KotR Orders and reports thread [Archive] - Page 2

OverKnight

08-23-2007, 10:33

A List of Battles in Chancellor Matthias Steffen's Second Term
This will be kept up to date

3^No.|General|Place|Type|Date|Opponent|Odds|German #|Enemy #|Germans lost|Enemy lost|Result
7^1|Matthias Steffen|Edessa|FA|1280|Mongols|2:1|2967|1258|499|1137|v
7^2|Karl Zirn|Damascus|YA|1280|Egypt|2:1|547|91|156|58|v
7^3|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|FA|1280|Denmark|5:1|937|271|14|271|v
7^4|Fritz von Kastilien|Stettin|FA|1280|Poland|2:1|471|211|33|174|v
7^5|Gerhard Steffen|Naples|FA|1280|Sicily|?|877|538|82|517|v
7^6|Friedrich Scherer|Rheims|FA|1280|France|5:1|1353|705|8|705|v
7^7|Arnold|Budapest|FD|1280|Hungary|1:2|957|1414|75|1178|V
7^8|Siegfried|Hamburg|FA|1282|Denmark|5:1|787|271|2|215|v
7^9|Hans|Edessa|FA|1282|Mongols|4:5|2075|2690|722|2432|v
7^10|Dieter Bresch|Edessa|FA|1284|Rebels|?|720|599|38|525|v
7^11|Dietrich von Dassel|Marseille|FA|1284|France|?|1154|864|58|518|v
7^12|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Moscow|SA|1284|Russia|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^13|Elberhard|Jerusalem|FA|1284|Egypt|3:1|1928|787|1023|719|v
7^14|Friedrich Scherer|Caen|FA|1284|France|?|1333|1882|770|1673|v
7^15|Friedrich Scherer|Caen|SA|1284|France|?|563|260|?|?|V
7^16|Lothar Steffen|Cagliari|YA|1286|Sicily|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^17|Elberhard|Jerusalem|FA|1286|Egypt|?|569|56|60|43|v
7^18|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1286|Russia|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^19|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|FA|1286|Denmark|?|1071|514|81|486|v
7^20|Arnold|Bran|FA|1286|Hungary|3:2|1560|1741|38|1722|v
7^21|Karl Zirn|Jedda|FA|1288|Egypt|?|232|34|65|32|v
7^22|Gerhard Steffen|Palermo|FA|1288|Sicily|20:3|849|181|39|181|v
7^23|Matthias Steffen|Adana|FA|1288|Turks|1:1|1433|1289|25|1222|v
7^24|Friedrich Scherer|Caen|SD|1288|France|1:2|763|1718|333|1451|V
7^25|Edmund Becker|Budapest|FA|1290|Hungary|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^26|Edmund Becker|Budapest|FA|1290|Rebels|5:1|1206|727|65|705|v
7^27|Lothar Steffen|Palermo|FA|1290|Sicily|?|1496|617|133|598|v
7^28|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1290|Poland|?|1656|1131|131|712|v
7^29|Elberhard|Jerusalem|FA|1292|Egypt|2:1|1221|629|388|607|v
7^30|Peter von Kastilien|Vilnius|SA|1292|Poland|30:7|1528|520|211|520|v
7^31|Dieter Bresch|Jedda|FA|1292|Egypt|?|1203|455|33|452|v
7^32|Edmund Becker|Budapest|FA|1292|Poland|?|1173|972|1005|397|D
7^33|Dietrich von Dassel|Caen|FD|1292|France|2:3|1045|784|478|763|V
7^34|Arnold|Budapest|FD|1292|Hungary|2:3|1180|1518|100|1423|V
7^35|Arnold|Budapest|FA|1294|Hungary|4:1|1080|293|0|293|v
7^36|Matthias Steffen|Caesarea|FA|1294|Turks|1:1|2305|1453|467|1316|v
7^37|Arnold|Budapest|FA|1296|Poland|3:1|2126|844|95|808|v
7^38|Dietrich von Dassel|Caen|FA|1296|France|?|1698|861|138|861|v
7^39|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|FA|1296|Denmark|?|2262|1107|215|983|v
7^40|Peter von Kastilien|Thorn|FD|1296|Poland|1:1|1161|1699|160|1274|V
7^41|Elberhard|Jedda|FA|1298|Egypt|1:1|1315|687|326|642|v
7^42|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Vilnius|FA|1298|Russia|1:1|1404|1186|201|1176|v
7^43|Arnold|Budapest|FA|1298|Poland|1:1|1077|526|189|488|v

FA=field battle (attacker)
FD=field battle (defender)
SA=siege assault (attacker)
SD=siege assault (defender)
YA=sally (attacker)
YD=sally (defender)
AA=ambush (attacker)
AD=ambush (defender)

OverKnight

08-25-2007, 15:18

1280 continued

I have eliminated Khan Kuo Kan with the help of King Jan. There are now only two Mongol armies left. The noose tightens.

Count Karl Zirn has driven the Egyptians from the walls of Damascus.

Duke Friedrich Scherer has completely destroyed the French army that had besieged Rheims.

Duke Arnold has routed a Hungarian army to his north and is on his way to meet with the leaderless AHA in the northern pass between Bran and Budapest.

Count Fritz von Kastilien captured and ransomed a Danish force east of Hamburg and then broke and eliminated the Polish siege of Stettin.

Count Peter von Kastilien has defeated two Polish armies on the border of Magdeburg and Krakow in separate night actions. He then swung east to crush some rebels near Thorn.

Duke Gerhard Steffen has pursued and defeated the Sicilians who had the temerity to march on Rome. The garrison of Naples sallied out to assist and were crushed as well. The Duke then took and sacked the defenseless city. The loot has flooded our coffers, allowing me to build in all settlements this turn.

I have sent out diplomatic feelers concerning Cagliari. I could sell the castle to one of our allies for about 3000 florins. Offered to Spain, it doesn't make a dent in the their resolve to war with us, no doubt because of our alliance with Portugal. For now, I will hold onto it and see if its value as a bargaining chip increases.

Speaking of Cagliari. A Moorish fleet with an embarked army is near the Castle. Count Lothar Steffen's army will remain there to guard the island while catapults and reinforcements are brought from Ajaccio. The Count will not attack Palermo until thorough preparations are made. The Sicilians also have a strong navy which also must be taken into account.

In accordance with Edict 12.4 I have contacted the Scottish King to broker an alliance.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/scotreject.jpg

The offer was firmly rejected. These are not the heady days of the early Empire, we cannot pluck alliances off trees like fruit.

Implementation of CA 12.6 will take some time. HAs leaders have to be moved to their new troops, many of the HAs are already neck deep in enemies, and many of the Duchies have their premier Castles far from the front lines. I will continue to work on reorganizing and manning the new armies.

OverKnight

08-25-2007, 16:45

1282

The Sicilians have defeated us in a naval battle. Our fleet has retreated to Genoa. This will delay our move on Palermo. But I have recruited four flotillas of Gun Holks to counter their Lanternas.

The Hungarians have attacked Duke Arnold as he moved to meet up with the AHA. The odds looked grim.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnolddeploy-1.jpg

But it is a great victory!

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldvic-2.jpg

The Hungarians, forced to march up a mountain to face the Dread Duke, broke quickly despite their advantage in numbers.

Paris is besieged by the French. Pope Ugolinus has excommunicated King Henry for this. However this was the Pontiff's last act. Another Imperial Cardinal is now Pope.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/newpope.jpg

As you can see, only the Empire and its friends are in good standing with the Church. Though France was reconciled, they teeter on the edge of excommunication along with all our enemies. As before, however, due to the age of the Pope, any excommunication will not last long.

A new Franconian General has been recruited in Vienna.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/tancred.jpg

I wish him to leave the city, as his presence, in part, has caused rioting. It seems that the very high taxes already present combined with his poor administration skills, unexpectedly caused a flare up. The rioters have been put down, but I do apologize to Duke Arnold.

The Mongols seem trapped.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/mongolshemmedin.jpg

The bad news is, that they have brought their armies closer together. They can now support each other.

Our successful blockade of Toulouse has caused the Council of Nobles to recruit three units of Gothic Knights for us in Rome.

The Teutonic Crusade is just short of Moscow.

The Moors have landed on Cagliari.

AussieGiant

08-26-2007, 14:51

Apologies Chancellor.

Bran has only just been allocated.

Build Queue Bran:

Military policy focusing on heavy infantry.

OverKnight

08-27-2007, 12:27

1282

Count Hans has eliminated the Mongols, but this victory is made bitter by the news that Jens Hummel was killed in the battle. The loss of one so young is a terrible waste, though he died defending the Reich. For that he should be hailed as a hero.

The forces used against the Mongols will be redeployed around the Levant, forming the armies of Outremer and the Prinz's army.

Duke Arnold has met the AHA coming from Bran on the site of his victory against the Hungarians. Edmund Becker has joined him. Where they will go in the next year will depend on the movement of the Poles and Hungarians.

I have dispatched Dietrich von Dassel from Bern to Marseille. He will not arrive until next year, but he is the closest noble. I have also sent three units of professional troops to the city to stiffen the garrison against the imminent French siege.

Count Fritz von Kastilien has moved to Magdeburg to begin forming the second Franconian Household Army. This will take a few years as Count Peter will need most of the current troops for a push on Vilnius. He is now on the the bridge south of Thorn. Peter will not be dispatched to Vilnius until the second army is ready. I will not leave Franconia undefended.

Duke Friedrich Scherer broke the siege of Paris and is now on the way to Caen. I have moved Wolfgang Hummel into his army. Besieging the Castle will be dangerous as there are many French armies in the area.

Duke Gerhard Steffen will winter in Naples after receiving the Gothic Knight donated by the Council of Nobles. He is waiting for militia troops from Rome to arrive to garrison the city before he resumes offensive action against Sicily.

Count Lothar Steffen will stay in Cagliari for now. The Sicilian naval victory has forced me to concentrate our fleets off Ajaccio, and there are none in range to move the Count.

Kaiser Siegfried has begun moving south, as requested. It will take some time before he arrives in Rome with his army.

OverKnight

08-27-2007, 13:29

1284

A Pope has finally lived long enough to act against our enemies.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/excom1284.jpg

Given the age of the Pope I doubt this will last long. Still this does remove his previous injunctions against attacking them. We have also added an Imperial Cardinal to the College

The Pope has a new mission for us.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/missions.jpg

His Holiness seems to be in a belligerent mood this year.

The Egyptians have defeated a Papal army south of Jerusalem and now besiege the city. This will not stand.

I am pleased to say both the Kaiser and Prinz have been blessed with daughters.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/news.jpg

Oh, Wilkerus passed away, a shame.

Spain has besieged Ajaccio with a small force, this was most likely the cause of their excommunication.

The Moors have left Sardinia, but the Sicilians have landed a large force next to Cagliari.

Paris is again besieged by a small French force. The French have also, as expected, besieged Marseille.

1284 continued

Duke Friedrich Scherer has gutted a few French Armies and seized the Citadel of Caen. This fulfills Edict 12.3. Unfortunately, the Duke's army is quite battered and it will take all the resources of Caen a few years to replenish it.

Dietrich von Dassel has broken the siege of Marseille and been knighted for his efforts. The professional troops in the city and units recruited from Staufen will form the second Swabian HA. I was thinking of havng them meet near Dijon.

Duke Ansehelm has taken Moscow, the Teutonic Crusade is completed. I offered the city back to the Russian in exchange for a ceasefire, but they refused. The Crusade has left the city and entered Polish territory to the south. I have increased tax levels to very high to ensure that the city will revolt. I would rather rebels hold the city than have the Russians retake it.

Count Dieter Bresch has destroyed some brigands south of Edessa. The men with Dieter will form the core of one of the Armies of Outremer, and I am taking the other to Adana in response to a large Turkish force that has been spotted to the northeast.

Prinz Elberhard has broken the Saracen siege of Jerusalem. Reinforcements are on the way south to Acre, to fully form the Prinz's army. Count Hans has departed Outremer after taking ship in Antioch.

The siege of Paris has been broken.

The siege of Ajaccio has been broken. The Spanish transport ships had been run off, so their troops had no choice but to disperse. A large fleet is moving south with reinforcements for Count Lothar, including the artillery he requested. I have also ordered the recruitment of two units of peasant archers, and one unit of dismounted Imperial Knights at Cagliari. Duke Gerhard Steffen has left Naples, now fully garrisoned by militia, and is taking the nascent 2nd BHA down the toe of Italy to cross the straits to Sicily. Due to the lack of roads this will take a few years.

Duke Arnold is in pursuit of the Hungarian army that is threatening Bran, he should catch up with them in the new year.

Count Fritz von Kastilien has taken a few units closer to Hamburg, while the rest of the 2nd Franconian HA is being formed at Magdeburg. Count Peter von Kastilien is holding on the bridge south of Thorn. He is wating for reinforcements from the Castle, as the move on Vilnius looks difficult, and for the 2nd FHA to become operational. A middling Russian army is within a year's march of Thorn, another reason to keep him in the area.

Kaiser Siegfried continues to move south.

OverKnight

08-30-2007, 17:28

1286

The Explorer's Guild in Antioch has been upgraded to a Headquarters.

Moscow, to my surprise, did not revolt, but the city is rioting.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/riotmoscow.jpg

There is a Russian force to the southeast that is withing marching distance of the city.

A large French army has besieged Caen. Fortunately the walls have been repaired. Paris is besieged as well, but by a much smaller force. While the seizure of Caen was a master stroke, it has left the northwestern Swabian front vulnerable.

Thorn is besieged by a small Russian force, but Peter von Kastilien has run them off. Hamburg is besieged by the Danes.

Cagliari, not to my surprise, has been besieged by the Sicilians.

England has reached a truce with the Danes and has declared war on the French by besieging Bruges.

The Turks have laid siege to Baghdad. The Byzantines have been repulsed from Caesaria.

1286 continued

Prinz Elberhard has defeated the Egyptian General al Muazzam north of Jerusalem. The General has escaped east into the desert. Count Zirn, seeking revenge for the siege of Damascus, has marched south with a small force to pursue him. The Prinz has moved to Acre to rearm and await the rest of his reinforcements.

Count Lothar Steffen has destroyed the Sicilians who besieged Cagliari. Our fleet in the area has driven off the Sicilian Lanternas, and the way to Palermo appears open. The Count and his army will depart the Citadel next year.

Count Peter von Kastilien has pursued the Russians and destroyed them. Tancred von Tyrolia and the garrison of Breslau marched north and drove off a Polish force. The young Franconian has joined Peter on the bridge south of Thorn.

Count Fritz von Kastilien has broken the siege of Hamburg and routed the Danes. He will make his way back to Magdeburg to witness the completion of the second Franconian Household Army. This means the attack on Vilnius will depart soon.

The siege of Paris has been broken. I offered the French Cagliari, some money, trade rights and map information in return for a ceasefire. Though the offer seemed balanced, it was firmly rejected.

Finally, Duke Arnold engaged the Hungarians west of Bran with Edmund Becker commanding his cavalry.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldhun.jpg

The Duke seized the high ground and when the Huns tried to bring their numerous bowmen to bear, Becker's calvary ran them down. An infantry charge decided the issue and the Hungarian noble and his men ran for their lives.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hunrun.jpg

Oremus Samuel managed to flee, but few of his men survived and he now fears conflict. Duke Arnold is triumphant and a swordbearer has joined his retinue.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldhunvic.jpg

The Prisoners, worth over four thousand florins in ransom, were executed. Edmund Becker served with distinction, I suggest the Duke knight him.

OverKnight

09-03-2007, 14:27

1288

The French siege of Caen continues, they tried besieging Marseille, but the garrison sallied out and drove them off.

The Russians have retaken Moscow and put an end to the rioting in the city.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/moscowoccupied.jpg

I had hoped the city would rebel, but Moscow is a shadow of it's former self. Between Duke Ansehelm and rioting, the city is a ghost town with many damaged buildings. The Duke is on the road to Smolensk in the area of Ryazan.

Jerusalem was besieged by the Egyptians, but the Papacy was able to repulse them without our assistance. Also, another of our priests has joined the College of Cardinals.

Portugal and Egypt along with England and France have reached ceasefires.

Count Lothar Steffen has departed Cagliari with the first Bavarian HA. His ships are weighted down with catapults, so he will arrive at Palermo next year.

Count Edmund Becker has taken command of the second Austrian HA. He will head west as small Polish and Hungarian armies have been spotted north and east of Budapest. A large rebel army is also near the city. Duke Arnold, while the first AHA reinforces, has begun building a series of forts and watchtowers in the mountain passes around Bran.

Dietrich von Dassel and elements of the second Swabian HA are making their way to meet near Paris.

Despite a clumsy assassination attempt by the Danes, Count Fritz von Kastilien will be making his way east as the military threat by Denmark has subsided. This is needed to cover his brother's eventual move on Vilnius.

1288 continued

Count Peter von Kastilien has routed a small force of Poles north of Thorn. He has moved east to begin his drive on Vilnius.

Count Zirn has brought justice to the the Egyptian al Muazzam in the desert south of Damascus. He was an irritant and I am glad he is dead.

Duke Gerhard Steffen has destroyed a small Sicilian force blocking his way to Palermo. The pincer is closing on the Castle.

I took the northern Army of Outremer to the mountain pass northeast of Adana to expell a large Turk army from our territory. I fear the Turks are using our lands to transport troops to Caesarea in their efforts against the Byzantines. This must stop. I faced Kasim of Kabul, his army was destroyed but the coward escaped. I set up a watchtower and will block any further incursions into our frontiers.

The French finally summoned up the courage to assault Caen, but Duke Scherer has repulsed them in a Heroic victory. A smaller French army has moved to besiege the Castle however.

OverKnight

09-08-2007, 00:20

1290

Caen remains under a second siege.

The Egyptians have besieged Jerusalem again, but were repulsed by the city's garrison.

A Sicilian fleet has unexpectedly attacked the Imperial fleet carrying Count Hans.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/hansfleetrun.jpg

Our ships were put to flight, with one flotilla being sunk. The Count will continue his journey.

Pope Gualandus is dead. The College of Cardinals gathered to select a replacement, but by now it is a mere formality. We can never directly control the Church, but we do control who becomes Pope.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/pisanuselected.jpg

Though Denmark and Spain were reconciled, our Catholic enemies are all in danger of excommunication. As Pope Abbate is only 53, this will last. On the other hand, we must watch our own actions as well.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/popefavor.jpg

The Kaiser has been blessed with another daughter, while another son is born to Count Zirn.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/kids.jpg

1290 continued

Count Peter von Kastilien has defeated a large Polish army blocking his path and has crossed into their territory. He should reach Vilnius by next year. I have not heard from the Count if Tancred von Tyrolia was deemed worthy of knighting.

Count Edmund Becker has crushed two armies outside Budapest. Duke Arnold has constructed a fort and watchtower north of Bran. The fortifications in the Carpathian mountains are now complete.

Count Lothar Steffen has taken Palermo, the last Sicilian possesion in Europe. Edict 12.1 is fulfilled. A diplomat has been dispatched via a large fleet to land in Africa next year. I plan to offer them Cagliari for peace. Due to extra funds provided by Lothar's sacking of the Castle, I have decided to convert Cagliari into a city in preperation for the offer. The forces in the Citadel will rest and rearm, and the two HAs will exchange troops to come to a more consistent configuration.

Kaiser Siegfried has routed some rebels near Innsbruck.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/siegfriedswissvic.jpg

His army will rest and rearm in the Castle.

I have defeated a small army of Turks in the pass northeast of Adana.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/adanavalleyvic.jpg

I have established a fort at the battle site to contain further Turkish incursions.

Prinz Elberhard has moved south of Jerusalem to face the Egyptian armies that have been brazenly crossing the Pope's land. Count Dieter Bresch is moving the second Army of Outremer south as well, as Egyptian forces have been spotted gathering in the desert near Damascus. He is now east of the city.

OverKnight

09-10-2007, 08:09

1292

My Father, Duke Gerhard Steffen, is dead. This is terrible news.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/gerharddead.jpg

An august General, he turned the Po River valley into a charnel pit for the Venetians and Hungarians. His seizure of Marseille and Naples were marked by suddenness and disdain for the siege. His reign as Duke saw an era of unrivalled peace and prosperity for Bavaria, as the Duchy was spared much of the strife visited on the rest of the Reich. I will miss him.

In some small recompense, several of the Reich's nobles were blessed with daughters.

Breslau has been besieged by the Poles. They are also within a year's march to Budapest.

The College of Cardinals is at capacity once again as an Imperial priest was promoted to Pope Abbate's vacant slot.

Count Dietrich von Dassel and the second SHA are now in position to support the defense of Caen and will be able to strike at the besiegers next year.

I have moved to northwest of Adana and established another fort in the pass to Turkish Caesarea.

Our diplomat has landed in Africa, and will reach Tunis in a year.

1292 continued

Count Bresch has defeated an Egyptian army southeast of Damascus. The survivors fled north. Prinz Elberhard defeated the Egyptian Crown Prince Mustamsik and his army on the Gaza-Jerusalem border. This is the beginning of a new aggressive approach against the Saracen. Armies near Jerusalem and our borders will be attacked before they can enter our territory.

Count Peter von Kastilien has taken Vilnius. Edict 12.2 is fulfilled. Count Fritz von Kastilien has broken the siege of Breslau and rejoined his infantry halfway between Thorn and Hamburg.

Count Edmund Becker has suffered a crushing defeat to the Poles north of Budapest. The second Austrian Household Army has been destroyed and Wilhelm von Heidelburg was captured and slain by the Polish. Becker and the remnants of his army have taken shelter in Budapest. In response to this terrible news, Duke Arnold is marching west from Bran with the remaining Household Army.

Our diplomat in Durazzo has arranged to donate 500 florins a year for the next five years to the Church. Considering the relative youth of the Pope, I consider this a good idea.

Another of our diplomats on the Russian border stumbled on a Sicilian Princess. He tried to make her an offer she couldn't refuse.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/sicilyrefuses.jpg

It was a generous but it was refused. I hope our Diplomat nearing Tunis will have more luck, but I fear our reputation is too despicable for anyone to make peace with us.

Finally, I have received word that the French have attacked Count Dietrich von Dassel's army as it lay outside besieged Caen. I will report on the battle in the new year.

OverKnight

09-14-2007, 02:24

1294

Sir Dietrich von Dassel is victorious with a crushing defeat of the French who attacked him! The French, shocked by their loss, have abandoned their second seige of Caen. I will begin recruiting new troops there immediately.

Soon after I heard of this Heroic Victory, I received news that two Hungarian armies had attacked Duke Arnold and the remaining AHA.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldvhun.jpg

When taken together, the Hungarians had a well balanced force. However Providence and the terrain smiled upon us, as both served to delay the arrival of the second army. The Duke skillfully used an advantage in height and cavalry to destroy the first army.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/avh1.jpg

Arnold was then able to reform his men to face the second army when it finally arrived. This time he had the superiority in bowmen.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/avh2.jpg

It was a crushing victory.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/avhvic.jpg

The Duke was in no mood, as if he ever is, to leave the enemy forces alive.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/avhzkill.jpg

The Hungarians have also besieged Bran, but with a small army. It should be easy enough to drive off.

The Franconians face an interesting decision as the Teutonic Knights have offered to establish a Chapter House in Vilnius. The question is, do we plan to stay there?

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/zzteutonvilnius.jpg

With the Reich flush with Florins, and my building program in full swing, I decided to try one last time to make peace with the Sicilians.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/peacesicily.jpg

It cost a pretty penny, but we have peace with the Sicilians. I know they could turn around and attack us again, but I felt we must give peace one more oppurtunity. The Sicilians may have forgotten their alliance with us, but they stuck with us through Excommunication, we owed them a chance. However, further treachery will not be tolerated.

Having reached a ceasefire with Sicily, I contacted their allies the Spanish. If we remain at war with them, it could possibly endanger our new found peace.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/peacezspain.jpg

Again, our reputation has made negotiations difficult, but we must try. Sicily and Spain were our two enemies with whom we do not share a border. I hope this will serve to establish a lasting peace and mutually beneficial trade. We shall see. In both cases, I aimed for upfront payments, so as not to burden the next Chancellor.

1294 continued

Duke Arnold has crushed a small Hungarian army in his path.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldvic1294.jpg

Unfortunately for the Hungarians, the Duke's bad mood continues, there were no survivors. The garrison of Bran has also thrown off the Magyar siege. This means that Austria is free of the their troops. Edmund Becker has taken the mounted remnants of his army and is proceeding to the Citadel to recruit a new force.

I welcome Duke Ansehelm and the Teutonic Crusade back to the Reich!
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/welcomeback94.jpg

Count Fritz von Kastilien has moved west to respond to the threat on Hamburg, as the Danes have besieged the Elbe fort. Count Peter von Kastilien has moved back towards Thorn with the majority of his army in response to an increased Polish presence in the area. Sir Tancred von Tyrolia now commands at Vilnius with a small garrison until the fate of the Citadel is decided. There are three units of Polish Nobles to the south, but there is no infantry for a proper siege, and the Duke will soon be in the area.

Cou. . .Duke Lothar has departed Palermo with HA Gerhard. He will take ship to Florence. Count Karolinger will remain in Palermo while HA Otto finishes arming.

Duke Scherer will stay in Caen to refit his army and oversee repairs to the Citadel. Sir Dietrich von Dassel will stay nearby and await reinforcement from Staufen. The siege is over, but both Swabian HAs are battered and not ready for offensive action.

Prinz Eleberhard has moved back to Acre to rest and refit his army. Count Bresch has moved closer to Damascus, as I don't want him going too far from our border in pursuit of the Saracen.

Finally, in order to strengthen our northern border with the Turks, and, as I have been convinced, aid our allies, I have attacked a small Turkish army outside Caesarea. The Byzantines have been sitting outside the Castle for ages, but were outnumbered. I have decided to break the stalemate. As I expected, my attack drew both the garrison and the Byzantines into battle.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/asouthcaesareadeploy.jpg

The day went well for us and our allies. I hope to write a battle report shortly.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/ysouthcaesareavic.jpg

The Turkish Sultan fled, and he and a few survivors are holed up in their capital. I hope that our allies, with many men in the area, will summon their courage and besiege the Citadel. I have done all I can for them besides open the gate.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/zsouthcaesareaaftermath.jpg

OverKnight

09-14-2007, 10:52

1296

England has besieged Bruges and is again at war with the French. Due to the seizure of Caen, the city is isolated and the English might have a chance to take the city if their courage does not falter.

Caen is again besieged, however I have rushed some Merchant Cavalry Militia to Sir von Dassel and a Portuguese army is in the area and is willing to assist a sally.

The Danish siege of the Elbe fort turned out to be a ruse, they have bypassed it and have encircled Hamburg instead. The fort has served its purpose, however, as the Saxony HA now lies ready to assist. The Prussia HA has sent some troops to Thorn to rearm and Count Peter and the rest of the army have taken up their old position at the bridge south of the Citadel.

A Polish army had besieged Budapest, but Duke Arnold fell upon them like a wolf among sheep.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldpoledeploy.jpg

The Polish Nobles did not fare as well against the Duke as they had in their previous battle near Budapest.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldpolebattle.jpg

Their army was destroyed and the prisoners executed. The few survivors fled to the hills and will not trouble the Reich again.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldpolerealvic.jpg

The Duke has moved north and has added several regiments of spear militia to his army for the tough road ahead. Reinforcements are coming from Ragusa and Innsbruck, but they will have to catch up. Count Becker has arrived in Bran and is supervising the rebuilding of the 2nd AHA.

Despite my assistance, the Byzantines did not strike at Caesarea, though they have moved several armies into the area. My old friend Kasim of Kabul has stopped threatening our border near Adana and is making his way to the Citadel in a panic. I have moved the 2nd AoO to Adana to rearm. Count Zirn has assumed command of the 1st AoO and has taken position east of Damascus. If the Egyptians wish to threaten the city, they will have to pass by him. Prinz Elberhard has moved to the far south of Papal territory on the road between Jedda and Gaza. My goal with these last two moves is to block Saracen military movement and bring them to battle.

Our assassin has removed a thorn from the Pope's side.
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/killforpope.jpg

One of our priests near Metz, Edmund Deines, began expressing doubts about Transubstantiation and had to be tried for heresy by his colleague, Johannes Plittersdorf. We lost a priest, but his Inquisitor has gained prestige.

I nearly forgot, I am an Uncle again, Duke Lothar has been blessed with another son, Wenzel.

1296 continued

Count Fritz von Kastilien has successfully lifted the siege of Hamburg and crushed the Danes. He will move to Magdeburg to rearm.

Sir Dietrich von Dassel has pummeled the French near Caen with the assistance of Duke Scherer and the Portuguese Prince. Both HAs will rearm in the area as Caen is free to recruit and reinforcements are coming from Staufen.

Count Peter von Kastilien and the Prussian Army have been attacked by two Polish armies on the south bridge of the Vistula. I will report on the battle in the new year.

OverKnight

09-18-2007, 15:09

1298

Count Peter von Kastilien was victorious over the Poles. He will remain in place and receive reinforcements from Thorn.

Our allies the Byzantines have besieged Caesarea and moved several armies into the area. I am glad my attack against the Turks has finally emboldened our friends. The English continue their siege of Bruges.

It appears the Danes have tried to assassinate Count Fritz von Kastilien again. They failed, but their hatred for him is a testament to the Count's many victories over the scum. He has continued on to Magdeburg to reinforce the Saxon Army.

The Steffen family has grown, Lothar has a third son, Bernhard, and my sister Kordula has married a promising noble, Fredericus Erlach.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/fredericuserlach.jpg

He is currently in Rome.

I have also received an interesting message from the Assassins Guild in Stettin.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/threat.jpg

I normally don't respond to such threats, but we could use another blade.

Several small Turk armies are in our territory east of Edessa. I have relinquished command of the northern AoO to King Jan. He is currently between Antioch and Aleppo and while my term will soon be over, I think it would be a good idea for him drive the Turks off. Count Dieter Bresch has taken of the southern AoO and is east of Damascus.

The first Swabian HA is a year away from near full strength as it continues reinforcing at Caen. The second HA is being dispatched to Staufen to reinforce.

Count Hans has landed in Marseille and is proceeding north. Count Lothar Steffen and HA Gerhard have arrived in Florence.

The Russians have sent an army south towards Vilnius. I have asked Duke Ansehelm and the Teutonic Crusade to face them.

1298 continued

Duke Ansehelm has destroyed the Russians, but Helmut von Hamburg was killed saving the army from an ambush. I mourn the man, but salute his bravery.

Prinz Elberhard has crushed an Egyptian army, with many units of Royal Mamluks, southeast of Jerusalem.

Duke Arnold, doubling back with only a cavalry force, has broken the seige of Budapest with the assistance of the garrison.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/arnoldvicpolesrout.jpg

The army was routed, and the survivors executed. The first AHA then proceeded north.

I am concerned over the level of heresy in Budapest and Bran, due to recent apostate activity, I have dispatched the priests who were working on Ajaccio to the region. I will also recruit new priests in Vienna and Budapest.

Count Peter von Kastilien has moved to the western part of Krakow. An inquisitor in the area has meet with an accident, a tragedy.

Count Fredericus Erlach has joined Duke Lothar and HA Gerhard in a newly built fort outside Florence.

OverKnight

09-20-2007, 11:53

1300

Thorn has been besieged by three units of Polish Nobles, this is more of a raid than a real assault.

The English and Byzantines continue their sieges of Bruges and Caesarea. I am glad we have allies, but their deliberate pace frustrates me.

Speaking of the Byzantines, our envoy to their court, Wilkerus von Bavaria, has passed away. He will have to be replaced if we are to continue active diplomacy with them.

An agent from Denmark was expelled from Hamburg, the city might need a counter-spy.

An assassin was recruited in Budapest, fulfilling the Guild's request.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/atrain.jpg

I have bought a new hat with the reward money.

The Scottish Prince, perhaps hearing of our new recruit, has made a request.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/bregicide.jpg

I begin to regret our past "sanctions" against the Polish and Danish Kings, as we now seem to be seen as an agent of succesion by the Princes of Europe.

The Pope is pleased by our building efforts in Outremer. Count Karl Zirn has my grattitude for ordering the construction.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/chugecathdam.jpg

The Pope has shown a concrete sign of his approval.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/dcard12of13.jpg

We now control 12 of 13 seats in the College of Cardinals.

Meinburg von Salza has married an ambitious young nobleman in Rome. I hope he has hidden strengths.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/earnoldinrome.jpg

A new General in Budapest has been brought into the House of Austria. It seems he is a cousin of another Austrian.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/florenzzirnbudaoest.jpg

This is my last report as Chancellor. It has been my honor to serve the Reich in the position for the last two terms. This term has seen many positive developments. Our finances continue to grow.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/gfinances.jpg

All aspects of the Reich's income have increased. I believe that making peace with Sicily and Spain has added to our trade. Our Merchants are unrivalled, though we can't, at the moment, bring any more into our service.

The creation of the second House Armies, a major accomplishment of my term, has caused our Military spending to increase by twenty percent. I believe the Reich has reached the maximum amount of army costs that we can maintain while still pursuing a construction program and growing our finances. Contrary to when I started as Chancellor, each settlement of the Reich has had near constant building in the past 20 years.

During my term, the Reich has conquered Caen, Vilnius, Naples and Palermo. The Teutonic Crusade reached Moscow and returned safely. The Mongols were crushed underfoot, and I have taken steps to weaken the Turks and Egyptians to further secure Outremer. By aiding our allies the Byzantines near Caesarea, I hope to strengthen our northern border there.

We have faced many battles and relentless enemies. Good men have sacrificed their lives to keep the Reich safe. Despite horrific opposition we have prevailed. From the English Channel to the sands of the East, from the Steppes to the Mediterranean we are dominant. Imperial Hegemony extends throughout the known world. In trade or war, we are feared and respected. I thank you all for making it possible.

My time as Chancellor is done. May good fortune and Providence shine upon my successor, Kaiser Siegfried.

For God, the Kaiser and the Reich,

Count Matthias Steffen

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1300.zip

FactionHeir

09-23-2007, 10:28

Appointments:
Metz: Count Wolfgang Hümmel
Dijon: Count Athalwolf von Salza
Paris: Count Friedrich Scherer
Rheims: Prince Count Elberhard
Bern and Staufen remain Ducal territory.

Build orders:
Staufen:
Finish Master Armourer
Tourney Field
Gunsmith
Stables

Bern:
Finish Huge Stone Walls
Mayor's Palace
Merchant's Quarter

Taxation:
Tax levels are not to be set above High.

Preliminary Household army orders
SHA1 to be led with Count Hümmel. With the passage of Edict 13.1, it will take Bruges if the English are defeated and hold it against hostile attacks. If Paris or Caen are threatened, it is to move to their defense. SHA1 is authorized to raid French territory once Bruges is pacified.
SHA1 will initially be stationed at Caen. Count Scherer is to rotate command of SHA1 with Count Hümmel subject to availability and urgency.

SHA2 to be led by Count von Salza. SHA2 is to defend Dijon and aid SHA1 if odds are infavorable or SHA1 is otherwise unavailable/unable to defend the northern border effectively. SHA2 is authorized to raid French territory and pre-emptively strike at any French or Rebel force.
SHA2 will initially be stationed at Dijon.

No other person with exception of Duke Hans and the aforementioned men are to command any part of the SHA until further notice.

OverKnight

09-23-2007, 13:13

Milan

Merchant Vaults
then Chancellor's Discretion

Set taxes to avoid rioting.

Adana

Heavy Armourer
then Chancellor's Discretion

Northnovas

09-23-2007, 20:33

Zagreb

The city is being upgraded but I would like the following:

1. Abbey
2. City Watch

after that anything economic for the settlement.

Damascus

1. Cannon Towers ( a must to defend the Cathedral)
2. Communial Farming
3. Merchant Bank (First Bank of Damascus) interest free loans on OAC

RoadKill

09-24-2007, 01:00

Budapest

I want the following being built in this order
1) Tavern
2) Cathedral
3) Gunsmith
4) Merchants Valve.

I will also want to keep the taxes at low.

TinCow

09-24-2007, 02:06

Build Queues:

Nuremburg
Huge Cathedral
City Watch

Genoa
Fairground
Great Market

Florence
Mayor's Palace
Great Market

Marseille
Cathedral
Great Market

Bologna (Governed in my name by Matthias Steffen)
Merchant Bank
Great Market

Bavarian Household Army Orders:

HA Gerhard Steffen (currently outside Florence) will be commanded by myself and will remain at its post outside Florence. It will be used to suppress rebels and defend Bavarian territories from outside attack.

HA Otto von Kassel (currently near Palermo) will by commanded by Friedrich Karolinger. If Edict 13.4 passes, Count Karolinger will decide whether to take the army against Thessalonica. If he decides not to go, HA Otto will move to northern Italy, since Naples and Palermo have not been allocated to our House. If the Kaiser wishes these territories to be defended, he had better raise an army for them himself. Of course, Bavaria will be happy to take up that duty if they were to be allocated to those who fought so hard to take them...

Fredericus Erlach will go with whatever army is most likely to see battle first.

AussieGiant

09-24-2007, 07:28

Vienna

Mayor's Palace
Cathedral

Venice

Cathedral
Inn

Ragusa

Earl's Stables
King's Stables

Bran

Royal Arsenal
Heavy Armourer

tax levels to prevent rioting.

Austrian Household Army Orders:

2nd AHA currently based in Budapest is to be commanded by myself and will first assist Duke Ansehelm in taking Krakow and cleaning the area of Polish forces. Lorenz Zirn should join on me as soon as possible.

Once up to strength the 1st AHA under Becker should march on Bucharest.

While Becker focuses on that target I will follow with the 2nd AHA, reinforce in Bran and leapfrog him and approach Sofia. Artillery pieces from Bran should make up some part of both Armies before attacking either target.

Please note final orders to attack both targets will be given at a later time depending on the situation.

There is a small Hungarian army in the Austrian interior that must be dealt with also.

As the situation develops further requests maybe made at the pleasure of the Chancellor.

Stig

09-24-2007, 11:45

Building Queues for Franconia

Thorn:
Ballista Towers
Gun Smith

Hamburg:
Cathedral
Warehouse

Magdeburg:
continue Gunsmith
Cannon Maker
Cannon Foundry

Frankfurt:
continue Mayors Palace
Militia Drill Square
Militia Barracks

Vilnius:
The following buildings are to be erased from the earth:
Practise Range
Knight's Stables
Drill Square
Leather Tanner
Ballista Maker
After that Vilnius will be abandoned.

All taxes are to be set at Normal

House Army Orders:
The Prussian (Eastern) House Army is to defend Thorn and later Krakow, would enemy units infiltrate the Reich it also has to defend Breslau and Stettin.
The Saxonian (Western) House Army is to defend Hamburg, Frankfurt and Magdeburg. And later on it should attack Antwerp, but not untill further orders (not before the Duke himself arrives).
The Teutonic Crusade Army is to take with it all units currently and march to the 2nd bridge over the Vistula when counting from Thorn. From there it will march South and approach Krakow from behind.
After this the main part of the Teutonic is either to be disbanded or it taken into the ranks of the 2nd AHA. The three regiments of Teutonic Knights however will remain with Duke Ansehelm and they will march toward Frankfurt.

Appointments:
Breslau: Peter von Kastillien
Stettin: Fritz von Kastillien
Thorn: City ruled by the court of Franconia
Frankfurt: City ruled by the court of Franconia
Magdeburg: Not appointed
Hamburg: Not appointed

1st (Saxonian) Household Army: Fritz von Kastillien, when Duke Ansehelm and Tancred from Tyrolia arrive they take over command.
2nd (Prussian) Household Army: Peter von Kastillien.

Privateerkev

09-24-2007, 13:48

Build Queue:

Antioch:

Huge Cathedral
Shipwright
Dockyard

AoO Army Orders:

The formation currently led by King Jan around Aleppo is AoO North.
The formation currently led by Count Dieter around Damascus is AoO South.

These commanders are hereby "locked in" for the whole term unless I say otherwise. AoO North is commanded by myself. AoO South is commanded by Count Dieter.

The AoO's are tasked with upholding the Charter of Outremer first and foremost. Other tasks are only to be completed if Outremer and Jerusalem are safe and the King agrees.

That means defensive operations around Outremer territories and Jerusalem. AoO North will patrol Adana and Edessa. AoO South will patrol Edessa and Damascus. These patrol territories can be changed as the situation dictates. Cross border raids are authorized but only if it does not endanger Outremer or Jerusalem.

Cecil XIX

09-24-2007, 15:53

Build queue for Prague:

1. Great Market
2. Cathedral

Tax level set to low.

Stuperman

09-24-2007, 17:36

Build Que for Ajaccio:

1. Next level of Archey Range
2. Next level of Cavlery Recruitment center.

econ21

09-24-2007, 21:20

Summary of Battles fought in the Reign of Steward/Chancellor Elberhard, 1300-

3^No.|General|Place|Type|Date|Opponent|Odds|HRE #|Enemy #|HRE casualties #|Enemy casualties #|Outcome
7^1|Elberhard|Jerusalem|FA|1300|Egyptians|5:1|994|184|2|184|v
7^2|Captain|Thorn|YA-A|1300|Poles|?|696|181|32|100|v
7^3|Friedrich Scherer|Paris|FA-A|1302|French|?|684|225|16|123|v
7^4|Elberhard|Jerusalem|FA|1302|Egyptians|2:3|1137|1321|418|1199|hv
7^5|Fredericus Erlach|Marseilles|FA|1302|Rebels|10:3|451|465|35|410|v
7^6|Jan von Hamburg|Edessa|FA|1302|Turks|3:1|1744|1173|201|1145|v
7^7|Hans|Venice|FA|1304|Rebels|4:5|69|621|15|593|hv
7^8|Edmund Becker|Budapest|SA|1304|Hungarians|20:7|1226|659|168|659|v
7^9|Wolfgang Hummel|Paris|FA-A|1304|French||||||v
7^10|Jan von Hamburg|Edessa|FA|1304|Turks|20:9|1498|975|178|899|v
7^11|Jan von Hamburg|Mosul|FA|1304|Turks|5:2|1320|729|233|692|v
7^12|Jan von Hamburg|Mosul|FA|1304|Turks|10:3|1087|753|51|725|v
7^13|Arnold|Krakow|FA|1304|Poles|3:1|1499|1222|14|321|v
7^14|Arnold|Krakow|FA|1304|Poles|3:2|1485|1670|163|1607|v
7^15|Arnold|Krakow|SA|1304|Poles|30:1|1322|34|2|29|v
7^16|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|FA|1304|Danes|?|1442|1070|295|1011|v
7^17|Arnold|Krakow|YD|1306|Poles|3:1|1412|958|143|734|v
7^18|Ansehelm|Thorn|FA|1306|Russians|?|1038|672|160|672|v
7^19|Fredericus Erlach|Milan|FA|1306|Rebels|4:1|1137|487|31|479|v
7^20|Wolfgang Hummel|Paris|YA-A|1306|French|2:1|1459|605|126|452|v
7^21|Friedrich Scherer|Caen|FA|1306|French|1:1|1724|687|864|648|v
7^22|Wolfgang Hummel|Bruges|FD-A|1306|French|1:1|1052|1262|108|742|v
7^23|Wolfgang Hummel|Bruges|FA-A|1308|French|5:1|947|371|28|190|v
7^24|Ansehelm|Thorn|FA|1308|Poles|?|1523|1583|151|983|v
7^25|Elberhard|Jerusalem|FA|1310|Egyptians|5:2|1350|1188|110|1083|v
7^26|Fredericus Erlach|Marseille|FA|1310|French|1:1|1112|421|19|386|v
7^27|Fredericus Erlach|Marseille|FA|1312|French|10:1|1094|288|12|219|v
7^28|Wolfgang Hummel|Paris|FA|1312|French|2:1|817|1419|145|1180|v
7^29|Arnold|Budapest|FA|1312|Hungarians|?|1103|383|81|353|v
7^30|Edmund Becker|Bucharest|SA|1312|Rebels|1366|?|1567|531|1567|v
7^31|Tancred von Tyrolia|Constantinople|SA|1312|Byzantines|?|?|29|23|29|v
7^32|Dietrich von Dassel|Durazzo|SA|1314|Papacy|1605|1:2|2677|518|1250|v
7^33|Duke Ansehelm|Thorn|FA|1314|Poles|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^34|King Jan|Aleppo|SA|1314|Byzantines|20:1|1329|61|13|61|v
7^35|Edmund Becker|Bucharest|SD|1316|Hungarians|?|?|?|?|?|d
7^36|Fritz von Kastilien|Stettin|SA|1316|Rebels|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^37|Duke Ansehelm|Thorn|FA|1316|Poles|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^38|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|BD|1316|Byzantines|1:1|914|1335|139|1180|hv
7^39|Kaiser Elberhard|Antioch|SA|1318|Byzantines|5:2|932|481|50|481|v
7^40|King Jan|Antioch|SA|1318|Byzantines|20:1|1828|121|15|121|v
7^41|Dietrich von Dassel|Bologna|FA|1318|Byzantines|1:1|1032|1695|332|1161|hv
7^42|Dietrich von Dassel|Bologna|FD-A|1318|Byzantines|1:2|812|1679|459|247|d
7^43|Karl Zirn|Sofia|FD|1318|Hungarians|7:6|354|427|66|208|v
7^TOTAL|||||||||2126|11103|26v:0d

Battle codes:
First letter: F=field battle; S=siege battle; Y=sally battle; B=bridge or ford battle
Second letter: A = attack; D=defence
Third letter: -A = autoresolve

econ21

09-24-2007, 21:31

Steward’s Report for 1300

My Lords,

The Kaiser has arrived in Constantinople and has sent us back a preliminary report on his negotiations:

Nobles, Electors, fellow Romans!

The negotiations with our Byzantine Allies are progressing nicely. The Eastern Roman Empire is inclined to accept that Emperor Siegfried and Emperor Isaac will rule the whole domain as one entity.

I know of your fears of Byzantine corruption of our traditions. I will not let this happen. Our military aid in the past has shown that we have always been the stronger of our two Empires. Any cooperation between our dynasties should reflect this and I am pushing hard towards this end.

As a sign of goodwill towards our allies I have decided that the counties of Naples and Palermo are gifted to the Eastern Roman Empire. This should ensure the eventual success of our negotiations.

Emperor Siegfried

The gifting of Naples and Palermo to the Byzantines has raised our standing with our Eastern Roman brothers to outstanding.

https://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5615/13001bj4.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

It also appears we left Palermo not a moment too soon - the Sicilians have landed an army on their old homeland and a Byzantine army has moved to confront them.

https://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4963/13002tt8.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Elsewhere, there has been little of great moment to report - no battles of any significance and a mere 34 Germans lost in minor engagements.

In Swabia, Count Hummel has arrived to take command of the First Household Army at Caen. Dietrich von Dassel has joined him as second in command. On arrival, Dietrich immediately demanded a poll of all Caen citizens to see if he could be elected army commander instead of Count Hummel… only kidding. Count von Salza is taking the Second Household Army back to Staufen for a refit. The French have besieged Paris, but have only a token force that the garrison can easily drive off.

In Bavaria, Household Army Otto under Count Karolinger has embarked for Thessalonica. Household Army Gerhard under Duke Lothar is pursuing some rebels east of Marseilles, with Fredericus Erlach in accompaniment. Duke Hans is moving to take command of the Kaiser’s Army, heading east to support our drive to link up our territory with that of our brothers in Constantinople.

In Austria, Household Army 1 under Count Becker in Bran has recruited a cannon and a grand bombard, and retrained a regiment of Gothic knights. Household Army 2 under Duke Arnold is on the outskirts of Krakow.

In Franconia, the Saxon Household Army under Count Fritz von Kastilien is marching on Hamburg in anticipation of a Danish advance on the great port city. The Teutonic crusade under Duke Ansehelm has abandoned Vilnius after raising all military buildings to the ground and is heading west. The garrison at Thorn repelled a small force of Polish besiegers but are now besieged by a Russian Army. I am concerned by this development, as I have lost contact with the Prussian Household Army under Count Peter von Kastilien.

In Outremer, my army shot down three regiments of Tabardariyya. The Army of Outremer North under King Jan is approaching Edessa to meet the oncoming Turks. The Army of Outremer South under Count Bresch is following, currently between Damascus and Aleppo. No doubt encouraged by our firm alliance, the Byzantines are showing signs of a renaissance. With large forces massed around Caesarea, they wrenched the settlement from the grip of the Turks, relieving the pressure on Adana.

Lack of funds have prevented me from authorising all build queues, although a huge Cathedral has been commissioned in Antioch and several other governors’ wishes been honoured. The Assassins Guild asked me for permission to build a Masters Guild at Stettin. I told them to go @#$%^&!!! themselves.

I have allocated some funds to create a large fleet near Genoa - with most of our ships in the Mediterranean ferrying Household Army Otto east, Bavaria is potentially cut off from Ajaccio. This could be trouble, if the Sicilians come looking for us, after just missing us on Palermo. With the newly commissioned ships, Household Army Gerhard will retain the capacity to cross the sea to Ajaccio. I was inclined to strengthen our Baltic fleet. However, the Russians so outmatch our navy there, the cost would be prohibitive relative to any gain.

I feel this year has been but a preparation for more momentous events to come, but if things stay this quiet, I will be happy.

Steward Elberhard

econ21

09-26-2007, 20:06

Steward’s Report for 1302

My Lords,

We have heard no news on the progress of the Kaiser's negotiations this turn. I infer that they are more difficult than we anticipated. However, the Kaiser's quest will no doubt have been eased by the announcement of religious re-unification, with the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches agreeing to merge into one single Church. Needless to say, this momentous news was greeted with a lot of cheering and rejoicing in the Diet, you miserable @#$%^&!!!ers.

I will briefly run down on other events:

Swabia: Our armies are engaged in a desperate duel of parry and strike with the French. Although Paris was besieged by only a handful of regiments, they were too powerful for the militia garrison to be able to sally against with any degree of success. Moreover, the siege was but a ruse to trap SHA1. Two powerful French armies were hidden together in the woods just outside Paris, ready to ambush an unwary SHA1 rushing to relieve Paris from Calais. Fortunately, our spies detected the trap. However, the two would-be ambushers still blocked the road for SHA1 and combined were too powerful to tackle head on. Paris, therefore, could expect no relief from SHA1.

https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/8125/1302ruq8.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Yikes!!!! Clever computer - that’s one hell of an ambush.

To break the siege of Paris, Count Friedrich Scherer returned from his planned retirement and brought with him the Rheims garrison. He acquired a notorious berserker in his retinue after that victory. Possibly not the best sort to accompany you into retirement, but who am I to say? After that victory, SHA1 could enter the great city to protect Count Scherer’s militia force against interference from the powerful French forces lurking nearby.

The situation in northern France is too tense to justify returning SHA2 to Staufen for a refit. Consequently, Count von Salza detached only his most depleted regiments to the House capital, and turned about to take the place of the Rheims garrison. I hope the next year will give our Swabian armies an opportunity to strike more decisively.

Franconia: I am still vexed by the disappearance of the Prussian Household Army. The garrison at Prague reported losing several garrisons as a large German army passed by, heading south. Fortunately, the Russians did not press the siege of Thorn and Duke Ansehelm should be able to relieve it this year. I can only assume this is our lost Household Army. I have called on Duke Ansehelm to get a grip on his House, but his stance in the Diet vacillates between denial and endorsement of this apparent rebellion. My brother Hans has agreed to lead the Kaiser's army to intercept the wayward Franconian Household Army. We cannot have unauthorised armies marching across the Reich. If the Prussian Army's movements are in fact authorised, by its Duke, I am sure the entire Diet would be interested to learn of that.

Austria: the diversion of the Teutonic crusade to Thorn leaves AHA2 alone near Krakow facing three strong Polish armies. Duke Arnold's army advanced only a small distance this turn, opting to wait for young Lorenz Zirn and to replace the militia in his army with professionals. AHA1 has reached Budapest, but was not able to invest the settlement just yet.

Bavaria: Household Army Gerhard caught a band of rebels east of Marseilles. Fredericus Erlach had the honours. Household Army Otto headed towards Durazzo, although it has been decided that landing there would merely add time to the journey to Thessalonica and instead they will take the sea route around Greece.

Outremer: The Prinz’s army defeated the most formidable Egyptian army we have yet encountered. Army of Outremer North under King Jan showed that the troublesome Turks are no match for the army that slew the Horse Lords. Karl Zirn has arrived at Acre to make preparations to return to Austria.

At the year’s end, the enemy has reacted to some of our movements. A French army has moved to besige Caen, left lightly defended when SHA1 moved to Paris. I believe we will need both SHA1 and SHA2 in the area, if we are to make progress against Bruges. The stronger of the two French would-be ambush armies has broken the English siege of Bruges. The weaker one should be easy meat for SHA1.

My brother has adopted a young Swabian, Ehrhart Ruppel, into his family. I must say he seems a most promising fellow and his loyalty will make him a scarce commodity in this Diet.

https://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4056/1302r4xc0.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

OOC: Since Swabia already has a spare avatar, I was going to turn down this adoption. But his stats/traits were just too nice.

Steward Elberhard

econ21

09-28-2007, 21:13

Steward’s report for 1304

My Lords,

The Kaiser sends news on the final outcome of his negotiations over re-unification with our Eastern Roman brothers:

Nobles, Electors, fellow Romans!

It is with much regret that I write you. The negotiations have gone on for far too long. A shimmer of hope has been seen on the horizon, but it was quickly crushed by the outrageous demands of our Allies.

The Byzantines are willing to accept that the Holy Roman Empire shall be ruled by Emperor Siegfried as Augustus, while Emperor Isaac will administer the Eastern part of the Empire as Caesar. The heir to this combined Empire will be the first born son of Emperor Siegfried and Empress Theodora. He will rule the Western and Eastern Roman Empire as sole Emperor.

In return the Byzantines ask that the current counties of the Reich be divided between East and West coherently. This means that all regions within Outremer will fall to Caesar Isaac until both Empires are reunited under the first born son of Emperor Siegfried.

After long and hard deliberations I have decided to agree to their request. While it pains me to give away such a large part of our Empire it will seal the reunion of the Roman Empire and re-establish our rightful place as ruler not only of all Romans but of all Christians as well.

I will leave for Rome as soon as possible to face the consequences of my decision in front of the Diet. I can only hope that you are able to see beyond the immediate loss, the shimmer of a new age dawning on the horizon.

Emperor Siegfried

Just as the Kaiser sets out to return from Constantinople to Rome, the traitor Peter von Kastilien is marching to attack that great city. Although I have tasked the Kaiser’s Army under Duke Hans to catch the traitors, it is clear that he will not intercept them before they reach the Bosphorous. I hope that the Kaiser will be able to find a route that avoids the traitor’s reach. Duke Arnold has authorised Count Becker’s AHA1 to divert from Bucharest to assist Duke Hans in intercepting the traitors before they kill our Kaiser or start a war with our greatest allies.

Meanwhile, in our cities, the poisonous teachings of Alexander Luther have been causing riots in several settlements throughout the Reich - specifically, Genoa and Damascus. As reported to the Diet, we have lost the great cathedral in Damascus, the Genoa cathedral, a church in Stettin and a chapel in Acre. These outrages have made our relations with the Papacy abysmal and the Holy Father will not suffer the name of the Reich to be mentioned in his presence. May God have mercy on the rioters’ souls for committing these sacrilegious acts.

The rest of the year’s events can be summarised as follows:

Swabia: SHA1 under Count Hummel cleared the French from around Paris, allowing a relief force be sent to assist the besieged citadel of Caen, should it be assaulted. France has been excommunicated, giving us a freer hand.

Austria: AHA2 under Duke Arnold has seized Krakow after an exhausting struggle. AHA1 under Count Becker has taken Bucharest. However, the Pope has ordered us to cease hostilities against the Poles and the Hungarians on pain of excommunication.

Bavaria: Household Army Gerhard is approaching rebels west of Milan. Household Army Otto is still travelling by sea to Durazzo.

Franconia: Duke Ansehelm has arrived at Thorn with the ex-Teutonic Crusade, frightening away the Russian besiegers. The Saxon army under Count Fritz von Kastilien has routed a Danish army.

Steward Elberhard

econ21

09-30-2007, 14:36

Steward’s report for 1306

My Lords,

The Reich is holding its breath for the return of the Kaiser to speak to the Diet about his plans to gift Outremer to the Byzantine Empire and seal re-unification. Thanks to the loyal and dutiful House of Austria, the traitor Peter’s army looks sure to be intercepted near Sofia by the AHA1 lead by Count Becker. Duke Hans is racing with his knights to provide support. While the prospect of Germans spilling German blood is terrible, it looks like we will be able to avoid wider fratricide and an unauthorised war with our Eastern Roman brothers. The heretics led by Alexander Luther have laid low this turn, although rebellious crusaders did burn down the chapel in Aleppo.

The rest of the year’s events can be summarised as follows:

Swabia: SHA1 under Count Hummel broke a French siege of Paris, besieged Bruges and occupied it after repelling a relief army. Unfortunately, the Count is now afflicted by a terrible plague. It has not yet infected his army nor the citizens of Bruges. The ex-Duke of Swabia, Friedrich Scherer, died heroically relieving Caen. SHA2 under Count von Salza has taken a position north of Paris where he can cover Caen, Paris and Rheims.

Austria: AHA2 under Duke Arnold drove off an attempted siege of Krakow by the Poles. The departure of AHA1 under Count Becker has left Bucharest at risk of revolt.

Bavaria: Household Army Gerhard has eliminated a rebel band west of Milan. Household Army Otto is approaching Thessalonica by sea.

Franconia: Duke Ansehelm has destroyed the Russian army that besieged Thorn. The Poles now besiege Thorn. We will not attack, as that will bring excommunication. However, the Duke’s army is standing by to assist the garrison in the event that the Poles launch an assault. The Saxon army remains near Stettin.

Outremer: Army of Outremer North, under King Jan, is returning to Aleppo to refit. Army of Outremer South, under Count Bresch is restoring order in Damascus. I have marched the Prinz’s army out of Acre, but my aides report the citadel is uneasy and I fear my departure has been premature. Not for the first time, it seems I have over-estimated the degree of support I have behind me.

We now await the Kaiser Siegfried’s imminent return, which comes not a moment too soon.

Steward Elberhard

econ21

10-02-2007, 20:35

Chancellor’s report on 1308

Kaiser Siegfried was slain within the boundaries of the Reich by a band of mercenaries. An official investigation by Duke Hans apprehended the killers and traced the money to unknown Bavarians. While the death of Siegfried fills me with grief, what is worse is knowing that the assassination was done by Germans.

Siegfried’s death has elevated me to the position of Kaiser. I have not yet named a Prinz. Out of loyalty to the Siegfried’s name, I have promised his widow Theodora that we will continue to reign together as we did while the late Kaiser was in Constantinople. Our reign will continue until Siegfried’s term would have ended in 1320, at which point we will present a Charter Amendment for unification with our Eastern Roman brothers to the Diet. To continue the process of unification, I will implement the gifting of Outremer that Kaiser Siegfried promised Emperor Isaac.

In response to Siegfried’s assassination, there has been civil unrest throughout the Reich. Supporters of the Kaiser Siegfried and re-unification have protested, sometimes violently. Supporters of Alexander Luther and opponents of re-unification have organised counter-demonstrations that at times have the air of public celebrations. The two sides have frequently clashed, leading to much loss of life and destruction of property. As the year ends, there have been riots in Paris, Budapest, Damascus, Bruges, Antioch, Edessa, Rheims, Stettin, Prague, Venice, Hamburg, Vienna and Dijon. Governors are appealing for calm in their own inimitable styles.

In one of the few pieces of good news this year, the rebel army of the Peter von Kastilien was intercepted by Count Becker’s AHA1. Peter surrendered rather than give battle and, for his avoiding the shedding of German blood, I will exercise leniency in his punishment. However, I cannot release him at the moment while the situation is so tense. His army - previously the Prussian Household Army - has been disbanded, with elements used to reinforce AHA1 and the former Kaiser’s Army under Duke Hans. The former Teutonic crusade army under Duke Ansehelm will henceforth be regarded as the Prussian Household Army.

Austria: Unfortunately, the diversion of AHA1 forced us to abandon Bucharest, which promptly revolted. This leaves AHA1 in a difficult position. The Papal injunction not to attack Hungary means AHA1 cannot proceed west past Sofia. The only way to Austria is back the way it came - via Bucharest, which must be retaken again if AHA1 is to cross the Danube. The resignation of Count Becker as AHA1's commander has only added to its troubles.

As one rebel army is dispersed, another is uncovered. Duke Hans has learned that a large unauthorised force is being trained in Ragusa, where Dietrich von Dassel harbours the heretic Alexander Luther. My brother has been ordered to take the former Kaiser’s army - now relabelled the Prinz’s Army - to restore order.

Franconia: Duke Ansehelm broke a Polish siege of Thorn. However, the Pope’s injunction not to attack the Poles prevents us clearing the area between Thorn and Krakow. So far, AHA1 has been securing Krakow but Duke Arnold has indicated that this cannot continue much longer. I believe that the best strategy may be to leave Thorn with a strong garrison and move the Prussian Army to Krakow. The Saxon Household Army remains at Stettin so as to cover both Hamburg and the interior of Franconia.

Swabia: Count Hummel with SHA1 has routed the remnants of French forces in Flanders. Unfortunately, he was brutally scarred in the combat, only adding to the suffering of the plague that afflicts him. Count Athalwolf stands guard with SHA2 near Paris, although the man has become awfully uncommunicative of late.

Bavaria: Fredericus Erlach and Household Army Gerhard approached Marseilles, but at the end of the year the French lifted the siege. Friedrich Karolinger and Household Army Otto will make landfall at Thessalonica next year.

Outremer: The former Prinz’s Army has finished refitting. Army of Outremer North approaches Aleppo to refit. Army of Outremer South stands guard over rebellious Damascus. I plan to gift Adana, Antioch, Edessa and Damascus next turn although Count Matthias Steffen is promising to defy my orders for Adana.

I hope my next report marks a return to order and normalcy within the borders of the Reich after this disastrous year.

Elberhard

econ21

10-03-2007, 23:30

Chancellor’s Report on 1310

Another dark year: riots continue in Stettin, Prague, Zagreb, Paris, Marseilles and Venice[1]. Half of all militia regiments have deserted or refused to report for duty. I fear this desertion will now start spreading to regular units.

This unrest is partly the aftermath of the late Kaiser's assassination, with neither Duke Hans' nor Duke Lothar's investigations settling the matter. Added to this, there is now widespread resentment towards my gifting of Outremer and my ruling jointly with the widow Theodora. Some even criticise my speech and sense of humour as unseemly - the stupid @#$%^&!!!ers!

Quite frankly, the Reich is falling apart. Outremer is gone or going - Adana, Antioch, Damascus and Edessa have already been gifted. The crusader counts have all gone, leaving only King Jan and I to blow out the torches. Bavaria is the home of the men who ordered Kaiser Siegfried to be killed. Franconia hails the imprisoned rebel Peter von Kastilien as a hero. Swabia’s leadership is hampered by plague and my need for its Duke, my dear brother, to act as enforcer for the Reich. But my greatest concern lies in Austria. For there, in Ragusa, Dietrich von Dassel has used his position to provide sanctuary to the heretical monk Alexander Luther and together they are raising a large army. Duke Hans is racing to take contain the situation with the Prinz's army, pending the arrival of Duke Arnold.

Army movements this year:
Swabia: SHA1 positioned itself between Caen, Bruges and Paris. SHA2 moved to restore order in Paris.
Fraconia: PHA remained near Thorn; SHA moved to restore order in Hamburg.
Outremer: AOS drove back an Egyptian army from Damascus, which my army destroyed. AON refitted in Aleppo.
Austria: AHA1 returned to besiege Bucharest. Fortunately, Hungary has been excommunicated - increasing our freedom of maneouvre. AHA2 began to march from Krakow to besieged Budapest. The former Kaiser’s army under Duke Hans began to march on Ragusa.
Bavaria: HAG defeated a small French force. HAO began the siege of Thessalonica.

Elberhard

[1] OOC: For a spoiler on how the poll about city calming affected the game, click below.

Player's instructions on how to deal with riots were used to see if cities were brought under control (i.e. had taxes lowered from VH). The poll options corresponded to character stats: loyalty, dread, piety and chivalry. I rolled a dice: a roll of four or more allowed the city to be calmed. Each dice was modified according to the governor’s stat corresponding to the poll option a player picked: +1 if the stat was 1-5; +2 if it was 6+. For example, a high dread character who chose to threaten draconian punishments would only need a “1” to calm his settlement.

econ21

10-05-2007, 13:14

Chancellor’s Report on 1312

My God, we are undone! There are reliable reports that Tancred von Tyrolia has landed at Constantinople with the Vilnius garrison and a motley collection of brigands and pirates. Using stealth and deception, Tancred got past the walls and sacked the city! As our Eastern Roman brothers had considered their west flank secure, the city was not defended by any regular forces and fell easily. Apparently in a tribute to Peter von Kastilien, Tancred has renamed Constantinople the "Wahrheitburg" or the Shield of Truth. I doubt the name will stick, however, as the Eastern Romans will presumably be rushing men to retake their capital.

I am sending assurances to Emperor Isaac that Tancred’s outrageous act was not sanctioned by us and that we are not at war with our Eastern Roman brothers. However, I am not sure what weight this will carry, with some in this Diet applauding Peter’s earlier march on Constantinople and the Lutherans continuing to attack pro-unification churches. Needless to say, our alliance is now in ruins and all Byzantine forces will presumably regard our armies as hostile. No general is authorised to instigate hostilities against our Eastern Roman brothers, but if the worst comes to the worst, they are of course authorised to defend themselves.

Almost as terrible, I have heard reports that Dietrich von Dassel and his army of Lutherans have departed their Ragusa in the direction of Durazzo. Duke Hans will be unable to intercept them before they reach the Papacy. What madness is this?

The Reich is collapsing - our cities are falling into chaos, as Lutherans battle those in support of unification for control of key buildings. Imperial authority is at an all time low, as men desert their posts and local nobles step into the power vacuum. Rome is in chaos. The Empress Dowager Theodora is in hiding from the mob and the Imperial administration is in disarray, with civil servants either refusing to obey her orders or simply walking out to return to protect their homes.

The centre of authority in the Reich has effectively switched to Acre, where the Army of Outremer South maintains order. Needless to say, my plans to gift the Citadel to Byzantium next year must be put on hold. But regrettably, Aleppo has already been transferred. Advancing on Adana to investigate the disappearance of Matthias Steffen, King Jan and the Army of Outremer North are now in a precarious position, deep inside hostile territory.

I fear we will see succession and rebellions across the Reich before the next year is in. This year, roughly one third of our militia deserted. As I feared, desertion is spreading to our regular forces: roughly one sixth of them have simply slipped away, either heading home to protect their families or seeking richer pickings as bandits. Even my own Kaiser’s army has suffered - Captain Jan informed me that my Teutons would no longer serve now that Outremer has been gifted away. Similarly, half of my brother’s cavalry has deserted - refusing to contemplate battling brother Germans, even though there enemy be heretical Lutherans. All settlements are training men to try to make good these losses, but the Treasury is exhausted by this recruitment and we have been unable to begin any new construction.

Army movements this year:
Swabia: SHA1 has crushed a large French army, then moved towards Caen to receive reinforcements. SHA2 struggles to maintain order in Paris.
Fraconia: PHA remains near Thorn and SHA in Hamburg.
Outremer: As stated, AOS is in Acre while AON is en route to Adana.
Austria: AHA2 is approaching Budapest, where Duke Arnold and his knights have broken a Hungarian siege. AHA2 has retaken rebel held Bucharest. The former Kaiser’s army under King Hans is marching on Ragusa, from where Dietrich von Dassel’s Lutherans have left for Durazzo.
Bavaria: HAG has defeated another small French force north of Marseilles. HAO has continued to besiege Thessalonica.

I await further news of the fate of Constantinople and the reply of Emperor Isaac to my pleas to preserve our friendship. But suffice it to say, my dear Electors, I fear we are well and truly @#$%^&!!!ed.

Elberhard

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/1312-4.zip

[1] OOC: For a spoiler on how chaos was simulated, click the spoiler

On a roll of 1-3, city taxes were set to very high.
The capital was moved to Acre.
On a roll of 1-2, militia units were disbanded.
On a roll of 1, regular units were disbanded.

Addendum: end of year events

Bucharest was besieged by the Hungarians and Thorn besieged by the Poles.

The Poles were excommunicated.

Marseilles and Stettin revolted.

There were riots in Budapest, Paris, Bucharest, Breslau, Metz, Bruges, Genoa, Bologna, Rome, Milan, Bern, Venice, Florence, Hamburg, Nuremburg and Frankfurt.

Our starting balance for 1314 was -12,871!

econ21

10-09-2007, 09:51

Chancellor’s Report for 1314

This is a year that will live in infamy! Dietrich von Dassel and his army of Lutherans has attacked Durazzo and killed the Pope in battle. The Reich is now excommunicated. In response, the Patriarch of Constantinople has severed the links between his church and the Catholic Church. Moreover, the formerly excommunicated Catholic nations are using the pretext of our excommunication to muster large armies to invade our lands and purge them of Lutheran influence. The Papal capital is now at Jerusalem, but far from welcoming us as protectors, will doubtless initiate hostilities with my army if given the chance.

The one positive development is that Imperial administration is showing signs of revival, with key offices having relocated to Innsbruck. This has helped restore order in some cities and led to a revival of tax collection. We now have a modest surplus of 25,000 florins.

Nonetheless, disorder and indiscipline continues. Desertion continues among the field regiments, although militias provided freely by our cities are now remaining true – perhaps in the realisation that they may be all that stands between the enemy and our women and children. There were riots in Genoa, Hamburg and Dijon.

Detailed reports by zone:
Swabia: After a period of silence, Count von Salza has declared for his Duke. He has marched SHA2 north out of Paris to engage usurper Count Hummel and his SHA1. Perhaps in reaction against this fratricide, the people of Paris have revolted – as have those in Hummel’s home province of Metz. Perhaps the bitterness of past Hummel’s extermination of Metz still festers in the city? Duke Hans and Ruppel are heading west to Swabia, but will be unable to intervene in the imminent battle for northern France.

Bavaria: HAO remains stalled outside Thessalonica. Its fleet has had to be disbanded. HAG is north of Marseilles, but with the disbandment of its fleet is powerless to assist Ajacco, now under siege by the Sicilians. Duke Lothar has rallied the evicted Marseilles militia.

Franconia: Duke Ansehelm and the PHA have driven another Polish army from Thorn. Fritz von Kastilien has abandoned Hamburg and instead laid siege to rebel Stettin. Peter von Kastilien is heading north to join his brother Fritz, while Dieter Bresch is heading north to take command of SHA.

Austria: Duke Arnold and a much depleted AHA2 are heading to Ragusa. They will rendezvous with the half of Dietrich’s army that chose to return to mother Austria. The other half – mainly fanatical Lutherans - have embarked for Rome. I fear for the safety of the Dowager Empress Theodora. AHA1 under Count Becker is in dire straits – besieged in Bucharest by a large Hungarian army composed mainly of knights. I have urged Karl Zirn to lead the Bran garrison and attempt to relieve Count Becker. If is not relieved or does not sally, he will remain trapped and surely slain.

Outremer: King Jan and the Army of Jerusalem has retaken Aleppo in a lightning move, and also freed Matthias Steffen. The latter has taken command of the Army of Antioch anchored off Adana in the last of our fleets. My Kaiser’s army is garrisoning Acre.

Tancred’s band of pirates and deserters still holds Constantinople. There are not reports of armies approaching from the east, but Byzantine and Hungarian armies seem to be moving in his direction from the west. His fleet has been disbanded, so if he is to leave, it will have to be by foot.

All generals are urged to be alert and to consider carefully their next moves. In action in such a hostile environment could spell disaster for them.

Kaiser Elberhard

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1316_try.zip

Some immediate battles for 1316 (copied from OOC thread):

Fritz (Tamur):
You have besieged Stettin using its expelled garrison and your cavalry. Now bring up the Saxon Household Army and the Hamburg garrison to crush them in a show of force.

Ansehelm (Stig)
The Poles are besieging Thorn... again.

Friedrich Karolinger (Warmaster Horus)
The walls of Thessalonica are still beckon.

In addition, we have a player vs player battle:
Hummel (Ignoramus) vs Von Salza (Warluster)

Ignoramus and Warluster - why don't you have a trial MP battle using whatever forces you like? If it works, we can set up a battle where your forces roughly correspond to what you have on the campaign map. If it does not work, we will set up a "tabletop" style encounter. Thinking about it, it might be best in three stages: deployment; plan of attack; mid-battle revisions.

Becker (Cecil) and Zirn (Northnovas) at Bucharest.

The Hungarians are maintaining the seige of AHA1 within Bucharest. You have two options:
(1) Have Count Becker sally - hoping your cannons and walls will allow you to overcome a superior, but perhaps passive opponent.
(2) Bring up the Bran garrison and have Karl Zirn attempt to relieve Bucharest. Your forces would be divided, with the main component (AHA1) entering as reinforcements. The odds would be 2:3 against you, but better than if Becker sallies.

econ21

10-11-2007, 01:01

Chancellor's Report for 1316

Electors, I bear terrible news - the First Austrian Household Army has been destroyed in a Hungarian assault on Bucharest. The Hungarians had many knights and used multiple rams to open up the city to their horsemen. Count Becker's men fought bravely, but simply lacked the numbers to repel the assault. Karl Zirn and the Bran garrison were too late to provide reinforcements. As there was no possibility of retreat, we must assume Count Becker lies dead, along with his entire army. I mourn the loss of a brave man.

Despite all our efforts at diplomacy and reconciliation, it appears that the conflict with Byzantium is escalating into full scale war. The continued occupation of Constantinople by the pirate Tancred is no doubt one factor in this debacle. However, there can be little doubt as to the intentions of the Eastern Romans. As I write, there are reports coming in of a major battle north of Antioch between our men and the Byzantines. The Empress Dowager Theodora has revealed her true loyalties and abused the trust I placed in her out of respect to her late husband. She has fled from Rome with the Imperial Treasury - a sum of over 20,000 florins. Consequently, I have been unable to authorise any significant building, repairs or recruitment this year.

Lack of funds has meant desertion has continued to afflict our regiments, especially the militia. The former garrisons of Rheims, Paris and Marseilles have effectively ceased to exist. My poor brother Hans has been particularly afflicted - all his veteran cavalry have abandoned his cause, refusing to be sucked into a fratricidal Swabian civil war. Bavarian Household Army Otto has suffered the most, however, with virtually half its number melting away as it undertakes the long march back from Thessalonica. It appears that many soldiers were motivated only by the promise of gold from sacking the city and have now abandoned the army.

There now follow brief reports by region:

Swabia: Dijon has revolted. We await news of the first and hopefully only battle in the Swabian Civil War. Count von Salza's Swabian Defence Force is attacking the usurper Hummel's "Army of the Prinz". The forces are well matched, although praise be to God, the loyalists have a slight numerical edge.

Bavaria: the valiant garrison of Ajaccio has beaten off a Sicilian assault and is no longer under siege! Bavarian Household Army Gerhard is approaching the bridge over the river Po north of Genoa. The Pope-killer Dietrich von Dassel is sailing for Rome, but his landing has been posted by the sight of two large Byzantine armies marching north up the eastern Italian coast.

Franconia: Fritz and Peter von Kastilien have used the florins acquired from sacking Stetting to recruit more men, including many regiments of mercenaries. The Saxon Household Army now gathering near Magdeberg is the largest military formation in the Reich. Duke Ansehelm's Prussian Household Army has seen off another Polish siege of Thorn.

Austria: With the loss of AHA1, our eastern front is now open. There are reports of the pirate Tancred marching north from Constantinople to assist Count Becker, but like Count Zirn, he clearly arrived too late. Duke Arnold is moving to Ragusa to join AHA2 with those left to their fate when Dietrich von Dassel fled Durazzo by sea. Needless to say, attrition amonst those abandoned Lutherans has been high. Lorenz Zirn is heading to his home county of Budapest.

Outremer: Matthias Steffen has landed the Army of Antioch and is defending a bridge north of the titular city. King Jan is blocking the ford east of Antioch and my army is marching north to seal the city from the south. We aim to isolate and retake the capital of Outremer, leaving us with a defensible triangle of Antioch, Aleppo and Acre. The Byzantines seem alert to this plan and there are reports that Matthias is under attack by a large army, comprised in large part of mercenary Muslim heavy cavalry. He is in my prayers.

And so, Electors, while we mourn the defeat at Bucharest and the death of brave Count Becker, we must also wait for the result of two critical battles at opposite ends of the Reich. To the east, Matthias Steffen battles our erstwhile brothers, the Eastern Romans. To the west, Athalwolf von Salza confronts the would-be "Prinz of Swabia". The Reich has gone mad and, like Saturn, devours its own children.

Elberhard

econ21

10-13-2007, 20:53

Chancellor’s Report for 1318

https://img47.imageshack.us/img47/9316/romeburnscg3.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Rome has fallen. As we took their capital, so the Byzantines take ours in retaliation. But what they have done is far worse than what Tancred’s pirates inflicted on them. They have put our capital to the sword. The only survivors are the few fortunate enough to escape or who the enemy were too tired to slaughter. The city is a ruined husk.

In this situation, I am declaring a State of Emergency. We will not waste time with @#$%^&!!!ing elections, edicts or charter amendments. We have time for only one thing - to fight! I put down my Chancellor’s robes, but I will hand them on to no one else until Rome is back in our hands. Nor will the Diet reconvene.

I tell you simply to fight. Fight to protect those under your charge. Fight to defend the Reich. Fight to expel the invaders. I do not tell you to obey your Dukes, for they have failed you as I have failed you. However, I do tell you to obey your consciences. Any German who chooses to fight other Germans rather than the foreign armies pouring over our frontiers will not be forgiven when this cataclysm is over.

My report for 1318 is as follows:

Swabia: The usurper “Prinz” of Swabia and Count von Salza fought an inconclusive encounter and then withdrew back to their lines of communication (Caen and Staufen respectively). Duke Hans has now arrived at Staufen. The French have taken advantage of our disarray to besiege rebel Paris.

Bavaria: The Pope-killer and adopted Bavarian, Dietrich von Dassel, relieved the besieged city of Bologna from the Byzantines. However, it was all in vain, as the city revolted against the heresies of Luther and then the expelled garrison was destroyed by a second Byzantine army. Dietrich provided some reinforcements, but was unable to sway the battle. Duke Lothar is advancing on Florence with the BHAG and Fredericus Erlach has taken command of Ajaccio after its surprise defeat of a Sicilian assault. The one glimmer of hope is that the Papacy has called for a crusade on Tunis, which may distract our enemies from their intent to devour our weakened Empire.

Austria: Karl Zirn and Friedrich Karolinger with the BHAO have been making their way from Sofia towards Budapest, but have been harried by Hungarians. The pirate Tancred is also heading west from Constantinople, although whether he will evade destruction by the Hungarians is unclear. Budapest itself has rebelled and expelled Karl Zirn’s garrison. Duke Arnold and what is left of AHA2 have reached Ragusa and been reunited with the survivors of the cursed assault on Durazzo. Reports are reaching us that a Venetian fleet has transported most of the Papal forces in Durazzo over to Jerusalem. Taking their place, two large Venetian armies have landed near the former Papal capital.

Franconia: Duke Ansehelm has seen off another Polish attempt to take Thorn. However, a Russian army has now arrived to besiege the citadel while a large Polish force besieges Krakow. There are reports of other large Polish and Russian armies approaching. I fear Thorn may soon have to be abandoned. Fritz and Peter von Kastilien have divided the Saxon Household Army. The larger part, under Peter, has secured Hamburg while the remainder, under Fritz, is at Magdeberg. Dieter Bresch has arrived at Magdeberg to assume control of the SHA but the outcome of this is as yet unclear. Command of SHA now seems as complex and fraught as the Franconian succession..

Outremer: Matthias Steffen held the bridge north of Antioch against a Byzantine attack, while King Jan secured the western ford. With the garrison isolated, Antioch fell easily to a night time attack by my army. Unfortunately, my presence up north has exposed Acre and it is now under siege by Papal forces. Young Dieter von Kassel has come of age in Acre and in my absence is rallying the beleaguered garrison. Older Electors will remember Dieter is of an unfortunate lineage - his father having betrayed the Reich for the sake of a few rubbles. However, we must judge the man and not the father, and in my book young Dieter has got off to a most promising start.

And so, Electors, my time as Chancellor ends. I hope to see you all again in better times. But if it is not to be, let us sell our lives dearly, so that when we do next meet again, we will stand together in God’s kingdom as men who fought hard and did their duty.

For God and the Reich!

Elberhard

TinCow

10-17-2007, 12:29

A List of Battles during the Cataclysm Events of 1320 AD to 1340 AD

3^No.|General|Place|Type|Date|Opponent|Odds|German #|Enemy #|Germans lost|Enemy lost|Result
7^1|Dieter von Kassel|Acre|YA|1320|Papal States|8:7|421|765|18|731|cv
7^2|Elberhard|Aleppo|FA|1320|Byzantium|5:2|794|622|91|606|cv
7^3|Lorenz Zirn|Budapest|SA|1320|Rebels|5:4|1191|811|201|811|cv
7^4|Jan von Hamburg|Aleppo|FA|1320|Byzantium|1:1|1107|1170|178|931|cv
7^5|Fredericus Erlach|Ajaccio|YA|1320|Sicily|?|842|860|158|810|hv
7^6|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Thorn|FA|1320|Russia|1:1|1282|1393|124|1342|cv
7^7|Hans (w/ English Allies)|Rheims|FA|1320|Rebels |?|98|711|2|695|v
7^8|Lothar Steffen|Bologna|FA|1320|Byzantium|1:1|1561|1432|128|1260|cv
7^9|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|YA|1322|Byzantium|2:1|1383|685|45|617|cv
7^10|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|FA|1322|Byzantium|2:1|1308|1051|88|899|cv
7^11|Jan von Hamburg|Aleppo|YA|1322|Byzantium|1:1|1056|1540|115|1494|v
7^12|Jan von Hamburg|Aleppo|FA|1322|Byzantium|20:9|941|685|182|646|v
7^13|Elberhard|Antioch|FA|1322|Byzantium|?|1391|1485|60|1459|cv
7^14|Elberhard|Antioch|FA|1322|Byzantium|20:3|1090|341|36|318|cv
7^15|Karl Zirn|Budapest|FA|1322|Hungary|1:1|1412|1207|623|1161|cv
7^16|Karl Zirn|Budapest|FA|1322|Hungary|1:1|793|1088|est. 40|est. 700|v
7^17|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Thorn|YA|1322|Poland|?|?|?|est. 300|est. 1200|v
7^18|Fredericus Erlach|Ajaccio|FA|1322|Sicily|1:3|811|1489|218|1219|hv
7^19|Dieter von Kassel|Acre|YA|1324|Papal States|5:2|1312|1477|180|1449|cv
7^20|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|FA|1324|Byzantium|5:2|942|795|43|766|cv
7^21|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|FA|1324|Byzantium|1:1|899|898|16|865|cv
7^22|Arnold|Ragusa|FA|1324|Venice|1:1|1313|1717|72|1111|cv
7^23|Hans|Metz|SA|1324|Rebels|40:7|2504|771|79|771|cv
7^24|Ansehelm von Kastilien|Stettin|FD|1324|Poland|?:?|est. 1200|est. 1400|est. 800|est. 200|d
7^25|Arnold|Ragusa|FA|1326|Venice|1:3|1242|3263|615|2493|hv
7^26|Karl Zirn|Budapest|FA|1326|Hungary|1:1|1248|1034|160|est. 646|v
7^27|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|FA|1326|Byzantium|1:2|884|1017|104|829|hv
7^28|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|FA|1326|Byzantium|10:7|780|805|34|779|cv
7^29|Elberhard|Aleppo|FA|1326|Byzantium|3:4|1472|1467|455|1384|hv
7^30|Elberhard|Aleppo|FA|1326|Byzantium|5:2|1017|666|139|629|cv
7^31|Elberhard|Aleppo|FA|1326|Byzantium|1:1|1012|1611|120|1404|cv
7^32|Dieter von Kassel|Jerusalem|FA|1326|Papal States|2:3|1298|1794|190|1755|hv
7^33|Edmund Becker|Breslau|FA|1326|Poland|?:?|2091|1147|929|885|cv
7^34|Lothar Steffen|Venice|FA|1326|Byzantium|1:1|1494|1288|237|1148|hv
7^35|Wolfgang Hummel|Bruges|PvP|1326|Athalwolf von Salza|1:1|1383|1391|398|804 (HRE)|WH
7^36|Peter von Kastilien|Frankfurt|FA|1326|Denmark|1:1|1312|1583|535|793|hv
7^37|Fritz von Kastilien|Stockholm|SA|1326|Denmark|?:?|?|41|7|41|cv
7^38|Wolfgang Hummel|Bruges|FA|1326|Denmark|1:1|1740|1412|438|1234|cv
7^39|Lothar Steffen|Venice|FA|1326|Byzantium|1:2|1220|1403|173|1361|hv
7^40|Wolfgang Hummel|Antwerp|SA|1328|Denmark|?:?|?|?|?|?|v
7^41|Dieter von Kassel|Damascus|SA|1328|Byzantium|10:3|1185|322|52|322|cv
7^42|Elberhard|Antioch|FA|1328|Byzantium|2:1|32|89|1|89|cv
7^43|Elberhard|Antioch|FA|1328|Byzantium|4:1|908|508|9|382|cv
7^44|Arnold|Ragusa|FD|1328|Venice|1:2|1244|1605|511|1443|v
7^45|Edmund Becker|?|FA|1330|Rebels|?:?|?|?|?|?|v
7^46|Karl Zirn|Zagreb|FA|1330|Rebels|?:?|1341|1827|86|1466|cv
7^47|Fritz von Kastilien|Stettin|FA|1330|Rebels|?:?|1414|1949|196|1674|cv
7^48|Fredericus Erlach|Milan|FA|1330|Byzantium|3:5|2129|1567|1128|128|cd
7^49|Fredericus Erlach|Genoa|FA|1330|Rebels|20:9|900|1815|25|1519|cv
7^50|Arnold|Ragusa|FA|1330|Rebels|?:?|?|?|?|?|v
7^51|Wolfgang Hummel|Antwerp|FA|1330|Rebels|?:?|?|?|?|?|v
7^52|Lothar Steffen|Innsbruck|FA|1330|Rebels|?:?|1194|1953|48|1684|cv
7^53|Hans & Jan von Hamburg|Bern|SA|1330|Dietrich von Dassel & Hugo Merode|1:1|3436|3366|?|3366 (HRE)|H&JvH
7^54|Dieter Bresch & Tancred von Tyrolia|Magdeburg|SD|1330|Poland|?:?|1495|2999|232|745|lv
7^55|Fritz von Kastilien|Stettin|SA|1332|Denmark|2:3|1221|1689|356|1689|hv
7^56|Ehrhart Ruppel|Bern|FA|1332|Rebels|1:1|660|1961|269|1960|hv
7^57|Dieter Bresch|Mageburg|FA|1332|Rebels|2:1|1407|1953|161|1720|cv
7^58|Dieter Bresch|Mageburg|FA|1332|Denmark|3:2|1482|1590|430|1186|cv
7^59|Karl Zirn|Zagreb|FA|1332|Hungary|1:1|1255|1228|321|975|cv
7^60|Lorenz Zirn|Vienna|FA|1332|Rebels|?:?|1336|1901|416|1605|cv
7^61|Fritz von Kastilien|Stettin|FA|1332|Denmark|?:?|837|1363|160|1276|hv
7^62|Arnold|Ragusa|FD|1332|Venice|1:1|792|1627|151|1530|hv
7^63|Lothar Steffen|Milan|SD|1332|Byzantium|1:2|1257|1439|719|1309|hv
7^64|Lothar Steffen|Milan|FA|1334|Rebels|?:?|944|1931|8|1318|cv
7^65|Athalwolf von Salza|Metz|FA|1334|Rebels|?:?|1830|1983|374|1075|cv
7^66|Peter von Kastilien|Frankfurt|YA|1334|Denmark|?:?|?|?|?|?|hv
7^67|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|SA|1334|Denmark|?:?|1366|569|153|569|cv
7^68|Fritz von Kastlien|Hamburg|FA|1334|Denmark|2:1|1213|931|31|911|cv
7^69|Matthias Steffen|Aleppo|FA|1334|Byzantium|2:3|1160|1253|33|522|cd
7^70|Edmund Becker|Nuremburg|FA|1334|Rebels|?:?|?|?|?|?|v
7^71|Ehrhart Ruppel|Staufen|FA|1334|Rebels|9:10|474|1931|162|1920|hv
7^72|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|FA|1336|Denmark|1:1|1287|1320|332|1308|hv
7^73|Jan von der Pfalz & England|Bruges|SA|1336|France|2:1|2753|1292|570(HRE)761(Eng)|1292|cv
7^74|Wolfgang Hummel|Staufen|FA|1336|Loyalist Army|?:?|?|?|?|? (HRE)|WH
7^75|Elberhard & Karl Zirn|Zagreb|FA|1338|Hungary|5:4|2988|1441|161|1395|cv
7^76|Edmund Becker & and Lorenz Zirn|Prague|YA|1338|Poland|?:?|2579|1908|1541|1530|cv
7^77|Dieter von Kassel|Palermo|SA|1338|Byzantium|1:1|1404|871|650|871|cv
7^78|Fritz von Kastilien, Dieter Bresch, & Tancred von Tyrolia|Magdeburg|FA|1338|Denmark|4:5|2828|3135|492|2641|hv
7^79|Ehrhart Ruppel|Bern|FA|1338|France|1:4|1446|2603|1141|2333|hv
7^80|Friedrich Karolinger|Venice|FA|1338|Byzantium|?:?|1705|2976|1006|272|cd
7^81|Arnold|Ragusa|SD|1338|Venice|1:2|1023|2822|87|2092|hv
7^82|Matthias Steffen & Andreas von Salzgitter|Acre|FD|1338|Byzantium|1:2|1625|2780|200|1270|lv
7^Total|(X?) = # of battles|with|results|unknown| | |94809 (10?)|106490 (9?)|20491 HRE/ 761 Eng (9?)|80841 Non-HRE/ 4170 HRE (7?)|75v 4d 3pvp

FA=field battle (attacker)
FD=field battle (defender)
SA=siege assault (attacker)
SD=siege assault (defender)
YA=sally (attacker)
YD=sally (defender)
AA=ambush (attacker)
AD=ambush (defender)
PvP='tabletop' style PvP battle (victor's initials in result field)
MP=online multiplayer PvP battle (victor's initials in result field)

d=defeat, type unknown
cd=close defeat
v=victory, type unknown
lv=close victory
cv=clear victory
hv=heroic victory

econ21

12-12-2007, 10:40

A scribe enters a dusty room in the palace at Nuremburg. He goes to a grand mahongany desk and begins to polish it. When he has finished, he carefully places a plaque labelled "CHANCELLOR" on the desk.

econ21

12-13-2007, 13:22

Feudal Levies for 1340

3^Avatar|Lord of|Player|Knight 1|Cavalry|Missile|Other|Knight 2|Knight 3
7^Elberhard|Kaiser|econ21|Gothic|Xbow|Pavise|AS|DIK|Cannon
The House of Swabia
7^Athalwolf von Salza|Staufen|Warluster|DFK|Xbow|Pavise|AS|DFK|
7^Ehrhart Ruppel|Bern|Factionheir|FK|MtdSerg|P.Archer|AS||
7^Ludwig von Bohmen|Bruges|Deguerra|Handgunner|Pike|Arquebusier|Pike||
7^Andreas von Salzgitter||Zim||||||
7^?||Tristan de Castelreng|||||
House of Franconia
7^Peter von Kastilien|Prinz|gibsonsg91921|TK|MtdSerg|Pavise|Sp.Militia|DFK|
7^Dieter von Kassel|Acre|Mini Econ|DFK|AS|Pavise|AS||
7^Fritz von Kastilien|Freebooting|Rameses II CP|Bombard|Albanian|FCA|MercSp||
7^Dieter Bresch|Magdeburg|Elite Ferret|FK|AS|Pavise|AS||
7^Tancred von Tyrolia||Dutch_guy||||||
7^6th Elector of Franconia||FLYdude|||||
House of Austria
7^Arnold|Ragusa|AussieGiant|DFK|AS|Pavise|AS|DFK|
7^Karl Zirn|Zagreb|Northnovas|FK|AS|Pavise|AS||
7^Johann Zirn|||||||
7^Edmund Becker|Prague|CecilXIX|DFK|AS|Xbow militia|AS||
7^Lorenz Zirn|Vienna|RoadKill|DFK|AS|Pavise|AS||
7^Maximillan von Hapsburg||Ignoramus||||||
7^7th Elector/Jan Zirn||Privateerkev||||||
House of Bavaria
7^Lothar Steffen|Nuremburg|TinCow|DFK|Militia Cav|Pavise|AS|DFK|
7^Fredericus Erlach|Genoa|Stuperman|DFK|AS|Pavise|AS||
7^Matthias Steffen|Milan|OverKnight|DFK|AS|Pavise|AS|Cannon|
7^Friedrich Karolinger|Innsbruck|Warmaster Horus|DFK|AS|Pavise|AS||
7^Hermann Steffen||GeneralHankerchief||||||
7^6th Elector||vpmd||||||

Notes for 1340

If anyone would like different units to be in their levies, they can PM me but I would prefer to keep things as they are. I will not use the console to spawn units at this Diet (except peasants).

Players who are not lords of settlements do not have feudal levies - sorry! I have made two exceptions. Lothar is regarded as Lord of Nuremburg, as the loan to the Kaiser is only temporary. Fritz can keep some of his mercenaries on the assumption that he has squirrelled away some wealth BUT he will lose them at the next Diet unless he becomes lord of a province.

Each player's feudal levies are the topmost units in their stack in the following save:
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-1b.zip

Levies cannot be upgraded at this Diet, but can be at the next one.

In allocating levies, I generally chose the best "feudal" type units in the stack. These means that veterans of the cataclysm will have better levies than new Counts who will start with 4 peasants (plus some scope for upgrades). This seems fitting although it will limit the upgrade possibilities for most veterans.

Occasionally, I transferred some units between stacks. Some units are very depleted but are high experience/quality and you may be able to persuade the Chancellor to retrain them (at no cost to yourself).

On unit types - sometimes non-knight cavalry were not available, so I have replaced them with armoured spearmen (which can be upgraded to cavalry at the next Diet). I have treated artillery as taking up a knight slot. Deguerra has the biggest deviation from the standard unit types - I thought he might like a pike and gunpowder levy.

General notes on feudal levies in spoiler (taken from post-cataclysm mechanics poll thread):

OOC CA14.7: Each Count or higher will have a feudal levy. These will be allocated by econ21 at each Diet and will consist of four or more units commensurate with the status and service of the player’s avatar. (Typically, a Count would have 1 mounted sergeant, 1 peasant archer or peasant crossbow, 1 sergeant spearmen and EITHER one DFK OR one feudal knight.)

Some illustrative notes on the feudal levy (these are not part of the CA and are subject to change):

At the next Diet, I will allocate feudal levies to players who are lords of a settlement. They will be commensurate with the lord's age and experience. Players will have to look after them for 10 turns (the Chancellor may retrain them) – then at the subsequent Diets, there will be scope to upgrade levies or replace existing ones.

For players who want it, I will implement a points based system. For the others, the levy can be decided informally. I will balance informal allocations to be about equal to what would arise with a points based system.

Administratively, what I will do is that – at the start of each Diet – reorder stacks so that the existing levies are top units in each player’s stack. At the end of each Diet, I will change these levies to reflect any upgrades or replacements. In the interval, players should use the Chancellor and Governors' orders thread to post any instructions about upgrading their levies - either informal requests or choices based on the points system. If players give no instructions, I will use my own judgement and the points system to adjust the levies.

Upgrade paths (costs)

3^ANY |ONE MAX|TWO MAX|EITHER|OR
3^Spear|Cavalry (Non-knightly)|Missile|Foot knight|Knight
7^Peasant (1)|Peasant (1)|Peasant (1)|Peasant (1)|Peasant (1)
7^Town militia (2)|Town militia (2)|Peasant Archer (2)|Town militia (2)|Town militia (2)
7^Spear militia (3)|Spear militia (3)|Peasant Crossbow (3)|Spear militia (3)|Spear militia (3)
7^Spear Sergeant (4)|Spear Sergeant (4)|Pavise Crossbow (6)|Spear Sergeant (4)|Spear Sergeant (4)
7^Armoured Sergeant (5)|Armoured Sergeant (5)|Handgunner (7)|Armoured Sergeant (5)|Armoured Sergeant (5)
7^|Merchant Cavalry (7)|Arquebusier (8)|DFK (9)|Merchant Cavalry (7)
7^|Mounted Sergeant (9)||DIK (10)|Mounted Sergeant (9)
7^|Mounted Crossbow (11)||DGK (11)|Mailed knight (11)
7^|Reiters (12)|||Feudal Knight (12)
7^||||Imperial Knight (13)
7^||||Gothic Knight (14)

Note: All lords have FOUR units. High lords have one additional knight class units; the Kaiser has two additional knight class units.

Explanatory notes

In order to be eligible for a feudal levy, you must be lord of a settlement.
Counts and Dukes are lords of the settlements they govern. The Prinz and Kaiser are always lords.

If you cease being a lord, your levy is disbanded at the next Diet. (This represents the loss of the social and economic basis of your levy).

Lords are entitled to four units in a feudal levy. High lords (Dukes, King of Outremer, Prinz) are entitled to five; the Kaiser to six.

When players first become lords, they start off with a feudal levy of four peasants. Every Diet, a lord is given 10 points they may “spend” those points to upgrade their units (high lords are given 13 points; the Kaiser 15). The cost of the upgrade is the difference in the cost of the two units. Armor or weapon upgrades cost one point per upgrade per unit.

Steps on upgrade paths may be skipped if points allow (so a Feudal knight could be upgraded straight to Gothic). But units may only be upgraded to a unit on the same path. (e.g. an archer cannot be upgraded to a knight.)

Units can be retrained at no extra cost: sacrifice will be rewarded.
But lost units are replaced by peasants - look after your men.

PLEASE POST GENERAL QUERIES/COMMENTS IN OOC THREAD. SPECIFIC REQUESTS BY PM.

FactionHeir

12-16-2007, 19:42

Bern Queue:
1: Repair Merchant's Bank and start construction of Armourer (same turn)
2: Start construction of Printing Press
3: Start construction of Church

gibsonsg91921

12-16-2007, 19:58

Frankfurt Build Queue:
Emphasis on government and militia barracks buildings.

Orders for the First Franconian Household Army, or Prussian Army:
Be stationed near Hamburg and defend against attacks from Danes from the north or Poles from the east. Be poised to strike Arhus if the opportunity presents itself. Commander: Fritz von Kastilien

Orders for the Second Franconian Household Army, or Saxon Army:
Be stationed east of Magdeburg and await my command to reclaim Thorn, Breslau, or Krakow if the opportunity presents itself. Commander: Dieter Bresch with Squire Lukas Godwinson.

Orders for the Prinz's Army:
Stationed north of Magdeburg ready to attack any invaders, reclaim lost territory, or assist neighboring Duchies in their plight.

Cecil XIX

12-16-2007, 21:30

For Prague:

Taxes set to Low

1. City Hall
2. Gunsmith
3. Alchemist's Lab
4. Brothel
5. Inn

Mini Econ

12-16-2007, 23:12

For Hamburg: taxes set to highest possible without red face.

Repair warehouse.

1. Blacksmith
2. Armourer (if militia can benefit from heavy mail?)
3. Ballista towers

econ21

12-16-2007, 23:18

Kaiser's Army: to be commanded by the Kaiser. It will work with the armies of Bavaria in the reconquest of Italy. Particular priority will be given to securing Rome and relieving Dieter von Kassel in Palermo.

Build queues: taxes to be high if possible without red face (very high if no avatar present).

Palermo - highest priority
1. Small chapel
2. Chapel
3. Ballista towers
4. Jousting list
5. Mining network

Nuremburg - medium priority;
1. leather tanner
2. town hall
3. Chancellor's discretion

Antwerp - lowest priority; Chancellor's discretion

Warluster

12-18-2007, 05:59

Staufen:
1) I wish for the building of Jousting List

Metz:
The Next Upgrade of Farming System.

Offically, Bern is to Erhart Ruppel, Bruges is to Ludwig von Bohmen.

I wish for the training of a Swabian Household Army to start immediatly in Staufen. From there it is placed under the joint command of me and Count RUppel, and from there it will fight off the French at Metz. Then the SHA will advance north to help Count von Bohmen fight off the invaders at Bruges.

TinCow

12-19-2007, 13:08

I believe I have no provinces to give build orders for, as Bavaria's capital is currently occupied by the enemy and all other provinces are allocated to the Counts. If I am mistaken, please inform me.

As stated in the Bavarian Thread, the two Bavarian Household Armies will be those currently commended by Lothar Steffen and Friedrich Karolinger. The army under my command will be named Bavarian Household Army Gerhard Steffen (BHA Gerhard) and the army under Count Karolinger's command will be named Bavarian Household Army Otto von Kassel (BHA Otto). BHA Otto will work with Kaiser Siegfried to reconquer Northern Italy, with attacks down the peninsula, starting from Venice, and then proceeding to Bologna, Florence, Rome, and Naples in turn. BHA Gerhard is to defend Milan and Genoa until those cities are safe from attack, after which it may be used for offensive operations in the direction of Marsailles or Ajaccio.

In the short term, BHA Gerhard is to move adjacent to the walls of Milan, so that I may aid the city when the Byzantines assault it. It is also my desire that Hans von Bavaria join my army as soon as possible so that I may determine whether he is worthy of knighthood. The same stands for my son, Hermann, when he comes of age.

AussieGiant

12-19-2007, 14:38

The 2nd AHA under my command will rearm and refit when possible and take up positions in the mountains best able to block the Venetian attacks on Ragusa.

The 1st AHA under the command of Karl Zirn will rearm and refit as best as possible then move towards Budapest. Johann Zirn and Dieter von Essen will be in attendance with the later being assessed for Knighthood. Due to death the second in commmand is Johann Zirn and the third is Dieter von Essen once he is knighted.

Maximillian von Hapsburg will also be requested to join the 2nd AHA for Knighthood when possible.

All other Austrian led forces fall outside the Ducal authority and are up to the Chancellor to manage. It is requested that he should be advised by the Austrian commanders on the ground (Lorenz and Lord Becker) for input.

OverKnight

12-19-2007, 16:15

Build Queue Acre

1. Armourer
2. Cannon Foundry

Army of Outremer Orders

The Army will move south to this position (252,63).

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/armyposition.jpg

This is a bottleneck on the road to Acre where only one enemy army at a time may attack and it is, fingers crossed, hilly.

Now that Andreas is knighted he will move to Acre to take command of the Citadel. The small units of Unhorsed Knights, Crusader Sergeants and Fanatics will move from Acre to merge into existing units in the army. The unit of Crusader Knights will move north as well to take the place of Andreas. The army should resemble the one in the above picture.

For now, the army will hold this position. If Antioch is left vulnerable, the army will move north to attack.

If the Turks besiege Damascus, please consult with me regarding a response.

Northnovas

12-20-2007, 17:02

Zagreb

1. Church
2. Merchant Bank

Taxes can go to high!

1st AHA Chancellor/ Duke's choice on direction of movement

AussieGiant

12-20-2007, 17:40

Arnold:

Get your build queue's in now or I'm closing the bloody office!!

Ferret

12-20-2007, 18:18

you can do whatever you want with Magdeburg Arnold

AussieGiant

12-20-2007, 19:23

OOC: Here is the save. As per the rule you now have 24 hours, if we can do all the battles but there are still some moves to be made then I'll make then like previous Chancellors have done:

EDIT: THIS IS THE LATEST VERSION NOW SINCE FH's ACTIONS http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-2.zip

IC: (This is in character and will give you an idea how things are going to go for the duration :2thumbsup: )

Count Karolinger, Kaiser:

The Kaiser has made his recommendation privately, it's up to the two of you to work out the details. Karolinger, keep in mind those £$%$ing boats you are on cost a fortune and they will be sunk by me personally when I pass by there back to Ragusa this year. Get off them and get stuck into those £$%ing Purple panted pussies. I'd prefer to see reams of dead as I go by there later this year, that means all three armies should be crushed...you've got the men a the best general in the Reich so start the recapture of Italy now.

Duke Lothar:

Milan is besieged by the pox ridden scum from the east. Place your forces where they can be best used for assisting the defense

Viceroy Matthias, Sir Andreas von Salzgitter

The Viceroy has sent me his specific orders, the situation in Outremer is ridiculous. Prepare your defenses as you see fit because all hell will be breaking loose in the near future

Prinz Peter, Count Fritz, Sir Tancred Sir Dieter Bresch

It's a veritable "£$%"ing Franconian bowling club around Magdeburg. Sort yourselves out, lift the siege, then let me know when you've got your next bloody card night up there!!

Ludwig von Bohmen

You're in deep steaming loads of shiet son!! I'd advise sitting behind those walls and praying for a miricle, and taking the opportunity to order some English Breakfast tea from just across the channel. If on the other hand you're feeling lucky, why not sally out and go down in a blaze of glory!!??

Lord Becker, Lorenz

You might want to consult on what to do up there in Prague. The Poles are heading in. Reorganise and/or reposition for best defense and then let me know when you've finished fluffing around.

Ruppel, von Salza

You've both essentially got £$% all to do, so get yourselves inside Staufen so that when I magically wave my wand and money starts appearing from out of my arse, I can begin to refit and rearm your sorry selves!!

The rest of you...take a seat and I'll be with you in a minute...and if the letters keep flooding in like they are I might have to unilaterally make someone my secretary and have her/him hold all my mail!!

OOC: Econ this is going to get pretty damn funny over the course of time...having it in the OOC thread seems a little strange...can we do something more IC'ly?

Also...please post up a little report of what you did so I can check what's going on. This also ensures no one has done any fiddling :-)

List of Battles in Duke Arnold's Chancellorship

3^No.|General|Place|Type|Date|Opponent|Odds|German #|Enemy #|Germans lost|Enemy lost|Result
7^|Elberhard|Venice|FA|1340|Byzantines|1:1|1304|1591|86|1165|cv
7^|Friedrich Karolinger|Venice|FD|1340|Byzantines|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^|Lothar Steffen|Milan|FD|1340|Byzantines|1:3|766|1747|507|980|cld
7^|Matthias Steffen|Acre|FD|1340|Byzantines|3:4|1491|1405|52|1405|hv
7^|Lothar Steffen|Milan|FA|1342|Byzantines|6:5|274|254|19|240|cv
7^|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|FA|1342|Danes|?|1370|1621|590|1609|hv
7^|Elberhard|Venice|FA|1342|Byzantines|2:1|1211|1380|147|1263|cv
7^|Elberhard|Venice|BA|1342|Byzantines|1:1|1039|1941|239|1690|hv
7^|Karl Zirn|Vienna|FA|1342|Hungarians|?|619|523|72|475|cv
7^|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|YA|1342|Danes|1:1|1377|1125|350|1106|hv
7^|Andreas von Salzgitter|Antioch|SA|1342|Byzantines|3:2|153|61|57|61|cv
7^|Ludwig von Bohmen|Bruges|SD|1342|French|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^|Captain|Metz|SD-A|1342|French|?|?|?|?|?|d
7^|Lukas Godwinson|Magdeburg|SD|1342|Poles|?|1311|1676|552|1258|cv
7^|Matthias Steffen|Antioch|BD|1342|Byzantines|1:1|889|1650|140|1595|hv
7^|Lothar Steffen|Milan|SA|1344|Byzantines|10:3|943|602|214|602|v
7^|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|YA|1344|Danes|1:2|1170|1591|751|1325|dr
7^|Matthias Steffen|Adana|SA|1344|Byzantines|2:1|1074|685|196|685|cv
7^|Karl Zirn|Vienna|FA|1344|Hungarians|1:1|664|792|240|648|cv
7^|Fritz von Kastilien|Hamburg|YA|1344|Danes|2:1|511|259|2|259|cv
7^|Fritz von Kastilien|Arhus|SA|1344|Danes|2:1|222|42|46|42|cv
7^|Edmund Becker|Prague|FA|1344|Hungarians|?|?|?|?|?|v
7^|Elberhard|Bologna|SA|1344|Byzantines|1:1|1114|1442|212|1363|hv
7^TOTAL|||||||||?|?|?v:?d

FA=field battle (attacker)
FD=field battle (defender)
SA=siege assault (attacker)
SD=siege assault (defender)
YA=sally (attacker)
YD=sally (defender)
BA=bridge assault
BD=bridge defence
AA=ambush (attacker)
AD=ambush (defender)
-A denotes autoresolve

hv=heroic victory
cv=close victory
dr=draw
cld=close defeat
cd=clear defeat

AussieGiant

12-20-2007, 20:52

Taking the save to do some things.

Edit:

-----------------------

Here is the latest save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-3.zip

Actions:

1. Moved Hugo de Cervole from Nuremberg towards Staufen as ordered.

2. Move Lothar Steffen and army adjacent Milan as ordered.

3. Play some musical avatars for icon management von Essen and Becker now south of Vienna as requested.

4. Reorganised Prague units. Left Lorenz out for the moment. Will deal with that when I hear from him.

5. Moved the 1st AHA with Karl and Johann Zirn towards Budapest as part of House Army orders

econ21

12-20-2007, 21:26

Kaiser's Army - 1340

I attacked and defeated General Volkanos of Ienisos at 1-1 odds:

https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/1573/12401pf0.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Unfortunately, the chap escaped with some of his army and is now holding the bridge to Venice.

I tried to take on General Manouel of Zavarinikeia but could not make it this turn. This means that he and more importantly Captain Draganos may be free to strike. I would advise Count Karolinger to take care in making landfall, as Draganos has a very dangerous army.

Using the Kaiser's perogative, I have moved the four spare DIK to support my army.

New save:
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-4.zip

gibsonsg91921

12-21-2007, 00:30

Péter von Kastilien commands the Prussian Army under Fritz von Kastilien to lift the siege of Magdeburg. In the meantime, Péter wishes to move north to Hamburg to attack the nearby Danish army.

EDITED!

OverKnight

12-21-2007, 04:50

I'm claiming the save for a bit to make my moves for the turn.

Edit: Done. http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-5.zip
2nd Edit: While I had the save, I scrapped Acre's Siege Works, adding 2133 florins to the treasury.

AussieGiant

12-22-2007, 16:26

Taking the save.

Finished and the AI is attacking:

First up;

Count Karolinger:

You are being attacked by the Byzantine Captain Draganos, you have the Kaiser and his fully army plus reserve column as reinforcements. He's clearly a bloody idiot so end his existence now

Here is the save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-7.zip

Warmaster Horus, as soon as you have finished the battle please save and upload so I can post up the next persons turn.

I don't want to be rude fella's but there is some cracking battles coming in the AI's turn. Get ready.

Warmaster Horus

12-22-2007, 23:49

Taking the save. Expect it back in about 30 minutes.

EDIT: Done; link:http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-8.zip

Battle results pic posted tomorrow (it's 1 am here). Clear victory, thanks to Elberhard.

AussieGiant

12-23-2007, 09:03

Duke Steffen:

Foteinos Dekanos is assaulting Milan. You've asked to be used in its defense...continue to pound these Greek scum off the peninsula.

Save is here: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-8.zip

OverKnight

12-24-2007, 00:49

Preliminary Report: Battle of Qurnat as Sawda

The Byzantine Guard Army has been destroyed to the last man.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/atripdeploy.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/xtripvic.jpg

Prisoners executed, more details to follow.

It seems Prinz Peter (gibson) has a battle NW of Hamburg, city garrison is besieged by another Danish army and is unable to assist.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1340-10.zip

AussieGiant

12-24-2007, 13:12

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1340

The War Office:

The beginning started very well my lords.

The Kaiser began the long and difficult road to Rome with a crushing victory over the first of three Byzantine armies located between Venice and Zagreb.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1785245&postcount=205

That was the first and only offensive action taken this season.

The Office of the Exchequer:

As outlined in my candidacy speech, I have decommission a number of outdated structures across the Reich. The Siege works in Acre, Antwerp, and Palermo and the Ballista construction facilities in Zagreb, Genoa and Nuremberg were all knocked to the ground. It is my opinion that all artillery from now on shall be based on the new gunpowder technology. I hope to have most armies outfitted with these new contraptions by the end of my term in office.

Additionally the massive flotilla near Venice was completely decommissioned along with substantial parts of the flotilla near Palermo.

The merchants across the Reich and in wider lands were reorganised, only slightly I might add, but ever penny is crucial at this time. This reorganisation has not been completed but is expected to be in by the next season. I'm promised punishment far worse than I can write here for those blood sucking bastards if they don't complete their task by then.

With the immediate gains in florins and the setting of taxes as high as possible while adhering to the wishes of the Reich's nobles, I've managed to remove our debt and have a modest profit predicted for next season.

The injection of florins lead to the repair of all Reich wide buildings across all Houses. I wont go into detail but economic buildings, two Citadels and a church were all repaired.

With the remaining monies I have begun the reconstitution of the first Swabian House Army, refitting and reinforcing Outremer, the 2nd AHA and multiple garrison's across the Reich.

In a fit of diplomacy that can only be put down to my heavy handedness, and the unfortunate arm breaking of one of their diplomats. The Russian's paid us 3036 florin for the latest Imperial cartography drawings. Well at least that is what I thought until it turned out that they were not interested in the maps at all but merely wanted to get out of Nuremburg as fast as possible before I did any more damage to the poor fellow...it turns out they were prepared to pay 3036 florins just to be able to leave rather than the maps themselves. The next problem was that, out of sheer spite having broken the mans arm, he ask for a tribute of 200 florins for the next two seasons in order to try and save face. Of course, it was only after I had slept with his wife that I managed to hear of this beforehand...please note my lords the original sum was much larger, but after threatening her with reduced bedding rights, it turns out the wife was a very tough negotiator and far more persuasive than any of our own diplomats could have been.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1340/medieval22007-12-2216-21-43-42.jpg

There is also the slim chance that I maybe receiving a potential bride in Ragusa. I'll keep you all updated on those proceedings, as I know you are all fascinated by this.

Our status with the current Pope is poor and I am hoping to have one of our Eastern based diplomats move to Jerusalem for the duration of my term in order to better “manage” our relations with his Holiness.

The War Office:

Having completed the Reich's offensive and economic actions the second half of the battle season continued.

Again the second part of the battle season started off well.

After the Kaiser had kicked the proverbial snot out of one Byzantine army earlier in the season, Captain Draganos seemed to lose his senses and while in close proximity to our most accomplished general went on the offensive and attacked the recently landed BHA Otto under the command of Count Karonlinger. While his forces were the best available in the entire Byzantine order of battle no nation has had success against the Reich's armies on the defensive. Again this was to prove the case as Count Karolinger with elements of our Kaiser's cavalry manage to halt Draganos, kill him and send the remnants of his army back down the road to Venice.

(Report to be filed by Count Karolinger in due course).

Things however then turned sour as the Byzantines continued their campaign against us.

Milan was assaulted as Duke Lothar predicted and in a stoke of ill luck was positioned behind the attacking Byzantine force, this prevented the Duke from conducting a successful defence of Milan.

Therefore, it is with great regret that I have to report Milan has fallen, it's population butchered and now the BHA Gerhard is unfit for battle and located in an exposed position just outside the city.

The consequences are grim. The Office of the Exchequer has informed me that this lose will severely impact our economy next season.

In addition the entire strategy for retaking Italy will have to be reassessed next season.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1787202&postcount=206

On a brighter note, Viceroy Steffen was able to completely gut one of Byzantines finest armies using a combination of terrain and what seems to be the beginning of some panic in the Byzantine leadership. I wont place this solely on the effect I outlined in my candidacy speech, but I will say that the report Viceroy Matthias filed with me and his follow up assessment shows a clear sign of concern and at least some desperation on the part of the Byzantine Basileus.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1787712&postcount=207

Detailed reports have not filtered in from the north but scouts have reported that Prinz Peter, faced with a vastly superior force, fell back across the bridge near Hamburg. There is now a total of three Danish armies converging on Hamburg which has been also placed under siege.

In Austria the actions of Count Becker and von Essen lead to an attack by Hungarian forces. Able to successfully withdraw from the first engagement the Hungarian captain went after the two Austrian lords for a second time. They were finally caught but managed to survive just long enough to retreat to the relative safety of Vienna.

I say relative safety because the Hungarian Crusade which I never really worked out where it was going, has been called off. This has allowed two Hungarian armies deep inside the Reich's interior to be rerouted against us. They are now less than six months march from Innsbruck and Vienna respectively.

Additionally the Polish have a number of armies massing near Prague. It seems that word has reached them of Count Beckers departure and they are going to severely test Lorenz Zirn's command skills in the next battle season.

Better news was received in Palermo. Dieter von Kassel has informed me that the Sicilian army promptly packed up, boarded their ships and has sailed some distance into the Mediterranean. It is unsure if they are heading to another destination or simply about to reposition themselves for a better attack on Palermo.

I also want to make comment on something that is disturbing me. Various Merchants are reporting the onset of a lethal plague in some parts of the world. While this has happened before I have personally received too many of these disjointed reports to believe this is an isolated incident.

If there are any substantial omissions please inform the Chancellors office and I will endeavor to have the records adjusted as required.

The beginning of 1342 for your information my lords:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1342.zip

TinCow

12-24-2007, 16:48

Taking the save to fight my way free of encirclement.

[edit] Done (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1788012&postcount=208). http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1342-1.zip

AussieGiant

12-24-2007, 17:21

Taking the save for AI cash injection.

econ21

12-24-2007, 18:19

Kaiser's Army - 1342

Taking the save...

Elberhard: I have personally slain Manoual of Zavarinikeia in hand to hand combat. @#$%^&!!! it, I am hungry. Venice can wait a while.

New save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1342-4a.zip

_Tristan_

12-24-2007, 19:28

AG,

Don't let Hugo enter Staufen, keep him out of town in reserve should Ruppel or Von Salza decinde to make a move on the French..

AussieGiant

12-24-2007, 20:39

Chaps you have until noon tomorrow to take the save for any offensive actions you want to take.

The save is open right now and the horse has bolted, so take a look, manage the save yourselves and confine your actions to just battles and I'll take the save back 12 noon on Tuesday the 25th for the Chancellor section of the turn.

Cheers
AG

FactionHeir

12-24-2007, 20:43

Nothing much on the Swabian side. Can you just move the entire army save say the depleted spear militia to Bern for me please?
We don't have enough florins to even build a fort afterall.

AussieGiant

12-24-2007, 20:54

Nothing much on the Swabian side. Can you just move the entire army save say the depleted spear militia to Bern for me please?
We don't have enough florins to even build a fort afterall.

Hi FH.

Yep that is what I will do in my turn as Chancellor. I'm just happy you and WL aren't infected.

FactionHeir

12-24-2007, 20:55

You should be happy that none of the units are either :grin:

AussieGiant

12-24-2007, 20:58

You should be happy that none of the units are either :grin:

So true...I think we dodged a bullet there.

More troops hopefully can be recruited in Bern and then you guy's are going on the bridge to defend, in my opinion. Once someone in Italy and/or Austria can get a solid city sack done then we can move on the Swabian front.

FactionHeir

12-24-2007, 21:39

I think the only way the Swabian front is going to move is if I get some heavy cav on my hands. Something with high attack and charge bonus. Frankfurt is so very close to hire teutons from :yes:

There is pretty much no chance you could win against that Metz (or even the Dijon) gold stacks unless you exploit the heavy cavalry. They got triple gold fully upgraded DCK which are arguably the best heavy infantry there is that can be upgraded and retrained, making holding a bridge an impossibility when you consider they also got trebs and basilisks at triple gold with them.

econ21

12-24-2007, 21:50

Kaiser's Army - 1342 Part II

Taking the save... again

Elberhard: @#$%^&!!! it, that was a good meal. Now, which way is Venice?

...

Oh, there it is (new save inc. Venice):

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1342-6.zip

Zim

12-24-2007, 23:41

Not sure if I need to say this here as well as the OOC thread.

Taking the save.

Zim

12-25-2007, 00:24

All done. Antioch is taken.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1342-7.zip

Northnovas

12-25-2007, 05:26

Zagreb Region 1342

Latest save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1342-8.zip

Ist AHA forces split Johann took some to Vienna and Karl took on the field army of Hungarians.

The Battle deploy did not take. I took 3 screen shots. Here is the end results. The prisoners were released. That's Karl.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/clearvictory.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/stats-1.jpg

After the battle the army was heading for Vienna. Possible battle report but that's all for now.

Ramses II CP

12-25-2007, 05:51

Okay, taking the save to attempt the relief of Hamburg. :beam:

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

12-25-2007, 06:33

The siege of Hamburg has been lifted. Unfortunately my archers, crossbowmen, and artillery lacked the movement necessary to enter the city. I left the artillery with Peter, sent his Teutons back to him, and put Fritz and everything that could move inside Hamburg so I can defend it if the Danes decide to attack or have artillery. The crossbowmen and longbowmen, along with a few militia spears, are stuck outside the city.

New save is here:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1342-9a.zip

I'm going to try to get a battle report up tonight, we'll see how tired I get. ;)

edit: Yeah ignore that ^. Too late, it'll be tomorrow. ;)

:egypt:

AussieGiant

12-25-2007, 11:12

Reminder:

Please put place holders in the Battle Reports for your respective battles. Then I can link then up with the Chancellor narrative.

Just over a hour to go before the season closes for us :laugh4:

AussieGiant

12-25-2007, 12:50

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1342

I write this to you all while traveling down the coast towards Ragusa.

The Office of the Exchequer:

My Lords the rumours are true. The plague as struck right here in the heart of the Reich.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1340/1342/medieval22007-12-2413-13-44-14.jpg

In response to this I have moved all but a skeleton garrison from Staufen. All the nobles of Swabia plus the currently recruited Swabian House Army have been relocated to Bern. Hopefully this will limit the spread of the disease. In a stroke of luck it seems neither Duke von Salza, Count Ruppel, de Cervole or the garrison that were relocated have contracted the disease.

In addition to this terrible news the lose of Milan has crippled our economy.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1340/1342/medieval22007-12-2414-09-09-95.jpg

The Exchequers office confirms our projected profits to be poor unless we can drastically change our circumstances this season.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1340/1342/medieval22007-12-2414-08-38-62.jpg

In other news, and somewhat concerning to me that The Office of the Exchequer should actually be aware of these personal events, I can congratulate Fredericus Erlach on siring a new baby girl

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1340/1342/medieval22007-12-2414-08-54-79.jpg

That concluded the first phase of this seasons Chancellor activities.

The War Office:

Given our economic conditions at the start of the season, I have been extremely forceful in demanding all army commanders begin to perform or lose their troops to more successful endeavours against out enemies. I will simply will not reinforce failure or stagnant fronts when we have zero resources at our disposal.

In response to this I have the pleasure of announcing an incredible series of results in our offensive campaigning season.

In a stunning move Duke Lothar with the remains of BHA Gerhard fought their way out of complete encirclement and then had the audacity to besiege Milan.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1788012&postcount=208

At our northern border Fritz von Kastilien began the campaign towards Arhus about ten years earlier than I had expected.

At this point I have to say Fritz von Kastilien deserves some type of Imperial award. Either because he lost the recent election or simply decided that life was too boring he proceeded to attack the supporting Danish army near Hamburg and then follow that up by attacking, and lifting the siege of Hamburg single handedly.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1788213&postcount=209

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1788488&postcount=213

Not to be outdone by Fritz's double move, our esteemed Kaiser pulled off the same result outside Venice.

First up was the very decent Byzantine General Manouel of Zavarinikeia. As a pillar of virtue and chivalry our beloved Kasier proceeded to gut his troops and then kill the poor fellow. I was someone shocked to read this however it seems all is fair in war and chivalry when the situation is deemed necessary.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1788403&postcount=210

Keeping my orders in mind the Kaiser then proceeded onward towards my beloved Venice and managed to goad the garrison out to assist in the bridge defence...in what I can only describe as heroic the Kaiser took the bridge and then Venice itself!!!

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1788429&postcount=211

In the far east the rash of city recovery continued as Andreas von Salzgitter, who is now the first of what will be many Crusade Counts attacked and reoccupied Anitoch!!

(Spot for battle link)

In the east Lord Zirn again exhibited the multifaceted usage of our armies by simultaneously stripping part of the 2nd AHA to reinforce Vienna and at the same time have enough forces on hand to defeat the Hungarian force menacing the interior of Austria.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1788466&postcount=212

Without doubt these are the most significant and impressive series of victories I have seen or read in the Holy Roman Empires history. The fact they have occurred in one campaigning season makes the impact to our situation even more impressive. The Office of the Exchequer report will show out results.

The Office of the Exchequer:

The final actions this season are as follows.

Our merchants have completed their reorganisation to maximize our profit taking.

All cities have tax levels set to the highest level I've deemed appropriate.

A mentioned previously one of our diplomats is heading as fast as possible to the Pope in order to allow for a more direct level of commuication.

The SHA has been relocated to Bern along with every available Swabian noble. Due to the plague in that Citadel recruitment has been halted for the time being. I am aware this is a difficult situation for Swabia but I have little choice.

Lukas Godwinson is heading north to reinforce Fritz and Prinz Peter. Prinz Peter has been moved closer to Hamburg to better allow assistance from the nearby Franconian army and the garrison of Hamburg.

The Army of Outremer and the Antioch garrison have been redeployed and the wall and port are now under repair. As with other cities the outdated siege works and Ballista production facilities have been decommissioned.

Likewise the in Venice the wall and market are being repaired and the Ballista facilities have been raised to the ground.

Count Karolinger and Hans von Bavaria have merge with BHA Otto and are heading to Milan to assist their Duke. For the moment they have taken up a defensive position on the bridge crossing the river Poe.

Von Kassel has been requested to begin campaigning in southern Italy. He has set off leaving a skeleton garrison Palermo which is currently being refitted for active duty.

The Palermo fleet has also cleared the area of all Sicilian vessels.

As a global description of my expenditure this season, the money we have made has allowed for repairs to be made for critical defense and economic structures. Recruitment has occurred in Innsbruck for this season.

With this in mind the new economic situation looks as follows:

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1340/1342/medieval22007-12-2517-58-28-95.jpg

My lords it has been an impressive series of results and the above financial situation is a credit to the success and victories you have made in the name of the Reich and our Emperor.

The defensive campaigning season is now upon us and once I reach Ragusa I will provide the field reports for those battles.

econ21

12-27-2007, 02:26

Chancellor's Steward's Pre-Report on 1344

Elberhard:

What? I am in charge again? Crikey, someone must be desperate.

All right, let's get on with this then.

Duke ... err ... Chancellor Arnold is not feeling so good. Not feeling good at all, in fact. So he asked me to mind the shop. Any business you have with the Chancellor, take it up with me first unless ... I mean, until he is back on his feet again.

Right, so where were we? I see, defensive battles. Yes, there were a few. Now where exactly ... um, where are those reports?

First, that chap in Bruges, Ludwig von something or other, well he fought a @#$%^&!!!ing brilliant defense of the city - cutting down those out dated French knights with pike and shot. And quite a bit of personal daring-do. Well done that man!

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1789000&postcount=215

Second, Viceroy Matthias Steffen added another heroic victory to his bulging tome of such escapades. Fighting at the Iron Bridge north of Antioch:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1789594&postcount=217

Finally, a young Franconian fellow with an Anglo-Saxon ancestory (Lukas Godwinson, apparently - sounds like some right royal English bastard) has sent word that the army at Magdeburg smashed a Polish attempt to storm it. More details will be provided soon:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1789472&postcount=216

In other news, Hermann Steffen has come of age - welcome, lad! And we are rich - well, we have 6093 florins. Don't spend it all at once.

So, here we are at the start of the year 1344. Army commanders may engage in offensive actions at their discretion (OOC: they have 24 hours from this post to fight their battles).

At first glance, the main potential flashpoints appear to be:

Hamburg: where Fritz von Kastilien is besieged (couldn't happen to a nicer chap) and Prinz Peter is outside the city together with a leaderless stack of foot soldiers. Fritz and Peter should liase about the best action to take.

Prague: where the Poles have the city undersiege but Lorenz Zirn stands outside with an army ready to contest that.

Outremer: Viceroy Matthias Steffen may wish to continue his offensive.

Even if they are not to be involved in any immediate battles, I would also welcome instructions on the movement of other armies. Of particular concern are armies commanded by generals on reserve duty - I believe this applies to the Franconian army in Magdeburg, that under Count Karolinger and indeed the Chancellor's army in Ragusa. I would urge the Dukes to find commanders on active duty or things may go ill on any battlefields. Count Karl Zirn - you are acting Steward of Austria until Arnold is back on his feet - please send someone to Ragusa sharpish.

Finally, if any generals without army commands have wishes about their movements, please post them in this thread and I will do my best by you.

And if anyone wants to make a bid for where our precious 6000 florins goes, shout out now.

I'll be back with you soon. I have to visit the smallest room in this Palace. Now where did I put my copies of Fritz's proclamation...?

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344.zip

OOC: To clarify, the 24 hour window is intended to get straightforward battles out of the way. If battles require more time to coordinate and set up (e.g. at Hamburg?), don't worry - we can do that in a more leisurely fashion.

Zim

12-27-2007, 02:44

Kaiser Elberhard,

if at all possible I would like a unit or two of militia to be hired to garrison Antioch. It will enable us to aise taxes there, and Viceroy Matthias will eed every professional soldier in the area if he is to continue the offensive in Outremer. Also, when funds allow, perhaps a small church could be constructed in Antioch, as the Byzantines seemed to have torn down the old one.

Andreas von Salzgitter

Ramses II CP

12-27-2007, 03:44

I believe I shall ask Peter to leave me the bombard and ribault and march north against Arhus. I can handle these fools at the walls of Hamburg.

(OOC: Sallies are allowed? I'll massacre the AI even if I can't entirely chase them off the field. I have no compunctions about taking advantage of their stupidity unless there's a rule about it.)

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

TinCow

12-27-2007, 04:03

I will order Count Karolinger to march to Milan immediately. With his aid, I will assault the city and reclaim it for the Reich and Bavaria. This will also give me an opportunity to determine whether Hans von Bavaria is worthy of knighthood.

OOC: If Warmaster Horus agrees, I would like to move his army myself to ensure that it is placed exactly where I want it for the battle.

Ramses II CP

12-27-2007, 04:29

Snagging the save for my sally.

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

12-27-2007, 06:12

A tie. Only swordstaff men were left, but I couldn't get the buggers to break! :(

I had to pay ransom on some men too, but it was only 140 florins or so. Uploading the save now.

edit: Save is here:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344-1.zip

If Peter were here he could now attack and finish them off. Losses were horrific, but half what they took. I'll post a battle report tomorrow. Exhausting and frustrating as most of my crossbowmen and my artillery had to march across half the map before they could make it into battle. :shrug: Better than a loss I suppose, but not quite what I'd hoped for. I sacrificed a lot of men near the end struggling to break those swordstaff ^%&$ers, including virtually all of the cavalry, and none of them healed. Not one!

ARGH! This hurts.

:egypt:

OverKnight

12-27-2007, 11:30

I'm taking the save.

OverKnight

12-27-2007, 12:47

Save is back up:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344-2.zip

Announcement and Battle Report to follow.

FactionHeir

12-27-2007, 12:49

got save

FactionHeir

12-27-2007, 13:03

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344-3.zip

OverKnight

12-27-2007, 15:15

Build Queue for Adana
Repair Walls
Small Chapel
then Chancellor's discretion

Build Queue for Antioch
Repair Walls
Small Church
Land Clearance
Brothel
City Hall

Taxes are to be set to avoid rioting.

gibsonsg91921

12-27-2007, 16:16

OOC: Fritz, you need Peter to attack the Hamburg besiegers?

Ramses II CP

12-27-2007, 16:40

OOC: That would be awesome if you could do it, or alternately I could using Peter. They shouldn't be much trouble. Clear off the war clerics and dis. Huscarls and then lead the swordstaffs around while the crossbowmen shoot them down. I wouldn't melee the swordstaffs, they're deadly, just break them with bolts.

:egypt:

Northnovas

12-27-2007, 17:03

Here is the latest save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344-4.zip

1344 Vienna Region:

Hungarians removed from the area and they retreated back to their borders.

von Essen and von Hapsburg have been knighted by Steward Karl Zirn for their merits in battle.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1344battledeploy.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1344clearvictory.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/1344stats.jpg

Austrian Orders:

Johann has left for Ragusa to take command of the 1st AHA

Dieter von Essen will take command of the 2nd AHA and defend Vienna with von Hapsburg.

Becker has left Vienna and joined Lorenz Zirn at Prague. Herman Steffen has also joined that group looking to earn his spurs.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Karl%20Battles/commanders.jpg
Commanders outisde of Prague.

Count Becker will personally lead this battle to break the siege against the Poles.

Building queue for Vienna will be what is required for improving the city defenses.

gibsonsg91921

12-27-2007, 17:10

Lead Péter's army to royally smoke the Hamburg besiegers then. I should get to it today as I have to fight my GCH2 also.

Ramses II CP

12-27-2007, 17:14

Excellent. There's not much left of either of our armies, but there's even less left of the Danes. Crush them, and we'll see if any of our guys can reach Arhus! I don't care how many guardsmen Fritz has left, if he can reach Arhus lay siege with everything that can make it. He has a negative movement trait, though, so I doubt he can.

:egypt:

TinCow

12-27-2007, 23:50

I am taking the save to assault Milan. Since Warmaster Horus has not posted or responded to my PM and is on reserve duty anyway, I am exercising my authority as his Duke to move his army to assist me in the assault. I have cleared this with econ21.

gibsonsg91921

12-28-2007, 00:29

Yeah, I'm unable to fight tonight. Christmas stuff. Someone else will have to take it.

Ramses II CP

12-28-2007, 00:34

Happy to do it after I put the munchkin to bed. Is this the last battle? Actually I can probably do it right now, if the wife is in a forgiving mood. :laugh4:

edit: Except that obviously TC has the save. Cooling down the horses. ;)

:egypt:

TinCow

12-28-2007, 00:36

Milan has been retaken. Due to the sorry state of the treasury and the dire need of reinforcements in Bavaria and other areas, I ordered a mandatory tax on all residents of the city to help pay for repairs and their future defense. Unfortunately, some resisted, no doubt Byzantine collaborators to the last man, and forceful appropriations were required. Some 5500 florins have been added to the Treasury. My advisors assure me the the civilian casualties were not worth counting. Hans von Bavaria acquitted himself admirably in the battle and he is hereby knighted for his service to Bavaria.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344-5.zip

OOC: Battle report will be posted later.

Ramses II CP

12-28-2007, 00:48

Okay, taking the save. This shouldn't take long.

:egypt:

econ21

12-28-2007, 01:21

After Ramses has uploaded a new save, we will probably be beyond the 24 hour window. So once he's done, let's hold our horses to sort out the Emergency Diet session.

Ramses II CP

12-28-2007, 01:32

Done. Siege lifted and... Arhus has been sacked. The treasury is now fairly well flush. Battle report to come. Wife not happy. :inquisitive:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344-6b.zip

edit: Okay, she cut me a break in exchange for future considerations. To fully explain, after lifting the siege I discovered that not only did Fritz have enough movement, so did his ribault. So I took the men which were a part of my army originally and left Peter the men from his at Hamburg. Arhus had only a Danish Prince inside, and though he did catch some crossbowmen he was doomed. 33k florins were taken in the sack, and the city at normal taxes is green face happy.

I think Franconia has earned a little reinforcement even though I've been recklessly burning through her armies. ;-)

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

12-28-2007, 01:37

Since the deadline has not yet expired, I'd like to take the save now. econ, what do you mean by hold our horses?

econ21

12-28-2007, 03:57

Since the deadline has not yet expired, I'd like to take the save now. econ, what do you mean by hold our horses.

That's fine. Go for it. :2thumbsup:

Cecil XIX

12-28-2007, 04:15

All right, I'm taking the save. Will you be waiting on me or the emergency vote?

econ21

12-28-2007, 04:29

Will you be waiting on me or the emergency vote?

The vote looks a formality, so I may tinker with what you upload before the vote formally closes. But I'm off to bed now, so there's no hurry.

GeneralHankerchief

12-28-2007, 19:41

Herrmann Steffen:

In compliance with Duke Lothar Steffen of Bavaria's orders, I request that I be immediately moved from Prague or Nuremburg down to Innsbruck.

Cecil XIX

12-28-2007, 20:18

Prague is safe. (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1344-7.zip)

Young Hermann performed well, but as the battle was rather lopsided I cannot recommend knighhood just yet. I am sure he will win his spurs in due course down south, but for now he enjoys Bohemian hospitality in Prague.

econ21

12-28-2007, 21:27

Taking the save.

gibsonsg91921

12-29-2007, 17:55

Peter von Kastilien's tentative orders for the former Prinz's Army:

Move to Bologna to unite with Elberhard's army. Take up Elberhard's mission in bringing Italy back under the control of the Reich. Additional troops left over after the merge shall move to Duke Lothar Steffen's army to reinforce him. The resulting force shall be known as Kronen Sie Legion (OOC: deguerra, help?), or the Legion of the Crown.

econ21

12-29-2007, 18:11

Chancellor’s End of Year Report on 1244 (Compiled by the Diet Speaker)

The Kaiser is dead:

https://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9020/1244e1vw2.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Long live the Kaiser:

https://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8535/1244e2sa2.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

With Chancellor Arnold still struck down by plague and the death of Steward Elberhard, our Kaiser, it falls to the Imperial Secretariat to compile the following report.

CENTRAL REPORTS

World Events

The sad loss of our Kaiser was not the only significant world event.

Pope Renaldus also passed away, replaced - with our backing - by another German, Welf the Missionary - henceforth to be known as Pope Pierus.

https://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9103/1244e4lp5.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

While this raises our relation with the Papacy to perfect, it also brings many of our enemies - Poland, Denmark, Venice and France - back into the fold. Care must be taken in future actions against these enemies not to invoke the new Pope’s wrath.

But most worrying of all, was news of a terrible plague spreading from the East - the Black Death. This - it seems - is what currently afflicts our Chancellor, Duke Arnold. By contrast, our physicians say that the plague inflicting Staufen is a different, more mundane ailment. The Black Death has not yet, so far as we know, affected any of our settlements but we must brace ourselves for its impact.

https://img177.imageshack.us/img177/1772/1244e3ot2.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

The Exchequer

Thanks to the great success of the Reich’s generals - and in particular to the sacking of Arhus - the Chancellor’s office had a large balance of florins to spend.

Priority was given to rebuilding the cities of the Reich which have been run down during the cataclysm. Alongside repairs, a particular emphasis was placed on building churches and chapels in those settlements retaken from the Byzantines. Local populations had begun to be swayed by the heretical Orthodox church, undermining support for the Reich. Only building work with a modest cost was authorised - some more expensive economic and military construction could be considered in future, but given the grave immediate situation such long term investments have not been authorised.

In addition, wherever possible, local militia were trained in accordance with the Charter requirement to maintain full city garrisons.

As a result, the starting balance of the Reich rose from 6000 florins in 1244 to 21000 florins in 1246.

The War Office

The surfeit of Imperial knights in the Kaiser’s army was causing problems due to the lack of commoners to carry out the more menial duties of campaign (OOC: it was against the historical armies rule). Consequently, some regiments of knights were left to garrison Venice and act as potential reinforcements for future losses. Two regiments of mercenary spearmen were recruited to carry out the menial work that the Imperial knights did not wish to do (like standing in front of cavalry charges).

The successful campaign against Denmark had reduced the Prinz’s army to next to nothing, with even the Prinz’s own feudal retinue being largely destroyed. Elements from the Franconian Household Army in Magdeburg were transferred to the Prinz’s command to make a small but functional army. With the sad death of the Kaiser, it is recommended that the Prinz transfer to Italy and take over command of the Kaiser’s army - including his feudal retinue. The newly formed Prinz’s army could be redesignated the Saxon Household Army. Further recruitment at Magdeburg will be required to rebuild the Prussian Household Army.

Swabia has only one Household Army proper, although Count Ludwig von Bohmen’s force at Bruges should perhaps be regarded as a second Household Army. The plague at Staufen complicates attempts to rebuild Swabia’s forces. The Swabians requested were made to despatch regiments for retraining at Innsbruck, but it was judged that providing reinforcements might better be provided in the form of new units. These units were not available this year - Duke Lothar ordered the training of fresh regiments for a second Bavarian Household Army - but should be possible next. It is recommended that next year foot soldiers be recruited from Innsbruck and Teutons from Frankfurt.

There are currently three major armies in Austria. The Imperial Secretariat wonders if the force at Ragusa should perhaps be designated the Chancellor’s army; the force at Vienna, the First Austrian Army; and that at Prague, the Second Austrian Army.

The two Bavarian Household Armies have been united to form Household Army Gerhard. New regiments recruited at Innsbruck, together with Count Erlach’s feudal retinue, provide a minimum sized second Household Army (BHA Otto).

Given the financial constraints, the Army of Outremer at Adana was judged sufficient for its immediate defensive purposes, but militia will be trained at Antioch as soon as volunteers come forward.

REGIONAL REPORTS

Swabia

Count Ruppel led the Swabian Household Army to a position between Staufen and Bern. As the Army included the Duke’s feudal retinue, the Steward thought it appropriate that Duke von Salza join it in the field.

One spy was infilitrated into Dijon and a second is en route.

Militia were trained at Bruges and Bern. A jousting field was constructed at Staufen.

Bavaria

The Kaiser recaptured Bologna, but perished in the effort:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1791030&postcount=225

With both Bavarian Household Armies, Duke Lothar stormed Milan:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1790930&postcount=224

Using the remnants of the Imperial fleet at Palermo, Dieter von Kassel transported four regiments and a bombard battery outside Naples. The city is lightly held - of more concern is the leaderless citadel at Palermo should the Sicilians return.

Franconia

In a military tour de force, Fritz von Kastilien, assisted by Prinz Peter von Kastilien, smashed the Danish forces around Hamburg and then sacked Arhus.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1789595&postcount=218

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1790255&postcount=223

These efforts effectively destroyed the Prussian Household Army (and the Prinz’s Army), but since there is no longer any immediate threat from the north, there is time to rebuild. Militia were raised where possible and a recruitment drive is underway at Magdeburg.

With its two generals on reserve duty, the Saxon Household Army was inactive at Magdeburg - regiments being transferred to form a new Prinz’s army. The Imperial Secretariat recommends Lukas Godwinson be given command of the Saxon Household Army until Dieter Bresch and Tancred von Tyrolia return to active duty.

Austria

The Steward of Austria, Count Karl Zirn, destroyed a Hungarian army in Vienna province:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1790024&postcount=222

Count Becker broke the siege of Prague. In compliance with his instructions, construction of a city hall was begun and taxes set to low.

With their leader stricken by plague, Duke Arnold’s army at Austria remained inactive - however Johann Zirn is riding to Ragusa to take command.

Outremer

Outremer reached its new borders with the capture of Adana by Viceroy Matthias Steffen:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1789720&postcount=219

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1789725&postcount=220

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1789731&postcount=221

The Viceroy requested permission to raid Caesarea, but the late Kaiser replied that, under the Charter, taking an enemy settlement - however temporarily - required prior authorisation by a Diet Edict.

A Master Explorer Guild was established in Antioch.

And so ends this report. The Kaiser’s Will recommended Dieter von Kassel be appointed the new Prinz, although whether Kaiser Peter will accept this recommendation remains to be seen. It should be noted in passing that the late Kaiser submitted the appropriate paperwork for the knighting of Ludwig von Bohmen for his heroic defence of Bruges and of Lukas Godwinson for his pivotal role in the saving Magdeburg from destruction while its generals were on reserve duty.

There were no defensive battles this year. Presumably, this was due to the exhaustion of our enemies after our many hammer blows against them. However, for one peaceful winter, it has been as if the whole of Europe has lain still, waiting for a new spring.

Diet Speaker

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1346.zip

gibsonsg91921

12-29-2007, 18:54

As previously stated, the feudal retinue of Péter von Kastilien will move south to Italy and unite with the remnants of the Kaiser's army, with the resulting force to be named Kronen Sie Legion. From there, it shall advance to the bottom of Italy. Péter von Kastilien reccommends that if young Dieter von Kassel wants to prove his worth and his loyalty, he move his army up from Palermo to crush the Greeks from the south. With the addition of Lothar Steffen's force in the north, this pincer movement should be sufficient to crush any remaining Greeks. When any Roman city is reconquered, it is to be occupied unless financial circumstances mandate an Imperial seizure of former Greek property. Once Rome is ours yet again, it shall be made capital and Nuremburg returned to the Bavarians.

econ21

12-29-2007, 19:10

Imperial Secretariat: Army commanders have 24 hours to fight any battles they wish. There are few obvious attacks to be made, except in Italy where Duke Lothar may wish to remove the rebels around Genoa. Dieter von Kassel will assault Naples in due course. Count Erlach may wish to strike at the Hungarian ex-crusade from Innsbruck.

All generals may also post instructions here for their movement and requests for any reinforcements.

OOC: If Factionheir wants to top up the AI finances again, he feel free to use the save to move the Swabian army providing Warluster is happy.

GeneralHankerchief

12-29-2007, 19:13

Herrmann Steffen:

Depart for Innsbruck post-haste and supervise the training of reinforcements.

gibsonsg91921

12-29-2007, 19:36

I would request of Duke Dieter Bresch of Franconia that the maximum number of Teutonic Knights be recruited from Frankfurt and donated to Swabia for their efforts against the French.

OOC: I'll duplicate this post for the Imperial Diet Thread.

Ramses II CP

12-29-2007, 21:03

I would ask that my bombard crew be retrained at Arhus sometime in the next few turns and hopefully that a company or two of arquebusiers could be added to my army.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Zim

12-29-2007, 21:13

Now that I'm Count of Acre I request any low grade professional forces (say, regular sergeant spearmen or something) that can be afforded to reinforce Antioch and Adana. The build order set by Viceroy Matthias is fine with me.

Militia for Antioch is also welcome, although I think asking for that is under Matthias' jurisdiction, not mine.

TinCow

12-29-2007, 21:36

Taking the save. I will also move Herrmann Steffen as part of my turn.

[edit] Done.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1346-1.zip
https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/1346rebs.jpg

IC:
Having cleared the rebels from around Genoa, I have surveyed the situation in Italy. It seems that Kaiser Elberhard's attack on Bologna has finally broken the Greek defenses. My scouts report only one moderate sized army remaining in all of Northern Italy. Given that the Kaiser's army is now leaderless and it will take many years for Kaiser Peter to make his way to Italy, I have decided to continue the advance in Italy with the army under my command, BHA Otto. Friedrich Karolinger is riding with me and together I expect to destroy this remaining Byzantine army next year and besiege Florence. I hope to liberate the Capital of Bavaria and the city that I love by 1350.

Northnovas

12-29-2007, 23:56

Austrian House Orders:

Johann will continue to Ragusa to meet the 1st AHA that is the name I will stick to for the time being. Though I do remembering a proposal for a Chancellor Army a long time ago.

The troops in the Vienna Region will gather in Vienna with commanders to be cleaned up and reinforced. Would replace the serpentine for a cannon if possible. Recruitment cannon.

Prague if Lord Zirn is not required he could head back to Vienna with his troops.

FactionHeir

12-30-2007, 00:32

Taking save.

Warluster

12-30-2007, 00:32

Ludwig von Bohmen is to be knghted at once. The SHA1 is to stay under the command of Erhart Ruppel. The SHA2 is to stay in Bruges.

Train a sizeable Swabian Army for our use (Along the lines of other HA) And bring it to outside Staufen.

Prepare Staufen for a siege. Duke von Salza is to takeat least two regiments of knights and 1 regiment of spearmen (And DUke von Salza's bodyguards) and they are to also meet outside Staufen, where I want them to help bern if it is sieged.. Also try and detain the plague in Staufen.
EDIT: These moves have been carried out. Thanks for saying gibson, I thought when he gave permission it was just that, permission.

gibsonsg91921

12-30-2007, 00:57

OOC: Ludwig is knighted - by Kaiser Elberhard.

Cecil XIX

12-30-2007, 01:19

Let it be known that it will take more than a plague to get me to leave my county. I am not going to abandon my people when I could instead help ease their suffering.

FactionHeir

12-30-2007, 01:27

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1346-2.zip

-Topped up AI (didn't need to top up too much. Maybe TC already did some?)
-Took Dijon (screens to follow)
-Added repair and militia to Dijon queue (Chancellor is free to remove if he has IC reason)

[edit]
Dijon was occupied btw. Net gain of 3068 florins or something like that.

deguerra

12-30-2007, 01:42

having had a quick peek at the save, thanks for the troops recruited in Bruges, and the walls repaird, that will be an immense help!

A) the taxes in Bruges can be set from Low to Very High without any real detriment.

B) could this money possible be used to retrain the few units that can currently be retrained there? That would still leave cash left over, and be most helpful for Swabia as well.

I suppose my Duke needs to give these orders for them to be effective? In that case, von Salza, could you agree with me?

Cecil XIX

12-30-2007, 03:43

Battle fought and won. (http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1346-3.zip)

I only had enough movement to attack one stack, so I sent the Polish artillery packing.

gibsonsg91921

12-30-2007, 18:37

A change of long-term orders for Peter von Kastilien:

Move Peter and his retinue south as Elberhard's army moves north, leaving a Gothic Knight regiment behind for Lothar. When Peter and the army are united, move to Swabia and attack any French armies - do not besiege any cities. This shall be a mobile force.

EDIT: Taking the save to smoke the Poles nearby Petey.

gibsonsg91921

12-30-2007, 19:55

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1346-4.zip

Ok, I won a close victory - The Emperor's Army is quite weakened (too much bloody missile cav), but that's ok because I am getting Elberhard's in a turn or two.

I moved all of Elberhard's army except the regiment of Gothic Knights and the Bombard from Bologna and lowered the taxes to prevent riot.

Captain Dimarus commands the army going up to Peter.

http://123pichosting.com/images/3980petervpawoljpeg.JPG

http://123pichosting.com/images/9284petervpawolvic.JPG

Warluster

12-31-2007, 00:16

I'm taking the save to do some stuff and move the Duke elsewhere.

Warluster

12-31-2007, 00:38

The save has been uploaded. I merely moved Duke von Salza out of danger from that lancer French Army and am protecting Staufen from anothe r French Army and Hungarian Army.

Ramses II CP

12-31-2007, 00:43

For the convenience of the next up:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1346-5.rar

edit: By the way, would it be possible for Fritz to build a fort and watchtower on the islands southeast of Arhus? The money is there, I just don't know if he's allowed to or if he should just ask for it to be done. If nothing else, please move him around a little since he already has a negative movement trait and I'd prefer it not get worse.

:egypt:

Zim

12-31-2007, 01:10

I'm kind of curious about Ramses' question, too. We might need to put up watch towers in Outremer soon. Who do we get permission for it from? If we get it, can we put them up or does the Chancellor take control and do it?

econ21

12-31-2007, 01:43

Anything involving spending money needs the Chancellor's authorisation - if he agrees, he may ask you to place the towers/forts. I won't do it this turn - a 20k balance is too small to spend on towers/forts - but you can raise it with AG for next turn.

BTW, I've been waiting for Stuperman to pick up the save for the Innsbruck battle, but will start work on it tomorrow.

Stuperman

12-31-2007, 02:48

taking the save.

Stuperman

12-31-2007, 03:46

The save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1346-6.zip

econ21

12-31-2007, 10:14

Taking the save.

Ferret

12-31-2007, 13:56

I would like Tancred to move North to Arhus to join with Fritz and muster enough forces to make the final assault against the Danes. In the meantime Myself and Godwinson will raise an army in Magdeburg to launch a counter attack against the Poles. I am also naming Tancred the heir for the time being for his help in the many battles we have seen together.

OOC: sorry if this is in the wrong place I don't know where to post anymore :clown:

econ21

12-31-2007, 14:08

OOC: sorry if this is in the wrong place I don't know where to post anymore :clown:

No, it's the right place. Welcome back, Elite Ferret. :wave:

I've made the moves for 1346 (yours came a little too late for me to react to, EF). There is a defensive battle for Lothar (TinCow):

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1346-7.zip

I don't think there will be more defensive battles this turn. Let's stay in 1346 in character for a while longer (we should get the succession issue sorted).

I've added some troops to enemy AI factions' settlements to try to keep them competitive. I am trying to limit doing this to every 5 turns or so, so that armies don't keep magically materialising in front of players unexpectedly. Sadly, the AI seems completely hopeless at the strategic level, so people don't need to sweat too much.

Ramses II CP

12-31-2007, 15:40

Unfortunately we can't go after Oslo or Stockholm without an edict, so Arhus is strictly a defensive front until the next Diet. I'm okay with Fritz hanging around in the area even if he doesn't catch any battles because I think it's a very logical IC move for him.

As far as whether or not we want Oslo and Stockholm, I have a proposal there too, but I'll hold onto it for now.

I think we should move some priests and spies into the Stettin region. I noticed the Russians were having trouble with rioting in the city. If we can keep the people Catholic and maybe slip a spy into the city it may rebel, which would allow us to take it without further damaging our reputation (Which may already be so low as to 'wrap around' if we do anything further despicable).

:egypt:

Ferret

12-31-2007, 22:34

Yes I think by the time they have enough troops to march against the Danes it will be time to issue edicts anyway, Franconia seems very short on soldiers right now.

econ21

01-01-2008, 17:59

Imperial Secretariat Report on 1346

With Duke Arnold still incapacitated by plague and unable to even choose a new Steward, this report has been compiled by the Imperial Secretariat.

CENTRAL REPORTS

World Events

The spreading of the Black Death has been the most alarming development of this year. The plague now afflicts the following Imperial cities: Dijon, Bern, Genoa, Venice, Milan, Naples and Zagreb. Worse still, several of our key troop building Citadels have been infected - specifically, Ragusa, Adana, Acre and Palermo. Most of our generals have escaped the foul pestilence, but those that have been affected are particularly crucial to the Reich. As well as our unfortunate Chancellor, Viceroy Matthias Steffen is sick. Dieter von Essen, the general recommended as Prinz by the late Kaiser Elberhard, is poxed as is the enterprising Swabian general, Ehrhart Ruppel, and the youngster in charge of Milan, Hans von Bavaria. The only favourable health news this year was that the lesser plague at Staufen - thought now to be unrelated to the Black Death - has abated.

https://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8162/13481af0.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Our enemies have been shaken from the torpor they exhibited last turn. A mighty army of French lancers is besieging Ehrhart Ruppel’s small cavalry force in Dijon. In Outremer, the Byzantines have both Adana and Antioch under siege. The Poles are besieging Magdeburg again, whilst the Hungarians are at the walls of Vienna. Prague is also threatened.

The year witnessed the sad passing of Steward Karl Zirn, named Karl the Honorable for his incomparable chivalry and piety. However, his eldest son Johann Zirn (Northnovas) is well groomed to seamlessly take over his father’s illustrious role in the affairs of the Reich.

https://img81.imageshack.us/img81/7201/13483dz0.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

The Diet has seen a new addition, with the marriage of Eue, daughter of our late Kaiser, to Welf von Luxemburg (econ21). The couple were married in Nuremburg, the temporary capital of the Reich.

https://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3029/13482jk1.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Yuck, don’t expect me to roleplay THAT one!

The Exchequer

With our starting balance topped up by various loot and ransom, money was available to train all desired troops and construct all priority buildings. However, our fiscal position was still judged too tight to authorise sizable investments in projects that would only pay off in the longer term (like merchant banks and other related trade infrastructure).

The starting balance of the Reich rose from 21000 florins in 1246 to 25000 in 1248.

The War Office

As requested, many new professional regiments were recruited this year:
- Teutonic knights for Swabia from Frankfurt.
- Regiments of armoured sergeants, DFK and mounted crossbowmen in Innsbruck for BH Otto.
- In Acre, low grade infantry were requested by the Count but the Imperial Secretariat judged this a false economy, so better troops were raised, possibly to form the nucleus of a second Army of Outremer
- Palermo, Magdeburg and Ragusa were also training fresh regiments at full capacity

In terms of our standing armies, the Kaiser authorised his army moved north from Bologna. His earlier Prinz’s army was shattered in a close victory against the Poles and the remnants moved westward. This leaves Franconia with no substantial army, aside from the regiments under siege in Magdeburg. The status of the Armies of the other Houses remains similar to that outlined in our last report, although Bavaria now has a second functional, if small, household army near Innsbruck.

Dieter von Kassel recruited some mercenaries to help his small force take Naples - or more precisely, maintain order after taking it. It was hoped to train reinforcements at Palermo to create a Prinz’s army in south Italy but the spread of the Black Death among the training camps raises questions over the wisdom of this.

REGIONAL REPORTS

Swabia

Count Ruppel occupied Dijon with only one supporting cavalry regiment in a bold manoeuvre. However, he was promptly besieged by a large French army composed entirely of lancers.

The First Swabian Household Army under Duke von Salza moved to screen Staufen.

Count Ludwig von Bohmen’s force at Bruges, now christened the Second Swabian Household Army, is menaced by French forces but not yet under siege. It still lacks troops trained by our castles - notably cavalry.

Bavaria

The Byzantines have rallied in Italy, training two substantial armies - one in Rome and one in Florence.

Duke Lothar’s Bavarian Household Army Gerhard drove off two forces of rebels around Genoa, then began the march on Florence. However, since both its generals then went on reserve duty, the army had to retreat before a Byzantine army. That enemy army is now advancing on Milan.

The Kaiser’s army is withdrawing north as requested by its commander, ultimately to be sent to Swabia. To avoid the risk of this key formation deserting, Hugo de Cervole was requested to accompany it until its rendezvous with the Kaiser. The Imperial Secretariat recommends that Hugo de Cervole be permanently assigned to the army for a while, to deputise for the Kaiser should his other duties make him unable to lead on the battlefield.

The withdrawal of the Kaiser’s army north has opened a large gap in central north Italy with Milan, Bologna and Venice held by very small garrisons. However, with skill, Count Erlach’s Bavarian Household Army Otto should be able to plug that gap. This year, BHA Otto defeated the Hungarian ex-crusade outside Innsbruck and in the coming year should be able to reach Milan before the advaGreeks, however.

Dieter von Kassel used his small sea-borne force from Palermo, supplemented by local mercenaries, to take Naples. He captured the Byzantine Prince Panagiotes and ransomed him for the modest sum of 5994 florins. Lack of order in Naples and the spread of plague may limit Dieter’s ability to drive north on to Rome.

Franconia

Our Kaiser Peter von Kastilien used the reconstituted Prinz’s army to defeat a marauding army of Poles near Magdeburg. However, the army was badly mauled in the process.

Magdeburg has been besieged yet again by Poles, although the threat seems limited.

Austria

Johann Zirn continued to Ragusa.

Edmund Becker fought another battle against the Poles to protect Prague.

The troops in the Vienna Region gathered near the city. The city is now undersiege, but - as at Magdeburg - the balance of forces in the area mean that the threat is not severe.

Outremer

Outremer ends the year under siege, both at Adana and Antioch.

Finally, it should be noted that our physicians believe Duke Arnold, although still struck down low with the plague, will be able to resume the office of Chancellor. Orders can be submitted at this stage. However, all generals are requested not to act until Duke Arnold has familiarised himself with the current situation and can provide guidance.[1]

Diet Speaker

Start of 1348 save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-1.zip

[1] AussieGiant gets back on 2 January. Players can download the save and provide instructions for AG now. But no one should fight any battles or upload a new save until he says so. The situation is tricky in some places and he may want to coordinate with you first.

Ramses II CP

01-01-2008, 20:16

Fritz requests the town militia at Arhus either be sent south into safe territory or disbanded and replaced with anything else. I have the same misgivings about them as I do about merchant cavalry, they're more of an impediment to battle than their lack most of the time. Militia crossbowmen would be much more useful.

Other than that, he's happy sitting where he is collecting a paycheck, so to speak, but he's available to aid elsewhere if needed.

Also, FYI, there's a little stack of rebels north of Frankfurt which I believe is messing up trade for the whole region, but there doesn't seem to be anyone in range to deal with them since Peter is heading south. If Fritz rode south alone he could be in range to command in a battle to destroy them next year.

:egypt:

gibsonsg91921

01-01-2008, 20:30

Péter von Kastilien will comply with the Secretariat's recommendation to have the Swabian Hugo de Cervole as his deputy in the Kronen Sie Legion. Péter shall continue to command the force indefinitely until other duties demand his presence.

_Tristan_

01-02-2008, 21:54

Hugo de Cervole would request the recruitment of a mercenary ribault to be added to the Legion der Krone in the ultmate goal of sending it to Count Ruppel near Dijon.

AussieGiant

01-03-2008, 15:10

OOC:

Ok fellas 1348 is ready for the offensive season. A gentle reminder. Please only conduct your offensive actions with the troops under your command and of course no other actions are to be taken apart from moving your avatar where you want to.

Below are only the obvious attacks I'm listing.

IC:

Right then you murdering bastards. It's killing season and some of you are in prime locations to inflict some damage for the greater cause.

Lothar, Friedrich Karolinger!! Long time no speak. You've got the initiative. There is a French army coming in from the North West behind you plus multiple Byzantine targets to your front. If you want to attack please do.

von Salza You might want to assist Ruppel in Dijon. If you do, take out the Hungarian scouting unit on the way there.

Becker, Lorenz, I'm sure between the two of you, you can kill that Polish force hanging around Prague. Get your asses into action!!

The rest of you sit tight and we will see what happens..that is of course unless you are feeling brave. If you are please let me know what your plan is.

And of course as usual you can start bombarding me with all your requests and usual detailed issues...please keep in mind I seem to have become cruel in my older years.

Here is the save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-1.zip

Ramses II CP

01-03-2008, 15:26

Good to have you back in the saddle Chancellor Arnold! One small matter, there are a few rebels blocking the trade lanes north of Frankfurt. I could ride south from Arhus and be in position to deal with them in the next campaigning season. I don't believe I could reach them this year.

God has granted you succor from your hideous illness. I pray he does the same for all of us.

Fritz von Kastilien

AussieGiant

01-03-2008, 15:35

It good to be back Fritz!!

We do seem a little disjointed at the moment. The Kaiser is within striking distance of that rebel force and I was thinking of asking him to take care of it. However I assume he is going to want to mak all haste towards his Army commanded by Hugo de Cervole. BUT, it would be far better if Hugo de Cervole headed back down and across the face of the Alps through Milan towards Swabia. This way he would block an approaching French force, destroy it and then continue on.

If they chose to do this Fritz then I would then ask you to do as you have suggest. I will wait for word from Hugo de Cervole and the Kaiser before taking any action though.

_Tristan_

01-03-2008, 15:49

Exactly what I had in mind if you will allow it, Chancellor,

I intended to go west from Innsbruck and then south of Bern in the Alpine valley there. this would allow me to go north towards Bern and Dijon or South towards Genoa and Milan depending on where that French army is heading...

Furthermore, once I have cleared Innsbruck, I require authorization to recruit the merc ribault asked for by Count Ruppel and send it towards Bern on the most direct route.

TinCow

01-03-2008, 16:06

OOC: I am still unable to fight battles until the evening of Jan 5th. If Warmaster Horus is also unavailable, our army should be relocated to a nearby city for safety. Being besieged is not a problem, as I will be able to fight battles soon enough to break the siege. If Warmaster Horus is available to fight battles before me, follow his orders.

econ21

01-03-2008, 16:23

Welf von Luxemburg:

Chancellor,

I humbly request permission to take some elements from the force travelling with the Kaiser and together with local militia, confront the Poles marching on Nuremburg.

The Kaiser has privately communicated his assent:

Congratulations! Good luck on continuing the line of Kaiser Heinrich.

You have my blessing. Take as many of my army as you need as I pass by.

Your servant

Welf von Luxemburg

OOC: I will abide by the rule governing non-knightly characters fighting battles, using the tried and tested Lothar work around.

AussieGiant

01-03-2008, 17:38

The Chancellor:

Hugo de Cervole and Welf von Luxemburg please go ahead and make your moves as you have explained.

von Luxemburg, exactly which house do you belong to?

Lothar, if I haven't heard from Karolinger by the time the orders are due I will move you to Bolongna. That should make things interesting.

FactionHeir

01-03-2008, 17:39

OOC: Welf von Luxemburg as his name suggests is part of Swabia :grin:

_Tristan_

01-03-2008, 21:33

Took the save and moved Hugo and the Legion der Krone

New save :

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-2.rar

OOC : Posted in OOC thread also...

OverKnight

01-04-2008, 04:27

Warluster was talking of taking the save, but I haven't seen an official post that he actually took it.

I'd like to stake my claim, if there's no activity inside an hour, I'll be claiming the save.

Edit: I'm taking the save.

OverKnight

01-04-2008, 07:05

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-3.zip

Sally fought, as expected it was a draw. The besiegers are weakened but I fought a sloppy battle, my cannon and bodyguard took losses.

On the bright side, over two thirds of their foot archers and a third of their horse archers were killed, along with losses among their cavalry and infantry.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/adsaldeploy.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/adsaldraw.jpg

Zim

01-04-2008, 07:28

Nice work, OK! :2thumbsup:

I'm taking the save myself now for a sally. Gotta see if I can thin out the army sieging Antioch.

Zim

01-04-2008, 08:41

Finished own sally.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-4.zip

I didn't do as well as OK, about twice the losses a on 278 enemies killed. I console myself in the fact that my losses occurred almost exclusively among my religious fanatics and an ill-advised charge at enemy archers by my bodyguards (I stupidly thought the other nearby archers would fall back from skirmish mode, rather than let loose full volleys at Andreas).

Andreas is "Eager" now. +10% movement points and Matthias has it as well, so it seems fitting.

Zim

01-04-2008, 09:10

Oh, and orders for Acre: After the Armourer is done, I'm thinking a Jousting List, mostly because it's the cheapest building possible to queue that has some effect. :clown:

Request for professional troops as always, cavalry and crossbowmen if possible.

econ21

01-04-2008, 11:37

Taking the save.

econ21

01-04-2008, 12:33

[Welf von Luxemburg:]

Esteemed Chancellor,

With the aid of men from what was formerly the Prinz's army and the local militia, I have driven off the Poles advancing on our capital.

https://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4849/nuremburg0zl0.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

The men acclaim it as a heroic victory, although I fear they are an excitable lot.

https://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2716/nuremburg1lo3.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

My retinue performed admirably - by my reckoning, they accounted for more than half of the enemy's losses. They are as young and inexperienced as I, but have learnt much from their first taste of war.

https://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9281/nuremburg2hy4.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

I humbly petition the Chancellor to knight me for this victory, so that I may serve Swabia as one of her loyal generals.

We captured 216 prisoners, but they were nearly all commoners. The Polish Guard and Strzelcy died almost to a man. Out of pity for the poorly led common soldiers, and respect for the few surviving Polish Guard, I released the prisoners. They have left for Breslau.

I have returned to Nuremburg and given provisional orders for the local militia to be retrained, although you are free to countermand that. Their losses were modest, so the retraining is more to equip them with the leather armour now available from the tanner that the late Kaiser ordered to be built.

My Lord, you inquired as to my House - by marrying Eue, late daughter of Kaiser Elberhard, I was fortunate enough to be admitted into the noble House of Swabia. My reporting to duty in Nuremburg was merely fortuitous - as the Kaiser was passing through the province, Eue's mother, the Empress Dowager Linyeve, thought the capital the most fitting location for our wedding. The Poles were unwanted guests.

Your loyal servant,

Welf von Luxemburg

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-5.zip

Warmaster Horus

01-04-2008, 12:39

Taking the save.

AussieGiant

01-04-2008, 12:46

The Chancellor:

Well £^%£ me Luxemburg!!

I'm not sure if you're being smarmy or not...I'll give you the benefit of the doubt after that result though young man!! Well done!!

The season is nearly over gentlemen!! Karolinger get your bloody arse into gear my friend, the Chancellor's Office is hounding me like a pack of mongrel's to let them start with the administration!! I've had to knock one poor sod unconscious after he got a little too pushy for my liking. They all seem to think I'm weak and defenseless after this plague business.

And one more thing...you're a blood thirsty bastard Viceroy...sallying out like that...Christ on the cross Matthias, I wouldn't want to be an Arab out there with you.

AussieGiant

01-04-2008, 13:34

The Chancellor

von Hapsburg!!

Can you lift the siege of Vienna? von Essen is on reserve duty and I need that city.

Get back to me?

Warmaster Horus

01-04-2008, 14:28

Done. Attacked Captain Konstantinos (west of Bologna).
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-6.zip
Result? Heroic victory! Although I fear the AI turn...

https://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Warmaster_Horus/medieval22008-01-0414-13-22-92.jpg

https://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Warmaster_Horus/medieval22008-01-0414-17-10-02.jpg

Mini Econ

01-04-2008, 16:02

Dieter von Kassel:

My Lord Chancellor!

Hail from the city of Naples! My Lord, the peasants are revolting! They don't wash, they have bad teeth and they stink of garlic. But more importantly, public order in this place is at a lamentable low. I fear I am unable leave while until the stinky peasants have their annual bath and order is at a more acceptable level.

I request that you continue constructing churches and raising militia.

As for the citadel in Palermo, I fear that the Sicilians may one day return and seize it if it is left unguarded. Until I am free to maneouvre, it may be best to maintain a strong garrison. It is the most advanced castle in the Reich and I lost many men taking it. It would be a shame if it was lost carelessly.

Your faithful servant,

Dieter von Kassel

AussieGiant

01-04-2008, 17:28

The Chancellor

My lord Prinz,

Thank you for the information. You have given me more than enough to administer the region you are in this season. Thank you for the succinct and well thought out points.

AussieGiant

01-04-2008, 22:11

The Chancellor

That's it my Lords the offensive campaigning season is over.

I will now move onto the more mundane issues of state.

If you want to take a look at the last save frozen before the administration then here it is:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-6.zip

Ramses II CP

01-04-2008, 22:37

I would ask if our spy near Stockholm, Hermann von Franconia, might be used to shadow the Danish army under Prince Stenkil as it marches south as it is likely headed towards the crossing into our lands. Advance warning of their ill intent will allow me to prepare an appropriate response.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

AussieGiant

01-04-2008, 22:52

The Chancellor

Already done Fritz. There is certainly a full Danish army heading towards the peninsula. I've moved you to Hamburg for a lightning strike at the rebels next season and I will then ask you to head back to Arhus to defend it.

Ignoramus

01-04-2008, 23:36

Von Hapsburg

I am ready to relieve Vienna immediately. I await your command.

Stuperman

01-04-2008, 23:55

Fredericus Erlach

Chancellor Arnold, I would like HA Otto moved to Innsbruck, where my DKF's are to be combined and retrained, same with my armored Sergents and my Imperial Knights. Next season I would like my nephew, Herrman Steffen to Join me as we march south.

OOC: I can make the moves if they are confusing, and this will leave Innsbruck with no garrison next season as I left a unit from my levy there as a garrison to fight the Hungarians. I'm not sure if you want to hire some mercs, or just que up a peasant or 2 (it's a yellow face with no garrison)

AussieGiant

01-05-2008, 13:06

The Chancellor

Hapsburg, you're too late for this season!! Johann Zirn is heading back to Vienna to assist with the defense of Vienna.

Count Erlach you've already been moved south through the mountain pass with a 12 regiment force that is now BHA Otto. Hermann Steffen is about a season's march behind you. Innsbruck is recruiting as fast as is can.

You are coming south as fast as possible to relieve BHA Gerhard which is now no longer battle worthy.

AussieGiant

01-05-2008, 14:07

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1348

I write this to you all while taking my plague ridden army out to meet the Venetian's yet again in the mountain passes above Ragusa.

The Office of the Exchequer:

The financial situation has allowed for both recruiting and building at this stage.

Notable constructions include:

Church in Naples
Shipwright in Antwerp
Dockyard in Hamburg
City Hall in Zagreb

Militia units have been recruit Reich wide in an attempt to control our fractious population.

The plague is certainly taking its toll on us. Mortality rates are climbing and it's now starting to affect our military capabilities.

I would like to formally announce that Edict 14.2 has been completed

Due to our troop surge we are unfortunately expecting to have a usable income of around 18 000 florins next season.

The War Office:

The Reich:

Given the poor state of reporting I am experiencing from my General's I can now only give generalised accounts of what is going on. It seems that in my absence many General's are failing to even send me a date and location of their field actions.

Palermo, Staufen, Ragusa, Innsbruck and Acre are all producing at maximum capacity.

The Kaiser's army under Hugo de Cervole is heading west through the Alps. Kaiser Peter is heading to intercept as soon as possible.

Prinz Dieter is now stuck in southern Italy and will be delayed while he subdues the local populace.

Swabia:

The 1st SHA is now nearly fully constituted and is manning the bridge North of Staufen to best determine where to strike next season. It is hoped this will be Dijon and Count Ruppel who is patiently waiting out the siege.

Three regiments of Teutonic Knights are heading towards the 1st SHA from Frankfurt.

Bruges is still in danger but the sheer number of troops being commanded by Ludwig von Bohmen indicate it will be able to hold on for a very long time.

Freshly married, von Luxemburg managed to cast aside the warm glow of a young woman's bed to completely thrash a Polish force threatening our capital.

Franconia:

Magdeburg is becoming a disgrace in my opinion. The entire Duchy is being held back by a siege that seems to be taking longer than the parting of the Red sea itself. I urge anyone in Franconia noble with at least some set of "Arnold's" to find a solution immediately. I would accept suicide as a perfectly acceptable option at this point!!!!

Fritz is heading south to take on some rebels who are destroying the local economy but he will have to quickly head north again to defend an incoming Danish army towards Arhus.

Other than that it's been another dull and utterly pointless exercise in our northern command group.

Austria:

Not wanting to show any favoritism the general command ability in Austria is rather embarrassing to me also.

The situation in Austria is impacted by Franconia to large degree.

Lord Becker has requested that Breslau be attacked to try and prevent the three front war Austria is facing. Polish forces around Prague are of sufficient quality that I can't even break off Lorenz Zirn from the area for fear of being attack in an isolated position.

Meanwhile in Vienna a rash of reserve duty general's and one late comer in the form of von Hapsburg has meant the siege of Vienna continues even though there is more than enough of the 1st AHA in attendance to remove the Hungarian force. Johann Zirn is head back north to try and provide some “on the ground” command.

I personally have headed back into the mountain passes above Ragusa with the 2nd AHA to resume my destruction of the Empire of Merchant Scum.

Bavaria:

In the only other notable action this season, Count Karolinger with Duke Lothar in tow, headed north east and destroyed yet another Byzantine force threatening to cross the river Poe.

This has left Bavaria exposed to some degree however Count Erlach is heading south at great speed with the newly formed BHA Otto.

There are only three Byzantine Armies currently on the peninsula

Outremer:

As usual the command and control of Outremer is proceeding nicely. Both commanders sallied and bloodied their respective opposing forces. This I'm sure is annoying the Byzantines no end as they are the one's who are supposed to be whittling away at the garrison's strength.

The Defensive Season is now upon us and if I can get final sign off by the Exchequer's Office I will continue on as soon as possible.

Defensive season overview.

Austria:

As foreseen the Venetian scum attacked me in the mountain pass above Ragusa and saw one of their four major field armies find the same fate as all others. I believe I've now killed well over 15 000 of them in the past 15 to 20 years.

Prague has been besieged which should allow me to move Lorenz Zirn back down to Vienna...although there is now a second Polish stack around Prague and I'm not sure a two army assault on Prague can be repulsed.

Swabia:

The situation remain static however the 1st AHA is now in position to strike out in a number of directions.

Franconia:

Finally the near combined might of Franconian nobility replused and destroyed the Polish army besieging Magdeburg. This will free up the Franconian front and their troop making facilities to hopfully begin the campaign in earnest against the Polish around Breslau.

Bavaria:

Due to Count Karolinger's bold actions the previous season the Byzantine leadership tried as had as possible to kill or capture both him and the Bavarian Duke and the remnants of BHA Gerhard. All they succeeded in doing was losing more men and forcing the two nobles into Milan. However, what they failed to achieve by force of arms they my succeed with the plague. Milan is diseased and both men now stand a chance of contracting the horrible Black Death.

Outremer:

von Salzgitter bloodied the noses of yet another Byzantine force seiging Antioch. The siege has now been lifted.

AussieGiant

01-05-2008, 15:08

1348 Defensive Season battles:

I will post the save here right after I put the list out now in order. Please save straight after your fight and then upload it here in the Orders thread for the next person.

Arnold. Done

von Salzgitter in Antioch.

Karolinger and Lothar twice on a follow up with a Byzantine full stack. Auto resolve would be the recommendation.

Dieter Bresch in Magdeburg. Finally the siege will be lifted.

Lorenz Zirn he can retreat if he wants.

Settlements sieged: Prague, Bologna, Bruges and Ragusa.

Right chaps get to it.

Save is right after mine for Zim:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-10.zip

Zim

01-05-2008, 20:29

I'm out with my wife for the next few hours. Can I get to this when I get back?

I don't really know the time limit policy for battles during the AI turn. :sweatdrop:

AussieGiant

01-06-2008, 00:27

I'm out with my wife for the next few hours. Can I get to this when I get back?

I don't really know the time limit policy for battles during the AI turn. :sweatdrop:

You're cool Zim. You've acknowledged the situation, so get to it when you can.

Cheers
AG

Zim

01-06-2008, 01:34

Thanks AG. :bow: We're back from our trip so I'm taking the save right now.

Zim

01-06-2008, 03:51

Battle fought and won. Sorry about the wait from taking the save. Wireless is down so I had to upload it via dialup and it took a while. I should have a report for this battle and the sally I fought soon (after my wireless comes back up, so I can upload pics).

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-11.zip

TinCow

01-06-2008, 04:22

Battle fought. A short battle report will follow soon.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1348-12.zip

I think the guys in Magdeburg are up next.

Ferret

01-06-2008, 15:09

taking the save, hopefully will be done before tonight.

Edit: done, we are in 1350 and everyone in Magdeburg (Dieter, Tancred and Godwinson) have the plague!

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1350.rar

Ramses II CP

01-07-2008, 00:52

Taking the save to smash those rebels north of Frankfurt.

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

01-07-2008, 01:02

Done:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1350-1.zip

Cakewalk. I was disappointed that one of Fritz's guardsmen died before the armored sarges routed. :laugh4:

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

01-07-2008, 01:07

While I'm here, I'd like to request again that the town militia at Arhus be traded out for the crossbowmen at Hamburg. It's a straight trade I think, with no need for them to sit outside the city as they're in walking distance of each other. Probably three more turns until the Danes can cross, but I'd also like my bombard retrained before they attack.

Oh, and I noticed that the Teutonic Knights at Frankfurt are still there. I thought they were bound for Swabia. :beam:

:egypt:

deguerra

01-07-2008, 01:15

We could certainly bloody use them!

Warluster

01-07-2008, 03:07

Can't fight battle.

Warluster

01-07-2008, 07:46

Cancel again, but I would like to ask if you could recruit those Spearmen as mercaniares, I think that would be most useful . THe save is the old one. FH, (Seeing as you would be reinforcements) if you think you could beat them, please have a crack at it, otherwise I will attack next turn with more spearmen.

FactionHeir

01-07-2008, 10:50

What battle? I don't see a 1350 report.

AussieGiant

01-07-2008, 13:09

Gentlemen Please Hold on 1350.

While I have no problem with the 24 hour rule I'd like to start and stop it myself. There are a lot of inefficiencies occurring because their is little team work, so I would prefer to have the regional strategies and moves worked out BEFORE we attack the save piecemeal.

AussieGiant

01-07-2008, 22:42

Offensive Campaign Season 1350:

My Lords the offensive campaign season is upon in this year of our lord 1350. Having surveyed the reports and campaign maps here are my operational recommendations.

I am feeling poorly at the moment so please forgive my rather muted statements on our options this season gentlemen.

Franconia:

Magdeburg: Duke Bresch, some of the Franconian nobility could be reorganised for better administration and defense. I welcome any suggestions.

I have no other real suggestions at this time. Lord Fritz is heading back to Arhus and I will swap out more appropriate troops with Hamburg for the defense we are going to have to mount against he Danes. My only thought is to finally move part of the 1st FHA out towards Breslau.

Austria:

Lorenz Zirn: You can quite easily attack the Polish army north of Prague. Drive it off and move back to assist in the defense of Prague.

von Hapsburg/von Essen: Lift the siege of Vienna so part of your forces can head south to assist Johann Zirn in the defense of Zagreb.

Myself I will attack the besieging force of merchant scum around Ragusa yet again.

Bavaria:

Milan: Duke Lothar, some of the Bavarian nobility could be redistributed for better administration and defense. I welcome any suggestions.

Prinz Dieter: My recommendation is for you to head north towards Rome with as much of the army as you can afford without causing any rioting.

Count Erlach: Lift the siege of Bologna before it falls.

Hermann Steffen: Head as fast as possible into the theater to assist Count Erlach.

Sir Crevole: March south through to Alps to defend Milan from imminent siege.

Kaiser Peter: Continue south as fast as possible to take command of your army.

Swabia:

Duke von Salza: Remain on the bridge and defend Staufen or head towards Dijon and lift the siege there.

von Luxemburg: Head west with the remaining professional troops and join with the Teuton Knights from Frankfurt. Your destination is Bruges.

von Bohmen: Sally if you feel inclined.

Outremer

Viceroy: Sally as you have done before to bloody the Byzantine besiegers.

von Salzgitter: Head to the iron bridge and maintain a defensive position there. Reinforcements are coming from Acre. Or stay in Antioch.

--------------------------

The save is the 1350-1 that Ramses has posted above.

The 24 hours begin now. Good luck and let me know what your wishes are.

OOC: Only take the save to initiate battle. Otherwise I'll move everyone as best I can based on your information. I'd like to try it this way for this turn.

TinCow

01-07-2008, 23:10

I will leave the issue of the defense of Milan and Bologna to Count Erlach and Sir Crevole to decide between them. They can do what they think best with their armies, though I urge Count Erlach to try and keep his army intact if possible.

I also urge Count Karolinger and Elector von Bavaria to leave Milan at once. The city will come under siege very soon and though I expect it to be defended by the above armies, victory is not certain. Anyone who is trapped inside the city in the event of a defeat will surely perish. Genoa is in need of a governor at the moment, and since we are all plague-ridden, poxy bastards, it seems not to matter that we enter that disease-infested port at this time. Perhaps that would be a good destination for those men. For my part, I will absorb the entire garrison of Milan into BHA Gerhard, except one unit which will be left behind to bar the gates, and encamp with it outside the eastern walls of the city. In that way, I will be on hand and available to aid in the defense of the city, but I will not be caught inside. If either Count Karolinger or Elector von Bavaria wish to remain with me in the army, they may do so, though I urge at least one of them to ride to Genoa.

I urge the Chancellor to ensure that Count Erlach's BHA Otto is kept away from my plague-infested regiments and from the diseased cities in Italy. It is vital that his men remain healthy and do not suffer the attrition from disease that we are currently experiencing.

I also urge my son, Herrmann, to bring reinforcements with him from Innbruck as he marches south to join us. We need every man in Italy that we can possibly get.

gibsonsg91921

01-07-2008, 23:13

Keep Kaiser Peter a-coming down to the Legion der Krone. Then keep that a-coming down through to Rome.

deguerra

01-07-2008, 23:18

I'll just sit here behind my thick walls. Pikemen make poor salliers, especially against Scots guard.

econ21

01-07-2008, 23:28

Welf von Luxemburg

My Lord, Chancellor Arnold,

I would be honoured to rendezvous with the Teutonic knights and head towards Bruges.

I request that I be accompanied by the professional infantry that was pivotal in defeating the Poles and also by three regiments of the Nuremburg militia (those with leather armour and/or experience). Together with the Teutons, this would create a small army capable of giving battle to a half-sized enemy army.

Further, I believe my force could be made into a fully fledged army capable of taking on most comers with only a few additions. Specifically, it would require two additional missile regiments. Some dismounted foot knights would also be required if it is to be capable of standing up to proper French army - particularly in siege warfare. However, I am unsure whether we can safely recruit from pox ridden Staufen without spreading the infection. (OOC: I will investigate the game mechanics here). If we cannot, I suggest sending the crossbow militia from Frankfurt with the Teutons and perhaps hiring a regiment of mercenary pavise crossbowmen.

Swabia currently fields only one functional Household Army. While a second could be formed if I bring the Teutons to Bruges, I fear the French may drive east towards Frankfurt before I can effect a union with Count Ludwig's forces. For that reason, I recommend bolstering my force so that it is capable of independent action, covering the wide gap in our front line between Duke von Salza's army and the Bruges garrison.

Your humble servant,

Welf von Luxemburg

GeneralHankerchief

01-07-2008, 23:46

Herrmann Steffen:

Move south.

Get to Innsbruck.

Pick up whatever needs to be picked up.

Continue moving South.

Rendezvous with Erlach as necessary.

Zim

01-07-2008, 23:51

A letter arrives from Outremer, bearing the seal of Andreas von Salzgitter.

Greetings Duke Arnold. I would like to set up a defensive position on the Iron Bridge and await reinforcements from Acre. I realize you are most likely weary of hearing this but as always I must request more men from Acre, preferably spearmen and cavalry now. Since the charter allows it I would like my army to become the Second Army of Outremer. Once things ease up here in the Levant I think Viceroy Matthias and I will plan an assault on Cyprus, as allowed by Edict. It's about time to start pushing those Greeks back again.

Ramses II CP

01-07-2008, 23:58

I would remind everyone who is plotting an offensive and requesting troops for such a thing that not only are several of our Duchies in dire straights, but that there is a plague striking most of the known world. Incomes are down, armies are infected and struggling, and even most of the nobles of the Reich are thought to be ill. Additionally reports have it that our enemies, by keeping their armies in the field, have avoided the worst effects of the plague.

Planning to attack a healthy army with pox ridden soldiers does not seem wise, gentlemen. Keep this and the ever developing economic difficulties in mind with your troop requests.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

OverKnight

01-08-2008, 06:28

Matthias Steffen:

I understand both Andreas's desire to push forward and Frtiz's caution in the face of the plague. We have plenty of time to seize Cyprus. The forces in Outremer could be used to serve as both armies in a pinch. However, I would request a few more additional missile and cavalry units. The only cavalry left to Outremer besides the Teutons, who at some point must be moved to Acre to reinforce, are mercenary and Crusaders units that have been worn down. Replacements will be needed for offensive action or an active defense. The experienced pavise crossbowmen must be reinforced, and one or two others added.

Eventually, as the Crusader units that answered my call during the Cataclysm are worn down, they will have to replaced with standard, and reinforceable, Imperial units. This, however, is of lower priority than cavalry and bowmen.

Warmaster Horus

01-08-2008, 10:29

I would rather stay in Duke Lothar Steffen's army.

OverKnight

01-08-2008, 14:29

I'm taking the save.

Here's the new one:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1350-2.zip

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/adsal2deploy.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/adsal2draw.jpg

Chancellor,

I've stripped the Greeks of all their archers, both horse and foot. Their infantry and heavy cavalry have also taken losses. If they do not attack this year, I believe I will be able to run them off in a third sally in the next.

Matthias Steffen

Mini Econ

01-08-2008, 18:01

Chancellor,

I concur with your suggestion - I will march on Rome! The Neapolitan militia should be enough to secure city I am leaving.

Yours

Dieter von Kassel

GeneralHankerchief

01-08-2008, 21:29

Herrmann Steffen:

Chancellor:

During my movements I want to skirt around Innsbruck and rendezvous with the men I am escorting to Italy south of the city. Obviously I would rather not risk a night in the place if it means dealing with that accursed Plague.

Thank you.

econ21

01-08-2008, 21:57

Welf von Luxemburg:

My Lord, Chancellor Arnold,

Physicians inform me that taking any men trained in pox ridden settlements into uninfected armies will merely pass the infection. In the light of this information, I request that any reinforcements for my force come from uninfected settlements or be hired as mercenaries.

Your servant

Welf von Luxemburg

OOC:
To investigate the mechanics, I transferred one unit from Staufen to von Salza and one to Welf. I pressed end turn - von Salza was infected and Welf died. :skull:

GeneralHankerchief

01-08-2008, 22:09

Herrmann Steffen:

Oog...

If that's true, scratch everything and just send me to Italy without any "reinforcements" from Innsbruck.

Thanks there, Sir von Luxembourg. You may have just saved my butt.

TinCow

01-08-2008, 22:15

Given this new information, Duke Lothar requests that all poxy reinforcements from Innsbruck be directed towards the already plague-ridden BHA Gerhard. Count Erlach and BHA Otto will not take any reinforcements except local mercenaries and units from other 'clean' armies, unless the Count specifically gives permission for them to join him. In addition, my son, Herrmann, is specifically barred from joining BHA Gerhard. He will act as Count Erlach's second from now until this curse of disease has been lifted from our lands.

RoadKill

01-09-2008, 01:22

Lorenz Zirn will stay inside Prauge.

FactionHeir

01-09-2008, 10:55

Taking save

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1350-3.rar

AussieGiant

01-12-2008, 09:40

The Chancellor

My Lords the offensive campaign season is over.

Except of course my Heroic victory against the merchant scum around Ragusa.

Taking the save.

AussieGiant

01-12-2008, 11:04

FactionHeir

01-12-2008, 11:06

I request that the Chancellor sends them to Dijon instead in that case.

AussieGiant

01-12-2008, 11:39

I request that the Chancellor sends them to Dijon instead in that case.

Ruppel, they are going to Franconia. Staufen has another three regiments for allocation. Where would you like those?

With von Salza or the 1st SHA just north of Bern?

FactionHeir

01-12-2008, 12:05

Last I heard, Emperor Peter who was Duke of Franconia at the time allocated all Teutons recruited at Frankfurt to Swabia. I was not aware of any changes to this order.

I am not sure which regiments are located at Staufen being cut off from most of the world. If they are cavalry, artillery or missiles, send them to Dijon with the other reinforcements. If they are not, leave them at Staufen as garrison until such time they can be sent to Duke von Salza without the risk of spread.

AussieGiant

01-12-2008, 13:05

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1350

The Office of the Exchequer

A diplomat is continuing his journey towards the Pope in Jerusalem.

Merchants are working at maximum output.

I now have some sway with mother Church and have reallocated some of our Priests and Bishops. It turns that that unwittingly they have provided me with reports of Russian troops east of Hamburg. I will continue to use the Church in this fashion until I am reprimanded.

In addition to that I have asked the Pope to include me in his activity reports. In a fit a co-operation he has agreed. At this time Hermann the Corrupt, a member of the Preferati now meets with me on a monthly basis to discuss religion and how it relates to our Reich. I wont explain his title but I do seem to get on well with the man.

To this end I can report that a priest has been sent to Palermo to spread the word of our Lord.

Some good news. It seem that even though the Russia's are poxed bastards and gave me the Black Death, they do seem to have a healthy respect for me. I managed to use the ruse of offering our Imperial Maps to extort approximately 4000 florins from the Russian Czar. It did come at the point of my sword but that is a normal part of diplomacy with the Russians. I learnt that when I was a child in Russia with my tutor, the Merchant of Venice.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1350/medieval22008-01-1210-46-56-00.jpg

The War Office:

The offensive season saw three engagements.

Firstly Lord Fritz, our most accomplished general made our merchant class happy by destroying a rebel force north of Frankfurt. This has freed up trade in the region by some degree.

The second action was the seasonal sally by our Viceroy in Adana. Excerpts from his report to me indicate that he has stripped the Greeks of all their archers, both horse and foot and that if they do not attack this year he will run them off in a third sally next season.

The final action was for myself around Ragusa. Having gutted another force of merchants a second moved along the coast road and laid siege to Ragusa yet again. I came down behind then and trapped the force between myself and the sea. The result was the loss of another full division of their troops. The merchant officers are clearly degrading as I seemed to have killed most of their best generals.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1350/medieval22008-01-1210-35-34-75.jpg

The War Office has also provided me with a series of maneuvers around Bern and Dijon. Lord Ruppel is working closely with Duke von Salza to have the siege of Dijon relieved next season.

Our situation has meant the troop surge continues. Please note all six Citadel's have been hit by the plague. Those general's requesting clean troops will find their request hard to be accomplished by me and we simply do not have enough money to rely on mercenaries. I will only use mercenaries in exceptional circumstances.

Bare that in mind my Lords.

Having said that recruiting is as follows:

Mercenaries were hired for BHA Otto in order to keep them “clean” and to ensure that next season this army goes on the attack. I have noted some hesitancy in the command structure of this force. I will recommend a change if things do not improve quickly.

With the arrival of Hermann Steffen, two regiments of pavise crossbowmen and one regiment of armoured spearmen BHA Otto is now fully operational.

Frankfurt: 1 x Teuton's
Acre: 2 x Teuton's, 1 x pavise xbow
Antioch: Three holks.
Ragusa: 2 x DFK's, 1 x pavise xbow
Innsbruck: 1 x Tueton's, 1 x DFK, 1 x Pavise Xbow
Staufen: Retraining of 1 x Pavise Xbow and 1 x DFK and 1 new DFK
Palermo: 1 x Priest
Zagreb: 3 x militia

Regional Reports:

Swabia:

Von Luxemburg is heading west with elements of the Nuremberg garrison and some professional regiments. The intended three regiments of Teuton's were infected so they have moved to Franconia. He will be tasked with defending the gap between Bruges and Staufen.

As mentioned before Count Ruppel and Duke von Salza are maneuvering to prepare for the relief of Dijon. The 1st SHA is now fully operational and ready for offensive operations. The garrison of Bern is now also quite substantial.

Bruges is besieged again how von Bohmen, who essentially commands the 2nd SHA will certainly be able to hold for the foreseeable future.

Franconia:

Magdeburg has received three regiments of Teuton's which in conjunction with the local recruitment should rouse the nobles of Franconia into action next season.

Lord Fritz, the only uninfected noble in the region, is heading north to Arhus to defend it against the on coming Danes. Retraining, recruiting and reorganising of the Hamburg and Arhus garrison's will give him a serviceable force by the time the Danes arrive. It in fact might be pertinent to hold them on the beaches of the peninsula rather than let them gain a foot hold on the main land.

Austria:

As stated in the War report I have relieved Ragusa and have no built a small fort in the mountain pass above it. I am attempting to prevent the coastal and mount passes from being used simultaneously to attack Ragusa.

Prague is still under siege. Sir Lorenz Zirn is screening the city from further Polish reinforcements and will be on hand as reinforcements should they assault Becker inside the city.

To my own embarrassments my lord the tactical situation around Vienna is unchanged. I have sent my nephew Johann Zirn north to take command, lift the siege and hopefully get back to Zagreb in time to defend it. This is a tall order and I fully expect Zagreb to fall to the Hungarian's by this time. This will effectively split Austria in half. The northern sector will have to make do with militia and gunpowder units to conduct it's campaigning in the future.

Bavaria:

The Kaisers army under direct command of Sir de Cervole is in the mountain pass just outside Milan. The Kaiser should rendezvous with his Imperial Army next season.

BHA Otto is now located in the eastern bridge of the river Poe. Hermann Steffen and three regiments of mercenaries should now have bolstered the courage of its command to defend the bridge and attack next season. No forces were sent to HA Otto, it is clean but it will not be receiving mercenary reinforcements as often as other units.

The three regiments from Innsbruck are slightly east of BHA Gerhard which is now stationed at the east gate of the city in preparation for its defense.

Von Bavaria has moved to take governorship of Genoa. It is hoped this city can now be administered more efficiently with his oversight.

Outremer:

Reinformcents from Acre are now just south of Antioch and are heading towards Sir von Salzgitter on the iron bridge.

Acre is continuing to produce missile and cavalry regiments as requested.

Antioch has begun contruction of three holks for better movement of troops up and down the coast between the northern provinces and Acre.

The Viceroy is still in Adana for the time being.

The Chancellors Notes:

My lords our economy is degrading rapidly. The next financial period indicates a working capital of around 7000 florins. The Black Death and continued troop surge are working in concert against us.

While we have degraded the Greeks, Venetian's and Danes for the time being, this has allowed France, Poland and now Hungary to surge against us.

Bavaria has the best chance of closing one of our fronts and it is my opinion to invest resources into this front so we can close it, return the Italian penisular and Rome to the fold and then refocus on the two adjacent fronts in Swabia and Austria. Franconia and Outremer will be conducting opportunistic actions and will certainly be given resources to defend what is our.

Long live the Reich!

The situation as it stands before the defensive campaigning season begins my lords.

-edit- Sorry the latest is 1350-5 I forgot to add the money.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1350-5.zip

1350 Defensive Season

My Lords the defensive season is upon us.

Please take the save 1350-5 fight your battle AND Immediately press Esc and save for the next player.

1) Viceroy:

You are being assaulted at Adana.

OOC: Hi OK please let it go through the lifting of the siege of Bologna to Cecil's assault.

2) Lord Becker:

The Poles are taking the initiative and assaulting Prague. Lord Lorenz is able to assist you.

OOC: Cecil please send save right after you have finished.

AussieGiant

01-12-2008, 14:17

CHANCELLORS REPORT 1350 Continued:

The War Office

You will all be pleased to know that the late Kaiser's wife's countrymen are attacking the French on the Normandy coast. Multiple battles have taken place and another army has landed to replace the one that was just destroyed.

In response the French have lifted the siege of Bruges and are heading west to engage the new threat from England.

The Viceroy has reported a complete victory over the Greeks at Adana. This should allow some more offensive action to take place in Outremer next season.

In Prague the Poles decided to assault the city at their own peril. Lord Becker completely destroyed the Polish offensive but at great cost to the Austrian nobility. Lorenz Zirn was slain in battle. His death will be hard felt in the region and the House of Austria.

The Office of the Exchequer:

The French made a very poor diplomatic move towards us. von Bavaria was approached by one of the French princesses who asked him to see if I was willing to accept the Holy Roman Empire becoming a vassal of France. As the offer was made by one of ugliest woman I have ever seen, PLUS she is French, I refrained from removing her head from her shoulders. Instead I politely asked her for 1 000 000 florins, which she unfortunately didn't have at the time. I suggested she could possibly go to the local brothel and whip up the cash in about fifteen life times, then I accidentally called her and ugly fat cow. She told me I was a brute of a man and should mind my manners, to which I then suggested she should go and rodger one of the stallions outside as a potential counter offer.

Well, as you can imagine there was a bit of an uproar at this stage, but her chaperon and ladies-in-waiting managed to called the negotiations off for want of a better word. At least she didn't have the indecency of fainting in front of my presence. I just can't stand that.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1350/medieval22008-01-1214-07-14-54.jpg

OverKnight

01-12-2008, 16:15

Battle fought.

The poles are now assaulting Prague.

Godspeed Cecil

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1350-6.zip

AussieGiant

01-12-2008, 17:41

I'm being paranoid, but Cecil please save straight after and then post it back up so I can take it for the rest of the turn and see the start of the next.

Cecil XIX

01-12-2008, 17:48

Understood. I'll fight the battle after I've had breakfast and woken up a bit.

Cecil XIX

01-12-2008, 22:27

Battle fought and won. Announcement in the Diet to follow. http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1350-7.zip

AussieGiant

01-13-2008, 10:56

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1352

The Office of the Exchequer

World Events:

At a modest price I've agreed to have the Teutonic Order build a minor Chapter house in Magdeburg. This should certainly give the Franconian's excellent cavalry in the future.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-18-05-34.jpg

The plague continues unabated. The next report will certainly shock most of you. The Exchequers Office has confirmed 23 000 thousand soul's died in the last season. On top of that another 6000 soldiers have also perished. (I added a zero for realism).

In addition, approximately 60% of the Reich's nobility is now infected. What is most surprising is that to date none of us have died from the plague. I have asked the Imperial Surgeon to send his doctors to those of you who have taken ill with this Black Death. In doing this I hope that you are all able to continue with your respective responsibilities as I have.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-18-10-06.jpg

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-22-45-39.jpg

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-22-56-57.jpg

The Preferati have informed me that the Pope has excommunicated the Hungarian's, and upon closer examination of the records I have also noticed that France and Poland have also been cast out of our Mother Church. I wish we had the resources to take advantage of this.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-21-53-90.jpg

But alas our resources are dwindling as I reported to you all last season.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-22-39-51.jpg

By using some insane methodology the following report came across my desk.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-22-33-14.jpg

While these reports are usually accurate I find it hard to believe the £$%ing Greeks are in that position.

Lastly I have some good news.

Lorenz Zirn's death has been a severe blow to Austria but my sister and the late Karl Zirn have had the pleasure of admitting their second son into the ranks of nobility.

Jan Zirn has come of age and will proceed immediately to the Austria theater for instruction.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1352/medieval22008-01-1300-22-05-90.jpg

Here is the situation untouched at the beginning of 1352 my Lords. Begin your planning and I will come back to you all with my recommendations.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1352.zip

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1352 to be continued:

The War Office

AussieGiant

01-13-2008, 10:58

1352 Offensive Season recommendations from the Chancellor's office:

My Lords, 1352 presents another opportunity for us to reclaim and hold what is ours. While I was impressed with our results up until 1348, this was not the case in 1350. We will have progressively less and less troops to use as the plague destroys our economy. We must use this year to cripple those fronts that we can.

Therefore we must remove the Greeks from Italy as soon as possible. Franconia, Swabia and even now Austria must go on the defensive as best they can. Austria is being split in two by the Hungarian's and the fact that neither Hungarian force has laid siege to Zagreb worries me. Are they heading to northern Italy?

With this in mind I am proposing the following:

Franconia:

Bresch: Hammer the Poles outside Magdeburg and then get yourself out of that pox ridden Citadel and into the field.

Fritz: Head north to Arhus. Keep in mind both Hamburg and Arhus are afflicted with the plague. The choices are grim either way you slice it!!

Swabia:

The French have the most powerful military known to western Europe.

von Luxemburg: You should continue to the bridge west of Frankfurt and hold. Reinforcements would follow.

von Salza: I recommend occupying the bridge west of Staufen. It provides the best defensive options. Count Ruppel and you are working out how to relieve Dijon but if one of those armies gets across either bridge the entire interior and our capital will be at risk. I look forward to reading your plans gentlemen.

Bavaria:

As I've explained, it is here where we must be aggressive and decisive.

Kaiser: Join with Cervole and attack the French force west of Milan.

Lothar: Move south and hold the middle bridge across the Poe. Hopefully the Greeks will split and attack you.

Erlach: As much as it pains me to say this. Hold the bridge and pray they attack you.

Prinz Dieter: You are the key. Attack and take Rome without a siege, hold or move on if the populace is agreeable to our rule once more.

Austria:

Johann Zirn: The handling of Vienna has been a disgrace and that is why you are there. Lift the siege kill them all and then lets see what these Hungarian's near Zagreb are going to do.

Lord Becker: You are free of siege. Take what is left of Lorenz Zirn's force and move to block further attacks on you city by the Poles. In fact you might even attack Breslau.

I will now move to pin the last remaining Venetian stack against Daruzzo. My aim is to defeat it this year or the next and then attack and destroy Daruzzo.

Outremer:

Viceroy: It pains me to ask you to do this considering the reports on the approaching Greek force. We can't afford more protracted sieges anywhere. Move into the mountain pass, find the best ground you can and pray they attack and you are victorious.

von Salzgitter: Take the reinforcements. My recommendation is to head north east and block the way south of the mountain so that the Greeks forces near Edessa have to move through English territory. Hopefully this will open another front and lead them into attacking the English.

Keep in mind my Lords, another season of heavy recruitment this year will mean little or no funds for 1354!!! If you want to make a name for yourself this is the time to do it.