy, Wolfgand Ruesdorf, successfully infiltrated the Papal army led by Pope Gregory himself. He returned with comprehensable report of the strength and compostion of the Papal soldier.

https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/415/papalarmyjv4.png (https://imageshack.us)

Next, I killed the Milanese Duke Bernado in battle at the foot of the Alps. He and his tow depleted companies of mercenaries did not fight well. As I wished to remain on good terms with the mercenaries in the area, I released the 25 prisoners we took.

https://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4665/dukebernadobd7.png (https://imageshack.us)

Next, I was attacked in a pass in the Alps of Savoy, by a far superior Milanese army led by Manno Galli.

https://img77.imageshack.us/img77/2845/battleofthesvaoypassdl0.png (https://imageshack.us)

Due to a good defensible position and good fortune, the Milanese were unable to attack my meagre force. My object, was therefore gained - I had prevented the Milanese from entering Lombardy.

On a personal note, I have finally married.

https://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5735/syelederstolzemp6.png (https://imageshack.us)

The Venetians army loitering in Austria has moved out of sight somewhere near the Danube in the middle of Austria. Meanwhile, another small army led by a general has again crossed our borders.

The Hungarian army in Hungary has grown larger, but it has not moved towards our borders. Instead, it has marched back near Budapest.

https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/3623/theeastzx6.png (https://imageshack.us)

Otto von Kassel is ready to strike at the city of Milan:

https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/9128/assaultofmilanlf0.png (https://imageshack.us)

The Pope has moved back into Milanese territory, and another rebel general has arisen near Bologna:

https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1225/northitalyzd5.png (https://imageshack.us)

However, the most important event that has taken place is from the Pope:

https://img77.imageshack.us/img77/5944/papaldemandhn0.png (https://imageshack.us)

The city of Tunis, is held by our ally Sicily, who very piously took it from Muslims. Ironically, the Pope has already demanded us to break that alliance.

https://img68.imageshack.us/img68/6103/crusadegi2.png (https://imageshack.us)

And finally, Prinz Henry and Count Otto von Kassel are now Army Commanders.

TinCow
02-16-2007, 17:06
Build Queue for Nuremburg:

Due to delay in posting queue, information begins with saved game after Milan has fallen.

1.) Leather Tanner
2.) (continued)
3.) Church
4.) (continued)

There are no further orders for Nuremburg until the next level of walls becomes available. The Chancellor is authorized to build anything he wishes or nothing at all in Nuremburg after the above is completed. When the next level of walls becomes available, it must be the next building constructed and Steward Mandorf must be informed of the event.

Objective is still to make Nuremburg a profit center. Since all profit areas and basic facilities have been built, it may be better to use the funds on other areas of the Reich until Nuremburg's trade can again be boosted.

Also, Amendment 3.1 does not give me the power to control the build queues for non-assigned provinces, a power only Dukes have. Accordingly, one of the Bavarian provinces will be without orders and the Chancellor may do what he wishes with it. Count Otto von Kassel may choose either Innsbruck or Bolognia as his province by posting a build queue for it here. The one that has no queue posted will be controlled by the Chancellor for now.

OverKnight
02-16-2007, 21:48
Build Queue for Innsbruck

1122: Communal Farming
1124: --continued
1126: --continued
1128: Chapel
1130: --continued
1132: Stables
1134: --continued
1136: Ballista Maker
1138: --continued
1140: --continued

After Communal farming is put into place, as soon as the population becomes high enough for a fortress, I would upgrade. I do not consider stables or ballistas a high priority, so once the fortress is built I might reconfigure the list.

If you have any questions Chancellor, please contact me.

Ignoramus
02-17-2007, 02:15
Chancellor Sigismund der Stolze:

My reign is 6 year(3 turns) in and many things have happened.

Firstly, the French, Poles, and Magyars have joined the Crusade against our ally Sicily.

Next, Charles Otterbach, has been elevated to the poisiton of Cardinal.

Fredericus von Hamburg has found a bride.

The capital of Lorraine, Metz, is able to be upgraded to a large town.

And the Kaiser is ready to assault the city of Genoa.

But the most serious event that has taken place is one caused by treachery. The Venetians, our allies, have turned on us and besieged Vienna with a moderate army. Though it is small in number, their soldiers are far superior to our militia. One can only hope that reinforcements will reach Duke Leopold in time.

GeneralHankerchief
02-24-2007, 02:15
Kaiser Heinrich: Ah, it is the midterm now, if my scribes are correct. I suppose it's time for me to do my Imperial duty...

I hereby allocate the newly-conquered settlements to the following houses:

Milan - Bavaria
Dijon - Swabia

Genoa will remain under my direct control until the peninsula has been fully secured.

-edit- Ignore build queues. Forgot we were only doing 10-turn reigns now.

TinCow
02-24-2007, 19:46
Build Queue for Nuremburg:

None

As before, there are no orders for Nuremburg until the next level of walls becomes available. The Chancellor is authorized to build anything he wishes or nothing at all in Nuremburg after the above is completed. When the next level of walls becomes available, it must be the next building constructed and Steward Mandorf must be informed of the event.

econ21
02-25-2007, 02:56
Build queues:

Staufen:
Turn 1: Leather tanner
Turn 2: contd
Turn 3: Blacksmith
Turn 4: contd
Turn 5: contd

Bern:
Turn 1: Contd town guard
Turn 2: Contd
Turn 3: Leather tanner
Turn 4: Leather tanner
Turn 5: Communal farming

Dijon:
Turn 1: Stonewall
Turn 2: Contd
Turn 3: Contd
Turn 4: Paved road
Turn 5: Contd

Taxes high if governed by a general; very high if not. But low enough to avoid a red face regardless.

flyd
02-25-2007, 05:28
Franconian build queues.

Frankfurt:

1: Stone Wall (in progress)
2: -
3: City Watch
4: -
5: -

Hamburg:

1: Drill Square (in progress)
2: Land Clearance
3: -
4: Blacksmith
5: -

I hereby designate Gunther von Kastilien as Count of Stettin.

Ituralde
02-25-2007, 12:44
Tax levels in Vienna and Prague are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.

Build priorities Vienna:
City Watch
Fairground

Build priorities Prague:
Marketplace
Town Watch
Town Hall

OverKnight
02-26-2007, 02:29
Build Queue for Innsbruck, 4th Diet

1130: Finish Chapel
1132: Crop Rotation
1134: --continued
1136: --continued
1138: --continued
1140: Stables, 1/2

Innsbruck's population is lagging behind our other settlements due to an early focus on troop quality and recruitment, I hope installing crop rotation will help address this. This queue takes precedence over my previous one for the years listed.

Kagemusha
02-27-2007, 21:56
I will ratify Fredericus Von Hamburg as Count of Hamburg and Gunther Von Kastillien as the Count of Stettin. Also Jonas Von Mahren has been Knighted on the battlefield of Kamienski.

Ignoramus
02-28-2007, 07:14
Chancellor Sigismund the Chivalrous 1136

The second half of my term has been eventful, to say the least.

Firstly, Otto von Kassel finally ended the Venetian farce of besieging Milan with a handful of men.

Next, Dietrich von Saxony repulsed some arrogant Polish nobles in Magdeburg.

Jobst von Sava was elevated into the Imperial family after a solid victory over the Venetians in the Tyrolean Alps.

The Venetians have stormed Bologna. Our men fought to the last, but they were overpowered by superior weapons and numbers.

Finally, the Venetians have been excommunicated. The taking of Bologna was the last straw for the Pope, and the Venetian Doge may now burn in hell. However, it is also bad news, as the Venetian Crusade is now free to return to Italy with their Crusader veterens.

(OOC: Sorry about the brief report. I am going out soon, and I hope to embellish it with screenshots etc. after that.

Ignoramus
03-03-2007, 00:18
Chancellor Sigismund the Chivalrous 1136

Certain events must be recorded that have taken place during the year.

We have finally made contact with the Russians. Wenzel von Augsburg report that they are faboulousy wealthy, and equally proud and arrogant. He did, however, manage to exchage maps with them.

Duke Leopold bravely fought off another Venetian assault on Vienna. Another Venetian army, however, is on its way.

Dietrich von Saxony and Jonas von Mahren are defending themselves in Poland, after almost being surrounded.

Ignoramus
03-07-2007, 12:57
Chancellor Sigismund the Brav 1140

I now come to sum up my term.

During my reign, the Reich has expanded greatly. We have punished the rebellious Milanese, while holding off the Poles to the north and the Venetians to the south.

The only regrettable incident was the loss of Bologna to the Venetians. I am humbled by this stain on my record and in future I will seek to atone for it. However, Prinz Henry has retaken that city and avenged the brave defenders of that Bavarian city.

The Milanese have besieged Florence. This was fatal on their part, as the Pope has rewarded them with a nice sentence of excommunication, thus making our Italian wars far easier.

Finally, I have some awful news. The French are about to attack us. They have moved into Burgundy and threaten Dijon. As such, we must now defend on three fronts. We must be strong during these troubled times and hope for better days for our Reich.

I now formally lay down my power. May the Imperial Diet elect a strong man who can defeat our many enemies, while keeping order within.

Chancellor Sigismund der Brav.

Ituralde
03-11-2007, 11:08
Tax levels in Vienna and Prague are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.

Build priorities Vienna:
City Watch
Fairground

Build priorities Prague:
Town Guard
Leather Tanner
Town Hall

Orders for the Ducal Army:

The Ducal Army is to be stationed in Vienna until it is fully operational.

Duke Leopold will lead the Ducal Army.

The Ducal Army is to support Duke Leopold in his attacks against the Venetians.

OverKnight
03-11-2007, 13:38
Build Queue for Innsbruck

The only available buildings to construct at Innsbruck are Stables and a Ballista Maker. I view neither of these as a priority with the Reich at war and money short. If a Fortress upgrade becomes available, please build that and let me know as I will want to post a new queue after the upgrade.

econ21
03-11-2007, 17:54
Build queue for Staufen - highest priority:

1-3: Fortress (highest priority!!)
4-7: Archery range
8-11: Armourer

Build queue for Bern - these are low priority buildings, if money allows:

1-3: Communal farming
4-5: Church
6-9: Crop rotation
10-11: Town hall

Taxes: very high unless general present or would lead to red face.

Swabian Household army:

Normal Garrison: Near Dijon but somewhat to the west, so that it could reach Bern or Metz - perhaps near the watchtower?
However, standing orders may imply positioning elsewhere (e.g. shadowing French incursion).

Fieldmarshall: rotating appointment;
(1) first Sigismund but joined by von Salza,
(2) then after Sigismund's first battle, Sigismund will leave the army and von Salza will take over
(3) then after von Salza's first battle, Prince Henry will join the army
(4) after Prince Henry's first battle, Henry will leave and Sigismund return to take command
etc.
If a general is needed in Italy or elsewhere, the above can be modified by communicating with the Duke.

Standing orders: initially, defend Swabia settlements. If France attacks, try to defend until she is excommunicated, but do not risk loss of Swabian settlement (army to relieve any beseiged settlement). Then attack Rheims if it is prudent to do so.

Kagemusha
03-12-2007, 20:08
Build Queu for Frankfurt:

turn 1 City Watch (continuing)
turn 2-5 Paved Roads
turn 5-8 Communal farming
turn 8- Blacksmith

tax rate: very high

Orders for Ducal army:

First orders are to take Magdeburg under command of Dietrich Von Saxony from Polish once reinforced enough. As supporting move,Count Von Kastillien is to open the route behind the Ducal army supplied with enough troops, by destroying the rebel force behind us. After the corridor is open Count Von Kastillien is to move to Stettin,while Count Von Hamburg enters the army.
After Magdeburg is taken the Ducal army will be placed under the Command of Count Von Kastillien and is ordered to start an offensive with goal of taking Thorn Castle.

GeneralHankerchief
03-12-2007, 23:50
Florence

1. Stone Wall
2. Communal Farming
3. Church

Obviously this does not take up the entire time allotted. A one-turn of nothing is intended between each construction.

Genoa

1. Land clearance
2. Town Hall
3. Paved Roads
4. begin Fairground

flyd
03-13-2007, 00:17
Hamburg:

Nothing yet. The decision on the build queue is to be deferred until it can be assessed exactly how developed Magdeburg is.

TinCow
03-13-2007, 03:44
1140 AD

I have scoured the Imperial treasury, but there simply are not enough florins to fund all of the Reich's needs. No new investments in construction can be made this year, as all funds are needed for the recruitment of professional regiments for Franconia and Austria.

Recruited:
3 Peasant Crossbowmen in Staufen
2 Armored Spearmen & 1 Sergeant Spearmen in Innsbruck
2 Armored Spearmen & 1 Sergeant Spearmen in Hamburg

Count der Stolze and his army have moved north and are within a few days march of Dijon. They will arrive in time to protect it, should the French break the peace. A small contingent of militia remained behind to maintain the Alpine fort.

In Italy, the Kaiser has marched forth with his army to deal with the Milanese threat to Florence. Prinz Henry met outside Bologna and they joined forces. Several of Count von Kassel's regiments have been sent to further fortify this force, and the Count himself has been recalled to Bologna to protect it while the Kaiser and the Prinz are engaged.

In the North, I await word of Count von Kastilien's attack on the rebels blocking the supply lines to Duke von Saxony's army.

Ignoramus
03-13-2007, 06:35
Build Queue for Metz

After the Blacksmith has been constructed, these buildings should be built if funds permit in this order of priority:

Town Guard
Ballista Maker
Market.

TinCow
03-14-2007, 00:52
Continuation of 1140:

Count von Kastillien moves to Stettin and Count von Hamburg joins Duke von Saxony's army outside Magdeburg.

In compliance with Edict 5.1, our diplomat in the east approached the Russians to see if they would consider an alliance. They were not even remotely interested. So as not to make the meeting totally useless, the diplomat proposed an exchange of maps. The Russians refused and countered with a most unusual and unexpected offer:

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1142-5.jpg

The diplomat gratefully accepted this gift and he reports that our relations with the Russians have improved slightly. Perhaps future attempts an alliance should be explored, despite the rejection.

1142 AD:

The year began with dark news:

WAR WITH FRANCE!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1142-3.jpg

Count von Stolze moved immediately north to aid the nearly defenseless city of Dijon. The enemy force besieging the city turned out to be nothing more than a regiment of knights. They retreated at the sight of von Stolze's army and he was unable to pursue them due to troop exhaustion. It appears that the 'attack' on Dijon was a ruse, while the main French attack is taking place further south. There, a medium sized army has besieged the poor men left to garrison the Alpine force.

In other news, a Polish cardinal died and Karl Herden, one of several HRE priests sent to Stettin, has been promoted to take his place. The Reich now has three Cardinals.

Recruitment this turn is as follows:
2 Spear Militia in Frankfurt
2 Spear Militia in Genoa
2 Spear Militia in Dijon
1 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen in Innsbruck
3 Peasant Crossbowmen in Staufen

Formation of Household Armies is proceeding as follows:
2 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen depart Innsbruck for Vienna, to form part of the Austrian Household Army.
3 Peasant Crossbowmen depart Staufen for Vienna, to form part of the Austrian Household Army.
2 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen depart Hamburg for Duke von Saxony's army, which will be eventually be reformed as the Franconian Household Army.
3 Peasant Archers taken from the garrisons of Frankfurt and Nuremburg and are destined for Duke von Saxony's pre-Household Army force.

*Note to self, be sure to point out to those Electors prone to whining that the quality of troops in the Household Armies will be upgraded when possible, but for now they must be assembled with what is available, rather than what is ideal.*

Construction for this year:
Bologna walls are being repaired
Bologna begins construction of Grain Exchange
Frankfurt begins construction of paved roads
Prague begins construction of town guard, which will allow the city to support the costs of the two spear militia that are currently stationed there.

I, along with my new friends the Teutonic Knights, dispersed another group of vagabonds near Nuremburg. The only loss was Sir Georgus von Jungla, who ran into a tree during the initial charge.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1142-2.jpg

The locals were very pleased to see the ruffians disposed of and called me a hero. Their words initially rushed to my head, but then I remembered that Pride is a sin and discouraged them from pursuing the matter any further.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1142-1.jpg

I have heard word that the Kaiser and the Prinz are engaging in battle with the vast Milanese army that is besieging Florence. Nearly 4,000 men are taking to the field, the largest conflict in living memory. Let us pray for victory!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1142-4.jpg

TinCow
03-15-2007, 00:14
Continuation of 1142:

News has reached me that Kaiser Heinrich and Prinz Henry were victorious in their attack and Florence has been saved! I fear it cost the lives of many brave soldiers of the Reich. Nearly, 1,100 fell in battle, approximately half of the entire combined armies. Fortunately, both the Kaiser and the Prinz are in good health, and rumor has it that they performed admirably on the field.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/kotr_073.jpg

After the battle, the Prinz departed the army and began a long journey north. With the French invasion, his personal attention is desperately needed in Swabia.

1144

The year began with bad news. Our north sea fleet, which had been blockading the Polish port of Thorn, has been defeated in battle and much of its strength has been lost. It will take some time to rebuild our naval power in the north.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-4.jpg

However, this event was followed by good news! Our allies, the Sicilians, have declared war on Milan! With luck their powerful fleets and armies will destroy whatever strength Milan has left.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-1.jpg

Yet, no matter how good that news may be, it cannot remotely make up for the loss we then suffered. I... I... I know not how to say this gently. It is difficult even for me to write these words.

Sigismund der Stolze, Count of Metz, Second Elector of Swabia, Former Chancellor of the Reich, known to all nobles and commoners alike as Sigismund the Chivalrous... has been assassinated!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-2.jpg

I know not how it happened. His bodyguards found him dead in his command tent outside Dijon. During the night he was surrounded by his entire army, yet not a single man heard a sound. Worse still, the assassin escaped and we do not know where he has gone. Even the nationality of the evil fiend is unknown, though it could only have been the vile French!

With Sigismund dead, the Swabian Household Army is leaderless and unable to respond to the French invasion! Surely Prinz Henry is whipping several horses to death in order to return to his lands in time to deal with this most savage turn of events!

ALL THE REICH IS IN MOURNING FOR THE PASSING OF SIGISMUND THE CHIVALROUS!

I do not have the strength to write much more. My tears are blurring the ink as I write these words. Yet, the Reich must continue on. We cannot falter and fail at this moment. Sigismund would want it that way. Indeed, I have been told that Jonas von Mahren has been so moved by Sigismund's death, that he has named his newborn son after the late Chancellor.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-3.jpg

In the east, Duke von Saxony's reinforcements have finally arrived and his assault on Magdeburg has begun...

TinCow
03-16-2007, 00:05
1144 Continued

Duke von Saxony's victory was resounding and the sack of Magdeburg added a significant sum to the Imperial treasury. He was unable to destroy the rebels which appeared near the castle, but they shall be eliminated next year.

There has been further news from Dijon. An Imperial agent was immediately dispatched to the area. He uncovered information from French merchants who were traveling in the area that revealed the identity of the assassin who slew Count Sigismund der Stolze. His name is Gauchier le Gris and he was dispatched by the King of France!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-7.jpg

Upon hearing this news, the Swabian Household Army immediately began scouring the nearby farms and villages for the devil. They surrounded him as he attempted to flee back to France. A regiment of Swabian knights finally caught up with the man. He was an evil being and deserved death, but even I shudder at the rumors of what was done to him. I cannot not put such an agonizing and horrendous death into words.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-6.jpg

In the east, our diplomat in Russia again attempted to secure an alliance with the Orthodox heathens. Once again they refused, but they have repeated their baffling offer of a monetary gift. The Reich was again enriched by their charity.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-5.jpg

Princess Elsebeth came of age in Florence. Out of respect for the passing of Count Sigismund der Stolze, the Kaiser has ordered that her wedding to Count von Kassel is to be postponed until next year.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1144-8.jpg

Due to the large income the Reich received this year, construction was begun in nearly every city in the Empire. Several Counts still have not provided me with build orders for their domains. As such, I am exercising a free hand to build what I believe is proper in those places. Construction is as follows:

Hamburg - Conversion to Large Town
Stettin - Conversion to Town
Magdeburg - Drill Square
Milan - Brothel (*This was Count von Kassel's suggestion. I would have preferred a Church, but Otto will be Duke next year, so I shall accept his wishes on this matter, even though I am still the Steward of Bavaria.*)
Genoa - Land Clearance
Metz - Town Guard
Bern - Town Hall
Dijon - Land Clearance

(*Hmph... let's see them complain NOW about having too little money and nothing being built! All but four of the Reich's settlements are involved in construction as we speak, and two of those which are not are my own Nuremburg and Count von Kassel's Innsbruck. If this is not good enough for them, I may consider having an exorcism performed on the Diet meeting hall.*)

The excessive income this year has also allowed me to devote firm efforts to converting all city garrisons to locally funded militia and to provide further recruitment for the Franconian Household Army. All recruitments are as follows:

1 Armored Spearmen & 2 Sergeant Spearmen in Hamburg (for Franconia)
2 units of Franconian Household Army being retrained in Magdeburg.
2 Spear Militias in Genoa
2 Spear Militias in Bologna
1 Spear Militia in Dijon
2 Town Militias in Florence
2 Town Militias in Metz

In addition, I have allocated funds for the recruitment of three new agents. A priest in Prague to convert the Orthodox heathens in the east, a diplomat in Vienna to open diplomatic negotiations with the Turks and Egyptian blasphemers, and an assassin in Frankfurt to eliminate any further murders that France sends against us.

Other developments concerning the Household Armies are as follows:
The previously mentioned forces of the Austrian army continue to march to Vienna. A group of Mailed Knights has also been dispatched to Vienna to join the army.
The Bavarian Household Army is being formed. 1 regiment of Armored Spearmen and 2 regiments of Sergeant Spearmen marched south from Innsbruck, where they met up with Count Otto von Kassel and some men he brought with him from Bologna. The Count is now in command of the Bavarian Household Army, though it is still vastly understrength. The remainder of the Bavarian force will come from the 3 regiments of Peasant Crossbowmen who are marching from Staufen, and a group of Mounted Sergeants who are riding from Metz. It is essential that these forces combine soon, as the French will surely break through the Alpine fort soon and move into Northern Italy. With the Swabian Household Army leaderless and concerned with hunting down the assassin, they failed to move south this year.

Word has reached me that the Kaiser and his army have pursued a group of rebels to the border with Rome, where he has cornered them by the sea. I await news of their destruction...

(Scribblings at the bottom of the page indicate that the following lines were added in haste and frustration.)

The Kaiser has cleanly vanquished the rebels...

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_074.jpg

..but he has moved his army onto Papal soil in the process! I have received a formal complaint from Pope Gregory himself about this matter. What does the Kaiser think he is doing down there?!

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_075.jpg

TinCow
03-16-2007, 14:46
1146

*At last the year of cruelty and assassination is behind us. With God's grace, this year will bring peace and prosperity.*


The first news I received this year came from north and south, but concerned our navies in both regards. In the north, the Poles chased down the remnants of blockade fleet as it was sailing for the safety of the port of Hamburg. They were greatly damaged and forced to seek shelter in a small cove. Instead of safety though, they found pirates and they are presumed to have died to the last man. In the south, the Venetians built 2 ships to break out blockade of Venice. With our 4 to oppose them, victory was certain. Yet... somehow... the Venetian ships were victorious! Not only victorious, they sank our entire fleet!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-2.jpg
https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-1.jpg
https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-3.jpg

More bad news arrived from the Church. It seems Cardinal Peter Scherer, already in poor health, has succumbed to the peace of death. His holy guidance of the Reich will be sorely missed. Not only have we lost a Cardinal, the Reich no longer has a Bishop Preferati to stand for Pope at the next election. A Venetian priest has been chosen to replace Cardinal Scherer in the College.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-5.jpg

Perhaps as the first demonstration of our new loss of influence in Rome, the Pope has given us a discouraging order. We have been ordered to cease our war with Poland, under threat of excommunication! I do not envy the man who has to break this news to Duke von Saxony.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-7.jpg

The Venetian sun seems to be in the ascendancy. On top of securing one of their own to replace our Cardinal, they have negotiated a peace with our Sicilian allies. This would not be so bad, if it were not for the fact that the Milanese refused our offer for a ceasefire! I do not understand this reaction. I had been assured that they sought peace and would look upon such an offer as being very generous, yet they refused! Our diplomat shall try to approach a more reasonable Milanese leader next year about this matter.

Yet, with all the bad news, there is some good. The Council of Nobles is pleased that we have blockaded Cagliari for many years now and have awarded us 1,000 florins for our efforts.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-6.jpg

Our Russian friends have continued to be generous, though their generosity has been steadily decreasing. As much as I enjoy this extra income, the diplomat in Russia simply must depart to meet with a passing English envoy. There is other work to be done and I am somehow feeling wrong for accepting so many gifts from the Russians for no explainable reason. I almost feel like I am being bribed, and I will not allow it to continue any longer.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-4.jpg

I have been informed that the final stones have been laid on the outer curtain wall of the fortress at Staufen. I was perhaps a bit hostile on this matter in the Diet, but now that the project is complete, I admit that its benefits are significant. As a peace offering to Prinz Henry for his wisdom on this matter, I have ordered a new Archery Range to be built there, in accordance with his wishes. The full construction list for this year is as follows:

Staufen - Archery Range
Florence - Stone Wall
Bologna - Market
Stettin - Town Watch

It is only appropriate that the first recruits from Staufen, including a group of Dismounted Feudal Knights, be allocated to Swabia. The Swabian Household Army is lacking in infantry, so 2 regiments of Sergeant Spearmen are being recruited for them alongside the Knights.

Prinz Henry himself finally reached the army this year and it is on the move and preparing for action. It will move south to block the French next year after it has been reinforced with fresh infantry. I wish I could send them into the offensive against the French forces, but Edict 5.12 forbids this.

Duke Leopold has been frustrated with the slow movement of the recruits dispatched to him. He has ridden out and met them in the field. His superior military knowledge will surely allow them to move faster from now on. The entire army will reach Vienna next year and will begin the march south on Zagreb.

In Franconia, Duke von Saxony finally chased down the rebels who had eluded him last year. He is now returning to Magdeburg to assemble to full might of the Franconian Household Army for the first time.

In Italy, Count Otto von Kassel has been trapped in the Alps by a Venetian attack force that appears to be bound for Milan. I am awaiting word of his attack. Hopefully he will be successful, for he has a wedding to attend afterwards!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-8.jpg

Count von Kassel has been victorious with only light casualties! He has executed the remaining prisoners, completely gutting Venetian power in Italy in the process. While I will not say that I approve of such treatment of Christians, I suppose they deserve no better since their chosen leader has been excommunicated by the Pope. Woe to those who defy the Church.

https://img136.imageshack.us/img136/920/casualtiesbrennerol4.jpg

It is time for the Royal Wedding! For the first time in many decades, Bavaria will have a Duke! It is a time to rejoice!

GeneralHankerchief
03-16-2007, 17:40
Kaiser Heinrich:

If I may interrupt for a minute. Otto von Kassel and Princess Elsebeth have married.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/wedding1.jpg

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/wedding5.jpg

My congratulations to both. Otto von Kassel is now Duke of Bavaria.

-edit- As a wedding present, I hereby allocate Genoa to Bavaria.

TinCow
03-17-2007, 00:16
Continuation of 1146

I will not recount the events which have led to our war with Pope Gregory and inevitable excommunication. They are well known to everyone by this point, so I shall move on to more recent matters.

The Kaiser left a token force to guard Rome and immediately moved north towards Pope Gregory and Duke von Kassel. For his part in this madness, the Duke has gone west and gathered the remainder of the Bavarian Household Army around him.

Sensing an impending, unavoidable riot and the coming conflict between the Kaiser and the Pope, Jobst von Salza left Milan to return to his homelands of Swabia.

As for myself, I did what little I could, by travelling to Metz to help the Swabians supervise their border provinces.

Though it is blood money, the money gained from the sack of Rome must be put to use. Perhaps it can be cleansed if used to protect the faithful of the Reich. Further construction due to the additional funds is as follows:

Rome - Wall Repair & Town Hall
Vienna - City Watch
Innsbruck - Stables

I have devoted much of the money to recruiting many more regiments to defend the Reich. We will surely need them in the time to come. Recruitments are as follows:

2 Town Militia in Genoa
2 Spear Militia in Bologna
2 Spear Militia in Bern
1 Armored Spearmen, 1 Peasant Crossbowmen, & 1 Mailed Knights in Innsbruck, to act as further strength for the Austrian Household Army
1 Armored Spearmen, 1 Peasant Archers, & 1 Sergeant Spearmen in Hamburg, to act as further strength for the Franconian Household Army
1 Spear Militia & 1 Crossbow Militia in Frankfurt

As the year ended, Pope Gregory's vast army laid siege to Genoa. The garrison was quickly strengthened when word of the Kaiser's attack on Rome reach them, but I fear they will not be able to hold the city for long.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1146-9.jpg

The French army in the Alps has finally starved out the brave men who were manning the fort. They have surrendered it to the enemy, who have made the place their own.

1148

The year began with a bad omen. A small Hungarian army has crossed the border near Vienna. It appears that they intend to take advantage of the Kaiser's damnation. Duke Leopold was passing by Vienna with the Austrian Household Army on his way to Zagreb. He wisely took up position on the bridge north of the city to prevent the Hungarians from crossing it, should they prove to be hostile.

As expected, uncontrolled rioting erupted in Milan, killing thousands of commoners and damaging several of the cities structures. Two regiments of peasant archers from Bologna have been sent to Milan to help the militia restore order, but several more regiments of militia will have to be recruited hastily if they are to have any hope of succeeding.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1148-3.jpg

A French spy was found in Dijon and escaped before the militia could apprehend him. It appears that our foes will continue to use dishonorable methods to attack us.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1148-1.jpg

Jobst von Salza has taken over command over the Dijon garrison. He is being watchful for French assassins, and will be supported by the nearby Imperial spies and assassin.

Prinz Henry has joined the fresh infantry from Staufen to the Swabian Household Army and has begun the march on the French army in the Alpine fort.

Duke Otto von Kassel has adopted a Bavarian named Gerhard Steffen. As would be expected, he has absolutely no regard for the Lord. Gerhard Steffen is serving with Duke von Kassel in the Bavarian Household Army, which is waiting for the Kaiser's force to come farther north before closing on the Pope.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1148-5.jpg

Count von Hamburg has departed Magdeburg to supervise Hamburg's first years as a city.

Construction this year is as follows:
Nuremburg - Stone Wall
Hamburg - Grain Exchange
Prague - Leather Tanner
Milan - Church
Frankfurt - Communal Farming
Dijon - Leather Tanner
Bern - Communal Farming

Recruitment is as follows:
Bern - 1 Spear Militia & a priest to deal with rising heresy.
Milan - 3 Town Militia, let us hope they are enough to quell the madness
Hamburg - 1 Town Militia

*May God have mercy on the Reich.*

TinCow
03-17-2007, 19:11
Continuation of 1148:

Pope Gregory has assaulted and taken Genoa! He moved faster than any of us could have anticipated. The large militia force in the city proved totally ineffective and the Papal forces suffered few casualties.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1148-8.jpg
https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1148-7.jpg
https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1148-6.jpg

1150:

Duke Leopold's firm stance on the bridge by Vienna has deterred the Hungarians, and they have returned their army to their own lands. Duke Leopold has begun the march on Zagreb

Order has been restored in Milan.

A large Polish army has been sighted near Prague. However, Scouts in the nearby watchtowers report that it is composed of many peasants. As such, Duke Leopold will continue his march on Zagreb and Jonas von Mahren will see to the defense of the city. He has recruited two regiments of mercenary spearmen to aid in the defense of the city. Further militia recruitment will also be done.

Prinz Henry is marching on the French Alpine fort.

Duke Otto von Kassel and Kaiser Heinrich had a difficult decision to make. If they united their forces, the Pope would have time to repair the walls of Genoa and recruit more men. If they besieged Genoa immediately, they will be forced to do so with separated forces. They chose to begin the siege immediately. Duke von Kassel's Bavarian Household Army is now besieging the city from the north. Kaiser Heinrich's Army will arrive to besiege the city from the east next year.

The Milanese have firmly refused another attempt at a ceasefire. These negotiations are pointless and I will not attempt them again.

Gunther von Kastilien has taken command of the Franconian Household Army and has begun the march on Thorn.

There has been much skulduggery near Dijon. A French spy and a highly skilled French assassin have been detected there. Our Imperial spy in the region was killed while discovering this information and our Imperial assassin failed in his attempt to eliminate his vastly superior counterpart.
Jobst von Salza has prudently moved to Metz until this French murderer can be disposed of.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1150-3.jpg
https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1150-2.jpg

Count von Kastilien has a new son by the name of Fritz and Jobst von Salza has a new wife named Heidindrodis Godwinson.

Construction is as follows:
Stettin - Grain Exchange
Magdeburg - Practice Range
Rome - Leather Tanner

Recruitment is as follows:
Prague - 2 Spear Militia
Hamburg - 1 Spear Militia
Magdeburg - 1 Mailed Knights
Stettin - 1 Town Militia
Milan - 1 Spear Militia & 1 Crossbow Militia
Frankfurt - Assassin
Dijon - Spy
Staufen - 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights

As the year ended, news came that a small Polish force had somehow slipped through our borders and besieged Frankfurt!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1150-1.jpg

1152:

Duke von Saxony has taken a small force from Magdeburg and is marching to relieve Frankfurt.

The Polish force near Prague has begun its march on the city, though it is not yet under siege.

Gunther von Kastilien and the Franconian Household Army have advanced into Polish territory. The siege of Thorn is expected to begin next year.

Duke Leopold has begun the siege of Zagreb.

Kaiser Heinrich has joined the siege of Genoa.

Prinz Henry has besieged the French inside the Alpine fort.

Near Dijon, our Imperial assassin has once again failed to kill his counterpart.

In foreign affairs, Hungary has refused our alliance offer firmly. However, an exchange of maps was arranged. News has come of a war between Egypt and the Turks.

Count von Kastilien has another son! He has named this one Peter. Gerhard Steffen has married Kungund von Austria.

For my part, I eliminated some more rebels near Dijon. The local peasants once again wished to honor me. This time I humored them. I am sure I will get many marriage proposals from local women from now on, but I have made a vow of celibacy and will refuse them.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1152-1.jpg


Construction this year:
Hamburg - Town Hall
Florence - Paved Roads & Merchants Guild
Prague - Town Hall
Bologna - Church

Recruitments this year:
Prague - 2 Town Militia
Magdeburg - 1 Armored Spearmen
Stettin - 1 Town Militia

1154:

Pope Gregory has reconciled with Venice and they are no longer excommunicated. Hungary and Sicily are once again at war. The English want nothing to do with us and will not agree to an alliance. I fear our war with the Pope will prevent us from any friendly relations with any Catholic states.

With the Franconian Household Army deep within their territory, the Poles have recalled the army that was advancing on Prague. It appears to be heading to confront Count von Kastilien outside Thorn.

I have allowed the Merchants Guild to begin operating out of Nuremburg.

Duke von Saxony has chased the Poles from the walls of Frankfurt and trapped them near the river. I await news of the battle...

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-1.jpg

...he has prevailed and the Imperial capital (and the Diet with it) has been saved! We all owe Duke von Saxony our sincere thanks.

http://img152.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc519&image=55960_pb7_122_519lo.jpg

I now await word of Prinz Henry's assault on the Alpine fort...

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-2.jpg

...the Prinz has retaken the fort and wiped out the French invaders, though many good Swabian men died in the assault. A small contingent has been left behind to maintain the fort, and Henry has begun the march north towards Rheims. Staufen will be ordered to prepare reinforcements, including the Reich's first Pavise Crossbowmen, for the Swabian Household Army as it passes by.

When news of the Prinz's approach reached Dijon, the garrison became greatly concerned. The Imperial assassins sent to dispose of the French murder had failed again. With the Prinz passing so close by, he would surely make a tempting target for the Frankish devil. In desperation, the entire garrison began to comb the fields around Dijon. Though there were only seven regiments, the river and the city itself limited the area in which the man could hide. Finally, after man hours of searching, he was cornered and slain in a farmhouse by the north gate of the city. Imperial spies will continue to keep a watchful eye for further assassins.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-3.jpg

I now await word of Duke Leopold's assault on Zagreb. It is time for the House of Austria to repay the Venetians for many years of treachery and bloodshed!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-4.jpg

Duke Leopold assaulted the city at night, bypassing the regiments waiting to reinforce the city. He has pushed those same regiments some distance from the city and is now waiting for the remainder of the Austrian Household Army to catch up next year before advancing on Venice in accordance with Edict 5.26.

In the north, Count von Kastilien is leading the Franconian Household Army against a small Polish force outside Thorn. With luck, he may be able to completely destroy the army and the Thorn garrison which is arriving to aid them. If this happens, there will be no one left to defend the castle and he will be able to walk right in through the undefended gates. I await word of the results.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-5.jpg

GeneralHankerchief
03-18-2007, 22:26
Kaiser Heinrich:

Rome is now capital of the Reich.

This will be made official once I assault Genoa.

TinCow
03-18-2007, 23:25
Continuation of 1154 :

Count von Kastilien has successfully driven off the Poles and cleared the road to Thorn. Unfortunately, a large nurmber of Polish soldiers escaped during the battle and they have secured the fortress at Thorn against attack. It will require several years of work to build sufficient siege equipment to overcome the two ringwalls.

All the Reich waits in anticipation of the final confrontation between Kaiser Heinrich and Pope Gregory. May God have mercy on their souls.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-6.jpg

GeneralHankerchief
03-19-2007, 23:20
Kaiser Heinrich:

Since we're in an Emergency Session, I might as well do my usual duties.

Zagreb goes to Austria
Magdeburg goes to Franconia
Florence goes to Bavaria

In addition, I have a further build queue for Rome:
1. land clearance
2. start a Cathedral

OverKnight
03-21-2007, 14:57
Build Queue for Genoa:

1154: Raze damaged Thieves Guild, repair everything else and start a Town Hall
1156: --continued
1158: Council Chambers 1/3


Build Queue for Florence:

1154: Paved Road 2/3
1156:--continued
1158: Council Chamber 1/3

The goal here is to reduce squalor and discontent. Tax levels are to be adjusted to avoid red faces if possible.


BHA Commands:

Otto von Kassel, accompanied by Gerhard Steffen, will pursue and attack the Milanese force outside of Genoa with the BHA. I hope Gerhard will prove his mettle. I will gratefully accept reinforcement from other forces if the Chancellor deems this wise.

After this, the BHA will be placed under the Chancellor's direction. He may use it to form the nucleus of a Crusade Army if E1.1 passes.

Send a messenger if you have any questions.


Edit: I have decided to add new build queues for all the other settlements of Bavaria, except Nuremburg, Maximillian's County.

Build Queue Innsbruck:

1154: Knight's Stables
1156:--continued
1158:--continued


Build Queue for Bologna:

1154: Church 2/2
1156: Large Stone Wall
1158:--continued


Build Queue for Milan:

1154: Inn
1156:--continued
1158:--continued

Tax levels are to be adjusted to avoid red faces if possible.

Ituralde
03-23-2007, 00:07
Build priorities Zagreb:

Conversion to Castle

TinCow
03-24-2007, 00:36
Continuation of 1154:

With Pope Gregory slain, an election was held in the College of Cardinals. Kaiser Heinrich approved the appointment of the Portuguese cardinal, Manoel the Righteous, who became known as Pope Accattus.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-7.jpg

Soon afterwards, Duke Otto von Kassel moved on the Milanese force outside Genoa and thoroughly defeated it. With the last hostile army in Italy defeated, Otto took a small contingent of infantry and began the journey to the Crusade rendezvous. Gerhard Steffen took command of the remnants of the battered Bavarian Household Army and garrisoned Genoa. The Bavarians will need to be reinforced before they can resume any offensive operations.

Construction for the year was as follows:
Genoa: Thieves Guild destroyed, repairs made, Town Hall
Zagreb: Conversion to Castle begins
Rome: Land Clearance

Recruitment was as follows (all of this is for the Crusade):
Frankfurt: 2 regiments of Teutonic Knights
Staufen: 1 Pavise Crossbowmen
Innsbruck: 2 Armored Spearmen
Zagreb: Priest
Vienna: Priest
Bologna: Priest
Milan: Spy

As the year ended, a messenger brought word that Pope Accattus had brazenly thrown off the Kaiser's authority and laid siege to Rome with nothing more than his bodyguard! Such arrogance!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1154-9.jpg

At the same time, apparently operating under orders from the Pope, an Inquisitor visited the Swabian Household Army and tried Prinz Henry for Heresy!!! Fortunately, the Prinz's piety was obvious to all and he was found innocent.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1156-3.jpg

The Prinz has become a bit more pious as a result of this most terrifying of events.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1156-2.jpg

1156:

The Council of Nobles has rewarded us with 1000 florins for the lengthy blockade of Cagliari. Our blockade fleet moved north and attacked the Milanese ships that were transporting the remnants of the army that faced Duke von Kassel. The engagement was a victory, but the Milanese escaped.

A Scottish diplomat arrived in Frankfurt and proposed to give us trade rights in exchange for a small tribute. Negotiations were successful and resulted in an exchange of trade rights without tribute. The Scottish also paid us 1000 florins as part of an exchange of maps. An alliance was attempted, but it could not be reached. Our diplomat informed me that an Alliance could have been bought for 100 florins of tribute for 10 years, but he did not offer it as the Diet has not authorized any monetary expenditures for this.

Eusebius von der Pfalz has been made a Cardinal. There are rumors that he hides more under his robes than most would suspect. Some suggest that he is closer to Cardinal Otterbach than is appropriate under the circumstances.

Hungary has allied itself to two of our enemies, Poland and France. Unless something is done to improve our relations with them, the Reich may find itself with another war to fight.

The Merchant's Guild has established itself in Genoa.

Jobst van Salza has moved to Dijon to keep order and to take command of the Swabian Household Army. The Army itself was delayed and unable to reach Dijon this year. Apparently they were investigating a mysterious accident in which a Papal Inquisitor drowned after falling off a bridge in the middle of the night.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1156-1.jpg

Duke Leopold has begun his march on Venice. The siege is expected to begin next year.

Construction is as follows:
Magdeburg - Blacksmith
Nuremburg - Paved Roads
Vienna - Fairground
Dijon - Council Chambers
Bern - Church

Recruitment is as follows:
Staufen - 1 regiment of Dismounted Feudal Knights & 1 regiment of Pavise Crossbowmen
Genoa - 1 Spear Militia & 1 Merchant Cavalry Militia
Florence - 1 Merchant Cavalry Militia

Kaiser Heinrich has marched down to Rome with two regiments of crossbowmen to deal with the new Pope. He did not take a full army with him as the Pope had no one with him but his bodyguard and would be easily defeated. However, the Pope was more clever than anticipated! As the year ended, he abandoned the siege of Rome, hired two regiments of mercenaries, and turned on the Kaiser! Heinrich has no infantry with him at all and the peasant crossbowmen will not last long in a melee battle! If he is to live to see another sunrise, he and his bodyguard will have to take the brunt of the fighting!

Oh what irony that the Kaiser should be most direly threatened by the man he personally approved for the Papal Throne!

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/Chancellorship/1156-4.jpg

The Kaiser has prudently withdrawn from the battle. The Pope's mercenary knights and spearmen were too much for his contingent of peasant crossbowmen.

1158:

A diplomat attempted to reach a peace agreement with the Pope, but the negotiations were a complete failure. Kaiser Heinrich left his crossbowmen and circled around the Pope in an attempt to reach Rome, whether the garrison is being strengthened greatly. The peasant crossbowmen which had accompanied him retreated to Florence.

Duke Leopold has advanced to the causeway which separates Venice from the mainland. His men are exhausted though and are not able to begin the siege this year, even though the city is within sight of their position.

The Crusaders continue to gather their forces and head towards Zagreb.

Construction for this year:
Staufen - Armorer
Metz - Market
Stettin - Communal Farming
Prague - Communal Farming
Bologna - Large Stone Wall

Recruitment:
Rome - 2 Spear Militia & 1 Crossbow Militia

I have received word that Field Marshal von Kastilien is preparing to assault the Polish fortress of Thorn. He significantly outnumbers the defenders, who have only a handful of infantry to man the walls. I expect word of a crushing victory soon...

The Crusade gathering continues

TinCow
03-24-2007, 23:04
Continuation of 1158:

Thorn has fallen to the Franconian Household Army. Much praise is due to the House of Franconia, who have single-handedly fought off repeated Polish invasions. They have consistently defeated the Reich's enemies and secured the strategic castle at Magdeburg and the fortress at Thorn. Few Houses have ever accomplished single-handedly what Franconia has managed during my term.

As the year ended, Jonas von Mahren joined Duke von Saxony's rump Crusade army.

1160:

As my term as Chancellor comes to an end, there are a few pieces of news to relay.

First, I have received word that our allies, Sicily, have been excommunicated again, though I know not why.

Several children have been born: Kordula Steffen, Niesenn von Mahren, and Siegfried von Kastilien. In addition, I have adopted a religious man to assist Bavaria as I depart on the Crusade. His name is Conrad Salier and I hope he will serve Bavaria well.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/1160/conrad_salier_1160.jpg

Though my term as Chancellor ends at the beginning of this year, I have taken the liberty of seeing that the Crusader forces have been moved forward. There are now 3 armies that will eventually make up the Crusade. Prinz Henry and I are northeast of Venice and will reach Zagreb in 2 turns. Duke von Saxony and Jonas von Mahren are south of Prague and will reach Zagreb in 2 turns. Duke von Kassel is west of Prague and will reach Zagreb in 3 turns. In addition, the 3 priests and the spy outsize Zagreb have been assigned to the Crusade and should accompany us.

I have also taken the liberty of ensuring that Duke Leopold's siege of Venice began, as the Austrian Household Army was already adjacent to the city.

As I leave the office of Chancellor behind, I have some final words. First, I leave the Reich Treasury with 12,725 florins. I urge all landed Lords to carefully consider the future build queues for their provinces. With the capital of the Reich moved south and our continuing excommunication, there is a great deal of unrest in many of our cities. Constructions that promote happiness will be of great use to us.

In military affairs, there is mixed news. We now have two fortresses, at Staufen and Thorn, and three castles. Our ability to recruit many regiments of strong, professional soldiers has never been greater. The Austrian and Franconian Household Armies are strong and capable of immediate action against any foes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Swabian and Bavarian Household Armies. They both meet minimum strength requirements, but the quality of the troops available to them is poor and many units are under strength. The Bavarians are currently garrisoning Genoa, which would otherwise be in unrest, and the Swabians are likewise garrisoning Dijon.

Our enemies have suffered many defeats, but many still have a strong will to fight. There are four armies that must be noted. First, there is a very strong Venetian army which has appeared south of Zagreb. Second, there is a strong Polish army to the east. It currently poses no threat to us, but should be watched. Third, a French Prince and heir is leading a strong army which is approaching Dijon from the southwest. Finally, the failed Hungarian crusade army is returning to their lands. They have entered Imperial territory west of Dijon. This is a strong army which will be of immense danger to Swabia if war breaks out between our nations.

And with that, my term as Chancellor is concluded. My God have mercy on the Reich.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1160.zip

econ21
03-25-2007, 12:41
Prinz Henry: Build queues for

Staufen (please prioritise above Bern and Dijon at all times)
Turn 1-3: Continue armourer
4-6: Drill Square
7-10: Barracks

Dijon:
Turn 1: Finish Council Chamber
2-4: Upgrade large stone wall
5-6: Church
7-10: City watch
Note - please demolish the Thieves Guild asap!!

Bern: (lowest priority)
Grain Exchange (2)
Market (3)
Blacksmith (3)
Brothel (2)

Taxes for Dijon and Bern to be highest possible without red face. But avoid Very High if general present.

Swabian Household army:

Normal Garrison: Dijon but standing orders may imply positioning elsewhere.

Fieldmarshall: Count von Salza

Standing orders: defend Swabia settlements.

GeneralHankerchief
03-25-2007, 18:44
Kaiser Heinrich:

Build queue for Rome:

1. Cathedral
2. Council Chambers
3. Communal Farming

I hereby allocate Thorn to the House of Franconia.

TinCow
03-28-2007, 12:18
Build queue for Nuremberg:

1: Abbey
2: Council Chambers
3: Fairground

Taxes set as high as possible without rioting.

Ituralde
03-28-2007, 14:02
Tax levels in Vienna and Prague are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.

Build priorities Vienna:
Council Chambers
Communal Farming
Paved Roads

Except for the Council Chambers, the next level of walls should it become available will take priority!

Build priorities Prague:
Church

Build priorities Zagreb:
Drill Square
Mines
Bowyer

Orders for the Ducal Army:

Duke Leopold will lead the Ducal Army.

The Ducal Army is to continue its siege on Venice and attack the city as soon as possible.
Afterwards it will return to Zagreb as fast as possible to help in its defense or recapture it.
Once Zagreb and Venica are secure the army will take up sation slightly north of the river crossing East of Zagreb, where it will reach Vienna and Zagreb should danger ensue.

OverKnight
03-28-2007, 14:16
Build Queue for Innsbruck

Chancellor's Discretion, but please upgrade the Castle to a Fortress when population allows.


Build Queue for Bologna

After Large Stone Wall is finished:
1: Council Chamber
2: Paved Roads
3: Abbey


Build Queue for Milan

1: City Hall
2: Abbey
3: Inn


Build Queue for Genoa

This includes input from Gerhard Steffen.
1: Church
2: Large Stone Walls (I believe the population will support this when Church is finished.)
3: Paved Roads
4: Council Chamber


Build Queue for Florence

1: Church
2: Merchant's Wharf
3: Council Chambers
4: Shipwright


Please set tax levels to avoid rioting.


BHA Orders

Army Commander: Gerhard Steffen

The army is to garrison Genoa until such time as it is up to strength and the city can police itself. The Army will assist in the defense of Rome, if needed, or the defense of Bavaria against France. I would like to see Gerhard's skill as a commander tested, so if it can be done without great risk or endangerment of other tasks, send the BHA against Marseille. This will help stabilize our western front.

Kagemusha
03-28-2007, 22:11
I will promote Jonas von Mahren as count of Magdeburg. Also from this day forward,Count Von Kastillien will be the Steward of Franconia and has the power to order the Franconian household army.

TinCow
03-29-2007, 15:31
Orders for the Crusading Armies:

Duke von Saxony will move south towards Zagreb with Count von Mahren, leaving behind 2 Armored Spearmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, and 2 Teutonic Knights. Maximillian Mandorf will move towards Zagreb with the entire force under his command, where he shall join up with Duke von Saxony's army. Duke von Kassel and his army will continue moving towards Zagreb. The regiments left behind by Duke von Saxony will move to join up with Duke von Kassel at the earliest opportunity. Prinz Henry will split off from Maximillian Mandorf's army and join with Duke von Kassel's army, immediately if it can be done without danger, whenever it is most convenient if it cannot, though preferably before Maximillian Mandorf's army reaches Zagreb.

The end result will be two armies that are separated by approximately 1-2 turns movement with the following composition:

Lead Army:
Duke von Saxony
Maximillian Mandorf
Jonas von Mahren
2 regiments Sergeant Spearmen
2 regiments Armored Spearmen
2 regiments Peasant Crossbowmen
1 regiment Teutonic Knights
partial regiment Dismounted Feudal Knights

Trailing Army:
Prinz Henry
Duke von Kassel
2 regiments Dismounted Feudal Knights
2 regiments Pavise Crossbowmen
2 regiments Teutonic Knights
2 regiments Armored Spearmen
1 regiment Sergeant Spearmen

The Lead Army will depart Zagreb as soon as it is formed and begin the journey to the Hold Lands. The Trailing Army will follow after as quickly as possible. The first stage of the route will be as follows: Stay in the Zagreb province and follow the road towards Sofia. If we are not at war with Hungary when we near the Hungarian border, we will turn south and head off-road to Byzantine territory in the general direction of Thessalonica. When we reach the road that runs between Thessalonica and Constantinople, we will follow it east, heading for the southern crossing of the Hellespont. Both armies will continue on this path until further orders are given. If we are at war with Hungary when we reach the Hungarian border, the Armies will simply take the fastest route possible to the Hellespont.

At this time, the Crusade Armies will avoid battle with enemy armies unless they directly block our path. We will engage any hostile armies that block our path that are small to medium in size. The Crusaders must be informed of large armies in our path so that we can make a decision on whether to engage them.

The three priests and the spy near Zagreb will accompany the armies. The priests will move ahead to the Holy Lands, providing intelligence about which factions control which settlements along the way. They need not wait for the Crusading Armies for any reason. The spy will move with the Lead Army, scouting ahead for potential enemies.

Jalf
03-29-2007, 17:23
Build Orders for Magdeburg
1: Finish the blacksmith that is under construction
2: communal farming
3: chapel
4: crop rotation

If an upgrade to fortress becomes available, do that instead.
Taxes set to avoid rioting.

Ituralde
03-30-2007, 01:03
1160:
The first year of my Chancellorship has already been quite eventful. Thanks to the large funds passed on to me by my predecessor construction on every improvement passed on to me has begun. This excludes the Cathedral in Rome, however. 6400 florins will take up half of our treasury and is a huge amount at these times. However unrest in Rome is still a problem and I would urge Kaiser Heinrich to consider building Council Chambers first, as this would help administer the citizenship. I fear I can not give a timeframe for the Cathedral, yet.

Furthermore I am still lacking build queues for Hamburg, Stettin, Frankfurt and Metz. Consequently no construction was begun in these settlements.
To improve the Household armies of Franconia, Bavaria and Swabia the following recruitments were made.

Staufen: Feudal Knights, Pavise Crossbowmen, Sergeant Spearmen

Thorn: Retraining of Sergeant Spearmen, Peasant Archers, Mailed Knights

Innsbruck: Armoured Sergeants, Sergeant Spearmen, Mailed Knights

I fear that the recruitment for the Crusade has depleted castles like Innsbruck and Staufen so it will take some time before high-quality troops will flow steadily to the Duchies armies. I also increased the number of Militia in Milan and retrained Militia in Rome to battle unrest. They are the only two cities in our Empire whose populace is in danger of rioting.


With these formalities out of the way let me recount the Election of the new Pope. Unfortunately Charles von Otterbach was not one of the Preferati, so following Heinrichs instructions I supported Halstan of Denmark. In a landslide victory he was able to secure all other votes from the College of Cardinals and has ascended and now chooses to call himself: Pope Andreas of Denmark

However this has barely increased our Papal Standing so I contacted the new Pope outside of Rome with Henricus Plittersdorf a trusted diplomat. Following Duke Otto von Kassels noble proposal I offered the city of Florence in return for a Ceasefire and Reconciliation. Although the proposal was considered Balanced by Plittersdorf the offer was firmly rejected by Pope Andreas. This bodes ill for the future.


Our other diplomatic transaction were of mixed success as well. The Sicilians happily accepted our regular tribue thus fulfilling Edict 6.3.
The Byzantines were a harder nut to crack though. I offered them 200 florins for 10 turns in return for Military Access, an offer that was considered to be generous by Wikerus von Bavaria. It was also rejected though. Maybe Wikerus Intolerance for other Religions has clouded his judgement. I will try to enter negotiations once more, but it looks like we will have to settle on a regular tribute, before passing through Byzantine lands.

1162:
The towns of Genoa and Hamburg have grown so much that larger fortifications are needed to protect all citizens. The Counts of the respective cities might want to alter their build queues accordingly.
Pope Andreas has remained quiet, but some mercenary guards now accompany him, I will try to contact him later.

Meanwhile several interesting army movements have occured. The huge Venetian host south of Zagreb has been reinforced but has not moved yet. Two smaller regiments are blocking the direct path between the Crusaders under Maximilian Mandorf and Prince Henry and the city of Zagreb. The Venetian forces equal the Crusaders in numbers so I would advise to take a detour through the Alpine passes into Austrian territory. This would also lead to a faster rendezvous with Dietrich von Saxony. The area around Zagreb is swarming with Venetians so caution is prudent. This will also allow Prince Henry to meet with Duke Otto faster.

https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1700/crusademo0.jpg

A Polish force of 5 regiments has been hiding in the woods between Magdeburg and Breslau and has now appeared alarmingly close to Magdeburg and Stettin. A smaller stack of reinforcements has been spotted entering the woods too. I am still awaiting orders for the Franconian Household Army so you should keep this in mind.

https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9179/polishdd6.jpg

The French have not been idle either and have led a large force under their Heir Prince Louis the Merciless just west of Dijon. If Jobst von Salza wishes to attack his foe in a field battle he should contact me as soon as possible.

https://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9036/frenchvq0.jpg



OOC: I will be gone all day tomorrow, that's why I left so much decisions to other players. If I don't hear anything until tomorrow evening I will just play on as I see fit.

TinCow
03-30-2007, 18:41
Orders for the Crusading Armies:

Prinz Henry and I agree with your plans for the movement of our army.

Ituralde
04-01-2007, 19:25
1164:
While a lot has happened and I intend to give a more verbose report later, several interesting things have happened that deserve your attention immediatelly.

First Venice has fallen and is now under Imperial control. The city was sacked and plundered giving much needed money for the Imperial treasury.

https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4415/venicedb0.jpg

Second, a large English force has landed near Hamburg, accompanied by a smaller Portugese army. We can only hope that the war between England and Portugal has carried over to our lands. If one or both of those armies were to attack us, we would be in great danger.

https://img501.imageshack.us/img501/8216/invasionpy5.jpg

Gunther von Kastilien is moving west towards Stettin with the Franconian Household Army, while Fredericus von Hamburg has left the city earlier to defend Magdeburg against a possible Polish attack. The Polish have advanced and are hiding in the woods near the castle. The next step and the movement of the English army will be important.

Third, Jobst von Salza has driven off a tiny French force that dared to attack Dijon. Their Prince has moved on into French territory, while further troops have been reported to move in from around Rheims and Marseille.

Pope Andreas still refuses to sign a ceasefire or reconcile us.


Lastly, some good news. Guda, daughter of Prince Henry has come of age and is currently staying in Vienna. Already some suitors have made their interest public. The last of them being Ulrich Hümmel.

https://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8714/ulrichds3.jpg


I await my brothers response on this matter, before I decide anything.

Ituralde
04-02-2007, 13:06
1164: continued
Ulrich Hümmel has married Guda. Urlich is still staying in Vienna but I immediately dispatched him West to the castle of Staufen to aid the House of Swabia in their struggle against France.

1166:

TREACHERY!!!
Metz has betrayed us and opened their doors to the French invaders. They sold their loyalties to the highest bidder. The complete garrison is now under French service.
A large army under a Captain Jaques is now approaching Dijon, where Jobst von Salza is readying the Swabian Household army for the defense.

As expected the English under Walter Smithe have laid siege to Hamburg. The city will probably fall into the hands of the enemy. The Polish are moving their troops against Thorn in force, so Gunther von Kastilien returned to defend that stronghold.
Fredericus von Hamburg will not reach the city before it falls and instead has turned on the Polish that have resurfaced East of Frankfurt. The enemy fled the field though.

The Portugese have pushed further into our territory. While their exact location is unknown they are believed to be south of Hamburg. A second Portugese army has also appeared at our borders. It's final destination is believed to be Frankfurt our former capital.

Zagreb is now besieged by the Venetians. It is a smaller force not the large army that has been mustering for so long. The Austrian Household Army is moving at full speed to intercept the attackers.

The Bavarian Household Army is now stationed between Milan and Genoa. The Hungarians under Jakab Mihaly have shown no ill will yet. Their movements will be monitored though and I will wait until that threat has disappeared before sending the Bavarians against the French.

1168:
Hans has come of age and is currently staying in Zagreb Castle. I must congratulate my brother on raising such a wonderful child!

Hamburg has not yet fallen to the English host, but due to the Polish flight Fredericus von Hamburg is in no position to save the town. Instead we now have a small Polish army roaming our lands and a host of Mailed Knights from Portugal is approachig Magdeburg to where Fredericus is now returning.

As expected Dijon is now under siege by the French.

While the Venetians have left the siege of Zagreb and have returned their armies south towards Ragusa, Austria is now facing other perils. A small Venetian detachment was able to sneak through the Alpine passes and is now besieging Venice itself. The Austrian Household Army had to move north though, as the Hungarians have attacked Vienna.
Gerhard Steffen now commands a large army and has closed on the Hungarian Crusader Army under now Prince Jakab.

To make the enemities against us complete, Pope Andreas has decided to besiege Rome, accompanied by two companies of Mercenaries.


Günther von Kastilien was not attacked at Thorn Fortress this year. Knowing too well about the fate of Hamburg he has decided to carry the fight to the Poles though. He is currently attacking a 1200 men strong Polish force in the woods south of Thorn. Both armies are equal in number, but the Poles resorted to fielding Milita and Peasants. I await word of the battle from von Kastilien.

On a lighter, but still serious note, it looks like the Crusade had its first prominent victim.

https://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6177/heresyho5.jpg

Ituralde
04-04-2007, 10:42
1168: continued

Günther von Kastilien won a resounding victory against the Poles.
Emperor Heinrich sallied forth against the aggressor Pope Andreas and slew him in the ensuing battle.

Let me recount the events of the newest Papal Election.
The Preferatie were Dominigo the Warmongerer from Spain, Ulaszlo the Unorthodox from Hungary, and Charles Otterbach from the Reich.
As wished by my father, the Kaiser, I threw the full support of our three cardinals behind Charles Otterbach.
Unfortunately we were the only ones supporting him. Dominigo the Warmongerer got elected by all the other cardinals, even from our Sicilian allies!
He now calls himself Pope Filippus of Spain. As a result of our votes our Papal standing has dropped to an all-time low. The chances peace or even reconciliation are very remote now.

1170:

TRAGEDY!!!
The beloved leader of our Reich, my father, our guidance through the last years, Emperor Heinrich has died!
The Reich mourns the loss of such a great leader.
Our Emperor has left this world for the Kingdom of Heaven... or Purgatory, should his mortal life warrant such penance.

It can only be seen as a sign of respect amongst our enemies, that they have remained quiet. None of our cities or castles have been attacked. The Hungarians even lifted their siege of Vienna. The Portugese are retreating back to Flanders, and the Poles are also retreating.
Maybe the countries of Europe have given us a small respite to attend to our mourning. But don't think they won't come back to attack us again.

This makes my brother Henry, the new Emperor, and his... grand... grandson Jobst von Salza, the new Prince Jobst!

Sorry, there are no pictures because imageshack clearly hates me!

econ21
04-06-2007, 17:45
Kaiser Henry:

Build queue for Venice (when no longer besieged):

Leather tanner (2 turns)
Paved road (3 turns)

Please demolish Master Thieves Guild.


Build queue for Rome:

Militia drill square (5 turns).

Please demolish Thieves Guild.

Ituralde
04-08-2007, 13:42
1170: continued

It seems that our old foe, the Milanese have made a reappearance on the Italian mainland. A small force has landed near Florence. And while some of our enemies have withdrawn, others have used the opportunity to advance. The French are travelling along the coast towards Genoa.

Also a small fleet that has transported a French Crusader army from Tunis was sighted near Marseille. The Imperial fleet that had been blocking Marseille port and after that Toulouse was able to attack and defeat the French fleet though. They were forced to return to sea. Most of the former Crusaders surivived though and a landing in Italy is not out of the question.

https://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5976/crusaderfleetuj4.jpghttps://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9127/navalbattleqf0.jpg

Meanwhile the Crusaders are making progress and have now entered Hungarian territory. From our Priests, who have advanced further than Sofia, we know that the Magyars possess a mighty Citadel there that blocks the direct route to the Hellespont. A large Hungarian force was also seen close to the castle. The Crusaders have made camp atop the hills surrounding the Danube, before descending into the Hungarian steppe.


Back in the Reich, word has reached us from the triumphant victory the Bavarian Household Army, supported by Conrad Salier and under the command of Gerhard Steffen has achieved against the Hungarian foe. The Magyars are under even more pressure, as I was able to force march the Austrian Household Army to the gates of their capital Budapest.

Gerhard Steffen is trying to relieve the city of Venice as we speak and Conrad Salier has already turned south towards Bologna to ward off the Milanese intrusion. Gerhard Steffen has surrounded Captain Tarvixio who had been besieging Venice. He crushed him without much resistance and has advanced his commanding skills.

https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/476/tarvixiolb4.jpg
https://img152.imageshack.us/img152/97/steffenvictorywd2.jpg
https://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4548/aspiringcommanderjh1.jpg

In the West Prince Jobst has put the fear of God in the forces besieging Dijon. They were driven back from the city loosing many of their men. It seems that for now Dijon is safe.

Now that Gunther von Kastilien has returned to Thorn castle the riots that had broken out during his last campaign have died down.


With the ongoing war effort our treasury is running low. The troops and the recruitment of new troops to defend our borders is costing more and more money. As a result construction in all Imperial Cities had to be sustained last weeks. There will be no new constructions until our budget is balanced again.

Ituralde
04-12-2007, 11:58
1172:

While we have crushed a lot of resistance immediatelly after Emperor Heinrichs death our enemies are still at large. The Milanese foremost have landed another small force on the shores of Tuscany. North of Rome a small band of rebels has popped up that says it will support the new Pope Fillipus in all his decisions. Already Conrad Salier is making great haste to fight his way south. Currently Rome is cut off though and the Pope is reported to collect money for more Mercenaries. Plittersdorf is instructed to negotiate.

Due to the lack of construction last turn we have finally filled our coffers again. It remains to be seen how much of it will be used for unit recruitment and retraining though.
The last victim of our ecxommunication seems to be a Michel de Lannoy, who has been preaching in the Bern region. His beliefs can only be called Heretic now. He has approached Eusebius von der Pfalz, who clearly dennounced him as such. He may be tried later this year.

https://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2763/delannoysq9.jpg

The English have not made further progress in their siege of Hamburg and the Portugese have finally withdrawn their armies into Flandres. Fredericus von Hamburg is readying his troops in Magdeburg to march north to defeat the English.

The French have withdrawn their army marching for Genoa freeing up the Bavarian Household Army, which is currently on its way to Milan. It will take some time until it is fully restored after its recent battles.
The French have not been idle though, we have not yet heard of our Mediterranean fleet that just recently defeated the returning French Crusaders. I fear that our Cogs were lost to the superior French Holks roaming the Medditerranean. Meanwhile another French force has advanced on Dijon from the North. Prince Jobst left the city, which is now in danger of rioting to defeat the French on their own soil. He was quite successful and is engaging another French stack with the aid of Ulrich Hümmel near Metz.

The French have been defeated once again. Prince Jobst and Ulrich Hümmel carried the day. The valiant efforts of the later prompted our Prince to knight Ulrich Hümmel. Encouraged by this praise he has hired some Mercenary Spearmen to bolster his army and is moving on Metz. The siege of the rebellous city should commence next season.

In face of the Heretic Michael de Lannoy, Charles Otterbach himself has travelled south to converse with the man and see if there's no hope of returning him on a righteous path.

https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/391/lannoysenemiesjk6.jpg

He is not the only one rebelling against our rule. For some time now a peasant by the name of Jens is blocking a road in southern Bavaria. Their demands are immediate reconciliation with the church, otherwise they will take the protection of their souls in their own hands.

https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7981/rebeljenssv1.jpg

News of other Heretics reach us from around Thorn, where Cardinal Herden is spreading the Holy message. He has approached a young man called Tancred of Tyrolia, who has preached against our rule many times now. Asking for a return to the Holy Church.

https://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1073/herdenhereticgt8.jpg

As you can see the Franconian Armies have not been idle and Günther von Kastilien is currently attacking the last pockets of Polish resistance around Thorn. His final goal is to move on Breslau to take some pressure from the Franconian heartlands around Magdeburg and Frankfurt. Already one of our spies has infiltrated Breslau to help facilitate an eventual attack.
Fredericus von Hamburg has now finally moved north against the English under Walter Smithe. Although numerous his troops lack the training and experience of our own. If Smithe doesn't attack the siege of Hamburg could be lifted next season.

https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1889/waltersmithejz4.jpg


Last comes the question of which route the Crusaders will take around Sofia. I have already heard of the discussion that has sprung up in the Council and would like to give you an overview of the situation.

https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8208/sofiaroutepy4.jpg

There are two routes to pass Sofia, one to the South and one to the East. The Eastern one will most likely bring you in contact with the Hungarian hosts outside of Sofia. The southern route can be reached quicker and should provide a narrow gorge in which to trap and defeat eventual pursuers. This will lenghten the time it takes for our army to reach the Hellespont however.
That is if you are planning to avoid confrontation with the enemy.


New constructions have begun in Dijon, Nuremburg and Thorn.

Ituralde
04-15-2007, 21:38
1174:

As requested the Crusade has moved on into Hungarian territory and has found a hillside West of Sofia, where it set up a defensive position. The Hungarian forces were busy chasing Rebels in their own lands and so have not attacked the Crusaders yet. They have brought in reinforcements from north of the Danube now and the way their armies are positioned now, they have nearly succeeded in driving a wedge between our forces. I advise the Crusaders to stay close together and set up their next camp just East of Sofia. That will enable them to clear the Citadel come next season and avoid contact with the Hungarian forces.

https://img178.imageshack.us/img178/742/crusadersituationrt0.jpg

Another event of note between the seasons was the intrusion of Polish forces deep into our heartland. They have once again used the dense forests between Prague and Stettin to smuggle their armies deep into our territory. They are currently besieging Frankfurt!

https://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3695/besiegedxh7.jpg

The Poles have also appeared in force around Thorn castle once more. It seems that the capture on Breslau will have to be delayed until those forces are dealt with.

In the south the Venetians have reappeared close to Zagreb Castle. Once again fielding a sizeable army, which on closer inspection turns out to be made up of untrained Militia forces. Once Leopold has crushed the Hungarians at their capital, he will take care of this threat.

https://img371.imageshack.us/img371/6816/venetianagaindr6.jpg

In the South the Milanese troops have consolidated. It seems that the Milanese nobleman has only brought siege equipment with him, but he is now supported by a large contigent of riders, making his force one to be reckoned with. The Pope is still quiet.

In the West the French have brought up some more troops, but have not made any decisive moves yet, neither against Dijon nor to relieve Metz.
The source for the unrest in Dijon could be identified in a French spy. We were not able to expell him yet and he was even able to cause riot in Prince Jobst absence. Not even his reappearance in the city has appeased the populace enough. I trust in the Princes counterspy abilities though to root out the troublemaker.

https://img488.imageshack.us/img488/4395/riotingew3.jpg

The beginning of the season saw the trial of well-known Heretics in the Reich, with different outcomes though. While neither Eusebius von der Pfalz nor Charles Otterbach were able to dennounce Michel de Lannoy...

https://img488.imageshack.us/img488/166/hereticfailedng0.jpg

Cardinal Herden was quite successful in bringing God's justice upon Tancred von Tyrolia.

https://img488.imageshack.us/img488/7021/hereticexecutedzm4.jpg

With much joy, do I bring you the glorious news that Chancellor Leopold was able to defeat the Hungarian garrison and has captured the Magyar capital!
Hans performed formidable in the assault and has been knighted by his uncle.

https://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3817/budapestfallkt2.jpg

With these good news, we turn to the North where Fredericus von Hamburgs forces are engaging the English who have sat outside Hamburg for so long.
Fredericus von Hamburg was victorious and has driven off the English scum! He now hurries south to spare Frankfurt similar fate.

The Crusaders have moved south into Thessalia, while Duke Otto von Kassel has taken command of the Crusaders rear-guard.

Ituralde
04-17-2007, 15:58
Over the course of the last few turns as from 1176 the following towns are ready to upgrade their walls according to their growth. Please inform me if you want to change the build queues of those settlements accordingly:

Stettin
Vienna
Bern
Frankfurt
Florence

FactionHeir
04-17-2007, 16:03
If there are funds to spare, please upgrade Bern to a minor city (I think its that?). Feel free to cancel the construction of the blacksmith instead (or move the wall before the blacksmith so the progress is saved and no florins wasted)

Ituralde
04-17-2007, 17:13
1176:

The year begun quite eventful with the attack of Frankfurt. The Polish have taken all their courage and attacked our former capital.

https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9806/frankfurtbattlech5.jpg

Our reports revealed that the Polish force was badly trained.

https://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5919/frankfurtforcesmq1.jpg

The brave Milita led by Captain Sigismund did their best to repell the assailants. In the end they were victorious and Frankfurt was saved!

https://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5217/frankfurtsavedjb9.jpg

The Polish are not held by back by this defeat in their Eastern operations. They have moved sevarl smaller stacks in position within striking distance of Thorn castle. Gunther von Kastillien tried luring them to battle, but they withdrew several times, leading to a draw near Thorn. It seems that the countryside surrounding this castle will see many more battles in the future.

The Hungarians remain quiet, after the Fall of their capital. Their large force East of Vienna has not moved. Neither to attack the Austrian captial or to reclaim Budapest. After the Crusaders have passed their territory into now Venetian Thessalia, the troops around Sofia have travelled north. With the roads clear Otto von Kassel was able to negate the cavalry into Thessalia right behind the Crusaders, not having to take the longer way around through the wilderness.

The Venetians seem to have reemerged though and the appearance of the Crusaders on their soil has brought at least two sizable armies into the vicinity of Thessalonica. The Crusaders have already moved on though and are now on the border to Byzantian territory.

https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2350/crusadersnowby7.jpg

As requested our diplomats tried to negotiate Military Access but the Byzantines refused it again. I went ahead and gifted them 200 florins for the next 10 turns in accordance with Edict 6.5. Once the gift was accepted I even gave the Byzantines another 1500 florins for Military Access, even granting them access to our territory, to make the passage of the Crusaders easier, but they still refused!

In the South the Venetian army seems not interested in Zagreb, but instead is now heading for Venice. The Venetians seem intent on reclaiming their former capital. I will be hard pressed to intercept the intruders and this will leave Vienna and Budapest virtually undefended. It seems like once again the fate of Venice lies in the hands of the Bavarian Household Army.

The French have not been idle either and their Crusading Army from Tunis has now landed near Marseille. It is a large force of trained soldiers, so either way Gerhard Steffen will see some important battles in the future.

https://img54.imageshack.us/img54/5126/frenchcrusadersxj2.jpg

In the West the French are quietly moving their troops around Rheims, making no advance into our territory, not even our former regions surrounding Metz.
Their spy is still causing unrest in Dijon though and although we know of his presence, we were not able to root him out yet. As a result the Riots in Dijon continue.

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/5042/riotcontinueske9.jpg

On top of the unrest caused by the French the recent visit of Michel de Lannoy seems to have lessende the faith of our subjects drastically. Not even the completion of a church in Dijon was able to appease him. As one step Eusebius von der Pfalz has tried and executed a Heretic by the name of Oxyntia who was trying to draw on the popularity of Michel de Lannoy.

https://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4733/successjm8.jpg

The later has meanwhile moved on north near the French border. Another attempt from Charles Otterbach to dennounce him has failed. Michel de Lannoy seems to be on a holy mission and won't be stopped that easily. Our only hope is that he continues into French territory to wreak havoc there.

At the turn of the seasons Guildsmen from a Explorers Guild have approached us and ask to set up on of their Houses in Venice. I leave the choice whether to accept or decline to Emperor Henry, as he is currently in control of Venice.

https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/2105/explorersguildzz5.jpg

Conrad Salier has finally assembled enough men in Florence to attack the Milanese intruders. I hope to hear of his victory soon.

econ21
04-17-2007, 17:22
Kaiser Henry: On the matter of the Explorer's Guild at Venice, if we have no other such guild in our kingdom, my mild preference would be to accept the Explorer's Guild. It may be a useful place to train some of our generals in logistics, so that they may maneouvre more rapidly.

However, if we have another such guild already in one of our settlements - or if the Chancellor prefers not to accept for some other reason (for example, in the hope of attracting a merchant's guild), I will decline the Explorer's guild.

EDIT:

On further review, let us accept the Explorer's Guild in Venice.

Build queue for Budapest

When current building completed, please queue Drill Square (to get halberd militia)

Also demolish Master Thieves Guild asap (we have too many thieves guilds already).

Ituralde
04-18-2007, 09:25
1176 continued:

Conrad Salier was victorious and has thrown the Milanese back into the sea!

In the East, Leopold was able to crush some Croatian Axemen, who had blocked the Danube crossing into Croatia. They were mercilessly shot down and killed by his superior troops. The much battered Austrian Household Army could finallay recieve reinforcements from Zagreb castle.

https://img180.imageshack.us/img180/8176/rebelscrushedzk0.jpg

Fredericus von Hamburg returned to his city, now that the threat to Frankfurt has perished. The Danish have moved a smaller army to their southern border, so it is wise to keep a watch on them.

https://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9287/danishfn9.jpg

It seems that Hans is in hot pursuit of the Crusaders, but as he is about to leave Imperial territory several armies roaming the lands ahead of him could prove disastrous for his ambition to rejoin the Crusade.

https://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7/hansll7.jpg

Conrad Salier has not been idle either and is now attacking the Rebel scum north of Rome!
He was victorious and the roads to our capital are once again free.

Unfortunately by the time the word of our Emperor has reached our funds were already too depleted to support an Explorers Guild in Venice and so the offer had to be declined. I will keep his notions in mind though should any future offer come up.

Larger Walls are now being constructed in Frankfur, Stettin, and Bern. The rest will follow once the funds allow it.

Ituralde
04-19-2007, 09:48
1178:

In the North the Danish have reconsidered their movements and have verged off north entering the islands of the Skaggerak. While this move of Fredericus von Hamburg has proven effective the Polish have reemerged around Frankfurt and are besieging the city once again. It is the depleted force that attacked Frankfurt last season. 180 Mailed Knights from Magdeburg were dispatched towards the Franconian capital and another attack should prove as futile as the first one.

https://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1313/frankfurtbr9.jpg

Meanwhile Fredericus von Hamburg is travelling South to Magdeburg, as the Polish are still roaming the woods East of the castle.
Further East the Polish are bringing several large armies in position around Thorn. One is even led by a family member now. It seems that they are avoiding decisive battles though, making the job for Günther von Kastilien all the harder.

The Hungarians near Vienna have decided to march South where they will probably meet with the reinforced Austrian Army. I confidently await their arrival.

Northern Italy, after getting rid of the Milanese, sees the Venetians advancing on their former capital. Gerhard Steffen has already mustered enough men to help defend Venice should it come under attack.
Conrad Salier has arrived in Rome and taken over the defenses of the city.

In the West the French lie quiet and the unrest in Dijon could finally be stopped, although French agents are still at large. Ulrich von Hümmel could continue his siege as planned and is readying to attack the city.

Another guild has approached us in Venice, this time the Merchant's and I willingly accepted their proposal of setting up a guild house.

https://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8862/merchantvenicecm9.jpg

The Heretic threat in the East has dropped the number of Catholics in those regions. It is believed that many there now follow heretic cults. Two Cardinals and two priests are trying to redeem this situation as soon as possible.
Michel de Lannoy, who has been at the root of this, could finally be dennounced by Eusebius von der Pfalz. Hopefully this will make their task easier in the future.

https://img228.imageshack.us/img228/637/micheldeadgy6.jpg

The Crusaders are nearing the Hellespont and have chosen to cross the sea South of Constantinople, not wanting to offend the Byzantines any more than necessary. Travel through off the road is proving slower though, but it is still much faster than negating the Byzantine capital and taking a detour north.
This enabled Duke Otto von Kassel, who has been pushing the cavalry as hard as possible to nearly catch up with the main Crusading Armies.

https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4841/crusadersreunitedxb5.jpg

Word from Hans has been scarce and it is rumoured that he is stuck deep in the Hungarian Venetian border territories, making him possible prey for both our enemies. I wish him good luck on his journey and God's speed!


Word has reached me from Ulrich von Hümmel. It seems like he is about to assault Metz. I await the outcome of this battle with much anticipation. An example should be made of the populace to prevent future insubordiantions!

Ulrich von Hümmel was successful and defeated the unloyal Metz garrison. For their repeated insubordination many traitors were slain on the spot and a large part of the populace massacred. I commend Duke Ulrich von Hümmel on a job well done!


Gunther von Kastilien has put to flight several of the Polish armies that are avoiding open conflict. He finally managed to set upon a small force near Thorn and is currently attacking them!
He was once again successful and defeated the Polish.

The defenders of Frankfurt have waited long enough for the reinforcements, who were able to drive the besiegers from the city. Now they are ready to attack the Poles in earnest to keep them from coming back again.

https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9338/frankfurtsallyom6.jpg

With the support of the Mailed Knights from Magdeburg the garrison of Frankfurt was once again successful against the Poles!

https://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9940/sallysuccessmd6.jpg

Ituralde
04-22-2007, 14:35
1180:

This is the final year of my Chancellorship and this will be my last report covering the progress of the Reich under my rule. As one of my last acts I have ensured that the Crusaders pass the Hellespont safely via local shipping routes and they have now entered Anatolia. Duke Otto has caught up with Emperor Henry and the cavalry support is once again established. Hans follows closely after a close escape from the Hungarians.

https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6122/crusaderhellespontpp7.jpg

Our trespassing into Byzantine soil has not been without consequences though. It seems that in the future much more will be needed than a measly tribute to keep the goodwill of our neighbours.

https://img120.imageshack.us/img120/4402/worsenedrelationskc4.jpg

Let me now come to the rest of Reich. In the north English troops have landed near Hamburg, it's a pitifully small force though. The Danish have also reappeared near our border. Fredericus von Hamburg will be occupied with Stettin though. The Poles he was sent to deal with have turned about and are now besieging the city.

Further East, Günther von Kastillien has replenished his troops in Thorn castle and with the countryside free of Poles for once, he can once again plan to take Breslau.

In the South East the Hungarians were quiet and decided not to attack my force. They are within striking distance though and will be attacked after the next Diet session. Budapest was approached by members of the Theologians Guild, I believe that we are in need of every guidance we can get and thus accepted their offer of setting up a guild house in Budapest.

https://img254.imageshack.us/img254/1166/theologianvw0.jpg

Furhter South the Venetians are marching on Venice. Gerhard Steffen has enough men assembled to defeat the Milita rabble they sent, with the aid of the Venice garrison.

As you know, Conrad Salier is in charge of the defense of Rome. Pope Fillipus the Warmonger has not yet lived up to his name.

In the West the French remain a threat, but they seem on the defensive after the fall of Metz and the other glorious victories made by Prince Jobst.
Their spies continue to cause unrest in Dijon though.
The problem of Heresy is hunted down vigirously by our Priests and Cardinal, who are now roaming the countryside near Metz, Dijon and Bern.


I leave the office behind with our coffers filled once again with 12000 florins, just the way it was when I took up this office what now seems so many years ago. My Chancellorship was one of expected hardship and I am proud to announce that not a single settlement remains lost at the end of my term. Quite to the contrary we are now in posession of the Hungarian capital Budapest.

Although there were conflicts I have held my promise and ensured a safe travel for the Crusading armies through hostile Hungarian and Venetian territory. The have safely reached and crossed the Hellespont and can now continue through Anatolia all the way to the Levant.

The biggest failure of my term as Chancellor remains in the continued excommunication by the Papacy. This along with the various states at war with us, remain the biggest part to our Empire. I have tried every diplomatic avenue short of giving away Imperial territory for nothing, but to no avail.
It will be our greatest challenge in the future to find ways around this sitution. I belive Duke von Kassel has already made proposals concerning this in the Diet and they should be expanded upon.

I said that I would try to get peace with our neighbours, but it seems that as long as we are excommunicated peace will be hard to achieve with our enemies. Several diplomatic attempts were made during my term, but everyone of them failed. Even our allies the Byzantines were not willing to grant mutual Military Access. It seems that our reputation has suffered through our recent actions. If we want peace, reconciliation with the Papacy is a must!

I will follow the example of my predecessors and not stand for reelection at the next Diet. It is for another to step forward and guide our Reich further through these troubled times. I have already included advice for any future Chancellor in the above, but would like to add some more.

The taking of Breslau should be a top priority in our future. The roaming armies around Thorn prevented me form achieving this in my term. Since the Poles are unwilling to sign a peace, we have to take Breslau to once again close our frontier with them. The vast forests between Magdeburg, Stettin and Prague have been an often-used avenue of attack from the Polish getting them as far as Frankfurt with only short notice. These woods are difficult to defend and if we would own Breslau this would make the task much easier.

Another priority would be the rebuilding of our fleets. During the recent troubles all of our ships were lost and we are now left without a navy. The money needed to build up and reinforce our armies on land left little to be spent at sea. Right now every Noble, able of commanding an army has one under his control to protect the Reich. It will be the task of my successor to deal with this task. That's why there is also one Mission from our Council of Noble unfulfilled. They demand to blockade of Caen port, but we simply lack the fleets to do it.

This ends my term as Chancellor and I hope that I have been a worthy leader of our Reich. I tried my best to guide us through the troubles caused by my deceased father. May the next Chancellor guide us as well or even better!

Duke Leopold of Austria,
Ex-Chancellor

TinCow
04-24-2007, 12:16
Build queue for Nuremburg:

Fairground
Irrigation
City Watch

Taxes set as high as possible without rioting.

Nuremburg is again focusing on expanding economic facilities to provide further income for the Reich. If the large sum required for Irrigation cannot be allocated by the Chancellor, but a sufficient amount can be found for the City Watch, the queue may be altered accordingly to allow this. However, the Count of Nuremburg will be most grateful if investment in both the Fairground and Irrigation could be made a some point over the next Chancellor's term.

Ituralde
04-24-2007, 17:10
Tax levels in Vienna and Budapest are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.

Build priorities Vienna:

Large Stone Wall
Communal Farming
Great Market/City Hall (depending on funds)

Vienna will not accept a guild house from the following guilds:
Assassins' Guild, Thieves' Guild, Explorers' Guild, Theologians' Guild

Build priorities Budapest:

City Hall
Communal Farming
Militia Drill Square

FactionHeir
04-24-2007, 18:08
Orders for Bern:

1: Finish Stone Wall (1), hire 1 spear militia as city can support 4 now
2: Build Fairground (4)
3: Build Paved Roads (3)
4: Build Blacksmith (3) (1 of which in next chancellor's term)

Taxes to be set so that PO > 69% Red face at 70% is totally acceptable and should be aimed for.

Bern may not accept the following guilds: Thieves' Guild, Explorer's Guild.
Theologian's Guild may only be accepted at Bern once we are reconciled.

econ21
04-24-2007, 20:14
Build queue for Rome:

Complete Militia drill square (3 turns)
Merchant bank (4 turns)
City hall (4 turns)

Order of city hall and merchant bank can be swapped if available cash is tight.

Taxes highest possible consistent with order>69%.

Northnovas
04-24-2007, 21:20
Building queue for Castle Zagreb

1. Stables
2. Chapel/Church
3. Boywer
4. Crops

Ituralde
04-26-2007, 13:04
Build priorities Prague:

Council Chambers
Paved Roads
Fairground

Prague will not accept a guild house from the following guilds:
Assassins' Guild, Explorers' Guild, Theologians' Guild

Build priorities Venice:

Church
Paved Roads
Council Chambers
Fairground

AussieGiant
04-26-2007, 13:54
Thanks Ituralde.

OK I can't see the game for the moment so Ituralde is stating the build queue for Venice.

GeneralHankerchief
04-26-2007, 15:12
Conrad Salier:

Build queue for Milan is left up to the Chancellor to decide.

Stuperman
04-26-2007, 23:14
Build que for Genoa:

Abby
Warehouse
Leather Tanner

OverKnight
04-27-2007, 04:44
1180

Duke Leopold is triumphant against the Hungarians who were moving on Zagreb:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1520514&postcount=50

The AHA will move to Zagreb to rearm. Depending on the events of the rest of the year, they may stay put, or move on Ragusa in 1182.

I have now ordered Count Steffen and the reinforced BHA to engage the Venetians moving on their old capital. The Count of Venice has led his garrison across the causeway to assist. While I'm sure Venice could resist a siege, I did not want the Venetians to seize the bridge outside the city as a choke point.

Our combined forces match theirs, but are divided. I'm sure, however, that a skilled General such as Gerhard can use this to his advantage. . .

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i529500_battleofvenice16bb.JPG

Count Steffen and the garrison of Venice are victorious! The pitiful remnants of the Venetian army have dispersed, they will trouble the Empire no longer. The garrison has returned to Venice. Gerhard has rode ahead of his army to head off any rioting in Milan.

I have dispatched Heinricus Plittersdorf to negotiate with Pope Filippus the Warmonger:

https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5199/filippusnegpr1.jpg

Our diplomat's best offer was rejected. The Pope responded, "We cannot quite accept this. You are alone in wanting to find a peaceful resolution to this war."

Despite being powerless and bankrupt, the Pope has refused. If he will not accept this offer for only peace, I shudder to think at what he would demand for peace and reconciliation.

Count von Hamburg has broken the siege of Stettin, but the retreating Polish forces lie just beyond his reach.

Steward von Kastilien has left Thorn to march on Breslau.

In order to root out the French agent causing unrest in Dijon, I have ordered many of the Reich's nearby agents to converge on the city. I have also ordered repairs to the Thieves Guild in the city and will recruit another spy.

One of our assassins decided to practice his technique on a French Captain enroute, he was succesful and his skill has grown. Unfortunately, Kaiser Henry has lost some of his Chivalrous reputation due to this action. My deepest apologies, mein Kaiser, I had no idea this would occur. I will refrain from further use of assassins if you wish.

In order to try to meet Filippus's outrageous demands for peace, I have been forced not to start any building projects this year. I must save as many florins as I can, so I can bribe. . .I mean facilitate peace with the Holy Father.

So ends 1180, a year of military triumph but diplomatic stagnation.

OverKnight
04-27-2007, 05:51
Guilds of the Holy Roman Empire

I will keep this updated throughout my term.

Thieves Guild: Bologna and Dijon

Merchants Guild: Genoa, Florence, Marseille and Nuremburg

Master Merchants Guild: Venice

Master Theologians Guild: Budapest

Teutonic Knights Minor Chapter House: Frankfurt and Thorn

Swordsmiths Guild: Staufen

Warluster
04-27-2007, 10:09
Build Queue for Dijon:

Ballista Towers: 3200 Florins

City Watch

Printing Press

Thats all for now.



Me and Ulrich (Ignoramus) are workign out a plan of swapping the positions (Hey Ig, did you reply to that PM, I can't remember) between commanders. But I think I am still in control, is this correct?

Ituralde
04-27-2007, 22:40
Standing Orders for the Austrian Household Army:

The army is led by Duke Leopold.

The army will pursue any Hungarian or Venetian armies entering Austrian territory. Leopold will try to set up in a position between Zagreb and Budapest from where he can reach both settlements within 1 to 2 turns. An attack against Ragusa can be made at the Chancellor's discretion, if the other Austrian settlements are not under immediate threat.

OverKnight
04-28-2007, 07:42
1182

A diplomat from England contacted us at Hamburg at the beginning of the year. They wanted a cease fire. With the rare opportunity of peace negotiations, I managed to have the English pay 2200 florins for damages against Hamburg in return for trade rights and peace. Other diplomatic developments might explain their desire for negotiations:

https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1764/diplo1182fk0.jpg

The Teutonic Knights have established a Minor Chapter House at Thorn.

One of our merchants was driven out of business near Vienna by a Byzantine.

Prinz Jobst has his first child, a daughter named Lyse, congratulations.

Despite my efforts, the French agent was not expelled from Dijon. In an interesting development, a Danish agent was expelled from Frankfurt. It seems to be a popular city.

I have again sent a diplomat to Pope Filippus with my latest offer:

https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8200/popeneg1182ub8.jpg

Despite a very generous offer, the Pope has once again refused. I am at my wits end, I am sure he will want even more for reconciliation. Yet what would I give him then? I will think on how to untie this Gordian Knot.

I have also traded map information and arranged trade rights with the Turks. I'm not sure how long this will last, but the Crusade will benefit from the information.

Ignoramus
04-28-2007, 07:58
The Swabian Ducal Army shall be led by Duke Ulrich. I have told Chancellor Otto where I desire it to be led.

AussieGiant
04-28-2007, 08:18
The Swabian Ducal Army shall be led by Duke Ulrich. I have told Chancellor Otto where I desire it to be led.

And where would that be my lord?

Warluster
04-28-2007, 08:26
I may think that DUke Ulrich wishes to keep this info to himself and Swabian Counterparts.

AussieGiant
04-28-2007, 08:33
I may think that DUke Ulrich wishes to keep this info to himself and Swabian Counterparts.

Is that right Your Highness...this sounds a little unusual.

Do I detect a note of defensiveness?

OverKnight
04-28-2007, 08:40
1182 continued

With no armies threatening Austrian cities, besides a small Hungarian force over a year's march from Budapest, Duke Leopold has marched from Zagreb to take Ragusa, he should be there in 1184. The Budapest garrison has been reinforced with two militia units, and another two are being recruited.

Speaking of Budapest, our first Guild trained priest has been recruited there. I envision the city as a training ground for much of our new clergy.

The Council of Crusaders has decided to pursue the Egyptian Jihad Army threatening Constantinople, a confrontation may occur in 1184:


The Jihad Army, please note there are 22 units
https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4006/jihad1182ld1.jpg

The Crusader response
https://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8681/crusadevjihadsy9.jpg


The Crusader Armies have transferred some units so that most of the infantry and crossbowmen are in the vanguard now. The rearguard will now serve as a mobile cavalry reserve. The delay that this reconfiguration caused has allowed Count Hans to catch up with his father. I am sure the Crusaders will welcome his arrival. . .

Upon further study of the situation, I realized the Byzantines have blocked the land bridge to Constantinople with a fleet. In order to prevent the Egyptians marching south, I have moved all of the cavalry forces of the Crusade forward. The Jihad is now hemmed in between Nicea, a Byzantine army, the mountains and us. We will be able to attack them next year.

Despite of, or because of, Kaiser Henry's loss of chivalry, his authority has increased.

I have fulfilled edict 7.6. I tried to get military access but the Byzantines again said no.

Welf Courcy, one of our assasins, has eliminated a French diplomat approaching Metz. I will not have a repeat of French treachery:

https://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9343/assassinrg5.jpg

He has gained a young apprentice and his skill has increased.

I have taken steps to reinforce the battered Swabian HA in Metz with new troops raised in Staufen. More will be on the way next year.

Due to negotiations with Pope Filippus proving futile, I have decided to take advantage of our new found peace with England.

On my orders, Imperial diplomat Wilhelmus Becker has contacted the English:

https://img222.imageshack.us/img222/5601/dipenglishvo7.jpg

He has brokered an Alliance between England and the Reich:

https://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7372/alliancepx1.jpg

It cost us dearly, 10,000 florins plus a tribute of 1,700 florins for 5 years. Yet I hope we will get much more than just an ally with this deal. If we cannot make a deal with the current Pope, we should seek one with a possible successor.

With the money left over, I have started a modest building initiative. Hamburg has been ordered to start a Shipwright, and construction begins on Paved Roads for Staufen. A full building program will commence next year, I thank the Electors for their patience in this matter.

Count von Hamburg has caught up with the small Polish force that had besieged Stettin, he is ready to engage them. . .

The band of Polish bandits has been chased away from Stettin. 524 soldiers were deployed against 70 poles. 23 casualties were sustained, and 19 of the enemy killed, with 48 being captured. The prisoners were ransomed for about 300 florins.

I congratulate Count von Hamburg, not all battles are glorious but he dispersed the Poles with his usual efficiency. The ransom money will prove useful as well.

Steward von Kastilien's move toward Breslau has caught the attention of the Polish. Three Polish armies surround him south of Thorn. It is less dire than it sounds though, only two of them can support each other, and those two are made up of levies and siege equipment. Still the Steward must fight them if he's to continue on to Thorn. . .

I have received word from Steward von Kastilien:


I faced the two (of the three total) Polish forces and won the battle. Killing almost a thousand Poles, to about 20 of our own. God was on our side, and everything went according to plan.

The prisoners that were taken were even accepted back by the Poles, at the hefty sum of approximately 3000 florins.

I have put this extra money to good use, a port has been ordered for Stettin and a church will be built in Venice. The planned shipwright for Hamburg has been changed to paved roads at the request of the Franconians.

The ransomed Poles, unfortunately, have taken shelter in Breslau. The garrison there is quite large now. Steward von Kastilien will need reinforcements from Thorn to mount an effective siege, but that third Polish army to the east blocked his supply lines to the castle. He has been forced to pursue it and attack after the Poles retreated close to Thorn itself. I await word from the Steward on this battle. . .


I am pleased to inform you that the battle was won, and the Polish were completely destroyed, it cost a mere 60 soldiers to make it so.

Being so close to Thorn, the Steward will winter there. His troops will be reinforced, and he will proceed to Breslau in the new year. While our conquest of that has been delayed, we have drawn the Poles into open battle and they have suffered greatly. We have put them on the defensive.

In other news, the reinforced SwHA lead by Duke Hummel has taken position on the bridge southwest of Metz. They await mounted reinforcements that will reach them from Staufen in the new year.

Warluster
04-28-2007, 08:42
No,no, Count. I am simply...stateing.

OverKnight
04-30-2007, 00:40
1182 concluded

Count von Hamburg, after his victory outside Stettin, began to move to Magdeburg.

With some trepidation I decided to enforce the second part of edict 7.2. The Rome garrison, led by Captain Friedrich, engaged Pope Filippus in battle:

https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/2756/killfillh1.jpg

The Warmonger is dead and his army dispersed. We lost 103 men and Friedrich is the man of the hour:

https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6995/fredjl0.jpg

He is an associate of Count Hans, and I'm sure the Swabians can make use of his services. I have moved him north, as I'm sure Count Salier will no longer want him as his second.

We shall see what the Papal election will bring us in 1184.

God save the Reich.

OverKnight
04-30-2007, 13:55
1184

I have finally received a message from Pope Lanbertus:

https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4127/reconciledqu3.jpg

This is wonderful news! Our excommunication of almost 40 years is over! God be praised! Needless to say, we are no longer at war with the Papal States.

Our reconciliation has caused a shift in the College of Cardinals and our standing with the Pope:

https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/90/collegecardbz2.jpg

I am glad to see an Imperial Cardinal first among the Preferati!

Of course, I must point out the following:


Charter Amendment 6.7: Any decision that would lead to the excommunication of the Reich has to be authorized by a Diet vote, requiring a 2/3 majority. In the event of a conflict, this Amendment supercedes Rule 3.3 and Charter Amendment 5.1.

This is the law of the land, and I will make sure it is followed. Woe to anyone who defies it. This may however, effect how I may pursue the goals and edicts of my Chancellorship. I will take steps to improve our relationship with the Papacy so we might have some flexibility in our course of action.


On to other news. . .

The French have once again besieged Dijon. I do believe however that the French agent has been expelled from the city. I will leave the decision whether to sally forth or to defend to Prinz Jobst.

Duke Hummel has a new son named Jens.

The Council of Nobles has requested we blockade Rhodes. This might take a while, and it is not a priority.

A Master Theologians Guild, chartered by the new Pope himself, has been built in Budapest.

The Egyptian Jihad Army has moved to the eastern walls of Byzantine Nicea, though they have not laid siege to the city.

The Crusade Army stands ready to attack the Egyptian Jihad forces, it only awaits an order from Duke von Saxony. A Byzantine messenger has informed me that Emperor John will march from Nicea to join the battle. I do not doubt his bravery, but his force is mostly siege equipment. (OOC: Still our first ally battle, :2thumbsup: ) :

https://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5644/attackjihadey7.jpg

I await word on the battle. . .

OverKnight
05-01-2007, 00:39
1184 continued

Duke von Saxony has led the Crusade to victory against the Egyptians!

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1524155&postcount=52

It is our holy mission's first victory, but not our last God willing. The Empire, of course, is now at war with Egypt. This is authorized by the original Crusade edict, if anyone was wondering.

The citizens of Nicaea have showered Duke von Saxony with praise and gifts, and they plan to hold a chariot race in his honor. Unfortunately this has delayed his army from moving (OOC: In winning the victory, Dietrich's stack moved into Nicaea's zone of control, ending his movement for the turn. Stupid Byzzies.)


TREACHERY!

I had ordered Duke Hummel to engage the bandits to the rear of his army, so he could be reinforced from Staufen and relieve the siege of Dijon. Yet he has not responded to my messengers and instead has gone rogue with the Swabian Household Army!

https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1672/hummelqa2.jpg

He has laid siege to the French city of Rheims! This is in direct violation of the will of the Kaiser, Diet and myself! While he is technically not in violation of E1.7 or CA 6.7, he soon will be. I have been informed that due to this action that our standing with the Pope has fallen to reasonable (5/10). In pursuit of personal glory and vengeance, the Duke would cast us back into the Abyss!

OverKnight
05-01-2007, 07:00
1184 continued

With unrest abating in the Reich after our reconciliation, I have adjusted tax levels in many cities. We will soon be able to resume our normal level of construction.

Rome has built the first three Holks of the newly reformed Imperial Navy. Our ships immediately went into action driving a small French fleet from the seas south of Genoa. The keels of two Holks have just been laid in Thorn, the Baltic fleet will soon be reborn as well.

The first merchant of my term has been recruited as well. His guild training has paid off as he is a mercantile genius, he is currently trading coal but will soon depart north to trade fish, which is surprisingly lucrative.

Count von Hamburg will winter in Magdeburg and reinforce his troops. Depending on what happens in the new year, I may send him south against that large rebel force near Nuremburg, or north to watch the Danes.

Steward von Kastilien has again marched from Thorn to take Breslau, I hope he will draw out the Poles again. If they are focused on Breslau, they will not raid our cities in the interior.

The BHA, led by Count Steffen has been ordered to the French border. I hope this will distract the French from Dijon and make them divide their forces.

In the absence of the BHA, the Milan garrison, with assistance from some spearmen making their way from Innsbruck, engaged a small company of Venetian dismounted Knights that had wandered close to the city. They were routed and about 50 knights have retreated to the east.

Cardinal von der Pfalz successfully prosecuted a heretic southwest of Dijon. He is now considered a living saint by many.

Ortwinus Roht, a failed assassin in our service, died while attempting to sabotage the militia drill square in Paris. A pity, but an incompetent agent is not worth 200 florins a turn.

Friedrich Scherer will be sent to serve with Duke Leopold. The Austrians could use another noble on their front. I hope to get him blooded and knighted.

Speaking of Duke Leopold, he has arrived at the castle of Ragusa. Our agent in place has opened the gate for him. As there is only a Venetian noble and his retainers garrisoning the castle, he has been ordered to attack. This way, we will avoid Papal interference. I am glad to be back in the Church, but I did not miss the meddling. I await word from the Duke about the outcome of the assault. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1525619&postcount=53

Ragusa is ours! We have suffered no further loss of standing with the Pope for taking it. I would urge the Kaiser to order roads to be built in our new acquisition as mobility is a key concern on our large southeastern front. Duke Leopold will winter in Ragusa to rest and rearm.

Prinz Jobst has asked permission to sally out of Dijon to attack the French. I have agreed, but I remind the Prinz that the men serving under him are Imperial troops and not members of the Swabian Household Army. I await word of the outcome. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1526027&postcount=54

Prinz Jobst has won a heroic victory! As Vienna became a burial ground for the Venetians, Dijon is a Necropolis for the French! I salute the Prinz's bravery and wisdom in his decision to sally forth.

Acting on Friedrich Scherer's suggestion, I have contacted the English and sounded them out about attacking the French. This proposal was considered very demanding, even with the offer of a 1000 florins. I withdrew it before making an official proposal so as to not harm the influence of our diplomat.

I have written Duke Hummel, warning him of the peril he is in. I have had no response.

OverKnight
05-02-2007, 14:59
1186

My agents tell me that Duke Hummel's siege of Rheims has caused a French response:

https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7271/rheimsja3.jpg

The French chose not to attack, nor have I any word if Hummel plans to.

Our diplomat near Rome, Heinricus Plittersdorf, has been bribed into the service of the French. A waste of money in my opinion, his many failures in negotiating with the Papacy had already ruined him.

The experience of the Count of Venice in trading has paid off, a Master Merchant's guild has been built in his city.

Unfortunately, we have lost the last merchant recruited before my term to the same Byzantine merchant who struck before. A poor show of gratitude for the Greeks.

Speaking of the Byzantine Empire, they have made peace with the Egyptians.

That annoying French agent in Dijon has been eliminated.

The Hungarian Boris Janos has been made a Cardinal.

The Pope has ordered us to cease hostilities with the Venetians for 8 years (4 turns), or risk excommunication. The Pope, surprisingly, made no mention of France. A pity for the Venetians that we already have Ragusa. I have no intention of advancing against them, so I will gladly comply.

Soon after this, more serious news reached me about the Pope:

https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/6750/popeisdeaday7.jpg

I mourn the passing of Pope Lanbertus, for Cardinal Aston could have easily forsaken our agreement, but did not.

I was a bit shocked when I saw who the candidates were for his replacement:

https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7250/popevoteyp9.jpg

It seems Cardinal von der Pfalz is now more favored than Cardinal Herden among our delegation. More alarming to me was the presence of the Sicilian Cardinal Amocacci in the Preferati. Ironically, I had hoped for this six years ago. But now, the Sicilians would vote for their own, we would not have their support for our Cardinal. This was a blow, as the Venetians and Hungarians had 5 votes total. If they both voted for Burislev we would be in terrible danger.

While I deeply wish to have an Imperial Cardinal become Pope, this was not to be our year. I decided to throw our support behind Cardinal Amocacci:

https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4097/pisanuselectionpt2.jpg

The gamble paid off, we are now very high in the favor of Pope Pisanus:

https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3196/pisanusah3.jpg

I have written to the new Pope and asked him to give his blessing and sanction to our Crusade. I await his reply.

OverKnight
05-02-2007, 15:52
It has been exactly 40 years since we were cast out of the Church. We have toiled and sacrificed to restore the Reich to the Vangaurd of Christendom and Europe. We have been accepted back into the Church and now I have heard from Pope Pisanus:

https://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4794/popeagreesxa4.jpg
https://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2320/crusadecalledtk6.jpg

We, who were pariahs, are now the Sword of Christ! Our Crusade to free the Holy City from the Infidels has been blessed by the Pope! With God's Grace, nothing will stop us! Glory to God, the Kaiser and the Reich!

OverKnight
05-03-2007, 11:08
1186 continued

The Crusade Armies have officially taken the Cross. With renewed vigor and faith we have traveled a great distance:

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9084/crusadenearadanapd9.jpg

I would point out the Turkish Jihad Army east of Caesarea. It seems the Turks will try to take Constantinople despite the failure of their Egyptian brethren. Adana seems lightly defended, and debate continues in the Council of Crusaders if we should take it.

News has reached me that Duke Hummel has accepted my offer to abandon his vendetta against the French and take the Cross. First he must extricate himself from the French forces surrounding him. I await word of the result. . .

I have a messenger from Steward von Kastilien. His forces have arrived at Breslau, and our spy has managed to open the gate for him. The garrison of Breslau is small and led by a Polish nobleman, but a large army of ballistas and levies are southwest of the city and would attempt to assist if the Steward attacks:

https://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7566/opengatebreslaukg4.jpg

I await word on what he plans to do. If the Steward attacks this turn we could seize Breslau without risking interference from the Pope. However, if he waits, he might have the chance to fight a defensive battle to his advantage or wear down the forces in a siege. (OOC: Kagemusha, you're covering for Dutch_guy, please let me know if you wish to attack this turn)

I have heard from Steward von Kastilien, he will lay siege to Breslau. He expects a Polish attack in response, and prefers to meet them on the defensive. I will respect his wishes in this matter.

econ21
05-03-2007, 23:52
Build queue for Ragusa

Paved road
Communal farming
Crop rotation
Irrigation

OverKnight
05-04-2007, 11:50
1186 continued

Sir Hummel has destroyed the French army outside Rheims. King Louis of France fell in the battle, though I am lacking key details from the battle and await a full report from him. While Ulrich had a clear line of retreat, he chose to give battle, and this has left him pinned outside Rheims for the rest of the year. If he survives a possible French counterattack, he will take the Cross in the new year.

Prinz Jobst has taken the remaining castle trained troops from Dijon and attacked the rebels blocking our supply lines between Staufen and Metz. The rebels retreated, and he will continue to pursue them in the new year, at which time he will have cavalry support from Staufen. The garrison at Dijon remains strong, though I do not feel the French will move against the city next year as their attention has shifted north.

Count von Hamburg has moved west from Magdeburg to crush some rebels north of Frankfurt. He will reach them next year.

Our new fleet based in Genoa has engaged and sunk a small French fleet outside Rome. This fleet will be used to transport Sir Hummel to the Holy Land, but they may as well defend our coasts while here.

In an effort to catch up on construction, I have initiated new walls in Florence and Vienna. These are expensive, but they are our most critical needs. Frankfurt also needs new walls, but I am waiting on more funds, and the permission of Steward von Kastilien. There is flexibility within his queue to do this, but I would be more comfortable having his blessing.

Our Papal relations remain excellent (9/10) despite the events of this year. I will continue to monitor them, as Pope Pisanus seems more comfortable at sea and is out of reach of our diplomats.

Three Venetian units, the ones that were trying to reinforce Ragusa before Duke Leopold took it, unwisely decided to continue to the castle. He ran them off, but they compounded their folly by retreating north and not back to Durazzo. I have sent the Duke to finish them. As they are now on our territory, I think the Pope will not mind if we do this. I await word of the battle. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1528693&postcount=56

Duke Leopold has crushed the Venetians, none of them will trouble the Reich any longer.

OverKnight
05-04-2007, 14:50
1188

The French did not attack Sir Hummel. The Poles did not attack Steward von Kastilien.

Ulaszlo the Unorthodox, a Hungarian Cardinal, has died. I am proud to announce that Tancred von Magdeburg, a newly recruited priest in Budapest, has been named to replace him in the College of Cardinals. Truly the Master Theologians Guild has shown its utility as we now have four Cardinals, the most of any Catholic nation.

Pope Pisanus has made landfall in southern Corsica, I will dispatch a diplomat to him as soon as possible.

On a more disturbing note, a Russian fleet is outside of Thorn and a small Russian army has entered Franconian territory. I will keep an eye on this.

Denmark and Scotland have declared a truce.

Paved Roads were completed in Staufen and Hamburg. Rome now requires an upgrade of her walls, I ask the Kaiser's permission to build them immediately.

England, France, Sicily and Scotland have joined the Crusade.

The Turkish Jihad Army is now directly south of our Crusade forces, but they are separated by a mountain range.

Another Egyptian Jihad Army has appeared directly northwest of Adana. It blocks the Crusade's path to both that Castle and the Holy Land:

https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/182/twojihadbi1.jpg

Our spy in southern France noticed an odd thing, the city of Marseille had no garrison at all and the population was rioting:

https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/3008/emptymarseilleuw9.jpg

It seems a French nobleman and his retainers were the only unit garrisoning the city. I'm not sure if he died in the rioting or of natural causes, but I was not going to let such a golden opportunity pass. Gerhard Steffen and two units of mailed Knights rode ahead of the BHA and seized the city! The infantry followed and are right outside the northern gate. The city was sacked bringing nearly 12,000 florins into the Imperial coffers. This move has lowered our relations with the Pope (8 from 9), but I feel it is worth it. There was a Byzantine diplomat outside the city and I wasn't going to let him get the city first. I congratulate Count Steffen on showing such initiative. Edit: The herectical French have not built even a small church in their former city. I suggest that be our first priority.

Steward von Kastilien has a decision to make. With the small Russian incursion into Thorn, we need to reach a decision against Breslau and the large Polish army outside it quickly. If the Steward intends to take Breslau, we need to do it this year. I await word of the battle. . .

Count von Hamburg is ready to engage the rebels north of Frankfurt. I also await word from this battle. . .

econ21
05-04-2007, 18:12
Kaiser Henry: Of course, Rome's walls may be upgraded.

In fact, given the unpredictability of when such upgrades are possible, I would suggest the Chancellor have the discretion to insert them into the build queue as he sees fit without asking for governors' authorisation. I may propose this along with any other "housekeeping" revisions in a Charter Amendment. (Governors could always have the right to state in advance they do not authorise wall upgrades - but the presumption should be that they are allowed.)

OverKnight
05-05-2007, 06:22
I have news from Count von Hamburg:


A largely routine skirmish in the forests north of Frankfurt occurred. The rebels were well-equipped but poorly disciplined, and the entire force of 749 was quickly routed, most of them being captured. 92 casualties were sustained from an initial strength of 900.


The Count will be dispatched back to Magdeburg, as a similar army of rebel scum have sprung up near there.

Sir Hummel has officially taken the Cross. I welcome him to the Crusade and wish him and his men a swift journey:

https://img463.imageshack.us/img463/8766/hummelcrusadeqv8.jpg

Kaiser Henry and the 1st Crusade Army have moved to engage the Egyptian Jihad Army. Count Mandorf and the 2nd Crusade Army are ready to attack the Turkish Jihad Army. The known world turns its eyes to southeastern Anatolia as the holy warriors of two religions and three nations battle each other:

https://img107.imageshack.us/img107/9034/crihadbj1.jpg

I await the results. . .

OverKnight
05-06-2007, 16:25
The Crusade has triumphed!

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1530717&postcount=57

Kaiser Henry crushed the Egyptian Jihad! The cowards who survived the battle have taken shelter in Antioch. The way to Jerusalem is open! Though what route it will take will be discussed in the Council.

The Turkish Jihad was annihilated by Count Mandorf. In the confusion after the battle our agent managed to open the gates of Adana and the fortress was seized! The Reich now has a foothold in Outremer as well.

I salute Count Mandorf and Kaiser Henry, today is a day that will be long remembered.

If the Kaiser permits, I will begin construction of a Small Chapel in Adana to commemorate these three victories against the heathen. God has smiled upon us, and we should give our thanks to Him.

econ21
05-06-2007, 18:02
Indeed, a small chapel at Adana would be most appropriate. For subsequent builds at Adana, I would ask Count Manfred to set the build queue. I believe he will be garrisoning the castle and so is the best person to make these decisions. This request should not be interpreted as prejudging the assignment of Adana to any particular House at the next Diet.

Build queue for Marseilles

Demolish Brothel
Church
Wharehouse

OverKnight
05-06-2007, 19:21
1188 concluded

Count Mandorf will remain in Adana with the 2nd Crusader Army. The 1st Crusader Army has moved into Egyptian territory in the northern Levant. I am following closely behind with some cavalry from Adana and will overtake them next year.

News of Count von Hamburg's concern about the modernity of our forces has reached me. I have decided to upgrade the castle at Magdeburg in response. I know this is not in the queue, but I doubt Steward von Kastilien will mind.

Steward von Kastilien has decided to continue the siege of Breslau. I am a bit confounded by this, but will respect his wishes.

Prinz Jobst has continued his pursuit of the rebels between Metz and Staufen. He has caught up to them and I await word of the battle. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1531817&postcount=59

He has crushed the rebels. The Prinz will move on to Staufen to winter. Despite rumors that reached him that Dijon is in revolt, this is not so. The populace is disillusioned but not rioting.

Northnovas
05-07-2007, 02:24
Building Queue Zagreb

Good call on the fortress upgrade I didn't see the building started in the original que and did not want to appear demanding for the upgrade not knowing the financial state.
Now that it is upgraded and the stables have started please continue with the original list after the stables, Chapel, Boywer and crops.

OverKnight
05-07-2007, 16:26
1190

Sad news from the Levant:

https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9600/dietrichdeadhq8.jpg

The Hero of Nicaea died peacefully in his sleep. The Reich is lessened by the loss of such a geat warrior. I have received a message of condolence from Emperor John, it seems Dietrich is a hero of two Empires. I am at a loss for words.

The Hungarians have declared war on the Byzantines. A large Magyar army is outside Constantinople.

It seems the Church moves quickly, an Inquisitor has been spotted east of Adana. The reason I know this is:

https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/348/ritterinqsz9.jpg

The more things change, the more they stay the same. I am outraged that one of our priests who has risked life and limb to join us on Crusade was put on trial for heresy. At least the farce ended in Father Ritter being found innocent.

A Merchants Guild has been built in Marseille.

Sir Hummel and his Crusade army have embarked at the port of Genoa. The fleet now nears the Sicilian straits.

OverKnight
05-07-2007, 21:43
1190 continued

The Crusade is now north of Acre. Half of the Crusade will besiege the castle in the new year, the other half will move on to Jerusalem.

A diplomat has been dispatched to Corsica. He will be able to meet with Pope Pisanus next year.

Another diplomat has met with Captain Zavid, the leader of the small Russian force that has trespassed near Thorn. We exchanged map information, and we will provide the Russians with a stipend of 100 florins for 10 turns. I hope this will discourage them from attacking. I do not fear them, but they are valuable trade partners, and I would not wish to lose that income.

Speaking of Thorn, I have dispatched our newest priest, Henry von Nassau, north from Budapest to assist Cardinal Herden in converting the heathen.

I am aware of the call for peace from some members of the Diet. I will meet with the Milanese and the Polish in the next few years. Other nations will follow depending on the location of our diplomats. I have had informal talks before, and the results were not encouraging. Still, I will make the effort.

I have given my mid-term report to the Diet:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1533253&postcount=484

I await word on three battles:

Breslau is ready to be assaulted by Steward von Kastilien. . .

He has taken the town.

Count von Hamburg has engaged some rebels north of Magdeburg. . .

The latest band of rebels have fallen to his sword. The Count will now make his way toward Stettin.

Prinz Jobst accompanied by Friedrich Scherer will attack the rebels southwest of Nuremburg. These scum have been troubling the Reich since my term began, and I will be glad to see them crushed. . .

https://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s193/Warluster/medieval22007-05-0807-42-16-79.jpg

Prinz Jobst did crush them, with extreme vigor I might add. Friedrich Scherer has been knighted for his part in the melee.

It seems that the large Polish army northeast of Breslau, led by Captain Zygmunt, is now on our land. They must be destroyed, I have ordered Duke von Kastilien into battle once again. . .

The Polish are routed, while there are a few random stragglers, none of their forces remain in the Reich.

OverKnight
05-09-2007, 21:14
1192

Two of our young noblemen have come of age:

Helmut von Hamburg at Magdeburg and Elberhard, the Kaiser's youngest son, at Rome.

A Theologians Guild has been built in Milan at the request of Cardinal Otterbach.

Hungary has joined the Crusade. A Hungarian army that was visible from Budapest, led by Istvan, has marched out of view to the east.

We are now known as the most advanced Faction in the world.

Our two flotillas of Holks returning to Genoa after transporting our diplomat to Corsica were attacked by the French. Our fleet was victorious and Admiral Nikolaus is now known as a competent sailor.

A large Egyptian force led by Captain Youseff is now directly south of Acre. It seems the Saracen will not give up their Fortress without a fight.

I have taken a good part of the Crusade Army and engaged the Egyptian relief force while Count Hans besieges Acre. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1535632&postcount=60

I have utterly destroyed the relief force, I await word from Count Hans about the assault on the fortress. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1535645&postcount=61

The Count has taken Acre. The way to Jerusalem is open!

OverKnight
05-10-2007, 01:29
1192 continued

Leaving a garrison in Acre, the rest of the Crusade has laid siege to Jerusalem. Even though the city is only held by an Egyptian nobleman and his retainers, I want as many of our troops as possible to take part in the completion of our Holy task.

News of our entry into the province of Jerusalem has reached the Pope, our relations with him have improved back to outstanding.

A fleet of ships has departed Venice for the Holy Land with 5 priests, 2 merchants, a diplomat and a spy.

Duke von Kastilien has returned to Thorn with his army. He will rest and rearm his troops while keeping an eye on those wayward Russians. If the Poles make a move toward Breslau, he will be able to respond.

Count von Hamburg has chased down some bandits north of his home city. I await word of the battle. . .


The latest band of rebels has been routed. They were 555 in number, going up against 1086 of course. They were all killed or captured, and 106 casualties were sustained.


I hope the Count's demonstration of the Reich's might will not be lost on the Danes.

Duke Leopold has engaged even more rebel scum north of Zagreb. If destroyed, there would be no bandits left in the Reich, or at least until next year. I await word of the battle. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1536610&postcount=62

The Duke has crushed them. He will move on to our new frontier with Hungary to build watchtowers.

OverKnight
05-11-2007, 16:22
1194

Three units of Polish Nobles have besieged Stettin. I am confused on how they plan to batter down the gates from their horses, but I have sent Count von Hamburg and his son to relieve the city.

Two Polish armies have appeared in the eastern part of the province of Thorn, I have sent Duke von Kastilien to hunt them down.

Following Duke Leopold's instructions, I have declined a Theologians Guild for Vienna.

Hungary has used the pretext of the Crusade to take Constantinople from our ally. We have done all we can to save that city from infidels, yet a Catholic nation has seized it. This is dark news.

France and England are now at war, this is good news. The Moors and Byzantines are now fighting, this is bad news, since we are allied to both of them.

The Pope was pleased that we fulfilled his predecessor's request that we cease hostilities with the Venetians.

Sir Hummel's Crusade fleet is now southwest of Cyprus.

While the new Swabian Household Army is being fitted out in Staufen, Prinz Jobst has returned to Dijon, while Steward Scherer has gone to Metz.

The Heretic Pontius has been denounced by Cardinal von der Pfalz outside of Rome. The apostate has seriously damaged the faith of the area, and the Cardinal will remain to repair this.

Dire news from Adana:

https://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4897/desertionty5.jpg

I find their lack of faith disturbing. I will recruit new forces to replace them.

The rest of the Crusade, led by Kaiser Henry, is ready to assault Jerusalem. I am sure the world awaits word of this battle. . .

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1538371&postcount=64

The Crusade is victorious! Jerusalem is freed from the infidel! The Pope was most grateful for our efforts:

https://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3774/jerusalem15bs3.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

https://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2209/jerusalem16hw3.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

I have crushed the remnants of the relief army. The survivors were ransomed for over 1,000 florins:

https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/788/ejerresultsei2.jpg

OverKnight
05-11-2007, 22:03
1194 concluded

At the urging of Kaiser Henry our diplomat in Corsica has approached Pope Pisanus with the offer of Jerusalem in exchange for an alliance:

https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4149/popealliancexb9.jpg

Jerusalem is the new Papal States and they are our allies. I had to give them 4,000 florins on top of Jerusalem to agree to it. They will need the money anyway to help defend their new city:

https://img504.imageshack.us/img504/8566/jerusalemuv6.jpg

What an odd garrison, I suppose it was the best they could scrape together. Public order is now very low in Jerusalem (40%). We shall see what the new year brings.

OverKnight
05-11-2007, 23:33
1196

Order has returned to Jerusalem after the handover (75%).

Ansehelm von Kastilien has come of age in Thorn:

https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7276/ans1or3.jpg
https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5223/ans2kg3.jpg

Denmark is now at war with Russia and Scotland.

England and Portugal have declared a truce.

Hungary is now the most advanced faction.

With our holy endeavor over, there are two ex-crusader armies in our territory. I hope the Scots and English will leave our territory peacefully, Duke Leopold will keep watch over them:

https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7373/excrusadebm5.jpg

I have again approached Pope Pisanus with a proposal, this time concerning military access:

https://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3796/popemilid8.jpg

The proposal was accepted, though I find paying to better protect our new allies somewhat vexing.

OverKnight
05-12-2007, 01:21
1196 continued

Sir Hummel is now a year away from making landfall in the Levant. I'm sure his arrival will be a surprise to the Egyptians.

The Poles have retreated from the Thorn region. Duke von Kastilien has taken up position on the bridge south of the castle.

The five holks of the Imperial Fleet based out of Genoa have won a victory against a Milanese fleet off of Corsica. They can't invade us if they don't have any ships.

Steward Scherer has joined the rejuvenated Swabian Household Army on the bridge southwest of Metz. He has done this with my full knowledge and consent.

I engaged a force of Egyptian spearmen that had come south near to Acre. Lacking cavalry or bowmen they were easy pickings, I killed or captured all of them. The Egyptians refused the ransom offer this time, and the survivors were put to the sword:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1538431&postcount=65

Count von Hamburg has broken the "siege" of Stettin. He has pursued the Polish Nobles and brought them to battle. I await word of the result. . .


The skirmish is over. Of the three enemy cavalry groups, two were surrounded and annihilated, and the third, although being attacked from all sides, managed to slip away in part. Of the 181 enemy, 135 were killed or captured, with an offer of ransom not being accepted. The survivors retreated toward Poland. 93 casualties were sustained from an initial strength of 1012. Just how much would a giant wall from Thorn to Prague cost, do you suppose?

Finally, Helmut von Hamburg has been knighted on the field of battle.

Count von Hamburg.

A good jest by the Count. With men like him we don't need walls.

OverKnight
05-12-2007, 04:54
1198

We have found and executed a French spy in Marseille.

I declined to build a Thieves Guild in Bern.

We are now the most advanced faction.

The Polish forces that retreated from east of Thorn are now directly across the bridge from Duke von Kastilien, but are in their own territory.

The French have sent a large army under a Captain to their border with Metz. It is close to the Swabian Household Army commanded by Steward Scherer.

Admiral Nikolaus has engaged and defeated a French fleet southwest of Genoa. He is now known as a fine officer.

It seems Egyptian reinforcements have rushed in from their eastern provinces:

https://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2590/revengeofegyptbr9.jpg

Count Mandorf will hold tight for now in Adana while he continues to reinforce.

Kaiser Henry and Count Hans have marched north from Acre with all the full strength units in the area. They have reached the border with Antioch, but cannot engage the Egyptians this year.

I have stayed behind in Acre with the units that still need to be refitted. I will also keep an eye on Jerusalem.

Sir Hummel has landed in the Levant, southwest of Antioch. I have sent him to engage an army of Egyptians that crossed the ford from Aleppo. I await word of the battle. . .

Ulrich has defeated the Saracens and now holds the ford to Aleppo. I have sent the Teutonic Knight's from the Kaiser's army to reinforce him.

Count von Mahren has embarked on two flotillas of ships that will return to Venice. The remaining three flotillas from Sir Hummel's former fleet have blockaded Antioch.

OverKnight
05-14-2007, 13:56
1200

Many Egyptian armies are massing around Antioch and Aleppo, with a small force threatening Acre, but they did not attack:

https://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4134/ohmyli5.jpg

A Turkish spy appears to have infiltrated Adana, the population is still content however.

The Turks and Russia are now allied.

Scotland and England are now at war.

We have been ordered by Pope Pisanus to cease hostilities with France for 14 years (7 turns). It seems he took offense that our Genoa fleet was attacking their ships. If we do not comply our standing will fall with him.

Prinz Jobst has a new son, Athalwolf.

Kaiser Henry's bodyguard is now an official part of his retinue.

My term is now over, I have sent a final report to the Diet, it will arrive shortly.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1541255&postcount=496

FactionHeir
05-14-2007, 15:36
Build queue for Bern:
1: Finish Paved Roads
2,3,4: Council Chambers
5,6,7: Blacksmith
8,9,10: Abbey

Following guilds may be accepted:
Swordsmith, Horse breeder, Mason, Theologian, Merchant, Assassin, Teutonic


Build queue for Acre:
1: Finish Garrison quarters
2,3,4: Communal Farming
5,6: Leather Tanner
7,8,9: Knight's Stables

Upgrade to Citadel when available. [OOC note: even when its still building another building, you can select citadel and drag it to #1 position of the queue without losing progress]

Acre may only accept Swordsmith guild

TinCow
05-15-2007, 12:16
Build Queue for Nuremburg:
Large Stone Walls
Cathedral
Mines

Build Queue for Adana:
Practice Range
Archery Range
Blacksmith

Adana may accept a Teutonic Knights Chapter House and a Swordsmiths Guild.

OverKnight
05-15-2007, 13:15
Build Queue for Innsbruck:
Archery Range
Armourer
Irrigation

Build Queue for Bologna:
Communal Farm
City Hall
Warehouse

Build Queue for Florence:
Fairground
Warehouse

Build Queue for Marseilles:
Council Chamber
Abbey
Communal Farm

BHA Orders: The Army is to be commanded by Gerhard Steffen. The Army will defend Bavarian lands and engage any enemy forces that enter our territory. If Edict 8.1 passes, the BHA will be made available to enforce the edict if a peace agreement cannot be reached. At all other times, the Army will be quartered in Marseille to assist in the pacification of the city.

AussieGiant
05-16-2007, 10:39
Build Queue Venice:

Economics my Dear Kaiser. Anything you wish, but please focus on Economics and Goverment Builds. I leave it to your judgement.

Warluster
05-16-2007, 22:23
Build Queue for Dijon

Ballitsa Towers

Any other upgrades to the City

Also build any economical building you wish Chancellor.

I also do not mind what Guilds you build in Dijon.

TevashSzat
05-17-2007, 00:02
Order for the Swabian House Army

A defensive war is to be fought with the French until the excommunication threat ends. Should the French send an army larger than 1000 men or an army with one general greater than 3 command stars within our borders, that army shall be swiftly destroyed and the Swabian House Army shall make a fast forage within French territory to conquer one province bordering the House of Swabia. The province with the least garrison shall be attacked.

Once the excommunication threat ends, the Swabian army shall attack the most undefended settlement bordering Swabian lands regardless of whether the French has made an intrusion.

The army shall be stationed currently at the bridge south of Metz

Orders for Staufen:

1:continue irrigation
2:continue
3:jousting fields
4:continue
5:barracks
6:continue
7:continue
8:continue
9:stable
10:continue

I understand that Staufen is close to becoming a Citadel soon after which I would wish the current building to be completed and then the Fortress upgraded to a Citadel

Ituralde
05-17-2007, 10:01
Tax levels in Vienna, Prague and Budapest are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.

Build priorities Vienna:
Merchant Bank
Great Market
Mining Network

Please begin with whatever building the current treasury allows.
Vienna will not accept a guild house from the following guilds:
Assassins' Guild, Thieves' Guild, Explorers' Guild, Theologians' Guild

Build priorities Prague:
City Watch
Fairground
Brothel

Should funds be too low, go ahead with the brothel as its cheap to build.
Prague will accept any guild.

Build priorities Budapest:
Printing Press
Merchant Bank
Militia Drill Square

Build priorities Ragusa:
Chapel
Blacksmith
Jousting Lists

I will not add further constructions, as I'm pondering to convert Ragusa into an efficient Trade Port. This depends on the outcome of peace negotiations with the Venetians though.
Ragusa will accept any guild.


Orders for the Ducal Army:

Duke Leopold will lead the Ducal Army.

The Army will be positioned in the Southwest of the Budapest region where the Paved Roads cross into Croatia. Duke Leopold although nominally leading the Household Army will stay in Vienna. Should a threat arise to either the Eastern or Southern border the Army will move out immediately to counter it.
Should Edict 8.7 pass and the Venetians refuse the peace offer, the Household Army will move south to destroy and exterminate Durazzo.

Dutch_guy
05-17-2007, 13:18
The tax levels in all cities are to be set as high as possible, until the risk of riots grows to great (read, until happiness levels sink bellow the blue face).

Now for the building queues:

Stettin

church
brothel
town guard.

Frankfurt

merchant bank
printing press
tavern.

Thorn

armourer
siege works
jousting lists

Magdenburg

paved roads
armourer
archery range

Breslau

Inn
ballista maker

Hamburg

merchant's wharf
mining network
market
city watch

Funds should be allocated in the following order:

Frankfurt
Hamburg
Thorn
Magdenburg
Stettin
Breslau

Guild are accepted in all cities, but I am leaving it up to the various governors of the settlements to decide where their priorities lie in that field.

The Household army orders are as followed:

The army is to be commanded by Duke von Kastillien and shall wage an aggressive war against the Poles, destroying all enemy armies en route to Krakow. A city which we shall take. For the taking of this city, and for dealing with the missile cavalry heavy Poles, I urge the chancellor to re-enforce the household army with catapults, and some cavalry, be it light or heavy.

Krakow will be attacked, and put under siege for some years. I am willing to starve out the city unless attacked by Polish re enforcements, or by the trapped Poles in the city.




:balloon2:

Stuperman
05-17-2007, 17:47
Build que for Genoa:

I'm not going to give specific orders just that the chancellor should focus on missle type military and economic buildings

(OOC: I'm at work for several more hours and don't have access to the game till later tonight, I'm looking for pavise crossbowmen [if they can be built in cities] and then economic buildings [ports, trader types, banks/printing press, farms in no particular order].)

Northnovas
05-18-2007, 01:08
Building queue for Zagreb

After the chapel

1. Paved Roads
2. Convert to City

As a agreed that Ragusa will the main Fortress for the area.

econ21
05-18-2007, 14:13
End of year Chancellor’s report, 1200 AD

My Lords,

I write to you outside of Antioch, on the eve of a climatic battle. Three Egyptian armies are poised to strike. I ask for your prayers for Count Hummel and our men in the struggle that is to come. One way or another, tomorrow will decide the fate of the fledgling state of Outremer.

https://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8469/antioch1sn1.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

And, no, I won’t be autoresolving this one…


Since assuming the office of Chancellor, I have immersed myself in the minutiae of office. I remain profoundly impressed by the strength and stolidity of the Reich as bequeathed by my Duke Otto and his predecessors. Nonetheless, I have identified a few concerns.

(1) Our armed forces are generally backward - with many regiments of unarmoured sergeants, peasants and militia. Only the Swabian Household Army consists of top of the line regiments - dismounted feudal knights, pavise crossbowmen, armoured sergeants and mounted knights. I have decided to embark on an extensive recruitment programme to upgrade all Household Armies to this standard. This year alone, I have recruited seven regiments of dismounted feudal knights, two regiments of pavise crossbowmen, three regiments of armoured sergeants and three regiments of mercenaries (Turcopoles). After negotiation with Duke Kastilien, I have authorised the construction of an archery range in Thorn so that the Franconians may benefit from the construction of steel arbalests. All this recruitment has meant I have had precious little money to spare for the economic investments I emphasised in my manifesto, which leads me to my second concern.

(2) Our finances - although showing a healthy net income of 20000 florins - are inadequate to meet all the construction plans of our governors. I would like to increase this surplus, so that I can authorise more of your build queues. The only way I could envisage increasing this surplus in the short run was a programme of retrenchment. This is doubly necessary given the future increase in upkeep from the military recruitment already reported on. To this end, I have disbanded twenty seven regiments of militia and peasant missile troops, ten regiments of peasants, seven of sergeant spearmen, five of mercenaries and four regiments of knights. Inevitably, this retrenchment leaves our forces leaner and our borders more lightly guarded which brings me to my third point.

(3) I am concerned that our large interior has no mobile force to police it and more generally that we lack a strategic reserve. Consequently, I have ordered Prince Jobst to begin training the nucleus of an Imperial Army. This will be available to respond to any emergencies such as a rebellion, a Polish incursion in the east or a new war in the north or south. My immediate concern is with the powerful ex-crusader armies of England and Scotland currently travelling deep in our interior. In the longer term, I believe it is right and proper that the Reich have its own standing armies, similar to Household Armies. These might appropriately be led by the Chancellor, the Kaiser and the Prince. If this initiative is successful, Prince Jobst and I may propose such legislation at the next Diet. However, I do not wish to go down in history as a war fighting Chancellor but rather an architect of a new Pax Romana. This leads me to my fourth and final concern.

(4) Diplomatically we are on poor terms with all but the Papacy. In accordance with recent edicts, Milan was offered peace for 5000 florins and just rejected it; Venice was more defiant in its rejection of peace for 4000 florins. I confess I am at a loss to know how to improve our standing, although breaking our alliance with the Moors will surely lower it further. Presently, I am inclined to increase the offer to Milan and postpone breaking out alliance with the Moors - although I recognise both moves may be opposed by some in the Diet. I would hear your views on this matter.

I trust the above has provided you with information on our progress and some food for thought. Now, I must turn now back to the matter at hand and prepare for battle.


Kaiser Henry

econ21
05-19-2007, 17:28
Chancellor’s Report, 1202 AD

My Lords, the victory at Antioch has unlocked the northern Levant. I am now besieging the Egyptian castle at Aleppo. It is bereft of soldiers - only a stubborn noble and his escort defy us. Ulrich has made a rendezvous with troops from Adana at the bridge north of Antioch. Our garrison at Acre is menaced by a large Egyptian army, however. I fear Duke Otto may have a fight on his hands soon.

Duke Otto appears to relish fights, however. Although the Milanese just rejected our offer of peace, Duke Otto has privately and publicly refused to be flexible on the implementation of his edict that purported to seek a ceasefire. Although I am sure we could have attained a ceasefire with a slight increase in our offer - and despite us starting the year with over 46000 florins - Duke Otto has refused to sanction such an increased offer. So be it. Gerhard Steffen has landed at Ajaccio with the Bavarian Household Army and has it under siege. However, this aggressive move has left our Italian heartlands exposed and now a Milanese fleet stands at anchor off Genoa with a large army of cavalry and siege engines. Steffen’s fleet did intercept the Milanese, but they escaped annihilation. I fear this Milanese army will make landfall and the militia of the Bavarian cities will be powerless to stop them. Conrad Salier has ridden north from Rome to oversee our defence and Innsbruck is hastily raising armoured spearmen, but I fear several Bavarian cities will have been sacked before my term of office is out.

https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5635/12021dx8.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Gerherd Steffen's fleet struck at this Milanese force south of Ajacco, but it fled north to the coast off Genoa!


The Franconian drive on Krakow has been halted by internal reorganisation and an injunction from the Pope to cease attacks on the Poles for seven turns. Fredericus Hamburg is moving to take control of the Franconian Household Army, will be used to screen our eastern border from the Polish armies massing at Krakow. Gunther von Kastilien has been left with a strong garrison at Thorn, although on reflection I may give that assignment to his son. [OOC: Dutch_guy is having computer problems, so Thorn would have to be an autoresolve.]

Given the adamant rejection of a ceasefire by the Venetians, I have no hesitation in facilitating Duke Leopold’s march on their continental holdings. Unlike Milan, there is no hope of peace with Venice at the moment. Jonas von Mahren is blockading Venetian-held Rhodes as requested by the Council of Nobles. Maximilien von Tyrolia, an Austrian merchant, is gathering together the agents required for the trade and missionary expedition proposed by the House of Austria.

All is quiet on the Swabian front. Thanks to the Prince of Antioch’s bounty, Staufen is being upgraded to a Citadel. Prince Jobst’s Imperial army at Staufen continues to grow. A large rebel army has been spotted south of Frankfurt - they will provide the Prince’s army its first chance to prove itself.

I have gifted our Byzantine brothers 1000 florins but our relations remain terrible. I hope Hans mission to return Constantinople to them will improve this lamentable situation. Hans is with Duke Otto in Acre. When the crisis there subsists and a sufficient force can be levied, he will depart for Constantinople.

The project to modernise our household armies continues - this year I have hired each House a regiment of Teutons, the finest knights in the Reich.

I know anxiously await news from Genoa and ask the Dukes to remember the prime function of their Household Armies - to defend their realms, not to conquer their neighbours! Conquests - particularly where they risk leaving Duchies exposed - should properly be done by Imperial armies, led by the Chancellor or his appointed commanders.


Kaiser Henry

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1202-end.zip

econ21
05-20-2007, 10:43
Chancellor's report, 1204 AD

My Lords, it has been a quiet year for the Reich, opening as it did with the sad death of our venerable Count Maximillan Mandorf. It seems all across the Reich the pace of life slowed down and men moved about their business with sombre calm.

Christendom will miss the stern corrective guidance of Count Maximillan. As if emboldened by our loss, the Mohammadans in Jerusalem have rebelled and thrown off their Papal masters. I heard the news just before storming the lightly held fortress of Aleppo. Consquently, I have left my army - the veterans of Antioch - and embarked on a ship to handle the crisis personally. I had hoped that Duke Otto at Acre could oversee the defence of Jerusalem, but perhaps I expected too much of him.

Duke Hummel has moved to Adana to garrison the key fortress after Count Mandorf's death. His arrival comes not a moment too soon - a large Turkish army has entered the province from the west. It appears to be moving to collect reinforcements from Caesara before turning south to menace Outremer.

Back in southern Europe, our South Mediterranean fleet managed to pursue and engage the Milanese armada they had previously scattered. The enemy has fled back to the straits between Corisca and Sardinia. I am now confident we can deal with them without giving them the opportunity to land their army in vulnerable Italy. However, I am less sure of Gerhard Steffen's ability to storm Ajacco. It is defended by a Milanese noble and three regiments of dismounted knights. None of our proud Bavarian knights can be induced to dismount and scale the walls. As I am reluctant to send mere Sergeants against Italian knights, I have decided to starve the enemy out until the dismounted feudal knights I have recruited can arrive to put some backbone into the Bavarians. This deficiency in the Bavarian Household Army highlights the need for the modernisation of our Household Armies.

Elsewhere, all continues to be quiet on the Swabian front. As it seems unlikely we will have to endure a French offensive, I would ask the Duke of Swabia which French settlement he intends to target once the Pope's injuction to refrain from hostilities expires.

The Franconian Household Army is now east of Stettin, arranging a transfer of command from Duke Kastilien to Count von Hamburg. The Duke's son has returned to Thorn to garrison this key salient in our eastern front.

The Austrian Household Army is marching towards Ragusa, together with Maximillan von Tyrolia's mercantile expedition. Once there, the two will separate and head south on their respective missions.

Diplomatically, my court has informed me that a charming Portuguese Princess approached with an offer of alliance. As this will give us an interest in the west, to match our interest in the east, I was happy to approve a gift of 1200 florins for two turns to seal the deal. Like the Roman Empire of old, I believe our Reich should wield influence across the Mediterranean from west to east. I encourage the Diet to support Portugal in any future conflicts and strengthen our alliance.

Finally, I am pleased to recognise three new generals to the court. Harold von Dassel has married Judda der Stolze. Erhart von Mahren and Jan von Hamburg have come of age. It seems that just as God takes away, so he gives.

Yours

Kaiser Henry

econ21
05-20-2007, 18:37
End of year Chancellor’s report, 1206 AD

My Lords,

This has been a dark year for the Reich. It began with a Polish siege of Breslau. The reorganised Franconian Household Army, now under command of Count von Hamburg, was not able to arrive to relieve the settlement. However, I am hopeful that the approach of this powerful force will at best deter the Poles from pressing home their siege or at worst quickly undo any damage they wreak.

In Outremer, the year has ended with a Turkish siege of Adana. Fortunately, the Prince of Antioch has amassed a formidable force at Adana that I had hoped would be able to sail to Constantinople under my son, Hans. However, the Turks have forced a change of plans. I now plan to use my son, and the veterans of our great victory at Antioch, to break the siege.

The one ray of light has been the final destruction of the Milanese armada off the south of Corsica. Their entire army of cavalry and siege machines has been lost at sea. Count Steffen is now free to take their settlement at his leisure.

https://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8461/12061co9.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

The Milanese armada: going, going, gone...


In other news, the Swabian front remains peaceful. If I do not hear from the Duke of Swabia soon, I will target Rheims as the target for their expansion once the Papal ultimatum to cease and desist ends.

Duke Leopold has arrived at Ragusa with the Austrian Household army and the mercantile expedition. My brother has informed me that his army’s target will be Thessalonika, while the merchants will head to North Egypt where their accompanying priests can cause some mischief converting the Mohammadans.

For my part, I have landed at Acre and assumed command of the garrison from Duke Otto. I scaled the Golan heights and drove off the Egyptian army that has been threatening Acre without loss to either side. I intend to engage them in battle and then take Jerusalem from the rebel Mohammadans.

May God have mercy on their souls, and ours.

Kaiser Henry

TevashSzat
05-20-2007, 20:58
I do wish for us to attack the city of Rheims. After which if there are no significant enemy forces nearby, a quick assault of Paris will follow. With their captial gone, the French will be crippled and shall suffer greatly

Dutch_guy
05-20-2007, 22:04
As Duke of Franconia I wish to appoint my son Ansehelm von Kastillien as count of Thorn.

:balloon2:

econ21
05-21-2007, 01:14
End of year Chancellor’s report, 1208 AD

My Lords,

I am weary - I feel drained, as if the burden of office or the stiffling climate are dragging me down. The sky is filled with dark omens. Word has come from merchants of the east of a great horse lord by the name of Ghengis Khan. He is sweeping all before him with an unstoppable mass of cavalry. These men - called Mongols - are traversing Transoxania at an alarming rate and look set to continue on westward, arriving either north or south of the Caspian sea.

My Lords, to a man in Frankfurt or Vienna, these names of provinces and seas may sound faraway and strange. But to the people of the Levant, they are familiar, neighbouring places. Dusan My advisors tell me that Outremer itself is in peril and we must secure its great cities quickly before all hell breaks loose.

https://img291.imageshack.us/img291/30/12081az4.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

We are in for it now.


My son Hans has broken the siege of Adana by the Turks and is about to embark for Constantinople. I have now cleared away the Egyptian armies menacing Acre and Jerusalem, laying siege to the Holy City again. It will soon belong to the Reich once more. Then all that will remain to complete Outremer will be the capture of Damascus.

Back in Europe, my staff inform me that there has been yet more reorganisation of the Franconian Household Army. Now it is under the command of its Duke, with Count von Hamburg beginning a long trek to the Levant. A Polish army stumbled upon the Duke's army but unfortunately our Papal injunction prevents us from crushing them. All this delay has allowed me to recruit three catapults for the planned siege of Krakow, however, and Thorn has produced its first regiment of pavise crossbowmen.

The Swabian army remains on the bridge south of Metz, ready to be unleashed on Rheims when its own Papal restraint order expires.

Gerhard Steffen continues to besiege the Milanese fortress. He now has one regiment of dismounted feudal knights with two more marching through north Italy to join him. I await his instruction to launch an assault, but am content for him to starve out his enemies.

Duke Leopold has reached the border of Venetian territory. Jonas von Mahren has disembarked in north Greece seeking to join my brother. I pray for his safe passage through enemy lands.

Finally, the Moors have attacked our new allies the Portuguese. This has allowed us to end our strange alliance with the Mohammadans in accordance with a Diet edict but hopefully without lowering our general diplomatic reputation. Good riddance to bad rubbish, say I.

https://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6190/12082xe6.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Henry had waited to implement the Edict mandating an end to the alliance with the Moors. Good things come to those who wait.



Now, I must return to matters at Jerusalem. My head aches and I will find no rest until this business is resolved.

Kaiser Henry

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/1210-1.zip

econ21
05-21-2007, 20:46
nevermind

econ21
05-22-2007, 22:38
Chancellor's Report for 1210

My Lords,

The year has been uneventful. Duke Otto evicted the rebel Mohammadans from Jerusalem. For this service, he has been named King of Outremer. A diplomat has been sent to return the Holy City to the Papacy.

The Household Armies continue with their assigned duties.

The only real news I can provide is some absurd diplomatic escapades. The Moors declared war on us and then promptly asked for a ceasefire. I agreed in return for a tribute of 500 gold for ten turns, to compensate me for the tedium of having to waste good parchment reporting on their antics. A Danish Prince asked me to assassinate his father. I have a mind to find the young Prince and assassinate the cur instead, but no doubt father and son deserve each other.

Oh, and there was some little difficulty with one of my retinue. You just can't find the staff these days.


Kaiser Henry

econ21
05-22-2007, 23:23
Chancellor’s Report for 1212

My Lords,

This report contains news somewhat more momentous than the trivia of my last.

First, the horse lords have arrived at Baghdad. I have a mind to see what manner of men are these - perhaps I should despatch a diplomat and a spy, if I do not travel there in person.

Second, Pope Pisanus died. While Eusebius der Pfalz was one of the Preferati, our allies the Sicilians also fielded a strong candidate who I decided our Cardinals should back. Pope Angellus was suitably grateful, restoring our relations with the Papacy to Perfect (they had sunk to so-so before Pisanus’s death).

https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/6158/12121cu5.jpg (https://imageshack.us)


Unfortunately, the Lord valued Angellus too much and spirited him away from us before this year was out. This time, I voted for our own Eusebius der Pfalz. These chaotic events in the Papacy have prevented us negotiating the quick transfer of Jerusalem (OOC: our diplomat has taken time getting to the Papal army). But the Diet can be assured the transfer will be complete by my next report.

My first act of diplomacy with the new German Pope was to request a crusade on Damascus, as mandated by Edict 8.3. In accordance with our Charter, I request all generals who wish to join the crusade to give me notice within 48 hours. I understand Count von Hamburg will join, but need to know Austria’s representative. In this connection, I recommend to Duke Leopold a most promising young Austrian general called Karl Zirn, recently married to the Duke’s daughter Meckil.

https://img341.imageshack.us/img341/5306/12122ln9.jpg (https://imageshack.us)


I turn now to the affairs of each of the four Houses.

The Franconian Household Army is approaching Krakow, although the Papal mission to refrain from hostilities with the Poles will last until the time of my next report.

The Swabian Household Army, however, is now free of its injunction and so in my next report I hope to report it is besieging Rheims.

The Austrian Household Army is nearing Thessalonica, Jonas von Mahren having safely rendezvoused with Duke Leopold. Unfortunately, a large Hungarian army is approaching Budapest. I am training a professional force at Ragusa to come to the aid of the city’s militia, but I lack an outstanding general to lead them (Count von Hamburg is near but I am unsure whether to distract him from his journey to the Levant).

The Bavarian Household Army has, however, been ordered to stand down at Ajacco. The Milanese approached me for a ceasefire and I judged it best to accept, leaving them the accursed island and establishing trade rights with their merchants. I realise that I may be criticised for this decision in the light of 8.1, but I hope Duke Otto will see that he has gained his ceasefire and saved the 5000 florins he was prepared to spend. Ironically, I did contact Gerherd Steffen offering him the chance to assault the fortress before I was approached by the Milanese, but I fear his many ailments must have drawn him away and he did not respond in time. However, I do not withdraw the Bavarians from Corsica with any reluctance. I came to power promising a Pax Romana and that is what I am working towards. Moreover, a large rebel army has gathered near Rome and Conrad Salier’s militia are simply no match for them. I will be grateful to bring the Bavarian Household Army home to see them off.

In other news, Prince Hans has finally set sail for Constantinople. I am also pleased to announce that our heavy recruitment of Teutons from Frankfurt has led to their Chapter establishing its headquarters in that city. They have also opened up a minor chapter in Magdeburg. I wish they could be persuaded to serve in Outremer.

Now, my Lords, I have much to attend to,

Until next time,


Kaiser Henry



Save for the beginning of 1214:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/1214-1.zip

econ21
05-23-2007, 12:07
Chancellor's report for 1214

My Lords,

Another quiet year - we seem to alternate between the frenetic and soporific.

The Franconian Household Army came within spitting distance of Krakow. By the time of my next report, Duke Kastilien will be free of Papal restraint and able to strike at some of the several Polish armies milling around their capital.

The Austrian Household Army has laid siege to Thessalonica.

The Bavarian Household Army has landed near Florence, heading for the rebel army north of Florence.

The Swabian Household Army has laid siege to Rheims.

Prince Jobst marched his Army of the Interior to Prague, attempting to forestall the Hungarian advance on Budapest. Fortunately, the Hungarians turned back at the end of the year, alleviating this threat. The Prince may next year march towards Hamburg, as Danish and Scottish armies are lurking around our northern flank - a worry given that Count von Hamburg and his two sons are heading to Ragusa to join the crusade on Damascus.

In Outremer, King Otto defeated two small Egyptian armies trespassing on the land of our Papal allies. The spy I sent to find the horse lords has instead spotted a large Egyptian city, Edessa, west of Aleppo. I intend to take it, as there should be no Egyptian presence north of Gaza and Edessa will provide a first line of defence against any Mongol invasion.

The end of the year brought an unpleasant shock however: a Russian army has besieged Thorn. Although the fortress is well garrisoned, it lacks a distinguished general - I sent the Count of Thorn to earn his spurs with his father near Krakow.

I suspect, as has become the pattern, my next report may be more eventful than this.


Kaiser Henry

econ21
05-23-2007, 18:04
Chancellor’s report, 1216


My Lords,


Due to conservative spending in 1214, we began the year with twice our usual starting balance: 42,353 florins. This allowed me to indulge in some largesse to the church: an abbey was ordered to be built in Marseilles for Gerherd Steffen to recuperate in, while in Nuremburg work was begun on a cathedral dedicated in honour of the late Maximillan Mandorf.

The Pope invited us to begin our crusade to Damascus, but I will hold off a while. My brother, Duke Leopold, has requested to lead the crusade and must return from Thessalonica to Ragusa to head the force I am gathering there for him. Count von Hamburg is nearing Ragusa with both his adult sons and young Karl Zirn has reached there from Rome. There are also two sons of Jonas von Mahren at Ragusa. Their father will take over command of the Austrian Household Army now besieging Thessalonica. Duke Leopold has decided pressing an assault on Thessalonica would be too costly right now, so there will be a pause while more siege engines are constructed. I am hopeful the besieged Venetians will be emboldened by their superior numbers to attempt a sally.

Duke Leopold and Count Jonas face some interesting strategic dilemmas at the moment. They have two armies - the Austrian Household Army and the nascent crusader force. But they face three strong forces - a Hungarian army loitering around the border of Budapest; the besieged Venetians in the Thessalonica and their compatriots at Durazzo. I would welcome any opinions from Jonas or Leopold on how to respond to these challenges. I feel the enemy at Durazzo must be bloodied before the Crusade proper begins; I cannot risk letting Ragusa fall to Venice - it is in the process of upgrading to a Citadel and is far too precious to lose. As for the Hungarians, I now regret turning back Prince Jobst’s Army of the Interior from its march on Budapest.

The mercantile expedition has made landfall in North Africa although they are not as close to Northern Egypt as I would have liked. However, the Egyptian navy is powerful and my priority is to join their transports with those of Prinz Hans’s expedition to Constantinople. The combined fleet may be able to transport Duke Leopold’s crusade in due course. The merchants and priests will have to walk the rest of the way to their destination.

France has been excommunicated although I caution Swabians not to get too excited by this news given the venerable age of our Pontiff. The Swabian Household Army under Duke Scherer has stormed Rheims with very low casualties.

While the Russians besiege Thorn, our Baltic fleet has sunk two of their warships. The Franconian Household army has been unleashed on the Poles around Krakow. Duke von Kastilien reports bitter fighting and feels his army lacks the strength to push on to siege Krakow. I have authorised his withdrawal north towards Thorn. Another of the Duke’s sons, Peter, has come of age.

In the Levant, I cut down an Egyptian general who foolishly attempted to block my advance on Edessa. Next turn I will besiege the city, but it is clear it will not fall until I am out of office. Prince Ulrich has been authorised to hunt down a band of Turks trespassing around Adana, but deemed them not worth getting out of bed for.

My next report will be my last. I am sure you will be glad to be rid of me.



Kaiser Henry

TevashSzat
05-24-2007, 03:27
With Rheims newly taken, here are the build orders.

I do not remember the length of construction, but here is a general order.

church
ballista towers
next higher level church
militia square (i think, but its the barracks thing)

Please train additional militia to garrison the city as soon as possible.

econ21
05-25-2007, 10:11
Chancellor’s Report for 1218

The year began with disaster: despite having a strong garrison, the fortress of Thorn fell to a bold assault from a Russian force half its size. The only consolation from this bitter defeat is that the Russians chivalrously spared the fortress from being sacked or exterminated.

https://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7431/12181fy2.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

https://img266.imageshack.us/img266/84/12182ih8.jpg (https://imageshack.us)


There are, I believe, lessons from this bitter defeat. First, we cannot rely on garrisons to protect our frontiers. The garrison I provided for Thorn was the force that the late Maximillan thought sufficient to hold Adana against all comers - vis, three regiments of spearmen, three of archers and two of dismounted feudal knights. However, what was missing was clearly the late Maximillan or his equivalent - a distinguished general to oversee the defences. I know that the Count of Thorn will feel resentment that he was not kept in post to defend Thorn. However, in my defence I can only say that I had no knowledge that Russia would attack us until Thorn was besieged and I judged the priority to be the Count earning his spurs in battle against the Poles, so that then he could be used to freely command forces in Franconia and elsewhere.

A second lesson of Thorn is that our borders have become stretched, especially with Household Armies assigned to conquer neighbouring provinces. When Thorn fell, the Franconian army was far away outside Krakow. Similarly, when Genoa was menaced, the Bavarian army was in Corsica. When the Hungarians threatened Breslau and the Venetians massed at Durazzo, the Austrian army was in Thessalonica. Now the Swabian army is at Rheims, I fear for Marsellies and Metz. Duke Otto has said that it is the Chancellor’s responsibility to balance the imperatives of implementing edicts for conquest with the need for homeland defence. Perhaps there is some truth in this, but I believe Houses should exercise more oversight over the deployment of their forces and provide more nuanced edicts or standing orders that recognise the primacy of defending our borders.

In response to the loss of Thorn, I began the march northwards of Duke Kastilien’s battered household army from outside Krakow back to Thorn. Unfortunately, a small Polish army blocked the road north and we are once again subject to a Papal injunction to desist from attacking them. Consequently, the FHA was forced to go off road and skirt round the Poles. To speed up the march on Thorn, I detached the catapult batteries from the FHA and sent them to Breslau under the Count of Thorn’s command.

In Rheims, the Swabian Household Army is under siege by an inferior French army. I have yet to learn if the Duke of Swabia will lead a sally out of the city. After the debacle of Thorn, I will not authorise a junior commander to fight the battle. [OOC: no autoresolving here!]

Prince Jobst has crushed a rebel army south of Frankfurt. North of Rome, Steward Scherer has finally reached the rebel army menacing our interior. I await news of the battle.

Near Ragusa, Duke Leopold has joined with the bulk of the army to be formed into a crusade. Count Salier is bringing up more knights. I do not say that all the nobles gathering there will join the crusade but I am giving my successor as Chancellor the freedom about who else to include (beyond Leopold, Salier and Zirn). Before departing, Duke Leopold and the next Chancellor may wish to strike down the Venetians massing around Durazzo. Otherwise, I fear that they will do to Ragusa what the Russians have done to Thorn. There is also the strong Hungarian army wandering around the borders of Budapest. Count Mahren remains besieging Thessalonica, but I believe this endeavour may prove futile just like the Bavarian strike at Corsica and the Franconian march on Krakow. I should also report that Spain and Denmark have embarked on the crusade to Damascus. In other Austrian news, Zagreb has accepted a Merchant’s guild.

At sea, a small Egyptian fleet has reached Ragusa and sunk some of the ships that transported Conrad Salier to Ragusa. This means that we are unable to reinforce the crusade with units from the BHA despite Steward Steffen’s generous offer. The ships returning from landing our mercantile expedition in north Africa encountered a much larger Egyptian fleet. Fortunately, the enemy did not strike but I was sufficiently alarmed to send the ships to join with Prinz Hans’s armada. I pray that our large naval force will be sufficiently strong to protect the transports bringing the Prinz’s army to Constantinople.

I declined an offer of marriage for Demuth von Hamburg. There was nothing wrong with the young suitor, but with all the Kastiliens, von Hamburgs and von Mahren’s swanning around Rome and Ragusa, the last thing I felt the Reich needed was another Franconian trying to make an impression.

In the Levant, I drove off a small band of Egyptians under a chap called Medhat Karfur. At the time, I lacked any full regiments of pavise crossbowmen and the difficulty of dealing with Medhat’s one regiment of Mameluk archers has impressed on me the importance of having sufficient missiles if we ever have to face a horse archer force such as that of the horse lords. I recommend that the next Chancellor increase the proportion of pavisers in our Outremer archers as a precautionary measure. After the battle, I ransomed Medhat back to Edessa and have assembled a strong army on the approach to the city.

https://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1339/12185wr6.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Without decent archers, Henry finally corners the Mameluks.


Now that Antioch is mainly Christian, I have moved our many Cardinals and priests to Damascus to convert the population in advance of our crusade. I hope our crusaders will be able to occupy the city without having to massacre its population. I have ordered all our settlements in Outremer to recruit more priests. I believe some priests should be sent to Edessa if the next Chancellor intends to take it from the Egyptians as I would recommend. Our spies have encountered the horde of horse lords south of Baghdad. A diplomat is en route to parley with them.

https://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4913/12183mz5.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Here’s Jonny! (Or Ghengis or whoever)


That ends my last annual report. I will provide short review of my full term in office shortly.


Kaiser Henry

Dutch_guy
05-25-2007, 12:06
After my son's courageous participation in the Franconian Household army's intense battle of last year, he is now knighted - and fully able to lead a force of his own in battle.

:balloon2:

econ21
05-29-2007, 13:11
Chancellor’s final report

My lords, I promised a final report summing up my term in office. Unfortunately, it has been delayed by the need to travel from Edessa. And my achievements have been somewhat overshadowed by the recent disasters at Thorn and over the Danish crusade. However, I do have some last comments on the state of the Reich at the end of my Chancellorship.

Assignments: Rheims is assigned to Swabia. Antioch and Aleppo remain formally Imperial settlements. However, as per the draft constitution of Outremer, Aleppo is informally assigned to Franconia.

Territory: We ended my period in office with a three extra provinces (Antioch, Aleppo and Rheims) but lost Thorn. I believe we should seek to maintain this modest rate of expansion. [OOC: To maintain the challenge - the AI can at last field large armies to defend threatened places such as Thessalonica, Krakow and Edessa.] In the coming Diet, we may wish to complete the conquest of Outremer by taking Damascus and Edessa, although work will have to be done to convert the local population if we are to avoid a rebellion such as that which occurred in Jerusalem. I have already moved our many Cardinals and priests from Antioch to Damascus; I would urge the next Chancellor to move some to Edessa as well. Outremer also needs a facility for training spies to avoid unrest. Thorn should be retained and Krakow taken; however, I am unpersuaded by the case for further territorial expansion.

Military: Our armies have been largely upgraded, although Franconia still requires more pavise crossbowmen. However, we face multiple threats along our borders - from the Hungarians, the Poles and now from the Danes. I am sympathetic to the case for second Household Armies. However, this case varies by House: Franconia is most in need - especially now that the Danes are at war with us. By contrast, the Bavarian Household Army could even be downgraded in size. On reflection, I would oppose formally establishing second Household Armies but would recommend that the Chancellor do it informally when required. We must also recognise that our enemies have grown in strength and that quickly taking enemy settlements may become rare - we achieved it at Rheims, but were thwarted at Ajacco, Krakow, Thessalonica and Edessa. Perhaps we should fight with more dispersed forces to try to induce the enemy to attack us outside of its fortifications?

Economy: Although I began my term in office frustrated that I was unable to build much that our governors desired, the cost cutting measures I implemented and the effect of past investments soon changed this. Since that first year in office, there has been sufficient income to authorise every building I have wished to authorise. I would urge the next Chancellor to keep a careful eye on our economic situation in order to continue being in this happy position. If, as I expect, we need more armies to defend our borders, rather than expand our military, I would recommend splitting some of our Household Armies - Prince Jobst has shown that a small, upgraded force can easily triumph over larger lower grade enemies.

Diplomacy: Our alliances had begun to bear fruit until the unfortunate incident with the Danish crusade. Hopefully, we can put things right. I would like to see peace overtures made to all our Christian enemies. We must recognise - as has occurred with the Poles - that Papal restraint provides only a very short window for offensive action against brother Catholics. Moreover, the biggest challenge we face is now the pagan horse lords. I believe we are ineluctably on a collision course with them and we must prepare for this. I volunteer to take my army and block their approach to Damascus, although I would appreciate a few more of King Otto’s excellent pavise crossbowmen for the task. My ability as a night fighter may allow me to buy the crusade needed time to reach Damascus first. I have not much time left for war and offer myself to the Reich in one last service.

Yours,

Kaiser Henry

Summary information on Kaiser Henry's Chancellorship, 1200-1218

Build queues in Kaiser Henry's Chancellorship

Italics indicates authorised

3^Province|Guild|1|2|3|4|5
7^Capital
7^Rome|Merchant|City Hall|Docklands|||
7^Swabia
7^Staufen|Swords|Citadel|Marksman range|Jousting|Barracks|
7^Metz||Mines|Town guard|Church||
7^Bern|Merchant|Council Chambers|Blacksmith|Abbey||
7^Dijon|Thieves (M)|Mines|Mining network|Merchant bank||
7^Rheims|Thieves|Small church|Ballista tower|||
7^Austria
7^Vienna|Merchant|Merchant Bank|Great Market|Mining Network||
7^Prague||City Watch|Fairground|Brothel||
7^Zagreb|Merchant|Paved roads|City conversion|Town hall|Mining network|
7^Venice|Merchant (M)|City hall|Warehouse|||
7^Budapest|Theologian (M)|Merchant Bank|Militia Drill Square|||
7^Ragusa||Chapel|Citadel|Marksman's range||
7^Franconia
7^Frankfurt|Teuton (H)|Mine|Mining network|Merchant bank|Printing press|
7^Hamburg|Merchant|Merchant's wharf|Mining network|Market|City watch|
7^Thorn|Teuton|Archery Range|Armourer|Siege works|Jousting lists|
7^Magdeburg|Teuton|Paved roads|Archery range|Armourer||
7^Stettin||Church|Brothel|Town guard||
7^Breslau||Paved road|Inn|Ballista maker||
7^Bavaria
7^Nuremburg|Merchant|Large Stone Walls|Cathedral|Mines||
7^Innsbruck||Mines|Archery Range|Armourer||
7^Bologna|Thieves|City Hall|Mine|Warehouse||
7^Milan|Theologian|Leather tanner|Merchant bank|||
7^Genoa|Merchant|Mines|Mining network|Merchant bank||
7^Florence|Merchant|Mines|Fairground|Warehouse||
7^Marseilles|Merchant|Council Chamber|Abbey|Communal Farm||
7^Outremer
7^Adana||Practice Range|Archery range|Paved road||
7^Acre||Communal Farming|Leather tanner|Citadel|Knights stable|
7^Antioch||Small church|Church|Town hall|Paved road|Warehouse
7^Aleppo||Citadel|Paved road|Small chapel||


List of Battles in Kaiser Henry's Chancellorship

3^No.|General|Place|Type|Date|Opponent|Odds|German #|Enemy #|Germans lost|Enemy lost|Result
7^1|Count_Hummel|Aleppo|FA|1200|Egyptians|10:7|491|647|227|576|v
7^2|Kaiser_Henry|Acre|FA|1200|Egyptians|5:3|438|699|23|676|v
7^3|Kaiser_Henry|Antioch|FD|1200|Egyptians|2:3|1500|2930|440|2595|v
7^4|Kaiser_Henry|Aleppo|SA|1204|Egyptians|10:1|1004|36|20|36|v
7^5|Prince_Jobst|Frankfurt|FA|1208|Rebels|5:1|780|443|26|257|v
7^6|Prince_Hans|Adana|FA|1208|Turks|20:9|1522|848|108|800|v
7^7|Kaiser_Henry|Jerusalem|FA|1208|Egyptians|2:1|1372|1163|262|1106|v
7^8|King_Otto|Jerusalem|SA|1210|Egyptians|20:7|1043|503|115|487|v
7^9|Captain|Budapest|YA|1212|Hungarians|3:2|517|31|20|16|v
7^10|King_Otto|Jerusalem|FA|1214|Egyptians|5:1|684|151|28|151|v
7^11|King_Otto|Jerusalem|FA|1214|Egyptians|2:1|656|317|76|317|v
7^12|Kaiser_Henry|Edessa|FA|1216|Egyptians|5:1|795|121|14|107|v
7^13|Duke_Scherer|Rheims|SA|1216|French|10:3|1230|661|65|661|v
7^14|Duke_Kastilien|Krakow|FA|1216|Poles|2:3|1416|1862|705|1487|v
7^15|Captain|Thorn|SD|1216|Russians|3:2|768|365|421|91|d
7^16|Prinz_Jobst|Staufen|FA|1218|Rebels|5:2|724|577|31|223|v
7^17|Kaiser_Henry|Edessa|FA|1218|Egyptians|5:1|1138|181|51|181|v
7^18|Steward_Steffen|Rome|FA|1218|Rebels|20:7|1312|689|154|677|v
7^19|Duke_Scherer|Rheims|YA|1218|French|2:1|1502|782|125|740|v
7^20|Prinz_Jobst|Staufen|AA|1218|Danes|1:1|693|1402|112|956|v
7^TOTAL|||||||||?|?|19v:1d


FA=field battle (attacker)
FD=field battle (defender)
SA=siege assault (attacker)
SD=siege assault (defender)
YA=sally (attacker)
YD=sally (defender)
AA=ambush (attacker)
AD=ambush (defender)

OverKnight
05-30-2007, 15:00
Build Queues for Outremer

Adana
Blacksmith
Barracks
Shipwright

Antioch
Abbey
Council Chambers

Aleppo
Chapel
Garrison Quarters
Drill Square
Barracks

Acre
Paved Roads
Blacksmith
Drill Square

Tax levels should be set to avoid rioting.

Orders for the Army of Outremer

I will command the army. As I consider the army currently under Kaiser Henry's command an Imperial one, my Army will be formed by drawing off some of the elements of the Adana and Acre garrisons and new recruitment, if possible. The Army will converge at Acre.

At Acre, the Army will perform oversight on Antioch, Aleppo, Jerusalem and the advance of the Mongols. The Army will respond to any of these that are threatened, or in the case of the Mongols, becomes a threat. If Adana is besieged by a force that the local garrison cannot handle, the army will move to relieve the Fortress. I hope the Chancellor will take great care in making sure that one of these goals is not over pursued to the detriment of the others, though the defense of Jerusalem is paramount.

If the Chancellor has any questions feel free to contact me.

Ituralde
05-30-2007, 19:47
Build priorities for Vienna:
Crop Rotation
Militia Drill Square
Inn

The Inn may be built whenever the funds don't allow for more expensive investments.

Build priorities for Venice
Community Farming
Fairground

The upgrade of the city defense to Huge Stone Walls should have absolute priority over the above mentioned buildings.

Build priorities for Ragusa
Blacksmith
Jousting Lists
Armoury


Orders for the Austrian Household Army:

The Austrian Household Army will be led by Jonas von Mahren.
As soon as a Austrian noble, who is not on Crusade, gets knighted he will take over command of the Army.

Jonas von Mahren will have full control over the movements of the Army. I have contacted him, that he should bring the siege of Thessalonica to an end, one way or another and return to the Austrian homeland. He should pick up the younger Austrian nobles on his way north and defeat the Hungarians loitering in our territory.

Kagemusha
05-30-2007, 20:23
Orders for the Austrian Household Army

With the permission of Duke Leopold the following orders are issued to the household army of Austria. The army will lift the siege of Thessalonice and move to west to Ragusa where those of Duke´s and my sons who will stay here in Reich and are not going on to crusade are to join the army. After that the army is to move so that it can push back the Hungarian army that is threatening Austria.

Jonas Von Mahren

Northnovas
05-31-2007, 00:07
Building queue for Zagreb

After the mines if finances dictate;
1.Crop Rotation
2.Grain Exchange
3.Abbey or City Watch depends how much trouble the Venetians are.

Upgrades will supercede any building queue if finances available.

Stuperman
05-31-2007, 01:11
Build Ques for Bavaria:

Many of these ques don't add up to 10 turns, this is intentional, and all ques are considered after the current construction is over. Taxes are to be set as high as possible.

Florence:
Mines
City Hall

Insbruck:
Armourer
Irrigation

Bologna:
Abbey
Upgrade when avaiable (OOC: it has like 23.7k pop.)

Milan:
Mayors Palace (for forlorn hope....)
Cathedral

Genoa:
Council Chambers
Inn

Marseille:
Blistatowers
Merchant bank

BHA orders have to wait for a Austrian response, but intermely, the BHA and her commander should be stationed at Milan.

TevashSzat
05-31-2007, 01:32
Orders for Swabia House army, advance towards Paris once Rheims has been stablilized attacking any armies along the way. After paris is taken, the army shall move in a south westernly route taking every French territory that can be taken. The army will be ordered to stop and prepare defences should we face excommunication due to our aggression.

Due to pressing personal matters, I am unable to post building orders for our cities and I allow the Chancellor to build as he sees fit until further notice.

AussieGiant
05-31-2007, 15:51
OC: Apologies I will not be able to provide a queue until Friday.

Is that ok?

FactionHeir
05-31-2007, 17:35
OK lacking a bit of info:
Who will be the designated commanders of the respective HAs? The ones currently leading them? (And if so, who would that be - not sure which of the armies are HA)
AG: I'll build what I think is needed today then - or maybe you get to have input if the turn doesn't manage to end today.

econ21
05-31-2007, 17:47
From memory, the Household Armies as of 1220 are:

Swabia - at Rheims under its Duke

Franconia - marching on Thorn from Krakow under its Duke

Bavarian - north of Rome (currently lacks a proper commander as I've sent Steffen to the abbey at Rome; also one pavise xbow is in N.Italy with a Teuton en route to join it)

Austrian - besieging Thessalonica under Jonas Von Mahren

FactionHeir
05-31-2007, 17:54
Thank you father,

Now that I have finally collated all orders that need to be fulfilled during my term, I noticed I still need:

Build orders for Imperial territories
Orders for the FHA

Further, I have currently the following down for joining the crusade towards Damascus:
Conrad Salier, Duke Leopold and Fredericus von Hamburg, Karl Zirn, Helmut von Hamburg (unassigned)

Lothar Steffen will be sent near his father to become knighted?

If this is not correct, please let me know within the next half hour.

econ21
05-31-2007, 18:19
Build orders for Rome: At the Chancellor's discretion.

OOC: Nothing seemed very profitable, but who knows after the dockyards is complete...

FactionHeir
05-31-2007, 18:30
Thank you.

I shall now dispatch the crusade as no other nobles seem willing to join it.

FactionHeir
05-31-2007, 18:59
Chancellor's Report, 1220

My lords, the following events occured during the first year of my chancellorship:

Construction
Due to the lack of funds and the requirement to retrain our depleted regiments, Following constructions have been authorized:
Metz: Town hall (Chancellor's choice)
Acre: Paved roads
Venice: Huge stone walls
Bern: Large stone walls

Following buildings were authorized due to the florins obtained by the SHA's victory over the French:
Aleppo: Chapel
Paris: Ballista towers
Bologna: Abbey
Innsbruck: Armourer
Budapest: Abbey (Chancellor's choice)
Breslau: Council chambers (Chancellor's choice)
Hamburg: Market (Chancellor's choice)

Spy reports:
-Dimarus von Luxemburg (Spy) died while attempting to spy on a Hungarian princess
-Johan Raspe (Spy) has successfully infiltrated Paris.
-Sifridus von Schwaben (Spy) has infiltrated Sofia.
-Hugo von Heidelberg (Spy) has infiltrated Stockholm. He reports that Prince Haakon is alive, contrary to what Prince Jobst reported.
-Athalwolf Engel (Spy) continues to spy on the Mongols.
-Dieter von Darmstadt (Spy) has located the site of battle between Prince Jobst and the Danes.
-Andreas Ermolt (Spy) has successfully spied on a large Hungarian army southeast of Zagreb.
-Heinricus von Bavaria (Spy) has infiltrated Toulouse and found it lightly guarded only by the French King.

Assassin reports
-Welf Courcy (Assassin) has successfully honed his skills in taking out a rebel captain.

Priest reports
-Tancred von Magdeburg (Priest) has taken up pursuit of a heretic named Oxynta near Iconium.
-A skilled priest is being recruited at Antioch.

Merchant reports
-Our merchant expedition has reached Egyptian territory.
-Sifridus von Berlin (Merchant) has successfully acquired a Sicilian merchant.
-Godwine von Salzgitter (Merchant) has now started to trade spices near Aleppo for 580 florins.
-A merchant is being recruited at Antioch.

Diplomacy
-Pope Vivianus rejects an offer for alliance in exchange for 6000 florins and maps.
-The Byzantines have refused a very generous offer for mutual military access.
-I have gifted Sicily 1200 florins and maps. Our relations have improved to Terrible.

Naval reports
-Admiral Johannes has driven off a few Russian ships near Thorn. Unfortunately none were sunk he has then blockaded Thorn's port.
-Admiral Nikolaus has driven off the Hungarian navy near Marseille and is now rebuilding his fleet at Marseille.
-Admiral Phillip has sailed near Hans' position to escape the Venetian navy.

Land Battles
-Captain Philipp has engaged the rebels north of Magdeburg with assistance from the cavalry at Hamburg and won a resounding victory.
-Friedrich Scherer has attacked the opened gates of Paris and captured the city for the empire. Paris is now Imperial territory.

The Holy Crusade for Damascus
-Duke Leopold, Conrad Salier, Fredericus von Hamburg, Karl Zirn and Helmut von Hamburg have joined the crusade and have moved near Thessalonica. (note they have more knights than is allowed (GB count as knights...) but there were not enough men to form a second crusade fast enough and it is unlikely they will be attacked until they reach Outremer)

Generals

-Jonas von Mahren has retreated from the siege of Thessalonica and is now moving towards Ragusa.
-Günther von Kastilien is now besieging Thorn.
-Ansehelm von Kastilien has taken command of Breslau's garrison as he requested.
-Prince Jobst now garrisons Staufen to retrain his troops, but his Templar regiment has been dispatched to Frankfurt to recruit more men.
-Elberhard has built a watchtower near the bridge to Edessa and taken control of Aleppo's garrison.
-Emperor Henry has moved to the border of Damascus and erected a watchtower.
-Fritz von Kastilien has garrisoned Florence.
-Peter von Kastilien is en route to Zagreb for now.
-Hans has sailed north and is now near the shores of Constantinople.
-Friedrich Scherer has taken Paris and garrisoned it with the SHA.
-Lothar Steffen has taken the bulk of the BHA and is on his way towards Zagreb.
-Harold von Dassel has garrisoned Dijon.

Useful intelligence

https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/816/0000hr7.jpg


Outstanding battles
Duke Scherer has taken the Swabian Household Army and is now assaulting Paris. I await word of the battle. Duke Scherer has won a victory over the French and has decided to sack Paris. As a result, there will be more florins available for construction and our reputation suffers.

AussieGiant
06-01-2007, 18:38
Build Queue Budapest

Ballista Tower's
Blacksmith

gibsonsg91921
06-02-2007, 14:56
Build Order for Prague

Abbey
Blacksmith

TevashSzat
06-02-2007, 19:36
Build orders:

Paris
1. Ballista Towers
2.
3.
4.Great Market
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.City Hall

Rheims
1. Ballista Towers continued
2.
3.Church
4.
5. mine
6.
7. Council Chambers
8.
9.
10. church

Staufen
1. Marksman Range continued
2.
3. Jousting Fields
4.
5. Heavy Armourer
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. stables

I understand that some of the buildings are quite expensive so you do not necessarily have to build in the order stated. My recent sack of Paris has given us a nice influx of money so build orders should be satisfied relatively easily.

Orders for Swabian House Army: build up a garrison in Paris and afterwards siege Caen followed by the city west of Paris. After these two have fallen, Bruges is to be taken. Reinforcements should be trained in Staufen and be sent to the front lines as quickly as possible.

FactionHeir
06-02-2007, 21:01
Chancellor's report, 1222AD

My lords, may I draw your attention to my report for this year of my chancellorship.
Budapest and Zagreb have been besieged by the Hungarians. I am doing what I can to reinforce their garrisons with troops from nearby cities. I have sent the majority of the Vienna garrison to help defend Budapest. I pray they arrive before the Hungarians decide to assault the walls. However, while we have two large standing forces near Zagreb, none of them is able to fight the battle due to the lack of knights.
Large Danish forces have appeared near Frankfurt and Hamburg. I have sent Prince Jobst north to deal with the threat and hired additional knights and militia at nearby settlements to reinforce and deter the invaders.
The French crusading army has entered the lands around Staufen and I am carefully watching their moves and sent a spy to investigate.
A Milanese force has landed around Florence. Florence might also been infiltrated by a foreign spy, although I cannot say for sure due to contradictory reports. However, I am hiring a spy to take care of it.
On a slightly lighter note, Fritz von Kastilien informs me that the populace of Florence decided to riot, but despite the unrest, nobody was hurt and no vital buildings were damaged.
With Duke Scherer's authorization, the master thieves' guild at Paris has been demolished, leaving only the master thieves' guild at Dijon.
Lastly, the hiring of a large force in Outremer goes very well. We now have over 8 newly trained regiments of Pavise crossbowmen and several knight and crossbow regiments should be available in the following year in addtion.

Construction
-Milan: Mayor's Palace
-Stettin: Inn (Chancellor's choice)
-Marseille: Ballista Towers
-Thorn: Small Chapel (Chancellor's choice)

Spy reports
-Dieter von Darmstadt (Spy) has joined Prince Jobst's forces.
-Dimarus der Rote (Spy) has spied on the French crusader army.
-Hamburg has been infiltrated by enemy spies and lacks the means to defend against them.
-Adolf der Bartige (Spy) has left Metz for an undisclosed location.

Assassin reports
-An inquisitor has entered the lands around Florence. As we lack the forces necessary to hunt him down, I am training an assassin in Milan.
-Welf von Courcy has managed to assassinate the French princess Agnesot who was on her way to seduce Duke Scherer.

Priest reports
-Rudolf Ruesdorf (Priest) has been elevated into the college of cardinals.
-Wikerus der Bar (Priest) has successfully denounced the heretic Juva north of Antioch.
-Tancred von Magdeburg (Priest) has given up pursuit of Oxynta and has instead unsuccessfully attempted to denounce the witch Bendis.
-Eusebius von Salzgitter has been found dead after I sent him out to denounce the witch Bendis. The empire mourns its loyal priest.

Merchant reports
-Johann von Frieberg (Merchant) is now trading Sugar south of Antioch.
-The merchant expedition has reached Cairo and is now trading spices and sugar.

Diplomacy
-I have granted the English maps and 600 florins as well as a tribute of 200 florins for 12 years. Our relations did not yet improve however.
-The Byzantines have rejected a very generous offer for mutual military access for a gift of 4000 florins and maps.
-The Portuguese have rejected my very generous offer for mutual military assistance and a gift of 3500 florins and maps.
-Pope Vivianus declined an offer of Alliance for maps and 8000 florins.
-The Moors and our allies the Byzantines have signed a ceasefire agreement.

Naval reports
-Admiral Johannes has driven off a Polish navy near Thorn and returned to blockade the port of Thorn.
-Admiral Nikolaus has sailed towards Iberia in hopes of lending support to our Portuguese allies.

Land Battles
-Harold von Dassel has engaged a rebel force south of Dijon and driven them off.
-Elberhard has engaged a small Egyptian force led by a noble east of Aleppo and defeated them. The survivors have fled to Damascus.
-Jonas von Mahren has dealt a crushing blow to the Venetians that dared block his path and managed to bring 1300 florins into the Imperial treasury through ransom.
-Günther von Kastilien has assaulted Thorn and claimed it back for the empire and Franconia.

The Holy Crusade for Damascus
-Duke Leopold and the crusade have taken my ships and sailed south. They are now west of Smyrna.

Generals
-Emperor Henry has moved south of Damascus.
-Jonas von Mahren's way to Ragusa is blocked by a large Venetian army.
-Jonas von Mahren has defeated the Ventian army blocking his way and is now en route to besiege Durazzo.
-Duke Scherer is now constructing watchtowers around Paris.
-Peter von Kastilien has joined Lothar Steffen and the BHA.
-I have disembarked near Constantinople and have taken up position on a road near a hill.
-Prince Jobst has taken the entire garrison of Staufen and is moving towards Hamburg.
-Arnold has taken several pavise crossbow regiments and is en route to reinforce Jonas von Mahren at Durazzo.

Useful intelligence

https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/4791/0000on3.jpg


https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/4595/0001zj2.jpg


https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/3408/0002bw0.jpg


https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/3272/0003wr0.jpg


Battle results
1: Jonas von Mahren, 1:1 Odds vs Venetian army

https://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6100/29870751sg5.jpg

2: Günther von Kastilien, 2:1 Odds vs Russian garrison (Player chose autoresolve)

https://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4324/medieval220070603221100aw7.jpg


Outstanding Battles
- Günther von Kastilien assaults Thorn
- Jonas von Mahren attacks the Venetians blocking his way.


http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1222-2.rar

FactionHeir
06-03-2007, 22:52
Chancellor's Report, 1224 AD

My lords, this year opened with several grave tidings I'm afraid.
Firstly, the Hungarians have decided to end the siege of Zagreb and assaulted the walls, slaying our brave garrison and occupying the city.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/66/0000yj4.jpg
https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/9682/0001yf2.jpg
https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/4769/0003yx6.jpg

However, their move was not without consequence and the pope quickly excommunicated them.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/9256/0002fv3.jpg

As you can see, the Milanese have laid siege to Florence as we have feared, bringing our two nations back to war. With this threat on our territory, I am recalling our navy to sink all their ships and use the remainder of the BHA to drive them off our soil.

In other news, two young nobles have come of age. Siegfried von Kastilien and Markus Steffen.

https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/9335/0004rj5.jpg
https://img365.imageshack.us/img365/6804/0006ke1.jpg

And finally the good news: The danes have retreated from our borders to whence they came from. I shall have Prince Jobst guard the borders regardless to preempt any aggression.

Construction
Rheims: Mines
Dijon: City Hall (Chancellor's Choice)
Staufen: Jousting Lists
Metz: Inn (Chancellor's Choice)
Genoa: Council Chambers
Nuremburg: Mines (Chancellor's Choice)
Aleppo: Garrison Quarters
Adana: Blacksmith
Magdeburg: Jousting Lists (Chancellor's Choice)
Frankfurt: Blacksmith (Chancellor's Choice)
Thorn: Land Clearance (Chancellor's Choice)

Spy reports
- A spy is being recruited in Rheims to counteract a nearby French spy
- Rainald Erlach has infiltrated Krakow
- Adolf der Bartige has moved further towards an undiclosed location
- Dimarus der Rote has returned to Dijon
- Andreas Ermolt has infiltrated Zagreb

Assassin reports
- Welf Courcy has been honing his skills on French captains
- Hans Plittersdorf has begun his career as an assassin by eliminating the Moorish Crown Prince Faraj who has been enjoying our lands for too long.

Priest reports
- Tancred von Magdeburg has again failed to denounce the witch Bendis.

Merchant reports
None this year

Diplomacy
- The pope has again rejected a generous offer of Alliance, this time for maps and 10000 florins.
- The Byzantines have rejected my generous offer for military assistance, but our relations have improved due to the generosity of the offer.
- The English have rejected my offer for military assistance, but our relations have improved due to the offer's generosity.
- I have gifted our Sicilian allies military access.
- Wenzel von Augsburg (Diplomat) has successfully extorted 100 florins from the Poles in exchange for a truce for 2 years.

Naval reports
- Admiral Nikolaus is returning to Italy
- Admiral Johannes has sunk a Danish and a Russian naval force.

Land battles
- Markus Steffen has hunt down some rebellious peasants north of Rome.
- Captain Ansehelm from Vienna has beaten the Hungarians besieging Budapest with help from its garrison.
- Fritz von Kastilien has chased down some Hussites south of Vienna with support from its garrison.
- Hans has won two great victories against the Hungarians. They have been utterly defeated but have paid the ransom of 2600 to regain some of their battered troops.
- Captain Lukas, the garrison commander of Bologna has in conjunction with the cavalry from Venice, defeated two regiments of Milanese dismounted feudal knights.
- Captain Lukas has, together with Fritz von Kastilien and the garrison of Florence, defeated the Milanese invaders.

The Holy Crusade for Damascus
- Our most holy crusade is now just south of Iconium. I expect them to make landfall next year.

Generals
- Friedrich Scherer has constructed a watchtower north of Rheims and returned to Paris.
- Arnold has built a watchtower at the border to Durazzo.
- Lothar Steffen has split from the BHA with 3 regiments of dismounted feudal knights and 2 regiments armoured sergeants and is en route to Zagreb.
- Fritz von Kastilien has moved north towards Franconia.
- Captain Kurt is leading the remainder of the BHA to defend Italy. He is now resting west of Bologna.
- Markus Steffen has moved north towards Florence.
- Arnold has joined up with Jonas von Mahren and are now besieging[Clerical error...] standing outside Durazzo with a slightly regenerated AHA and Ehrhart von Mahren a day's march away.
- I have engaged a small Hungarian force and defeated them. While searching for the large army rumored to be nearby, I found them besieging Constantinople and engaged them.
-Emperor Henry has moved to the border of Jerusalem to ward off the Mongolian threat that is approaching the eastern border of Damascus.
- Siegfried von Kastilien has moved towards Breslau.
- Ansehelm von Kastilien is en route to Thorn.
- Prince Jobst has moved towards Frankfurt.

Useful intelligence and Developments
The Milanese seem to have a total of 5 regiments of dismounted feudal knights on Florentine soil equally divided.
The Milanese have been driven off Imperial soil by the brave Captain Lukas and have fled back onto their ships. I have ordered all prisoners to be executed.

The Hungarian remnants:

https://img364.imageshack.us/img364/3483/0027cc0.jpg


Outstanding battles
Hans engages the Hungarian army in aid of our Byzantine allies.

Battle results
1: Hans, 4:1 Odds vs small Hungarian army

[Unfortunately I forgot to take an end battle screen... something like losing 1 GB and 6 Pavise crossbows and slaying them all to the last man, ransom refused]

2: Hans, 1:2 Odds vs large Hungarian host besieging Constantinople
Pre-Battle:

https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/8281/0007gr7.jpg

Results:

https://img355.imageshack.us/img355/5466/0025xm8.jpg


As such, at the closing of this year, there are no imminent threats to our security as the Milanese have been driven off and the Danes have retreated. Our allies the Byzantines can now also rest safely at night with Constantinople once again freed.
The only thorn in our collective eye by the end of this year is the taking of Zagreb by the Hungarians. I hope to retake it in 1226.


http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1224-1.rar

FactionHeir
06-04-2007, 01:12
Chancellor's Report, 1226 AD

This year opened with only good news I should say.
Firstly, the Templars have offered to erect a guildhouse in Aleppo. While I lack King Otto's direct authoriztation for it, I would doubt that he would have anything against this construction. As such, I have gone ahead and accepted it.
Secondly, a man called Marco polo has joined my retinue, claiming to be a trader and explorer. I shall see what this will bring in the future.
Thirdly, Ruprecht Merode, Wenzel Ritter and Lorenz von Essen have all been selected for the college of cardinals. We now provide 7 of 12 cardinals in the college.
Lastly, King Charles of Denmark has been excommunicated by the pope. With these news, I believe our borders should be safer as the Danes will have conflicts with the other pious rulers of Christendom soon.

Construction
Due to the lack of funds, only following constructions could be authorized.
Paris: City Hall
Bern: City Hall
Hamburg: Council Chambers (Chancellor's Choice)
Florence: Mines

Spy reports
- Adolf der Bartige is now headed for Hamburg

Assassin reports
- Welf Courcy has taken out a rebel general named Francoys de Valois near Rheims
- Hans Plittersdorf has taken out a French Diplomat near Florence and it now headed south to take care of the inquisitor

Priest reports
- Tancred von Magdeburg has again failed to denounce Bendis

Merchant reports
- I have hired a merchant at Antioch

Diplomacy
- I have extorted another 100 florins from the Poles
- I have obtained military access from the Byzantines for 6000 florins, maps and a tribute of 300 florins for 14 years.
- The Portuguese have declined an offer of 1500 florins and maps for military access.
- I have sold the Mongols some maps for 1200 florins.

Naval reports
- Admiral Johannes has driven off the Polish navy near Thorn
- Admiral Nikolaus has defeated the Milanese navy carrying their knights. They managed to escape however and now he is blockading Ajaccio's port.

Land battles
- Captain Markus has crushed a few rebels near Venice with aid of its garrison.
- Captain Johann, commander of Genoa, has defeated the Moor-turned-rebel east of Genoa.
- Captain Kurt, the garrison commander of Rheims, has defeated the leaderless rebels near Rheims.
- Captain Elberhard, commander of Frankfurt, has defeated the rebels blocking Prince Jobst's path.
- Elberhard has chased down some rebel peasants near Aleppo.

The Holy Crusade for Damascus
- The Holy Crusade has reached Damascus and should be starting the siege in the next year.

Generals
- Lothar Steffen is now besieging Zagreb with his small force.
- Jonas von Mahren is now besieging Durazzo with the AHA and Ehrhart von Mahren's support regiment.
- Ansehelm von Kastilien is now garrisoning Thorn
- Siegfried von Kastilien is now garrisoning Breslau
- Peter von Kastilien is now north of Vienna
- I have moved north to the border to Sofia. Several Hungarian armies can be seen.
- Markus Steffen is now garrisoning Bologna
- Gerhard Steffen has noticed that the warts are gone
- Prince Jobst is now west of Frankfurt, en route to Antwerp
- Emperor Henry is holding a position at the border to Jerusalem. I have ferried trrops to-and-fro to reinforce him but this resulted in a drop of standing with the pope.
- Günther von Kastilien has erected a watchtower north of Thorn.
- Sigismund von Mahren has built a watchtower at the eastern border of Ragusa.

Useful Intelligence and Developments
The Hungarians have split their garrison of Zagreb and are now roaming the lands divided.
The Mongols have reached Damascus.

Outstanding battles
None

Battle reports
None

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1226.rar (Start)
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1226-1.rar (End)

Dutch_guy
06-05-2007, 09:51
Here follows the Franconian Build queue, do note that everything which is currently in the queues should be finished first:

Thorn: repair all (if not already done)
chapel
military building (to the chancellor's and it's count's discretion)

Breslau:

Fairground
Abbey

Magdenburg

Armourer

Hamburg

Ballista towers
warehouse
brothel

Frankfurt:

City Hall
Tavern
Militia Drill Square

The FHA in the east shall be commanded by myself, and will make sure Russian incursion is seen from way out (spies, watchtowers etc. ) and when that is seen to, the FHA shall move southwards to once and for all take Krakow. As the second household army hasn't been proposed in the last Diet session, von Hamburg's northern army will have to wait.

FactionHeir
06-05-2007, 17:04
Special Chancellor's Report, 1227 AD

My lords, I felt that the events of this year deserve special attention and as such I will write them here instead of reporting on them in my next full report.

The empire faced two battles this year, the first one being the Venetian sally against our siege of Durazzo and the latter the declaration of war by the Mongols upon our most holy empire by assaulting our holy emperor Henry.

The frist of two battles has been resolved from what I hear, and while Durazzo is ours, the price of victory was steep. For the first time in many years, the empire lost a noble man in battle. I shall not ponder at this time whether it was god's will or a cruel twist of fate, but honor the most valorous Ehrhart von Mahren, who gave his life to protect that of his father and the Steward of Austria. For his deeds made victory possible and his sacrifice prevented the death of many more men of the empire.
As such, I, Chancellor Hans, knight Ehrhart von Mahren posthumously in memory of his service to the house of Austria and the empire.
I mourn with Austria and Jonas von Mahren and I am certain the rest of the empire does too.
Doge Benasuto vs Jonas von Mahren, Odds 1:1 sally at Durazzo. Heroic victory.

http://img141.imagevenue.com/img.php..._122_524lo.jpg
http://img128.imagevenue.com/img.php..._122_518lo.jpg


Let us hope that the news we shall receive shortly from our emperor Henry will be less dire, for losing one noble in one year is bad enough already. My prayers are with my father at this time, in hope that he shall find a glorious victory over these heathen horsemen.

News arrived this day from Outremer and I am proud to declare to all that our most noble emperor has slain the Mongol infidel that dared attacked us en route to Jerusalem. While our losses were heavy, their's are even more so. I shall now make arrangements for the armies of Outremer to be replenished and reinforced a soon as possible.
Bayan the Wrathful vs Emperor Henry, Odds 3:2 field battle north east of Jerusalem. Clear Victory.

https://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7818/mongol17oo6.jpg

AussieGiant
06-05-2007, 21:12
Dear Chancellor,

Austrian Orders.

A fresh militia garrison is to be recruited in Durazzo.

All AHA troops are to reform in Ragusa for rest, rearming and reconstitution.

Once complete I will determine which unknighted von Mahren noble is to accompany me to hunt down the last remaining Hungarian Army in Austrian lands.

Please note my comments towards your office in the Diet proceedings.

Durazzo is not an ideal expansion point and the AHA should not expend any further troops in its defense. Watch towers would be of an advantage.

FactionHeir
06-05-2007, 23:04
Chancellor's Report, 1228 AD

My lords, this year opens with mixed news once again.
As you may have read in my special report in 1227, two of our noble leaders have beaten back enemy hordes that have surrounded them. Once again, this is proof that our most holy roman empire can stand up against any threat both known and unknown.
However, while the Mongols have lost a fifth of their army in Outremer, the rest have laid siege to our crusade target, Damascus, and Duke Leopold will have to make a decision whether and which of these hordes to attack. I await his word on that decision.
In other news, Matthias Steffen has come of age:

https://img470.imageshack.us/img470/5673/0000fs2.jpg

It seems that he has gained much from his father's expertise in battle.

Construction
Acre: Blacksmith
Antioch: Abbey
Ragusa: Blacksmith
Aleppo: Drill Square
Nuremburg: City Hall (Chancellor's Choice)
Rheims: Council Chambers
Bologna: Huge Stone Wall
Zagreb: Grain Exchange

Following constructions were made possible by my victory over the Hungarians:
Sofia: Small chapel (Chancellor's Choice)
Rome: Cathedral (Chancellor's Choice)
Vienna: Crop Rotation
Thorn: Jousting Lists (Chancellor's Choice)
Prague: Blacksmith

Spy reports
Adolf der Bartige has investigated a Danish army nearby and has now moved to Hamburg.
Thorsten von Erfurt has infiltrated Damascus.
Athalwolf Engel has infiltrated Damscus.

Assassin reports
Welf Courcy continues to hone his skills on French captains
Hans Plittersdorf has taken care of the inquisitor roaming our lands in Italy.

Priest reports
Tancred von Magdeburg has denounced the heretic Oxynta
Two cardinals at Damascus have changed places with priests from Antioch
A priest is being trained at Durazzo

Merchant reports
None

Diplomacy
The Portuguese continue to refuse us military access
The Sicilians continue to refuse us military access

Naval reports
Admiral Ansehelm has split from Admiral Conrad of the crusader fleet.
Admiral Ulrich has engaged a lone Venetian navy carrying a large army but despit their victory failed to sink them. Our relations with the pope suffer slightly as a result
Admiral Johannes has driven off a Polish navy near Thorn
Admiral Conrad has taken up pursuit and sunk the elusive Venetian fleet with together with the army it carried.

Land Battles
Captain Ulf has defeated a few rebels near Nuremburg.
Captain Markus of the Hamburg garrison has engaged a Danish force and defeated it. Ransom was denied.
Hans has assaulted Sofia and taken it, sacking the citadel.
Hans has attacked several Hungarian regiments near Sofia and allowed to prisoners to go free as a sign of good will
Lothar Steffen has defeated the remainder of Zagreb's occupiers.
Leopold has defeated Aradai in a field battle south of Damascus.
Leopold has defeated the Mongol Khan and Khanza but fell in battle.
Otto von Kassel has defeated the last Mongols near Jerusalem.

The Holy Crusade for Damascus
- The crusaders have vanquished the Mongol threat and are now free to move onto Damascus.

Generals
-Arnold has built a watchtower near Durazzo and has taken the AHA north towards Ragusa.
-Jonas von Mahren is travelling alone north to Franconia.
-Sigismund von Mahren has joined the AHA
-Prince Jobst has built a watchtower north of Metz to the border of Antwerp and has moved into Danish territory.
-Matthias Steffen has built a watchtower south of Rome and is now headed north.
-Peter von Kastilien has garrisoned Prague
-Otto von Kassel has moved to Damascus with the Outremer army
-Emperor Henry has been reinforced with fresh troops
-All nobles except for Fredericus von Hamburg and Leopold have split from the main crusading army and are joined by Elberhard
-Captain Kurt and the BHA are now near Zagreb.
-Fritz von Kastilien is moving towards Innsbruck.

Outstanding Battles
1: Hans vs Prince Peter the Faithless at siege of Sofia
2: Hans vs Captain Andras near Sofia
3: Lothar Steffen vs Hungarians occupying Zagreb
4/5: Leopold vs Mongols near Damascus
6: Otto von Kassel vs Jebe

Battle results
1: Hans vs Prince Peter the Faithless, Odds 1:1 siege battle. Heroic victory

https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/6531/0022nn3.jpg
https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/4586/0023fd2.jpg

2: Hans vs Captain Andras, Odds 5:2 field battle. Clear victory

https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/4333/0025on5.jpg
https://img354.imageshack.us/img354/7255/0026ef4.jpg

3: Lothar Steffen vs Captain Cziriak, Odds 3:1 siege battle. Clear Victory

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/zagreb/zagreb_results.jpg

4: Leopold vs Aradai, Odds 3:2 field battle. Clear victory

https://img501.imageshack.us/img501/5724/wrathfulsiegcj6.jpg

5: Leopold vs Khan Jebuk and Khanza Batudhun, Odds 1:1 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8205/khansiegbd6.jpg

6: Otto von Kassel vs Khan Jebe, Odds 1:1 field battle. Clear victory.

https://img245.imageshack.us/img245/796/pgalcasualtieskk8.jpg


This year has seen many proud events, among others the protection of both empire and pope by the destruction of the Mongols at the hands of our emperor Henry, our Duke Leopold and our King Otto.

https://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2778/rgaldestroyedfl7.jpg

Without each of their bravery and skill, the empire's fledgling outremer provinces could have been overrun and the papacy displaced. Duke Leopold gave his life to defeat three Mongol armies on his own, a sacrifice that will be remembered in the history of the empire and as an inspiration to all future generations.

Dutch_guy
06-07-2007, 20:00
I hereby appoint my son, Peter, as count of Breslau. I also request the chancellor to make sure he is placed - somewhere in the near future - made to join my force in the east, so as to make sure he can be knighted as soon as possible.

:balloon2:

gibsonsg91921
06-08-2007, 01:41
Build queue for Breslau:
City Watch
Armourer

FactionHeir
06-09-2007, 01:02
Chancellor's report 1230 AD

This year started relatively uneventful, although Sofia is now under siege by the Hungarians eager to relaim it and the pope has sent word that he wishes us to stop hostilities with the Venetians or be excommunicated.
Also, with permission of the emperor, a merchant's guild was built in Paris.

Construction
Adana Barracks
Damascus Small Church (Chancellor's Choice)
Marseille Merchant Bank
Florence City Hall
Genoa Inn
Sofia Leather Tanner (Chancellor's Choice)

Spy reports
- Andreas Ermolt has left Zagreb to spy on the Hungarian host

Assassin reports
Hans Plittersdorf is en route towards Vienna
Welf Courcy has taken out Aubert Febry (Spy) at Angers

Priest reports
- Tancred von Magdeburg has failed once more to denounce Bendis
- Several priests are now on their way to Antioch and Edessa

Merchant reports
A Merchant is being trained at Damascus

Naval reports
Admirals Ulrich and Conrad have engaged and routed an Egyptian navy near Rhodes
Admiral Johannes has sunk a Polish fleet

Diplomacy
I have finally managed to convince the pope (with 16000 florins, maps and Durazzo) that it is in his best interest to be allied to us and grant us military access.
As a result of my military excursions against the Hungarians, our relations with the Byzantine Empire have improved to Good

The Holy Crusade for Damascus
The crusade has come to an end. Fredericus von Hamburg along with the other nobles have taken Damascus from the heathen Egyptians.

Land battles
Fredericus von Hamburg has assaulted and taken Damascus
Elberhard has defeated Captain Mafouz at the bridge east of Aleppo
Hans has engaged the besieging army under Captain Fabyan and routed them. The survivors were released in a show of good faith
Hans has engaged Captain Istok and his three regiments of feudal knights near Sofia and defeated them. The Hungarians refused the ransom
Hans has engaged Captain Shafar (1 foot knight, 2 catapult) near Sofia and defeated them. The Hungarians refused the ransom

Generals
- Fritz von Kastilien is now south of Vienna.
- Markus Steffen is now north of Genoa.
- Elberhard is now near Aleppo
- The BHA is garrisoning Zagreb until Lothar Steffen returns
- Lothar Steffen is halfway to Vienna with his small force
- Siegfried von Kastilien is now garrisoning Prague
- Peter von Kastilien is now near the FHA
- Prince Jobst is now guarding the bridge outside Antwerp and ready to aid the English
- Jonas von Mahren continues north
- The AHA continues north
- Hans has erected a watchtower at the river north of Sofia
- Otto von Kassel now garrisons Acre
- Emperor Henry is bound north for Edessa

Outstanding battles
1: Fredericus von Hamburg vs Medhat Kafur
2: Hans vs Captain Fabyan
3: Hans vs Captain Istok
3: Hans vs Captain Shafar

Battle results
1: Fredericus von Hamburg vs Medhat Kafur, Odds 2:1 siege attack. Clear Victory

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/flydude18/kills-k2.jpg

2: Hans vs Captain Fabyan, Odds 20:9, sally. Clear Victory

https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/4883/0003hr4.jpg

3: Hans vs Captain Istok, Odds 1:2, field battle. Heroic Victoy

https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/3287/0005kj9.jpg

4: Hans vs Captain Shafar, Odds 1:1, field battle. Heroic Victory

https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/5346/0007kf3.jpg


Useful intelligence and developments
The French crusading army is stranded deep in our lands

https://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5422/0001xg2.jpg

The Hungarians from Zagreb are now marching towards Budapest

https://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3052/0000gz4.jpg

I have also started decomissioning of our military forces in Outremer.


End of turn: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1230-3.rar (Before giving AI cash)

FactionHeir
06-09-2007, 13:43
Chancellor's Report, 1232 AD

My lords, this year started much grimmer than usual.
While I was delighted to accept the Swordsmith guild at Sofia, and accept a suitor for Demuth von Hamburg, I found that Thorn, Budapest and Adana were besieged by our enemies.

https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/5705/0008xb5.jpg

My heart is heavy when I write you that our most honorable Otto von Kassel has passed away quietly at Acre, leaving the position of King of Outremer and Defender of Christendom open. His death will be greatly mourned for he was our greatest general and one of the most influential men of the empire.
I would also like to extend my condolences to Swabia as Syele, wife of Sigismund, has joined her late husband in heaven.

Construction
Damascus Town Hall (Chancellor's Choice)
Milan Cathedral
Venice Fairground
Staufen Heavy Armourer
Hamburg City Hall (Chancellor's Choice)
Frankfurt City Hall
Magdeburg Armourer
Breslau Fairground
Zagreb Market (Chancellor's Choice)

Spy reports
Athalwolf Engel has headed towards Edessa
Johann Raspe was caught and executed spying on a nearby French force
Eusebius von Duisberg has successfully investigated the French near Paris
Sifridus von Schwaben has spied on a Hungarian army north of Hans
Andreas Ermolt in en route to Budapest

Assassin reports
Welf Courcy has taken out an Inquisitor near Paris
Hans Plittersdorf is close to the French army south of Prague

Priest reports
Tancred von Magdeburg has failed the last time to denounce Bendis - she has killed him

Merchant reports
Our merchant at Damascus has started trading Sugar nearby

Diplomacy
I have sold our maps to Spain for 1700 florins

Naval reports
Admiral Ulrich has routed an Egyptian fleet
Admiral Ansehelm has routed an Egyptian fleet
Admiral Conrad has routed an Egyptian fleet
Admiral Nikolaus has routed an Egyptian fleet
Admiral Nikolaus has sunk the Milanese fleet carrying the remainder of their landing party
Admiral Johannes has routed a Russian fleet

Land battles
Hans has defeated Captain Baltasar in the mountains of Ragusa
Ansehelm von Kastilien has defeated Captain Zygmunt sieging Thorn
Ansehelm von Kastilien has defeated Captain Przemsyl near Thorn
Günther von Kastilien has defeated Captain Bronidsad's large Polish force south of Thorn
Friedrich Scherer has defeated Gervaisot de Richemont and his reinforcements west of Paris
Lothar Steffen has defeated the Hungarians besieging Budapest

Generals
Emperor Henry has moved furhter north
Elberhard has built a watchtower north of Aleppo
The AHA is now south of Zagreb
Fritz von Kastilien has taken up residence in Vienna due to French forces to the north
Jonas von Mahren is now south of Vienna
Fredericus von Hamburg has taken over Acre
Karl Zirn has garrisoned Antioch

Outstanding battles
1: Hans vs Captain Baltasar
2: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Captain Zygmunt
3: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Captain Przemysl
4: Günther von Kastilien vs Captain Bronidsad
5: Friedrich Scherer vs Gervaisot de Richemont
6: Lothar Steffen vs Captain Harkany

Battle results
1: Hans vs Captain Baltasar, Odds 1:1 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://img368.imageshack.us/img368/8153/0009wm2.jpg

2: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Captain Zygmunt, Odds 3:2 sally. Clear Victory.

https://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d121/the_Stig_/Forumite%20Battle%20Result/0060.jpg

3: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Captain Przemysl, Odds 10:3 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d121/the_Stig_/Forumite%20Battle%20Result/0064.jpg

4: Günther von Kastilien vs Captain Bronidsad, Odds 2:1 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7062/medieval220070610132855zs2.png

5: Friedrich Scherer vs Gervaisot de Richemont, Odds 2:3 field battle. Heroic Victory.

https://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z39/Xdeathfire/untitled3.jpg

6: Lothar Steffen vs Captain Harkany, Odds 4:5 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/budapest/KOTR024.jpg



(basically) Last save: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1232-6.rar

Northnovas
06-10-2007, 03:22
Building Queues

Zagreb

After the market
1. Crop rotation
2. Mines

Damascus

After the town hall
1. Paved roads
2. Church
3. Land clearing

Would daily races help with the public order because of the high taxes or is there some negative trigger having daily races?

McIwoo
06-10-2007, 18:29
Build queue for Marseille:

Current: Merchant Bank
2. Brothel
3. City Hall
4. Communal Farming

FactionHeir
06-11-2007, 21:42
Chancellor's Report 1234 AD

My noble lords, this year started again with mixed signals. Let me present to you the bad news first so the good news may lighten you up thereafter.
The first news that reached me this year was that my current residence Sofia is under siege. However, I intend to remedy this quickly.
Secondly, the pope has sent a letter regarding the Milanese:

https://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9730/0000tj3.jpg

Further, several of our allies have made peace with our mortal enemies, except for the pope who is now at war with the heathen Egyptians.

https://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4241/0002sl4.jpg

This certainly may mean that we may find ourselves at odds with our allies soon.
The former French crusading army has moved north to Prague but has not yet laid siege. I hope to drive them from our lands immediately.
The Russians have moved their force outside Thorn. I fear the FHA will have another battle at hand this very year.
Lastly, and this is the worst news of the year, the plague has struck Antioch and killed many good Christians and soldiers. I shall arrange for Karl Zirn to leave the city immediately if he is not yet afflicted.

https://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7192/0001gu0.jpg


Now to the good news. Sofia has accepted a master swordsmith guild. It looks like our newly conquered territory will be the heart of the new German swordscraft. In addition, our first regiment of Gothic Knights has been trained inside Sofia and is ready to be used in combat this very year. I shall report back on their abilites.
In other news, Ludwig von Düsseldorf has been called to the college of cardinals to replace the fallen Tancred von Magdeburg. Let us hope that this man will have more success.

Construction
Antioch Council chambers
Acre Drill square
Aleppo Barracks
Thorn Citadel (Chancellor's Choice)
Ragusa Jousting Lists
Bern Great Market
Rheims City Hall (Chancellor's Choice)
Paris Great Market

Spy reports
Athalwolf Engel has infiltrated Edessa
Thorsten von Erfurt has left Damascus for Edessa
Andreas Ermolt is now guarding Budapest
Dimarus der Rote has spied on a large Portuguese army near Dijon

Assassin reports
Welf Courcy has failed to assassinate Michiel of France
Hans Plittersdorf has assassinated Kilij Murat (Diplomat) of Turkey

Priest reports
Ruprecht the Corrupt has finally denounced Bendis
A priest is being trained at Damascus

Merchant reports
None

Naval reports
Admiral Nikolaus has docked at Rome for retraining

Diplomacy
Nothing worth mentioning.

Land battles
Emperor Henry has defeated Ghali Taha at the bridge east of Aleppo and released the prisoners.
Captain Harold has defeated some Rebels outside Rheims.
Hans has defeated Captain Byrta outside Sofia without the aid of Sofia's garrison and ransomed the prisoners.
Jan von Hamburg has defeated a few rebels outside Aleppo.

Generals
Jonas von Mahren has garrisoned Vienna
Fritz von Kastilien has garrisoned Prague
Several reinforcements have garrisoned Prague
Karl Zirn has escaped plague-ridden Antioch
Emperor Henry is now near Edessa
Elberhard has taken up guard of the bridge east of Aleppo
Lothar Steffen is now south of Zagreb
The AHA is now close to Budapest
The BHA has split for retraining towards Innsbruck and Florence
The SHA has split for retraining in Staufen
Dieter Bresch has constructed a watchtower at Damascus' southeastern border
Hans garrisons Sofia

Outstanding Battles
1: Emperor Henry vs Ghali Taha
2: Hans vs Captain Byrta

Battle results
1: Emperor Henry vs Ghali Taha, Odds 3:1 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4313/knifefightfn7.jpg

2: Hans vs Captain Byrta, Odds 3:10 field battle. Heroic Victory.

https://img370.imageshack.us/img370/6619/0010lo6.jpg


Intelligence and Developments
The Portuguese army near Dijon

https://img376.imageshack.us/img376/61/0000nb8.jpg

The Antioch garrison has hunt down and eliminated an imam outside the city

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1234-2.rar

FactionHeir
06-14-2007, 02:42
Chancellor's Report, 1236 AD

My lords,
The Turks have unexpectedly broken off the siege of Adana, I wonder what compelled them to do so, but it also means no Imperial lives need be wasted this day.
The Russians have laid siege to Thorn again, trapping the late von Kastilien and his two elder sons inside the fortress with the FHA. I await word on whether a counteract is to be launched.
A Russian diplomat has concurrently bribed and caused a small minority of the BHA to disband. It seems that these Bavarian troopers did not feel appreciated by their lords.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9389/0000xf3.jpg

The plague continues to stalk the lands around Antioch and I hope it does not spread. I have ordered a curfew onto the city so that no man, woman or child will cause the unnecessary loss of life.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/4005/0001dm3.jpg

A merchant's guild has been accepted at Breslau.

Lastly, I am ordering Prince Jobst back towards the heartland after learning that the English have also made peace with the French.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9809/0002sv9.jpg


Construction
Sofia Blacksmith (Chancellor's Choice)
Nuremburg Mining Network (Chancellor's Choice)
Damascus Paved Roads
Budapest Huge Stone Walls (Chancellor's Choice)
Vienna Militia Drill Square
Genoa City Hall (Chancellor's Choice)
Rome Huge Cathedral (Chancellor's Choice)
Edessa Small church (Emperor's choice)

Spy reports

Assassin reports
Welf Courcy has been caught and executed by the French
Hans Plittersdorf has failed to assassinate Galoys Marcel
Athalwolf Engel has been send eastwards to explore the composition of heathen armies.

Priest reports

Merchant reports

Naval reports
Admiral Johannes has routed a Russian fleet
Admiral Ulrich has routed a Russian and a Hungarian naval force
Admiral Conrad has sunk two egyptian navies
Admiral Ansehelm has routed a Russina fleet

Diplomacy

Land battles
Ansehelm von Kastilien has successfully defeated and routed the Russian army under Drozd of Kaluga

Generals
Jonas von Mahren is now outside Prague and leads a large force towards the French near Frankfurt.
Prince Jobst is taking the northern route via Hamburg back to Imperial territory.
The AHA is now south east of Budapest.
Dieter Bresch has built a watchtower east of Damascus
Ulrich Hümmel now garrisons Aleppo
Karl Zirn now garrisons Adana
Emperor Heinrich Henry is outside Edessa's gates
Elberhard is close to Emperor Heinrich
Jan von Hamburg has returned to Damascus
Lothar Steffen has moved further towards Florence
Matthias Steffen has joined with the part of the BHA outside Innsbruck
Hans has built a watchtower south of Bucharest

Outstanding battles
1: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Drozd of Kaluga
2: Emperor Henry vs Captain Fathy
3: Emperor Henry vs Captains al Mahdi and Rassul

Battle results
1: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Drozd of Kaluga, Odds sally. Clear Victory

https://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d121/the_Stig_/Forumite%20Battle%20Result/0065.jpg

2: Emperor Henry vs Captain Fathy, Odds 2:1 siege assault. Clear Victory.

https://img377.imageshack.us/img377/4215/edessa13av0.jpg

3: Emperor Henry vs Captain al Mahdi and Captain Rassul, Odds 20:9 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6668/edessa16hf3.jpg

Developments
Antioch garrison has hunted down another heathen preacher
Construction of the world's first huge cathedral has begun in Rome

Dutch_guy
06-14-2007, 13:36
Due to his bravery in battle, under my command, my son Peter is now knighted. And fully able to lead a force in battle.

:balloon2:

FactionHeir
06-15-2007, 00:18
Chancellor's Report, 1238 AD

My term is nearing its end and I am in the process of ensuring the continued defense of our borders and expansion of our economy to allow the next chancellor an easy start into his term.

This year has opened with several disturbing news, and I fear that the next chancellor will be having a busy term dealing with threats on all fronts.

To start off with the good news for a change, I accepted a Swordsmith guild in Ragusa. This should allow further production of high quality arms that give our soldiers an edge over the empire's enemies. Secondly, all our nobles are still alive and well as far as I can tell.

Now for the more dire news.
Firstly, the French have besieged Paris with a medium sized force. Considering most of the SHA is still undergoing retraining, Duke Scherer will have to defeat them with some cavalry and mostly militia troops. I have no doubt that he will prevail.
Secondly, a Milanese boat crammed full with an invasion force has reached the shores of Florence but has not yet disembarked. I believe in order to reach out to our Bavarian brothers in arms, I shall disobey the papal bull and sink the boat, for I do not wish to see Imperial lives wasted and this act by the Milanese is an open provocation.

https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4863/0001sy2.jpg

Thirdly, a Hungarian army led by two rather unpeculiar subjects has entered the lands bordering Bran. I will dispatch the AHA to deal with the threat at once and erect a watchtower and fort from where the AHA shall operate, considering the southern border is now secure due to the transfer of Durazzo to the papacy and my taking of Sofia.

https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5354/0003ic4.jpg

Franconia is again assailed by bth Poles and Russians trespassing the lands surrounding Thorn, with a small force breaking through towards Stettin. I will have them sent back running to their barren lands immediately.

https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3808/0002qr0.jpg

The plague and curfew of Antioch continues...

https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4800/0000vs4.jpg


Last but certainly not least, it seems our old foes have returned. While I would love to teach them a lesson as I have coordinated the assault on them the first time, it seems that this will be the responsibility of the next chancellor. Considering this turn of events, I may be inclined to stand for re-election.

https://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3576/0004jv9.jpg


Construction
Edessa Paved Roads (Chancellor's Choice)
Metz Stone Walls (Chancellor's Choice)
Prague Abbey
Stettin Crop Rotation (Chancellor's Choice)
Marseille City Hall (Chancellor's Choice)
Bologna Mayor's Palace (Chancellor's Choice)
Innsbruck Jousting Lists (Chancellor's Choice)
[i]Ragusa Armoury

Spy reports
Athalwolf Engel has discovered Mongol forces near burning Baghdad
Adolf der Bartige has infiltrated Arhus

Assassin reports
Hans Plittersdorf has successful eliminated Galoys Marcel of the French force near Frankfurt.

Priest reports
A priest is being recruited at Edessa

Merchant reports
Edessa is training a merchant
Genoa is training a merchant
Milan is training a merchant
Venice is training a merchant

Naval reports
Admiral Nikolaus has sun the Milanese boat carrying an invasion fleet.

Diplomacy
Due to disobeying the papal bull, our relations with the pope suffered slightly
Sales of Imperial maps to Hungary have netted 300 florins
The Turks have refused an exchange of maps

Land battles
Harold von Dassel has defeated some rebels near Dijon
Ansehelm von Kastilien has defeated the Russians outside Thorn
Prince Jobst has defeated the Danish armies northwest of Frankfurt

Generals
Jonas von Mahren is now travelling alone towards Magdeburg.
Fritz von Kastilien and the reinforcements for Franconia are now east of Breslau.
The BHA continues retraining at Innsbruck.
Markus and Lothar Steffen now stand outside Florence.
The AHA has moved up to the Hungarian force, constructing a watchtower and building a fort.
Sigismund von Mahren has split from the AHA and taken up guard outside the fort.
Hans has built two watchtowers south of Sofia.
Dieter Bresch garrisons Damascus
Prince Jobst has moved against the French force near Frankfurt

Outstanding battles
1: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Captain Orekh
2: Emperor Henry vs Captain ..

Battle results
1: Ansehelm von Kastilien vs Captain Orekh, Odds 20:7 field battle. Clear Victory.

https://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d121/the_Stig_/Forumite%20Battle%20Result/0075.jpg

2: Emperor Henry vs Captain .., Odds ?:? field battle. Clear Victory.

FactionHeir
06-17-2007, 02:19
Chancellor's Report, 1240 AD

My noble lords.
My term has come to an end and I am willing to hand over the empire's esteemed office to my successor, or continue furthering the wealth he have if you grace me with another term.

Let me quickly summarize the events that have occurred during the last winter.

Firstly, The Hungarians have dared lay siege to the AHA's fort and another small force has evaded our scouts and moved behind the fort, attacking Sigismund von Mahren. He was taken completely by surprise but managed to escape battle at the price of a few men of his entourage.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7669/0007al9.jpg


Secondly, I have accepted a swordsmith guild at Adana. This now allows our troops in Outremer to be fashioned with more advanced weaponry. It seems that the smithies at Sofia have truly travelled far from our empire after I accepted their esteemed Master's guild there.

Ulrich Hümmels son has come of age.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/857/0003eq2.jpg


It seems a new weapon has been discovered by the crafty alchemists of Europe. They call it gunpowder, as it is a form of black powder that explodes when ignited. It seems that it could be useful for ranged combat too, besides fireworks.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6302/0001au3.jpg


One of the Steffen brothers (Lothar or Markus) has managed to cause a Hungarian princess to fall in love with them, abndoning her court. She is still in hiding this year, fretful of her former liege.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1955/0002zj5.jpg


The French army near Frankfurt has moved north towards Hamburg. Prince Jobst should be able to attack them this year still. Interestingly enough, one of the French Captains has named himself commander of said army.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1745/0005wv0.jpg

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/4600/0006yw9.jpg


The Mongols are starting to leave the rubble of Baghdad and are heading west, likely towards Damascus or Jerusalem.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/839/0008wb0.jpg


The Imperial treasury is bursting with income. This very year we earned some 38,000 florins with 34,000 porjected for the next if no adjustments are made. I believe if managed well, we may gain another 38,000 this year.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/4651/0009bg5.jpg

At the start of my term, we only managed some 26,000 as income. As such, I leave office with a boost of 50% per fiscal year.

The empire currently spans 33 named regions, of which 9 are fortified and 24 are cities. Our emperor remains the esteemed Henry and our leading general is my humble self.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/1506/0010xp3.jpg


My goal of pursing diplomacy during my term was relatively successful and we obtained military access with the Byzantines, improved our relations with England, Byzatium, the Pope, Sicily and Portugal. I also managed to forge an alliance with the pope and obtain military access during my term in addition to securing the southern empire's borders.

https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9282/0011vu6.jpg


All edicts given at the start of my term have been fulfilled to the best of my knowledge.

Manually fought battles
NumberGeneralRegionTypeDateOpponentOddsOwn ArmyEnemy ArmyMen lostMen killed/capturedResult1Jonas von MahrenDurazzoFA1222Venice1:110361479406954(277)CV2Günther von KastilienThornSA1222Russia2:1777357169164(19)CV3HansConstantinopleFA1224Hungary4:19952407169(71)CV4H ansConstantinopleFA1224Hungary1:2209 (954 Byz)143132 (161 Byz)Total 1412HV5Jonas von MahrenDurazzoYD1226/8Venice1:182019142321274(324)HV6Emperor HenryDamascusFD1226/8Mongol3:2167413517681072(240)CV7HansSofiaSA1228Hungary1:1951964199327(467)HV8HansSofiaFA1228Hungary 5:27543306197(133)CV9Lothar SteffenZagrebSA1228Hungary3:138821817153(65)CV10LeopoldDamascusFA1228Mongol3:217161351646795(193)CV1 1LeopoldDamascusFA1228Mongol1:110701529403636(489)CV12Otto von KasselDamascusFA1228Mongol1:1160814411018994(259)CV13Fredericus von HamburgDamscusSA1230Egypt2:11552981779786(187)CV14HansSofiaYA1230Hungary20:985163031312(308)CV15Hans SofiaFA1230Hungary1:2271793152(27)HV16HansSofiaFA1230Hungary1:1241511124(27)HV17HansSofiaFA1232Hunga ry1:1281344112(22)CV18Ansehelm von KastilienThornYA1232Poland3:21071811103(78)CV19Ansehelm von KastilienThornFA1232Poland10:391233175(158)CV20Günther von KastilienKrakowFA1232Poland2:11033848158440(130)CV21Friedrich SchererParisFA1232France2:3103621575941231(662)HV22Lothar SteffenBudapestFA1232Hungary4:51071903444651(225)CV23Emperor HenryAleppoFA1234Egypt3:115218610814(38)CV24HansSofiaFA1234Hungary3:1029172138503(181)HV25Ansehelm von KastilienThornYA1236Russia2:11054655264394/131)CV26Emperor HenryEdessaSA1236Egypt2:199613293461130(195)CV27Emperor HenryEdessaFA1236Egypt20:91181905138492(362)CV28Ansehelm von KastilienThornFA1238Russia20:8829127268489(624)CV29Emperor HenryEdessaFA1238Slave2:112133716308CV

Final save: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1240.zip

GeneralHankerchief
06-17-2007, 04:15
Conrad Salier:

In recognition of all that he has done for the Kingdom of Outremer as well as his role in the securing of Edessa, I hereby name Elberhard as Count of Edessa. Should he not wish the position for the time being, his father, the Kaiser, may post the build orders.

In addition, I name Matthias Steffin as Count of Adana in preparation for his arrival in Outremer.

Build queue for Antioch:
- First of all, nothing is to be built until the plague subsides.
- Gunsmith (if not available, then build ballista/catapult maker)
- Cannon maker

econ21
06-17-2007, 08:36
Henry: Conrad Salier is confirmed in his position as King of Outremer.

Allocation of Imperial provinces to Houses will be made shortly.

Cecil XIX
06-20-2007, 00:42
Build queue for Venice

1. Mayor's Palace
2. Merchant Bank

I've heard the people of Venice are dissillusioned. A Mayor's Palace should restore their confidence and sense of pride.

OverKnight
06-20-2007, 01:09
Build Queue for Milan
Great Market
Huge Cathederal

Taxes set to avoid rioting


Build Queue for Adana
Citadel
Armoury

FactionHeir
06-20-2007, 02:20
Construction orders for Bern
1-5: Finish Great Market
6-10: Printing Press

AussieGiant
06-20-2007, 04:09
Build queue's for Vienna, Prague, Ragusa.

The appropriate religious building is to be built first to adhere to the latest edict;

Taxes of the two cities to be set to orange with the focus on further trade buildings.

Ragusa to build military contructions for melee troops as a priority.

Stig
06-20-2007, 08:24
Build Queue for Thorn

1. Construct better barracks.
2. Some sort of Abbey

gibsonsg91921
06-20-2007, 18:08
Build Queue for Breslau:
Gunsmith
Chancellor's Choice

Ituralde
06-20-2007, 18:51
Build Priorities for Budapest:

1: Blacksmith
2: Gunsmith
3: Cathedral

Tax levels are to be set as high as possible. Public Order is to remain above a Blue Face. (Speak: Yellow Face or Green Face)
Possible upgrades for the Theologian's Guild will be accepted.

TinCow
06-21-2007, 00:27
I don't see what the bloody point is of giving a build queue, since it seems obvious that the most execrable Edict 10.2 will pass. Since Florence does not even have an Abbey yet, the Chancellor will not be permitted to build anything until the priests are given fancier robes.

If God is merciful and Edict 10.2 does not pass, the build queue is as follows (after the City Hall finishes):
Inn
Taven
Coaching House

Perhaps then Florence will be a place of amusement, rather than the dour place it is now. If Satan has truly conquered the world and Edict 10.2 passes, then the Chancellor is permitted to do whatever is required according to that monsterous legislation. If by some merciful miracle an Inn can be working into the Build Queue, I will be most grateful.

(*Pompous piety will be the death of us all...*)

econ21
06-21-2007, 00:54
[Henry:] Ahh, young Lothar reminds me of the importance of setting the imperial build queues.

Rome: Huge Cathedral, Militia barracks
Paris: Abbey, Merchant bank
Sofia: Chapel, Archery range, Dockyards

Taxes maximised subject keeping loyalty at 70%+.

McIwoo
06-21-2007, 08:36
Updated Building queue for Marseille:
Current: City Council
Dockyard
Great Market

My brother, allow me to join my priers to yours against this edict.

TevashSzat
06-21-2007, 13:32
Build Order for Paris:

1.Continue Great Market
2.
3.
4.Abbey
5.
6.
7.Gunsmith
8.
9.
10.Merchant bank

Rheims:

1.Church
2.
3.Mining Network
4.
5.
6.Militia Drill Square
7.
8.
9.
10.

Staufen:

1.Tourney Field
2.
3.
4.
5.Stables
6.
7.Knight Stables
8.
9.
10.

SHA Orders

Two forts are to be established with one a little bith northwest of Paris at the crossroads and one a little bit southwest of Paris at the crossroads. The SHA is to be split up between the two forts and Duke Scherer should be in Paris. Should any French forces besiege one of the forts or get near it, forces stationed at the other fort as well of the Duke shall meet up and attack such force. Once that occurs, a tiny militia garrison shall be out in any abandoned forts in order to maintain the structure.

Northnovas
06-21-2007, 16:32
Building Queues

Zagreb

After the market
1. Crop rotation
2. Abbey
3. Mines

Damascus

After the town hall
1. Paved roads
Ballista Towers
2. Church
3. Land clearing



Just adding the towers after the paved roads to help with the defences of Damascus since the threat from the east is returning.

Warluster
06-22-2007, 11:25
Hm, I am under the impression we are allowed to post our own personal, free held queues anymore, isn't it all up tot he CHanellor since a Charter Amendment?

Either way, the Chancellor can build what he likes, but just remember, Ulrich, to make sure military comes before anything else, even Church, and mkae sure Gunsmiths get high prioity.

Stig
06-22-2007, 11:59
Addition to the building queue of Thorn:
NO AUTOMANAGE

AussieGiant
06-22-2007, 14:56
OOC: I'm away so I can't really look at the saves. The orders are generalised so specifics can be handled best by the controller.

Please also note that as I am away all battles for Arnold are to be conducted by Ituralde.

-----------------------------

AHA Orders.

Initially defend against Hungarian advances.

Once Sigismund is knighted then it is to be split under the northern command by Arnold and southern command by Sigismund.

As a split force both stacks should be maintained at at least 2/3's strength when possible.

Northern command is to defend against Poland and Hungary, while southern command against the Milanese.

An offensive posture should be maintained by placing the AHA's in enemy territory in defendable terrain and or strategic choke points.

Once Sofia is handed over to the Byzantine's the Duke of Austria would like to reassess and re-deploy at the pleasure of the Chancellor.

TevashSzat
06-23-2007, 02:52
This is an addition to my orders for Paris. Paris's taxes are to be set to very low until the city has reached the population level for the next upgrade.

Stuperman
06-23-2007, 21:16
OOC: damn it, I posted my queue right as the org was crashing thurs,

Ugh, It was like, Insbruck, gunpowder building, all other cities in accordance with the church edict.

AussieGiant
06-23-2007, 23:04
My Lords,

Please remember the latest edict enforcing religious contruction ahead of all others in the first instance.

GeneralHankerchief
06-24-2007, 18:46
Conrad Salier:

Religious building is to be built in Antioch immediately after the Gunsmith is completed. If there is time after that, we are to proceed with the Cannon Maker.

TevashSzat
06-27-2007, 23:55
This is an update on Swbia's Household army. The army is to remain in Paris until further notice with reinforcements trained in Staufen if possible.

Cecil XIX
06-28-2007, 04:06
In light of recent events, I am updated the build queue for Venice so that the implementation of Edict 10.2 will be clear to the Chancellor.

1. Abbey
2. Cathedral
3. Huge Cathedral

Warluster
07-02-2007, 02:50
Chancellors Report
1244
Emperor Chancellor Jobst von Salza

Imperial Army Reports

Wolfgang Hummel and 3 units of dismounted Knights and 2 catapaults, has moved not far from Adana, where a large army is being trained for Wolfgang, so he can take the settlement of Iconicum.

The army in Corisca, the one led by Lothar Steffen, was evacuated due to problems from before Chancellor. The witch Danne was not killed/Captured, so the army was evacuated. Two priests are being trained in Rome and Florence for purposes.

The Army in Sardina though, the one led by Jens von Kassel, has not evacuaeted, but is not moving towards the Milanese Settlement yet.

Hans has started to travel back to Sofia, for training and personal reasons.

The European Imperial Army, led by Kaiser Jobst, has moved out of Danish Territory and is not far from Frankfurt, where a Large French Army is camping. Siegfred has joined the EIA Army for training.

The Expedition Army, set for Moscow, is currently being trained. It should only be a few years, and the Expedition shall move off. 3 Priests are also moving towards Thorn.

A Imperial Fleet has engaged and defeated a Russian Fleet. A small fleet is heading towards Bologna to pick up Matthias Steffen, where it will head to the Kingdom of Outremer.

Enemy Army Reports

There are several large armies near Thorn, a large Polish Army, smaller Polish armies, a very large Russian Army is approaching from the East, a problem which Count Ansehelm may encounter on his Crusade.

There is a large Danish army, just past our Northern Borders, it is threatening Hamburg. Though several English Armies have just sieged Antwerp.

There is a Very large French and Danish Army heading towards Frankfurt, which the EIA is defending.


The Portuguese are besiegeing Caen.

Duke Arnold is beseieged in his Fort in the Budapest Region (Rebels) Sigismund von Mahren is nearby.

Several battles have been fought between Byzantine and Turkish armies on the border of the Adana Province.

A large Russian Fleet is off the coast of Ragusa.


News on Cities

Inverness and Edinburgh were sold to the English for 2580 Florins. A meagre price, but that’s what the edict said, the highest price. We now have a VERY large problem of what to do with the Imperial Armies stranded in English lands. I am training a fleet of Imperial Ships to pick up the soldiers, to make sure we don’t damage relations.

Other

Lyse von Salza has come of age, and is looking for a suitable husband.

We have two gifted Merchants on the North Coast of Denmark, separately EACH of them are earning 211 florins of money.


Battles to be Fought

Duke Arnold can sally forth to fight of the Hungarian besiegers if he wishes.



(This shall be updated regularly)

Northnovas
07-02-2007, 04:04
Building queues,

Zagreb

1. Mining Network
2. Abbey
3. Crop rotation
Taxation to normal


Damascus

1. Ballista Towers
2. Land Clearance
3. Church

Stuperman
07-03-2007, 16:20
All Bavarian lands should have a tax rate that is as high as possible without the threat of Rebellion (Blue face).

Warluster
07-13-2007, 23:37
Chancellors Report
1246 and 1248
Kaiser Chancellor Jobst von Salza


Imperial Army Report

Matthias Steffen has started to head towards Sofia, where he will meet up with Hans army and they will travel to the Holy Land, together.

The Commanders and Garrison of Thorn have sallied forth and defeated the Polish Army.

The Russian Crusade army is massing near Madgeburg, It is nearly ready.

Several small Polish armies have twisted past our defences and are near Stettin.

The Polish near Thorn have blocked both bridges with Regiments, Ansehelms wish of moving to the CR army can not be done.



There is a Turkish army in the Adana Region, the Iconicum Offensive Army is ready to go.

Jan von Hamburg has joined King Salier’s army, which is retreating from the face of a Mongol Horde, after the last Chancellors ideas.

Successful! We have killed the cursed Witch Dannae! The Island offensives may continue!

Enemy Army Movements

A very large French Army, which was heading towards Hamburg, has gone west, and is heading towards Paris, men shall be trained as they are elite soldiers.

A large Russian Army is heading towards Thorn.

A medium Danish Army is Westwards to Hamburg.

From the looks of it, the Venetians are now on land.

A medium English Army is camping near Paris!

Caen has resisted the Portugals efforts.


City News
No Construction was completed, but several buildings have started construction in Venice, Zagreb and Damascus.


Battles To Be Fought

Arnold has defeated a Sally Forth.

Ansehelm has defeated the attackers.

Emperor Jobst is fighting a battle against a Danish Army.

flyd
07-19-2007, 02:40
Chancellor's Report, end of 1248 through start of 1252

Good Electors,

This is my first report to the Diet, and depending on what the Mongols do, may well be the last. When I inherited the office of Chancellor in 1248, the first thing I noticed was that many of our fronts were undermanned given the threats they were facing. The Outremer, of course, will always be undermanned, given the sheer numbers our eastern enemies are capable of fielding. The situation around Thorn was very bad, with the garrison itself being very small, and a large Russian invading army nearby. The Swabians were under strength as well, but did not face any immediate threats, and the Bavarian armies were very small and spread on two islands. I suppose only the Austrians were well off, with a large army besieging Budapest.

I have attempted to fix this problem. At the end of 1248, every castle in the land was training troops, most at full capacity. Most did in 1250 as well. In the homelands, the highest priority was Thorn, drawing troops from as far away as Innsbruck. The Swabians also received some reinforcements. As a result of the heavy recruitment, the construction was reduced. However, there were sufficient funds to fix all damage caused by the rioting during the previous years. Enough was left over to begin the construction of three cathedrals, four abbeys, and other small churches and chapels during the two years.

In the Outremer, Karl Zirn has advanced towards Iconium, defeating a Turkish army, and now besieges it. As it was apparent that the Mongols would advance on Edessa, I rallied all the remaining troops there. At the end of 1250, there may have been around 2500 Imperial troops there, in three armies commanded by me, Elberhard, and Conrad Salier. In 1252, the entire Mongol army, well in excess of 4000 strong, moved towards Edessa. As I have already communicated to the crusaders, I do not believe this army can be engaged in the open field, and have instructed Elberhard and Salier to withdraw. I will remain in Edessa to delay the enemy, while further defensive preparations take place in and around Aleppo.

in Franconia, the von Kastiliens declined to break out of Thorn in 1250. As a result, a large Russian army has bypassed it and now threatens Franconia. It has not advanced very far yet, however. Some reinforcements have arrived near Thorn already, and others are on the way. Hopefully, sufficient troops can be rallied quickly enough to engage the invading Russian army.

In Austria, Arnold has continued to besiege Budapest. Sofia was given away to the Greeks in 1250, and Hans has started towards the holy land.

In Swabia, the Swabian household army has remained near Paris, moving around as necessary to face potential invading threats. A large French army lurks nearby. The Swabian army has received some reinforcements from Staufen.

In Bavaria, Gerhard Steffen has left Corsica, on the assumption that the Spaniards or the Sicilians will be competent enough to defeat the remnants of Milan. His army was used to supplement Lothar Steffen's army, which assaulted Ajaccio on Corsica. I believe you are aware of the result.

There is nothing else of significance to report.

Chancellor von Hamburg.

flyd
07-23-2007, 06:26
Chancellor's Report, end of 1252 through start of 1256.

Good Electors,

I bring you my second report. I need not reiterate what my overall objectives are, I think you know. I shall dive right into theater-specific comments.

The Outremer. Iconium was taken by Karl Zirn in 1252, and given away to the Greeks the same year. They still hold on to it as far as we know. Zirn encountered a large Turkish army on his way back, which followed him to Adana. In 1256, that army has been destroyed. The Saracens threatened the south somewhat, with two large armies invading the Papal lands around Jerusalem. For a moment, it appeared that one army would threaten Acre also, and Jan von Hamburg was dispatched south. However, both armies attacked the Pope at the end of 1254. One Papal army was defeated and Jerusalem was besieged, but the Pope sallied with success. No large Saracen armies currently threaten Jerusalem, which is well-defended. The Mongols failed to siege Edessa in 1254, and in 1256 moved along, crossing the river Euphrates to the north. I must admit that this passage was unknown to me. I attacked the rear of the Mongol formation, destroyed a part of the trailing army and withdrew to Edessa. Currently, three Mongol armies remain at full strength, with two of them across the Euphrates already. The fourth army has no heavy cavalry and is now led by a captain. The enemy artillery has also been reduced, though I do not know if they have any in their leading armies. Recruitment has continued at maximum capacity. Both Elberhard's and Conrad Salier's armies are now at full strength (about 1500 each).

Eastern Franconia. The siege of Thorn was broken with a sally in 1252. By 1254, sufficient reinforcements had accumulated to directly attack the invading Russian army under Miroslav. Ansehelm von Kastilien defeated this army just west of Thorn. In 1256, he moves south to destroy a large Polish army. Currently, one army is active in Eastern Franconia, and is just over 1000 strong. Further reinforcements will be necessary so that both a strong crusade army and a strong Franconian Household Army can be formed. However, if all immediate threats are destroyed, the crusade may depart early, and the FHA built up over time. Conversely, the crusade will not leave unless the threats are destroyed or the FHA is at strength.

Western Franconia. A separate theater really, quite isolated from the east. Large Danish armies have been lurking in the area for a long time. In 1254, they conducted a large scale invasion. I estimate that the total strength of the invading force was around 5000 men. The only field army in the area was the one under Kaiser Jobst and Sigfried von Kastilien, which was probably under 1000 men. One of the Danish armies besieged Hamburg (perhaps 1500 men), while the remaining force, in three armies, surrounded Jobst and von Kastilien in a forest just south of Hambug. I have not received a detailed report on this battle, but it does appear that all Danish forces were destroyed, with von Kastilien in command. As you know, Kaiser Jobst died in one of these engagements. Von Kastilien's army is now quite depleted, and reinforcements are inbound.

Austria. Arnold captured Budapest in 1252. In 1254, the city was besieged by a large Hungarian army, with two more Hungarian armies following. Total estimated strength of perhaps 3000. Arnold's force sallied, and, receiving reinforcements proceeded to destroy all three armies. No further large enemy armies are now in Hungary proper, but others are no doubt in what remains of the Hungarian kingdom. Reinforcements are inbound.

Swabia. No events of interest occured in Swabia, although Paris was temporarily threatened by a large French army. Duke Scherer maneuvered between it and Paris, but the French decided to attack to the west anyway.

Bavaria. Bavaria has been quiet. Some recruitment has been performed at Ajaccio to reinforce/professionalize the Bavarian Household Army. I have not received news of the destruction of the Milanese yet. I plan to send an expedition to Sardinia as soon as the boats arrive, to assess the situation.

There is nothing else to report.

Chancellor von Hamburg.

flyd
07-24-2007, 02:15
Chancellor's Report, end of 1256 through start of 1258.

Good Electors,

I has only been two years since my last report, and my term does end soon, but this is a very volatile time. I'll get right into it.

Our alliance with Sicily is no more. The Sicilians have landed an army at Durazzo and attacked the Pope. They have been repelled by the Papal troops, but we needed to abandon one of our alliances. This decision was not as easy to make as it appears. Although aggression against the Pope is the most despicable act imaginable, the Sicilians have been, if my memory does not fail me, our oldest allies, even during the time we had our own... issues with the Papacy. Even so, I could not side with them.

I shall finish with the regional notes.

This is the current situation in the Outremer:

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/flydude18/outremer.jpg

As you see, the Mongols have been trapped. Karl Zirn holds Adana, Conrad Salier holds the bridge north of Damascus, Elberhard holds Aleppo, and I hold Edessa. If the Mongols continue to avoid a fight, they have nowhere to go but Turkish lands. Else, they must attack us at our castles or across bridges.

Not everything went as well, however. The fleet that was transporting Matthias Steffen was attacked by a large Egyptian fleet. Although the two fleets were evenly matched, our fleet lost. One of the ships was sunk, but the Lord must have been looking over Steffen that day. His ship escaped, and an escape to the east was possible. Steffen has reached the shore of Asia, and disembarked, for it is unsafe to continue on a severely depleted fleet. He will continue overland unless a fleet in the Outremer can be assembled.

In Eastern Franconia, no major threat to Thorn remains, although there are many small enemy armies about. The crusade should be able to leave at the start of the next Chancellor's term.

In Western Franconia, the Danes have invaded again and besiege Hamburg. Siegfried von Kastilien is there with a reinforced army.

Bavaria will need to reorganize somewhat now that we are no longer allied with Sicily. Although too late for my Chancellorship, I expect that Lothar Steffen's army will leave Corsica to protect Rome. We have received indication that the last Milanese stronghold is still under siege, and may surrender in 4 years.

There have been no events in Swabia.

That is all.

Chancellor von Hamburg.

P.S. Condolences to my brothers on the death of Agnes von Saxony.

flyd
07-25-2007, 01:19
Chancellor's Report, end of 1258 and end of Chancellorship.

Good Electors,

I wish I could end my term in office on a positive note, but it is not to be. Jerusalem has been sacked by the Saracens. The attacking army was less numerous than the Papal garrison and besieged the city for only one turn, but was still victorious in the assault. The Pope has lost his life. One of our cardinals was easily elected, and the Papacy is now based in Durazzo.

The Mongols have moved south and are now outside of Aleppo, but have not besieged it. They may decide to bypass it, which is why the Damascus garrison was strengthened as much as it could, in case some were wondering. The Danes no longer siege Hamburg, and our good allies, the English, have gone to war with Denmark, attacking them near Antwerp.

However, it looks like the Milanese have managed to save themselves for the time being. Their last citadel was two years from surrender, but the Spaniards have lifted the siege and agreed on a ceasefire. A large Sicilian army remains on Sardinia.

The Reich now, is much stronger than it was when I was elected. In the Outremer, we have four full-strength armies, whereas at the start it would have been difficult to assemble one. Franconia was virtually without an army, and now has one assembled, and perhaps a second if reinforcements are collected. All other house armies have received reinforcements as well, and remain strong, though the Bavarian one could use some work. Almost all cities in the Empire now have the highest level of church possible, or are currently constructing it.

During my term, we experienced large-scale invasions by the Mongols, the Turks, the Russians, the Danes, the Poles, and the Hungarians, while the Pope has been constantly attacked by the Saracens. All of these threats still remain. The Mongols, though heavily reduced, still retain about 3000 troops in our lands. The Turks have been assembling at Caesarea, and are about ready to send another army our way. The Saracens have sacked Jerusalem. The Danes still have multiple large armies around Antwerp, and probably in Denmark too. I know not of what Poland and Russia are up to, but I doubt we've seen the last of them. At least one large Hungarian army has been spotted. The French have been busy with Portugal, but they do outnumber us in the region significantly, and one French army has been sitting on our border for a long time. The Sicilians are currently neutral, but who knows what will come from them. We are still not out of the woods, but we are better prepared now.

Chancellor von Hamburg.

AussieGiant
07-25-2007, 22:43
Duke Arnold Austria

AHA command is to be handed over to Sigismund von Mahren.

Further orders are to be given to Sigismund von Mahren. If edict 11.5 is passed then Bran is clearly a target of opportunity.

Duke Arnold is to collect the Imperial, Feudal and Mailed Knights being sent to Budapest as reinforcements, and form an small four regiment Cavalry only force. This is to engage all rebel forces in the Austrian interior and wipe them out.

Once this is complete he is to head for Ragusa to ensure Sicilian encroachment is deterred and to personally oversee the continued training of reinforcements for the AHA and send them on their way to Sigismund.

Taxes in all provinces to be yellow face or better.

Build Orders:

Ragusa

Armoury
Baron's Stables
Gunsmith

Budapest

Militia Drill Square
Alchemist Lab
Ballista Towers

Vienna

Huge Stone Walls
Gunsmith
Alchemist Lab

Venice

Dockyards
Merchant Bank

gibsonsg91921
07-26-2007, 18:09
For Breslau, ensure that the highest possible gunpowder building is constructed.

GeneralHankerchief
07-26-2007, 19:06
Conrad Salier:

Build queue for Antioch:

1. Leather Tanner
2. Market
3. City Hall
4. (time permitting) Gunsmith

Cecil XIX
07-26-2007, 19:28
The tax level at Prague is to be set to low.

The build queue-

1. Gunsmith
2. Armourer
3. City Watch

TinCow
07-28-2007, 21:58
Build Queue for Forence:

Inn
Taven
Coaching House

Taxes set as high as possible without rioting.

As I am commander of the Bavarian Household Army, I will state how I would wish it to be used. This is not, of course, my decision as my father is Duke, but in the event that he does not give orders for it, perhaps the Chancellor will find some measure of guidance in mine.

My preference is that the BHA be rebuilt quickly from the men available in Ajaccio and anywhere else that can be found to assist. The BHA will then be used to assault Cagliari as soon as possible. Once this is completed, I would prefer that the BHA be returned to the Italian mainland and stationed near Florence, so that it can easy protect Rome and march on Naples, should a war with Sicily break out.

econ21
07-29-2007, 00:57
Elberhard:


Build queue for Rheims:

Leather tanner
Militia drill square
Mining network

Some thieves have made a base in Rheims. Please drive them off and demolish their guild.


Build queue for Acre (Order may be switched at Chancellor's discretion):

Marksman's range (to get mounted crossbows)
Ballista towers

Privateerkev
07-29-2007, 01:05
Build queue for Edessa:

1.) cont. Abbey
2.) cont. Abbey
3.) Ballista towers
4.) Ballista towers cont.
5.) Ballista towers cont.
6.) Gunsmith
7.) Gunsmith cont.
8.) Gunsmith cont.
9.) Leather tanner
10.) Leather tanner cont.

Keep taxes and races as is.

AussieGiant
07-29-2007, 01:54
Sigismund,

Please give order to the Chancellor for the Austrian House Army.

We are obliged to do this before he comes to power.

Arnold

Northnovas
07-29-2007, 02:47
Building queues

Zagreb

1. Crops
2. Fairground
Taxes to normal for a few turns.

Damascus

1. Balista Towers
2. Land clearing
Should be do for upgrade can increase taxes if it will stay green:balloon2:.

Cecil XIX
07-29-2007, 05:15
The AHA is to be used to fulfull Edict 11.5, except when it is necessary to relieve Austrian cities.

Stuperman
07-29-2007, 08:00
Build Ques for Bavaria:

Marseille:
-Brothel
-The next city walls(I think they will be avaiable)
-Dockyard

Nuremburg:
-Brothel
-Merchant Back
-Grand Market

Innsbruck:
-Finish Citadel
-marksman's range
-Baron's Stables

Milan(OOC:If Necessary OK, I'm not sure what the whole Chancellor(maybe) and Crusader count thing means here):
-Merchant Vault
-Tavern

Genoa:
-Dockyard
-Tavern

Bologna:
-Mining network
-Cathedral

queues deliberately kept short to allow for Financial flexibility.

Stig
07-29-2007, 09:45
Build Queues for Thorn
-Update to the newest Barracks possible in 20 years

Orders for the FHA as mentioned in the PMs (taking Matthias gets the chancellorship). Peter von Kastillien will take the command and attack the Poles now directly north of the FHA. Then the army will move south to occupy the bridge south east of Thorn. This is the ideal place for defence. We (Gunther, Peter, Ansehelm) discussed things and this bridge should be used as a base from which to attack armies from, while trying to return to it every turn.

FactionHeir
07-29-2007, 10:48
Build queues for Swabia and Bern:

Paris
Armourer
Merchant's Bank
Alchemist Lab

Dijon
Finish walls
Inn
Blacksmith

Staufen
Barracks
Master Armourer
Tourney Field

Metz
Finish Paved Roads
Council Chambers
Great Market

Bern
Alchemist's lab
Blacksmith
Cathedral

SHA Orders:
The SHA is to stay under the most able command of Duke Scherer and protect our western front from the French and possibly rebels, if no captain-led force can be dispatched for the latter.
The SHA is allowed to raid French armies outside of Imperial lands if victory is a distinct possibility and the way back is secure.
Staufen is to reinforce the SHA with top of the line Imperial knights and eventually Zweihanders.

Priests are to be recruited where Catholicism is wavering (less than 90%) and all guilds except thieves, explorers and theologians guilds may be accepted.

Steward Hans of Swabia

OOC: I will fill those in as soon as I can. Dont have access to game right now so what I post may not be completely applicable.
Update: Fixed the queues

OverKnight
07-29-2007, 14:26
Chancellor's report for 1160

King Salier brought his forces from north of Antioch and attacked Khan Subutai the Wrathful outside Aleppo before I had formally taken office. Fortunately Prinz Elberhard was able to assist.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/KotR/1160subataideploy.jpg

It was a bloody battle but we prevailed. Of course all battles against the Mongols are bloody.

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_137.jpg

I have been told Dieter Bresch (unclaimed Avatar) was knighted for his bravery in the battle, though I await a report from King Salier.

The remaining Mongol army known to us is led by the new Khan Orda. His forces were slightly north of Subutai's and he was unable to come to his aid.

While King Salier's army is battered, I have cobbled together a new army to strike at Khan Orda. However as I was drawing profesisonal forces from as far south as Damascus and I am waiting on reinforcements, the army will not be able to attack until next year.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/KotR/lastmongol.jpg

The army has been placed under the command of Prinz Elberhard as King Salier's bodyguard took many losses and is recuperating in Aleppo. If Orda is foolish enough to attack Aleppo or Elberhard, then we can put an end to him.

In accordance with Edict 11.1, I immediately contacted Pope Miccele the Corrupt, the new Pontiff after the loss of Jerusalem, and asked for a Third Crusade.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/KotR/crusade.jpg

The demands of the Edict left me with little time to find a Crusade force. As Adana had the largest professional force left in Outremer not commited to the Mongol threat and the Turks were quiet, Karl Zirn took the Cross and has been dispatched south with nine units of men. He is currently north of Acre.

I recruited two units of Armenian Archers south of Smyrna, which allowed me a force large enough to take the Cross myself. I reboarded my ships, though I had to hire a mercenary galley to help carry my men, and set forth for the Holy Land. My fleet is now west of Acre.

Jan von Hamburg has traveled from Damascus to join the Crusade as well, but due to the demands of reinforcing Aleppo and garrisoning the city, he did not have enough men to form his own Crusade army or take the Cross yet.

Karl Zirn will have overall command of the Crusade until I am knighted.

I have sent almost all the Priests in Outremer towards Jerusalem. Increasing the Christian faith in the area will assist the Crusade in occupying and holding the city. Before departing Gaza, Cardinal Helmut von Austria tried and executed a heretic, Shabana of Damanhar.

An overview of the Crusade and Jerusalem:

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/KotR/Jerusalemcrusadeoverview.jpg

An Imperial Priest near Jerusalem has written to tell me that the city still suffers from the plague. I will keep an eye on this.

Duke Scherer has moved east and laid an ambush for the French Force north of Metz. If they move south they will be in for a surprise.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/KotR/ambush.jpg

The Duke's forces have been reinforced with Militia Spearmen for now. Professional footmen will be reaching him from Staufen soon.

Many florins were spent on the reinforcement and repair of three of the House Armies, though it might take a few years to reach them. Our main Castles are in the interior, while the HAs are on the frontier. Ironically, the HAs closest to Castles are having more difficulty rearming. The Franconian HA cannot currently reinforce as the Teutonic Crusade is using all the resources of Thorn. The Bavarian HA is in Ajaccio, but the Castle cannot train bowmen, they will have to be brought in from Innsbruck.

I have begun implementation of CA 11.5. The intial expense of recruiting Militia is severe.

We have achieved a naval victory in the Baltic against the Danes.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/KotR/navalvic.jpg

Rebuilding of our navies will have to wait until my financial reforms have begun to work.

Speaking of those reforms, I have tightened taxation in many of our cities. There will be no rioting, however I will keep a sharp eye on our people's happiness. All Merchants are currently trading resources or are on their way to trade. For example, the Mongol incursion close to Aleppo forced a merchant inside the walls, he has been sent back out to trade spices and will bring in arround 800 florins a year. With such attention to detail, I hope to raise revenues.

In respect of Kaiser Jobst's last wishes I have arranged a wedding.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/KotR/lotharmarriage.jpg

I await word on three more battles this year, Peter von Kastilein faces a Polish Army, Kaiser Siegfried is striking at another Danish incursion and Duke Arnold has some rebels to run down.

Kaiser Siegfried has put paid to the Danes, I almost feel sorry for them.

https://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5527/siegfried0sq2.jpg

Which reminds me, when I assumed office, the only mission waiting to be completed was an assasination. It appears yet another Danish Prince wants to off his King so he can assume the throne. Something is yet again rotten in the State of Denmark. Despite the recruitment of many assassins during Chancellor Hans's term, only one is left to the Reich. Much like a Pope, the job has a short life expectancy.

Peter von Kastilien has smashed the Poles.

http://123pichosting.com/images/5893kotrpetey.JPG

Duke Arnold has eradicated the rebels southewest of Budapest.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldvsrebel.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldvic.jpg

OverKnight
07-30-2007, 07:48
List of Battles in Chancellor Matthias Steffen's Term
This will be kept up to date

3^No.|General|Place|Type|Date|Opponent|Odds|German #|Enemy #|Germans lost|Enemy lost|Result
7^1|Conrad Salier|Aleppo|FA|1260|Mongols|4:3|2517|1455|922|1384|v
7^2|Siegfried|Hamburg|FA|1260|Denmark|2:1|1441|1295|39|1288|v
7^3|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1260|Poland|5:2|1194|481|150|389|v
7^4|Arnold|Budapest|FA|1260|Rebels|1:1|108|181|13|181|v
7^5|Elberhard|Edessa|FA|1262|Mongols|3:2|1675|1235|218|758|v
7^6|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1262|Poland|20:9|1049|402|455|370|v
7^7|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1262|Poland|5:1|618|108|43|101|v
7^8|Fredericus von Hamburg|Edessa|FA|1262|Mongols|5:3|904|300|114|251|v
7^9|Jan von Hamburg|Damascus|FA|1262|Rebels|5:4|31|61|20|58|v
7^10|Hans|Aleppo|FA|1262|Egyptians|2:1|604|313|34|204|v
7^11|Arnold|Zagreb|FA|1262|Rebels|2:1|493|511|71|281|v
7^12|Karl Zirn|Jerusalem|SA|1264|Egypt|8:1|2043|384|212|324|v
7^13|Siegfried|Hamburg|FA|1264|Denmark|20:9|?|?|?|?|v
7^14|Elberhard|Aleppo|FA|1264|Mongols|2:1|1225|484|266|456|v
7^15|Conrad Salier|Aleppo|FA|1264|Mongols|10:1|1043|94|21|93|v
7^16|Matthias Steffen|Jerusalem|FA|1264|Egypt|4:1|1261|275|39|267|v
7^17|Matthias Steffen|Jerusalem|FA|1264|Egypt|10:3|1222|478|251|464|v
7^18|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Riga|FA|1266|Russia|10:1|1561|302|36|287|v
7^19|Gerhard Steffen|Florence|FA|1266|Russia|2:1|287|31|20|31|v
7^20|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1266|Poland|?|1848|288|36|268|v
7^21|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1266|Poland|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^22|Hans|Jedda|FA|1268|Egypt|1:1|570|612|16|513|v
7^23|Conrad Salier|Jedda|FA|1268|Egypt|4:3|126|106|67|94|v
7^24|Friedrich Scherer|Paris|FA|1268|France|?|1605|921|254|835|v
7^25|Fritz von Kastilien|Krakow|FA|1268|Poland|?|1490|1577|85|1393|v
7^26|Hans|Jedda|FD|1268|Egypt|1:1|554|1088|83|1032|v
7^27|Sigismund von Mahren|Budapest|FD|1268|Hungary|1:1|1723|2246|851|1605|v
7^28|Fritz von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1270|Poland|3:2|2229|1231|353|869|v
7^29|Sigismund von Mahren|Budapest|FA|1270|Hungary|1:1|708|1002|150|692|v
7^30|Sigismund von Mahren|Budapest|FA|1270|Hungary|2:3|153|499|54|407|v
7^31|Siegfried|Hamburg|FA|1270|Denmark|4:1|943|473|65|369|v
7^32|Lothar Steffen|Cagliari|FA|1270|Milan|2:3|1230|1108|260|1088|v
7^33|Lothar Steffen|Cagliari|SA|1270|Milan|?|970|7|7|7|v
7^34|Fritz von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1272|Poland|4:1|1419|232|150|226|v
7^35|Siegfried|Magdeburg|FA|1272|Rebels|5:1|1143|621|31|369|v
7^36|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Riga|FA|1272|Russia|3:1|1527|805|72|770|v
7^37|Gerhard Steffen|Innsbruck|FA|1272|Rebels|10:3|1124|599|91|599|v
7^38|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1274|Poland|20:7|1506|271|278|241|v
7^39|Sigismund von Mahren|Bran|SA|1274|Hungary|1:1|141|57|?|?|v
7^40|Arnold|Zagreb|FA|1274|Hungary|20:9|1065|421|31|387|v
7^41|Wolfgang Hummel|Ajaccio|FA|1274|Spain|9:8|761|361|?|?|v
7^42|Lothar Steffen|Cagliari|FA|1274|Spain|1:1|1162|1011|574|980|v
7^43|Fritz von Kastilien|Magdeburg|FA|1274|Rebels|20:3|1134|509|56|450|v
7^44|Elberhard|Jedda|FA|1274|Egypt|5:4|136|231|18|184|v
7^45|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FD|1274|Poland|1:1|1325|1080|117|722|v
7^46|Conrad Salier|Edessa|FA|1276|Mongols|4:3|3657|1441|2739|690|d
7^47|Matthias Steffen|Edessa|FA|1276|Mongols|3:2|1742|751|294|724|v
7^48|Hans|Adana|FA|1278|Turks|2:1|1107|1153|25|1122|v
7^49|Gerhard Steffen|Rome|FA|1278|Sicily|20:7|938|540|?|?|v
7^50|Gerhard Steffen|Naples|FA|1278|Sicily|?|?|?|?|?|v


FA=field battle (attacker)
FD=field battle (defender)
SA=siege assault (attacker)
SD=siege assault (defender)
YA=sally (attacker)
YD=sally (defender)
AA=ambush (attacker)
AD=ambush (defender)

OverKnight
08-01-2007, 15:24
1262

The Egyptian force threatening Acre marched to the northeast to attack Jan von Hamburg. Facing 7:1 odds, I ordered him to retreat a bit north. The Egyptians turned traitor soon after giving up the pursuit, most dispersed and only a small rebel force blocks Jan's path.

After destroying the Rheims Thieves Guild, the miscreants had the gall to request another be built, I declined.

Relations with the Moors have fallen to very poor, while they have risen to amiable with Portugal.

I finally received a wedding proposal for one of our spinsters, Hedewigis von Saxony. The man is ancient, but any port in a storm.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hedewigis.jpg

The Pope has taken note of Siegfried's victory over the Danes.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/papden.jpg

No offensive action was planned against them anyway, I will make sure our actions do not violate this request.

Damascus and Marseille need new walls. Three other cities also needed them when I took office. They will be at the top of the list for new projects.

Some rebels south of Breslau have been destroyed.

Both Prinz Elberhard and Count Fredericus have won victories against the Mongols, but their two remaining leaders elude us. They will be hunted down.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongolleft.jpg

This is all that remains of the second wave.

Peter von Kastilien has slain the Polish King and dispersed many of their forces near Thorn. He took many losses though and ends the year facing another Polish Army his equal to the south. I am rushing in reinforcements from western Franconia led by Jonas von Mahren. The good news is that the way is clear for the Teutonic Crusade to leave in 1264.

I still await word on Count Hans's battle against Sultan Moussa, who has unwisely trespassed on our lands south of Aleppo, and Duke Arnold's battle against some rebels south of Zagreb.

Jan von Hamburg has crushed the rebels to his south. I salute his bravery in deciding to take them on with only his retainers. The way is now open for him to join the Crusade.


1262 Update

Count Hans caught Sultan Moussa south of Aleppo.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hansdeploy.jpg

The Saracens were defeated but the man who ordered the attack on Jerusalem lives to fight another day. He retreated east to the desert wastes of his own territory.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hansvictory.jpg

Duke Arnold, on his way to Ragusa, attacked some brigands south of Zagreb. The garrison of the city aided him.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnolddeploy.jpg

The Duke sent the bandits to hell. He now has a reputation for being cruel and cunning. (Raking in the dread AG).

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldvic-1.jpg

Do you remember how Prince Kolbein of Denmark asked us to kill his King? Well, you can call the cur King Kolbein now.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/Sweyndead.jpg

I doubt this will change much with Denmark, but we did need the money.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/kolbeingrateful.jpg

Edmund Deines has denounced a heretic west of Dijon after a fellow priest failed. I hope the two can stamp out heresy in the region.

Rudolf Ruesdorf has also cleansed Adana of a heretic.

Two priests have arrived on Corsica to cleanse the Island of the taint of the foul, but dead, witch Danae.

Jerusalem is besieged by my and Karl Zirn's Crusade forces. Count Hans will arrive next year.

FactionHeir
08-02-2007, 15:12
Wolfgang Hummel is hereby declared Count of Metz until further notice.

OverKnight
08-02-2007, 17:29
1264

The year began with sad news.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/aguntherdead.jpg

The Duke of Franconia succumbed to his long illness. He was a true German and a stout defender of our eastern frontier. He brought Breslau into the Reich and defeated the Poles again and again. He will be missed.

But for each end there is a beginning. Kaiser Jobst's son has come of age in Rome.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/athalwolfvonsalza.jpg

Treachery! One of own Electors has gone over to the Russians!

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/cJenstraitor.jpg

Perhaps he grew tired of being the world's oldest squire. I had sent him north to administer Venice, but a Russian diplomat bribed him on the way. Needless to say, he will be hunted down like a dog.

We have been approached by the Polish Prince, I assume he has heard of our skills at regicide.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/dregicide.jpg

The Teutonic Crusade has departed Thorn and nears the border with Russia. They will leave the Reich next year.

Antioch is ready to become a city. Walls will be built as soon as possible.

The English Crusade Army has entered our territory and is now between Frankfurt and Magdeburg.

I await word on four battles.

Count Karl Zirn will be leading the assault on Jerusalem.

Kaiser Siegfried is attacking a Danish Army on the border of Antwerp.

Prinz Elberhard and King Salier have cornered Khan Orda and Khanzada Jebu, respectively, near Aleppo.


1264 update

King Salier and Prinz Elberhard have finished the Mongol threat. Kaiser Siegfried has driven the Danes from our territory.

Karl Zirn has lead the Crusade to triumph!

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1264success.jpg

An Imperial Diplomat is travelling to Durazzo, we will be able to transfer Jerusalem next year. I know there is talk of governing the city for a few years, but Edict 11.1 did call for an immediate transfer back to the Papacy. Two years is the best I can do.

In gratitude for Karl's role in leading the attack, I have given him the Veil of Veronica, one of the relics obtained from the city.

The contentment stemming from the Crusade has allowed me to raise taxes. Mighty armies and impressive buildings require money.

Taking the ex-Crusade forces, I cleared the countryside around Jerusalem of the three Egyptian armies. They have all retreated to Gaza. Even after the transefer, I will keep an Imperial force in the area to monitor the Egyptians.

It took four of our Priests, but a heretic has been tried and executed south of Jerusalem. We have so many priests in the area, the amount of Catholics has nearly doubled in four years (~60%).

Duke Arnold, using a fleet to get by the Sicilians blocking his way, has arrived in Ragusa.

Duke Gerhad Steffen and Athalwolf von Salza have moved north to Florence in pursuit of the traitor Jens von Kassel. I hope to catch him in the new year.

Peter von Kastilien has moved to the bridge south of Thorn. I hope to have him link up next year with Jonas von Mahren's reinforcements. This leaves some Polish forces to the north, but they are contained.

OverKnight
08-03-2007, 10:58
1266

We are now the most Advanced Faction.

Denmark and Scotland have made peace.

Our diplomat arrived in Durazzo. Jerusalem has been formally handed over to the Pope.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/jertopope.jpg

Our priests have done their work well, 74% percent of the population is Catholic. They will stay put until any heresy is stamped out.

One of our holy men, Lukas der Bar, has been promoted into the College of Cardinals.

With the transfer in place, I have taken ship for Adana, Count Zirn has returned to Damascus and Count Jan remains with an army near the city. We will not let the Egyptians catch us sleeping again.

Edit: Speaking of the Egyptians, I have sent King Salier and Count Hans (FactionHeir: I didn't get your message until after the move) in pursuit of Sultan Moussa.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hansandcons.jpg

By using a pincer movement, I hope one of the armies will bring him to battle in the new year.

The Milanese have driven the Sicilians off Sardinia. Only the Spaniards remain east of Cagliari.

A Merchant Guild has been accepted for Rheims.

Florence is ready to upgrade.

Oddly enough, the English ex-Crusade Army, led by King Davy, has moved further into our territory, they are now between Nuremburg and Prague. I will follow this situation closely.

The Swabian and Austrian Household Armies are fully reinforced. They will begin offensive operations soon. The Bavarian Household Army will take ship from Ajaccio in the next year once the Pavise Crossbowmen arrive.

The two Polish Armies trapped north of the river have moved. One marched to the bridge east of Thorn but was blocked by Peter von Kastilien. The other foolishly besieged Thorn.

Peter has run off the army facing him and is now ready to lift the siege and destroy both Polish armies. I await word of this battle. . .

The Poles around Thorn have been dispersed. Peter will rest and rearm in Thorn while Fritz von Kastilien assumes command of the Franconian Household Army for now.

The Teutonic Crusade, led by Ansehelm von Kastilien, faces its first battle against the Russians on the border with Riga. I await word of this battle. . .

The Crusade is triumphant and will move further into Russian territory.

Duke Gerhard Steffen has cornered the traitor Jens von Kassel at Florence's port. I await word of this battle. . .

The traitor is dead and Athalwolf von Salza has been knighted by the Duke. The young Knight will travel to his Duchy, and my father will continue north to face a large rebel army in the Alps west of Innsbruck.

1266 Continued

Grim News, two of our merchants travelling to Baghdad to trade silk have made an unfortunate discovery.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/khankuo.jpg

I hope this new Khan shows more sense than his predecessors and stays in the East. If this new Mongol wave enters our lands, they will meet the same fate as the first two. Their bones will lie sun bleached and unburied in the desert just like their fallen brethren.

OverKnight
08-06-2007, 06:50
1268

I have moved a spy closer to Baghdad to gain a clearer picture of the new Mongol threat.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/liftsiegebag.jpg

It appears that they have exterminated and abandoned the city, only around 4000 residents remain. Our agent will continue to monitor the horde's progress.

The Master Theologians Guild in Budapest has become the headquarters of all their guilds in the known world. This will ensure our continued domination of the College of Cardinals, we have 10 of the 12 seats, with one vacant.

Walls upgrades are complete in Vienna, Prague and Stettin. A few other walls remain to be completed and then I will be able to diversify our construction program.

The Teutonic Crusade is now south of Riga.

The Empire has recruited as many merchants as it can for the moment. Income from merchant trade has increased from 3182 florins in 1260 to 5448 florins now. Total revenue has increased to 98,579 florins from 87,443 florins in 1260. Several merchants are on the way to contest the lucrative silk trade around Constantinople.

Count Hans attacked Sultan Moussa of Egypt in the deserts of Jedda. The Sultan's men were crushed, but he escaped again.

Not for long however, as Conrad Salier swept in with the cavalry of his army and slew the Sultan.

The French have besieged Paris, but Duke Scherer has moved in with the Swabian HA to relieve the siege. The French have been driven from their former capital with heavy losses.

The Franconian HA, commanded by Fritz von Kastilien, has moved south to attack a large Polish Army that is threatening Breslau. He did well with his first command as the Poles were crushed.


1268 Continued

Our lone assassin has sent a Polish Noble near Thorn to hell.

Count Hans has been attacked by an Egyptian force coming from the west out of the desert. They most likely seek to avenge the death of their Sultan.

Count Sigismund von Mahren and the Austrian Household Army have been attacked by three Hungarian armies between Budapest and Bran.

I await the outcome of both battles and will report on them in the new year.

OverKnight
08-08-2007, 16:00
1270

Both Count Hans and Count Sigismund were victorious.

The Danes tried to assassinate our Kaiser! It failed, but such insolence should not be forgotten.

Karl Zirn has a new daughter, Siburg.

Welf von Luxemburg, a newly recruited priest in Milan, was added to the College of Cardinals by Pope Miccele. Imperial Cardinals now hold 11 of the 13 seats.

The Witch Serapia has been hunted down and killed by Imperial troops north of Bologna. Athalwolf von Salza led them and is on his way to Dijon.

Another Polish Noble has met with an accident near Thorn. A pity.

The Mongols have chosen to travel north of the Euphrates.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongolstowardmosul.jpg

Now that I know which way they're coming, I will begin to rally our forces in Outremer.

We have four battles this year, I await word on them.


1270 Continued

Kaiser Siegfried is victiorious over Ragnvald of Vestmanna and will move to Magdeburg to link up with reinforcements and disperse rebels in the area.

Fritz von Kastilien has crushed the Poles near Thorn, exchanged some troops with the Castle and taken up position on the bridge to the south.

Sigismund von Mahren has cleared the path to Bran of Hungarians, but will pause for reinforcements. He will continue on next year.

Lothar Steffen has killed the last of the Milanese and seized Cagliari.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/cagliari/milandead.jpg

I congratulate the Count of finally ridding us of the scum. Unfortunately, Cagliari is not as developed as Ajaccio, as the castle does not even have a mustering hall. I am also leary of the Spanish presence on the isle.

I have sent a diplomat to meet with the Byzantine Princess Theodora. I thought cementing our alliance with them through marriage would appeal to them. I was wrong, they even rejected this offer.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/marriagerefuse.jpg

We have given them so much, including Sofia and Iconium, and we have propped up their "Empire" by defending them against the infidel and this is how we are repaid! So be it. I shall remember their high handed treatment of us.

Still, it seems that no power in Europe wishes to treat with us in a constructive fashion. Any peace offers are met with outright refusal, even under generous terms. I did some research, and it seems if we offered Cagliari as a gift to the Sicilians that it would only raise our relations with them to "reasonable". The fools don't seem to realize the dire straits they are in.

I fear the only peace we will have with our enemies is if they share Milan's fate.

Many of our forces in Outremer have begun marching toward Aleppo. The Castle will serve as a rally point for the upcoming conflict with the Mongols. I have sent Count Jan von Hamburg towards Edessa with a contingent of professional soldiers to stiffen the garrison.

OverKnight
08-10-2007, 13:31
1272

I am truly sorry to inform the Reich of the loss of one of it's great men.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/Fredericusdead.jpg

The liberator of Damascus has gone to his reward. Count Fredericus von Hamburg took leadership of the Reich in its darkest hour and set it back on course. Without his stabilizing rule, I shudder to think where we would be.

Still, even though we grieve we must welcome a new Swabian to the Diet.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/dassel.jpg

I fear I must bring further dark tidings, this time of war.

Prince Lorenzo of Sicily has besieged Bologna. The fool only did it with his retainers and was run off by the garrison, but we are now at war with Sicily. I am amazed by their stupidity.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/warsic.jpg

Our only consolation is that England is finally at war with France as they laid siege to Bruges.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/assistengland.jpg

The Sicilians south of Ragusa have taken ship and now lie off the coast. No doubt they fear the wrath of Duke Arnold.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ragusa.jpg

I wish I could send Count Lothar to wreak a terrible vengeance on Sicily from Cagliari, but the Spanish army there concerns me. They have not withdrawn, and a Spanish fleet approaches Ajaccio with troops aboard. I fear we will be at war with them by next year.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/spanishfleet.jpg

With this in mind I have decided to strengthen our ties with an ally left to us. I again approached the Byzantine Princess Theodora.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/marriagejustaccepted.jpg

Kaiser Siegfried has gained a wife, and we have gained a secure ally.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/wedding.jpg

I know the price was high, but our relations with the Byzantines had fallen and they have troops around Adana. Normally, I would brush this off and wait for their feeble strike, however, this is far from a normal situation. It would be difficult to defend Outremer from both a Byzanitine and Mongol incursion and we cannot afford to lose one of the few trading partners left to us.

Speaking of the Mongols, they have moved close to Mosul, but have not besieged the city.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongolmosul.jpg

Edessa has finished rebuilding its walls, and Jan von Hamburg will supervise the construction of Ballista Towers. We will not face the Mongols unprepared.

Athalwolf Engel has spied on three of the four Mongol leaders. So far, they are all night fighters and fell Generals.

Another of our enemies' Kings lies dead, slain by our lone assassin.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/wladyslaw.jpg

The Polish Prince says he's grateful, but I doubt he will show it.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/missionsuccess.jpg

Count Sigismund has pushed into Hungarian territory, driving the enemy before him. Bran should be within reach in a year.

I await word on four battles.


1272 Continued

Kaiser Siegfried has crushed a band of rebels near Magdeburg.

Fritz von Kastilien was victorious over the Poles. He will move to take command of the Army of the Interior in the absence of the Kaiser. Peter von Kastilien has taken command of the FHA and moved it to the bridge south of Thorn.

Ansehelm von Kastilien has destroyed the Russian army in his path and continues to move east.

Gerhard Steffen has routed a force of Swiss Pikemen near Innsbruck. He is now bringing a force of professional soldiers south to reinforce Rome.

Duke Arnold has left Ragusa with most of the garrison. If the Sicilians land to take advantage of this, he will turn and crush them. If not, he will proceed to meet a small Hungarian army near Zagreb.

I have not had word from Duke Scherer about whether he wishes to assist the English. I have moved the Swabian HA to the north just short of our border so that we are in a position to assist if needed next year.

Our diplomat in Spain has found out that Cordoba has rebelled.

Regarding the Spanish threat, I will not attack them this year. If they wish war, let them strike the first blow and suffer the wrath of the Pope. However, I will not give them Cagliari either. If they are hostile, I will not help them take our conquests.

OverKnight
08-12-2007, 10:21
1274

Ajaccio is besieged.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/warwithspain.jpg

As I expected, the Spaniards landed on Corsica and attacked us. Oddly enough, the forces already on Sardinia have not besieged Cagliari. I do not know what angers me more, the fact that other Kingdoms dare challenge us, or that they do so in such an insipid manner.

Khan Kuo Kan seems intent on avenging his fallen brethren, for the Mongols have bypassed Mosul and seem to be heading for Edessa.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongolapproach.jpg

I had hoped they would have bled a bit taking Mosul, but our forces will be in place to meet them when they come.

Contzel von Mahren has married Edmund Becker, the newest Austrian noble.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/edmund.jpg

The French have driven the English from Bruges. Their battered army has retreated to the walls of Paris.

Thorn has been besieged by a small army of mounted Polish Nobles. It is a nuisance and nothing more.

The Council of Nobles has asked us to blockade Toulouse for six years and promised us advanced troops if this task is completed.

The Teutonic Crusade is now north of Novgorod.


1274 Continued

Count Sigismund von Mahren has taken Bran, but lost his life in doing so. Arrows do not care about Chivalry. His death is a blow to the Reich. The AHA is currently leaderless, but remains strong. They will reinforce at the Citadel.

Count Peter von Kastilien has scattered the Poles to his west and taken position on the bridge south of Thorn with the FHA.

Count Wolfgang Hummel has defeated the Spaniards laying siege to Ajaccio. The fleet that had been transporting him drove off the Spanish transports, and Wolfgang is now on his way to Marseille.

Duke Arnold has engaged a force of Hungarians near Zagreb. The garrison of the city came to his assistance.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnolddeployz.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldzvic.jpg

The prisoners were executed and the fleeing survivors will not trouble the Reich again. Duke Arnold will continue on a long journey to Bran.

Count Lothar Steffen has defeated the Spanish on Sardinia. Without naval transport to retreat to, the survivors will not trouble us again. The Bavarian Household Army is worn down, it will take time to bring it up to strength.

Count Fritz von Kastilien has led the Army of the Interior to victory over the second band of Rebels near Magdeburg. How the Danes move over the new year will determine his next destination.

Prinz Elberhard felt some Egyptian siege equipment was getting to close to Jerusalem. Summoning Karl Zirn from Damascus and taking some Teutonic Knights from Acre, he crushed the Saracen army on the Jerusalem-Jedda border.

Jonas von Mahren has built a fort on the north side of the bridge over the Elbe near Hamburg. I hope this will curtail the small Danish incursions south of the River and disrupt the land link between Antwerp and Arhus.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/elbefort.jpg

The end of the year has brought news of another battle. Two Polish Generals are trying to attack Peter von Kastilien across the bridge over the Vistula.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/petervistula.jpg

I await the result of this battle, and will report on it in the new year.

OverKnight
08-16-2007, 13:47
1276

Peter von Kastilien was successful in his defense of the bridge.

The Danes have laid siege to Frankfurt with a small army. I hope the new Fort on the Elbe will prevent any further incursions like this.

The Pope is pleased that we have refrained from attacking the Danes outside our territory, but he now wishes us to do the same with the Hungarians. Since Bran is now ours, I will comply.

Jonas von Mahren's youngest daughter, Niesenn, has married an Austrian noble named Wilhelm.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/1260/wilhelm_von_heidelberg_1276.jpg

The Monogls have entered Outremer.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongolsarrive.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongoledessa.jpg

The Mongol General Kitbuqa has marched his army ahead of the rest. I will not let this opportunity to strike an isolated army pass. I have ordered King Salier to engage them. Jan von Hamburg will lead the garrison of Edessa to assist him.


1276 Continued

Disaster! King Salier is dead and his army destroyed! This is an unexpected blow. Jan von Hamburg fought valiantly in the battle and was able to extract much of his army and retreat back to Edessa.

I will take vengeance for this defeat as Count Hans's army is still assembling near Aleppo. If the worst shall happen, again, he will be responsible for holding the bridge there.

Despite this tragedy, matters of state continue.

I contacted the English near Bruges, and in return for a great deal of Florins, they have agreed to a royal marriage.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/lewdmarry.jpg

Recent events have taught us we must strengthen the alliances we have.

Kaiser Siegfried has broken the siege of Frankfurt. The Danish survivors have fled to Antwerp.

Duke Arnold has broken some rebels on his way to Bran.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldreb.jpg

Wolfgang Hummel has made landfall in Marseille and is headed north.

The Reich now controls the silk trade around Constantinople.

I have destroyed the army of Kitbuqa and executed him. So will be the fate of all the Mongols.

OverKnight
08-17-2007, 10:11
1278

Sad news from Hamburg.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/jonasdead.jpg

I hope he and his sons are together now.

The Mongols did not attack Edessa or any of our forces. However a large Turkish army has moved near Adana.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongolturk.jpg

Denmark and England are now at war, I hope this will help stabilize our northwestern front.

Thorn has again been besieged by a very small Polish army. I do not know what they wish to accomplish with such futile gestures.


1278 Continued

The garrison of Thorn has thrown off the Polish siege with few losses. Count Peter von Kastilien could have taken care of this, but his army is needed to the west to keep an eye on the small Polish raids into eastern Magdeburg. He is currently on the Krakow-Magdeburg border. I expect him to see battle next year.

Count Fritz von Kastilien has turned back a Danish Invasion northeast of Hamburg. He has now moving to Magdeburg to reinforce and to contain any Polish movement in that direction.

Duke Gerhard Steffen has crushed a Sicilian incursion near Rome and is now making his way to Naples.

Count Hans has decimated a Turk army east of Adana. Having dealt with that threat he will be able to return to the fight against the Mongols in the new year. Sir Dieter Bresch holds the bridge between Aleppo and Edessa with a mid-sized army. I will stay near Edessa to constrict the Mongols movement, block the fords to the north and prevent them from swarming the bridge. This has left me open to attack from two of the three Mongol armies, but it is a risk I'm willing to take.

Duke Arnold is now southeast of Budapest on the road to Bran. As there are several Hungarian armies in the vicinity, I have reinforced his army with militia from Budapest.

Hans the Killer has removed the last Orthodox Priest near Thorn. We have made gains restoring Catholicism to the area, and I hope this will aid our efforts.

On the diplomatic front, I offered Cagliari to the Spanish in return for a ceasefire. Though the offer appeared balanced, it was firmly rejected. I am loathe to offer more, since we have beaten them in two land battles and at sea. Peace offers to France and the Danes were also rejected out of hand.

OverKnight
08-18-2007, 18:17
1280

Rheims has been besieged by the French, Stettin is besieged by a small Polish army and Damascus has been besieged by three Egyptian units.

We have forces ready to relieve each siege, the only serious one is the French.

The walls of Genoa will have to be upgraded soon.

The Mongols, despite their fierce reputation, have done nothing but spread themselves out in Edessa.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongol1280.jpg

Their armies cannot support one another. They are vulnerable to attack.

Pope Miccele has ordered us to cease hostilities with Spain (7 turns) and Denmark (6 turns). It seems these were his last living wishes.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/micceleisdead.jpg

It is unfortunate, but I am glad to see him move on to his eternal reward. He had taken a dim view of our actions, and our standing with him had to fallen to poor.

The outcome of the election in the College of Cardinals was never in doubt.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/papalelection.jpg

Our dominance of the College has paid dividends.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/papalstanding.jpg

Our rightful standing in the Church has been restored and those who would war with us are close to excommunication. We should keep this in mind when we consider our actions for the next Diet Session.

A General has entered Bavarian service in Rome.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/friedrichkarolinger.jpg

My term is coming to a close and the State of the Reich is strong.

I have fulfilled most of the Edicts entrusted to me. The Third Crusade liberated Jerusalem, and it has been returned to the Church. The Teutonic Crusade is now deep in Russian territory. Bran and Cagliari have been taken, and the Milanese destroyed. I have strengthened the garrisons of our cities.

With apologies to Duke Arnold, I have been unable to find him a wife. The Spanish attack against us has delayed our retribution against Sicily and the reunification of Italy. Still, we defeated the Spaniards, and Naples will soon be within our grasp.

The second wave of Mongols was finished at the start of my term. They have come again, however, and caused us great harm with the death of King Salier. Still, they have lost a quarter of their forces in doing so. We can reinforce, they cannot. As my term ends, they are contained around Edessa, their armies isolated and ripe for destruction. It will not be easy, but we will end them.

Besides the Mongols, there have been no major invasions into our territories during my term. There have been pin pricks along the Frontier, but they have been beaten back. Sieges have been relieved immediately and invaders scattered.

I have made the finances of the Reich one of the focuses of my term.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/finances.jpg

Merchant trade has tripled during my term. We have seized control of all the Silk trade in the known world. Revenue has risen by 15,000 florins a year, while I have managed to reduce expenditures by 1500 florins. Despite many external pressures, I have maintained military spending at the level I found it in 1260. Further savings will have to be realized if we wish to build in every settlement in every year, but the current military situation might not allow this.

On the diplomatic front, I have cemented our alliances with England and the Byzantine Empire by marriages to the Prinz and Kaiser, respectively. They were costly, but of all the actions I have taken during my term, these may be the most enduring. We must keep the allies we have when faced with so many intransigent enemies.

So ends this term. I am proud of what we have accomplished, but there is much left to be done. I have no doubt we will triumph.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1280.zip

FactionHeir
08-19-2007, 08:31
Orders for Swabia:

Staufen:
Armoury
Master Armourer

Bern:
Blacksmith
Printing Press
Merchant's Bank

Dijon:
Finish Inn
Armourer
Mayor's Palace

SHA Orders:
To be led by Duke Scherer and supported by Athalwolf von Salza.
Priority to take Caen within 8 years and then move to defend southern Swabia. Command is to be given to Wolfgang Hümmel after the taking of Caen during Duke Scherer's absence.

SHA2 Orders:
To be led by Athalwolf von Salza after his knighting and tasked to defend Caen and Paris. Apply pressure on the Danes at Antwerp by raids if no imminent French attack.

TinCow
08-19-2007, 23:51
Build Queue for Florence:

Inn (Currently Under Construction)
Coaching House
Pleasure Palace

Taxes as high as possible without a revolt.

FactionHeir
08-20-2007, 04:16
-ARGH wrong topic-