KotR Orders and reports thread [Archive] - Page 4

Ramses II CP

02-17-2008, 22:15

1366 Recruitment and Construction Report (End of Season Report)

I mention a curiosity here, as word reached me through official channels. A French Princess commonly known as Guillemette the Snob suffered a deadly accident in the Florence region. She was little more than a spy for France in any case, and will not be mourned.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R7ilb5bqgVI/AAAAAAAAJV8/RkA2DdLS1Is/s800/0029.jpg

The capture of Breslau, at long last, by Lord Becker and the exceptional lifting of the siege of Florence by Duke Steffen bear mentioning here for their brilliance. Also Prinz Dieter handled the matter of the rebels near Venice perfectly, and is widely known now as a fair fighter.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R7ild5bqgWI/AAAAAAAAJWE/u8hJ5o4s9vQ/s800/0031.jpg

The final engagement of the season saw me leading the garrison of Hamburg into the field against the foolish Russian noble who lay siege there. Needless to say, he was killed and his men driven off with heavy losses, though it cost the lives of many militia soldiers.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R7ilgJbqgXI/AAAAAAAAJWM/SQo1OvKZ66M/s800/0037.jpg

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7ilhZbqgYI/AAAAAAAAJWU/D9fE9xHtZ7A/s800/0044.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7ilipbqgZI/AAAAAAAAJWc/eiDpHx2ufgI/s800/0046.jpg

Funds were insufficient to allow for construction, so this is a recruitment report alone. The outdated siege works at Rheims were sold to fund recruitment of a bombard there.

First, dismissals and disbandments. Most of the men under Captain Ruprecht near Arhus were disbanded due to their inability to maintain a clean camp and the high cost of their upkeep. All that remains are the men from my levy, the longbowmen and Albanians. Also the militia soldiers under Captain Elberhard, near Prague, were dismissed from service. (Don't know what I have to do to make the Danes move, but I'm sick of having sick men sit around eating on our dime.)

Franconia
Arhus: retrained 1 Crossbow militia and trained 1 Crossbow militia, 1 Spear militia
Hamburg: retrained 1 Crossbow militia, 1 Town militia and trained 1 Spear militia
Madgeburg: trained 3 Pavise Crossbowmen
Breslau: retrained Crossbow militia

Austria
Prague: retrained 1 Crossbow militia, trained 2 Spear militia
Vienna: retrained 1 Town militia, trained 2 Town militia
Ragusa: trained 3 Mounted Crossbowmen
Venice: retrained 1 Spear militia

Bavaria
Innsbruck: retrained 2 Dismounted Feudal Knights, 1 Teutonic Knights
Marsellies: retrained Mercenary Crossbowmen, Mercenary Ribault and trained Merchant Cavalry militia

Swabia
Staufen: retrained 1 Mounted Crossbowmen, 1 Feudal Knights and trained 1 Mounted Crossbowmen
Antwerp: Hired 2 Merc. Crossbowmen, 3 Merc. Pikemen, 1 Merc. Ribault and retrained 1 Halberd militia, 1 Spear militia and trained 1 Halberd militia
Rheims: retrained 1 Spear militia and trained 1 Bombard, 1 Crossbow militia
Dijon: retrained 1 Spear militia and trained 2 Spear militia

Outremer
Nicosia: equipped 2 Teutonic Knights and Count von Salzgitter's guardsmen with superior weapons
Acre: trained 3 Mounted Crossbowmen
Adana: trained 2 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights

The defensive season begins with Count Erlach facing a difficult sally from the garrison of Genoa. I believe he should withdraw, but I will send him a message and leave the matter for him to decide.

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1366-6.zip

Edit: Images are being added, just wanted to get the ball rolling.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Zim

02-17-2008, 22:25

With the viceroy's need to attend to some pressing business soon (i.e. Overknight needing to go on reserve duty for a bit) I believe I must finish up here in Cyprus as quickly as possible. I'm going to make an attempt to take out that Greek army with my own rather unorthodox one. If I succeed I can press on to move back to the mainland, if I see failure as likely I can fall back to the walls of Nikosia, hopefully having put a major dent in their forces.

Chancellor, are any funds available for me to pick up some mercenaries to replace my losses from the assault of Nikosia?

Ramses II CP

02-17-2008, 22:30

Alas, the offensive season has closed Count von Salzgitter. Next season I will review the situation, and in all odds I will be able to make available sufficient funds to secure every mercenary in the region. Your ships are also still nearby, and might be able to ferry as many as twelve companies of men back to the Antioch region next season.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: After we get through these defenses I'll free up as much money as you need. One of the reasons I didn't want OK inside Adana is his vacation. We'll find a way to make it work, but I have a bad feeling it may cost us Adana. Still, that's not a bad trade against Nicosia.

:egypt:

Zim

02-17-2008, 22:33

OOC: Sorry, I missed the last part of your report about at least one battle for the defensive season. :sweatdrop:

Should be an interesting battle for Cyprus. Even the mercs include no melee infantry. Wish I knew exactly what was in that Byz army.

I've never played with a mostly ranged army before, it should be fun. :yes:

FactionHeir

02-17-2008, 22:52

Chancellor, may I request that the troops trained in Swabia be spearmen, horsemen or men at arms rather than crossbow militia and other varities of crossbows? Several of our forces consist to a half of missile units, which makes them rather unwieldly, and the crossbow is such a cowardly weapon.

Staufen for instance is capable of training knights and footmen, and I see little reason to waste good florins on a cross bow mounted upon a horse.

Ramses II CP

02-17-2008, 23:02

Indeed, I welcome training requests from my commanders in the field. My reasons for selecting the companies I do is most often economical. I attempt to balance the largest quantity of men, in the most flexible formation, for the cheapest price. Finances permitting I will follow all specific requests posted here for each season, and as Swabia is my area of focus finances should certainly permit.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Mounted crossbowmen are high utility and durability, plus they get to the front quickly and are cheap, but anything you want in Swabia you'll get, at least for a few more seasons.

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-17-2008, 23:07

OOC: Mounted crossbowmen are high utility and durability, plus they get to the front quickly and are cheap, but anything you want in Swabia you'll get, at least for a few more seasons.

OOC: Bring on the elephants!

IC: I agree that they are fast moving, but in the grand scheme of things, they travel no further than their knightly counterparts. I would prefer mailed knights and imperial knights if teutons cannot be had.

For infantry, footmen from Staufen are always welcome and the cities could provide spear militia and retrain mercenaries. I would caution against cavalry militia as these cannot even seem to bring down a footman in a charge.

Ramses II CP

02-18-2008, 02:50

Count Erlach has withdrawn from the walls of Genoa (Due to his not having logged in for a week there doesn't seem to be any point in waiting 48 hours for what is probably a battle in which he could, at best, ding the French a little and retreat) and now Count Ruppel is under attack at a river crossing west of Dijon. Count Ruppel has been sent a letter regarding his circumstances.

After Count Ruppel's battle, unless circumstances somehow change substantially, Hugo de Cervole and Ludwig von Bohmen will be assaulted on the bridge west of Antwerp, reinforced by the garrison of Antwerp and a substantial quantity of mercenaries.

After that we'll have to wait and see.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-18-2008, 19:28

Battle fought.

https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8527/001fa1.jpg
https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6280/014qd7.jpg

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1366-7.zip

Ramses II CP

02-18-2008, 20:01

Congratulations on a magnificient victory Count Ruppel! Sir de Cervole has been informed of his battle. (I believe he won't be able to get to it until tomorrow, his time, say ~16 hours or so, well within the time limit. After you fight, Tristan, save the game as quickly as you can. I don't believe there will be any more defensive engagements, but there's no guarantee.)

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-18-2008, 20:07

The French refused to pay the ransom, claiming they lacked the funds.

_Tristan_

02-19-2008, 11:21

Another heroic victory for the Reich...

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1366-8.rar

The French refused to pay the 2156 florins of ransom

We've lost a bit under 600 men to the 1200 of the French...mostly pikemen, our artillery and missile infantry is almost untouched...

Von Bohmen nearly got killed from a lucky trebuchet shot and finished with his bodyguard numbering only 3 men (him included) but got 3-silver chevron in the bargain

I have a nice battle report in mind, will just have to find the time to write it and edit the screens...

[EDIT] I would like Hugo to be moved south hiding in woods near the position occupied by our spy Merowinger to be able to strike at Caen and capture the French King in the siege...

Ramses II CP

02-19-2008, 14:20

Excellent Sir de Cervole! You movements will be as you request, but you may wish to reconsider if a Crusade is called. You would be unable to participate in a crusade if you are riding solo through the countryside.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: I'll be taking the save to make sure there are no more defensive battles in a little while, then I'll put together a report over the course of the next few hours.

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-19-2008, 14:23

I request that my force be bolstered so I can go on crusade post haste. I would request that it be called on Bordeaux to take out one of their citadels in the heartland rather than Caen which is within striking distance alrady or Rennes which bring them little benefit.

_Tristan_

02-19-2008, 14:23

You would be unable to participate in a crusade if you are riding solo through the countryside.

Chancellier, I will leave the crusading to others... I think that taking the French King into custody is worth my delaying one season before joining that most holy of endeavours...

Would you send orders to The Merowinger fellow towards his infiltrating Caen ?

Ramses II CP

02-19-2008, 14:37

Indeed, our spy anticipates little difficulty in inflitrating Caen (IIRC he was 88% last season).

Oh, and Bordeaux or Rennes were my preferred targets. I considered Zaragosa, since most of our commanders are in the north, but it wouldn't really be of much benefit.

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-19-2008, 15:05

OOC: I'm putting the save up before I make any changes so that Econ can teleport Prince Stenkil. Also since OK is probably very busy getting ready for his trip, he can fight the battle at Adana at any time, no need to wait for my reports, just post that you're taking it.

http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1368.zip

:egypt:

OverKnight

02-19-2008, 20:34

I can slip a fight in, taking the save to relieve Adana.

AussieGiant

02-19-2008, 21:05

I can crack that Hungarian force sieging Zagreb tonight or on Friday night.

Which would you prefer Ramses?

Ramses II CP

02-19-2008, 21:16

I'm going to open the offensive season after OK fights. I'm still prepping the reports, but you should be able to take your shot tonight AG. I'll have the report up within, oh, an hour or so from when OK finishes up.

:egypt:

OverKnight

02-19-2008, 21:45

Chancellor,

Adana has been relieved and the Greek army eliminated. The Basileus does not take failure well, he refused a ransom offer. Unless the Greeks in Iconium march on the Citadel, or the Turks turn south, Adana is safe for now.

https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/reliefofadana/areladdeploy.jpg
https://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb88/douglaslain/reliefofadana/sreladvic.jpg

I have taken a serious wound in the battle however, I am afraid that I will not be able to take the field for some time. I suggest that Count Andreas assume responsibility for the defense of the Adana region, once free of Cyprus, while I retire to the Iron Bridge to recuperate.

Matthias

OOC: The primary uploader seems to be working again.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-1.zip

Ramses II CP

02-19-2008, 22:40

Chancellor's Report, 1368.

In summary 1366 was a year of success and advancement on almost all fronts. Lord Becker captured Breslau. Viceroy Matthias destroyed another Byzantine army aimed at the Iron Bridge and Count von Salzgitter captured Nicosia. No less than three full French armies were destroyed in the Swabian theatre, while in Bavaria the siege of Florence was thrown off and Marsellies was retaken from the French. Zagreb fell to Duke Arnold's advance, and the Russian siege of Hamburg was lifted.

Harold Steffen and Fritz Becker have come of age, in Milan and Breslau respectively. Congratulations to their fathers. Another German bishop has ascended to the College of Cardinals.

Let me also state that, as events in the Diet have revealed, the Reich is often it's own worst enemy. Choose your allies with care, nobles of the Reich, a time of great difficulty is on the horizon. May God grant victory to all just Germans, and bring terrible vengeance on all who are unjust.

Diplomatic Report

The Pope is so pleased with us, that he consults us before declaring a Crusade against France. The King of France has fallen under the sway of a vile heretic and is placing the immortal souls of his subjects at risk, so Pope Pierus requests that the nobles of the Reich take the people of France into their sheltering hands. The target of the crusade is one of the core French training facilities, Anger. Any German noble in any theatre requesting to join the Crusade will be heard out, so make your desire known.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7tLNpbqgiI/AAAAAAAAJYk/seWzYRmDqlM/s800/0005.jpg

In more ominous news, merchants out of the east bring word of a terrible threat. It would seem the heirs of the Mongols have decided to march west once again. It is not yet clear where this new threat will land, but I suspect we will discover that information shortly.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7tDn5bqgaI/AAAAAAAAJXA/k2xlF843lRI/s800/0001.jpg

I am saddened to report the loss of the spy Hermann von Franconia, who fell scouting a Danish army. In better news, Genoa and Caen were both infiltrated by spies of the Reich, and both men report that they are working hard to secure contacts at the gates.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7tLIpbqgfI/AAAAAAAAJYI/_EaNZ4tjjBs/s800/0002.jpg

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7tLLpbqghI/AAAAAAAAJYY/4EMLMIwkPuM/s800/0004.jpg

The Office of the Exchequer

The financial situation declined somewhat due to the large quantity of florins required to pay upkeep on our many armies, but training continued at every citadel except Palermo. Additionally several militia garrisons were filled out, notably at Prague. Over twenty seven thousand florins are available for use this season, and with the Papacy paying for soldiers on Crusade we can expect an increase to that number in the next season.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R7tDtZbqgdI/AAAAAAAAJXY/qC3hA04Zf2Y/s800/Cash.jpg

A Teuton's Guildhouse was offered and accepted for Vienna despite the siege there.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R7tDrpbqgcI/AAAAAAAAJXQ/daJD2Iq8DIg/s800/0009.jpg

The Physician's Office

Captain Ruprecht, near Arhus, has still not managed to clean up his dramatically smaller camp. If the man cannot find a way to be rid of the plague soon I will dismiss all of his men from service, even those who are nominally a part of my levy. (This is getting absurd.)

Captain Michel, near the river crossing which Count Ruppel defended in Swabia, cannot shake the plague either. I am of a mind to dismiss his men from service and simply purchase a new company of ribault men next season.

Captain Dimarus, reinforcing Sir von Luxemburg, now commands the sole significant quantity of the Reich's soldiers who suffer from the plague. I am open to suggestions as to how to clean up his men and make an end to the plague's presence in our lands.

In happier news, the plague has come to an end at Prague. Lord Becker if you have any advice on managing the plague for Captain Dimarus I will be pleased to pass it along. Your city recovered spectacularly.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7tDp5bqgbI/AAAAAAAAJXI/HtogSSYS-Yk/s800/0008.jpg

The War Office

In Outremer the Byzantines took advantage of the absence of Viceroy Matthias at Adana to launch a siege, one which he is even now in the process of lifting from the outside. The Byzantine army on Cyprus, stunned by Count von Salzgitter's sudden move to take the citadel of Nicosia, has recovered and lays siege there. I expect neither man will have too much difficulty with their sallies.

Bavaria was quiet. The French inside Genoa seem to be hunkering down, perhaps hoping for reinforcements. A French army is moving towards Marsellies, but they must cross a bridge before they can arrive, and I expect Hermann Steffen will have something to say in that regard. The last Byzantine army in Italy waited patiently for their annihilation, which I imagine Duke Steffen will be providing very soon. A small group of Feudal Knights, marching north to Innsbruck for retraining, was ambushed by a Hungarian army northwest of Venice and forced to withdraw. The force seems too small to present much threat, but it's presence is noteworthy.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7tLG5bqgeI/AAAAAAAAJYA/Bhq-22NIwRM/s800/0000.jpg

Swabia saw two magnificient defensive battles, and will soon see the launching of the French Crusade. For now Antwerp is safe, and the theatre as a whole is prepared to advance. Welf von Luxemburg, with Captain Dimarus as reinforcements, faces a large and powerful French army, while Count Ruppel must consider the French army to his south which may threaten Bern in the years to come. Sir de Cervole will be working again with the spy Merowinger, preperatory to a possible attack against Caen. Two armies of French rebels, one near Bern and one west of Rheims, appear to be aiding our efforts, not so much because they prefer us as to spite the French.

Franconia saw Duke Dieter depart Madgeburg for the first time in many years. The Poles immediately took Madgeburg under siege again, and marched an army past Madgeburg to the south, perhaps aimed at Frankfurt. If Count von Tyrolia is not able to fight Duke Dieter may have to march back to Madgeburg to defend it once again.

Austria saw the first decisive action from the Hungarians since their extermination of Zagreb, as Zagreb is once more under siege and Vienna has also been attacked. The men at Zagreb seem unlikely to ever return to their homelands, but the army at Vienna is of superb quality. I would advise Johann Zirn to coordinate a sally with Count von Hapsburg to at least weaken the Hungarians before any potential assault next season. The Venetians and Byzantines appear to be at a stalemate over Durazzo.

The offensive season is now open! (Unless there are a lot of objections I'm in favor of extending the offensive season longer than the traditional 24 hours. Anyone who isn't fighting but has very specific movements they wish to make, or who may want to make movements that you don't wish another player to be aware of can make them after all offensive actions are done or can PM me screenshots and I will make them. If it's me you're trying to hide your movement from, you're out of luck. Econ will warp Prince Stenkil at some point, but otherwise, take your actions at will.)

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-2.zip

Offensive recommendations will proceed soon. Lord Becker's situation, in particular, requires careful examination.

Fritz von Kastilien

Ramses II CP

02-19-2008, 22:45

OOC: Hmm, actually I need to add money to the AI factions. I'll do that now and put up a new save.

Latest save is here:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-3.zip

Offensive season open!

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-19-2008, 23:07

Taking save to have a look at whether I'll be fighting the battle.
[edit]
Fighting battle

Ramses II CP

02-20-2008, 00:50

Regional Recommendations

Outremer:

Viceroy Matthias has already driven the Byzantines away from Adana. I will follow his request and move his men back to the Iron Bridge.

Count von Salzgitter I advise you to sally forth from Nicosia. I have moved reinforcements meant for the Viceroy's army up to outside your citadel to aid you in your sally. The Byzantines at your walls are an inexperienced army who have sat long in garrison and perhaps grown lazy. Even if you cannot entirely smash their force due to your lack of infantry, I expect you can severely diminish it.

Bavaria:

Duke Steffen you have a large quantity of forces at your disposal, including the remaining men in Count Erlach's army. I would advise you to use the men in your direct command and the cavalry from your son's command to the Byzantine rear to eliminate the Greeks in Italy.

After they are destroyed take your army and lay siege to Genoa. There is a spy within that city, your grand bombard is already nearby, and Count Erlach's men are also available to aid you. Additionally the mounted crossbowmen that your son brings against the Greeks could move, without the other cavalry, to your side at Genoa as well. I expect the French will be shocked.

Hermann Steffen I have no been able to secure a sufficient army for the Pope to grant you entry into the crusade. It may be possible to bring a few small cavalry companies over from Count Erlach's force, but you might then be unable to reach the bridge. The number of permutations requires that you discuss the matter with your Duke and coordinate your movements with him. If he does not feel Count Erlach's men are needed then the Count may join the crusade, lead some men to you, allow you to join the crusade, and then depart the crusade and allow you to complete it. All of that requires that Duke Steffen not desire Count Erlach's men at Genoa.

Kaiser Peter will shadow Duke Steffen's movements.

Prinz Dieter is moving north as quickly as possible.

Austria:

Duke Arnold, crush the inexperienced and foolish Hungarians who have laid siege to Zagreb. I expect they will present you no difficulty.

Count Zirn I would advise you to coordinate your actions with Count von Hapsburg so that as he sallies you arrive to bring the elite Hungarian army at Vienna under cannon fire. If the enemy cannot be completely eliminated I expect they can be weakened a great deal.

Lord Becker you have several options. You could take the Poles sieging Prague from behind, but they are a very powerful army and if you were defeated, Prague would fall.

The better option, I believe, is to assault the small Polish army which is being used to entrap your Teutons. I expect they will retreat, at which time you can bring the Teutons and the cannons into your army, then attack the small Polish force again. You should have no difficulty annihilating them. At that point you will be in position to command a sally from the men inside Prague, or to wait and take command of the defense in the event that the Poles proceed with their assault. The second Polish army southeast of Prague may make it complicated to properly command the defense, so I advise you to order a sally.

Unfortunately you must also consider the plight of Breslau, where your son currently is governing. A medium sized Polish force is to the east of Breslau. If the second Polish army near Prague intends to attack your forces will be stretched quite thin. I advise you to order your son out of Breslau (Or I can do it for you) to preserve his life for certain, and then see what the Poles do next year. I will beef up the garrison of Breslau and Prague as best I am able. If you have troop requests I will meet them.

Franconia:

I am personally hoping that Prince Stenkil will, at long last, screw his courage back up enough to make an attack against Arhus. I am weary of having him near me and eager to redeem my previous defeat.

Duke Dieter I need you to determine if Tancred von Tyrolia is able to handle the defense of Madgeburg. If he is not you will likely have to return to Madgeburg and defend it again, whether by aiding a sally from Tancred or commanding the defense from outside the walls. At least you got to see a little of your Duchy first!

Swabia:

I expect Count Ruppel, ever eager for battle, is already in the process of dismantling the French force south of Dijon.

Sir de Cervole you have been moved as requested, and your ally the spy is ensconsed in Caen. Barring developments I will reinforce you as best I am able and you will meet the King of France personally next season. I am sure you look forward to introducing yourself.

Welf von Luxemburg you are faced with a powerful French force to your north, but you have been reinforced with some men and you have Captain Dimarus' plagued army nearby as well. Also there is a bombard available for your use at the city of Rheims. If you intend to join the crusade bring the bombard into your army first, otherwise place it as you wish to aid you in destroying the French. Let me emphasize that you are free to use Captain Dimarus' men in any way you wish, including letting him lead them into battle (AI control). I am weary of having plagued troops in the field, so if his men can aid you in preserving your own, make that happen.

I believe that is everyone. If you have any questions make them known or send me a private letter and I will respond as I am able.

God grant you all victory, especially you noble few who take up the banner of the Crusade!

Chancellor Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-20-2008, 01:13

Upon hearing the call for crusade, the men in my camp were overly eager to join it and make haste towards Angers. Unwilling or unable to stop them, I found myself outside its gates within two days and gave battle to one of the armies defending it. That battle greatly exhausted the numbers in my camp but not their spirit, although I was quite surprised that with exception of pilgrims, there were no professional crusaders available for hire. I believe the aftermath of the cataclysm has dampened the spirit of the populace and the men of old.

Regardless, the battle was a success, but I dread what will happen the the next morning dawns. Two strong forces still guard Angers and the forces near Paris may well be within marching distance to reinforce their attack and block any route of retreat for my men. In hindsight, it was foolish of me not to construct a fort before my assault, being carried away by the zeal driving my army. I urgently request that assistance be sent either in the form of more soldiers or a makeshift fort to secure my retreat should that be necessary.

Angers is under siege by the crusaders as we speak, but will it last?

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-4.zip

https://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3497/001zk3.jpg
https://img81.imageshack.us/img81/7234/011le2.jpg

OOC: I forgot to actually lay siege. Figure you can do that for me and start building siege equip? Not that I actually will need that...

Zim

02-20-2008, 01:20

Taking the save to sally.

Ramses II CP

02-20-2008, 01:37

I can do that Count Ruppel. Congratulations on your victory! I thought moving the spy into range would dissuade anyone from being hasty with the crusade, but I can see the men were excited to take up the banner of Christ. I will do everything I can to bring men to your side, or have a fort constructed nearby for you. The Crusade shall not lack for funds or support.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

02-20-2008, 01:47

Has the offensive season been extended or not? When is the next deadline?

Ramses II CP

02-20-2008, 02:15

It has been, we'll have until at least Friday. I know there are a lot of things to be considered, so don't be in any hurry.

:egypt:

Zim

02-20-2008, 02:22

The army sieging Nikosia has been completely destroyed. The Greeks paid a decent ransom price for their prisoners, but they decided to desert (ransom paid but they ransomed units completely disappeared as if executed :dizzy2: ). Losses were minimal except among the mounted crossbowmen, who lost two units.

Since I will soon be taking over temporarily for the defense of Outremer I am going to take a close look at our armies in the area before making any recruitment requests, in order to see where we are deficient.

Chancellor, in Viceroy Matthias' absence may I submit build orders for Outremer's other settlements as well as Acre? In particular I am thinking of Nikosia, in which religious unrest is high. We could use a church and some priests there.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-5.zip

Ramses II CP

02-20-2008, 02:33

Of course Count von Salzgitter, but as I'm sure you are aware construction funds will be limited for the duration of my Chancellorship. Still, if I can't spare some florins for a Church in the Holy Lands people might start to get the wrong idea about me, eh?

It may also be possible to convince some of our Cardinals of the need for a mission to Cyprus.

Congratulations on the destruction of the Greeks!

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Zim

02-20-2008, 02:59

Thank you Chancellor, it was a bit odd fighting a large enemy army while lacking infantry, but the mounted crossbowmen you provided me were of great use, as you will see in my full battle report tonight.

Religious unrest is high in Nikosia and I have been barely able to keep the citizens happy under German rule (100% PO only with Andreas' significant chivalry bonus, and several other positive traits of his for governing settlements). Hopefully once they are converted to the true faith they will calm down.

_Tristan_

02-20-2008, 10:00

Chancellier,

In preparation of my assault on Caen, I would ask you permission to recruit the mercenary knights in the region and send over at least one unit of mercenary crossbows from Count Von Bohmen's army.

(OOC : To be able to recruit the knights, Hugo will have to be moved one square across the border on which he is currently sitting... If permitted, I could do it myself.)

If you could spare as much as 4 units to join me, with the recruitment certainly available in Caen, I could join the Crusade much earlier and thus prove to Count Ruppel that he is not the only parangon of faith in Swabia.

Ramses II CP

02-20-2008, 14:52

Sir de Cervole I would suggest that we allow Sir von Luxemburg to fight his battle against the Frenchman to the north of him. Afterward I will discuss with him the possibility of loaning some men to you so that you can join the Crusade as well. If we make the movements just right, it may even be possible for you to attack Caen this season, though that is not guaranteed.

OOC: The offensive season is extended, so we've got plenty of time to make this happen.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

_Tristan_

02-20-2008, 16:19

Hughes de Cervole :

I was more thinking along the lines of taking with me some of Von Bohmen's men. Should any French army march south to bring support to Angers, even in hiding, I may risk my life. And recruiting the mercenary knights in the area.

I will not take men from Welf as he will certainly have need of them to defend Reims and eventually reclaim Paris.

The risk that my capturing or killing the French King bringing the Crusade at an end makes me wonder if I am following the right path...

Perhaps personal vengeance should wait for the greater good... But I reserve the right to bring that evil monarch to heel... None shall stand in my way...

He's MINE !!!

Ferret

02-20-2008, 17:27

OOC: DG said he had a vacation next week and so should be able to fight a defensive battle and it's hard to defend a citadel no matter how little men you have, I'll take the risk and push towards Stettin.

Ramses II CP

02-20-2008, 19:16

OOC: Have you checked the save yet EF? There's another Polish army that marched right past you and Madgeburg, and may be aimed at Frankfurt. If I have the movement rates calculated correctly I believe Prinz Dieter will arrive in time to command a defense, but there are no guarantees. It might be better to go after them even if you'd like to let Madgeburg go to a defense.

I'll enact it however you want. :2thumbsup:

edit: Oh, and the trouble with taking von Bohmen's men is that if the French see an opening there and attack, Antwerp is gone. Still, I'd rather have active commanders holding men than someone who is on reserve. I'll take a look and see what I can do.

:egypt:

econ21

02-20-2008, 22:01

Taking the save.

econ21

02-21-2008, 00:01

Welf von Luxemburg

My Lord Chancellor,

I have engaged Odo d'Arles. As suggested, I ordered Captain Dimaus to assist me in this action, reinforcing me under his own independent command. His men performed admirably, containing the French infantry. I also ordered two regiments of spear militia from Rheims to accompany me, together with the bombard you had instructed me to bring if I wished to crusade.

The battle was brutal affair. It opened with my command being charged by the French lancers. The militia could not stand and it was only through the fire of the many crossbows in my army - and the sacrifice of the mounted knights - that we prevailed. My army, along with most of those in Swabia, sorely lack heavy infantry and heavy cavalry so I would request that you prioritise those in any reinforcements.

https://img83.imageshack.us/img83/4871/crusade0zw5.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

https://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5595/crusade1ej6.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Chancellor, I have a personal request to make. I would like join the crusade and to be present when it reaches its target. As a humble servant of the Reich, I leave the modalities of this to your discretion. Being present in the storming of Angers would require me to temporarily leave my army and join that of Count Ruppel. I realise, therefore, that my request may lead to my surrendering my command at least for a while.

Your servant

Welf von Luxemburg

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-6.zip

_Tristan_

02-21-2008, 00:18

OOC : Ramses, depending on your testing of the result of the French King's death in relation to the Crusade, if his death means a cancellation of the crusade, I would ask to join Ruppel stack in the siege of Angers.

I'll deal with the King later on.

If his death is no obstacle to the continuation of the Crusade then I'll kill him first and will hope I'll be able to join the Crusade before it is over...

Ramses II CP

02-21-2008, 00:35

I will do all that I can to accomodate your requests gentlemen. I believe it should be possible to have both commanders present with Count Ruppel when he makes his attack, so long as he feels cooperative towards that end. (Combining this turn's movement and next season's it shouldn't be a problem, as long as FH is willing to wait)

OOC: I'm going to try out some scenarios now, but with Hermann Steffen in the equation it's a lot of possibilities to look at. I'll get back to you as soon as possible tonight.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

_Tristan_

02-21-2008, 00:41

One solution could be to join Welf and enough of his men with Hugo and have them join the Crusade. Then marching them towards Angers.

TinCow

02-21-2008, 01:15

Chancellor,

I ride now to rid Italy of the foul Greeks once and for all.

For Bavaria!

(OOC: Taking the save)

TinCow

02-21-2008, 01:48

I am pleased to report that the Byzantines will foul Italy with their presence no more. I caught the currs at the bridge south of Milan and destroyed them to the man. A few horsemen attempted to flee, but my son Bernhard caught them. All but one was executed, and that last man was sent to the coast to take ship for Constantinople. He carries with him the head of the last Byzantine Captain to ever set foot in Italy. Let it be a warning to the Greeks about the fate that awaits them if they ever invade the Reich again.

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/byz-italy.jpg

I have begun to march south towards Genoa, but the battle took much out of my men and I cannot reach the city this season. I could ride forth with the cavalry and join up with those making the siege perpetrations, but that would require leaving my infantry leaderless. Given that the Kaiser wants me dead and continues to follow my every move, I would prefer to stay in command of my full army. Even if this Imperial was not menacing my backside at every waking hour, I would not be keen to ride to Genoa this year anyway. The French garrison is massive and very experienced. Should they choose to sally forth, the few horsemen I could bring this year would not make a difference anyway. I have waited 60 years to free Italy of foreigners. I can wait one more.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-7.zip

Ferret

02-21-2008, 20:58

okay I'll have a look at the save now, if this is the last Polish army past Breslau then I'll take it out (if I think I can win a field battle) otherwise I'll have to hope DG makes it in time.

Ferret

02-21-2008, 22:20

taking the save

I'm going to break the siege of Magdeburg first so that more troops can be recruited there to help DG. After I may try to take on the other army but the triple silvers may prove too much for me, depends how many men I have left.

Ferret

02-21-2008, 22:55

battle won screens to be editied in. Couldn't reach other army so I stayed on the bridge for now, can I request a unit of cannons be recruited in magdeburg as well as some more men to help me take Stettin?

https://img299.imageshack.us/img299/9305/kotr1vr4.th.jpg (https://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotr1vr4.jpg)

save:http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-8.rar

Ramses II CP

02-21-2008, 23:54

Not a problem Duke Dieter, you'll get your cannon. Congratulations on your victory! I am also pleased that Italy is, at last, free of the Byzantines.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Ferret

02-22-2008, 00:01

I am also glad to find that the men are no longer calling me 'the mean' but now 'the merciful' after that last bunch of prisoners was released.

gibsonsg91921

02-22-2008, 01:35

Congratulations on your victory, Lothar. See to it that you not make false accusations in this room - I respect the due process of the law. I wouldn't kill a noble of the Reich until tried.

Northnovas

02-22-2008, 14:03

Okay, taking the save for Vienna going on the Chancellor's proposed strategy.
Edit:
It has been 45 min when the power went out. Repairs down the street. I saved and uploaded to org
File kotr1368-9
It said successful but did not confirm ready to post here power went out.
It was a Draw report later. Ramses strategy worked lots of damage to enemy with artillery. Before defence move Jan not in battle left at bridge with troops. 2 avatar rule.

Will complete when things back to normal.

Zim

02-22-2008, 19:35

Orders Since Outremer's fleet requires repair and will not be ready to sail until next season (i.e. it's out of move points) I shall have to wait until then to reach the mainland. I understand that unrest is high in Nikosia and public order will be difficult to manage without a governor, but with Viceroy Matthias on pilgramage my duty is to the rest of Outremer.

I'd like myself and as many of the soldiers on Nikosia as can leave without public order sinking too low (say 50%-60%, although I'd be ecstatic if religious unrest went down enough to make up for Andreas order bonuses and this wasn't neccessary) to camp at the spot on Cyprus closest to the mainland. Next season I'd like to land at a point between Adana and Antioch.

I know money for construction is scarce but if possible I'd like a chapel to be built in Nikosia to start converting the population, and to set it as a high priority for priests in the region. As far as recruitment orders I think Outremer is in most need of infantry at the moment. At least, my army is.

I will do everything in my power to protect Outremer during the viceroy's pilgramage.

Northnovas

02-22-2008, 20:52

Vienna

The result was a draw with significant enemy casaulties.

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Johann/1368a1vienna.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Johann/1368a2vienna.jpg

A couple new traits for Hapsburg

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Johann/1368b1traits.jpg

Note I don't know if you want to move Jan Zirn back into Johann's Army or leave him at the bridge.

Save posted again:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-9.zip

AussieGiant

02-22-2008, 21:14

Lord Chancellor,

I can't say like this new tactic of the Hungarian's using horse archers. They simply refuse to stand still long enough to be skewer or fill them full of arrows!!

Never the less, I've secured a clear victory.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/Zagreb%201368/medieval22008-02-2221-35-09-62.jpg

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-10.zip

This at least clears the interior of Austria and allows us to refocus on a solid front. I've headed back east to position myself better for the other on coming Hungarian force. It seems Daruzzo is confusing the Venetian's and Byzantines for the moment.

Cecil XIX

02-23-2008, 00:33

Taking the save.

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 00:46

Well done noblemen, I am pleased with the situation in Austria. I hope that Vienna does not fall, but I feel certain that even if their assault is successful it will cost them most of their remaining army, and the city will be easily reclaimed.

God grant you victory Lord Becker!

Count von Salzgitter it may be possible for me to secure some mercenary archers to man the citadel at Nicosia, thus freeing more of your men to travel back east with you. We shall see what the financial situation is at the close of the season.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

02-23-2008, 02:45

Damn them! Damn those Poles! Damn thier endless stream of armies and damn the absurd, irrational strength of their forces. Sankt Michael, my army was destroyed by a bum rush of archers! On top of that, after agreeing to release the survivors of the garrison in exchange for money, they slaughtered what was left of them and took the money! To add insult to injury, somehow I have gained the reputation of not paying ransom for my soldiers! I swear to the Lord in Heaven, if those damned Poles bring any harm to Prague then all those who stand in my way of reclaiming Bohemia will be struck down with a fury the likes of which they've never seen!

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1368-11.zip

https://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8831/medieval220080222194614ei8.jpg
https://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7721/medieval220080222200246as4.jpg
https://img166.imageshack.us/img166/7899/medieval220080222200250pn8.jpg

OOC: I paid the ransom for the garrison, not knowing which army it was for or what would happen, and as a result the Reich is short 600 florins and Edmund has the 'Grim Commander' trait. Can we fix that with the console?

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 02:53

I am sorry for your loss Lord Becker. I am curious, did you find my advice on the battle unworkable? I warned against this very outcome if you attempted to take the Poles from the rear, as it appears you did. I would have been more content to move you near the walls and let you command the defense if you were uncomfortable with my suggested sally.

I shall do all in my power to provide you with more men to reclaim Prague. Perhaps in the interim it will be best to defend the walls of Breslau? Shall I leave your son there or bring him outside the city?

Unless anyone has further outstanding issues the season will close very soon. If you have specific requests make them known with alacrity.

Fritz von Kastilien

edit: OOC I've heard of that bug re: Ransom for garrison. Seems logical to me to remove it, but I don't really know how. Does anyone want to take a last shot at teleporting Stenkil and removing that undeserved trait from Becker?

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 03:20

OOC: Disregard the question about Fritz Becker, I see where he is. Unless someone objects I'm going to take advantage of the bug fix or exploit, depending on how you see it, of moving a garrison into a sieged city which has just lost it's garrison due to a field battle. Does that seem unreasonable or gamey? Maybe I should just try to replace the men Becker payed the ransom on?

Either way, if the Poles assault anyway, the city will fall, so it might be wasted effort.

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 03:58

The offensive season is closed gentlemen. I will be posting the Recruitment report as soon as I can make it available.

I want to state again that if you have training requests you should make them known here, you should not place them in line yourself. (OOC: Training bug!) I'm looking at you Lord Becker.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: I'll do the troop entry into Prague last so as to give people time to post objections. Should be an interesting defensive season.

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 06:26

1368 Recruitment and Construction Report (End of Season Report)

In Crusade news it is with great pride that I announce that four mighty nobles of the Reich have answered the call to end the French Heresy. Count Ruppel struck first, and eagerly marched all the way to the walls of Anger, where he now faces very stiff resistance to his siege (My last orders were to go forward with the siege, so I stuck with that.) Welf von Luxemburg advanced into French territory, constructing a fort north of Paris along the way. Sir de Cervole marched into the region between Bruges and Caen, and took on reinforcements from Count von Bohmen's army in order to muster the men necessary to join the crusade. Further south Hermann Steffen was reinforced by the majority of Count Erlach's army as the Count moved to join Duke Steffen. This allowed Hermann Steffen to recruit a large number of pilgrims (Or fanatics? I forget) and move to hold the bridge northwest of Marsellies. God surely smiles on the Reich when such men serve her, and will undoubtedly grant you men victory, even in the face of such terrible odds.

As before I must raise a subject of some curiosity, as another Princess in the region of Bavaria has suffered a deadly accident. Paula Basile of Sicily, another simpering slip of a spy, was struck in the head and killed between Genoa and Milan. She will not be missed.

In more useful news, the general commanding the siege of Vienna has also suffered an accident. While out hunting the man became isolated and somehow managed to fall on his own sword, costing him his life. God grant that his men pull up their camp and depart the Vienna region.

Engagements this season were almost completely successful and satisfactory. Even the captains of the Reich led armies to victory, as two armies were sent of out Venice to engage the Hungarians who were blocking the road to Innsbruck. The Town militia, though outnumbering the enemy, suffered an ugly defeat, so the remaining Spear milita were called out and defeated the Hungarian captain, whose few remaining men retreated in the direction of Genoa.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R7-svJbqhJI/AAAAAAAAJfY/jKxXKASo_zo/s800/0001.jpg

The plagued force of Captain Ehrhart drove back a small French army north of Paris.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R7-s0JbqhMI/AAAAAAAAJfw/X3B4ucRmpRI/s800/0005.jpg

Also in Outremer the captain of the garrison at Adana, furious that his Viceroy had been so badly injured by the Byzantines, lashed out and assaulted the citadel at Caesarea with the aid of the spy in place there. The tiny garrison was taken completely by surprise, and the citadel was rapidly taken and sacked for over nine thousand florins. (The spy was there, the men were there, and we need some wiggle room while OK is away to make sure we hold Adana. Oh, and their edict allowing it repassed too, so it was legal, and I just couldn't resist rubbing the Byzantine's nose in it. :yes: )

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7-sw5bqhKI/AAAAAAAAJfg/YJkLt_2pBUI/s800/0003.jpg

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R7-syZbqhLI/AAAAAAAAJfo/Ztdt6CQFCik/s800/0004.jpg

Covering dismissals and disbandments, all mercenary companies which had grown too small to be field effective were dismissed, and fresh men will be hired on to replace them at the earliest convenience. As well the mercenaries in the plagued army in Swabia were dismissed, and more will be hired with the savings. Also the plagued company of ribault men were disbanded, it is much to be hoped that another such group can be found next season.

The outdated Siege Works at Nicosia were sold to fund the construction of a church there, a Heavy Armourer at Acre, and the recruitment of a personal ship for Count von Salzgitter, as his presence at the citadel was required at least through the defensive season to maintain order.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R7-s15bqhNI/AAAAAAAAJf4/QvDCZ5TDh08/s800/0006.jpg

Outremer
Acre: trained 3 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Antioch: trained 2 Crossbow militia, 1 Spear militia
Nicosia: retrained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen and trained 1 Cog, 1 Feudal Knights
Adana: retrained 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Pavise Crossbowmen

Austria
Ragusa: trained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Breslau (Under Austrian control until Franconia can step forward): trained 3 Spear militia, as requested
Venice: retrained 1 Spear militia
Prague: under siege
Vienna: under siege
Zagreb: no training available

Franconia
Frankfurt: trained 2 Spear militia, 1 Teutonic Knights
Hamburg: trained 1 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia
Arhus: trained 1 bombard, 1 Arquebusiers, spy
Madgeburg: trained 1 cannon, 2 Sergeant Spearmen

Bavaria
Palermo: no training
Naples: no training
Rome: trained 1 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia
Florence: retrained 1 Town militia, 1 Merchant Cavalry militia, trained 1 Town militia
Bologna: trained 1 Spear militia, 2 Town militia
Innsbruck: trained 3 Sergeant Spearmen
Marsellies: trained 2 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia

Swabia
Staufen: trained 1 Feudal Knights, 2 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Bern: trained 2 Spear militia
Dijon: trained 3 Forlorn Hope
Metz: trained 3 Town militia
Rheims: retrained 1 Crossbow militia, trained 2 Spear militia
Antwerp: retrained 1 Halberd militia, 1 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia

The defensive season begins with Count Ruppel facing a very difficult sally at Anger. My initial recommendation would be that Count Ruppel withdraw from this battle, but on further consideration it is quite possible that the enemy will pursue him. I will leave the matter at his discretion. (Okay, you're in a bad spot FH. Sending you a pm about it.)

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1368-12.zip

(The remaining battles that I saw moving through were IIRC de Cervole (Very winnable) next, then Hermann Steffen (Difficult bridge battle), then Johann Zirn (Might be tough to save the city, but you'll hurt the Huns) at Vienna)

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

02-23-2008, 06:35

I am curious, did you find my advice on the battle unworkable? I warned against this very outcome if you attempted to take the Poles from the rear, as it appears you did. I would have been more content to move you near the walls and let you command the defense if you were uncomfortable with my suggested sally.

Unfortunately, in order to get close enough to aid in a sally or defense I would have had to force aside one of the two Polish armies, both of which were blocking my way towards the city. My choice was to either bring one of the armies to battle, or spend an entire season marching around them. Given all the danger those two armies are capable of doing, I though it best to press the assault.

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 06:47

I understand and respect your decision Lord Becker, but I believe if you had followed my advice closely you would have brushed aside the small army before you, called the Teutons and cannon to your side, and been at the walls and thus able to command a defense or a sally. I pray to God that your decision does not have unfortunate consequences for Prague.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-23-2008, 12:53

Battle fought....and it was pretty tough until the end, when the AI grinded to a halt....and ...well I didn't win, but I didn't lose either. Was a draw due to time running out. Was attacked then by the French near Paris who came to Angers and had to retreat from that (uhhh 1:14 odds anyone?)

Save:
http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/KOTR1368-13.zip

Screens and all later tonight. Need to head out.
Used mizus because my net is acting up again.

Tristan is up next

_Tristan_

02-23-2008, 15:43

Battle fought and won...

Few losses (but the gold chevron teutonic is gone...)

https://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/badlieutenant_bucket/KOTR/1368Deploy.jpg
https://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/badlieutenant_bucket/KOTR/1368Vict.jpg

Ransom was refused

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1368-14.rar

Battle report will be up shortly

It is now GH's battle and it should be a tough one...

TinCow

02-23-2008, 15:50

OOC: Disregard the question about Fritz Becker, I see where he is. Unless someone objects I'm going to take advantage of the bug fix or exploit, depending on how you see it, of moving a garrison into a sieged city which has just lost it's garrison due to a field battle. Does that seem unreasonable or gamey?

Nope, I did the exact same thing with Milan during the Cataclysm.

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 16:34

Well done Count Ruppel, I am quite impressed with your exploits at the walls of Anger!

To you also Sir de Cervole, congratulations! I had a feeling the French were acting foolishly to send so small a force after you.

I hope that the masses of the faithful will aid Hermann Steffen in holding the bridge, but if it is necessary that he fall back then the city of Marsellies and her mighty walls will surely aid him.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

GeneralHankerchief

02-23-2008, 19:34

Taking the save.

Wish me luck.

GeneralHankerchief

02-23-2008, 20:05

Herrmann Steffen:

...

https://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n231/GeneralHankerchief/KotR/kotr_244.jpg

...I'm sorry, Chancellor. Try as I might, religious fanatics just could not stand up to a professional French army.

I got out with what I could to Marseille. I couldn't get much out.

I wish Count Ruppel better success in his upcoming battle at Angers.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-15.zip

Ramses II CP

02-23-2008, 20:35

The French declined to offer your men for ransom? Some means will be discovered to repay them for that. I will draw up militia forces to aid you in holding the walls Hermann Steffen, but your time on Crusade will have to wait I suspect.

Count Ruppel it appears you are once more at risk. I hope that you can find a way out of this situation again.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

GeneralHankerchief

02-24-2008, 04:10

Herrmann Steffen:

Chancellor, that is correct. I have not received an offer for ransom.

Unless the French want to surprise me with an early birthday present or prove to the world that they are not heretical, I am not expecting those prisoners back. As for Marseille, time will tell whether they want it back or will continue unopposed to reinforce Genoa. I thank you for the upcoming militia.

As for the Crusade, I expect that my force will no longer be of any value save for support and bait to lure the French away from Angers.

FactionHeir

02-24-2008, 14:33

Battle fought and won. Barely.

save:
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-16.zip

Details of last 3 battles:
1. Odds: 1:6
https://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9619/014lk3.jpg
2. Odds: 1:14
Retreated
3. Odds: 1:4
https://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3306/008uu2.jpg

Ramses II CP

02-24-2008, 15:38

More proof that God greatly favors our cause against the French, and, of course, of Count Ruppel's brilliant generalship!

OOC: CHecking the save to see who is next and send 'em a pm.

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-24-2008, 15:51

Near Arhus I have successfully baited Prince Stenkil into advancing one tiny day's march south on his island. Perhaps, God willing, I can finally draw him to attack in four or five more seasons.

My messengers to Prague have stopped returning, and there is no word out of the city, but it seems certain to have fallen to the Poles. The last word from the garrison I snuck in was that the enemy had quickly smashed the gate and they were retreating to the square. I will be contacting Lord Becker regarding the situation on the ground as soon as possible. (OOC: Prague was exterminated. I'd like to give Cecil the chance to be the first to react and report on it. Might make for a good story.)

At Vienna Johann Zirn is up. May God and those new ballista towers grant you victory! (If anybody else wants to play it, here's the save:)

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1368-17.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Northnovas

02-24-2008, 23:15

Picking up the save. A little scare on the file I was trying out Internet Download Manager, very handy but when I removed it, it removed the files it downloaded. The save folder under KotR went missing. Appears to have been fixed and back in order. Now to break some Hungarians!!!

Northnovas

02-25-2008, 00:34

Chancellor,

The city was saved the Hungarians are no more but we also suffered some casualties. Ensure the families of the Viennese Volunteers are looked after.

Save file:
http://www.totalwar.org/Downloads/M2TW_Uploads/MP_replays/kotr1369-18.zip

Battle:

https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Johann/1368Viennadeploy.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Johann/1368victory.jpg
https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/northnovas/Johann/1368stats.jpg

Worthy of a battle report to follow.
I saved on the Papacy turn so you should get the screenshots for 1370.

Ramses II CP

02-25-2008, 01:37

Excellent Count Zirn, I am very pleased Vienna was saved. Have no fear, the volunteers will be well treated I assure you.

(OOC: Events will advance after I put the lil one to bed. I'm still going to try to give Cecil some time to see about Prague.)

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-25-2008, 05:19

Chancellor's Report, 1370.

In summary 1368 was a year of costly victories and close defeats as the French Crusade got underway. Count Ruppel's daring expedition to the Anger region saw a vicious response from France, and though he managed to hold his ground in the area the Count's army of crusaders is much reduced. Welf von Luxemburg and Hugo de Cervole saw off substantial numbers of Frenchmen further east, and closed the season by also joining the crusade. To the south Hermann Steffen joined the crusade as well, raising a large quantity of fanatics to aid him, but was unable to hold the bridge north of Marsellies, and had to fall back to the city.

Lothar Steffen saw off the last of the Byzantine armies in Bavaria, and is preparing for the siege of Genoa with his sons and Count Erlach, while Kaiser Peter keeps a close eye on him nearby. Prinz Dieter has reached Franconia at last, and is joined by the first company of his new army, some experienced Teutons. The siege of Madgeburg was lifted, and, as expected, has begun again, while the Dane's Prince Stenkil was baited into taking one small step towards his annihilation after years of inaction.

Duke Arnold drove off the Hungarians near Zagreb while Johann Zirn nobly defended Vienna. To the north Breslau remained free, but Prague appears to have fallen. We shall await the full report of Lord Becker on this matter.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R8I_LZbqhkI/AAAAAAAAJj8/kxxdwZ9ENQc/s800/0002.jpg

In Outremer Nicosia and Adana were defended and Caesarea was sacked, though Viceroy Matthias appears to have been injured in the fighting.

Diplomatic Report

Relations with the Papacy are outstanding. Clearly he is pleased with our progress in the crusade, and with the number of German nobles who have answered his call. England, Spain, and Denmark also send armies on crusade against the French, and join our just war.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R8I_PJbqhnI/AAAAAAAAJkU/00k99bdK5PY/s800/0008.jpg

In darker news rumor has it that the Timurids, heirs to the eastern Mongol Empire, have invaded near Baghdad. Their true target is as yet unknown, but the armies of Outremer will likely have to be built up if this invasion is to be withstood.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R8I_N5bqhmI/AAAAAAAAJkM/Q7Rd9j7xzXU/s800/0007.jpg

A spy has managed to gain entry to the citadel at Anger. Another enemy princess, this time a Danish one, has fallen afoul of a mysterious accident in the Bavarian theatre, and another Hungarian noble has managed to lose his life while on a hunting trip.

The Office of the Excherquer

The funds available for recruitment jumped substantially this season, and many of those florins were immediately spent to purchase almost all available mercenaries within the Reich's borders. In specific Welf von Luxemburg has recruited a significant company of mercenaries, and several more were hired on to garrison Nicosia and to increase Lord Becker's much reduced army. (1 more company of mercenary spearmen is available near Prague, hire them at your discretion)

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R8I_SZbqhpI/AAAAAAAAJkk/oVdCcRBnT-4/s800/0059.jpg

Yet another Teuton's Chapter House was accepted for the Reich, this time at Staufen. The Teutonic Knights are to be lauded for their ongoing aid in this time of crisis.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R8I_MpbqhlI/AAAAAAAAJkE/x4w05uOey8g/s800/0003.jpg

The Physician's Office

North of Paris Captain Erhart's camp remains afflicted with the plague. In the north the Albanians of my retinue, striking out on their own, appear unable to entirely shake the plague as well, though there have been no deaths among the men for many years. I am very pleased to report that the plague is on the verge of being wiped out within the Reich's borders.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R8I_QpbqhoI/AAAAAAAAJkc/ciHpTJTC0qQ/s800/0055.jpg

The War Office

Our many enemies appear to be pulling back in order to consolidate their forces and train new armies. Do not be surprised if we see large new forces in place in the coming season.

In Outremer the Byzantines and Turks appear to be warring to a stalemate on the borders of the Reich's holdings, as neither are in striking distance of even the newest of our conquests there, Caesarea. Count von Salzgitter has returned to the mainland at Antioch, having placed a large garrison on the island of Cyprus to maintain order. Viceroy Matthias still holds the Iron Bridge. (I couldn't get Salzgitter any closer to Adana, even though I trained him his own ship, without abandoning his entire army. Since Adana isn't threatened, I thought he'd be fine at Antioch.)

Bavaria was mostly quiet again, though Hermann Steffen's defeat near Marsellies may prove costly in the long run. I expect a difficult battle at Genoa in the coming season, and after that I have ships in place to begin ferrying men to Ajaccio at the Duke's discretion.

Swabia saw countless battles against the French, and a massive reduction in the total French armies present, but as noted I suspect the French are preparing to tool up their military again.

Franconia sees Madgeburg once again under siege, Breslau potentially threatened, and Arhus sedately awaiting the return of Prince Stenkil's courage.

Austria was the scene of many battles, and many more are on the horizon. My personal preference would be for one of the nobles at Vienna to strike south and take over the defense of Ragusa, allowing Duke Arnold to possibly go on an offensive through central Hungary.

The offensive season will open as soon as a few final matters are cleared up. (Specifically I believe Econ is going to buff the AI and I'd like to hear from Cecil about Prague. Also I think Johann has an odd and unfortunate announcement to make. There's been no movement on the PvP front, so no one is losing their armies... at the start of the season. We'll see where things are by the end, but for now it looks like business as usual. Regional Recommendations will have to wait until the AI is topped off. I've already added money, but I didn't try to teleport around to check it or anything.)

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

econ21

02-25-2008, 09:28

Good work, Ramses. :bow:

I'll buff the AI up tonight - about 12 hours from the time of this post.

FactionHeir

02-25-2008, 22:50

Is the season open or we waiting for econ?

Ramses II CP

02-25-2008, 23:09

We're in a holding pattern so the AI can get a clue and not be completely crushed this season. :wall:

:egypt:

econ21

02-26-2008, 00:44

Here you go:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370-1.zip

Ramses II CP

02-26-2008, 02:25

And the offensive season is officially open!

I am currently working through a set of regional recommendations for action and will have them up as soon as possible.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: My preference in Swabia is for her nobles to wait and try to coordinate an overall strategy. I haven't looked at the save yet, but obviously things just got a lot harder. :sweatdrop:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370-1.zip

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-26-2008, 03:19

Regional Recommendations

Outremer:

Viceroy Matthias' army is holding the Iron Bridge while he recuperates and heals, and his position appears unthreatened.

Count von Salzgitter has returned to the mainland after securing Cyprus and will be moving north to Adana as soon as possible. This season he rests at Antioch. I will be training spies to send towards Baghdad in the hopes of locating and tracking this newest Mongol threat. Any input from my commanders on the ground is welcome.

Bavaria:

The Siclians have invaded Italy. Perhaps sensing the power gap left in the wake of Prinz Dieter and Duke Steffen's crushing destruction of the Byzantines the Sicilians have landed four well armed and experienced armies of men between Rome and Naples. I advise Duke Steffen to capture Genoa as quickly as he is able and then to march south, by ship if necessary, to attempt to organize a defense of our southern Italian holdings.

Count Erlach's planned attack on Ajaccio will have to wait (Until his player is more active at least) as his aid will undoubtedly be needed in Italy.

Kaiser Peter will trail Lothar Steffen and collect such men as I am able to send to him.

Hermann Steffen could scout the passes around the French army to his north to see if any of the terrain would offer him sufficient advantage to attempt an attack, or he could remain at Marsellies and hold the city. (I don't often fight in that region, but if you think you know a good spot, jump on it. Otherwise, hold tight)

Austria:

Lord Becker I believe you may have sufficient men, including the mercenaries I have added to your force, to attempt to reclaim Prague. Draw freely from the men at Breslau and do not be concerned if it should fall under siege again. Another Franconian, Prinz Dieter, is now in the north, and I shall be asking him to head east and take command of the advance against the Poles. Franconia's debt for your successes, such as they were, in the field will be paid in the form of Teutons from Frankfurt and men at arms from Madgeburg, as training permits. I am quite eager to hear of the fate of that doomed Bohemian mercenary.

Duke Arnold I believe you must head north. Select one of your remaining nobles from Vienna and task them to come back south. I would suggest Jan Zirn as von Hapsburg appears, to my distant eye, to be little more than a dissolute hanger on. You have my sympathies on the unexpected loss of the young Johann Zirn who had the potential to be a promising general.

Franconia:

Before my Chancellorship ends I will sail for Stockholm to crush that last Danish redoubt, no matter if Prince Stenkil finds his courage in the coming season or not.

Prinz Dieter I am training an army for you as fast as I am able, and will be drawing up men from every facility to provide you with the forces to advance in the east against the Poles. If you have specific requests make them known and I will meet them.

Duke Dieter I advise you to coordinate your attack with a sally from Tancred von Tyrolia to crush the Poles, after which I would like for you to march north to challenge the Russians and Poles situated around Stettin. Select good defensive ground and let them come at you as it will be easier than trying to chase down their horse archers.

Swabia:

The situation is complex, but I believe our best course of action is to have Sir de Cervole strike Caen as quickly as possible, and then march south to reinforce Welf von Luxemburg as he attacks the French noble outside the walls of Anger. Before Welf attacks the French outside Anger the spy from Caen should attempt an insertion at Anger and then Count Ruppel should set the siege of that citadel to prevent any of the Frenchmen from retreating within.

If all of those things can be coordinated and victory can be found against Lancelot de Bordeaux then Sir de Cervole's cannon and the two spies will offer an excellent chance for us to capture the crusade target this season. I have purchased all the regional mercenaries into Sir von Luxemburg's army, and, if the other crusaders are willing, I would authorize him to reinforce his army as he wishes from the forces of Count Ruppel and Sir de Cervole after the capture of Caen.

Of course if the three noblemen wish to sort out a different command structure among themselves this would be fine with me so long as the end result is the same, Anger taken. (Please hold off at Anger at least until Tristan can take Caen and reach the walls, then coordinate and communicate amongst yourselves)

Ludwig von Bohmen will continue to hold the bridge at Antwerp unless he has discovered a late desire to join the crusade.

May God grant you all victory! Remember Count Zirn this season men, and be careful.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

_Tristan_

02-26-2008, 08:53

Taking the save.

AussieGiant

02-26-2008, 11:32

Lord Chancellor,

It's good to see we are focusing on the job at hand rather than "other" less productive endeavours.

Your recommendation will be put into affect in Austria. I will select someone to head south while I lead the attack on Budapest and Bran. The combination of some professional troops and high quality militia with canon should be enough for me to achieve our objectives.

Duke Arnold

_Tristan_

02-26-2008, 12:54

New save is here...

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370-2.rar

Hughes de Cervole :

Chancellier,

I did follow your orders but deviated a bit from them.

I have taken Paris on the way and found that only Captain Ehrart was infected with the plague. He has remained encamped outside the city while his whole company has garrisoned the city.

I have then marched on Caen and I'm pleased to say that King Emery of France and his Satanic followers are now dead.

Caen is ours and manned by the Pavise crossbowmen that surrounded the castle at my arrival.

I'm now ready to march wherever I will be needed. (OOC : I have just taken Hugo and his men out of Caen and they'll be able to be at Angers walls but couldn't reach Ruppel).

The only problem with this is that the bombard that gained us access to Paris cannot reach Angers this season. It has been incorporated into Welf's army but will have to be left behind in order for Welf to advance to Angers.

My force is still in fighting order having lost less than 30 men in all in the two sieges.

According to orders, the places were occupied not looted (though we could have gained 16000 in Paris and 11000 in Caen... I was almost on the brink of doing it, Hugo having the "Looter" trait...)

Battle reports to follow.

[EDIT] The spy Merowinger is also free to join his colleague in Angers to facilitate our entry and would make the bombard unneeded.

Ramses II CP

02-26-2008, 14:17

Congratulations Sir de Cervole, though I do hope you spoke with your fellow crusaders first? Sir von Luxemburg and Count Ruppel may have substantial difficulty capturing Anger without the men of your command, especially the bombard. (I was still really hoping the French would repair Paris for us before we took it, I left it out of the recommendations and put Erhart's plague men in a nuisance siege on purpose to get the AI's attention. They would've driven off the siege with no trouble.)

Welf von Luxemburg I would like to hear from you if you believe you can defeat the men of Lancelot de Bordeaux near Anger. If you do not believe so hold your ground and I will be able to modestly reinforce you next season.

:egypt:

_Tristan_

02-26-2008, 14:32

My men and I are available to join Welf in fighting the French as reinforcements

Alternatively, I think we may be able to take Angers in a joint assault once our spies have opened its gates. The castle garrison is nothing to be afraid of and it would provide a strong point from which to defend against Lancelot's army...

If placed correctly, I think my men may be able to provide to both Ruppel and Welf.

If Ruppel attacked from the western side of the castle, I'm not sure it would drag Lancelot into the fight...

Or Ruppel might go and retrain his men in Caen while Welf lured the French to attack him if he thought he could take them in the field... Thus gaining himself the use of the bombard... and the English crusaders' assistance.

I hope this helps...

Angers will still be there next season and we should be in a better position to take it...

GeneralHankerchief

02-26-2008, 14:38

Herrmann Steffen:

As discussed in the Bavarian chambers, I am going to drop the cross and depart Marseille with most forces, save for a skeleton garrison, and assist my fellow Bavarians in the defense of Italy against Sicily.

Ramses II CP

02-26-2008, 14:41

OOC: Haven't woken up enough to check the save yet, but it's no big deal. The problem with leaving Lancelot there is that he'll go smash against Paris or Caen instead of trying to take Anger from the army we can put in it. I'd prefer that we defeat him while we're still on crusade, but it's all up to the commanders on the ground. I'm really not as bad a micromanager as the recommendation make it sound. :laugh4:

IC: As long as your fellow crusaders are working in coordination with you, Sir de Cervole, I will not attempt to command the situation from afar. You nobles are the generals on the ground and so long as you bring about victory I will not second guess you.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-26-2008, 14:47

I understand your purpose in so doing, Hermann Steffen, although it will cause the disbandment of no few soldiers if the crusade does not complete quickly. My recommendation is that we, to some extent, take advantage of the Pope's distance and graciousness to hire you a crusader cog and sail you, along with one of your companies of men, directly to Rome this very season. Pope Pierus cannot too heavily protest using his resources to save the Holy City, surely. I will train you soldiers to your liking at Palermo and all the southern cities, shipping them to you as possible.

Let me know if this meets with your approval.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: It won't happen until the end of the season anyway. TC is welcome to bring any of the crusade units left behind for the siege of Genoa since they'll be evaporating anyway unless we complete the crusade.

:egypt:

GeneralHankerchief

02-26-2008, 14:49

Herrmann Steffen:

I have no problem with that.

econ21

02-26-2008, 15:27

Welf von Luxemburg:

My Lord Chancellor,

I am afraid coordination is one thing this crusade has so far singularly lacked. The absence of the bombards makes it a matter of chance whether we can take Angers this year. And I confess I do not know if the Pope will still sanction a crusade next year when a new French King is crowned and presumably the faction reconciled.

I would ask Count Ruppel not to take Angers without consulting me first, as I would very much desire to be present at the end. I likewise promise not to move without consulting him first (and to include him in the assault if that is what we decide).

Your humble servant

Welf von Luxemburg

_Tristan_

02-26-2008, 16:03

Hughes de Cervole :

Be assured, Welf that I would not have acted so if I did not know the deviousness our spy Merowinger can put to good use to afford you easy access in Angers.

Artillery should be unnecessary unless for taking on Lancelot's army.

The main problem in my opinion is the fact that you are coming from the east, Ruppel from the west and I from the north and I don't know if we could all join in the siege this very season.

Having cut out one head of the chimera has not rooted out all evil and I know for sure that Angers is the main place of the devil-worshippers (OOC : The Crusade is target-locked... I've made a few tests in SP and even killing the Faction Leader and its Heir doesn't reconcile the country, unless you kill the Pope and even then reconciliation is not a given fact...)

So I propose the following plan, here (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1843479&postcount=847)

It will enable all of us to fight under the best conditions though you will surely ahve the main battle to fight.

econ21

02-26-2008, 16:59

Welf:

General der Cervole,

Forgive me, but you seem to have proposed several plans - I am unclear as to the one strategy you ultimately favour. I have not yet studied the maps, but if you would indulge me by clarifying your proposal, I would be in your debt.

Yours

Welf

OOC: sorry for being dense. Maybe a screenshot would help? I'll get to the game tonight.

_Tristan_

02-26-2008, 17:04

Hughes de Cervole :

Sorry if came unclear but it all depends on what you intend to do and what does Ruppel want to do.

I don't think you should rush to Angers but rather try to gather some more men or retrain yours at Caen or Angers, with the same option for Count Ruppel before we strike together next year.

Now that France has been beheaded, it should give much less of a fight.

If you want to drive Lancelot out of Angers suburbs, then my men and I could serve as reinforcements if you prefer to engage them this very year.

(OOC : I'm going to try and take a screenshot... back shortly)

_Tristan_

02-26-2008, 17:18

Hughes de Cervole :

Here are my maps with the positions of the French and how far our Crusading armies will be able to march

Welf :

https://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/badlieutenant_bucket/KOTR/Crusade--1.jpg

Hugo

https://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/badlieutenant_bucket/KOTR/Crusade--2.jpg

Ehrhart :

https://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/badlieutenant_bucket/KOTR/Crusade--3.jpg

FactionHeir

02-26-2008, 17:43

OOC: I'll see whether the spy will open the gates of Angers this turn or not. Hopefully he/they will. If that is so, I will then check if Lancelot has the night attack ability, if he does not, Welf and Ruppel can join stacks and attack Angers together. Hugo seems too far to join.

Ramses II CP

02-26-2008, 18:15

OOC FYI: Hugo and his mercenary cavalry could join the stack, just the rest of his troops couldn't.

:egypt:

econ21

02-26-2008, 23:00

Taking the save to see if I want to fight the battle.

econ21

02-26-2008, 23:24

Welf:

My Lord Chancellor,

I am grateful to General der Cervole for supplying maps of the situation. I have also had the time to become acquainted with the scene around Angers at first hand. Count Ruppel and I have liased privately about our strategy.

It is our opinion that my force would likely be insufficient to defeat the large French army screening Angers. My army has scarcely any knights, whereas by reports, the French army has scarcely anything else.

Count Ruppel proposes that I skirt round Lancelot's army and join him in a night time assault on the Citadel. I am a little concerned that this plan will lead to a repeat of Dijon, with Swabia's generals trapped in a settlement. However, the defences of the citadel should all us to even the odds a little when the French do press the issue. They would also buy us time to train the heavy infantry and heavy cavalry from Caen that we desperately need to fight the French on something approaching an even footing.

On those grounds, I authorise Count Ruppel to detach any units from my force that he thinks necessary to join him in taking the walls. I will personally accompany those units and serve under him in the attack. I recommend that General der Cervole also be included in the assault, as I infer from his comments that he would desire to be present when the crusade comes to a successful conclusion.

I fear taking Angers will be the easy part, but one step at a time...

Your humble servant,

Welf

FactionHeir

02-26-2008, 23:29

Taking the save then.

FactionHeir

02-26-2008, 23:58

Crusade is successful.

Save: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370-3.zip

Images:

https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7291/001yc6.jpg
https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1474/002oo4.jpg
https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4373/003ny5.jpg
https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1010/004ek3.jpg
https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4610/005fj7.jpg
https://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6628/006mg5.jpg

Ramses II CP

02-27-2008, 00:20

Congratulations on the successful conclusion of the crusade gentlemen! I don't suppose you sent Hermann on his trip first? :oops:

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

TinCow

02-27-2008, 00:57

Taking the save to assault Genoa. Hermann will not be able to make it.

FactionHeir

02-27-2008, 01:08

Congratulations on the successful conclusion of the crusade gentlemen! I don't suppose you sent Hermann on his trip first? :oops:

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Didn't move any unit except Swabian ones. Was I supposed to?

Ramses II CP

02-27-2008, 01:18

OOC: Nah, if I'd been paying attention I would've asked one of you guys to do it, but I was asleep at the wheel. :laugh4:

:egypt:

TinCow

02-27-2008, 01:57

Genoa has been reclaimed for Bavaria. Count Erlach was with me when the city fell and I know he is overjoyed to be one of the first inside its walls. I fear that I must report that these Frenchmen have made a deal with the devil. My strategy and tactical deployment were perfect, yet they simply refused to fall or break. I have never seen a foe fight so fiercely, despite being completely outmaneuvered. If there is any doubt as to Beelzebub's intervention on their behalf, one need only refer to the the Bavarian casualty report:

https://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b203/TinCow/KOTR/genoa-results.jpg

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370-4.zip

My men were greatly cheered by the victory and in the celebrations afterwards there was some discussion about giving me yet another nickname. At first, Lothar the Infantryman seemed to get passed around. However, some drunken lout must have decided a more humorous sobriquet was in order. Apparently I am now known as Lothar the Honorable. I am sure my old friend Arnold will be greatly amused to hear that.

Cecil XIX

02-27-2008, 02:38

Chancellor, having analysed the situation in Prague I must say that it is impossible to take the city with the forces at my disposal. I cannot achieve superiority in a ranged confrontation, and if I were to attempt to decide the battle in a melee my men would have an extremely difficult time defeating. I request reinforcements in the form of Spear Militia from Nuremburg or Breslau. Regardless, I shall besiege my beloved with all the forces in my theater with the hopes of whittling down the enemy within.

Ramses II CP

02-27-2008, 02:41

Lord Becker draw every man from Nuremburg that could aid you if you can thus proceed with your attack this season. If there are men at Breslau that can reach the walls use them as well. Also there is one more company of mercenary spearmen available near Prague if they would be of use.

I greatly fear for how the Poles may have treated our citizens.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

02-27-2008, 02:48

I know how the Poles treat their new subjects. Upon my previous defeat, I knew what fate awaited my city. I only hope I was able to steel myself well enough to withstand seeing Prague in it's current state.

By your leave, I go now to reclaim Prague.

Cecil XIX

02-27-2008, 04:22

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1370-5.zip

It is done. Prague is back with the Reich. Unfortunately the Poles displayed their characteristic brutallity on my fair city; the population has been reduced by almost three quarters and every building inside the city has been destroyed or downgraded. I ask that the Chancellor allocate funds repairs and reconstruction. To that end I propoe the following build queue which, if implemented along with all due repairs, will cost the Reich approximately six thousand florins.

1370 - Armorer
1372 - " "
1374 - " "
1376 - " "
1378 - Council Chambers

I also request that equip the Nuremburg Militia with Light Mail from Prague, as well as train three additional companies of Spear Militia at Nuremburg and Breslau each. I predict that the remaining Polish army in the area will besiege Prague as soon as possible, and if I havethose reinforcements I am confident I can hold the city and crush them. It would also allow additional troops to be transfered to Prince Dieter's command, should such an action be warranted.

Ramses II CP

02-27-2008, 04:41

The armourer we can almost certainly afford this season, and Prague being such a heavy battle ground it is certainly warranted. Congratulations on your victory Lord Becker. I am anxious to hear of the fate of the Bohemian mercenary, and of the progress of the trial of Lothar Steffen.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

02-27-2008, 05:22

I apologize for the delay in those matters, I've been preoccupied with military matters. They will be dealt with soon.

Incidentally, Prague will only accept the Teutonic Knights for it's resident guild house.

Ramses II CP

02-27-2008, 14:15

I would still like to hear a plan of action from Duke Dieter regarding the siege of Madgeburg. If you would prefer to wait on the bridge and command a defense that can be arranged, but my preference would be for you to command a sally and get your army moving eastward. As it stands now I'd like Duke Dieter to head east against the Poles and Prinz Dieter will have the chance to at least see his County before marching to battle against the Russians.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: If EF doesn't speak up before ~ 12 hours from now I'm going to advance to the defensive season.

:egypt:

AussieGiant

02-27-2008, 17:53

Lord Chancellor:

Based on our discussion please have Hapsburg and the soon to mature Max Zirn head south, while Jan Zirn comes with me to the east.

I'll leave the exact marching orders to your office. Please have them contact me when you have them complete.

Duke Arnold

Ramses II CP

02-27-2008, 18:36

It will be done Duke Arnold, though I fear there is a Hungarian army in between the two forces at the moment. I will move you at best speed north to head them off, and bring Hapsburg and Zirn south to meet you with such men as Vienna can spare.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-28-2008, 02:16

OOC: Okay, if I don't hear that there's going to be a sally at Madgeburg in the next ten minutes or so I'm closing the save and advancing the season with Duke Dieter still pinned at the bridge by the Poles. At least he'll be able to command the defense I guess, but Breslau is probably going to fall again.

edit: The season is closed, moving forward with the defensive season now.

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-28-2008, 04:50

1372 Recruitment and Construction Report (End of Season Report)

The Reich's noble Crusaders, led by Sir Hugo de Cervole, Sir Welf von Luxemburg, and Count Erhart Ruppel have captured Anger, the target of the Crusade, and won the Papacy's greater favor for our nation! Additionally Sir de Cervole smashed aside all French resistance and captured Paris itself, then rode on to the great training facility at Caen, where the French King himself was brought to justice at the point of a sword. With the French at Bruges hunkering down in their city Count von Bohmen retired to Antwerp to contemplate an offensive. Word throughout the formerly French countryside is of peasants, merchants, and minor nobles alike casting off the hideous heresy that God has seen fit to punish with the hammer of the Reich's Swabian armies!

Engagements this season were entirely successful, with four French provinces, including two of their major training facilities, falling to our armies. In Bavaria the last of the mainland Italian cities was retaken, very nearly bringing Bavaria back to her pre-Cataclysm state. The appearance of four substantial Sicilian armies near Rome, however, has forced Hermann Steffen to hire on a local mercenary cog and set sail for Italy despite the presence of a large French army near Marsellies. Some rebels west of Zagreb were run down by the mounted crossbowmen nearby as they marched north towards Duke Arnold.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R8Ytx5bqiCI/AAAAAAAAJo4/3oiHonys9lU/s800/0014.jpg

Regarding disbandments, the peasant archers of Captain Erhart north of Paris were dismissed from service due to their inability to keep a clean camp. The same fate awaits the Albanians of my service if they cannot correct their difficulties. Two of the ships near Cyprus were dismissed now that Count von Salzgitter is back on the mainland. One of the remaining ships will be sent west to blockade Iconium and keep watching against a Byzantine naval invasion, the other will remain near Nicosia just in case.

Construction amounted to fully repairing all the damaged structures in the cities of the Reich with the exception of the minor buildings in Paris, which were deemed too expensive and of too little utility to warrant repair. This includes the walls at Genoa, Paris, Prague, and Vienna. The outdated Siege Works at Paris was also sold, and those funds were used to purchase an Armourer for Prague.

Outremer
Acre: retrained 1 Teutonic Knights
Nicosia: retrained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, trained 1 Reiters
Antioch: trained 1 Spear militia
Adana: retrained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Zweihanders
Caesarea saw no training

Austria
Ragusa: trained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Vienna: retrained 1 Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Forlorn Hope, 1 Spear militia
Zagreb: trained 1 Spear militia, 1 Town militia
Prague: retrained 3 Spear militia as requested
Breslau: trained 3 Spear militia as requested
Venice saw no training

Franconia
Frankfurt: trained 3 Crossbow militia
Hamburg: trained 2 Crossbow militia, 1 Spear militia
Arhus: trained 2 Pike militia, 1 Arquebusier
Madgeburg saw no training due to siege

Bavaria
Nuremburg: trained 2 Spear militia, 1 Teutonic Knights
Innsbruck: retrained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Feudal Knights
Milan: trained 2 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia
Bologna saw no training
Florence: retrained 1 Merchant Cavalry militia, trained 1 Merchant Cavalry militia, 1 Town militia
Genoa: retrained 1 Mercenary Longbowmen, 1 Mercenary Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Crossbow militia
Rome: trained 2 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia
Naples: trained 3 Pike militia
Palermo: trained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Marsellies: retrained 1 Merchant Cavalry militia, trained 2 Crossbow militia

Swabia
Caen: retrained 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights, 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Mounted Crossbowmen
Anger: retrained 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, trained 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Staufen: trained 3 Teutonic Knights
Bern: retrained 1 Forlon Hope
Antwerp: retrained 1 Pike militia, trained 2 Spear militia
Rheims: trained 3 Spear militia
Paris: trained 3 Crossbow militia

The sole defensive engagement of the season (Unless something changes) sees the Poles attacking Madgeburg where Tancred von Tyrolia is defending and Duke Dieter is available outside the walls to aid him.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370-6.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-28-2008, 10:06

Chancellor, I wish to know why the Imperial knights under my banner were not retrained while the mounted crossbowmen were? It cannot have been a cost issue as you managed to train 3 regiments of crossbow militia at Paris against our previous suggestions.

Ramses II CP

02-28-2008, 14:17

I retrained the most cost effective companies throughout the Reich. I am always open to specfic requests from my commanders, but I had none for Caen or Anger, so I worked on the basis of cost effectiveness and utility. If you requested specific training for Paris your letter did not arrive on my desk, so instead I trained the cheapest quantity of men who would be of some use at the walls. In the future feel free to send me a private letter with your specific training requests and I will attempt to meet them.

If you're referring to your general request for lancers instead of mounted crossbowmen the top of that list was Teutons, and at immense cost three companies of them were trained at Staufen, the only facility in Swabia capable of training them, to my knowledge.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-28-2008, 16:26

Hmph, I had believed that the previous statement had been rather clear that Swabia does not wish for further training of missile troops other than pavise crossbowmen and all remaining funds be spent on spearmen, heavy infantry and heavy cavalry instead.

Will you please make a note of this for future reference?

_Tristan_

02-28-2008, 16:43

Hughes de Cervole :

Count Ruppel,

I understand perfectly the sacrifices that you have made for Swabia and the Reich but I think that such priorities in recruitment should be determined by our Duke or in their respective provinces.

Nevertheless, I am forced to admit that Swabia is indeed in sore need of the type of troops you specified.

I know the Chancellor will give us what we need to finish the French.

Ramses II CP

02-28-2008, 17:12

FactionHeir

02-28-2008, 17:28

Except for the cheap soldiers intended to garrison Paris there were no crossbowmen of any kind trained in all of Swabia. If you wish also that no crossbowmen be retrained that can be accomodated, but I suspect your desires are specific enough that simply listing them on a seasonal basis would be simpler.

Is there some reason why you are reluctant to submit training requests in writing Count Ruppel?

Fritz von Kastilien

:clown:

:egypt:

Very well, here you have it in writing:

No man bearing missile weapons is to be recruited in and for Swabia until further notice with exception of pavise crossbowmen.
All funds are to be spent training heavy cavalry, heavy spearmen, and heavy infantry.
Cities shall not train missile militia, but solely of spear militia.
Retraining of mounted missiles and pavise crossbowmen are condoned, mercenary missiles may be retrained as well. Any other type of missile unit should not be retrained.
Priority in retraining must be given to non missile type units first, and pavise crossbowmen second, with mounted crossbows a distant third.

Ferret

02-28-2008, 18:23

taking the save

edit:https://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8008/kotr1rd0.th.jpg (https://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotr1rd0.jpg)

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1370-7.rar

Ramses II CP

02-28-2008, 21:11

OOC: It's going to be about 6 hours before I can get to the report, so I'm going ahead and posting the save now for anyone who wants to have a look:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372.zip

Short form: Dijon was exterminated, Hungarians are massing against Vienna (Max Zirn spawned at Nuremburg), and the Sicilians declined to siege Rome.

:egypt:

Ferret

02-28-2008, 21:24

and Prague and Breslau were besieged :D

Ramses II CP

02-28-2008, 21:34

OOC: We knew that was going to happen last season, in fact I think I warned that if Tancred didn't sally at Madgeburg that Breslau was going to fall. :inquisitive:

:egypt:

Ferret

02-28-2008, 21:48

sorry :( I just saw them get besieged before the next battle came up.

Ramses II CP

02-29-2008, 03:07

Chancellor's Report, 1372.

In summary 1370 was a great year for the Reich, as Count Ruppel, Sir Welf von Luxemburg, and Sir Hugo de Cervole smashed aside all French resistance to claim Anger, the target of the Crusade, Caen, and Paris in a single season. The battles were on a somewhat smaller scale, and French resistance remains stiff, but most of the north of France is under control.

Unfortunately matters are not so pleasant in the south, as the French have put the city of Dijon to the sword. Thousands are feared dead, and the entire garrison has been lost. The news was equally bad in the east, as Lord Becker reclaimed Prague only to find that the Poles had exterminated his city, and killed three of every four citizens.

In Bavaria, however, Lothar Steffen took Genoa from the God cursed French and Hermann Steffen departed Marsellies, hiring a ship to carry him and some of his cavalry east towards the Sicilian invasion force near Rome. In the north Prince Stenkil has advanced again, slightly, and may be in position to come and die on my walls very soon. Madgeburg saw off yet another Polish siege army, and Duke Dieter is now in position to potentially strike back by marching east.

Austria saw Duke Arnold marching north and Count von Hapsburg marching south to meet him. A substantial Hungarian invasion force is aimed at Vienna, however, and Max Zirn held his coming of age party in Nuremburg, meaning he is in a difficult position to attempt to reach the city. In Outremer things were quiet. Viceroy Matthias holds the Iron Bridge, while Count von Salzgitter has moved into Adana.

Diplomatic Report

Relations with the Papacy are perfect, and Pope Pierus is extremely pleased with our handling of the French Crusade. I believe he is quite hopeful that our armies will go on to wipe them from the face of Europe.

Unfortunately our English allies decided that without an explicit crusade underway they did not wish to be at war with the French, and signed a ceasefire. I have lodged a protest with the English over this matter, but I have decided not to downgrade relations with our sole ally.

A fourth princess in the Bavarian region has fallen afoul of a terrible accident and lost her life. Serena the Snob of Sicily, who was suspected of sending information to aid the Sicilian invasion plans, was the wench's name. In Hungary one of our spies infiltrated the city of Budapest and aided another agent of the Reich in destroying the city hall there. The city is in a panic and the garrison may struggle to keep order there.

The Office of the Exchequer

Approximately thirty five thousand florins are available for recruitment and construction in the Reich this season. Additionally, as per orders, an offer from the Explorer's Guild was declined at Prague. Army upkeep saw an uptick with the end of the crusade, but our ongoing economic recovery also ticked upward, and on the whole the two are still well in balance. There should be ample funds for the hiring of any mercenaries in any theatre but Outremer this season.

The Physician's Office

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R8dmHZbqinI/AAAAAAAAJvI/39i5PMK2L1M/s800/0002.jpg

Captain Erhart's few remaining peasant archers were dismissed from service, as was Captain Erhart himself, at the close of last season. This left only a single plagued formation in all the Reich, the Albanians of my levy. Those men have served me well in many campaigns, but their inability to keep a clean camp and their small remaining numbers made them a greater liability than asset, so they too have been dismissed from service after being unable to shake the plague. This means that all of the cities and armies of the Reich are officially free of the plague for the first time in many years!

The War Office

In Outremer the Byzantines are once again stirring themselves to march forth against Adana, having placed an army near enough to reach the citadel next season. Andreas von Salzgitter is in place to resist any potential attack with a mighty army. Near Antioch Viceroy Matthias stands firm on the Iron Bridge, and appears unopposed.

As expected our opponents put multiple new armies in the field last season, most especially in Bavaria where the Sicilian invasion has the horrific potential to reverse all of Prinz Dieter's gains in the theatre. May God grant Hermann Steffen arrives in time to preserve Rome and hold back the armies of Sicily. With Genoa reclaimed, and congratulations to Count Erlach on the recovery of his city, Lothar Steffen can also perhaps turn south, as the French have mysteriously retreated from Marsellies. A modest rebel army has taken up position north of that city, but I do not believe them to be a true threat, only a trade blocking nuisance.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R8dmNJbqiqI/AAAAAAAAJvg/rdkV5_IgWII/s800/0008.jpg

Two of Swabia's great generals, Sirs de Cervole and von Luxemburg, are besieged in Anger while Count Ruppel has free action from Caen and Count von Bohmen is holding his ground at Antwerp. Soon I will be asking one of you gentlemen to clean the French out of Bruges and secure Swabia's backfield so a more general southerly advance can be made.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R8dmLZbqipI/AAAAAAAAJvY/Ow1ZbroHNqU/s800/0006.jpg

In Franconia Prince Stenkil is at long last in position to come and dash his army to pieces against the mighty walls of Arhus. I look forward to his utter destruction with great pleasure. Prinz Dieter has arrived in the north, and just in time too, as the Russians are pressing forward with a large scale invasion aimed at the Prinz' County seat, Hamburg. Duke Dieter may at last be in position to strike eastward and seek battle with the Poles.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R8dmJpbqioI/AAAAAAAAJvQ/WuO_rHfM2o0/s800/0005.jpg

Austria sees Prague under siege with Lord Becker within the walls, and his ward in Franconia's name, Breslau, also in a difficult situation. It appears unlikely that Breslau can be saved this season, though it is much to be hoped the Poles will treat citizens who were so recently their own subject more gently than they did ours at Prague. Vienna is the object of a major Hungarian push, with no less than three large armies bearing down on that city. Max Zirn is making best speed from his commencement party at Nuremburg to that city. One more army has marched south, clearly aimed at Zagreb. Duke Arnold must choose whether to turn back south and hope to save Zagreb, or to march on north and fight to hold Vienna.

The offensive season is now open!

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372-1.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

deguerra

02-29-2008, 03:11

Chancellor,

I would be more than happy to cleanse my fair county of Bruges of French scum, but fear I am unable to do so with the strong, albeit militia army of Antwerpen alone.

Ludwig von Böhmen, Graf von Brugge

Ramses II CP

02-29-2008, 03:17

Count von Bohmen there are a few professional companies in the Rheims area who will be marching north to aid you, and there may be a company or two of mercenaries available for hire. With the absence of French training facilites in the north it may be profitable for you to lay siege with the intent of baiting the French into a sally and blooding their army. Even if you lose many militia soldiers it will be far easier for us to replace our men than for the French to replace theirs.

With three well equipped training facilities now in Swabian hands I expect no Swabian shall long lack for professional soldiers. Indeed, I forsee a possible expansion of Swabia's interest in Outremer once the heretical French are cleared away.

I am working through some regional recommendations now, but if anyone is in a hurry there's no reason to wait.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

02-29-2008, 03:37

Regional Recommendations

Outremer:

Viceroy Matthias given the clear confusion amongst the Byzantines at Edessa I do not believe it is necessary any longer for you to personally hold the Iron Bridge. I would recommend that you march north and prepare for a push against Iconium. The Turks make it necessary that one of the generals in Outremer hold Adana, and thus Antioch as well, but the other appears free for offensive operations in my mind.

Count von Salzgitter you are holding Adana this season, but next season, depending on the Viceroy's determination, you too could move out and make ready for an offensive in the direction of Iconium.

Bavaria:

Hermann Steffen I advise you to enter the city of Rome and prepare her defenses as best you are able. If you have specific training requests I will meet them. If you would prefer to command a defense from a safer position outside the walls I can understand that caution.

Lother Steffen I believe Hermann Steffen will soon need the aid of your professional soldiers in the south. I believe you could detail a few of them under Count Erlach to march west and help hold Marsellies, but I recommend you take the remainder towards Florence.

Kaiser Peter your army is still being constructed, but I'm certain you wish to trail Lothar south.

Austria:

Lord Becker if you believe there is profit in a sally, then strike forth, otherwise wait patiently for the Polish assault and destroy it when it comes.

Max Zirn you are marching for Vienna at best speed. I am certain you wish to avenge the loss of your brother there.

Duke Arnold you must decide whether to march north to try to aid Vienna, or back south to protect Zagreb. I would advise you to clear your backfield first as there do not seem to be further reinforcements for that Hungarian attack. I can send some soldiers north from Ragusa to aid Zagreb, but not enough to allow for victory without an active commander. (Hapsburg and Jan Zirn don't actually have players as far as I can tell, and Max spawned at Nuremburg)

Franconia:

I will annihilate Prince Stenkil next season.

Prinz Dieter I believe you should make best speed for Hamburg, which seems very likely to fall under siege next season. If you have training requests make them known and I will attempt to meet them.

Duke Dieter I believe you should strike north east from Madgeburg at the army of Kazimierz Maziwiecki taking as many men from Madgeburg as you believe will be needed. I will continue to train at the citadel as long as it is not under siege. I do not see any way to save Breslau. Tancred von Tyrolia will remain in the citadel.

Swabia:

Hugo de Cervole and Welf von Luxemburg decide between each other if you wish to sally or await the French attack. There is a bombard nearby that I will be happy to move to the walls if you wish to await an attack.

Count Ruppel if you believe you can find victory against the captain led French garrison of Rennes that has marched into position nearby then hire the local mercenaries and attack. Otherwise leave enough men to hold Caen loyal and besiege Rennes.

Count von Bohmen my recommendation is that you sweep away that tiny French force facing you and besiege Bruges immediately. I will reinforce you with men from Rheims, but I still believe the French will sally. When they sally damage their army as badly as you can while attempting to preserve your force, and withdraw. Some foot knights will be in position to join you next season. If you would prefer to wait, I am comfortable with this, and it may then be possible to starve the French out.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

deguerra

02-29-2008, 03:41

I will await the foot knights. The Lord preaches caution over rash action, and the French aren't going anywhere.

AussieGiant

02-29-2008, 09:34

Arnold:

Lord Chancellor,

The pairings are Max Zirn (Northnovas) and Hapsburg heading south, while myself (aka me) and Jan Zirn heading east.

In the mean time clearing our interior is the priority. I will look at the field reports and get back to you tonight.

Duke Arnold

Ramses II CP

02-29-2008, 14:39

I understood this to be the case Duke Arnold, the only reason the movement are yet unable to reflect this is necessity. Hapsburg has camped with you momentarily for defense, while Max Zirn cannot march south without first coming by Vienna, where he may be of use in it's defense. Jan Zirn remained at Vienna because the city was under heavy threat. After your choices this season Hapsburg will move south at best speed, while Max Zirn must help deal with the situation around Vienna before joining him.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-29-2008, 14:44

Taking save

AussieGiant

02-29-2008, 14:46

Perfect Lord Chancellor.

Re-mobilising is not an instantaneous process.

Have you any word from Lord Becker regarding the mercenary witness? Lord Becker I'm sure would never let anything happen to someone so important to his trial.

Ramses II CP

02-29-2008, 15:33

I have had no communication with your subject on the matter Duke Arnold. I suspect he is awaiting orders on how to handle the situation. I am content to allow this little game to play out however it has been orchestrated, because in the end I am certain it will come to blood, and blood is what I know best.

If that Bohemian is dead, however, I will be claiming whatever of his corpse can be found for my inspection.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

FactionHeir

02-29-2008, 15:35

Save: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372-2.zip

https://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2691/001wk7.jpg
https://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8569/010cw3.jpg

Ransom was refused.

Merged several units post-battle at Caen.
As a result of this, I like following training done there in this order (to prevent training bug):

1. Train Armored Sergeant
2. Retrain Imperial Knights
3. Retrain the triple gold 16 men mounted crossbowmen unit

Construction:
1. Jousting Lists

If you could move Edmund von Nassau back into range of Rennes, that would be perfect.

_Tristan_

02-29-2008, 15:44

Who has command on the ground in Angers ?

Welf or Hugo ?

Haven't checked the save yet

FactionHeir

02-29-2008, 15:47

Welf does.
But either of you can fight it.

_Tristan_

02-29-2008, 15:53

Then I'll wait to hear from Econ first

TinCow

02-29-2008, 16:20

Chancellor,

My aides indicate that there is a large band of brigands on the road north of Marseilles. While I have gutted more of these beasts than I care to count, in this case they may serve us better in life than in death. They block the route of the French towards Marseilles and they will have to be disposed of before the city can be threatened. As such, I believe the city has several years to prepare its own defenses.

I am loathe to detach a single man from my army to aid that city, when all of central Italy is threatened by the Sicilians. I will leave the logistics up to you, but my orders are to immediately move south towards the Sicilians with every last man that can be mustered.

Kaiser Peter is, of course, free to ride along. Perhaps he would consider vacating Bavaria's capital once Rome is secure from siege.

Lothar

AussieGiant

02-29-2008, 21:25

Lord Chancellor,

Complete destruction. All are dead. I've headed north towards Vienna.

I'll leave it to the Chancellor to reinforce me with troops from Zagreb.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/1372/medieval22008-02-2921-41-58-07.jpg

Save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372-3.zip

Ramses II CP

02-29-2008, 23:31

I have some professional soldiers from Ragusa near Zagreb who will be marching to meet you as reinforcements, and if Vienna can be held you will have cannons from that city as well.

Congratulations Duke Arnold!

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

03-01-2008, 00:26

Can someone enlighten me on how to get a draw in a sally?

Zim

03-01-2008, 00:31

Just make sure all of your troops are back inside the walls. :yes: When you start to exit the abttle you'll get a little message asking if your sure and saying your sally was successful.

Can someone enlighten me on how to get a draw in a sally?

Cecil XIX

03-01-2008, 01:06

Is it affected by the presence or lack thereof of enemy siege machines?

Ramses II CP

03-01-2008, 01:54

No, although I have noticed that sometimes if there are reinforcements from outside the city it can cause you to have to wait for the timer to run out.

There can't be any enemies inside the walls, or any of your troops outside the walls. You can't have any of the gates open either, so if you get that bug you're stuck running out the timer.

Also you want to send your general out of the gates at least once to make sure he doesn't collect points towards faltering courage. Didn't notice this until I fought the Vienna sally as a test.

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

03-01-2008, 02:29

Taking the save, then.

Cecil XIX

03-01-2008, 03:24

Battle fought. I took down about a fifth of them, losing most of my artillerists in the process. I would have done better if I had known that destroyed rams and tower magically come back to life as soon the battle is over. That caused me to not only waste ammo firing at them, but I lost quite a few cavalry men trying to charge the last ram only to find out that you can order your men to attack a ram even when they don't know how to damage it.

IC: Chancellor, please train additional units at Nuremburg. I have already requested assisstance from the men you trained last season. If the Poles do not attack this season, they will during the next.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372-4.zip

Ramses II CP

03-01-2008, 03:56

You still wish spearmen trained at all available facilities? This is easily done. I am certain when the Poles attack you will smash them.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Yeah, destroying the siege equipment is purposeless. I remember trying that back in my first English campaign. Sorry, thought it was one of those common knowledge things. :embarassed:

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

03-01-2008, 04:00

I would still like to hear from Duke Dieter if he intends to strike out against the Polish near Stettin and Sirs von Luxemburg and de Cervole regarding their plan at Anger.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

03-01-2008, 04:09

New save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372-5.zip

I ordered a sally from the militia at Breslau for a draw, paid ransom on the men the Poles had captured.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Cecil XIX

03-01-2008, 05:26

OOC: Incidentally, despite exiting the city twice Becker still got another point in the Coward trait. I don't know if it's a bug or not, but if it is I'd like it removed along with 'Grim Commander' before the close of this turn.

Ramses II CP

03-01-2008, 05:40

OOC: Okay, I looked up the traits commands and it shouldn't be a problem to take off Grim Commander as we know that was a bug, but I don't know how to just reduce faltering courage. I'll make a note to definitely pull GC, assuming I can get it to work, and see what I can do about FC.

:egypt:

_Tristan_

03-01-2008, 09:13

I haven't heard from Econ regarding Angers...

If he hasn't come up before today by the end of afternoon (GMT+1), I'll try to sally against the French

FactionHeir

03-01-2008, 11:58

If you get a bad trait, you get a bad trait, with the exception of RansomDread and RansomChivalry which can only work to some extent. There is no reason to use the console each time you pick up a bad trait blaming it on a "bug".

That said, you get points in Coward if you do not actively fight and kill with your general in battle. That is your general (not his unit) has to kill several times, if the outcome of the battle is a defeat or a draw. He doesn't if you win the battle.

econ21

03-01-2008, 12:24

I haven't heard from Econ regarding Angers...

If he hasn't come up before today by the end of afternoon (GMT+1), I'll try to sally against the French

I am a little busy with other things, so go for it.

Lancelot's army is a monster though, so it might be another case of just trying for a draw and using our firepower to whittle it down.

Given what's been said about the coward trait, do get Welf stuck in. (But hopefully not into something he can't get out of!)

Good hunting!

Ferret

03-01-2008, 12:30

taking the save

Ferret

03-01-2008, 12:49

didn't take on the Poles, too tough for me, this is the main reason I haven't been fighting many battles, the enemy armies are too numerous and strong for someone of my skills. I've never been very good at battles in TW games, I used to Ctrl a double right click in RTW. Instead I have moved Dieter into an ambush position.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372-6.rar

_Tristan_

03-01-2008, 17:12

Taking the save

_Tristan_

03-01-2008, 19:04

Angers is still besieged

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1372-7.rar

The sally was successful but I didn't manage to lift the siege completely...

We lost a bit under 700 men to the French 876..

They've lost almost all their cavalry (21 left and almost all their missile units only 46 men left)

All that remain is the Bodyguard and the foot knights...

It seems Hugo got a soothsayer out of the fight...

GeneralHankerchief

03-01-2008, 19:10

Herrmann Steffen:

I am going to park myself and the cavalry in Rome before it is besieged and hold the city. Chancellor, I would appreciate it greatly if you gave me the assistance of the company of Mercenary Spearmen currently in the area.

Rome is not going to fall again.

GeneralHankerchief

03-01-2008, 19:18

Herrmann Steffen:

Chancellor,

It seems as if the Sicilians have held nothing back in their attempt to take Italy away from us. Their final two strongholds, Ajaccio and Caligari, are very lightly garrisoned.

While they are busy focusing their attention on Rome and maintaining long sieges, we could mount a lightning-quick attack on their island territories. They are very close, easily within striking distance, and definitely not defended enough.

If we can hold the Italian cities long enough for the strikes on their island to succeed, then the four armies will turn rebel and be much less of a threat to us. What say you, Chancellor? The Sicilians will pay for taking so big of a gamble.

gibsonsg91921

03-01-2008, 20:42

You can quote me on saying now that once Rome and the rest of Italy is liberated, Nuremburg shall be returned to Bavaria.

Ramses II CP

03-01-2008, 21:47

I will consider this situation Hermann Steffen, and perhaps send a spy to scout their island holdings. If they are truly empty they will be attacked as quickly as an army can be mustered. For the time being I trust you are still content to defend Rome? Do you have specific troop requests to be trained there?

I believe the season is nearly at a close. If anyone has requests or final actions make them known soon. (I'll close things out in an hour or two I think)

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

GeneralHankerchief

03-01-2008, 21:56

Herrmann Steffen:

Chancellor, as I mentioned before:

I am going to park myself and the cavalry in Rome before it is besieged and hold the city. Chancellor, I would appreciate it greatly if you gave me the assistance of the company of Mercenary Spearmen currently in the area.

Rome is not going to fall again.

As for specific troop requests, any infantry would be good.

_Tristan_

03-01-2008, 22:56

Hughes de Cervole :

I would request training of some artillery at Angers (a Basilisk would be fine to replace the much depleted ribault and retraining of the mounted xbowmen)

Ramses II CP

03-01-2008, 22:59

I understood Anger to still be under siege, which means there cannot be any training there until the siege is lifted. I will attempt to train those men as soon as it is possible.

The season is now closed, gentlemen, and I will be proceeding with the requests that have been made.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 02:35

1374 Recruitment Report (End of Season Report)

This season was primarily one of consolidation across the Reich, as the former crusaders in Swabia attmepted to deal with the armies France raised to oppose their ongoing offensive. Welf von Luxemburg and Hugo de Cervole were besieged at the citadel of Anger, and despite orchestrating a damaging sally against the French they were unable to drive them off. Count Ruppel struck out of Caen to clear away the former garrison of Rennes, and then retired to that citadel to retrain his men.

In Austria Duke Arnold drove off a Hungarian push against Zagreb, and is still marching north for Vienna. Hermann Steffen rallied the men of Bavaria to hold Rome, while his father and Kaiser Peter began their march south. Lord Becker and his captain at Breslau both sallied against the Poles, and though both battles were inconclusive in the main they favored the Reich, though both cities remain under siege.

I made the determination that Jan Zirn could not hold Vienna by himself, so he marched to the bridge west of that city to await Max Zirn and hope to relieve the potential Hungarian siege. I also determined that Duke Dieter's ambush was doomed to fail and placed him back inside Madgeburg so that he could fight more effectively. As Nuremburg could train only Town militia to aid Prague, I sent the garrison troops from unthreatened Frankfurt east to aid Lord Becker. The armies of Outremer were reshuffled as well, to place the more veteran companies at the disposal of the Viceroy, who does not have the walls of Adana to aid him.

While scouting the Sicilian citadel of Ajaccio, which is not directly garrisoned but is still well held, our Bavarian fleet discovered a Russian fleet nearby. Recalling their dubious role in infecting Duke Arnold with the plague, I commanded our smaller but more modern fleet to engage the enemy. I am pleased to report a very successful battle, as the older Russian ships were all sent to the bottom.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R8oCF3XaaGI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/SaYybri7PeY/s800/0000.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R8oCHHXaaHI/AAAAAAAAJ0U/u-RGl3VLC-M/s800/0002.jpg

Bernhard Steffen then attacked the tiny Hungarian army near Bologna, and drove them back west again easily. The Hungarians declined to pay ransom.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R8oCJHXaaII/AAAAAAAAJ0c/fmJkhp9ypbI/s800/0004.jpg

Funds were insufficient to allow for construction this season, although the people are so pleased by our victory in the crusade that taxes were raised in many cities across the Reich. Repairs were also not completed at Paris or Caesarea, as neither is sufficiently defended to make that effort worthwhile.

Swabia
Anger saw no training as it is under siege
Caen: trained 1 Sergeant Spearmen, retrained 1 Imperial Knights, 1 Mounted Crossbowmen as requested
Paris: trained 2 Spear militia, 1 Halberd militia
Rheims: trained 1 Spear militia, 1 Halberd militia, and 1 Bombard
Antwerp: trained 2 Pike militia, 1 Arquebusiers
Metz: trained 1 Town militia
Staufen: trained 2 Feudal Knights, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Bern saw no training

Bavaria
Marsellies saw no training
Genoa: trained 3 Spear militia
Milan saw no training
Bologna: retrained 2 Town militia, 1 Spear militia
Florence: trained 1 Town militia, 1 Merchant Cavalry militia, 1 Spy
Rome: trained 1 Spear militia, 2 Halberd militia
Naples: trained 3 Forlorn Hope
Nurmeburg: trained 3 Town militia
Palermo: trained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, retrained 1 Sergeant Spearmen
Innsbruck: trained 1 Teutonic Knights, retrained 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Zweihanders

Austria
Venice saw no training
Ragusa: trained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Zagreb: trained 1 Town militia
Vienna: trained 1 Serpentine, 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Forlorn Hope
Prague saw no training as it is under siege
Breslau, protectorate of Austria for Franconia, saw no training as it is under siege

Franconia
Frankfurt: trained 2 Teutonic Knights, 1 Spear militia
Madgeburg: retrained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Hamburg: trained 2 Forlorn Hope, 1 Merchant Cavalry militia
Arhus: trained 2 Pike militia, 1 Arquebusiers

Outremer
Acre: trained 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Feudal Knights, retrained 1 Teutonic Knights
Nicosia saw no training
Antioch: trained 1 Merchant, 1 Priest
Adana: trained 2 Sergeant Spearmen, 1 Pavise Crossbowmen
Caesarea saw no training

Though there are a number of new and ongoing sieges, there are no defensive engagements that can be fought. Breslau falls to the Poles despite the sally by the garrison, and the Hungarians decline to lay siege at Vienna, with two of their armies marching back east and the third driving Jan Zirn to withdraw from the bridge near the city.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R8oCK3XaaJI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/QjAqsaWtjaI/s800/0075.jpg

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R8oCMXXaaKI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/C99pe2mgDWM/s800/0076.jpg

One of our spies near Gaza reported that the Egyptians had taken Jerusalem under siege, but Pope Pierus personally led a sally and drove them back from the walls.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: The Chancellor's Report will be up as soon as I can get to it, gotta eat dinner first. :beam:

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 03:34

Chancellor's Report, 1374

In summary, 1374 was a year of consolidation following our mighty deeds of the past decade. Count Ruppel destroyed the French who departed Rennes, while Welf von Luxemburg and Hugo de Cervole greatly diminished the army of Lancelot de Nevers, though his men still besiege Anger. Ludwig von Bohmen is preparing his soldiers for an attack against Bruges, reinforced by men from Staufen and other nearby cities. In the south the French held at Dijon and did not press deeper, though the southern cities of Swabia still remain under threat until a commander can be found to drive south to aid them.

To the east Prague remains under siege, though reinforcements are on the way to aid Lord Becker, while Breslau has once again fallen to the Poles. The Russians decline to lay siege to Hamburg, perhaps so that they could bring up a nobleman to command the attack. Prince Stenkil at long last has come to the walls of Arhus, where I will bury his army and hang his remains from the north gate.

Further south the Hungarians dithered about their attack on Vienna, perhaps once again affrighted by the arrival of Duke Arnold, though they slipped a smaller army in behind him. I have hope that Count von Hapsburg can gather sufficient forces to turn back that attack on his own and thus allow his Duke to proceed north and eventually east into Hungary.

In Bavaria Hermann Steffen took up leadership of the garrison of Rome, and the Sicilians once again declined to lay siege anywhere. Their captains appear fearful and disorganized, and though they are making a wreck of the countryside they have yet to threaten any city. Duke Steffen and Kaiser Peter are both marching south, to be reinforced as I can manage.

In Outremer the Byzantines made some slow motions towards Adana, but the road north is still clear and the men at Edessa are still evidently deadlocked over their plans. On the whole, matters are still quiet, and the conversion of the populace of Nicosia is proceeding apace.

Diplomatic Report

There is little to report on this front, as our enemies remain our enemies, and our allies remain our allies. Negotiations with the Russians regarding a ceasefire fell through again, and the English declined to exchange military access or come back into the war against the French.

Our spy has caught his first sight of the second Mongol invasion. I have thus far ordered him to keep his distance, and I am open to any suggestions about how best to approach this fresh enemy. Near Zagreb one of our experienced agents was lost attempting an action against a Hungarian noble, while a second spy has made his way into the city of Rennes. These actions have earned our great Kaiser something of a reputation, or so rumor from less well led nations has it.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R8oQtHXaaNI/AAAAAAAAJ10/X5u6IEOqTy8/s800/0082.jpg

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R8oQunXaaOI/AAAAAAAAJ18/7EuKjz_W7Is/s800/0083.jpg

The Office of the Exchequer

Army upkeep jumped substantially this season, and income fell slightly due to the large number of cities under siege or with trade routes cut. As such, there are only twenty seven thousand florins available to be spent, but the armies of the Reich are well equipped and strong. A Teuonic Knight's Chapter House was accepted at the city of Prague despite the siege, per Lord Becker's request. I have extended my personal thanks to the Teutons for all their recent aid and expansion in our cities, and I would encourage all nobles of the Reich to do the same.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R8oQrnXaaMI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/2rF1QQ-i9WM/s800/0081.jpg

The Physician's Office

This department is closed and funding is cut off until such time as there should be a new plague. Praise God, the Reich is free of plague! (I think I figured the mechanism out here, if the captain of a sick stack comes from a company that is too small to lose men to the plague then those men can't get well, even when the rest of the stack does. Having a general in command seems to fix this, I think.)

The War Office

I believe the armies of Outremer are positioned to prepare for an offensive. God willing those fools at Edessa will never sort out their issues, and thus one man commanding the passes at Adana could defend all of our southerly holdings. The Egyptian attack against Jerusalem is worrying, but not of great concern as the Pope has two large armies in the region and Egypt is still fighting the Turks. If Viceroy Matthias could move to hold Adana and Andreas von Salzgitter could head north to Caesarea then the Byzantines will face a difficult situation indeed.

The situation in Bavaria reveals the shocking incompetence of Sicilian leadership, as they clearly feared to send any of their precious few remaining nobles into our lands and their captains act as though they have no plan at all. When the Duke and the Kaiser arrive I expect they and Hermann Steffen will be able to go on the offensive easily. Marsellies's land trade is still blocked by rebels, but they present little threat.

Anger is still under siege in Swabia with two of her finest generals trapped within, but Count Ruppel now has free action from Caen and could aid in the lifting of the siege if necessary. A small French army has sieged the fort north of Paris, but this is of little consequence. I believe Count von Bohmen will be able to proceed with the siege of Bruges this season where the French are cut off and unable to get reinforcements. To the south it is much to be hoped that one of Swabia's generals will volunteer to strike out to defend the rest of the Duchy.

In Franconia Prince Stenkil will soon meet his doom, and I expect the Russians will quit shuffling around and lay siege to Hamburg soon, requiring Prinz Dieter to choose whether to conduct the defense from within the walls or without. I am sure Madgeburg will be held even if Duke Dieter does not wish to sally.

In Austria Duke Arnold must again decide whether to go north or south, while Max Zirn must decide if he will attempt to force the Hungarians to cross the bridge near Vienna under fire, or let them advance as they will. Hopefully Lord Becker has sufficient men now to drive off the Poles from Prague and start to take advantage of the Teutons now there.

The offensive season will open as soon as I free myself from Arhus, in the mean time here is the situation:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1374-1.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Taking the save for Arhus!

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 04:18

Prince Stenkil is dead, of course, and I have purchased some mercenary ships and set sail for Stockholm. The offensive season is open, regional recommendations will be up soon.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1374-2.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Arhus has cannon towers! :laugh4: I had no clue. Here I am buying up guns and pikes to take on that heavy cavalry, and all I really needed to do was sit at the walls. That would've been too cheap though, so I sent all my men outside and managed to keep the towers from killing all of the Danes. Still, it wasn't much of a fight. If you sell cannon towers do they drop to ballistas, or all the way to the regular towers?

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 04:35

Regional Recommendations

Outremer:

Viceroy Matthias I believe if we construct a fort to cap the pass to Antioch and place your men at Adana we can hold back the latest Byzantine push, and then make one of our own. You would still be in range of the Iron bridge if our eastern spy should report a Byzantine or Turkish advance from that direction, but it appears to me that everything is directed at Adana at the moment.

Count von Salzgitter I would like you to take your men to Caesarea and defend from there. You won't be much closer to Iconium, but you will give the Byzantines some well deserved fear of entering the passes around Adana by threatening their rear. If you decide this is workable I will repair the walls there. Your cannon will have to be left at Adana, unfortunately, but I believe the rest of your men can make the march.

Bavaria:

Lothar Steffen I believe your men can reach the nearest Sicilian force outside Rome and call on Hermann Steffen as reinforcements (Or vice versa). Decide if the time is ripe for an assault, or if you would prefer to wait until the grand bombard and fresh Sergeant Spearmen can join you.

Kaiser Peter you're following Lothar, while Count Erlach remained at Genoa so we have someone on the ground in the north.

Austria:

Lord Becker I believe you have the resources for a successful sally now, so drive off the Poles. I will train whatever soldiers you wish at Prague, but for now I don't believe offensive actions will be possible for you.

Max Zirn if I were in your position I would attack the Hungarians and use your artillery to force them to cross the bridge against you under heavy fire. Call up the men from Vienna to aid you. I cannot imagine why Vienna is not currently under siege, but expect it to be so next season, so if you'd prefer you are welcome to try to reach the walls some other way. I suspect if you don't attack them, however, that the Hungarians will come against you during the defensive season.

Duke Arnold the Hungarians to your south are a small but very experienced army. You can, at your discretion, take them on and then march a little further north, or you can leave Hapsburg to try his hand against them with what reinforcements I can bring to him while you march on north to clear the area around Vienna and prepare for your offensive.

Franconia:

Relieve the siege of Madgeburg Duke Dieter, or await the assault.

Prinz Dieter decide if you wish to be within the walls of Hamburg or in the field. I have already sent some men south from Arhus and you are welcome to draw on the garrison there further if you'd like to attempt an offensive.

I am sailing east for Stockholm to put an end to the Danes once and for all.

Swabia:

Hugo de Cervole and Welf von Luxemburg I advise you to coordinate your actions with Count Ruppel to lift the siege of Anger. Amongst the three of you then decide who will siege Rennes, who will, with the majority of the forces available, march to attack the army southwest of Paris, and who will ride hard for the Dijon region to pick up fresh men from Staufen and retake that city.

Count von Bohmen lay siege to Bruges organizing your forces however you like. All of the men at Rheims, Antwerp, and in between are at your disposal. The French there cannot be reinforced easily, so bleed them if they sally and I will find you soldiers as needed to continue your siege.

General situation:

I would like to hear input from every concerned noble regarding this latest Mongol invasion. The Viceroy is not a young man, and it may soon be necessary to send reinforcements to Outremer if these Timurids are to be resisted.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

econ21

03-02-2008, 12:23

My Lord Chancellor,

May be I am forgetting something, but I do not believe the Diet authorised the capture of Rennes. If so, I would request that Count Ruppel relieve Angers and then Swabia will move onto a more defensive footing, consulting its many recent gains.

Your humble servant

Welf von Luxemburg

_Tristan_

03-02-2008, 12:28

Hughes de Cervole :

My Lords,

It is a shame that legislation forbids us from seizing Rennes this season.

However, it is my opinion that Welf and I are enough to deal with the remaining force of Lancelot de Bordeaux.

That should allow Count Ruppel to bring relief to either Paris or help to Von Bohmen in claiming Bruges.

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 12:54

The French have killed so many of our men and slaughtered countless of our cities, burning, raping and pillaging wherever they go. And yet we feel obliged to cease our attacks against them while they are excommunicated from our Mother Church because of a mere formality? We should strike now while their defenses are down rather than wait until the next diet and give them time to recover. It is time to remove this eyesore from His world!

AussieGiant

03-02-2008, 13:47

Lord Chancellor,

I've assessed the situation. I can't be £$%^£ed chasing these bastards around.

The Zirn's have more than enough cannon to pound the crap out of the two armies near Vienna at their leisure.

Additionally even though Hapsburg is on reserve duty he can block the army of Humer just south of me. At the very least he can hold the bridge and prevent Zagreb from being besieged once more.

I request you send me directly to Budapest and I will take it next season. Then at least they will be drawn to me like moths to a flame, rather than playing hide and seek in the forests.

My only request is that soon, my aging catapult crews are replaced by some of these new Serpentine cannon. With three of those I can push on Bran and seriously damage the Hungarian's at last.

OOC: I have a number of DFK in and around the Hungarian forces that have the peasant icon. Their stats are DFK's but something is wrong. The single unit in Budapest is an example.

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 13:59

OOC: That should only happen if someone fighting battles during the AI turn or the chancellor had a modified unit and/or buildings file that is not from KOTRfix. It can also occur if a move_character cheat is used then (especially on sieged settlements). There are of course also very rare occurences where this happens randomly. Those affected units should be disbanded (and possibly recreated) or banished to some place where they will not engage in battle to prevent any further problems from occuring.

AussieGiant

03-02-2008, 14:12

OOC: Ok good to know FH. There is nothing for me to do I assume.

IC:

£$^$£ it!! I just killed the bastard anyway and have moved on Budapest as far as I can go. There will be no formal battle report. It was short and brutal so nothing was out of the ordinary there.

Hapsburg can now hold and wait for Max Zirn to arrive after he and his brother clear Vienna. Jan will have to lead the actions until such time as Max is knighted. His brother must make sure he is a knight before sending south to meet up with Hapsburg.

save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1374-3.zip

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 14:20

OOC: Arhus has cannon towers! :laugh4: I had no clue. Here I am buying up guns and pikes to take on that heavy cavalry, and all I really needed to do was sit at the walls. That would've been too cheap though, so I sent all my men outside and managed to keep the towers from killing all of the Danes. Still, it wasn't much of a fight. If you sell cannon towers do they drop to ballistas, or all the way to the regular towers?

:egypt:

It goes down to regular towers. Still better than in MTW where you would lose the entire fort/castle structure with it.

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 15:26

Men of Swabia to address the situation at Rennes, I have been looking for a bargaining chip with the English anyway. I am fully comfortable with you performing a raid and me exchanging that province to the English for military access, as the men of Outremer have requested. If there is a legal objection to this matter then I can only ask that, rather than conquer it, we place it under a long term siege and leave the matter to be resolved by the next Chancellor.

Well done Duke Arnold, your plan sounds excellent and as soon as the Vienna region is clear I will send cannon to you at best speed. They truly are marvelous contrivances, as I've discovered with the simply bombards from Arhus, and I trust you will be pleased. You know I'm quite pleased to finally be back on the offensive in Austria, and if I can reach Stockholm soon, in Franconia too.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: I tried to use the console to remove the Grim Commander trait from Becker, but I couldn't make it work. I was reading more around and I think it's because he's in a city. However, if that caused this bug I'm sorry. I can also go through the Kotrfix reinstall again as well, but I'm starting to wonder if Broken Crescent isn't somehow incompatible with kf. Didn't try to move any characters.

I played both turns of my vanilla 1.3 hotseat campaigns and noticed no oddities. However, now when I load the KotR save now I see the generic Broken Crescent guy-with-dagger icon on DCKs and DFKs in Hungary. It's very possible that this was also true last season and I didn't notice it, but I'm sure it wasn't true of Arnold's troops.

I don't see that icon on our own or any other country's men.

:egypt:

AussieGiant

03-02-2008, 15:29

IC:

Indeed Lord Chancellor. I am looking forward to retaking Budapest next season or the one after.

OOC: It's not any Austrian troops but the Hungarian units in the area. There are a few.

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 15:36

OOC: I think I might've also trained sergeant spearmen instead of armoured sergeants in a few places, and typed it wrong in the Rec report. :embarassed: I lined up the training in the middle of making dinner for my kidlet trying to get it done quickly, and clearly that was a mistake. I apologize to anyone who got the weaker units. :wall:

:egypt:

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 16:13

OOC: Actually I trained the right units, just called them the wrong thing. I think I've been doing that for awhile. :laugh4:

:egypt:

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 16:31

I would recommend you having a separate mod folder if you play KOTR that only has the fix files in it rather than a mixture of fix and BC, as anyone without the same configuration as you may well run into incompatibility issues.

[edit]
Uploaded an incomplete KOTR mod folder onto the uploader:
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTRfix13MFVlite.zip

Two things to note before using it:
1. It does not have the imperial_campaign folder because that would inflate the size of the archive by 8.5 MB. Just copy/paste your own (vanilla) imperial_campaign folder into the campaign folder.
2. The KOTR.cfg is a copy of my own medieval2.preference.cfg. It might not work with your rig. I recommend you making a copy of your own preference file and renaming it KOTR.cfg (first deleting the existing KOTR.cfg). After doing so, add the following to the top:

[features]
mod=KOTR

You can then run M2TW with KOTRfix only using the KOTR.bat file (make sure its in your medieval2 directory. To run it via desktop, create a shortcut to the bat file and place it on your desktop, no further modification needed)

Before I forget: The KOTR folder goes into your medieval2 directory, not in your data folder. When you download save games for KOTR, they go into the KOTR\saves folder.

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 16:38

Broken Crescent does have it's own folder, unless you mean I should have two MTW2 installs. Can you be more specific? I'll set it up however recommended.

:egypt:

_Tristan_

03-02-2008, 16:42

Same here so I have some interest in the matter

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 16:46

Broken Crescent does have it's own folder, unless you mean I should have two MTW2 installs. Can you be more specific? I'll set it up however recommended.

:egypt:

If BC has its own folder, but if you load a KOTR save and see BC style units, then the particular data folder that is being loaded for KOTR saves contains BC files.
Two questions:
1. When you load a KOTR save, what do you use to run M2TW? A the suggested shortcut as per KOTRfix readme or via a modfolder?
2. If the former, you have files in your data folder other than the ones from KOTRfix, those need to go. If the latter, you may have a mixture of several different mod files. Best would be if you post a screenshot of the data folder that is loaded when you run M2TW to play KOTR.

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 17:49

I use the shortcut per the kotrfix readme. I can post a screenshot of the data folder later today. I cleaned all that stuff out and reinstalled kotrfix when we had that previous problem with unit training, but since then I installed one of the BC 'fixes' to make siege equipment more readily available to maintain compatibility with the BC hotseat guys.

I don't know for sure that this little guy is specific to BC, so I'll post a screenshot of him too. It is not the western peasant graphic that AG described though, and I've seen it in BC as a placeholder.

:egypt:

_Tristan_

03-02-2008, 18:16

I should be able to play the save tomorrow around noon (GMT+1) unless Econ wants to fight the sally at Angers or FH wants to fight it from outside the walls

Ferret

03-02-2008, 18:25

I had this problem a while back because of Stainless Steel, the solution was to make KotR fix into its own mod and in a separate folder.

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 18:42

I might help in attacking from the outside.

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 19:01

Hmmm I just had a look at the save and the problem is not from your end Ramses, and your files are just fine.

What seems to be the problem is that econ messed up giving troops to the Hungarians. He seems to have given them "Dismounted Chivalric Knights" rather than "Dismounted E Chivalric Knights" as the eastern catholic factions have this extra letter in the unit variables.

It shouldn't be game breaking from what I can see (he made the same mistake in Outremer during the cataclysm with Turcopoles).

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 19:55

Angers has been relieved and Rennes is now held by Imperial troops my lords.
Our spies have done good work in opening the gates while the craven Lancelot de Bordeaux fled to the supposed safety of the city walls.

Given that the city was inhabited purely by Imperial turncoats and French heathens, the place has been ransacked to compensate for the loss of Imperial lives, to pay for the reparations of several of our cities and most importantly, to allow construction in Swabia. About 23,000 florins have entered our treasury this way and a further 6,000 from the destruction of a vile Coaching House and a Master Thieves Guild. The ransom of the French besieging Angers netted another 2,400 florins.

The city is ready to be handed to whomever the chancellor wishes, now that it has been purified.

That said, I wish that with the newly acquired funds, all ordered construction in Swabia and the Imperial province of Angers be performed and several of our city structures be repaired. Garrisons and armies are to be bolstered.

If the chancellor objects to my wishes, I would like to know before the end of the offensive season.

Save: http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1374-4.zip

https://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2834/001yw6.jpg
https://img230.imageshack.us/img230/3936/002fp5.jpg
https://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9167/003bj0.jpg
https://img230.imageshack.us/img230/5365/004px6.jpg

Ferret

03-02-2008, 20:07

Congratulations gentlemen, now you are making real progress, this rapid expansion surpasses anything the Reich has done before. Swabia truly owns some of the greatest Generals of the World.

Ramses II CP

03-02-2008, 20:39

OOC: I'm glad it wasn't me. :sweatdrop: I hate not knowing what I'm doing. :laugh4:

IC: Spectacular news Count Ruppel! I am very pleased with the capture of Rennes, and as requested I will spend those captured florins in the Duchy of Swabia. I would be grateful if you could update your requests as far as construction, as I believe many of the previous requests have been met or are no longer possible, as at Dijon.

Once Bruges is under siege I believe I will be fair in declaring Swabia a success and under control, and next season I will shift my focus to another region. With Duke Arnold's impending offensive and the trouble around Vienna and Prague Austria makes a strong case for being next on the list.

I am well aware there are many difficult battles still remaining in Swabia and the great generals of the Duchy will not lack for funds, I assure you, but France has essentially been carved in twain and their economic bases have mostly been taken.

Has there been any discussion of who will take on what task among the Swabians? My instinct is to give Count Ruppel the majority of the available forces and eventually send him east, towards that army near Paris, while Hugo de Cervole rides south for Bordeaux, with the assistance of his spy ally, and Welf von Luxemburg takes some cavalry and rides hard to to collect reinforcements from Staufen and reclaim Dijon.

The turn around in Swabia has been nothing short of remarkable gentlemen, and you are all to be congratulated.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

econ21

03-02-2008, 21:42

What seems to be the problem is that econ messed up giving troops to the Hungarians. He seems to have given them "Dismounted Chivalric Knights" rather than "Dismounted E Chivalric Knights" as the eastern catholic factions have this extra letter in the unit variables.

It shouldn't be game breaking from what I can see (he made the same mistake in Outremer during the cataclysm with Turcopoles).

Oops, sorry about that. What I think will happen is that the knights will be annoyingly invisible on the battlefield. Hungarian ninja knights, I guess. I can create a fix for it if someone is going to do battle with them.

AussieGiant

03-02-2008, 21:56

Just how invincible are you talking Econ? :inquisitive:

There are a few of them in the various stacks in the Austrian front.

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 22:24

He said invisible not invincible :tongue2:

FactionHeir

03-02-2008, 22:45

Requests are as follows:

Staufen:
Drill Square
Retrain Teutons, disband town militia

Bern:
Alchemists Lab

Metz:
Blacksmith

Rheims:
Blacksmith

Paris:
Repairs, Armourer

Caen:
Jousting Lists

Antwerp:
Blacksmith

As Angers and Rennes are Imperial, I do not feel it proper to submit orders for them. With the remaining funds, you are free to spend them either locally or in Franconia and Austria, who need it most.

AussieGiant

03-02-2008, 22:52

He said invisible not invincible :tongue2:

OOC: I clearly miss read it :clown:

IC:

Is it now policy for nobles to be able to submit build queue "requests" whenever the mood strikes them...or have I been missing something over the last few decades?

And by all means Chancellor, it would be so kind kind of you to divert some of Count Ruppel's funds to Austria when you have the chance...I would be most pleased.

_Tristan_

03-03-2008, 09:18

Hughes de Cervole :

Chancellier,

Seeing how I bloodied Angers besiegers the first time round, I thought I deserved the right and honor to finish them off but it seems that was denied...

Now, as to what I want to do, I will leave Swabia in the very capable hands of Duke Ruppel and head east with all haste to Marseille where I hope you will see fit for a boat to be commissioned so that I can go to Outremer and help preserve Jerusalem and our holdings from the approaching hordes...

France is all but destroyed, my hunger for vengeance sated now, all that remains to me are my vows as a Templar to protect the Holy Land...

I hope Viceroy Steffen and Count von Salzgitter will welcome the little help I will be able to provide...

AussieGiant

03-03-2008, 09:22

Arnold:

Excellent!! Can someone show me the diet proceedings where von Salza named Ruppel Duke? I clearly missed that section.

Just a formality I know, but I'm such a stickler for correctness.

_Tristan_

03-03-2008, 09:24

Hughes de Cervole :

Be assured, Duke Arnold that there were no such proceedings but I thought that seeing how Count Ruppel had taken for himself the governing of Swabia then he surely must be Duke by now...

AussieGiant

03-03-2008, 09:30

Arnold:

Yes well fair enough really...if your running the show then you should surely assume the title.

I'd say I'm in line for the throne quite soon based on that logic.

I'll contact Peter down in Italy and let him know what's happening.

_Tristan_

03-03-2008, 09:43

Hughes de Cervole :

I see we both are masters at irony, Duke Arnold...

AussieGiant

03-03-2008, 11:01

Arnold:

"Master"...it's such a poor explanation of our skills.

I'd say we rank on the "global grand master" level at least.

Ramses II CP

03-03-2008, 15:50

Sir de Cervole your desire to join our holy mission in Outremer is noble and I will send you in that direction in all haste. Unfortunately there are a great many French armies between you and our nearest southern port.

Regarding Count Ruppel's requests, my position as Chancellor is simple, the more victories and florins you produce the more leeway you get to ask favors. If the Duke of Swabia does not object then I take his silence for assent. As with the capture of Rennes and Anger if there is a legalistic objection to be made that is a matter for the lawyers, and I will heed the letter of the law as long as it does not impede our advances in the field.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: Re: The trip to Outremer, does he actually have to take a ship? I hate to say it, but unless there's some horrible tragedy (Trial anyone?) we'll probably be very close to the victory condition by the time de Cervole arrives. I don't really expect the Timurids to be all that much trouble, since we can hold some very good positions pretty easily.

:egypt:

_Tristan_

03-03-2008, 16:20

OOC: Re: The trip to Outremer, does he actually have to take a ship? I hate to say it, but unless there's some horrible tragedy (Trial anyone?) we'll probably be very close to the victory condition by the time de Cervole arrives. I don't really expect the Timurids to be all that much trouble, since we can hold some very good positions pretty easily.

OOC : Whatever... I really don't care... I may even remain in France if it helps finishing France off... Or you might even send me where needed on the front... All I want is to see some action before it is taken out of my hands...

TinCow

03-03-2008, 18:28

Apologies for my tardiness on 1374. I will take a look at the save (and fight if I decide to) when I get home this evening.

TinCow

03-04-2008, 01:24

Chancellor,

My army is too tired to lead the assault on the Sicilians this year. We have moved nearby, though, and would be able to support my son, Herrmann, if his army led the attack. Since he will have to be in command of the leading force, the decision of whether or not to attack this year should be left up to him.

Lothar

(OOC: Lothar runs out of movement points right next to the Sicilians and can't attack. Herrmann can jump out of the city and attack, drawing Lothar in as reinforcements. If GH wants to do that, he can fight the battle.)

Ramses II CP

03-04-2008, 02:15

Understood Lothar Steffen.

Hermann Steffen may God grant you victory. You are by no means required to fight, but consider that if you do not the two Sicilian forces near you may reunite and be all the more difficult to take on.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: I'll find you some fights Tristan. Do you want to sack Bordeaux or Toulouse along the way to Marsellies? Unless we have an actual in character legal objection to the ongoing conquest of the French Fritz is going to ignore the law and smash our enemies at any cost.

:egypt:

GeneralHankerchief

03-04-2008, 02:21

All right, I'm going to take a look at things.

Taking the save.

GeneralHankerchief

03-04-2008, 02:34

Herrmann Steffen:

Chancellor,

Considering the makeup of my forces is mostly unexperienced militia and the Sicilians have fine troops, I do not believe that me leading the attack would make very much of a dent in the opposing force at all, thus forcing my father to fight them pretty much on equal ground. It is my belief that my force will only be effective either in city defense or in support of a better-trained force.

In the name of prudence and army preservation, I will refrain from attacking this campaign season and suggest that you move my father in support of Rome (and the Kaiser as well, I presume) to put them in position to take the lead in driving back the Sicilians next season.

Ramses II CP

03-04-2008, 02:38

I will make it so.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Zim

03-04-2008, 04:17

Chancellor, at our last communication the Viceroy seemed to think I should stay at Adana while he moved towards Caesara. Either way works with me, and will serve Outremer equally.

Ramses II CP

03-04-2008, 05:14

Hmm, the trouble with this is that the Byzantines will block the passes before Viceroy Matthias can make it to the northern citadel... at least I believe so, the matter may be close. I am comfortable with either solution if they are equally workable. I know you are anxious to see combat in the field Count von Salzgitter, and I expect the offensive will be launched from Caesarea rather than Adana.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

Zim

03-04-2008, 05:58

The Viceroy has decided that your reccommended course is the wisest, Chancellor, so I will march north to *Caesara. You read me correctly, although I have tried to submit my desires to the good of Outremer, I do indeed hope to fight again in an open field battle.

* Well, you'll move Andreas there, I assume, although I could take the save and do it. :clown:

Warluster

03-04-2008, 08:46

I wish to announce I am still in the position of Duke. Count RUppel can remain as Count; for now.

_Tristan_

03-04-2008, 09:10

OOC: I'll find you some fights Tristan. Do you want to sack Bordeaux or Toulouse along the way to Marsellies? Unless we have an actual in character legal objection to the ongoing conquest of the French Fritz is going to ignore the law and smash our enemies at any cost.

Fine with me... I'll go along with that plan :2thumbsup:

AussieGiant

03-04-2008, 14:08

OOC: Warluster...it's Arnold right not me :beam: :egypt:

Arnold:

Good God, did someone here something.....

...yes I believe that was something...

the dulcet tones of the Swabian Duke if I'm not mistaken.

Come to join in with the rest of us??

...good to hear Count Ruppel is still a count...

I'd hate to have to change the way we deal with promotion here in the Reich. That would be awfully hard to deal with if a man could just call himself Duke and then lead a Duchy.

Ramses II CP

03-04-2008, 16:36

There are two gentlemen I would still especially like to hear from this season, Duke Dieter at Madgeburg and Lord Becker at Prague, let me remind both of these nobles that their facilities will see no training if they remain under siege. Max Zirn at Vienna can take the field at his discretion. (Not trying to rush anyone, just want to keep things moving)

Lord Becker your situation is especially troubling. I was never convinced of your loyalty to the Kaiser, nor of your intent of following through with this sham trial, and I have repeatedly warned you that my own claim to the Bohemian and the subject or subjects of your trial is superior. I am now increasingly convinced that your true masters have commanded you to draw this process out so that my Chancellorship comes to an end before they declare themselves.

This is a wise course for them, but I will not simply sit back and allow it to happen. I will give you one more chance to conduct this affair as you wish, and if you have not brought it to a satisfactory conclusion by the end of next season I will march to Prague and take the Bohemian and your own personage into custody for a trial of my own.

(OOC: I know you've got RL time considerations Cecil, but I think Fritz has to see things from a certain perspective IC. Even if Fritz takes you 'into custody' Becker's life won't be threatened, but if it goes to PvP it's all in the hands of the gm gods, natch. :laugh4: )

Let all of those who still struggle to draw the shadows up around themselves take note, before I surrender my powers you will be drawn forth.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt: