Orders and reports thread

[Ramses II CP]

Duke Dieter you were never the subject of my wrath, you were just a pawn of the von Hamburg wench's scheme. In any case, I had thought that matter long settled? If you wish to raise it again now my list is growing long, but I can place you somewhere on it and we can both find satisfaction.

Even so, I am pleased to hear that you might be willing side against the Kaiser killers. What a wonderfully honorable stand to take.

And now insults... as though there could be a more damaging insult that the cold blooded murder of my brother? Speak whatever words you like, if justice isn't done my speech will come in the field.

Nevertheless Duke Arnold if Siegfried's butchers are the poodles their cowering makes them seem I will take great pleasure in doing the pounding.

edit: Okay, moving to the Diet thread. Still seems strange, but all this communication is sort of OOC assumed to happen 'somewhere' eh?
Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[Warluster]

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

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

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

Good to know you recognise me; half the time you can't recognise your own House.




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

Have you had any problems with Count Ruppel?



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.

Your either complaining about me; or about Count Ruppel. Either way it's not appreciated, Arnold. Let me remind you of the rebellions within your own land... and the rebels you supported during the Civil War.

Both of them.

OOC: Yes I understand. (:bigcry: ) j/k.

[Ramses II CP]

(OOC: EF, Cecil, I'd appreciate it if you would check in and let me know if you want to sally this season. Things will move forward as soon as I've heard from them.)

:egypt:

[FactionHeir]

How we doing for deadline?

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: I'm trying to be lax on a deadline because Cecil has a lot on his plate, and the IC repercussions of having OOC time limits could be pretty serious. If I don't get a response in ~12 hours I'll move forward with what we have, but in all odds that will put the burden right back on EF and Cecil, as their sieges are likely to proceed to assaults in the defensive season.

:egypt:

[FactionHeir]

Easier to defend a castle anyway, so you could move forward and have them take their battles then?

[_Tristan_]

I'm also all for it... As long as it doesn't put them in jeopardy, I mean..

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: Well sure, easier to defend, but then they get no training, and the Polish lay siege again immediately like they have every year for about 30 turns. If we can't train troops at Madgeburg or Prague, only defend the ground we hold, there will never be an advance on that front. So if we're going that route, again, I'd like to hear EF and Cecil say we're going that route. There's also the issue that Fritz threatened Becker in character, and Cecil hasn't had a chance to respond in character, so as Fritz's player I want to try to be as fair and reasonable as possible.

:egypt:

[Ferret]

yeah I'd rather fight from behind the walls, I'm useless at sallies :(

[TinCow]

While we are on the subject of Franconians refusing to confront the enemy, would it be indescreet of me to ask whether our dear, beloved Kaiser has any plans on contributing his men to the defense of the Reich? As he is surely aware, from following my arse for these past several years, there have been many occassions for him to aid his people, yet he has consistently failed to do so. Since he has a large army with him and there is currently something of an infestation of Sicilians around his own city of Rome, might it be too much to ask that the Kaiser lift but a single finger to defend his own damned property?

[gibsonsg91921]

OOC: Whoa, chief, that's not my fault. If Ramses moves me to fight, that's what he does. If he keeps me out, I can't stop that. I thought the idea of following you was so I would fight in battles with you too.

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: Okay, I've been operating under the assumption that the Kaiser would be reluctant to fight a battle under Duke Steffen's command, and since Gibson is unable to fight I'm keeping him away from the front while reinforcing his army. If a player is unavailable I keep them out of action as much as possible.

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

The offensive season is closed. I'm pushing forward with the situation as it is, and may God have mercy on the men of Prague and Madgeburg.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: I will stop at the attack on Prague, assuming there is an assault there, until there's some kind of definite answer about how the next season and the story will proceed.

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

1376 Recruitment and Construction Report (End of Season Report)

Once again it was a season primarily of consolidation, as many cities of the Reich came under siege. In Swabia Count Ruppel attacked Lancelot de Nevers from behind and drove him away from the walls of Anger all the way back to Rennes. The Count followed him there and captured that city in the name of the Reich, thus freeing Welf von Luxemburg to ride south at best speed to recapture Dijon with men from Staufen and the surrounding area. Hugo de Cervole remained at Anger to equip his guards with superior weapons, while behind the front line Ludwig von Bohmen brought a large army, though mainly militia, to besiege the French garrison at Bruges. He will be reinforced significantly next season to permit him to carry forward the assault.

In Austria Duke Arnold crushed another Hungarian army, while Jan and Max Zirn bled some Hungarians across the river north of Vienna, but were unable to prevent them crossing and had to fall back into the forest west of that city. Prague remains under siege, and Breslau belongs again to Poland.

In Bavaria the Sicilians are utterly disorganized, so Hermann Steffen and his father patiently determined to wait for a better opportunity to strike. In Outremer the Byzantines seem to be preparing for a strike against Adana, where Matthias the Mighty has once again taken up residence, after constructing a fort to guard the eastern pass. Count von Salzgitter rode on to Caesarea with his army, constructing a fort near the ford west of that citadel to guard the northern approach. Any Byzantine advance must now deal with the Count first or risk being take from both sides and utterly wiped out.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R8-HDMmCq8I/AAAAAAAAJ5A/aRcs8iVc5I0/s800/0018.jpg

To the east of Outremer our spy made contact with four armies from this fresh Mongol threat, and began to assess their strength. There was quite a quantity of elephants with these Timurids. So far as I know there are no men serving the Reich who have experienced battling elephants, so they may pose a problem in the field.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R8-HEsmCq9I/AAAAAAAAJ5I/zHIIgLJzav8/s800/0019.jpg

Franconia was quiet, as I discovered Arhus to be virtually impregnable, Prinz Dieter arrived in Hamburg ahead of the Russians, and Duke Dieter was once again besieged at Madgeburg.

On the diplomatic front a long term goal for Outremer was met, as the English accepted the city of Rennes, promises to attack the rebels and Sicilians, and a small quantity of florins over five seasons in exchange for mutual military access between our nations. Relations went to perfect on the completion of the exceptionally generous offer.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R8-HAsmCq7I/AAAAAAAAJ44/vo6_DkAuQYk/s800/0006.jpg

Construction was limited to repairs and spending the funds earned by Count Ruppel primarily as he directed. Only at Metz was I forced to reconsider the necessity of constructing a facility to improve the armor of the men in a city which can only train town militia. I spent that money instead at Anger, to wit:

Paris: Conducted extensive repairs and constructed an Armourer
Staufen: Drill Square
Caen: Jousting Lists
Anger: Jousting Lists
Antwerp: Blacksmith
Bern: Alchemist's Lab
Rheims: Blacksmith

Additionally the citadel at Caesarea was repaired.

There were some disbandments of small or ineffecient companies across the Reich, specifically the smallest mercenary companies at Caen and Anger, the Town Militia at Staufen as requested, and a portion of the army of Duke Dieter (To entice the Poles to attack, otherwise they're just going to sit there and trap you). Recruitment was extensive, as usual:

Swabia
Bern: trained 2 Forlorn Hope, retrained 1 Forlorn Hope
Staufen: trained 1 Feudal Knights, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights, retrained 1 Teutonic Knights
Rheims: trained 1 Halberd militia, retrained 1 Crossbow militia, 1 Spear militia
Metz is fully garrisoned and saw no training.
Antwerp: trained 3 Handgunners to act as heavy infantry for Count von Bohmen at Bruges
Paris: trained 1 Spear militia, retrained 1 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia
Caen: trained 2 Dismounted Feudal Knights, 1 Armoured Sergeants
Anger: trained 1 Reiters, 1 Feudal Knights, retrained Sir de Cervole's guardsmen

Franconia
Frankfurt: trained 1 Spear militia, 2 Crossbow militia
Hamburg: trained 1 Forlorn Hope
Arhus: retrained 1 Crossbow militia, 1 Arquebusiers, 1 Pike militia
Madgeburg saw no training due to siege

Austria
Vienna: trained 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Serpentine, 1 Bombard
Zagreb: trained 1 Spear militia, 1 Town militia
Ragusa: trained 1 Armoured Sergeants, 1 Feudal Knights, retrained 1 Zweihanders
Prague saw no training due to siege
Venice is fully garrisoned and saw no training

Bavaria
Palermo: trained 3 Armoured Sergeants
Naples: trained 3 Crossbow militia
Rome: retrained 1 Crossbow militia, 2 Merchant Cavalry militia
Florence saw no training
Bologna: trained 1 Spear militia
Milan: retrained 1 Crossbow militia
Genoa: trained 1 Spear militia, 1 Crossbow militia
Marsellies is fully garrisoned and saw no training
Innsbruck: trained 2 Feudal Knights, retrained 1 Teutonic Knights
Nurmeburg: trained 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Spear militia, 1 Town militia

Outremer
Caesarea: retrained 1 Feudal Knights, 1 Armoured Sergeants, 1 Pavise Crossbowmen
Adana: trained 3 Armoured Sergeants
Antioch: trained merchant, priest, diplomat
Nicosia saw no training
Acre: trained 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Armoured Sergeants, priest

The first defensive engagement of the season is at Prague, where Lord Becker stands under siege with substantial reinforcements outside the city to aid him.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1374-6.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[Cecil XIX]

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1374-7.zip

OOC: That was much easier than I thought it would be. In order to make room for the reinforcements, (most of which I didn't even use) I sent out all the heavily depleted units in a suicide mission against the ram. The did enough damage that the AI decided to abandon attacting the gate and instead focused claiming the walls through towers and ladders. Is that a normal reaction? If so, it would explain why people seem to favor a sally against the ram as the only way to start a siege defense.

[AussieGiant]

OOC: Yes that is the preferred method because the AI doesn't reengage the ram with other troops...normally.

[Ferret]

Poels have been beaten again:
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/395/kotr1hb8.th.jpg (https://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kotr1hb8.jpg)

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1374-8.rar

[Ramses II CP]

Chancellor's Report, 1376

1374 saw success against the French, as the siege of Anger was thrown off and the city of Rennes captured by Count Ruppel. The city was then used to win military access rights from the English, though they still refuse to come back into the war with the French. Welf von Luxemburg rode east to attempt to link up with a fresh army which is gathering for him west of Staufen to reclaim Dijon. Hugo de Cervole retrained his guardsmen and is now ready to assault the French citadel at Bordeaux. Ludwig von Bohmen has assembled two mighty armies at the walls of Bruges, though both are mainly comprised of militia soldiers, and is hopefully prepared to assault that city as our agents have lost contact with the large French army north of Paris. They may be in range to reinforce Bruges next season if the assault there does not proceed.

Prague and Madgeburg both threw back Polish assaults. Prinz Dieter is now under siege at Hamburg, while the Russians are advancing on Madgeburg and the Danes are making another attempt at Arhus. Vienna is surrounded by Hungarian armies, but not yet under siege.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFaLIzQ7I/AAAAAAAAKGw/CbXlJ72Cj_0/s800/0005.jpg

Max Zirn and Duke Arnold are both in range to relieve the city, but there are greater concerns now, as the Venetians have marched north to threaten Ragusa once again. Count von Hapsburg is marching south to attempt to hold the citadel.

In Bavaria the situation is nearly unchanged. The Sicilians are wandering the countryside harassing our peasants and disrupting our trade, but they clearly fear to lay siege to German cities. Duke Steffen and Count Steffen are in position to attack two of the Sicilian invading armies.

Outremer sees the advance of the Byzantines and the retreat of the Turks, though neither has laid siege to any of our holdings. Viceroy Matthias and Count von Salzgitter are in position to trap and eliminate two armies of Byzantines if they can coordinate their actions.

Diplomatic Report

Achieving mutual military access with the English should make future offensives in Outremer easier. Also in Outremer a diplomat has taken up position near Jerusalem and negotiated trade rights with Pope Pierus. Unfortunately the Papacy declined to consider an alliance or an exchange of maps, and further negotiations appear difficult.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFhrIzRAI/AAAAAAAAKHc/T_F6Eszq-BA/s800/0011.jpg

The Pope also reports, unfortunately, that the Hungarians are reconciled. It was unclear if their King had passed away or if they simply bought a return to favor.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFVLIzQ4I/AAAAAAAAKGY/y6Rs6U7_PtQ/s800/0001.jpg

I do not know how such things are measured, but the Reich's scholars report, as one might expect, that we are the mightiest nation in the known world.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFWrIzQ5I/AAAAAAAAKGg/29qlFY8rdjg/s800/0003.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFYbIzQ6I/AAAAAAAAKGo/K4WScVg0eMo/s800/0004.jpg

Our spy in Turkish lands has reported that there are two more Timurid armies seeking to link up with the rest of their armies.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFbrIzQ8I/AAAAAAAAKG4/E867bMxFq10/s800/0006.jpg

In Swabia our excellent spy team reports that they are certain to be able to open the gates of Bordeaux, and Sir de Cervole will be able to make his assault against the weak garrison at any time.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFdLIzQ9I/AAAAAAAAKHA/kCeZnKQf_Do/s800/0007.jpg

Southwest of Dijon a French noble has suffered a hunting accident, leaving his powerful army leaderless.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFe7IzQ-I/AAAAAAAAKHM/W85_0-XeDgk/s800/0008.jpg

The Office of the Exchequer

Army upkeep is up once again as all fronts are consolidating and gearing up for offensives. If the battles progress as I expect them to these numbers will be reduced next season. As a result, however, there are only twenty thousand florins available for spending this season. The Assassin's Guild had the termerity to approach me about building a guild house in Antwerp. Their offer was declined with prejudice.

The Physician's Office

This department remains closed, praise God!

The War Office

The Hungarians somehow snuck one of their nobles across our lands to reinforce the small army they have been marching through Bavaria. The garrison of Milan nonetheless struck out and drove the Hungarians back into France again.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R9QFgbIzQ_I/AAAAAAAAKHU/hx78z30GPyE/s800/0010.jpg

In Outremer the Byzantines have advanced to the walls of Adana, but declined to lay siege. A second Byzantine army is marching through the passes south of Caesarea, and a third is to the west. Viceroy Matthias faces a difficult battle, but reinforcements are available in the form of cavalry from near Antioch and two additional companies of crossbowmen aboard the ships south of Adana. Count von Salzgitter also faces a difficult potential battle, should he choose to strike out from Caesarea, but if he can coordinate his action with the Viceory they can take the Byzantines on both sides and utterly annihilate them, presuming the Viceroy wishes to attack the army near Adana first.

The Sicilians in Bavaria are truly the terror of the peasants. They appear to be ransacking some of the poor villages and interdicting trade, but for all their awesome military power in the region they have no desire to confront a true army of the Reich. I expect Duke Steffen, Count Steffen, and Kaiser Peter will crush them in short order. The rebels at Marsellies remain, but do nothing to threaten the city.

The Swabians who gathered to participate in the crusade together have once again gone their seperate ways. Sir von Luxemburg is riding east with just his guardsmen, and may have difficulty reaching his new army northwest of Bern. Sir de Cervole stands ready to assault Bordeaux. Count Ruppel has many forces at his disposal in the Caen and Anger regions, he has only to coordinate them into the army he desires and march east to seek the French force that vanished north of Paris. The militia garrison of that city is available to him as scouts to locate the French and determine if he wishes to attempt to engage them this season. Count von Bohmen should make his assault on Bruges and return his city to the Reich.

In Franconia I am nearing Stockholm to exterminate the Danish rats once and for all. I suspect once I cut their supply lines their armies in the field will collapse. Prinz Dieter is trapped inside Hamburg, while Duke Dieter now has free movement, but is facing a powerful Russian army north of Madgeburg.

Austria's long border is once again working against her, as there are threats on every front and insufficient nobles to meet them. Duke Arnold and Max Zirn are in the center, facing the Hungarians, while Lord Becker is at Prague, but without sufficient forces to strike out against the Poles. To the south Count von Hapsburg is marching south in some haste to attempt a defense of Ragusa, where stalling tactics may be necessary to delay the Venetian advance.

The offensive season is now open:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1376.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[FactionHeir]

Chancellor, I have decided that an assault on the French army hiding in the woods would be folly with a divided and battered force. As such, I have moved into Caen and exchange several regiments with Angers to create a force capable of striking out at the French the following season.

May I suggest that for this season, following be retrained at Caen?
1: 33 Free company longbows
2: 8 Pavise crossbows
3: Feudal Footknights

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1376-1.zip

[Ramses II CP]

I believe that is the same decision I would have made Count Ruppel. Training will proceed as you have outlined.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

Regional Recommendations (Recommendations will proceed IC as though I have no idea the game is ending in 2 turns. Same with reports, etc.)

Outremer:

Viceroy Matthias I would advise you to choose your ground carefully for any potential attack on the Byzantines. That army is quite powerful and the region around Adana quite flat. Seek higher ground is my advice, that and bring forward your cavalry near Antioch.

Count von Salzgitter I advise the same to you. Take advantage of the high ground around the enemy army and position your troops such that your cannon can force the Byzantines to assault a difficult position.

Bavaria:

Duke Steffen, Count Steffen, and Kaiser Peter are encouraged to coordinate their actions to eliminate the two northern Sicilian armies near Rome. Any soldiers from anywhere in Bavaria that can be brought to bear, including any that the ships might bring from Palermo, are at your disposal gentlemen, in any configuration or order you desire. The militia soldiers at Naples might also provide some aid, especially in the second engagement.

Austria:

Congratulations on holding the walls of Prague again Lord Becker. I advise you to maintain your position and send me word of how you would like your men reorganized to fit the maximum quantity of them within the walls. If Vienna can be held your cannon crews could be retrained there, but they should be sent south now if you desire this. Also the experienced professional infantry could be retrained, but you must send them north towards Madgeburg if you desire this.

Duke Arnold you face a difficult choice. Ragusa is threatened behind you, Vienna is under heavy assault, and Budapest lies open to your attack with the catapults. You can personally oversee only one movement, but with a minor split in your forces it should be possible to capture Budapest under a reliable captain and assault the Hungarians south of Vienna. I am also amenable to sending Max Zirn south with only cavalry to try to reinforce Count von Hapsburg's defense of Ragusa and point south. In any case keeping Austria whole will be a difficult proposition at this point.

Max Zirn coordinate with your Duke whether he wishes you to make an attempt against the army west of Vienna or to rush south to aid Count von Hapsburg.

Franconia:

Prinz Dieter if you believe there is profit in a sally, then strike forth against the Russians. The garrison of Arhus is at your disposal in that effort, should you wish to bring some of them south. Otherwise await their assault.

Duke Dieter I advise you to remain at Madgeburg. If Tancred von Tyrolia is feeling ready to make a foray out towards Breslau that would please me, but after so long laying about the fort it seems unlikely.

I will see off the Danes as quickly as possible.

Swabia:

Welf von Luxemburg if you have precise instructions on your positioning I will bring them about, otherwise I will attempt to find you a position from which you could assault Dijon with your new troops next season.

Count von Bohmen assault Bruges. Use your reinforcements however you wish, but retake that city!

Count Ruppel I have your requests and they will be met.

Sir de Cervole assault Bordeaux. Our spies will then check the terrain ahead of you and determine the best way to get you aboard a ship for Outremer.

General Strategy:

If there are any suggestions for how to keep Austria whole I am listening for them. The threat at Ragusa is substantial, and Max Zirn's unexpected coming of age at Nuremburg has left Austria in danger of losing her primary training facility just as I was planning an offensive there. I do not mean to impugn Count von Hapsburg, but I doubt he has the resources he would need to bring home victory.

The Timurid threat has also lain undiscussed. I would be pleased to hear any input on the matter.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[_Tristan_]

Hughes de Cervole :

Concerning the Timurid threat, as soon as I reach Outremer and if Viceroy Steffen sees fit to lend or train me some troops, I will take station on a bridge or pass on the Timurids path to interdict access to the Reich's holdings in Outremer.

Their numbers forbid that we meet them in the field but I hope that we could hold them in close quarters.

[Zim]

The Timurids appear to be quite fierce, but by my count they are significantly outclassed both in numbers and in quality (chevrons) by our more mundane enemies in Outremer. I believe a spy of the Reich reports one of their armies already being all but destroyed (one of their stacks within range of our spy in the east is small enough I'm guessing it was on the losing end of a battle).

Sir de Corvole, for my part I believe these "new Mongols" among the least of our problems in Outremer, but welcome your aid concerning them and the many other armies bearing down on our little Kingdom.

OOC: Taking the save. Timurids really do look puny next to all of those superstacks in our region. :clown:

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: Actually I think they always spawn with one short stack, and it's usually the Khan's stack. Not sure why that is, but it's how I generally start the war, by taking out the mini-stack.

I think they'll fight the Byzantines at Edessa, after they gather the rest of the Horde, which hasn't entered yet, but there are no guarantees.

:egypt:

[Zim]

OOC: So no battles for them yet. If we were going more than two more turns I'd hope they and our other enemies thin eachother out a bit.

I find it amusing that even once all their stacks spawn, there will still be more Byzzie and other stacks than there are in the "horde". :clown:

[Zim]

RIP Andreas.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1376-2.zip

[OverKnight]

Taking the save. :evil:

[OverKnight]

Belay that, I can't get the damn reinforcements to come in. Without them it's hopeless.

:furious3:

[Zim]

What happened? It looked like my men could march that far south, even with the cannons. :yes:


Belay that, I can't get the damn reinforcements to come in. Without them it's hopeless.

:furious3:

[OverKnight]

Suffice it to say I ran into a combination of technical and AI issues that I'd rather not recount.

Plus I'd be a moron anyway for attacking.

[_Tristan_]

Taking save

[_Tristan_]

Bordeaux is French no more...

Not a single German life was lost taking the Citadel.

The sacking of the French treasury vaults provided for 15162 florins.

I would ask the Chancellor to invest half of that sum into training and building in Swabia and use the remnant in furthering the efforts of our fellow Swabian von Salzgitter in Outremer.

Furthermore, seeing how the route east from Bordeaux would not allow me to reach the sea, I will march south through the Pyrénées heading for Zaragoza and will ask our spy Merowinger to scout the road ahead.

I will leave the reiters as garrison in Bordeaux and shall march south alone.

Save is here :

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1376-3.rar

[AussieGiant]

Exactly when the bloody hell did money start belonging to the General that made the sacking?

Poor form gentlemen, poor form indeed!!

Ruppel started this but I'll be damned if something like this continues without a god damn word being said!!

I'll simply remove the taxes from Austria so the Chancellor can't use that money for anything other than Austrian requirements if this continues.

[_Tristan_]

Hughes de Cervole :

Duke Arnold, I did not allocate the funds but simply asked the Chancellor to make provisions so that the funds be used in the way I deemed fit...

I have already sent these funds to the Reich's Exchequer to be counted and thus have lost control over it.

The Chancellor will of course be free to do with that money what he wills.

My request was a way of making sure that the efforts made by my fellow Swabian von Salzgitter, who gave is life against the infamous Greeks, did not go to waste...

I am a loyal subject of the Reich, the more so for being a renegade to my own lands, so do not see in this the least sign of sedition...

Swabia has been hit hard during your Chancellorship, Duke Arnold, and it is only through the combined efforts of its generals that it is now growing again.

I find it normal that our efforts should be invested in consolidating our gains.

I know full well that Austria suffers at present but pardon me if I wrong, it suffers only through the inefficacity of its generals.

So to each his own...

[Ramses II CP]

Commanders who bring victory in the field and wealth from enemy holdings will always have some leeway concerning the use of those funds under me. This does not mean I will sacrifice the obvious needs of other Duchies on those grounds, or follow through with requests I find unecessary or unreasonable, but I find my policy encourages commanders to seek alternative funding and ultimately enriches the Reich as a whole.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[AussieGiant]

Riiiight then, lets be quite bloody clear on a few points gentlemen,

If this is a @#$%@#ing pissing competition then, I'll #$%#ing start back when I was 16 and demand retrospective allocation of funds based on MY success in the field OVER 38 years of total and complete @#%#ing domination of the enemy.

It's only fitting since; "My request is a way of making sure that the efforts made by my fellow Austrian nobles, who gave their lives against the infamous Hungarian, Polish and Venetians, don't go to waste...and at last count I believe that mortality rate is far beyond what Swabia could even consider!"

As for your statement about ineffective General's you sack of stinking French merde, then I'll drop my military record next to the current active history of Swabian general's AS a start, and then see how things pan out!!

Swabia was hit hard in my Chancellorship because of ineffective leadership prior to my time in OFFICE AND

...a #$@ing civil war which tore it to pieces, a civil war mind you that I MANAGE to peacefully avoid and therefore place Austria in a far better position after the "Times of Trouble", AND WHICH, has now been compromised not due to ineffective Austrian General's but a massive and overt investment of the Reich's funds into a Duchy that couldn't stand on it's own feet a few decades ago!!!

THAT'S WHAT HAS BLOODY HAPPENED YOU GARLIC SUCKING FRENCH FROG!!

Now you have the balls to stand here and tell ME that it's "All fine, and to each his own!!"

I'd advise against travelling east of Bern in the near future de Cervole, because I'll have your guts for garters for those comments!

As for the "LOVE IN" I'm seeing before my eyes here, I'm wondering just which Swabian arses have been promised to the von Kastillen's for all this mutual cuddling I'm seeing!!??

-edit-

Tristian I'm so sorry I used your real handle accidentally. My profuse apologies...I am now going to change it to your in character handle.

I hope this was not an issue? It was an honest mistake.

and by all means have a full shot in French Tristan. :-)

[_Tristan_]

Hughes de Cervole :

I don't take particularly well to profanity, the more so when it is directed at me...

I might very well ride east as fast as my horse will allow so that we could settle this like it should be... What keeps me from doing it is that you are so advanced in years that once I reach Austria, all that will remain to me will be pissing on your grave...

Don't ever talk to me like that again, you garter-wearing Austrian sissy...

Sac à foutre, pisse-en-l'air

(OOC : That's where my limits in English finally show...)

[AussieGiant]

de Cervole!!

What don't you just go and $@% off then!!

If harsh language is too much for you then don't come near me...you might faint with some of the more colourful language I employ.

And given your weak as @#$ response, I believe you see my point now you "Little French Hunting Poodle".

[_Tristan_]

The "Poodle" will rip your balls off someday...

[Ferret]

I am shocked we even allowed this Frenchman into this Empire let alone give him any men to command and now he has the insolence to insult and threaten Duke Arnold? What is this World coming to, in my day we had order and no one stepped out of line lest they wanted a price on their head. It's about time Peter showed some of the tyranny he's famous for before this empire reduces to anarchy.

[AussieGiant]

Lord Chancellor,

Vienna is safe!!

Unfortunately I don't have any money to request you use in a certain manner Lord Chancellor, I accidentally KILLED the remaining prisoners!!

First stack:

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/Vienna%201376/medieval22008-03-1020-46-28-28.jpg

Second stack and a little something for the Frenchman wondering how he would like his garters to look like when I flay him alive!! I can only assume the Poddle lover has the decency to apologies in public.

I can only just describe how impressive my new title is with the ladies of Vienna, I had at least 15 pairs of panties on my lance as I rode through the city this afternoon!!

If you would give me a few weeks here Lord Chancellor I'll be more than happy to take Budapest and any other target you wish!! Hell, I'll have a shot at the new Mongol horde if you want.

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/Vienna%201376/medieval22008-03-1021-41-45-45.jpg

https://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x79/aussiegiant/Vienna%201376/medieval22008-03-1021-42-26-73.jpg

Jan, Max, your orders have been revised. Move to the bridge north of Vienna and hold. Take the artillery with you from Vienna for this season and we will assess the situation next season. With that many canon, the Hungarian's will be blown to smithereens before they make the other side.

Save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1376-5.zip

[Ramses II CP]

Congratulations on your victories Duke Arnold! Isn't it flattering when the men start calling you unstoppable? I know I was pleased when the lads took it up for me. (Shortly before my retreat from Prince Stenkil actually, rather ironic that. Good thing he's mouldering over the north gate of Arhus now.)

Have no fear on funding, Austria is my current area of focus and any soldiers you request will be made available as soon as possible. I have heard there is a company of Serbian mercenary knights in the Budapest region who would no doubt be pleased to serve with you.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Excellent news Lord Chancellor.

I look forward to men flocking to the Austrian banner so that we may retake and return to glory what was once my Fathers creation.

I will not go into details on regiments but I leave it up to you to simply recruit as many as possible for the coming years of offensive action I am planning.

[_Tristan_]

I am shocked we even allowed this Frenchman into this Empire let alone give him any men to command and now he has the insolence to insult and threaten Duke Arnold? What is this World coming to, in my day we had order and no one stepped out of line lest they wanted a price on their head. It's about time Peter showed some of the tyranny he's famous for before this empire reduces to anarchy.

Duke Bresch,

Most of what I accomplished I did without the support of the Reich armies, check the records...

However, I have gladly and loyally whenever I have been asked to do so whether by Duke Arnold as Chancellor or our own present Chancellor...

As to threats and insolence, it is I who was dragged in the dirt (to say the least) by a Duke so I will ask you what is this world coming to when the powerful do not show the least respect to the generals of the Reich...

I'll be sure to show proper respect where it is due and when it is reciprocal, until then you had better mind your own business...

[Zim]

OOC: Should I take the save to move Jan or will Ramses do it? If the latter I'd like to only take a half stack or slightly more. Hope to lure them into attacking. I'll leave unit composition up to Ramses, as I'm sure he knows what it takes to defend a bridge. Cannons to play with will be much appreciated, as well as keeping Max in the stack so he can be knighted. Extras can go to Vienna.

[AussieGiant]

Dragged into the dirt!! Are you completely mad de Cervole!!

You basically demand that the money you secured be spent the way you want it...I then hold you accountable for something that is totally unacceptable and your response is to question the ability of Austria and her generals and then add insult to injury your next 'concept' is to insult me personally by suggesting that it was my Chancellorship that began Swabia's problems!!

Of course I start swearing and threatening you...any man worth his salt would and should do the same.

To turn around and tell ANOTHER Duke of this Reich to mind his own business simply confirms what an error WE have made in letting you join the Germanic nobility.

Are you a French sympathiser or what de Cervole!!??

I'd ask the Kaiser to censure you at this point for the sake of decency and honour!!

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: I can do it. If they're the stack I remember, they'll hit you even if I give you a full stack. You'll have ample artillery. :yes:

:egypt:

[Zim]

Duke,
I would place the blame for de Corvole's seeming confusion about proper channels or the chain of command on his being French. The problem seems endemic to Swabia. Ever since their Duke has largely retired from Policial life we've seen the Duchy controlled by a mere Count, Ruppel, who has argued with Chancellors regarding funding and military matters for the past two terms. It was only a matter of time before that attitude trickled down even to the mere knights in service to the Reich.

OOC: No offence Tristan or FactionHeir, I know FactionHeir/Ruppel has done all the planning for Swabia because of Warluster's relative absence.

[Zim]

In that case just give me however many men you think I'll need for the job, plus maybe one or two extra units. Unless it's a triple gold stack, then I want a whole stack....and maybe an extra one right behind my stack to come in as reinforcements. ~;)


OOC: I can do it. If they're the stack I remember, they'll hit you even if I give you a full stack. You'll have ample artillery. :yes:

:egypt:

[deguerra]

Taking the damn save :P

[gibsonsg91921]

All of you shut up in the military planning room about your pathetic, gutless, problems with each other or I will personally break each and every one of your necks, French, Franconian, Dread Knight, or cute little bunny.

[deguerra]

Our valiant Kaiser speaks so strongly. It must be Christmas.

The fight went better than expected. I am afraid I still lost, and I managed to take a good 2000 of the Reichs soldiers down with me, but I also killed 65% of the French army and their commander.

OOC: In the end, time, and the fact that I was whipping militia spearmen into a fight with triple-gold lancers took the cake away from me. But it was a close run thing. That being said, if the AI had been intelligent enough to charge my army with all of its lancers at once, I would have lost within the first ten minutes. I may post a report, but it was the very definition of "meat-grinder", and not very interesting. Ludwig survived though. That gives me an advantage of Zim. Twice :P

Save:

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1374-6.zip

[Ramses II CP]

Very well Count von Bohmen, I will attempt to reinforce you as soon as possible so that you may attempt to capture the city once again.

I would still like to hear from Duke Steffen or Count Steffen regarding their plans for the hapless Sicilians.

I am presuming Prinz Dieter will not be sallying.

Andreas von Salzgitter made a noble sacrifice in the fields of Outremer, driving his army to victory in the name of God and the Reich! I ask that all German nobles salute his memory.

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

The offensive season is closed! You may expect a recruitment report soon.

Fritz von Kastilien

OOC: I've heard from everyone now and I'm going to advance the turn. The Sicilian battle will be auto-calc'd because we have overwhelming numbers in our favor and understandably busy players. This will probably be the final 'active' turn of the game, so if you have last requests or actions I'll try to make them possible.

:egypt:

[Ramses II CP]

1378 Recruitment and Construction Report (End of Season Report)

This offensive season saw the Reich's armies once more on the attack. In Austria Duke Arnold utterly destroyed two Hungarian armies which had the termerity to threaten one of his cities, and ordered the Zirn brothers to hold the bridge against a third. In Swabia Bordeaux was sacked by Count de Cervole, and Count von Bohmen destroyed half of the French army at Bruges but was unable to retake the city. Count von Luxemburg crept into position to retake Dijon, while Count Ruppel gathered his forces to face the French army which is marching to reinforce Bruges.

Franconia was still, though I sail ever nearer the walls of the last Danish enclave to put their people to the sword. In Bavaria Lothar Steffen, Hermann Steffen, and Kaiser Peter crushed two Sicilian armies near Rome, breaking their ineffective invasion force in twain. The remaining two armies have moved to the eastern coastal road, and appear to be in flight.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R9a-UrIzRfI/AAAAAAAAKM8/E2oDQgFK2TU/s800/0000.jpg

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R9a-WLIzRgI/AAAAAAAAKNE/g64zg1ISBCs/s800/0005.jpg

Ransom on the many captives would be refused, and the men who fled scattered and no longer present a threat.

Outremer saw a brilliant, bloody success in the field under the hands of Count von Salzgitter, who gave his life in God's cause while butchering Byzantines. I pray that I may know so noble a death when my day comes! Viceroy Matthias stood behind the high walls of Adana and laughed at the cowardly, trapped Byzantines outside who declined to lay siege.

The Timurid armies advances slightly through Turkish territory, but are still bringing their armies together. They are several season's march from threatening any of our holdings.

On the home front the trial of Lothar Steffen has come to a conclusion and he has been found guilty, exactly as I said he was from the start, and conveniently only after I took measures to force Lord Becker into action. Lothar surrender yourself to the Kaiser's authority or I will strip you of your soldiers and hunt you down like a beast in the fields! Any person who aids Lothar Steffen in the least detail, any city that gives him sanctuary, and any ship that grants him passage will be subject to my wrath.

Lord Becker I order you to make the Bohemian mercenary ready for travel, on my way south I will take him from you. Resist me in this and you will face the same treatment as the rest of Lothar's allies. Turn him over peacefully and I will leave you and Prague in peace.

Construction was limited to Swabia and the western Imperial holdings, where I acceded to Count de Cervole's requests (All other cities and castles in Swabia were already building):

Bordeaux: Jousting Lists
Metz: Merchant Bank

There were no disbandments. Recruitment was extensive:

Austria
Ragusa: trained 3 Pavise Crossbowmen (In the face of the impending Venetian siege)
Zagreb: trained 1 Town Militia, 1 Merchant
Vienna: trained 1 Forlorn Hope, 2 Cannon
Prague: retrained 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Mercenary spearmen, trained 1 Tuetonic Knights
Venice: trained 3 Merchant Cavalry militia to send east

Swabia
Bern: trained 3 Spear militia
Staufen: trained 3 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Metz: trained 1 Spy
Rheims: trained 3 Halberd militia
Paris: retrained 3 Spear militia
Antwerp: trained 3 Pike militia
Caen: retrained 1 Free Company Longbowmen, 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights, as requested
Anger: trained 3 Armoured Sergeants
Bordeaux: retrained 1 Mounted Crossbowmen, trained 2 Pavise Crossbowmen

Franconia
Frankfurt: trained 1 Crossbow militia
Madgeburg: retrained 1 Teutonic Knights, 1 Armoured Sergeants, 1 Dismounted Feudal Knights
Hamburg saw no training due to siege
Arhus saw no training

Bavaria
Nuremburg saw no training
Innsbruck: retrained 1 Pavise Crossbowmen, 1 Armoured Sergeants, trained 1 Mounted Crossbowmen
Milan: retrained 1 Crossbow militia, 1 Spear militia
Genoa saw no training
Marsellies saw no training
Bologna: trained 1 Spear militia, 2 Merchant Cavalry militia
Rome: retrained 1 Crossbow militia, 1 Halberd militia, 1 Merchant Cavalry militia
Naples: trained 2 Pike militia, 1 Forlorn Hope
Palermo: trained 3 Armoured Sergeants

Outremer
Adana: trained 2 Armoured Sergeants, 1 Serpentine
Caesarea: retrained Feudal Knights, trained 2 Feudal Knights
Antioch: trained Merchant, Priest
Acre: trained 3 Mounted Crossbowmen
Nicosia saw no training

The only defensive engagement of the season is north of Vienna where Jan Zirn and Max Zirn are holding the bridge against a Hungarian army.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1376-7.zip

Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt:

[Zim]

OOC: I'm guessing I'll be fighting the battle since Max is not yet knighted. Time to change that. I'm taking the save.

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: Heading out now, back in a few hours to take the save and get what might be the last KotR report up.

:egypt:

[Zim]

The bridge to Vienna has been successfully defended. Peasants in the area have termed it a "heroic" victory, but casualties were somewhat higher than I expected, due partly to the cowardly nature of mercenary spearmen compared to sergeants of the Reich, and to malfunctions among the serpentines.

My brother Maximilian acquitted himself well, turning the tide of the abttle at one point. He has been knighted and can now take over the AHA1 as Duke Arnold desires.

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1378-1.zip

OOC: Had one bug in the battle. Early on the serpentines were showing as having no ammo. I thought it was odd but continued anyway, then towards the end of the battle they magically regained their ammunition, but by then forces were too mixed for them to have a decent shot.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Excellent work Jan, it seems after many years in the field there is actually "something" too you at long last.

As the middle brother I thought you were simply content to be a governor.

I've taken note of this victory and will consider further command possibilities in the south for you. Hapsburg has been underwhelming to say the least.

£$££ it!! Lets not beat around the bush in these times...how would you feel about commanding the southern front of Austria?

[Zim]

Duke Arnold,
I would be honored to command the defense of southern Austria. Having a taste of combat has made me eager to find out what I can do with a professional army. I shall head south immediately to see to the defense of Ragusa.

[AussieGiant]

Arnold:

Excellent Jan. There are merchant cavalry from Venice heading east. Feel free to take as many as you wish south with you.

[TinCow]

*The following message has suddenly appeared in every city and military camp in the Reich.*

Electors and Citizens of the Reich,

The Holy Roman Empire was born from the ashes of the Caesars. We are the heirs of Augustus, Trajan, Hadrian, and Constantine. In the mold of these great Emperors was our society built, yet we strove for more. We looked to the past and saw that we were also the heirs of Caligula, Nero, Domitian, and Commodus. For every beneficent Emperor, there were two cruel and ignorant counterparts. The Caesars created the Old Roman Empire, but they also destroyed it.

So it was that our wise and noble ancestors determined that they would create a New Empire, a Holy Empire, in a manner that would harness the good of the Caesars, while preventing the harm from that same source. They chose to prevent evil and negligent men from becoming King of the Romans, by requiring an election by the prominent nobleman of the various lands of the Empire. Thus were the Electors born.

For many years this system was used, and the Empire was ruled magnanimously. Our peoples prospered, justice was upheld, Christ's word was preached, and governance was fair and reasonable. Yet, as with the Old Empire, the Reich lost its way. No man alive today can remember the last time a Kaiser was elected in the proper manner. This law, designed to protect the people, has been taken from us. Whether by coup or bureaucracy, we have returned to the chaotic days of the ancient Romans.

This is seen in our very history and cannot be disputed. For every good Kaiser, we have seen an evil counterpart. Kaiser Heinrich exploited the law for the sake of a personal vendetta against Pope Gregory. With near unanimous opposition to his actions, Heinrich forced the Reich into excommunication and a period of immense hardship for nobility and commoner alike. The Diet was so outraged by his actions, that they immediately passed new laws to prevent such an act from occurring. Even then, it took a mighty Crusade to remove the stain of Heinrich's actions. The great bulwark of Christian Outremer was created to redeem the Reich for the sins of Heinrich.

Fortunately for us all, Kaiser Henry did not follow in his father's footsteps. He was a good and wise ruler, and the Reich benefited from his leadership. It is possible that Kaiser Jobst would have been such a man as well, but he was cut down on the field of battle before he could prove himself.

From that field of battle, a new Kaiser rose. Siegfried. Even today, that name brings bile into the throats of women and children across the Reich. Many still believe that it was Siegfried himself who killed Kaiser Jobst, and then used bribery and forgery to gain the throne. Still, even if true, that would be the least of Siegfried's crimes. We all know of the horrors that the Unification brought upon us. It was un-asked for and un-wanted. When proposed before the Diet, it was violently protested by nearly every Elector in the Reich. Yet he proceeded anyway, handing away countless territories bought with German blood to the corrupt Byzantines. Most outrageous of all, he attempted to systematically dismantle Christendom itself. His unification of the Church with the Eastern Blasphemers was nothing of the sort. It was a full-scale absorption of Christendom by Orthodox devils. Holy Outremer itself, the beacon of light in a world of darkness, was dismantled and given over to blasphemers without so much as a mourning prayer to mark its passing. Even today, over sixty years after Siegfried's death, we have yet to restore what his actions took from us. We will never be able to restore the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Germans who perished in the resulting Cataclysm. Nero may have fiddled while Rome burned, but Siegfried put a torch to the entire Empire.

Would that Siegfried's successors had compensated for his wickedness. Kaiser Elberhard was not an evil man, but he was a feeble ruler. When the Reich needed strength, he brought weakness. In such a time of need, that was the worst possible result. And so to Kaiser Péter the Hypocrite. Imprisoned for rebellion against his own brother, Péter passes judgment on those of us who also risked all to save the Reich. Péter was content to prevent the Unification with the slaughter of thousands and a war that cost many times that number, and continues to this day. Yet he proclaims as traitors those who sought to stop such tragedies with the death of a single traitor. With the cataclysmic period behind us, the situation in Swabia settled, he once again forces us into Civil War for the sake of a personal vendetta.

So, it is, good citizens of the Reich, that we look back on our history and see rot and decay where there should be glory and prosperity. The cause of this is obvious to all who care to look. Of the last six Kaisers, only two have benefited the Reich, and one of those reigned for only the briefest of moments. The fickle whims of the Emperors brought down the Old Empire. The fickle whims of the Kaisers are bringing down the Holy Empire.

Yet, not all is darkness. In the Reich there stands a beacon of light that shines the way. The Order of the Illuminati has aided the Reich for many years. We have brought stability where there was disorder, help to those in need, and religion to the blasphemers. All of this was done without regard for our own safety. Indeed, we consider it our duty to sacrifice for others. The Order of the Illuminati will fight for what is right and just, no matter the price we must pay.

The Brotherhood represents true egalitarianism in our very existence. Members are admitted on the basis of merit alone. Blood and hereditary title mean nothing to us. Every man who is a member of the Order has achieved that position through demonstrations of personal value. Such is the true measure of the worth of a leader. Yet, even with that monumental achievement in governance, we have gone further. The Order has titles and positions, but they are merely roles to help divide duties in an efficient manner. The Illuminati consider all members equal, to a man. The vote of the newest member carries as much weight as the vote of the Grand Master himself. A new member must receive unanimous approval before being admitted. When all members are wise, skilled, and worthy of esteem, there is no need for inequality and Lordship.

And so the Order stands today to make a public Proclamation. A new age is upon us. The ways of the Kaisers have failed. We summon all able-bodied men of the Reich to join us in the fight for a new Reich. We declare that we stand, not only for the toppling of Kaiser Péter von Kastilien, but for the toppling of ALL Kaisers. We unsheathe our swords in the name of equality and justice. We fight for a new Reich. We fight for a new Republic.

We declare that it be the Will of the Diet that the position of Kaiser be abolished for all time. We declare that henceforth, the Reich will be ruled by the Electors alone, free from the encumbrances of hereditary title. We declare that from this day forth, the Holy Roman Empire is no more. We declare that the birth of the Holy Roman Republic has begun.


Long Live Germany!
Long Live Rome!
Long Live the Electors!
Long Live the Holy Roman Republic!


ArnoldLothar SteffenMatthias SteffenHerrmann SteffenElector of Austria Elector of BavariaElector of BavariaElector of BavariaDuke of AustriaDuke of BavariaViceroy of OutremerCount of BolognaGrand Master of the IlluminatiVoice of the IlluminatiBrother of the IlluminatiBrother of the IlluminatiSon of RomeSon of RomeSon of RomeSon of Rome

[Ramses II CP]

Chancellor's Report, 1378

Offensive action is suspended unless explicitly authorized by the Chancellor or the Kaiser! Armies on the move will be subject to attack without warning, commanders defying this order will have their men stripped from them, their funding cut off, and will find their captains ordered to take them prisoner. I urge the nobles of the Reich to declare their loyalty to the Kaiser in all haste, or to face harsh penalties!

The so called Republicans, Lothar Steffen, Arnold of Austria, Matthias Steffen, and Hermann Steffen are commanded to surrender themselves to the nearest Imperial authority immediately on pain of death! Additionally Edmund Becker, Fritz Becker, Jan Zirn, Maximillian Zirn, Maximillian von Hapsburg, Fredericus Erlach, Wenzel Steffen, Bernard Steffen, and Harold Steffen are ordered to report to the nearest Imperial authority for questioning and to reaffirm their oaths of loyalty to the Kaiser.

A time of great crisis is upon the Reich, but by God I mean to see her through it. Let all who would flout the authority of the Kaiser consider carefully the consequences. In order to leave you unruly nobles no doubt about my exact meaning, learn from the example of Stockholm. The last city of the Danes stood in defiance of the Reich and sent armies against me, Germany's greatest general. It was intolerable, but that problem has now been solved.

Stockholm now lies in ruins, having been exterminated at my command.

http://lh5.google.com/RosDalton/R9caZrIzRlI/AAAAAAAAKOE/dHIKA5drkhk/s800/0003.jpg

Any city which shelters an enemy of the Reich faces the same consequences.

http://lh3.google.com/RosDalton/R9cabLIzRmI/AAAAAAAAKOM/Brm5eIS_ssk/s800/0004.jpg

Any noble who sides with these fool Republicans faces the same.

http://lh6.google.com/RosDalton/R9cae7IzRpI/AAAAAAAAKOk/pafDxfVnl8I/s800/0007.jpg

As went the Danes, so too will go advocates of the Republic.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R9cacbIzRnI/AAAAAAAAKOU/61PT4HWD0BE/s800/0005.jpg

Choose your place with care, it may be the last choice you get.

In more mundane news, I am saddened to have to report the death of Duke Dieter Bresch's wife, Demuth. My sympathies on your loss Duke Dieter.

https://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5454/image003ma4.jpg

I am much happier to report the death of the Hungarian noble who snuck across Bavaria to try to lead away that tiny army they have in France.

http://lh4.google.com/RosDalton/R9caVbIzRiI/AAAAAAAAKNs/XKGyUGwUoI0/s800/0000.jpg

Poland has been reconciled with the Pope. The Theologin's Guild house in Milan was improved. There are just under twenty thousand florins available to the Reich.

And it doesn't matter. I'm coming for you Lothar. If I can ask one favor in exchange for all the aid I gave Bavaria? Don't surrender. It will be much more satisfying to take your head while your city burns around you.

Any general wishing to take offensive action in the Reich should contact me via letter for permission. (No one has been 'stripped' of command or otherwise negatively impacted by my power as Chancellor because the details of the final battle aren't 100% clear yet. The save is here:)

http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/KOTR1378-2.zip

Chancellor Fritz von Kastilien

:egypt: