Conseil du Royaume

[Ramses II CP]

I apologize for my silence Mon Roi, I have been indisposed.

Louis looks like he's been drunk for... weeks perhaps. He continues in a strong voice,

All the same it is my duty to point out that I am not alone in violating the terms of this Edict. My King you have also ransomed Englishmen, and had ransom refused, resulting in those men's execution. The fact that I enacted a particularly unpleasant revenge on those English pigs who slew Wood makes them no more or less dead than the men William would not pay you for after your battles.

I ask that you reconsider your words on this matter. I am not a butcher, but I am not the master of my passions as you are Father. When I lose men, when I lose anything, my blood boils and my heart pounds until I pour that fury out on my enemies. I am still your son, still your servant, and I have done the best that I am able to follow your example. Cooler heads have prevailed among my vassals, and for this I credit them, but such is not my lot.

To you, Gaetan de Rethel, I say simply that I accuse you of no complicity in Yvon Lacaze's death except incaution and inexperience. Pamplona was taken, and as I said, I salute your victory, but I also ask that you take some time in that place to think on the consequences of your victory.

Louis appears to want to say more, but he also appears to be about to vomit, so he collapses into a chair and wrestles with his stomach for awhile.

:egypt:

[KnightnDay]

A messenger arrives from the east with word from Thomas.

The enemy has been engaged and defeated before Magdeburg. Their troops, having been ransomed for over 1800 florins have fled into the city.

I wish it could be said that my own losses were minimal, but the truth is that they were not. Further, I had intended after the battle to send a spear company from my position to the honorable Prince Henri, but my forces are quite unable to move (OOC, they can't move).

This was a miscalculation quite unintended. The garrison of Frankfurt consisting of a spear and archer company are some miles west from my position and I am sending word to the prince that both companies are at his disposal if he wishes. My own reduced army has besieged Magdeburg so that no additional troops can be raised against us from this castle. We shall maintain our grip on this place for as long as God allows.

Thomas

[Cecil XIX]

It is most regretable that Aquitaine and Bretagne have each lost a fine noblemen. Bourgogne offers her condolences.

Duc Raymond bows his head.

[Braden]

Thomas,

I only require spears to assault the walls of Hamburg Castle my lord. You have need of archers, take them, I will be here besieging the castle for a good two seasons still unless the German cowards decide to try and take the battle to me outside!

Send me what you can spare, I do not believe it will take much to tip the balance in my favour enough to allow an assault.

[_Tristan_]

A herald steps in front of the King's dais. He raises a parchment at the level of his head and slowly unrolls it. Waiting until the Conseil room is ushed, he then speaks in clear and loud voice.

"By the will of Philippe, King of the Franks,

En reconnaissance of his vassals' efforts in bringing down the enemies of France, His Majesty King Philippe hereby endows :

To the House of Bretagne, the castle of Angers, a poor compensation for the loss of Robert Bouchart;

To the House of Aquitaine, the castle of Bordeaux, again a poor compensation for the loss of a valiant vassal;

To the House of Bourgogne, the castle of Bern, for the support of the House in the wars;

To the House of Lorraine, the castle of Staufen, as reward to Senechal Hugues de Champagne, for the tremendous work done during his term;

After consultation with the Royal lawyers, His Majesty announces that the castles of Pamplona and Valencia and the city of London do not meet the legal requirements to be considered ratified and will need to be in the coming Session of the Conseil.

His Majesty further announces that the castle of Nottingham and the cities of York and Nuremburg are to remain in the King's Demesne. His Majesty wishes to thank the Senechal for his efforts in taking the latter but feels it may be essential in negotiating a truce with our Imperial neighbours.

L'an de Grâce 1110,

Sealed with the King's Seal

Par la Grâce de Dieu,

Philippe
Roi des Francs

[Ramses II CP]

I thank you Mon Roi for granting Bordeaux to my House. We will have the vineyards in shape again in no time.

In my state I somehow overlooked the loss of Sir Robert Bouchart. I grieve at his death, and will drink to his memory after I pray for his speedy passage into heaven. Good men are few and far between these days it would seem, and we have lost more than one of late.

I have spent many hours in thought of late, and I have some proposals for our next session that I believe may bridge gaps within the Frankish people and perhaps even find peace for us, peace I think our weary nation must need. I have also, unfortunately, been hearing hideous rumors spread about my own good person through the city streets. I ask that they be disregarded, such are not a fit topic of discussion for this Council.

Our nation is whole! Our bitter foes are driven back, our oldest grudge repaid, and our noble goal in God's name accomplished. Much has been done, but heavy has become the price of it.

Eat, drink, and be merry men, for soon we council.

:egypt:

[Braden]

*Henri returns from the siege of Hamburg, he is clean and calm in demeanour*

My lords,

I ask the Seneschal clarify some aspects of his latest report. Firstly my assumption is that we have been rejected again by both the English and the Germans. Whilst the Germans are certainly still a very great threat the English have been dealt with..completely.

Whilst I applaud the Seneschal’s efforts to attain a formal peace..can we not just abandon Albion to its native peoples? Let us keep the channel as our buffer and allow time and space become our peace…I believe that we should now walk out of York, Nottingham and London and recall our men of arms completely (OOC: empty the settlements, up the tax and let them go “rebel”). Leave the English and their new King to stabilise his kingdom as he see’s fit.

As to the Germans…again, I applaud the Seneschal’s efforts towards peace but I baulk at the sums being offered here! We complain we lack coin and yet 8,000 florins are offered? I ask that the Seneschal await further consolidation of our position in the East and we may yet be able to offer a better deal in land than being offered now.

Again though, should the Germans wish to remain formally at war then why do we have to remain so? If we offer multiple lands to them…and coin..and trade rights and other incentives and they are still rejected again I say we build our borders, patrol them often and build peace though passive action.

The Germans do not have the stomach to fight me at Hamburg even though they outnumber me still 2:1…I do not believe they will have the will to continue the fight when it becomes clear we have no more aggressive intent.

[deguerra]

I find myself in complete agreement with everything young Prince Henri has said. Well spoken.

[TheFlax]

(By order of Zim)

"The 3rd Conseil du Royaume is now open. It shall close for voting on the 20th of October at 00:00 EST, so make your edicts, amendments, and announce Seneschal candidacies while you can."

[Braden]

Henri stands, nodding in appreciation to Raoul de Châtillon before starting

My Lords,

I will put forth my Edict for the session, seems I am the first thus far.

Edict 3.1: All French forces are to extricate themselves from Albion by the quickest and safest means. Any provinces in Albion currently held by French forces must be evacuated and, where possible, taxes increased to the maximum level.

We are to give Albion back to its inhabitants now that our intentions are non-aggressive towards the English. I feel this shows we are benevolent and true Christians

We have united France and brought the English crown back to the fold of the Papacy, let us bask in our accomplishments and look towards our next challenge…a Crusade against the heathens! We did NOT get the PROMISED crusade in England, now there is no England to crusade against! I ask formally that someone ensure my Edict from the last session stands and is upheld. The Moors have shown themselves to be worthy foes with the ability to sneak an entire ARMY into our heartlands without detection, for Christendom they must be brought to heel and Iberia freed.

Tis a pity I can propose but one Edict in truth so I have chosen the one I feel most important for us to accomplish as soon as possible.

Henri sits again

[Ituralde]

I second Edict 3.1.

[TinCow]

The young Prince speaks wisely. What do we care for holding in England? That poor and cold island is a drain on our resources. Charles the Great never cared for those lands, and who are we to question his judgment?

I second Edict 3.1.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe stands to speak.

Though I can understand the reasoning behind my son Henri proposed Edict, I feel he hasn't fully given this text its full scope. For why should we limit ourselves to give back the territories we conquered in Albion and apply a different standard to those we conquered from the Reich or those that belonged to Castille ? Are those people more French than those of Albion ? I think not... Though if I were to believe the rumours about my son Louis' behaviour in Iberia, I fear we may have more pretendants to the French Crown than I'd care to count...

Henri, would you be willing to give the Reich Hamburg back or let it rebel to show them how non-aggressive and how benevolent we are ? Would you ask Duc Hugues to give back Staufen or Duc Raymond to return Bern to the Reich ?

As such, I will stand against such an Edict. I will not let it be said the the French Crown promotes the rise of robber barons, for that is what your Edict will create Henri... Men that will ransack the countryside and will prey upon their fellow countrymen... Under whose rule do you think the English people will prefer living ? Under our own, knowing they will be treated no different from our own countrymen, under the fearsome yoke of some deranged overlord ?

Or better yet, under the rule of their own King, wherever he's now entrenched... For should we not try and negociate a ceasefire with England, rather than let this state of war simmer, and suddenly find one day an English army disembarking upon our shores, to wreak their vengeance upon our unsuspecting people...

Either that or we keep a stranglehold on England, using its riches to fuel our campaigns, denying it any possibility to raise an army against... Even make them our vassal if our military success allows...

We've driven the English back from our lands but only to find ourselves in the position they were in before the war. Had Guillaume, at that point, accepted to give back to us our settlements of Caen, Angers and Bordeaux, I'm not sure we'd have waged the war we have and that Guillaume would still be among us rather than burning in the fires of Hell, his damnation eternal. So let's not make the same mistake Guillaume made...

I say we must try to negotiate the return of these provinces to its rightful owner but at no other cost... The English King will either have them returned at no cost or he won't have them... And should he not wish to negotiate, then I'll say we'll keep them and we'll meet him on any battlefield, should he wish to take them by force.

(OOC: Just seen TC's post.)

And how are our newly-acquired English territories a drain on our treasury, Sieur de Perronne ? I would have thought they were quite the contrary. London has a port which could generate a sound trade and Nottingham and York, while they're not the cash cows some of our mainland territories are, still do not need heavy garrisoning, nor a lot of building. neither has England needed a lot of recruitment. All conquests have been accomplished by my own army with the Order knights. And a single Mailed Knight company has only just bbegin training this last season. So wher do you see a drain on our resources ?

[Braden]

*Henri stands in response*

My lords,

Firstly I thank you for supporting my Edict as it stands. Next, Father, I have to advise you that I have not put the wording of my Edict to paper lightly.

Indeed, in previous drafts I included both English and Castillian holdings.

*Henri shows a hand to stay any negative comments from members of the House of Aquitaine*

Should I have been permitted by law to present further Edicts, rest assured the questions you raise would have been addressed. I would have the provinces previously held by Castille handed back to Spain BUT…*again a pause*... Aquitaine has shed much blood to obtain them, would you not have them compensated for the deaths suffered…Noble deaths at that?

Nay I say, I would have them only relinquish such provinces if it was agreed they would have provinces we take from the Heathen Moors in our Crusade. A Crusade I called for during the last session and agreed upon.

I cannot propose such Edicts however, such is the law of our lands so they remain…ideas.

*Henri turns as if to sit but turns back towards the King swiftly*

No, Father, I do not either forget Hamburg…where your army still sits in siege..or Magdeburg or Nuremburg. I would be willing to give Hamburg should it fall to YOUR hands. Hamburg is NOT mine to withhold my King, should it fall it is YOURS to use as you feel fit!

In truth, and in front of these Lords, I say…yes, I would wish Hamburg as my own Barony but that is not so yet and I cannot predict the future. However, I ask you and the other lords here that with Bern, Staufen and Hamburg we ensure the continued safety of Frankfurt. Without them, Frankfurt is isolated and nearly surrounded by Imperial lands.

A defensible border is, my lords, the Channel, the narrows of Iberia and a clearly defined border with the Germans.

So, I ask you Father, you point to Guilliaums behaviour as an example but remember he was excommunicated…we are good CATHOLICS we do not…NOT…lead by using the examples set by those who were shown to be evil. Again, I say, we leave Albion to the English, the Channel our border. The English are sore, shamed and beaten…but perhaps their pride does not permit them to accept it so? Is this why there is no peace with them..or indeed the Germans?

Do we fall to such a sin as Pride my Lords? I say, nay, we do not! We rise above those around us who would use pride as an excuse to continue war when it is lost and bring needless suffering to their peoples.

I fear, My King, you underestimate me no?

*Henri smiles and sits again*

((OOC: Lots depends on how you see “rebels”, I take them as the game see’s them, “Independent Nations”, rather than the Rebel forces that randomly spawn on the map…example, Hamburg was actually an Independent City State – Hamburg-Bremen in its HRE time))

[_Tristan_]

Philippe looks sternly at his son Henri.

And pray tell me Henri, why should we even keep Frankfurt ? Why don't we apply the measure of your Edict and give back to the Reich this conquered city as well ? If you wish to make a clearly defined border with the Reich, surrender Frankfurt and you'll have the Rhine as a natural border with Metz our Easternmsot holding ? Or does keeping Frankfurt justify the need to keep Hamburg ?

And when I point to Guillaume's behaviour, it is not in his wrongdoings against the Scots that led to his excommunication, but rather to his refusal to see the benefits of handing back to us what rightly beonged to us from his own free will, forcing us to take it by force. Now, we're in the same position... Only I fear the new English King will be too vengeful or prideful to ask us to return his cities and castles to him.

So as good Christians, it is our duty to make the offer on the only condition that peace exists once again between our Royaumes. But if the English King cannot see reason, I will not stoop to make his people suffer under the rule of robber barons for his short-sightedness. So I say we either offer those provinces in good will against a peace or we keep them as a bulwark against any English invasion. You yourself called the English people "sore, shamed and beaten", there is no worse state in which to leave a nation... If we simply abandon their provinces and take away their gold, we'll be pouring oil on ambers... Sparking a fire that only our own extinctin will extinguish... I will not take responsibility for that... Will you ?

And you spoke of House Aquitaine and the blood spilt in the conquest of our Iberian holdings... I know full well the cost in lives of these conquests...

But what of the blood spilt in our fights in England ? What of the lives lost under my command ? What of your own Brother knight Bouchart, struck down by the English Prince ?
Don't you think these men deserve more than seeing the lands they've fought to conquer, handed down to lowly nobles squabbling among themselves, with no guarantee that their fights and their deaths have granted their Royaume any degree of safety ?

If only for these reasons, I'll stand against you on these matters... Your proposal is not judicious.

As to underestimate you, I don't know why you would think that.

[_Tristan_]

A herald walks forward, unrolls a parchment and begins reading.

"By the will of his Majesty, King Philippe,

The following Edict is presented to your vote.

Edict 3.2 : The city of London and the castles of Valencia and Pamplona are to be ratified.

Submission of requests of ownership are to be presented in this Conseil or to the King's Secretary.

L'an de Grâce 1110,

Sealed with the King's Seal

Par la Grâce de Dieu,

Philippe
Roi des Francs

[TinCow]

My King,

It appears that you agree that we would be hypocrites if we held the English lands after the excommunication has been lifted and our own provinces regained. Your difficulty lies in subjecting those people to the rule of local 'robber barons' in the event that the English are too thick-headed to accept peace in return for their lands.

I do believe this is another option which might satisfy this situation. Let us instead give those English lands to the Scots. They are our friends and the King of Scotland would surely rule those peoples fairly. I am certain we all desire an amicable relationship with those who live on that blasted island. If the English will not see reason, why not aid the Scots and establish their dynasty on the throne of England?

[_Tristan_]

Philippe nods to De Perronne.

I would be amenable to that, with the provision once again that an alliance be the counterpart in said deal. The Scots have demonstrated in the past how obdurate they could be... They have now been repaid by the attacks of the English on their Capital, perhaps it has put some sense in their thick skulls... I hope so, for otherwise we would be trading one evil for another...

And I care little to meet men dressed in skirts on the battlefield...

[Vladimir]

An excellent idea I'm ashamed I didn't think of myself. Let us give the English what they deserve, what will sustain our allies, and our brave men a good drink of wine. It is time to divest ourselves of this English venture. Trust our allies to the north. I just hope Edict 1.8 is in effect and our diplomat is within one season's ride of their capitol.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Charles enters..

Father and Nobles of the France,

I am Prince Charles. Some might know me alread but those who don't .. it's a great honor being here!

He nods and takes his seat..

[Ituralde]

I strongly support getting rid of the positions in England. Robert Bouchart followed me as Captain of the Order of the Fleur de Lys because he believed in the righteousness of bringing King William to justice in a Holy Crusade! He never wanted conquest or glory, just the satisfaction of having served his Lord in the greatest capacity possible under the guidelines of Edict E1.3. I will not see Robert Boucharts death used to justify a land grab in England!

[_Tristan_]

Hearing Montpierre's words, Philippe's anger rises.

Nor would I see him dead for nothing... Did Bouchart die so that some English noble with a stronger voice or more bravery than his neighbour claims the title of Nottingham or York or London ? Would we not have have replaced then an evil by another ? What does that stand in the eyes of God, whom you're so fond of calling upon ?

I'm always reminded by you and others that the Crusade on England was not called. Need I remind you that such a venture, though it had my favour at the time, did not have the full support of this body and was voted only by the slightest margin.

Need I also remind you that as we delayed until you Order knights prepared yourself and marched across half of Europe to join in the preparations. And that this delay diverted us from our course as the Moors entered our lands, with hardly a peaceful intent. How many here asked that a Crusade be called on the Moors instead ?

I would make a poor ruler were I to completely ignore the will of almost half my Royaume.

I will not let you insult the memory of Robert Bouchart by calling what he helped us accomplish a "land-grab".

Our duty is God's eyes is to provide to those that deserve and punish those who do not. We've accomplished the latter and we would fail in the first, were we to follow the course of action you propose to us.

At least, de Perrone's proposal has the merit of enabling us to gain something from our campaign, when I'm sorry to say that Bouchart's blood, your own brother knight, would have been shed for nothing if Edict 3.1 were meant to pass.

My purpose is not to keep to ourselves those English provinces. They would have their uses but as de Perrone reminded us, they might come at a cost. But I will not see them given away freely to men unfit to rule them, men that could themselves become threat to our Royaume in years to come.

[Ramses II CP]

First I wish to announce my candidacy for the position of Seneschal. I have observed my predecessors most carefully, and so my platform will be one open to input from all houses. Do not be shy in your suggestions.

With that in mind, I have several matters of importance to put forth. If I am elected Seneschal it will not be necessary to make these matters into edicts, I will enact them by virtue of my position.

1. The hiring of new mercenaries shall be capped at two companies per House for the duration of the term; requests to be submitted in writing and in public to the Seneschal in the Council chamber. The King is exempt from the cap, of course.

2. Peace will be accomplished with the English and the Germans. Agents shall be recruited to monitor the remaining English and German territories for warning signs of their intent to return to war. Economic development of the core of France will be the priority of my term following the declaration of peace, to that end I will ask that Barons owning cities request structures with that goal in mind.

3. A crusade against the Moors will be declared on terms similar to those proposed for the English crusade, but only after peace has been assured on at least one other front. Distribution of lands taken in the crusade will be done in a fair manner within the purview of the King's desires, of course.

4. A pair of diplomats shall be assigned solely to the task of maintaining France's good reputation with the Papacy.

Are there any other subjects on which the Council would like to hear my thoughts?

I will second edict 3.2.

:egypt:

[TinCow]

As it appears my suggestion has some support, I will propose it as law in the form I believe best.

Edict 3.3: All settlements in the British Isles will be given to Scotland. The Seneschal must attempt to obtain an alliance with Scotland in return for these settlements. However, if the Seneshal determines that the Scots will not agree to an alliance, no matter how favorable the deal, the Seneshal shall give the provinces to Scotland for whatever deal benefits France the most.

[AussieGiant]

I second Edict 3.3.

[Ituralde]

I second Edict 3.3. I'm done with the Isles, one way or another.

[Vladimir]

As it appears my suggestion has some support, I will propose it as law in the form I believe best.

Edict 3.3: All settlements in the British Isles will be given to Scotland. The Seneschal must attempt to obtain an alliance with Scotland in return for these settlements. However, if the Seneshal determines that the Scots will not agree to an alliance, no matter how favorable the deal, the Seneshal shall give the provinces to Scotland for whatever deal benefits France the most.

Perhaps we should reword the edict as such:

All settlements in the British Isles currently controlled by France will be given to Scotland. The Seneschal must attempt to obtain an alliance with Scotland in return for these settlements. However, if the Seneshal determines that the Scots will not agree to an alliance, no matter how favorable the deal, the Seneshal shall give the provinces to Scotland for whatever deal benefits France the most.

Were the original wording to stand, we would need to conquer all English settlements and destroy the faction entirely. Then we would turn all of these settlements over to someone who may not even wish to ally with us.

I agree, in spirit, of course, and will contribute whatever influence I can muster toward its end.

A lawyer? C'mon man. :clown:

[deguerra]

I am happy with either solution. Scots, England or otherwise. What I wish to avoid is permanent French holdings in Britain. Let us not meet the injustice of Guillaume with an injustice of our own.

[econ21]

My Lords, I thank the Duke of Lorraine for his service to the nation as Seneschal. And I wonder, do we have any among us who would stand for Seneschal? If so, I urge them to declare themselves and their manifestoes, so that they may be open to questions, debate with their rivals and set the agenda for this Conseil.

[KnightnDay]

Despite the obvious toll the Seneschal's position has taken on my good Duke of Lorraine, I shall offer to take up the mantle. Hence I declare my candidacy for the office.

If our good Prince Louis will allow, I shall state my platform based on the three positions he has taken.

First, I shall do more than limit the hiring of mercenaries, I will do what is in my power to eliminate them from the ranks so that we may depend on the good deeds of our own brave men. We have now several fine castles and I have no doubt that what men can be raised from them will make for adequate replacements for these expensive soldiers of dubious loyalties.

Second, I shall be aggressive in the pursuit of peace, but will be equally prepared to prosecute these wars to the fullest if our enemies refuse to see reason. Like all of you, I too mourn the loss of two noble men of the conseil. But my own recent victory near Magdeburg was won at a cost of men nearly a hundred-fold. Who grieves for them? You may not know their names as you do Lacaze and Bouchart, but their families do. Their friends do. Will you have me tell them their sons died to extract peace at any cost? I should hope not, and I would in turn not ask that of any man here.
And so, I say again, I shall offer to promote peace, but an honorable peace. A peace we will have if our foes will bargain in good faith.

Finally on the subject of a crusade against the Moors, if it is the will of the conseil this be done, then I shall furnish an army with the means to liberate the Iberian peninsula. But, any conquered lands of Iberia I shall urge be turned over to our Spanish allies. Since our honorable prince took his bride, we have forged a relationship by blood. We have the opportunity to do more and to demonstrate our good intentions through charity and demonstrate our bond with our Christian neighbor to the west.

With that, I stand ready to answer any questions that should be asked of me.

[Ramses II CP]

Firstly I would discourage Sir Mauvoisin from any additional napping during this session of the Council. My declaration of candidacy preceded his request by a fair amount of time.

Secondly I would encourage Sir de Saint-Amand to expand on his positions somewhat. Do you mean to ask current field armies to release their mercenaries from service? I intend, perhaps more circumspectly, to do the same. Indeed I volunteer to have all mercenaries in House Aquitaine forces disbanded at the end of the current session should I be elected Seneschal, as an example to the other Houses. Other Houses who volunteer similarly shall recieve priority in their requests for replacement recruits from our castles.

Thirdly I am curious to what further extent my opponent would have us prosecute the English war? Shall we conquer all of Albion and set up our own far flung kingdom there, as William attempted to do here? I do not favor such a course. The war with England is over. If they have the temerity to attack we should crush them, but if they merely sit back and fume then what purpose funding further armies and expeditions into their broken and destitute lands?

I believe there is an honorable peace to be hand with the German people. We have whittled away their Kaisers and the will of their nobles to fight as we have whittled away their nation. There must come a time when peace is preferrable to extermination. If the King wishes peace, if he trusts we have repaid their treachery, then peace can be found, I am certain of it.

The Council has spoken their will on the matter of a Moorish crusade already. I suggest that we put the matter of what to do with taken territory up to a vote. I vow to follow the results of such a vote no matter what they are; it is not the intent of my House to profit above others from a crusade as I believe we have repeatedly made abundantly clear.

For all the men lost in our campaigns I say a prayer, as I always have, but is it not also true that God granted us our positions for a purpose? The loss of a noble life is a matter of some weight, and it is fitting that we mourn our own friends, our own sort, even as the friends and kind of our soldiers mourn theirs. All these lives are given freely for France. We are the descendants of warriors and we follow a King who wears a lion's heart in battle! Some blood must fall so that the glory of God and Franks surpasses all others. Weep, yes, but do not turn aside from battles. Peace at any cost has not passed the lips of any man here.

I mean to bring peace to our enemies at the point of our sword, and to maintain us in such strength that it would be folly for them to come against us. Surely the world itself trembles at the thought of France whole and enraged. If they do not, they will, most especially the heathens and infidels, cowering filth that they are.

Louis voice rings with passion as he finishes his speech, and still he casts a wry glance in the direction of the founder of the Order at the end.

:egypt:

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I have listened and thought about what has been said here..

Firstly, Louis, good luck with your candidacy.

Secondly, I do not support the idea of leaving territories we conquered in England to English or Scots. Like Louis said .. "Shall we conquer all of Albion and set up our own far flung kingdom there, as William attempted to do here?" .. Perhaps not a kingdom but Duchy instead? To the commoners in England it shouldn't matter whether we rule them or successors of William.

Thirdly, I do not support calling a crusade against the Moors. Crusades shouldn't be called so easily. If we should call against every enemy we have .. Well.. That's just stupid. If people want Crusade then call one against those heathens who control Jerusalem! Instead calling crusade we should help our Allies, Spanish, there with our money. If we take more and more land there this will most certainly upset our Christian brothers there.

Fourthly, I hate Germans! .. Just so that everyone knows that.. However, it's time to end this war with them.

[KnightnDay]

On the question of mercenaries, I did indeed intend that our armies should replace them with men of our own. It is good that we find common ground in this matter.

On the question of the prosecution of the English war, you say it is over. And when did it end? Ah yes, I had forgotten, it ended after the last English soldier was hurled from the cliffs in your last battle. But highness, I must be the one to tell you their friends have picked up the sword and cry out for vengeance in light of such acts. Will the English king look to an earnest settlement with a people represented by one whose reputation is tarnished by a certain degree of…dare I say it, brutality?

As to my own conduct, my acts on the battlefield speak of a respect for my adversaries. I believe that they in turn respect that and would be more inclined to treat with us.

Regarding the Germans, I have come to know them quite well now, in the course of my rule in Frankfurt and on the battlefields to our east. It may come as a surprise for some to know that they blame us for initiating this war. Now do not mistake what I say as questioning how this dispute began, I simply point out what they believe to be true. And revenge is what is on their minds at the moment, not peace for a province and several thousand florins. These people are not broken, nor deterred. No matter how many of the men who call themselves Kaiser perish, they are determined to come at us. Forget not, these are the descendants of Attila, the man who brought down the greatest empire of its day. It is why a pope now sits on the throne in Rome rather than a man with the title of Caesar.

Naturally the decision of the disposition of Moorish lands and indeed ones in England are best discussed within these walls. I have stated what I would favor in Iberia, but it is a decision which quite naturally must be one that has support of our greater body.

Men of the conseil, you have heard the voices of but two men who ask to serve you in our good name. One day, the voice of one of them will most likely be heard from the very throne upon which his majesty Philippe now sits. But it is not this day. I ask in this moment, consider our respective nature as you have had the opportunity to observe it and ask yourselves which is closer to the virtues necessary for guiding this body should be.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

de Saint-Amand, Germans sent their army on our lands. They used supplies from our villages and warmed themselves in the homes of our people. If this is not act of hostility then I don't know what is! They are responsible for all the misery that fell upon them!

[econ21]

Hermant stands up sheepishly.

My Prince, I wish you well in your candidacy and apologise for failing to acknowledge it. I arrived belatedly at these proceedings and my mind must have been still drifting somewhere on the Channel when I skimmed the transcript of the session so far. Unless speeches proposed Edict 3.this or seconded Edict 3.that, I fear I may have overlooked them. I will study your words more carefully, in future, your Royal Highness.

I am also pleased to hear of Thomas's candidacy - a contest is healthy for our governance.

On the matter of mercenaries, I would just caution that their cost often reflects their quality.

Is there any settlement in this land that can afford to outfit its own foot sergeants in mail? I suspect not and if so, there is a case for employing mercenary spearmen. A smaller number of higher quality men is especially attractive in situations such as bridge defences and sieges, where an army's full numbers cannot be brought to bear. I note that many of our victories against superior odds tend to be battles of this kind.

Additionally, it should be noted that mercenary crossbowmen can outrange the best crossbowmen France can train. I believe this consideration may make them a good buy.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

This mercenary issue have made me think and..

I propose

Edict 3.4 Mercenary units can not garrison any settlements.

As I've heard, sometimes the best way to leave a garrison to a newly conquered settlement is recruiting some mercenaries. However, this is just stupid way to waste money. Also, it's known that loyalty of mercenaries will change if offered more money than you can give them.

[OverKnight]

While his lord is still absent, Reeves posts a list (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=2356625&postcount=3) of the proposed legislation.

[Marcus Agrippa]

My lords,

We have fought and gained great victories and land. I salute your accomplishments.
However our lands are simple and basic. I believe peace and investment would bring us riches to enhance our cities and castles to bring technological advancement.
We have finished our business on Albion and we should tie up lose ends.
Trade with the Engish and an alliance with the Scots would benifit us more than conflict and subjugation.
To this I propose:

Edict 3.5: 1.The liberation of Edinburgh by force of arms or trade of London, to be settled in the next senechals term.
2.Edinburgh should be returned to Scottish ownership Along with York for an Alliance.

I should ask the counsel Consider war with the Moors to be perferable for any future expansion.
I believe we need to improve what we have and not expand any further, but our more restless nobles could put their efforts to the Moors where we have a war already.

[Braden]

I second Edict 3.4

[_Tristan_]

Mes Seigneurs,

What I hear in this Conseil makes me wonder if the nobility of France didn't have its brain addled by too many battles and suffered too many strokes to the head...

I've already stated my opposition to Edict 3.1 and the grounds on which I base such an opposition. Furthermore said Edict would require me to turn tail most dishonourably, something which I will not do.

On the matter of mercenaries, they are expedient. True they are onerous... But with that cost comes professionalism, something which our own army still lacks. Can we field crossbowmen other than poorly trained militia ?
As to thier loyalty, mercenaries are loyal to coin, so, as long as we cn provide they'll be loyal to us... And frankly, if they were not in our service, they would be in the service of our enemies as has been evidenced in Pamplona : where did you think the defenders got their reinforcements from ? I remember my son Louis wondering about the disappearance of the mercenary companies in Iberia... He ought to have look at our enemies' lines. The almost same thing happened here in England and was partly cause of the death of Robert Bouchart.

And as I said in the beginning, they are expedient. None of the proposed legislation takes into account the needs of our generals in the field. What if one general, at the front, needed some reinforcements with only mercenaries available and Louis' proposal was in effect, and his House had already received its quota ? Then he would be left stranded and certainly defeated and maybe killed ? What if riots threatened in one of our border provinces and the only ting that could restore order would be the recruitment and garrisoning of the city by some mercenay company ? Edict 3.4 would prevent this.

Edict 3.5 doesn't make much sense as it does not state its intent clearly. Why march against Edinburgh when the will of this august body is to abandon the British Isles to their own devices ?

Edict 3.3 is the only edicts which finds grace to my eyes. Though I'm not sure this is the correct course of action, it had least provides a sensible solution to our disentanglement from the Isles.

Thus, when I consider all that I've stated, and with no disrespect intended to my son Louis or Thomas de St-Amand, I will exercise my prerogative and nominate myself to the position of Senechal.

I expect the full cooperation of all Houses in the years to come and await your proposed legislation as to what you feel should be the course we must set in the next term for our Kingdom.

[Braden]

*Henri stands and looks at the gathered Council before he speaks his shoulders slump somewhat*

So, my King, this is your right of course and I will honour this.

*Clearly mixed emotions ride on Henri's face but he contains them and sits down*

[Ramses II CP]

Though it is not necessary I will withdraw my candidacy and issue my fullest support to my father. France will be in the best of hands!

I also wish to propose Edict 3.6

A Crusade shall be declared against the Moors within this Seneschal's term with the intent of reclaiming Iberia for Christendom. Provinces taken in the Crusade shall be considered ratified at the time of conquest. This edict recommends but does not require that the lands be returned to the Spanish.

:egypt:

[Ibn-Khaldun]

No!

I am against this "crusade"! Just like I said we should help Spanish with money rather than call a crusade. It's their land and not ours. If we go there with our armies then it will most likely worsen our relations with the Spanish kingdom!

Or is that what you want, Louis? First you go against the Moors and take their lands. After that you make the Spanish to attack us and take their lands as well? You are not religious person, that I know. So, I wonder why you want this crusade so much?

[deguerra]

I agree with both of you. I think a crusade, finally against a worthy opponent, is an effective measure. At the same time I think it should NOT involve more senseless land-grabbing such as is occurring in England despite all the many previous cries that it was only William we were after. HAH.

So Crusade yes, and return the lands to the Spaniards. Just as the English lands should be returned to a British sovereign, be he English or Scottish.

[TinCow]

*Christophe smiles wryly at Gontran de Linars.*

A most astute observation, sir. I would not wish my edict withdrawing France from those blasted rocks to be used as an excuse for further conquests there. I hereby adopt your suggestion and reword Edict 3.3 as follows:

Edict 3.3: All settlements in the British Isles currently controlled by France will be given to Scotland. The Seneschal must attempt to obtain an alliance with Scotland in return for these settlements. However, if the Seneshal determines that the Scots will not agree to an alliance, no matter how favorable the deal, the Seneshal shall give the provinces to Scotland for whatever deal benefits France the most.

Oh, and I also I hereby second Edict 3.2.

[deguerra]

In line with my above statements, I propose

Edict 3.7

If a Crusade is called on the Moors, via Edict 3.6 or otherwise, all lands conquered on the Iberian peninsula are to be returned to the Kingdom of Spain

[Ramses II CP]

Louis gives his little brother a look of very clear amusement before replying.

I second edict 3.7 and edict 3.3 as amended.

If my prior comments were not sufficient to answer your absurd concern, dear princeling, I trust that second takes care of the matter. The Spaniards are too weak to benefit from financial support, we must aid my wife's people directly.

Furthermore your comments on my faith are unworthy of reply and, quite frankly, insulting in the extreme. If a man challenged me so he would face my answer on the point of my sword. Think twice before you charge me with heathenish impulses again. I am a man of God and none may question that with impunity.

With a raised eyebrow Louis continues, now addressing Charles directly in a low, mock conspiratorial tone,

Does Nana know you're in here? I wouldn't have you in trouble with your minder little duckling. Why don't you run along and make sure it's okay?

:egypt:

[Cecil XIX]

I believe I am in need of a clarification.

If I recall correctly, our charter states that the King's perogative is to appoint himself chancellor, not nominate. Surely his higness meant the former?

[Vladimir]

I wish to support the modified Edict 3.3, Edict 3.2, Edict 3.6, Edict 3.7, and...um can I do that?

*looks to Kip, who shrugs*

*mumbles*

"What we really need is an edict for a damn brothel."

[Braden]

I also second Edict 3.7

[_Tristan_]

If I recall correctly, our charter states that the King's perogative is to appoint himself chancellor, not nominate. Surely his higness meant the former?

And surely you meant Senechal, Duc Raymond ? We're not Reichlanders...

:clown:
Don't forget I'm no native speaker and can't speak "Legalite"... Nominate = appoint in my view...

[Braden]

I would support Edict 3.6 but I feel it goes too far, especially in light of the fact that our next Seneschal is to be the King himself.

This is not an offence to you however, my father, but merely I feel the Edict should focus on getting a Crusade approved, provinces pre-ratified and an intended scope of the Crusade. Should this be all Iberian provinces held by the Moors for example?

On the question of lands being returned to the Spanish, you know my feelings on this matter so again I agree with the Edict in so much as it goes not as far as I wished, but I feel it is not needed in an Edict anymore. Lands ratified will pass to the King, who is also Seneschal, and therefore I believe that in this case he will do what is the best course in this matter. Greatly improved relations with Spain would be a significant boon and should it be chosen to use these Iberian provinces as part of enhancing that relationship I will not stand in its way.

Spain is a “land-neighbour” of our lands and it is important to deal with them well for they have not shown us any disregard.

For those that find my comments at odds somewhat with my own comments regarding the provinces in England…well, I hope it is known now that I do not care for England and purely wish it back in true English hands. Should Edict 3.1 fail then I am heartened to know there are other similar Edicts which mention granting such holdings to Scotland even and I am thankful for them. I hope at least one comes to pass.

[Ramses II CP]

Without 3.6 the lands taken will not be ratified and must wait until a formal Council session to be returned to the Spanish... in my understanding of the law anyway.

Our relations with Spain are near perfect I assure you. My wife reports to her family regularly on the excellence of our ties at my insistence.

:egypt:

[Marcus Agrippa]

My Lords I am dismayed you can not find the purpose on my edict.
I made it quite clear that it will stablies our north and pave the way for trade.
Scotland should be whole and stronger to diswade the English from war.
Unless we are to become conquers we need to make allies and establish trade to allow us to improve our lands. I may also point out that we can train superior soldiers to the mercenaries currently available if we improve our training grounds.
Also the crusade should be against north Africa as we would gain land that would support a future crusade to our holy lands.

[TinCow]

I second Edict 3.6.

[OverKnight]

Hugues enters the Conseil, looking much healthier than in previous years.

I second Edict 3.4. If we must use mercenaries, let them fight for their pay.

I am also intrigued by the idea of offering the Scots land in England. We are overextended and gaining an ally for a buffer would be wise.

[TheFlax]

A young man in pompous and extravagant clothing enters the Conseil and waits shyly for some measure of silence before speaking.

Seigneurs de France!

I present myself, Barbus Selvio, former member of the Venetian Doge's extended family and now husband to the fair Constance, daughter of our great King. I apologize for not presenting myself here sooner, but there were some familial... matters... to attend to in Italy.

Now then, I do not wish to bore you with a long discourse, but let me say I am in awe over what you have accomplished, first in your war against the Holy Roman Empire and then in your war against the English. Truly, your bravery and prowess is unmatched mes Seigneurs and it does me at great honor and pleasure to join your ranks.

Nodding to the assembly, Barbus takes a seat.

[Braden]

*Henri stands and acknowledges Barbus’ entrance*

I thank my….brother…for his words praising our actions thus far and trust such honour and bravery is to be matched by his own in the near future.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Charles looks towards Louis..

I may be young but at least I know how to make sons!

Turning towards Barbus Selvio..

So, what took you so long to get here? Made some money or 'bought' another princess on your way here?
I really don't understand why Constance chose you! Venetian from all people!!

Charles shakes his head..

[AussieGiant]

Alain leans back in his chair and gives the young Charles an exaggerate thumbs up signal.

He mouths the word "Nice".

[_Tristan_]

Philippe acknowledges the arrival of Barbus Selvo with a nod and a smile.

Welcome to our Conseil, Barbus... I hope that you'll make you feel at home... Though knowing your bride, a change from home must be what you're looking for...

Philippe's face then becomes more more grave.

Mes Seigneurs,

I think it is time to take stock of our conquests. We've achieved much during my reign and under the guidance of our Senechaux.

We have reconquered the land lost to the children of Charlemagne and to our former vassal Guillaume, surpassing even the accomplishments of our greatest ancestor.

France is truly blessed by God, as is proven in our successes against the English.

And yet, I've heard many among you wish that we surrender these conquests. On what grounds, mes Seigneurs ?

To act contrite of having brought down the heretic Guillaume ? To prove to our neighbours and to the world that we feel guilty for our actions ?

I cannot understand you stance. Only a few years ago, Guillaume, my former vassal, laid a claim to my crown, trying to enforce it by force of arms. Don't we have a right as victors to the spoils ? Is that not the way to treat the lands and the people that raised their arms against us ?

Moreover, I do not wish to set a precedent. For if we were to relinquish our English holdings to their former masters or to the Scots, what should we be prepared to cede ? Valencia to Spain ? Nuremburg, Bern or Staufen to the Reich ? Marseille to the Milanese ? Hamburg to Danemark ? Magdeburg to Poland ?

For I tell you, if we begin given away our conquests, we'll soon find beggars at our doors.

In this light, I wish to propose the following legislation :

Proclamation 3.1 :The borders of France will be fixed upon their boundaries of 1100. No territories comprised between these borders can be given, sold or otherwise exchanged to another Kingdom (OOC : faction) but through a 2/3 vote of the Conseil authorizing it. If lost through an act of war, all efforts will be implemented so that any of those territories are reconquered by the end of the term in which it was lost or at the latest the first half of the next term, if the territory was lost in the second half of the term. All Edicts contradictory to this Proclamation will be considered null and void.

This should keep the "beggars" at bay and help us have the manpower to defend our conquest and launch the Crusade that so many of you wish for.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I second Proclamation 3.1

[Vladimir]

Forgive me, my prince, but one cannot second a proclamation by the king. If he proclaims it, it is law. The only issue is determining if he has the authority to do so.

[AussieGiant]

"It is not a precedent your Majesty. We can do what we like wiz ze land we 'ave taken.

Ze simple fact is, we went in wiz a stated aim which we achieved. Zat aim was not to take land but deal wiz William. Well, 'e's been dealt wiz, and now we conveniently take ze land?

Giving it back to ze English or Scottish would show us to be 'onourable in our aims and not tempted by ze need for more land and power.

In ze mean time, we 'ave taken ze lands off ze English in France proper. Somezing zat can be understood and seen by Christendom as reasonable and our right.

Ze rest seems to occur very transparently as a grab for power while ze English were momentarily out of favour wiz ze Pope. Somezing zat 'as been resolved wiz Williams deaz.

As for beggars, well, 'NO' can be an answer to zeir pleas."

[Marcus Agrippa]

Alexandre stands to be heard by the king, A concerned look upon his face.

Mon Roi,
I have to ask what your intention is for the future of France. Your named the chivalrous and you deserve that title. However since war with the Holy Roman empire began, you have avocated that we conquor with few limits. Now you tell us we should keep lands that are far flung and difficult to protect.
What happens when other kingdoms decide that our garrisons are so small that they can take what they want with little effort.
We have few trade routes few allies and an army we have to pay more for, than if we trained our own.
If they wish to blocade our ports we have few ships to defend us.
We have war on three fronts that seem to have no end.
If you have a master plan please elaborate because this counsel seems split between sense and loyalty.

Having said his peace Alexandre bows and sits eagerly awaiting the kings response.

[Ituralde]

Simon nods at the words of Alain de Rohan.

[OverKnight]

Hugues nods as well.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe listens attentively to the objections.

I hear you well, mes Seigneurs... But tell me how honourable would it be for us to relinquish the hold we have over those English provinces to the Scots who are themselves at war with England ? Would it be honourable to turn those people over to some of their fiercest enemy ? Is that how you see honour and chivalry ? I do not... What I know is that under our rule, the people of England will prosper as much as our own, that they'll be treated fairly... Do we have such guarantees if we turn them over to the Scots ? Do we even have these guarantees if we release them to the descendants of Guillaume ? Will he not exert upon them his vengeance for having submitted to our rule, for not having fought back ?

Maybe some of our neighbours will see our work in England as self-centered but in our hearts, and more importantly in God's eye, we will be doing what is honourable and right so I say let them see us the way they want to see us... The more important is knowing that we'll be recognized for our deeds on Judgment Day.

And Sieur LeSueur, may I remind you that the war against the Reich was started by an aggression upon my very person and that following God's Will as expressed by His Holiness, I ordered a cessation of hostilities which were started again upon the Kaiser's excommunication. Hence the war in the East is based upon the same grounds as the war in Albion.

Around us, Kingdoms and Duchies fall prey to heresy... Heretics march upon our lands... But through all this, France remains as a bastion of faith, a beacon to those who would seek shelter...

Who are we to refuse it to those who require it ? Is that the conduct of a true Christian ?

Or are you, mes Seigneurs, acting out of spite, because the Crusade that so many of you required against Guillaume has been nipped in the bud ? And your dreams of glory with it ? Why is it only Albion that occupy your mind and about which you wish us to turn tail and run ? Out of some strategic insight ? Then tell me what position is the more threatened : Nuremberg which can be assailed by Imperial armies from almost all corners of the Earth ? Or our English provinces which are assailable from the North and West only and can provide for themselves in matters of recruitment ? How come none of you demands the return of those provinces to the Reich or Denmark or Poland ? Wouldn't that prove, as you claim, to our neighbours, that we have accomplished until now is not a land-grab ? Let me hear you on these mattters, my Lord.

Nevertheless, mes Seigneurs, I hear your words and I understand your fears that our Royaume may flounder against too many enemies. Do not forget that we are favoured by God, as has been proven countless times, defeating insurmountable odds here and there... To adress your concerns, I'd be willing to amend my Proclamation to reflect the changes you deem necessary to make our Royaume more defendable. But I wish you take time to consider my words and the necessity for us to provide to the needy, for the salvation of their souls...

[Braden]

Father,

I hear your words and they sound reasoned and sensible. However, many of us here hear such words and just think of “Imperial” aggression, of a need to conquer and control rationalised by words which sound appeasing to the ear yet we still fear them for there is a real possibility that such noble words can be used to gain something abhorrent to someone as worthy as yourself.

Beware Father, when you rethink what you propose here, of what will become of those people and those lands should your noble thoughts be perverted.

Far harder is it to stay your hand now but far easier than attempting to make amendment should this all turn to folly. The only enemy I fear is God and his wrath my father, this is why I wished England to be in English hands be they their own local Duc’s or their own new King.

For sure we can say we will rule the English well and justly, but perhaps were they not the words that Bastard William used when he sailed for that land? Have the English exchanged one yoke born of France for yet another? What of a call for their country in their own hands?

There is no right by birth or Gods will that says we have claim to their lands.

I await a reworded Proclamation 3.1 before commenting further.

[AussieGiant]

"Many questions your majesty, but not many answers.

We called a crusade 'ere in zis Council because ze premise was to take down William. It wasn't called.

Not only were we uninterested in English land on ze island, we chose to use ze Pope's displeasure and excommunication as ze reason to even go to Albion.

Zere is no reason to stay given we committed to ze reason for going so clearly. Unless of course we are shanging our minds?"

[Marcus Agrippa]

My king,

If you intend to extend our protection to lands far and wide then tell us and make provitions to govern and protect what we have and what we gain.
I have watched as nobles have been attacked and seeing a weakness in the enemy conquered their lands.
I believe making allies and trade partners provides wealth to improve France and prevents us over extending our forces. What if armies from farther east take advantage of the Reichs weakness they could swamp us or attack lands under protected by us.
The Reich provides a buffer till we increase our forces if they can defend themselves.
Albion and Spanish provinces have few defenders. England has a force in the north and lands north and west. Plus you may have noticed Albion is surrounded by English lands and nations across the sea who may see their opertunaty for easy expansion.

Like I said I don't doubt your character my king but if you see heretics and wish to free them by taking their lands we must do it with more thought. Less we bite off more than we can chew.

[Ituralde]

My intention in going to Albion was to punish their heretic leader. I was attacked that this was nothing but an ill disguised landgrab and that the Order wishes only for power. To show the sincerety of my claims I promised that the mission against William was not for land. I stand by what I have said and will support any Edict that relieves us of those English posessions.

[Ramses II CP]

Charles looks towards Louis..

I may be young but at least I know how to make sons!

Turning towards Barbus Selvio..

So, what took you so long to get here? Made some money or 'bought' another princess on your way here?
I really don't understand why Constance chose you! Venetian from all people!!

Charles shakes his head..

Louis winks in Charles' direction,

As do I dear boy, as do I! It is only my wife who lacks this ability, and my daughters are suitable to serve France. I daresay little Heloise may be a match for your courage already.

For my part I welcome good Sir Selvo, and salute his courage. He has tackled an adversary more terrible than the English by far!

As for Proclamation 3.1, it is writ by the hand of the King whose authority descends directly from God. As such it has my unwavering support, but I wish also to acknowledge the very great nobility of Mon Roi in agreeing to listen to the Council's suggestions. It is a testament to the might of the Franks that we can come together to make such matters acceptable to all.

Louis bows to his father and resumes his seat in silence, with a troubled look on his face.

:egypt:

[Vladimir]

*Gontran looks down at his papers*

*looking up*

The word of mon Roi descends from God but gold comes from the treasury. While London is a potentially profitable city, it and the rest of the isle will take considerable investment. Look at the poor condition of our trading cities. For centuries we suffered from Dark Ages brought about by the rise of the heretic, many of whom reside in Iberia. Our lands are fertile and our people are proud, but our cities are laughable. Let us restore our lands to our former glory and beyond before we invest so much in foreign lands. The occupation of England will restrict desperately needed funds and cause additional burdens for our Seneschal. We've recently seen how oppressive those duties are.

[deguerra]

It will come as no surprise that I agree entirely with the objections to the Proclamation that have been put before this Conseil in better words than I could find.

There are two answers to these objections put forward:

1. That it is a proclamation from our sovereign and beyond doubt. If that is the case, so be it and may God have mercy on our souls.

2. That it is equally or more honourable to keep Albion than hand it to the Scots. This fails on two counts.

Firstly, a French master is equally, if not more alien to the English than a Scottish one, and Scotland and England are no more blood enemies than are England and France.

Secondly, it ignores the alternative proposals which have been made, namely to return the lands to the English or to give them independence of all three.

[OverKnight]

Reeves speaks.

My Lords, I have been informed that the time for the proposing and seconding of Legislation has passed. Voting will begin shortly.

OOC: Zim has asked me to handle the voting thread for this session.

[Vladimir]

Chevaliers, forgive me. I was buried in legislative matters and did not read Edict 3.7 carefully enough. Therefore, I withdraw my support.

[deguerra]

Come and see the violence inherent in the system...Seigneurs I believe we have just been turned from a body with some, albeit limited legislative power to the insignificant audience in a Capetin puppet play.

Not only that, but we have not even been offered the dignity of an explanation, let alone a justification. It is a good thing too, that our brave Kings are appointed by God himself, lest we start to question their sanity and fitness to hold power.

Of course, perhaps such divine providence is less strong than we might think. After all, did not Guillaume of England and a succession of German Kaisers make similar claims, only to find themselves swiftly excommunicated and at the wrong side of a coffin.

But of course, such things could not happen to Philipe the Honourable, mighty ruler of the mighty Franks. His providence, worldly or divine is beyond question. So if I may, I will take my seat and enjoy the show.

[Ramses II CP]

Louis absorbs the implications of the veto silently before announcing,

Mon Roi it was not necessary to veto a measure I proposed, had you but asked I would have withdrawn it. To those who would complain I point out that this power was granted the King as a part of the foundation of this body; his mandate to veto underlies and empowers our own mandate to propose law. The two cannot be split without irreparable harm to both.

:egypt:

[OverKnight]

Hugues speaks.

This is not an auspicious beginning. The King is within his rights to veto legislation. However, as with his announcement of his taking the office of Seneschal, I wish it had been done in a more timely fashion.

I also would have liked an explanation rather than a terse statement by a minor functionary (OOC: Hi Zim! :laugh4:)

With such a interesting beginning to his Majesty's term, I'm sure the Conseil will have to be vigilant for the rest of it.

[TinCow]

Christophe frowns.

Perhaps I should see to it that my own veto is properly oiled and sharpened.

[Vladimir]

Christophe frowns.

Perhaps I should see to it that my own veto is properly oiled and sharpened.

Oh, my friend. Perhaps you should be less gloomy and focus more on "weapon maintenance." Marseilles will soon have the facilities to do so.

[AussieGiant]

Alain leans forward.

So in essence ze King has now added London, Valencia and Pamploma to his 'oldings, mercenaries are not able to garrison and if a Crusade is called, all land is to be 'anded to ze Spanish.

Ze only zing zath seems unpalatable to ze King is ze last piece of legislation.

I am sure ze flexibility our new Seneschal 'as will be most revealing in ze coming term.

We shall wait wiz baited breaz as to what to do next.

[Braden]

*Henri now stands. He looks visibly upset*

My Lords,

I would be lying if I did not say that I am distressed about these developments. Whilst it was a shame my father felt it necessary to announce that he would be Seneschal, it was a more than acceptable choice. Not only as it was his given right to do so but, not intending any offence, perhaps the King deemed the potential candidates not sufficient.

However, we now find that my father has veto’d three of the seven proposed Edicts? This leaves us with what?? My dreams of a crusade against the Moors now gone, even though only last session the King was SO strongly in favour of it, we are FORCED to become occupiers of Albion also with all that entails.

My lords…we became invaders not only to depose Guilliam who had fallen so far as to have become Excommunicated by His Holiness, but also to free our historic lands from the English yoke. We did both those things…but…for our shame we have now become the worse sort of invader. Unbidden, unwanted, perhaps even unwelcome. We have seized not only provinces but the very core of another free kingdom.

Whichever way this is dressed up my lords this is a sorry day. We had the might and the right to do what we did but do we have the RIGHT to continue on this course? Where did our intentions to depose Guilliam and free the English disappear to?

Where stands Edict 3.7 now? We have no Edict to pursue the Moors into Iberia and yet the Edict stands, does it stand as a proof for us should we now embark on war into the peninsular?

I am very interested to hear from our King his vision for the next years in his direct charge.

However shocked and upset I am at this time, the King is my father and as such I can only believe his intentions are honourable. Is all expansion now to cease, all wars to be addressed and peace be forced by any means needed? Perhaps this is what is planned for us now and perhaps my father felt that only he could have the authority to prevent some of us…

*Henri casts a glance to his elder brother*

…from pursuing more personal agenda’s for personal gain.

*Henri bows and sits, far more composed than when he stood*

[TinCow]

It seems that many in this body feel as I do about the King's actions. Perhaps it is time to express our displeasure in the manner to which we are entitled by law. I encourage all nobles to refuse to aid the King in the occupation of England. All nobles in England should return to the continent, with all military strength they possess. I further urge that all nobles deny the King the use of their provinces for the purposes of recruitment to defend the English provinces. If the King wants England so badly, let him hold it himself with his own resources. The Counseil is more than capable of governing France while the King is off in the north gratifying his personal ambitions.

[Braden]

*Henri’s face turns ashen and he mutters to himself*

..oh my…

[Vladimir]

*Gontran mutters orders to his squire, who then bolts out of the hall*

:blank:

[TinCow]

Christophe raises an eyebrow.

Is what I suggest really so attrocious? The voting shows that this body overwhelmingly supports a complete withdrawal from England. Indeed, only one noble in all of France voted against Edict 3.1, and only two voted against Edict 3.3. We are clearly all agreed on the situation, yet the King has chosen to pursue his own course on this matter in direct affront to the near unanimous agreement of the nobility.

This is not England. The King of France does not tell us what to do in our own lands. We are sovereign in our territory which we hold by rights independent of the Crown. We are free BY LAW to deny the King the support of our lands if we disagree with his policies. Indeed, this very fact may be why the King seeks to rule all of England. In that country, the King rules absolute and his nobles can be countermanded even in their own homes. If Philippe prefers to be King of England rather than King of France, so be it. Let him go and rule that island. I, for one, choose to remain a Frenchman.

[Braden]

*Henri seems nervous but rises to speak anyway*

My Lord..erm…I can only speak for myself in this matter.

Atrocious? Perhaps not, but the King is my father and his blood flows in my veins also so such organised disobedience perhaps not only threatens the King but also myself.

I find myself disagreeing with the King but honour-bound to be loyal to my family.

I believe an English Sergeant in my mercenary company has a saying “Trapped between a rock and a hard place”, I believe it quite apt for my predicament at this time.

So, you must understand my shock at your proposal.

*Henri sits again with a sigh*

[AussieGiant]

Alain takes a moment to hold the gaze of Raymond and Hugues.

[Vladimir]

Alain takes a moment to hold the gaze of Raymond and Hugues.

*Gontran's mind is filled with the vision of Alain's eyes in separate directions, one eye on each person*


:dizzy:

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I really don't see what is the problem?
My father, the King, used his right to veto Edicts he didn't like.
Previous Kings have done it so .. why can't he do it?

[OverKnight]

Hugues nods to Alain, and turns to Charles.

The King is within his rights to veto Edicts. The rub is that he vetoed popular Edicts. With a stroke of the quill, he wiped out almost half of the Legislation that we spent days crafting and debating. On top of this his Majesty did not grace us with an explanation.

So the King is within his rights, but we would be within our rights as well to register our consternation by certain acts. Some have been mentioned by Baron de Perrone: Denial of recruitment and armies. I might also add another: Lowering of taxes.

Finally, we have the option of Impeachment, but only if the King steps beyond his rights as Seneschal.

[AussieGiant]

Indeed, zere are a number of effective options available at this time.

I am wondering if zey are necessary.

[KnightnDay]

The explanation of recent events by our king may go far in telling us in whether they are necessary. I did not take offense when he decided to assume position of seneschal as it was his legal right.

But his action to oppose such clear positions of the conseil is a most troubling one. Defiance in the face of an enemy is one thing. This is quite different.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe strides into the Conseil and settles himself upon the Throne.

Mes Seigneurs,

Long have I debated with you in these very chambers the way I considered our role in England. I hoped you might see things my way not as occupiers like many of you try to portray us (or rather portray me) but as a safeguard against the depredations the British sovereigns (be they Scottish or English) might have wreaked upon the people of the land you wanted us to give back to them.

As I stated many times here, I would not suffer it. The English people will soon find the French rule preferable to that of Guillaume or his descendants. They will soon live in an era of unprecedented prosperity, if you allow me to conduct my policies to their fullest extent.

But this prosperity is not destined to England alone. For I intend to sue for peace with our neighbours or at least maintain a vigilant watch behind our borders. But this can only be accomplished if you, mes Seigneurs, cooperate with your sovereign, instead of being the grain of sand in what I expect to be a well-oiled machinery.

This era of prosperity can only be accomplished also if we do not seek to lead wars in distant lands. Hence my opposition to the proposed crusade. I think we've already proven to God and His representative on Earth, His Holiness Gregoire, that France was a faithful vassal of the Church and have no need to request any Crusade on Heathen lands to prove our faith. However, should His Holiness call for a Crusade against the Moors or with the purpose of freeing the Holy Land from the Muslim yoke, I will not oppose the wish of any noble that would wish to answer the call and provide as any help as the Royaume will be able to provide.

And de Perronne, I'd like you to remember by whose grace you find yourself holding lands. Bordeaux fell under your rule because my son pleaded with me to grant it to him so that he could offer it to you in return for your service. Now, you would betray my trust and that of my son by calling your fellow nobles to join in what seems almost like a rebellion against the Crown.

I do not think to hold the absolute truth. Am I not the first of French sovereigns to give so much powers to his vassals over their lands or the ruling of the country ? Don't you trust your King to lead the country to the best of his abilities without tying his hands with Edicts that dictate our foreign policy ?

I have used my powers of veto simply to free my hands from the bonds you tried to put to them in dealing with the foreign powers. On matters of internal policy such as the use of mercenaries or the ratification of conquests, I let the majority rule.

Speaking of which, it came to my attention that many among you who wish to be separated from England (looks at de Peronne and Henri) nevertheless have voted for the ratification of London or am I mistaken ? Perhaps I am and you wished only to ratify our Iberian holdings but got waylaid by the fact that they were tied to the ratification of one of our English conquests. So please, mes Seigneurs, spare me your lessons on our legitimacy in England and I'll spare you some about Spain.

[Braden]

Father,

Simply put I voted in favour of ratifying those provinces in England so that you would be able to do as you pleased with them...or rather as Seneschal.

Point is, without full ratification, could we fully negotiate legally for their trade to our benefit.

[deguerra]

Mon roi, simply put, I have no confidence in your grand plan of bringing peace to the poor oppressed of Europe. Firstly, because I have seen no details of any sort of plan. Indeed, it appears to be your policy to present this chamber with facts already implemented, rather than with plans. Others may follow you out of trust alone, I will not.

Secondly, I do not believe that we can secure this prosperity you wish us to see. Already, the English people are threatened again by Viking raiders. How is this security? More importantly, why is it the business of good French nobles to defend the sons of Albion at the cost of many French lives?

Let me say it simply: If we had not invaded Albion, we would now not find ourselves in yet another pointless war! Where will it end? Do we invade Scandinavia? And then Poland? And then the lands of the Rus?

We are squandering time, we are squandering money and we are squandering lives for what, with all due respect, I cannot see as more than your personal ambition.

I once again encourage all nobles to refuse to continue aiding the defence of Albion and to return to our homeland immediately.

[econ21]

My King, I regret that I have promised to serve my Duc this term and am no longer on active duty with the Order Company. If my Duc wishes me to assist you in fighting off the Norsemen, I would be honoured to serve under you again. However, Duc Raymond had planned for me to return to Dijon. I will consult with him and report back.

[OOC: Cecil is moving Hermant this term.]

[KnightnDay]

"May I inquire of his majesty what became of the spear company he reported to have recruited in Frankfurt? I see no evidence of any troops within its walls."

[Ramses II CP]

Aquitaine is honored to have Pamplona added to her domain, thank you Mon Roi.

At the same time I call on Sir Selvo to return the soldiers Aquitaine donated to the defense of Valencia and make his own arrangements for the defense of his castle. The matter can also be discussed privately at his discretion, but I make the request in public so that all may know the fairness of it. My House considers the conquest of the castle to be sufficient gift to my sister, garrisoning it can come from the land's resources.

As to the northern raiders they are naught but that, raiders. If they plunder England they do so in the wake of our own plundering, and I find myself little inclined to make trouble over it. Let them take what they want and sail back where they came from.

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

Louis returns to the chamber with four men carrying two heavy chests. They deposit them on the Council floor and Louis uses his foot to kick them open, revealing that they are full of Moorish gold.

The Sultan of the Moors has met me in battle once more, been defeated once more, and been mercifully ransomed by his ever forgiving subjects once more. Ten thousand florins was the price on his head this day. I confess that I was tempted to simply execute the coward, especially after the manner of his hasty surrender, but I am attempting to follow my father's noble example and learn... restraint... with my enemies.

There are two more matters I wish to bring before the Council. Firstly I ask the considered opinion of the men of the chamber on the matter of converting the castle at Pamplona into a town. I am not much of an administrator, but it seems to me that Bordeaux is more than sufficient to oversee the protection of that coast and that the development of better trade and shipping opportunities at Pamplona might benefit the realm. I am no expect, however, so I put the matter before men more accustomed to managing peasants at their lives. What say you?

Secondly I intend to pursue the Moors into their lands and punish them for their invasion of France and for having the termerity to declare war against us. With God's favor I and my men shall cast the Moors out of Iberia and back into the desert, securing it for Christians once more. In that vein it has come to my attention that there are more Christians around Cordoba than at Valencia. I suggest that Sir Selvo do something about his heathenish subjects at first opportunity, it would be unseemly to have a Muslim rebellion behind my path of advance.

Recruitment prioritizations are being processed for myself and my House. I trust I have provided sufficient funds to see that they are met without complaint.

:egypt:

[Braden]

My Lords,

Due to the actions of the Norsemen the Order will support the King in the defense of the defenseless.

I formally request the Seneschal allow the raising of another company of Spearmen in Antwerp.

I also request funds to hire mercenary crossbowmen to help me maintain the siege of Hamburg for now. If I have more spears I would invade and take the Norwegian captial!!

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I request Nottingham and York to myself.

I think that Norsemen are too bold and should be trampled to death by our mighty forces. Even though I am young I am more than capable to defend our settlements in Albion!

[Braden]

*Henri baulks at Charles’ comments*

May I remind you younger brother that the King will grant provinces and the responsibilities they entail to those HE deems worthy and capable. Such overt “want” may not be seen with such generosity if you are not careful.

Are you even bloodied yet?

[_Tristan_]

A figure in a dark cloak of blue, with a large hood pulled over his head masking his features, makes his apparition in the Conseil. The bulk of the apparition speaks of a man. He walks slowly with apparently great difficulty. Slowly he climbs upon the dais and sits upon the Throne. None of the sergeants make a move to stop him but a few swords are heard being loosened from their scabbards among the nobles. But before anybody steps forwards, a voice resonates from within the hood.

Mes Seigneurs,

All recognize the voice of the King though it comes slightly changed.

I grieve for the loss of Hugues de Champagne, my friend and faithful vassal. His death reminds us all of our own mortality. I have asked our Cardinal to say mass here in Paris in his honour in a few days' time. His vassal Bertin will also be honoured in the same ceremony. We'll recommend their souls to God.

With the passing of both, the House of Lorraine has lost almost all of its leading nobles. Though this is a sad time, we must nevertheless the rise to Duc of Thomas de Saint-Amand. Let all acclaim the new Duc.

Waiting the hurrahs to quieten down, Philippe stands with difficulty. He then lifts his hand up to his face and draws back his hood. Murmurs of dismay can be heard through the assembled nobles as they get their first sight of their King new face. Or semblance thereof. For in lieu of the flesh, all that can be seen of Philippe's face is a leather mask that covers his whole head, with slits for his eyes, mouth, nose and ears.

This is the work of Danish axes. My face is such a mess that I could not impose upon the look of my torn flesh. Do not pity me... "Who lives by the sword shall die by the sword"... I am not dead yet but I've already received my sentence in this life rather than in te next.

Forgive me if I do not seem the same but my wounds still hurt.

With these words, Philippe slumps back upon his throne.

[Braden]

*Henri moves to aid his father but is waved back by him*

Father, just give me the men and I will destroy Denmark for what they have done to you! It galls me to leave the siege of Hamburg…but as you request I will withdraw towards Frankfurt.

*Henri remains standing beside Philippe, one hand on the back of the Throne in a gesture of support*

Duc Saint-Amand, it pains us all that your title will come to you in such a sorrowful way but Dukedom has come to you. My Father and King wishes us to combine our forces at Frankfurt and due to these reasons and others…

*Henri steps forward, nods to his father and kneels before the new Duc*

I, Prince Henri, of my own free will and volition pledge myself to Duc Thomas Saint-Amand as vassal. To serve with honour and chivalry in the defence of our realm and to the betterment of the Duchy of Lorraine. Until Mon Duc or Death release me.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe turns his head towards his son.

Peace, my son... As I told already, this is not the deeds of the Danes... I've done this to me myself by living by the sword...

Almost unheard, Philippe adds.

But could I follow any other course ?

[AussieGiant]

Alain swears quietly under his breath. Taking a moment to compose himself, he stands and bows to the King and Duc Thomas.

"My fellow Duc and friend 'ugues was a great man whom ze realm will miss more zan most of you realise.

I acknowledge Duc Thomas as ze new ruler of 'ouse Lorraine and remain at 'is disposal if 'e needs any assistance in zis trying time."

Alain turns to the King.

"My liege, you seem severely wounded. Is zere anyzing we can do to assist you?"

Not sure of his next sentence he continues regardless.

"Are we intending on retaining Albion?

All of it?"

[KnightnDay]

I thank Mon Roi and Duc Alain for their support.

I also accept the oath of Prince Henri with gratitude.

This seems not the time nor place for eulogies. Duc Hugues was a teacher to his vassals and a gifted leader who won many victories against the enemies of the Royaume. His service as Senseschal earned the respect of many in this hall. Baron Bertin was my brother-in-arms and our first action together against the rebel garrison of Metz under Duc Hugues seems as if it were only yesterday.

There is no doubt that the House of Lorraine has suffered two terrible losses. But I am determined to see that it is restored to good health in time.

[_Tristan_]

The mask turns to face Alain.

I have indeed been severely wounded, but it is my soul which hurts more. I thank you for your offer of help but I shall learn to deal with the pain, of the body or of the mind.

After a pause, Philippe goes on.
I've asked our diplomat to bring the matter to the attention of the Scottish King. He did not seem interested in the least in any English provinces, lest we give them up for free.

Though until we've asked the English King at what price he will have peace, I think we're in Albion to stay. Which reminds me that you've not stated if you were willing to have London as one of your Duchy's provinces, Alain.

I've also commissioned several buildings in the Isle. I wish to recoup these investments if ever we return these provinces to a Norman, Saxon or Celt sovereign.

[Braden]

*Henri rises after Duc Saint-Amand accepts his pledge*

I thank you Mon Duc. I will serve with honour and I am sure we will discuss Duchy matters out of these chambers.

My King, father, rest well and reclaim your great strength. It seems all our neighbours wish to only take by force…even that which we offer in favourable terms, it is almost as if an unseen hand moves against us. It is clear we must bring stability and safety to England until the true English King accepts his provinces back…not by the tip of the spear but by accepting negotiation with us.

I will ask if you are possible to release some of the troops currently under your command back into the command of the Order of the Fleur De Lys? I feel they may be needed elsewhere soon, especially with a revitalised enemy on our Eastern border and perhaps a new threat in the North with the Norse.

[Ramses II CP]

Louis makes a striking contrast to his father, dressed in light formal clothes, his skin bearing a golden tan from enjoying the southern climate, and his disposition bright. He is the very picture of health, though he has begun to thicken about the middle. He bows deeply to his father before speaking,

Mon Pere your wounds are noble testament to your valor and dedication to your realm. What other King of this decadent age rides at the head of his armies? What other man of your years could drive back so many of the fierce northmen? You need wear no mask on my account, for what could be more beautiful than marks of your foe's failed blows as you carried your soldiers to victory?

I do have a concern with regards to Albion, however, which is simply that it strikes me as unseemly to spend excessively on those lands while native Franks at Marseilles live in squalor. I ask that the improvement to the walls there be built, and that in the future the people of that city be considered when funding is set aside for construction. I will instruct my vassal to make the necessary paperwork available to you (OOC: Change his SoT).

The death of a Duke of the realm is always regrettable, especially so soon after the loss of a Baron. House Lorraine has my sympathies.

:egypt:

[Ituralde]

I too mourn with the House of Lorraine. They have lost two of their members today, one of them being Hugues de Champagne, a lion on the battlefield and a noble Seneshal to all of France. He will be missed! I congratulate Duc Thomas and hope that Lorraine will recover from this blow.

On behalf of the Brothers of the Order of the Fleur de Lys I would ask you Duc Thomas if you want to continue the patronage of the Order as was done by Duc Hugues before you? Having the Dukes of all Houses as our patrons has always been a clear sign that the Order belongs to no House and all Houses and has its only purpose in serving France, God, and Chivalry!

Simon then turns towards the King.

I thank your majesty for sparing my feelings while riding against the Danes. I'm afraid it was not necessary though. I have told you how I feel about the matter of Albion, but this does not mean that I will disobey your orders or that I wasn't willing to lend my full support to your Majesty when I decided to bring those men to you personally! I have been and will be a loyal servant and obey your orders even if I haven't grasped their full wisdom yet.

With that in mind I ask you if the services of my men and those of the Order are needed by you in Albion?

[AussieGiant]

Alain nods in agreement while listening to the Dauphin and Ser Simon speak.

"If we are to stay in Albion for ze moment zen I will govern London my King.

I will make the necessary arrangements."

[Braden]

My King and Seneschal.

You have hinted that I could recruit mercenaries to aid me, I have been approached by a company of spearmen for employ. Do I have your authorisation to hire them for now?

I will also request, as Baron of Metz that two companies of Sergeant Spearmen and one company of Peseant Archers be recruited there in order to march to Frankfurt as soon as possible.

I thank you

((OOC: Updating SoT now))

[Braden]

My King, Seneschal, I must again ask if there are an troops that can be released from England back into the care of the Order. Our line in the East is perilously thin when matched against the armies arrayed against us…Germans, Poles and potentially even the Danes!

If the Order attains troops in England they would be ferried to Antwerp to join troops there before moving directly East to aid me and the Duchy of Lorraine against these enlarged threats.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe turns to his son.

My son, England is not yet pacified. The English King still has a sizable army under his command and as such is still a threat to the provinces I have made my duty to protect. Hence, the forces currently in England will have to remain there. I will check the reports (OOC : the save) to see what men can be spared. You are also authorized to recruit the mercenary spearmen you requested (OOC : one unit).

I will make it known to you soon what men can be spared and brought back to the continent by Brother de MontPierre.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe comes back to the Conseil with a parchment in his hands.

Henri, your request for reinforcements will be implemented. I will see also to the recruitment of mounted sergeants in Staufen.

[Braden]

*Henri bows to the king*

Thank you indeed. I could not ask for more at this trying time.

[Braden]

*Henri enters, he is flustered and clearly tired*

My Lords,

I must report that I have had to withdraw from the German forces facing me such was their strength. I do not fear their numbers my lords..no, but their quality is of such that I have not seen before this day.

I myself saw at least eight companies of fully armoured knights…some with horses and some without..four companies of armoured spearmen with support by an equal number of crossbowmen.

Not only this but each man had the look of a seasoned veteran…well trained and well armed and confident in their task. I chose to withdraw, I could have made greater speed with my horse along and there was a great risk that the enemy could catch me if I did not…

However, I remained with my infantry. IF they were to be forced to face such an army then they would do so with me at their shoulders!!

I am planning to now join with what forces are available to the Duchy at Frankfurt before we turn and face this new threat. Even with such numbers our forces are mainly militia…normal working men of the Duchy with minimal drilling.

I understand the King did not feel we required the more professional forces that my castle at Metz could provide and, looking at our current income of the Realm, I can see why. Next season we will be in danger of bankrupting ourselves but our enemies it seems leave us with little choice.

[Ituralde]

My Majesty, I take it from your silence on the matter that my services are no longer required in Albion. I will move with all hast toward Frankfurt to join Prince Henri in the fight against the Germans. May the Welshmen be as much help to you killing the English as they were to me.

[_Tristan_]

Philippe nods at Simon de Montpierre.

I will not keep you in these Isles against your will, Simon. I fully understand your feelings and hope things could have worked differently. Now, be assured that I still consider you a faithful vassal and I'm sure my son, your Captain, will welcome your reinforcement.

I'm sure the Welsh will serve me as well as they did under your orders... Yourself will soon find you among the finest of French soldiers, defending our northern border...

I entrust to you the life of my son Henri.

[Ituralde]

I thank you your Majesty. You will not be disappointed!

Bowing deeply Simon leaves the Counseil.

[Ramses II CP]

Brother Henri there is no shame in saving the lives of your men for a better day. Though we are Franks we are not invincible. All would do well to remember this fact, especially in light of the losses our realm has suffered of late.

I also announce that I and my expeditionary force have captured Grenada from the Moors. The soldiers captured in it's defense were not ransomed; it is clear their Sultan cares only for his own life. I now mean to ride to Gibraltar and sieze the narrow crossing to prevent the Moors at Cordoba from easily being reinforced before I move north against them. I have heard little from my father in law of late, if there is a diplomat available I would appreciate him contacting the Castillians to see how their forces lie and what scouting reports they may have.

Grenada is a hive of scum and villainy, it will require many priests to make a decent place of it. Perhaps Spain can aid in that matter as well.

The Moors there fled my coming in great cowardice, and few would face me. I wonder if all heathens are such cowards. In a few years when I drive on Cordoba we shall find the true test of their hearts.

(edit): Sir de Saint-Amand I have sent papers turning over the command of the Mailed Knights from Toulouse to your staff. They are now entirely at your disposal. If they prove inadequate in any way let me know and I will deal with the matter with my training staff. I apologize once more for declining to adopt you, in light of current circumstances it increasing appears to have been a decision of questionable worth on my part.

:egypt:

[deguerra]

My Dauphin, regardless of our disagreements in the past let me be the first to congratulate you and thank you. Without many troops or much support, you and your house hold our Southern frontier, on which we face an actual and not self-induced threat. But far from merely holding, you have gone on the offensive and are throwing the heathens back to the sea. I salute you, hero of France.

Along with the carrot, though, comes the stick, and I must say that I would be most pleased if Granada and Cordoba were given to the Spanish crown.

[KnightnDay]

"Dauphin, please, no apologies are necessary. God has seen to look after me and I have no regrets with the position I find myself in today.

And the knights I am sure will account for themselves well in battle. Compagnie d'Aquitaine will remain close by my own guard when it is time to cross swords with our enemies.

With that, I must depart. The men of the Reich yearn to do battle with the forces of Lorriane and I intend to see to it that they are not disappointed."

"Adieu, mes amis."

[Cecil XIX]

A letter arrives from Duc Raymond in Dijon.

Your majesty,

In anticipation of future battles with the Germans I shall use one of my prioritizations to recruit one regiment of town militia immediately. Also, I have a question for our scribes: Can an Lord use his prioritizations to recruit soldiers in settlements owned by his vassals?

Your obediant,
R. de Provence

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Micheal D'Anjou enters the council, apparently in a good mood. He hums slightly as he takes a seat near by the rest of the house of aquitaiune

The English prince was foolish to move so deeply into french lands. He has been dispatched as well as his small retinue. They fought tenaciously, but broke when casualties started to mount. We rode down all we could, and I believe they have been thoroughly eradicated. The only explanation I can come up with as to how he got where he was is by ship, so I would like to petition he king to allow me to build a watchtower north of Pamplona next season.

Casualties among the peasants were low enough, although the uselessness of them as anything but cannon fodder still amazes me. But what can one expect?

[Ramses II CP]

For anyone who was unaware, Prince Henry of England had somehow crept into the forests southwest of Bordeaux. He was not as well hidden as he might have wished, however, as Baron D'Anjou makes obvious. I have given him charge over Pamplona and asked him to discover how the English came to intrude upon our lands. I suspect they've a naval presence of some sort in the west. Perhaps it is time for France to develop one as well?

I have ordered a blockade placed on the port of Cordoba to deny the Moors resources and reinforcement. I also mean to erect a fort at the narrows of Gibraltar, if the Seneschal will permit it next season, so that France can control passage. If the will of the Council is to return Granada to the Spanish they may also wish to garrison that fort, but in the mean time it will prevent Cordoba from being reinforced easily.

Once Granada and the crossing are secured I mean to drive on Corodoba and expel the infidels from Iberia for good. I still do not clearly know the situation in my father-in-law's lands. Perhaps an agent could be assigned to discovering how matters lie?

I ask that all Franks pray for Baron de Chatillon's victory at Bern. Perhaps Duke de Provence could be troubled to stir himself to the man's aid?

The same prayers must be said for Prince Henri and Duke de Saint-Amand in the north. The Germans have clearly found a new source of funding for their armies, especially in light of their purchase of Nuremburg. Perhaps after we have seen off their latest armies an equitable peace could be found?

Speaking of which, I salute your wisdom in enriching our kingdom at the small cost of surrendering those far flung settlements Mon Roi. Your guidance as Seneschal sees France profitable and successful on all fronts!

[_Tristan_]

Philippe nods to his son.

I'm glad to see you appreciative of the work I do. For it is for you I'm doing it, Louis... This will soon be your Royaume.

As to securing the crossing, I fear a fort in Gibraltar may be a magnet to Moorish forces rather than a deterrent. And erecting a fort will cost our treasury dearly, without even adding in the cost of the man manning it. I would suggest rather getting another fleet in your employ to patrol the straits and prevent any massive crossings. It would be a bargain comparatively.

I'll see to send an agent towards Iberia as soon as possible to acquire knowledge of forces in presence.

And, of course, my prayers also go to our brave nobles and soldiers in Bern and Frankfurt. They are fighting blasphemers and if they remain strong in their faith, as in their arms, they will prevail.

Now, I must be back to Albion. There's still some fighting to be done there...

[deguerra]

Mes Seigneurs,

The siege at Berne is broken. The Imperial Army has been routed, their ransom rejected and survivors cut down to the last man. They were lead by imbeciles, but their individual soldiers fought bravely, and French casualties were high. I would especially like to mention Sieur Chrétien, without whom I would not be standing here today.

I would ask that as many of my troops be retrained as possible, with special focus on the armoured knights who took heavy losses. But really, I would ask that we finally cease hostilities with the Reich. We have slain several Kaisers. We have taken a large chunk of their lands. What more do we want?

That said, I care not how many more armies are sent to Berne, they will be smashed like the ones before. And from this day, there will be no more rejected ransom demands. Any Imperial soldier who enters Switzerland bearing arms against me and is caught will be killed. I will block the mountain passes with their bodies if need be.

[Braden]

A messenger arrives wearing Henri's colours

My Lords,

The seige of Frankfurt has been broken. We are victorious this day but I have dire news to report...

...The Duc of Lorraine was killed in action.

My lord the Prince Henri will arrive in a few hours to deliver the details himself.

[Cecil XIX]

Raymond lowers his head in mourning.

The Duchy of Lorraine continues to suffer terrible trouble. My prayers are with dear Thomas, as my condolences are with his survivors.

[Braden]

Two men open the doors to the chambers. One is in his late forties, stocky and calm looking the other is younger..perhaps 30…tall and lean, his armour, for they both wear full plate armour, appear to hang from his frame rather than fit him correctly. His eyes dart about the hall as they enter. They are followed by Prince Henri, eyes reddened and face dark. He too wears his battle armour, battered and tarnished but carries a breastplate. He enters to the centre of the hall and throws the breastplate to the ground for all to see, it has clearly been punctured with small square holes

Henri speaks with a quiver in his voice.

This is the armour of Duc Thomas Saint-Amande of Lorraine. His body was foully pierced by crossbow bolts. He died fighting the Germans he hated, their army is now destroyed its…survivors…Henri glares at the older of the two knights with him…have retreated to Nuremburg and now cower in its walls.

I bring the counsiel nearly 5,000 florins in “tribute” from the German Kaiser. Let me say now that no amount would be enough to pay for the offence Lorraine has been given by these men to our East and they will rue the day they dared to strike at us.

I had retreated, we waited within our own borders and I almost believed that after the trade of Nuremburg that the Germans would allow peace to develop…but no, they decided that they would STILL prefer war and outside Frankfurt we met them with what militia forces we had at our disposal.

By the skill of the Duc, we were victorious that day though half our number lay dead on the field…1,500 Germans lay rotting outside the walls of Frankfurt!

I ask the counsiel and the Seneschal my father for the coin to replenish our losses ((OOC: Retrain)) and permission to pursue the war these Germans clearly wish to continue.

Henri sits with a slump on the Duc’s old chair, flanked by his men

[Braden]

Henri still sits, but has had some wine and has been persuaded to remove or loosen some of his field armour, he reads a message, sips some wine and begins

My Lords,

he starts and sounds paced and considers each word

It appears the young Duc did not leave a living will for the continuation of his Duchy. What happens to the holdings of Lorraine and its vassals is now to the consideration of the King.

I will ask that the blood spilled in defence of the Duchy and France be considered and that a continued threat exists in the East with the Germans. Who is to say how long it will take them to find such an army as the one just defeated again?

Also to this, I ask, for I only have knowledge of my own Barony at this time, that Metz have its walls upgraded once the local population warrants it.

Henri nods to his father before resting again

[Ferret]

André looks suspiciously at Prince Henri, but holds his tongue.

[shlin28]

Villain, his clothing immaculate compared to his two peers in the Duchy of Lorraine, walked into the Conseil.

My lords, it is an honor for me to stand in the presence of such illustrious men, men who have safeguarded and expanded France's influence despite the best efforts of our tenacious foes.

Indeed, it was one of these men of legends, my own liege lord, the Duc of Lorraine that fell in battle outside of Frankfurt. Such a hero deserve to be honored, and I will honor his memory till the day I die.

Villain bows to the assembled nobles, before moving to sit beside his comrades. He did not speak to either of them.

[_Tristan_]

Mes Seigneurs,

I am saddened at the loss of Duc Thomas. I feel responsible for his death, for while I am off in these wretched islands, men of Lorraine are dying defending our lands.

Lorraine will have everything it needs to stand up and fight but I will make everything in my power to obtain a ceasefire. This war has lasted long enough and if the Germans won't have enough to lay down their arms, we will show sense for both and make them an offer they cannot refuse. I cannot suffe to see another death in the House of Lorraine.

The price in blood we've paid is too heavy.

Now the House of Lorraine finds itself leaderless once more. If the other Dukes are not opposed to it, I will appoint the highest ranking member of the House to the position.

I hereby nominate Henri, Prince de France, Seigneur de Metz, Duc de Lorraine.

Stand and be recognized.

[AussieGiant]

Alain nods his head in consent towards the King.

"It is sad tiding to 'ear of Duc Thomas passing.

In ze event of no will being written you 'ave my support in Prince 'enri's candidacy my liege."

[Braden]

Henri stands slowly, tired perhaps, he bows to his Father and Alain

I thank you my Lords for this honour. If it could be refused it would be, but Lorraine needs everyone she has now more than ever and I guess, my experience at least of campaigning against the Germans will aid her in the defence of our lands.

I thank you also for the vote of confidence in me and the offer of aid to rebuild our forces.

Should your efforts my father to attain peace fall to nought...rest assured I will be waiting to ask the Kaiser, in person, and at the end of my sword, if he would reconsider your offers.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Micheal Coughed awkwardly

So My Roi, am I allowed to build the watchtower northwest of Pamplona?

[OverKnight]

A young man enters the Conseil. He is slight of build but bears a determined look in his eyes. He bows to the throne and then speaks with a somewhat high voice in contrast to his warlike words.

I am gladdened that the Germans have foolishly refused our latest peace offer. Seneschal de Champagne offered them much more than that, very generous terms, and they still refused.

So let the fools come. Those bastards burned out my family when I was 15, and I've yet to fully repay them. We should make the Empire a desert and then call that peace.

So if blood must be shed, so be it, but we should not offer even one more florin of tribute.

[_Tristan_]

The King nods at Michel d'Anjou.

Permission granted.

He then acknowledges the arrival of Chretien Saisset.

I understand your anger, Sieur Saisset and grieve for your loss. But we have to stand one rung above the Reichlanders and thus, it is our duty to propose a ceasefire at almost all costs. The Eastern front has claimed too many lives of late, Lorraine has paid too heavy a price in blood and though I know that the noble of Lorraine are up to the challenge of many more battles, Icannot bear the burden of so many deaths on my conscience.

Hence, I'd ask you to stay your sword and use it in your defense or that of your Duchy or our Royaume alone. Vengeance should have no place in our hearts.

[Braden]

Henri stands and acknowledges Chretien Saisset

Both you and I are young Chevalier, you have offered your services to Lorraine and we accept them gladly. I foresee much fighting still to come as my scouts report large German armies at our borders still…and I do not believe they are there for the mountain air!

My King, my father…Seneschal…too many titles for me perhaps to pronounce, then again, none more than my own it seems now. Lorraine has suffered as you know and I have made instruction to my Barons to look to their provinces and request what they feel is needed to rebuild our forces.

For my part I ask that you continue with your pledge to recruit for our depleted companies in Frankfurt ((OOC: i.e. retrain)).

However, Lorraine will not sit idly by and accept constant incursions from a German foe who repeatedly refuses offers of peace. I say here and now that if these incursions continue Lorraine WILL be forced to wage an offensive war against the Germans. I cannot and will not accept our villages and farms pillaged and burnt! It is better that the Germans suffer and are made to bring peace than our normal folk are made to suffer longer than needed.

Yes, my soldiers will die but they join as men-at-arms to defend their homes and to stop constant German pillage of their lands…they gladly accept their lives as trade to do this task.

Father, I am not Louis. You see me here telling you and the council what my Duchy is to do…I have not heard Louis tell the council that he intended to strike deep into Iberia until after he had already committed to such a course. Lorraine will and has been forced to consider the same course against the Germans but I am here to tell you and the council this will happen rather than hear from a messenger that Hamburg has fallen.

As Captain of the Order I have also instructed that your requests be fulfilled. I trust this is to your agreement also.

Father, give me the tools and I will bring peace in the East. Continue to talk to the Germans, I assure you that before long their tone will change.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Charles stands..

After some discussion with my brother.. Charles nods to Henri.. I will accept Villain de la Salle into Royal Family. The deal I made with my brother sees that Staufen will be handed to me in return.

So,

Villain de la Salle, welcome into our family!


(OOC: Tristan, accept that MotH offer when Braden have confirmed this deal. :bow:)

[Braden]

Henri stands

Indeed brother, I wish you well in establishing your own Duchy on our Southern frontier. I too welcome Villain into our family and toast his continued work with the Duchy of Lorraine.

((OOC: I confirm the completion of extensive, awesomely evil, back-handed, backroom dealings)

[_Tristan_]

Philippe sits upon his throne, anger visibly rising, then turns towards his son Henri.

Please tell me what accomplishments and what qualities does Sieur de la Salle hold that you think he should be a valid addition to our illustrious family ? True, he has met success in battle... He's not the first, and in thse trying times, he surely will not be the last... Hence what makes him stand over the rest ? If I were to follow your lead my son, I'll soon find myself considered the sire of so many nobles, I could field armies with only my sons... So think twice about this...


Or did your vassal offer you something special in your meetings with him, that makes him stand out from the rest ? something that makes him special ? Because from what I know of the man, aside from a mean streak, there is nothing out of the ordinary in that man... For that matter what did you own brother promise you ? What hold do they have on you ? Am I to believe the spreading rumours about the untimely death of your former liege lord, Duc Thomas, under your command ? Is this a way to silence them from speaking the truth about these matters ? Have your ambitions led you to commit the unthinkable ?

Speaking of which, I bestowed upon you the title of Duke but never did I bestow upon you the lands that belonged to you liege. Hence Frankfurt and Staufen are not truly yours. Your liege dying without a will made those province part of the King's Demesne. But I'm in a conciliatory mood, so I will have you retain your newly chosen Ducal capital of Frankfurt.

But Staufen is not yours to give. It belongs to me. Or rather, it will belong to your brother for I would not break the word of a Royal Prince to another but on the condition that he refuses to make Vilain de la Salle part of the Capet family.

Philippe glares at Henri and turns with a knowing smile to Charles.

[Tamur]

A boy page ducks along the tables of the Conseil and delivers a small scroll to Prince Henri's retinue, then returns to Sir Barthelemy's side

[Braden]

My King,

I am sorry you feel this way but unfortunately you believe the law different from what is actually written.

The property of a Duc who dies without a living will then "his land goes to the highest member of his feudal chain", which would have been me even without the Duc's untimely AND ACCIDENTAL death.

I'm sorry father, I'm really not sure what or why you feel this way but Lorraine is my domain by right...in law and you cannot take that from me, or would you start a very dangerous precident where the King can step in and take a Duc's property as he wishes?

Villain is not even MY vassal, he is the vassal of my Count. To my own knowledge Villain is a very loyal and brave man. He has defeated an enemy that would have even cause me to baulk...because I requested him to defend our lands!

He did not shurk his duty even on pain of his OWN potential death...actually, to many, his own CERTAIN death.

Lorraine defends us against an enemy who repeatedly refuse approaches for peace, we do so without undue demands. The fact that I wished to pass Staufen to another to control was not just so that I could reward Villain but also so that Lorraine need no longer worry about our Southern border.

Had you, father, thought to actually ASK the reasons behind this instead of believing some bizarre rumours which are slanderous and unfounded..then perhaps you would not feel this way.

Besides, what "ambition" do you speak of? Mine? My ambition has always only been to serve you first and attain my own province, this is no less than Charles and far less than Louis. Do you deny that it was you who promised me Hamburg but only IF I pledged myself to the then Duc of Lorraine? Was is such a shock that he died and I then followed your instructions and pledged myself to the new Duc?

I ask you...and think carefully my father...do you really believe me, the Captain of the Order of the Fleur De Lys of all things, to be even remotely capable of what you intermate here?

scourn is in Henri's eyes as he sits back down

[Braden]

Council,

My scribes have discovered the exact time and period where Frankfurt was confirmed as part of Lorraine and therefore was then officially handed to Thomas before his demise by the then Duc of Lorraine.

Sorry father but I feel your silence means you have accepted that I am correct and always have been.

[Cecil XIX]

Duc Raymond rises to speak.

Prince Henri, I hope you will forgive this ignorant man, for I cannot see how the fact that Franconia is a part of the Duchy of Lorraine undermines the Kings arguement.

For the benefit of discussion, allow me to quote Rule 3(d).

Raymond recites the rule, placing emphasis on certain parts.


3(d) - Wills & Inheritance: Upon the death of a noble his land goes to the highest member of his feudal chain. If he is independent the land goes to the King. All land in the King's Demesne is passed to the new King. Duke's can pass on their rank to a House member of their choosing, by naming a successor in a valid will. Wills must be PMed to Zim before the Avatar’s death to be considered valid. If a Duke dies without naming a successor, the King picks the successor from among the highest ranked Nobles in their House.

Given this rule, I would say the King's argument is that both Franconia and Swabia defaulting to himself, due to the fact that they were in Duke Thomas's personal desmense at the time as his death. As such, the fact that Franconia was under Duke Thomas's suzerainity at the of his death seems to be consistent with the Kings actions.

[Ituralde]

But doesn't the land only fall to the King if the deceased noble is indepedent? Duc Thomas wasn't independent, he was a member of the Hosue of Lorraine, as was Prince Henri at the time of death. So Prince Henri was the only member of Duc Thomas feudal chain, making him the highest ranking one he would have gained all that land.

Really these matters of bureaucracy are tedious affairs for lawyers and paper pushers. I'll hope we can resolve this quickly!

[shlin28]

The Baron entered the Conseil, ignoring those why eyed him with either admiration or distrust.

Apologies, my King, I was delayed by some drunken revellers at the notorious Tavern, the reputation of which I am sure everyone here is aware of. It seemed that some patrons of that establishment found me quite fascinating - forcing me to recount my mundane exploits in battle a dozen times.

As for the matter at hand, allow me to first state that I, Villain de la Salle, did not contact either the noble Prince Charles, or my own Duc, Prince Henri, to discuss the… adoption of myself into the Royal family. Nor did I use bribery or blackmail to achieve that – those who insinuated that I, a minor noble of fine reputation, or either of the two Princes, would sink that low to deal with mere familial matters, are sadly mistaken.

Secondly, I do not dispute the King’s objection. Legally, according to the laws of the land, he did and still owns the lands around the settlements of Frankfurt and Staufen. I have only one minor quibble regarding this matter, a minute observation which the King will no doubt refute in his infinite wisdom, for his knowledge of the law is immeasurable, unlike mine.

It has come to my attention that although the King owned the two settlements named, they were and are still under the de facto control of the Duchy of Lorraine. They are justly governed by men under Lorraine’s employ, and are garrisoned by troops of Lorraine who would have been in better use on the battlefield against the Germans.

How can this be? These lands should be rightfully governed by the King’s men – to place troops under the control of a mere Duchy in a settlement under the King’s rule, as well deciding on matters of buildings and recruitment when they have no right to, is a travesty and an insult against our wise King; as such, the entire Duchy of Lorraine must be punished! Their armies must be disbanded, their leaders sent to Paris to await the dispensation of the King’s justice!

Villain smiled broadly at the various states of shock on the faces of nobles around him.

Of course, I was perhaps taking it a bit too far. Yes, my Duchy was quite wrong in taking control of the two settlements; but surely, our wise King, who manages all of the various military and domestic affairs of the Realm from distant Albion, was able to send a message to my Duc informing us of the situation? If his Majesty could direct the recruitment of troops from England to Iberia, it should be simple to give us a warning over our misconduct over two whole settlements, which is far more important than recruiting a company of peasants in Metz, I am sure everyone here would agree.

His Royal Majesty, in his infinite wisdom, did not do so. Hence, he tacitly consented to my Duchy ruling the two settlements. So the King must have in the past somewhat agreed to Lorraine taking control of the two settlements, to revoke such a decision when Lorraine is at a time of crisis, when a slight mistake on our part would bring ruination to the efforts of the previous Ducs, is and would be catastrophic to France. Unless of course, I had misinterpreted the King’s actions? Perhaps his Majesty would enlighten me, and the rest of the Conseil, as to why my King sought to undo Lorraine’s hard work at this critical juncture and why he sought to revoke his previous decisions?

Do note that, I do not argue this because it would benefit me; rather, I argue this because by taking lands that are ruled for all intents and purposes by Lorraine away from my Duchy, I believe it would fundamentally weaken it, leading to further German transgression on our soils.

Furthermore, if it would satisfy everyone here… I am willing to refuse the adoption offer. This issue, which I did not even create, had brought much strife to the Realm, and if this one action could undo them, I would gladly make such a choice.

Villain returns to sit with his brothers from the Duchy of Lorraine, his face impassive.

[Cecil XIX]

Sir Simon, as a Duke myself I dearly want you to be correct. But after scanning the rules for where the word 'independent is mentioned, I find nothing to define the term. I have always assumed it meant one who swears allegiance directly to the King, regardless of rank.

Perhaps at the next session we can solve this by adding one simple sentence defining the term. It seems to me the issue is whether it does or does not include dukes, correct?

[Braden]

Henri smiles at Villains words before rising

It gladdens me that Simon de Montpierre has put into more coherant words my own reasoning behind this matter.

The young Duc of Lorraine was not "independant" as I was his vassal and Baron. It was my assumption, which was upheld by a good number of fellow nobles that such lands that the Duchy controlled would fall to the next Duc. By fate alone that was myself and it was the King himself who confirmed my rise to such a lofty title.

However, should the Law Givers of our lands believe otherwise I will uphold there opinions and I notice that Baron de Metz raises also a very valid point about the continuation of the Duchy's occupation and unilateral control of the provinces in question.

Henri sighs

Honestly my lords, this whole affair tires me. I continue to fail to see the Kings position or his objections to my brothers adoption of the Baron, a man who continues to serve his nation well and his Duchy even more. All this nonsense detracts me from my real task...defending our borders against a renewed and aggressive Germany.

As far as I can tell, all these wranglings achieve nothing and only delay and confuse those hoping to defend us from our enemies. I would have thought my father happy to have Charles granted a province by me, Charles stands to defend our Southern frontier and I have every faith in him for that task.

As for the Baron, again, he seems...like me somehow...been a victim of unfounded and deflamatory rumour. The fact that such "rumour", without proof, even found itself to the ears of my father is perhaps testiment enough that further action by me might be in order. One does not sully the name of a Prince of the Realm and expect him to accept that which is said without justice being sort?

Again though, this is another DISTRACTION and one I can ill-afford. I have an enemy to defeat, a frontier to secure and a future for my Duchy to confirm. If anyone wants me I am returning to MY Capital Frankfurt to help defend it from the Germans for there is no-one else who has thought it prudent to do so OTHER than the Duchy of Lorraine.

Henri raises both his hands, shakes his head, turns and just walks out

[Tamur]

Barthelemy scrambles aside as Henry sweeps past him going through the doors of the Conseil. He then ducks in and, noting a momentary silence, steps just into sight. His clothes show travel stains from the city streets.

My... my lords, I am honoured to be here and I...

He catches Louis' eye momentarily and gulps.

I hereby swear an oath of fealty to Charles of the Royal House, if he will have me.

[Ituralde]

You are correct Duc Raymond that the term independent is not defined. Nor is the term feudal chain or for that matter the term King or Duke. They are used however throughout our Charter in a certain way.

For example here:


(e) - Oaths of Fealty: Any Independent Noble may swear an oath of fealty to any Noble whenever he wishes.

or here:


(b). - RGBs: Recruitable generals start off in the game as independent Knights, excepting the first two as per rule 2 (a). From this position they are free to remain independent or join any of the existing Houses.

So you are independent until you swear an Oath of Fealty. After which you are a member of a House and of the feudal chain of that House. Take for example myself, who has only sworn an Oath of Chivalry and follows the Oder of the Fleur de Lys. This would make me independent, but at the same time I follow our King. Without an explicit Oath as is written in our Charter.


King:
Requirements: Must be the in-game faction leader.
Influence: equal to authority stat.
Powers:
[...]
Penalties:
(1) Cannot hold any other feudal rank except that of Chancellor.
(2) Cannot swear an Oath of Fealty to another Senator and cannot have any Vassals.
Inheritance: On the death of a King, all Oaths of Fealty pertaining to the Noble who is now King are instantly broken, with no penalties. The new King takes control of any provinces in the King's Demesne, as well as retaining those under his control at the time of his ascension. If he was Duke of his House, his named heir for that post attains the rank. In the absence of a named heir, the second in charge of the House becomes Duke.

OOC:
This is truly as far as I want to take the argument IC. Once we start discussing whether all the nobles of the Realm are vassals of the King it gets absurd. Yes we are vassals of the King in the historical IC sense, but we are not vassals of the King when it comes to the OOC game rules of Houses and feudal chains.

[OverKnight]

Chretien takes in the scene with hooded eyes.

It's odd that the issue of Prince Henri's ownership of Staufen was not questioned until he disposed of the land in a way that displeased his Majesty.

He briefly touches a locket hanging from his throat.

Of course none of this kills Germans, perhaps we should focus on the barbarians at the gate?

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I hereby accept your Oath, Barthelemy de Soissons!

Charles nods to Barthelemy smile on his face..

[_Tristan_]

The King enters the Conseil, with a dark and brooding look.

My sons, my Lords,

Though I have been away to deal with some matters of state, your exact words have been reported to me.

First, let me state, Henri, that my silence was never an acceptance of your position but simply due to circumstances that kept me from these chambers.

You pretend to have the law in your favour but you simply twist it so. The main problem comes from the fact that your Duke died without a valid will. In doing so, he prevented you from inheriting his lands on his deathbed. For our Charter states that lands of a noble should go the the highest noble of his feudal chain but that only means that should one of his vassal had died in his stead, the Duke would have inherited those lands.

This rule has been made part of our charter so that our Duchies retain some structure with the passing of their lower members.

But this rule doesn't mean that on the death of the Duke, his lands pass on to its highest ranking vassal. This was not the intent of our Charter.

So though I gave you late Duke Thomas' title, his lands are forfeit to you, for lack of a stipulation in your favour. Hence these lands revert to the King's Demesne.

In the light of your good service for the Royaume, and with the fact that you made Frankfurt your capital, I hereby officially confirm its ownership to you and your Duchy.

As to the de facto holding of the Ducal lands and thus their de facto ownership, no such things exist in our charter. Neither do the men serving under your orders truly are yours : do you pay for their wages out of your pockets ? Doesn't our treasury provide for them ? Haven't I diverted large sums from the treasury to help you hold the border against the Reich ?

I see no ill-conduct in Lorraine's men being the stewards of lands that belong to the King. It is a sensible way of governing. And I do not see how the fact I'm reclaiming my rights to Staufen endangers your Duchy as you seem ready to part with it, so easily.

Furthermore, I do not see how giving Staufen to your brother would strengthen your southern border. The Duchy of Bourgogne is already doing its work in holding off the Germans at Bern and could also help deal with them at Staufen, should it prove necessary. Neither is the birth of another Duchy necessary.

Had Charles acted any other way but as a spoiled brat, I might have considered making him Duke of Albion so that I could leave this islands under his protection, but his blunt way of asking wohtout having once proven his valour almost had me sent back to his nanny for manner lessons.

Now, we finally come to the adoption. I do not see the point in bringing Sieur de la Salle into our family. Though the man clearly has merits, he is not the only one so deserving. He's not even truly willing to be part of us, as he stated clearly before this body.

So, not being the rightful owner of Staufen, you have no right to give it to your brother. So will your brother now accept to accept your vassal into the family ?

I'll see what your brother has to say to this.

(OOC : This post should come before the adoption. Hence, we'll go back to the previous save or go on with the current one depending on whether Ibn confirms it or not).

[Braden]

Father,

I assume that you have consulted with the Law-Givers of our land and as I have stated before I bow without issue to the law of the land if you have done. ((OOC: Got details from Zim on how he wants this to go))

I see that you have no issue with me or my Duchy from your words as before I believed this to be so. I thank you for your clarification.

As to Staufen, again I assume that you wish my Duchy to maintain its defence for this time? We will do so now as we ever have.

I thank you for confirming Frankfurt within the Duchy of Lorraine also.

As to what my brother will do is entirely to him. I offer him a place within the Duchy of Lorraine, again, if he wishes it and he need not swear fealty to me or any other within the Duchy. Such a pledge by me will allow him, in a short time perhaps, to have a province of his own to govern and prove himself and eventually a Duchy of his own…if ratified…without needing to break any oaths.

Baron de la Salle is currently content I believe though he was, of course, ecstatic at the prospect of joining our family and the benefits it could give him in the future. He will be upset should my brother now refuse the offer but that is my issue to address thereafter.

As to the issue of coin, Lorraine adds to the coffers as do all Duchies and I do not believe we have taken more than our share as Duc Thomas once pointed out. War is an expensive business and the quicker we can bring this one to a beneficial conclusion the better.

I rest the issues now, as I believe they has been addressed to as amicable conclusion as they could be.

((OOC: EDITED as this is still "up in the air" due to neededing OOC clarification that there has been an official ruling from Zim))

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Spoiled brat? Asking without proving my valour?

But how can I prove myself if I don't have assets and settlements for that? Should I ride alone against German or Danish army?

I wanted to prove myself and I only needed one settlement to that!

But now I don't know what I should do since to you, father, my requests are the requests of "spoiled brat".

Charles shakes his head and sighs...

I'll go and join Henri in east. At least I know there I am welcomed...

Charles stands and leaves the council..

[Braden]

An old scribe enters the chambers flanked by the tall English bodyguard of Henri


*cough* “Erm…my..er…Lords gathered hence…” the scribe reads from several parchments

“…err…I have been asked to bring to the Conseil’s notice the written record of the chambers of 1110 as entered into the records by the Kings own Herald….”

*cough* “…and it states…” he peers at the parchment before continuing

By the will of Philippe, King of the Franks,

En reconnaissance of his vassals' efforts in bringing down the enemies of France, His Majesty King Philippe hereby endows :

To the House of Bretagne, the castle of Angers, a poor compensation for the loss of Robert Bouchart;

To the House of Aquitaine, the castle of Bordeaux, again a poor compensation for the loss of a valiant vassal;

To the House of Bourgogne, the castle of Bern, for the support of the House in the wars;

To the House of Lorraine, the castle of Staufen, as reward to Senechal Hugues de Champagne, for the tremendous work done during his term;

After consultation with the Royal lawyers, His Majesty announces that the castles of Pamplona and Valencia and the city of London do not meet the legal requirements to be considered ratified and will need to be in the coming Session of the Conseil.

His Majesty further announces that the castle of Nottingham and the cities of York and Nuremburg are to remain in the King's Demesne. His Majesty wishes to thank the Senechal for his efforts in taking the latter but feels it may be essential in negotiating a truce with our Imperial neighbours.

L'an de Grâce 1110,

Sealed with the King's Seal

Par la Grâce de Dieu,

Philippe
Roi des Francs

“…you will note My Lords that the Castle of Staufen was granted fully to the Duchy of Lorraine by this declaration. My master Prince Henri would like it known that the Duchy of Lorraine has never been an independent Dukedom due to its extensive feudal holdings and vassals and therefore he humbly requests the Conseil disregard the Kings statements to the counter.”

With that the old man rolls up the parchments and withdraws from the chambers

[Ramses II CP]

Prince Louis has watched the debate over ownership, indepedence, and vassaldom with a puzzled look on his face. On hearing his brother's most recent statement he pauses for a moment to try to read back over the record. With a look of faint disgust he then rises and speaks,

Noblemen of France it distresses me that we have stretched reason so outrageously with the crude intent of opposing the will of our King. I have a feeling we could pay a fleet of lawyers a King's ransom and get back an answer no more clear than 'maybe' at the end of it. My opinion, frequently heard I hope, is simply that this body and it's laws exist to enact the will of the King rather than subvert that will...

Louis bows to his father before continuing,

Nonetheless the interests of not one but two Princes of the realm now seem to lie athwart that expressed Royal will. Let me suggest that rather than strive against their father and King my two brothers seek a way to make this deal more palatable to him. Perhaps a suitable gift, or assurances of some other kind?

The campaign in Iberia has cleansed my health greatly; it is a boon to fight heathens for whose souls no care need be taken. I pray that we can bring an end to our wars against Christians, one way or another, and carry the fight into alien lands in the coming years. My heart tells me there is a danger in Islam greater than any squabble betwixt Catholics.

Louis returns to his seat with a troubled, contemplative look on his face.

:egypt:

[Braden]

Henri has returned to the chambers. He is clearly healthy and in good mood, he wears no armour and is dressed well but plainly. On hearings Louis' words he softly shakes his head before rising

My Lords, Louis

My scribe was merely tasked to locate a document most of us already knew existed and the answer was clear and honest...I see no argument here.

Still, I agree with you Louis, we are here to abide by the law the King has set out and I have reminded us all here of what this particular law...that the King put in writing...said.

My father does not rule by tyranny or fear. He rules by upholding the laws he gives to us. All good people may err on occasion, even a King, and it is our duty as Duc's, members of the Conseil or indeed Princes to ensure such is redressed with honour.

Had our father approached me with a reasonable alternative or an argument I could understand for his actions rather than just presuming he could take property from a Duchy then it is likely I would have compromised. You know me...this I would have done.

If the King has concerns about me and how I rule my Duchy, then he can approach me and I will swear by any means needed to negate such concerns for I am loyal to France and the King. Fact is that no such fears or worries have been expressed, thus I cannot address them. I am unsure what a mere Prince could "gift" to a King such as ours that could impress him at all?

However, I say this...

Henri takes pains to look at the conseil and the King finally

...I remind everyone that I have said that the Duchy of Lorraine will not suffer the German incursions past this next year if negotiations fail again. We will go on the offensive and I say to my King and father that perhaps Nuremburg, Magdeburg and Hamburg might be a gift suitable for him? I say here, publically that the Duchy will strive to take all these places and that they will be willingly given to the King to do as he pleases...including negotiations for Peace. I cannot see any other assurances or "gift" that I can give.

On happier news, your latest defeat of the Moors gladdens me greatly. I would hope again that in the next session we will call for a Crusade against a worthy and un-Christian foe such as them for such is long overdue now.

Henri smiles and returns to his seat

[Braden]

The Herald of Prince Henri enters to address the Conseil

My Lords, my King,

As you are aware, Prince Henri cannot attend at this time besieged as he is within the walls of Frankfurt. However such missives he is able to pass through the German lines I have been bidden to advise the Conseil of.

The Prince assures the Conseil and King that he has instructed Brother de Beauvais of the Order that he has “free hand” to deal with the Germans threatening Antwerp and that he feels there are sufficient troops to defend the city. Further assistance will be made available with the release of the Order’s forces near Frankfurt later this season should it be required.

My master has also instructed the Order to lead the forces of Lorraine to the defence of Frankfurt and predicts a swift victory.

Prince Henri thanks the King personally for fulfilling such troop requirements as was possible in Frankfurt and Metz this last season, and again reminds the King of his Loyalty to the Crown and his pledge to force the Germans to Peace if needed although he wishes the Kings diplomats well in their current dealings.

The Prince will address recruitment requirements soon, potentially after the battle, but is likely to request a Priest is trained in Frankfurt this season to address the needs of the local population who have been sorely tried and pillaged by the German forces for so long. He also requests that should there be any French Priests of note that can be made available for the East it would be well received by the common folk.

Once the immediate issue of the defence of Frankfurt is addressed Prince Henri will redress his forces and embark to cleanse the Duchy of Lorraine of German forces, to do this he feels he requires no extra forces at this time from Frankfurt and strongly feels the people of the Duchy need relief from the Duchy once the German threat is dealt with.

I thank you.

[_Tristan_]

Having listened to Henri' herald, Philippe speaks to the man.

Convey this message to my son Henri, if you manage to break the Reichlanders' siege and get back into Frankfurt.

Tell him I have never questioned his loyalty nor that of his House. Those have been proven countless times on the filed of battle.

It is rather his judgment I questioned and the manner he had of conducting his business. Behind my back without giving me any notice of what he had in mind, business that could have dire repercussions for our Royaume.

And all for what ? For indulging the whims of a spoiled child who doesn't even know where his place is ?

I do not like the way this business was conducted... It casts both of my sons in a poor light, unworthy of King's sons.

[Braden]

Shocked at being approached directly by a King the Herald is taken a-back but listens carefully before bowing and responding

Of course my King, you have my word on my life this will be done. I am certain that my Lord will be more than happy to hear from you and to respond with kindness and loyalty.

[Ramses II CP]

Prince Louis, dressed for travel, enters the chamber and announces in an angry tone,

I commanded the mercenary fleet under my control to drive back the English ships and restore the blockade of Iberia, but they have failed and withdrawn with half their number lost. I suggest that the remainder be...

A black look of fury momentarily descends across the Prince's face before he masters himself and turns it into a grim jest,

Well, I suggest that the bloody fools be executed, but I suppose releasing them from their contract will have to do (OOC: Disband them if you like Seneschal). They're useless now, I've no need to sail anywhere and they obviously can't fight. With the blockade thrown down and unknown quantities of Moors still marauding through Portugal and Spain I am faced with the choice of withdrawing my army or proceeding ahead of plans with a siege. I have decided to go on the offensive. The last small Moorish armies in the Cordoba region have been cleared away and now siegeworks are being prepared outside the city.

I fully expect large armies to be moving north out of Africa in support of our foe so I pray that the siege can be completed quickly. Mon Roi I vow I will not make the same error I did at Bern; our main camp lies across the river from Cordoba and none shall take the bridge by surprise. The Moors have shown themselves to be cowards thus far, I fully expect them to huddle down within the walls and beg their infidel god to save them.

I will pray for brother Henri! Good fortune men of France!

With a casual bow Louis departs the chamber.

:egypt:

[Tamur]

Barthelemy de Soissons enters the chamber, clumsily climbs to an outer seat, and sits. He listens for a few minutes, then when silence descends on the Conseil he stands in place.

The state of the Royaume could not be better, my good sirs. Just look around us!

The Germans, those beer-guzzling puddingheads, are no match for us on the field of battle. The infidel Moors play hide and run with Louis. The English and the vikings... *Barthelemy clears his throat and spits downward, then winces and shakes his right leg for a moment* ...mere nagflies.

With all this going well, what could be wrong? Why are our King and his sons at such odds?

*Barthelemy pauses and jingles a coin purse noisily.*

The royal treasury, my friends. That is the problem.

Our people pay their fair share of taxes. But we need gold. Only then will le Royaume be at peace, and the family we hold so dear can forget their troubles over land and position, with all else secured by a full and overflowing treasury.

So, let our armies go forth against the Germans and the heathens! Let us sack their cities, sell everything, and leave them desolate! Tens of thousands will flow into the treasury, and all our troubles will be forgotten as if they melted away like a dream.

Barthelemy sits and belches.

[_Tristan_]

A man richly clad in black walks into the Conseil. Those who have known him have trouble recognizing Arnaud de Vilaines, King Philippe’s shieldbearer and aide de camp such is the look of anguish upon his face. Bowing before the Speaker, he hands him a rolled parchment with a hand that is visibly shaking.

The Speaker slowly unrolls the parchment and starts reading it, his face blanching the furthest he reads. Having finished his reading, he lays down the parchment on his desk, grabs the goblet of wine lying on a side table and drinks it in one gulp, bringing colour back to his cheeks. He then stands, awkwardly, his legs seeming to barely sustain him and starts reading.

“From King Philippe, Par la Grâce de Dieu, Roi des Francs,

To his loyal and faithful subjects, either noble or lowly-born,

I am writing this as the light of my life wanes by the minute. Though I lay in bed, I do not suffer for I am not sick… It simply seems that God has judged that my time on this wretched Earth has been spent.

Do not mourn me, my faithful subjects… Though I am sad to leave you and not be able to see most of you a last time before I leave, I rejoice in the idea that I will finally be reunited with my beloved Bertrade and so many of our fine warriors fallen on the field through the years.

As I said, do not mourn me, for I have lived a full life… Full of battles, full of success… I have fulfilled most of my dreams for the Royaume… When I came to the throne, our Royaume was divided, our lands held by English hands.

Now, we have reclaimed those lands and have even brought war to the English Isles, making them our home away from home.

We fought hard, my subjects, but now we can finally rest and marvel at our own accomplishments : our Royaume extends to the confines of Germany, Iberia has been re-conquered from the Moors through our agency…

Still, I would not have been content had I left a kingdom at war for my sons to rule. Hence, these last few months our diplomats on my urgings have appealed to the rulers of our neighboring kingdoms and I am glad that my sons will perhaps be able to finally know peace in their lives.

A ceasefire has been obtained with the Reich. It cost us Granada, which may have been lost to us through the riots and 10000 florins. Through our relationships remain strained with the latest Kaiser, his men-at-arms have almost all left our lands or are about to do so. The German presence in Iberia will serve as a bulwark against further Moorish incursions and will perhaps bring back faith in God for these lost souls. Perhaps have they been forced into this hard-earned truce by the threat of being taken between the Russian anvil and our French hammer ? For we have successfully obtained an alliance with the Csar. Our diplomat came to the Novgorod court with gifts to the amount of 3000 florins. Most of the gold has been smelted for the Russian war effort in their war against Poland. This is a matter my sons will have to consider in the near future.

The Pope has finally been reached by our diplomat and got a better reception by his Holiness than he had by his minions. We’re now allied to the Holy See, though we’ve had to offer alms to St Peter’s cathedrals for 1000 florins. Our leadership of Catholicism cannot now be contested.

As planned, Edinburgh has been surrendered to the Scots, our new found allies, but only after its military capability had been greatly reduced. I have been forced to sail back from the Highlands to Northumbria and it is upon my landing that this unsustainable tiredness fell upon me.
Unaware of my condition, the English have come to Nottingham ( OOC : Frankfurt in fact) with an offer for a ceasefire. They must have sensed that the tide of fortune was clearly against them and wished to retain their last holding on their island. We’ve bled them of 20500 florins and trade rights in exchange for our mercy.

Now, only the Danes and the Moors remain at war with us. Though the Viking will forever remain a threat due to their far-reaching naval invasions, the Moors have been pushed back to the sands Africa, where they belong…

So, for the first time in years I can look upon my Royaume and see it as a Royaume at peace. This is the gift I make to you, Louis my son…

For now, it is my time for me to lay down the burden of the crown and deposit this burden upon your head.

My son, you’ve always served the Royaume as a true knight of France, fighting here and yonder. Now, may well be the time for you to lay down your sword and administer your heritage.

Work with your brothers Henri and Charles and not against them… Do not repeat the errors of Charlemagne’s heirs… Keep the Royaume whole and nothing will stand in your way… Divide it and my ghost will come to haunt you…

Now I will lay down my quill for my forces are leaving me…

Be strong, knights of France… Be proud…

Be…”

The Speaker stops in midsentence.

‘There is no more, mes Seigneurs…” he says, beckoning de Vilaines to step forward.

Arnaud de Vilaines obeys and bows before the assembly.

“Mes Seigneurs, our noble King Philippe died a week ago in Nottingham. He asked me to bring this letter to you as soon as it was finished. It never was… “

Now turning to the empty seat of the Dauphin Louis, Arnaud continues.

“A messenger has been dispatched posthaste to his Royal Highness Louis to bring him the terrible news. In the meantime, let me be the first to say “Le Roi est Mort !! Vive le Roi !! Vive le Roi Louis !!”

[Braden]

Henri looks to stand but clearly cannot, all colour has left his cheeks and a visible tear is in his eye. Steeling himself it manages to stand, just, and looks to his retainers. A cup of wine is given him, each retainer also garners a similar one. Henri raises his cup…

I pray my father, our King, greatest of any to have been gifted to our nation, finds a welcome embrace with my mother.

To his memory I say I know him as Philip the Builder, Philip the Unifier for we are now a unified nation under God. Also to this I now know him as Philip the Peaceful.

Peace has been attained! I thank and honour my fathers memory with that…what better lasting legacy could a man provide than security for his family? None I say, and to have done so without draining the Kingdoms funds at all…is another legacy of prudent management.

I say I also know him as Philip the Father and I loved him as a son should.

Hail Philip, King! God welcomes you!

Henri raises his cup and drinks…the call “God welcomes you!” is taken by Henri’s retainers and they also drink. Henri turns to Louis and raises his cup once more.

Hail Louis, King! May God guide you!

again, the ritual is repeated amongst the men of Lorraine but now empty the cups are raised high and thrown to the ground to smash into a multitude of pottery shards, then Henri bows to Louis before speaking again.

Brother and King, I salute you. Your fearlessness in combat is legendary and rightly so. I bow to thee as loyal subject and Prince.

[Tamur]

Barthelemy de Soissons dabs his eyes with a handkerchief, then waits for more noble persons than himself to say important things.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Huh.. This is .. unexpected...

Hail the new King.. and stuff.. I guess..

Charles, who entered just before the messenger, sighs and turns to leave seeing that there is nothing more for him to do in the Conceil...

[shlin28]

Villain mimicks Prince Henri's words and actions, before walking away to find another cup of wine.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Micheal walks in, face crestfallen


I have heard the news. I...... I am surprised. Philip had seemed to indomitable to me, a champion among us all destined to rule far beyond even my time. To hear him dead.......


Micheal shakes his head

But one can not get too caught up in such things. Long live the new King, King Louis!

[econ21]

Hermant nods sombrely as Michael speaks, then rises.

"We mourn the loss of our great King, Philippe. When we first gathered here after the grand tournament of 1080, we were young and eager to see our Kingdom made whole and restored. But even in our youth, we did not expect or dare hope for the dazzling success that our late King led us to. The mighty Holy Roman Empire humbled before us, the perfidious English reduced to a city state and the Moors cast back across the straits of Gibraltar. The common soldiers of France toiled and bled for these achievements, we can not take that from them. But our late King, Philippe, accounted for the lion's share of our victories, leading the brave sons of France to ever greater heights. He fought the good fight and is now called to serve in another place.

We now salute our new King, Louis. We solemnly pledge our fealty and devotion to you. Long live King Louis!"

[Ituralde]

He was a bastion of Chivalry in life and ever a shining beacon of nobility. It is only fitting that is last gift to us was peace in the East and in the North!

King Philippe is dead, long live King Louis!

[Cecil XIX]

King Philippe, having fought so valiantly agains the Germans and English has now obtained peace with them. To wreak such devestation against his enemies, while settling affairs before his tragic death, speaks of a man both valourous and responsible.

Long live King Louis VI! Here's to another prosperous reign!

[Ramses II CP]

The men of House Aquitaine file into the room one after the other and take their customary places, followed by the three members of Louis' retinue who are dressed as royal guards. The hulking Danish berserker who has been following him through his Moorish campaign looks particularly absurd in the stylish blue uniform, but the dense beard and wild look in his eyes prevents open mockery.

King Louis the VI of France then enters the chamber dressed from head to toe in somber black colors and wearing his father's sword at his side. He scans the nobles carefully as he makes his way to the front of the Council. Before speaking Louis crosses himself and lowers his eyes,

"Lords of France I am here today to attempt the impossible, to take up the mantle of King Phillipe the Lion, who restored our great Royaume to the borders of it's height and far beyond! Let us toast his memory, hail his victories, and commit his soul and his memory to the heavens!"

A steward has brought Louis a drink, which he drains entirely. In that moment he is the very picture of health, robust and full of life, his features virtually unmarred by his many campaigns. He paces the floor in a tight, controlled pattern precisely eight steps in each direction, the long hilted sword of his father swinging at his side. There is a glow of passion and desire in his eyes as he continues with his speech,

"I have been blessed by God to follow a mighty man's reign, but by God I mean to equal it if I can. I call on every man here to promise me his utmost effort to that end! Give me your trust, your lives, and your love and together we shall create such a nation, such a France, that we shake the heavens in their foundation and roll our names down the scroll of history as heroes unmatched!

I have requests to make of you all by House. Let me begin with House Aquitaine, I intend to remain with it's members until the Moorish threat has been dealth with, and then I will return to Paris. I pass the Duchal seat to Sir de Xaintrailles (OOC: This would have been de Perrone, who was my second in command, but TC's withdrawal appears to be sticking so far and GH will hopefully come back with some rage for the Moors). Aquitaine will be tasked with retaking the crossing at Gibralatar and creating fortifications there to bar any future Moorish expeditions.

For House Bretagne I will be asking that you mount a naval expedition with the intent of punishing the Danes for their raids against our English holdings. Resources will be made available to you for this purpose, including troops and sufficient ships.

For House Bourgogne I ask that you place fortifications in the passes around Bern to secure our flank against German incursions, at your discretion. Though Mon Pere secured peace with the Reich I do not trust it, not for a moment, and if we must fight we will do it in their lands rather than our own!

For the serving members of the Order I call you and your soldiers to my side, barring your Duchal commitments. Let us arrange to meet at Toulouse as soon as possible. We shall have a mighty purpose together! I look forward to our campaigns!

For House Lorraine I ask that you study the land around Frankfurt and submit to me a plan for it's defense as it currently stands isolated, but also quite important. Fortifications may prove insufficient, but there is consider defense terrain in the region. I want specific troop requests and a plan for how you would position your armies against a renewed German attack.

For the minor Houses (Charles?) and unaligned nobles (Selvo?) I will likely be requesting that you join me and the Order on our quest once I have properly prepared and announced it. I instruct that you settle your affairs at home and make ready for a journey. There is ample time, it will be several seasons before I am ready, but begin your preparations.

Now, one final matter, I announce that I am running for Seneschal to complete my father's term. I request that no one oppose me for this term so that my reign may begin with universal acclaim. There will be no proposal of new law at this time, but I will allow some time (OOC: I'm presuming the authority in Zim's absence, feel free to debate the matter OOC and IC, so let's say at least 48 hours) if there is a man here who wishes to oppose his new King.

Are there questions? Concerns? Make them known! God and your King have great plans for this realm, let us have done with debate and move along with them!

:egypt:

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I'm not against your running for Seneschal since I think you are the best man for the job.. currently..
However, I do want to propose a Charter amendment that creates a new duchy led by me.
If you are not against it of course?

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Indeed, I would follow you to the ends of the earth My King. You are no doubt the best man for the job at this time.

[Braden]

Henri and his retainers bow to the King


My King, brother, I welcome thee and am heartened by your announcements. Indeed, if you had not done so I would have proposed to the Conseil that you took up the duties of Seneschal for at least the remainder of the term.

Myself and my house freely pledge to follow you to whatever ends and to the betterment of France.

I will consult with my map-makers and sent details of what Lorraine proposes for the defence of Frankfurt. North and South it is bordered by great rivers so the defence may yet be possible with fortifications…but I will enquire.

As to your pledge for a “quest”…I sincerely hope you are commenting on what I have wished for some time now. I can assure you the Order stands ready, we are electing a new Captain as we speak so that I can be released to better serve Lorraine and the Realm yet allow the Order to proceed with you.

I like Charles have but one request…but it is not for myself. It is for The Order, I had hoped to put forth a proposal for an Edict or even a Codex Addition for this but I will ask this directly now…I ask, that The Order of the Fleur de Lys be granted ONE full company of fighting men from each Duchy per Seneschal term. Such troops would be at the direct control of the Order and allow them complete autonomy and the ability to serve King and country without requesting further aid.

Apart from this, I pledge my sword, my heart and my honour to King Louis the VI.

Henri draws his sword, raises the blade to his face and kisses the flat of the blade just above the guard. He then holds the sword in both arms ahead of him…walking to the King..and places it at his feet before rising and retiring to his retainers again

[Ituralde]

King Louis, as with your father before the Order will follow where you lead. Under our new Captain those not needed by their Duchies will ride towards Toulouse with all haste.

[Braden]

My Lords and King,

I have reviewed the Duchy of Lorraine and find that we require more professional troops. Full disclosure has been sent to the King this morning, however the outline is thus.

If more professional troops are supplied we can relinquish our militia-men and allow them to return to tilling the fields or law and order duties with our cities.

Some true French mercenaries have reported to me and I have recommended their employment ((OOC: Frankish Knights – Foot and Horse)), for they are dispossessed and landless Knights of France.

A fort can be built do defend the crossing South East of Frankfurt also.

I will suggest further that two of the companies that may be released in this move can be handed to the Order of the Fleur De Lys to take with them on their journey.

[Ramses II CP]

Louis is busily engaged with numerous scribes and messengers coming and going, but he pauses a moment to address the various concerns raised in the chamber,

I have no opposition to the proposal of a Charter amendment creating a new House at the next normal Council session, which is not so far distant. At this time, however, I do not intend there to be any new proposal of law. I am not assuming a full term as Senschal, only completing the term my father began some years ago. New law will be duly considered after that term at the next normal Council session, and unless circumstances change both of these matters shall have my personal support.

(OOC: It isn't obvious how many turns remain since there was no election this period, does anyone know offhand? I can research it further later)

I am concerned over the extensive use of mercenaries in France, but I will consider your request brother. Perhaps if the training facilities of other Houses are combined we can make up a body of men sufficient to your purpose. To be perfectly blunt as King I mean to reorganize the armies of all the Houses into a more efficient force for national action. France is whole and hale, and it is time that we take up a greater purpose in the world!

(OOC: Unless someone else wants to contest the position tomorrow at around this time I'm going to put up a 'last chance to protest' post and give it 24 hours (It is a holiday in the US, I want to be fair), then Louis will assume the Seneschal's powers and take the save to move the game foward. That's ~10 am eastern US time on Sunday to get the save going.)

:egypt:

[Braden]

My King and Conseil,

Firstly I thank the King for his consideration of my request. I have, I must admit, welcomed the Mercenaries who have presented themselves to me mainly as they are, for a change, French ((OOC: Franks…this is KotF’s after all)) but I appreciate the issues at hand.

The crux of the matter is that the Duchy is willing to return her Militia troops to their previous positions as citizens in exchange for better trained troops…we would rather this was as swiftly as possible and as training for such troops is a good few seasons away from Frankfurt I felt the Frankish Knights the best option at the moment to help secure the East.

I leave that to my King to finally decide and dictate to me what he will have me do. I am at his disposal.

However, my Lords and King… I have an announcement to make.

Henri checks with a scribe who looks to another and receives a nod he passes on to Henri

…as of this Moment I am no longer Captain of the Order of the Fleur de Lys. That honour is now taken by Alexandre Le Sueur. May God guide him in his leadership.

My King, the Order of the Fleur de Lys is now fully ready for your instructions.

As to the matter of Laws, I agree fully. Now is not such a time but at least the Conseil is now aware of what is to be presented.

[Ramses II CP]

Hearing no dissent Louis symbolically raises a copy of the charter to his lips and kisses it on his assumption to the position of Seneschal.

I am grateful for this vote of confidence mes ami. Please update your official orders and requests as necessary with my office. France has lost her Lion, but she still will hunt her enemies and feed on their flesh!

:egypt:

[Braden]

Henri rises to address the Conseil

My Lords, my King and Seneschal,

At the Seneschals request I have reviewed Mercenary forces under the control of the Duchy of Lorraine, there are a good few in number but they fulfil roles that the Duchy cannot at this time replace in the main.

There is one company of spearmen that can be released who are currently under the command of my Vassal, André des Vaux, and one small group within the walls of Frankfurt which can also be released. However the greater numbers are of Crossbow companies, which the Duchy cannot replace at this time like-for-like.

If the Seneschal can locate and distribute like-for-like replacements for these troops the Duchy will be more than happy to release all of them as this will not effect our defences.

I ask that the Seneschal approves at least a company of spears to be raised in Metz as well as several companies of archers, if this is approved, I pledge that the Duchy will release the mercenary companies of spears and we will replace some crossbow companies with archers but we cannot replace them all as they server different purposes.

All this will be done next season should this be possible.

I am also concerned that there is a lack of cavalry in the Duchy and that only Metz can train light cavalry. This will be addressed in time I am sure however, and the Duchy will do what it can with the resources it has for now.

The Duchy has also commissioned and erected a fort South East of Frankfurt to defend the bridge over the Main river.

I have personally sent a request to my brother Villain that he refuse this latest request for family adoption, I feel, as the King does I am sure, that too many knights are seeking such a route to power now but the ultimate option to do so is fully in his hands and I ask the King to understand this should my brother accept it.

I have updated my orders instructions accordingly and have placed a request for a priest to be trained in Frankfurt this coming season as this was not effected in the previous term. A leather tanner is also requested for the end period of this term if possible for Frankfurt.

That is all,

Henri returns to his seat

((OOC: Some OOC stuff I’ll bring to the OOC thread also))

[Braden]

Henri stands to address the Conseil

My Lords and King,

In accordance to the wishes of the King and indeed, myself, I have instructed my brother Villain to reject this latest approach. We all grow bored with these attempts at self aggrandisement by these Knights. Perhaps Villain should duel them…that might dissuade any future, surviving, ones?

I have also requested that Count André des Vaux of Reims address the expansion of his city to the King directly.

Congratulations are in order for Pope Etienne; our new Pope and spiritual leader! I am certain we will all drink to his long health at the coming Winter Festival in our halls. It is a shame that worldly vices such as pride afflict our Catholic neighbours to such an extent that the Sicilians attack the Papacy army…likewise I am concerned that the Polish nation also feel aggrieved and with Lorraine bordering their nation I will move the Duchy forces accordingly to the border to monitor the situation.

I offer the services of the Duchy of Lorraine to help the King conduct his operations against the Danes if it is needed, to the extent that I would be willing to lead such an expedition should the House of Bretagne be unable to for whichever reason.

As to the issue of the Sicilians, I am sure this will interest my Brother Charles…perhaps he could lead an expedition to rout their forces and bring them into the Papacy fold once more should diplomatic means prove unsuccessful?

Henri bows to the Conseil and returns to his seat

[Ituralde]

A French Pope! It seems our efforts for the faith have been recognized by the Holy Sea. Now there's little standing in the way of further religious progress!

Simon smiles confidently.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Good enough news, although some strange happenings in Spain. The Russians seem to have a fleet sitting near by our coast, but for what reason I can not fathom. And a huge army of Spanish troops have entered Pamplona, once again for no discernible reason. Coincidence? almost 100% likely. But hey, good to be prepared.

[Braden]

Indeed, my own reports show this Russian fleet and not one but TWO large Spanish armies either in or mere miles from Pamplona.

However, my contacts advise me that we are still held in high regard by both the Russian and Spanish courts so it is unclear of their purpose. I am sure though that our King is well prepared should their intent not be to our "liking"...

[Marcus Agrippa]

My King as a noble of Bretagne I shall lead the force against The Danes if there is no objection from Duc Alain.
Also should a crusade to the holy lands be on the cards our time has come to build up with a french pope in Rome.