The Kingdom of Outremer

I had not heard about the money situation until recently. News does not come as fast as it used to. Your right, this does change things. Until we get some sort of economy stabilized, preservation of forces is paramount. I approve of your plan or some version of it. Let's see what the Kaiser says about our situation.

I normally would insist on releasing our prisoners. But, with the dire straits we're in, and the need for money, I suppose ransoming will have to be considered. I just pray that the Byzantines don't do anything stupid, like refuse to pay the ransoms. I'm going to keep releasing though. I don't believe Byzantine conscripts should have to pay for the mistakes their leaders have made.

*edit*

Also, what would you think about having the cannons Matthias? They would be better off with you. Plus, they would be useful if your able to take a settlement. They would slow you down though.

Cannons would aid any possible assault on walls, and serve nicely in a bridge battle. There also not much use in defending a Castle.

I wouldn't mind having them, but I will leave the decision to the Kaiser.

Elberhard: I fear the war with the Eastern Romans is about to escalate. The theft of our Treasury by their agents and the disappearance of the Empress Dowager leave no doubt in my mind. The Byzantines have rejected our assurances that the sacking of Constantinople was unauthorised and mean to be avenged. Their animosity is perhaps understandable given that even now German troops continue to occupy Constantinople. But the implications for us at Outremer are grave. We are isolated and without funds to resupply.

As the war heats up, I fear communications between the three of us will become difficult. Hence I suggest that each general start to take primary responsibility for the deployment of the army that he personally leads. To try to fight this war by committee could be fatal. However, we should endeavour to maintain good communications and, even more importantly, to provide physical support to each other when in need.

I find Matthias Steffen's ideas attractive. Even without holding Antioch, we could endeavour to establish a defensive triangle running from that city, Edessa and Acre. If we could defeat the Byzantine army next to Antioch, that would make our situation much more secure. I will have to examine the maps more closely, but I wonder about Matthias attempting to take up position on a bridge near Antioch while King Jan moves so as to be able to reach him next turn should disaster strike. That way Matthias may be able to bleed any Byzantine armies that try to force the bridge crossing while King Jan can send reinforcements - including the cannon - should AoA suffer heavy casualties. I am half inclined to march north myself to provide you both with further support, but that would compromise my duty to protect Jerusalem.

My Kaiser,

I am going to assume you meant Antioch, Aleppo, and Acre, when you spoke of a triangle. Edessa would be too far right now.

I have studied the maps, and here is what I found.

The bulk of the Byzantines are up north and to the east. Otherwise, there is the Damascus garrison, which is full strength. One unit of cavalry in Antioch. An all-cav half stack just south of Antioch. And two armies north of Aleppo.

Studying the geography, it would be impossible to completely cut this area off from the Byzantines with the forces we have. But it would be possible to severely limit their movement. I propose this done in stages.

turn 1.) AoA takes the Antioch/Adana bridge. AoJ takes the Antioch/Aleppo river crossing. Kaiser's Army(KA) moves north.

turn 2.) KA attacks cav half-stack. Then takes Antioch with cannons. AoJ moves to Aleppo/Edessa bridge. KA moves towards remaining stacks in the northern Aleppo area. AoA heads towards the mountain pass at the Antioch/Adana border.

turn 3.) AoA and AoJ hold positions. KA clears area and heads back south.

What this would do is create a pocket for us. There would only be three ways for the Byzantines to get in without fighting us. There would be Damascus but they would almost be totally cut off. And if that garrison left, KA could take it with cannons. There would be the road way east, but it would be far out of the way. Finally there would be the mountains far to Aleppo's northeast. That is another out of the way path. The two direct routes would be held by AoA and AoJ. (Antioch/Adana border and Aleppo/Edessa bridge)

This could be done with the stages being in a different order. This example is merely to illustrate the strategy I am envisioning.

Also, this strategy could work with just taking components of these. If we are worried about civil unrest in Antioch, just don't take Antioch. If we are worried about Jerusalem, then KA can stay south, while either AoJ or AoA clears the north Aleppo area. This plan can be flexible. As long as we hamper their movement and engage them in lopsided battles we should be fine. We can leave the details to be determined by the situation on the ground.

Matthias enters and speaks.

The Byzantine Army attempting to get to Antioch has been crushed at the bridge. The survivors fleed north. The prisoners were ransomed for nearly 4,000 florins and joined them.

I would like to hold my position there for now. While you two threaten Antioch I can bleed any relief forces. I could use some more spearmen, but I can hold with what I have. If the Greeks wish to test me again, I will be happy to oblige them.

Matthias grins savagely.

Elberhard: Well done, Matthias! The amount of heavy cavalry that you faced reminds me of the Horse Lords. Fighting them over a bridge was a wise move.

Now that it appears we can hold the bridge, I believe we should try to hold Antioch. While I do not believe it would be wise to devote an army to garrisoning it, the money Matthias ransomed may be sufficient to raise some militia.

I believe my army is best placed for the attack - the Army of Jerusalem would be drawn too far from Aleppo. I would make use of the cannon, but return them to one of the Armies of Outremer - if it is to hold the bridge, the Army of Antioch may be best permanent home for them.

King Jan's command tent outside of Antioch

The Kaiser and Count walk in and see a map of the Antioch region unrolled on a table.

My Kaiser, Count Matthias, please, come in.

I have studied the situation around Antioch. First off, congratulations to Count Matthias for holding the bridge. Secondly, I completely agree with the Kaiser's assessment of our options. I think it would be best if KA takes Antioch. I see two basic ways of doing this:

1.) KA moves north and attacks small cavalry force outside of Antioch. Antioch garrison will join their brothers. KA destroys the forces. AoJ sends the cannons to join KA. KA blasts into Antioch. Cannons will not be able to move to AoA that turn. (OOC: they will be out of MP by then)

2.) KA moves to the southeast corner of Antioch. AoJ sends the cannons to join KA. KA blasts into Antioch and fights the cavalry force outside at the same time. Cannons should be able to reach AoA on the bridge that turn. (OOC: cannons have enough MP to take a direct route to Antioch, and then make it to the bridge.)

I can either volunteer to garrison Antioch, or I can head back east to guard Aleppo. If Matthias needs more spear men, then I think we should give him some of ours. He'll have the bulk of the fighting for awhile and I want to see AoA fully supported by us.

If I do head back east, please keep in mind that there is a witch on her way to Aleppo. I have heard horror stories of what a witch did to the Steffen family. I do not wish to come into contact with such an abomination to the Lord. I urge the Kaiser to send a Cardinal over to try her for witchcraft. (OOC: no priest has the MP to reach her this turn. but one by Antioch is close. Also, no army can reach her this turn for a "army squish". if Jan is moved too far east, she will be able to reach him next turn. I would prefer to not take the hit in traits from contact with her.)

Elberhard: Gentlemen, I am happy to report Antioch was stormed at night with only modest losses:

https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/...tioch21od9.jpg

That is great news my Kaiser. Also, I have defeated the two cav regiments in the area. I thank you and Count Matthias for fencing them in. (OOC: KA and AoA both took the field. Enemy ran around back and forth confused. Jan's small cav only force killed them. No losses on KA or AoA. Gained an extra battledread for doing it but still have a full 10 chivalry. :beam: )

Furthermore, I have noticed that you have started construction on a small church in Antioch. That is fabulous news. We need to establish a religious presence there at once. The Byzantines tore down the partly built Huge Cathedral. You'd think they would have shown more respect for their co-religionists...

Another thing I wish to announce formally, is that I am engaged. I have met a wonderful woman while overseeing the refugee line at the river crossing. I can not think of a better place to get married than the small church in Antioch. My Kaiser, I would be honored if you would consider being my best man. Count Matthias, if you would be able to get away from the bridge for awhile, I would like to see you there too. Quite frankly, we need a small break. While I would like to keep the gathering to be a small low key affair, I would like to see us relax and share a drink or two. There hasn't been many reasons to be festive lately but I think it would be good for us if we could rest for even an evening.

Matthias pounds on the table in glee. Since his release, his emotions are closer to the surface. A fell joy can be seen in his remaining eye.

Finally, some good news! A skilled assault Kaiser, the Greeks might have the upper hand when it comes to numbers, but their leadership remains suspect. Oh yes, they will regret ever coming to Outremer, they will regret ever accepting this Trojan Horse. The Holy Land shall be their burial ground! We, we are God's chosen, woe to those who defy His will!

Matthias laughs in a disconcerting manner as he twirls the Seal of Solomon around his left ring finger.

My only reservation is that we might have taken Antioch too soon. A long siege would have drawn their forces south in an effort to relieve the city. It used to be the second city of their Empire before the Saracen took it. It pulls at them, and I could have bleed them dry as they sought to save it. No matter, they might still have the need to retake it, and I'll be there waiting for them. To welcome them to the Levant, to their Necropolis.

Matthias stares intently at the map and smiles to himself. He finally takes notice of Jan's announcement.

Oh. . .congratulations King Jan. If I can attend, I will. It will be up to the Greeks.

Upon hearing of the Fall of Rome, Matthias is drained of all emotion. He speaks in a funereal tone.

Damn them. Damn us. All I worked for, washed away in blood. It wasn't suppose to be this way, it was supposed to be a Golden Age. We reached too far, and we have been punished for our Hubris.

Matthias exhales deeply and lowers his head into his hands. After a moment he fixes a blank gaze at the Kaiser. He bites his lip before saying anything, gathers himself for a moment, and speaks again.

What do we do now? The purpose of Outremer was to defend Jerusalem, and now men from the Holy City attack us. Do we attack them to save Acre? How far are we willing to take this conflict?

Is there anything left for us in Outremer besides blood? I will fight on, I will crush those sent against me as long as I have strength to raise my sword, but is there anything else? How can we reestablish your authority Kaiser or aid our brothers in Europe? Or should we first focus on survival? Hold the line until the worst passes.

I will pray to St. Maximillian for guidance. This is our time of purification.

Yeah I heard about Rome as well. For me that is the last draw. I was willing to be patient with the Byzantines to a point. But, after exterminating Rome, they are no longer fit to be stewards of this Holy Place. They are to be evicted from Outremer as soon as we are able. But first we need to survive.

I intend to go relieve Aleppo where they are currently under siege by the Byzantines. I will not let Aleppo suffer the same fate that Rome did. As for Acre, if it is besieged, then it should be relieved no matter who the enemy. I do not wish war with the Papacy but if they put our citizens at risk, then they need to be repelled.

Speaking of Acre, my nephew just came of age there. So, we have another sword to aid us and not a moment too soon. Since I need to look after Aleppo, I urge the Kaiser to take him under his wing and look after him. The young man needs to get knighted.

To all of you, good luck and Godspeed. I will try to assist all of you where I can.

Elberhard: Matthias, there is a side of me that wants to take our armies and march straight back to Europe - cutting a swathe through any Byzantine armies that block our way. A reverse Crusade, if you like.

However, I fear that may be folly and I will not abandon King Jan, nor the people of Outremer. I submit that we will should hold our current three settlements, and bleed the Byzantines as they attempt to retake them. If any opportunity arises that makes a move against Adana or Damascus possible, we can take it. (Edessa would only seem to bring us back into conflict with the Turks and so should be delayed.)

As for our immediate steps, I support King Jan's decision to secure Aleppo. There are freshly trained regiments there, without which the Army of Jerusalem would look thin and of course, the castle provides great defensive benefits.

Matthias's army may best remain at the bridge. I will send you the cannon and one regiment of spearmen. It seems that the enemy have learned their lesson and will not try to force the bridge for now. At a later point - once you have the cannon - it may even be possible for you to strike at one of their isolated armies and then return to the safety of the south side of the river.

For my part, I am inclined to stay at Antioch until we can secure it. I understand our financial situation may be very constrained and collectively we may only be able to train one low quality infantry regiment this year. I believe an extra spear militia regiment at Antioch would be best. Hopefully at some stage, the city will be loyal enough that my army can move off and fight in the field.

As for Acre, I believe Dieter von Kassel can hold it - indeed, I believe he could sally out to drive off the militia besieging him. The charter requires that field armies be led by a knight, but a garrison is not a field army. Furthermore, in these desperate times, I am not sure how much even our Charter means.

I will not sanction an attack on Jerusalem, however. I hope one day we will be reconciled and Jerusalem remain the Pope's capital. More pragmatically, Jerusalem acts as a buffer between us and the Mohammadens, and so perversely provides Acre some relief.

Matthias nods grimly.

While the thought of cutting a swathe through the Byzantines sounds appealing. . .I agree with your plan mein Kaiser.

Perhaps. . .and I only propose this as an alternative. . .perhaps there is a way to achieve security for Outremer and have our "Reverse Crusade". To be blunt, we have failed in our mission. Our homeland is in danger. We face dire times. Because of our errors, the residents of Acre, Aleppo and Antioch could face the same fate as those of Rome.

What if we offered Outremer to the English? If they accepted, which they might for the trade oppurtunities, Outremer would be safe as England is not at war with the Papacy or Saracens. We would be free to march on the Byzantines, avenge the loss of Rome, and weaken our newest and greatest enemy while retaining our oldest ally.

Vengeance, a promise to return home and the prospect of loot would serve to stave off desertion among the men.

It is a long shot, one I'm not convinced would be viable, but I feel bound to propose it.

Dear Brothers

I write to you from besieged Acre. I intend to ride out and repel the invaders.

May God be with you,

Dieter von Kassel

[Elberhard]: Matthias, gifting Outremer to England is an interesting idea but I doubt King Jan would acquiesce and regardless, I believe a more defensive strategy would be safer.

I have reviewed our immediate options and propose the following course of action:

Dieter von Kassel: sallies against the Papists.

Elberhard: leaves the cannon and militia, then marches to engage Nikoloas of Athens. This allows:

King Jan: (with Nikoloas out of the way) marches straight to relieve Aleppo at full strength.

Matthias Steffen: Brings his army to join the militia and cannon in Antioch.

The idea behind this plan is to conserve King Jan's strength so that he arrivest at Aleppo with all his men and also to maintain order in Antioch.

Even with low taxes and daily races, Antioch will only be 70% loyal with Matthias's army garrisoning it. However, that will suffice to prevent a revolt. If Matthias does not take my place in Antioch, I will not be able to leave the city with anything resembling an army.

This action will temporarily surrender the iron bridge, but I believe that crossing is of little benefit if the enemy do not try to force it. Furthermore, if the Byzantines do cross the bridge, Matthias will be well placed with cannon and militia reinforcing his army of Antioch to drive them back north over the river.

To try to maintain order in Antioch without a professional garrison, I would ask King Jan to use his funds to recruit one regiment of spear militia there. I would then recruit two more.

In the slightly longer term, my concern is our lack of economic resources. We need more cities. Damascus seems the logical choice - it is isolated from the Byzantines and close to Acre. I would like to investigate the feasibility of my driving south to retake it.

Matthias and King Jan, what do you say about our immediate options?

My Kaiser, Count Matthias, my nephew Dieter von Kassel,

I like the Kaiser's plan. Now I'll comment on specific issues.

1.) As I have said before, if others wish to go back to the Reich, I will not stop them. But I am not leaving. Ever.

2.) I do not agree with gifting Outremer to the English. No offense to our allies, but I believe we are the proper stewards of Outremer. I'd like to think that I have learned my lesson regarding gifting Outremer and have no desire to repeat the same mistake twice. Now, we have failed as stewards and will need to redeem ourselves. I believe this can be done by surviving and eventually regaining the Outremer territories.

3.) I also do not wish to take Jerusalem. I hope to have the Reich reconciled and we can do our part by protecting the Holy Father. Also, when Dieter expels the Papal forces, I strongly urge him to release any prisoners. While the Holy Father does war with us, I wish to keep him strong and fighting fit so he can defend himself against the Saracens.

4.) I will start with our "redemption" as stewards by saving Aleppo with your help. From the map, I can hit the besieging army regardless of when the Kaiser hits Nikolos's army. But defeating Nikolos will help out with the next turn because there will be one less army around. So, I approve of the Kaiser hitting Nikolos but it does not necessarily have to come before I aid Aleppo. (OOC: by looking at the save game, Jan can reach Aleppo regardless of when/if Elberhard takes on Nikolos.)

5.) I will of course recruit the one garrison regiment. (OOC: if TC lets me. I don't know if I am technically in Antioch or Aleppo because Jan is on the river crossing. I'll ask.) I thank the Kaiser for the offer of recruiting 2 more in Antioch. I wish to protect the people of Antioch while freeing our armies up to do other things.

6.) Part of this plan hinges on whether Count Matthias wishes to move back to Antioch to join with the militia/cannons. If he doesn't, I will still aid Aleppo but it will be harder because the Kaiser will probably not be able to leave Antioch to defeat Nikolos. So, I await Matthias's counsel and opinion on the matter.

7.) For the longer term, I approve of investigating the feasibility of re-taking Damascus.

8.) I will also consult my lawyers (OOC: TC) on the feasibility of rescinding certain parts of the Outremer Charter. Specifically, I wish to gain temporary "emergency" flexibility in granting Crusader Counties. I want to grant them "at will" so I don't have to wait for a Diet session that isn't coming any time soon. And I want to do it without having to stick to House lines. Which means I wish the flexibility of granting Count Matthias Aleppo or Dieter Acre. Or vice-versa. Or one of them Damascus if we take it. Or Edessa. You get the idea. I'll let you know what the lawyers tell me.

9.) I plan on putting out a call to all of the faithful and chivalrous to join us in our time of need. If I get a large force, I will send each of you some of it. We are all in this together and I want all of our forces to be fighting fit.

That is all I can think of for now. Good luck and God be with you all.

Matthias pores over the maps and hisses in frustration.

I suggest we survive this Greek onslaught before we think of Damascus. The city has a huge garrison currently and an assault would cost us more troops than the extra income from the city could cover.

I have heard discussion of Nicosia among the men. I believe this is fool's gold unless we can maintain a navy, a dubious proposition. IF we moved there, we would be safe but impotent to shape events beyond Cyprus.

I grudgingly agree with the Kaiser's plan. If the Byzantines seize the Iron Bridge, it will be difficult to dislodge them without cannon. Luckily we have cannon. But have you heard reports of the Byzantine forces east of Adana? If they all decide to move in, it will be difficult to force them from the plains around Antioch.

Matthias swears, casting the map from the table.

A Pox on them! Let them come, bridge or no bridge, walls or no walls, if they come to Antioch, I will kill them. I will keep killing them until. . .

Matthias's hand comes up to his eye patch.

. . .until Outremer is free of the scum, the resting place of St. Maximillian is restored to us and I have my satisfaction!

Matthias regains his self control and speaks in a calmer tone.

Mein Kaiser, your plans mention nothing of relieving Acre. While it is good to have a von Kassel back in the Holy Land, can he hold without assistance? He is just a squire, should we entrust the fate of Acre to a beardless boy? (OOC: :wink:)

Count Matthias,

I also agree that Nicosia would yield us little. We are here now and should try to shape events here and now.

I have consulted with my lawyers. I am hereby suspending a couple of specific parts of the Outremer Charter. For the duration of the "emergency", I can appoint anyone at anytime to any county. (OOC: TC approved this)

I am now having my lawyers look over something else. And that is the specific feasibility of assigning a Crusader Count to Antioch. Such a position would give the Count more resources. As well as all of us. Normally Antioch is not set up to have a count hence the need to look into it specifically. (OOC: I just asked TC this and he is off-line)

If I can legally get away with it, I plan to assign you Matthias, to be Crusader Count of Antioch for the duration of the emergency. Your service to the defense of Antioch has been nothing short of exemplary. If I can do this for you, I shall. I will let you know what the Outremer legal department comes up with.

As for von Kassel, it is a strong name with a strong tradition. I have every confidence my nephew can sally against his opponents and be triumphant.

Matthias chuckles grimly.

Does that mean I get to call myself Prinz of Antioch? It seems as the Reich grows smaller, titles have become larger.

Lawyers? Hmmph. The Rule of Law isn't what it used to be King Jan. Until we have a Diet Session and an election for Chancellor, I think you can do pretty much whatever you want. If the Dukes of the Realm wish to contest your assignments, let them come to Outremer, we could use the help.

Possession is nine-tenths of the law anyway.

Count Matthias,

I just consulted with my lawyers, and I am sorry but I was mistaken. For each settlement, there can only be a "duke" in charge of the area, and a "count" in charge of the settlement. As King, Antioch is in my area. And since it is Imperial, the Kaiser is "count" of Antioch. Since it is the Kaiser's only source of steady income, I am not going to remove it from him. I tried to see if there could be a Kaiser, King, and Count of Antioch all at once. (OOC: I tried to see if I could squeeze 4 points out of it but TC said no. :beam: )

What I will do, is promise to make you count of the next city we re-take. If you wish to be count of a castle in the meantime, just say so. Either Aleppo or Acre can be yours. I can give you a castle this moment and then give you a city when we have one. Or you could just wait for a city. It's up to you.

However, my accountants have informed me that I have twice as much money as I thought I had. With all of the turmoil going on around here, the books had not been balanced in sometime. (OOC: Jan gets 1 point for being "Duke" of Antioch and 1 point for there being a loyal "count" of Antioch which is the Kaiser. So, Jan has 2 points this turn. :2thumbsup: )

So, I will give my 2 points to the Kaiser so he can hire two more spear militia regiments in Antioch. I am giving them to him since I will be in Aleppo. That should make the city easier to govern over when Count Matthias arrives. It can also free up more of the Kaiser's money to spend on what he thinks we need.

(OOC: Law and lawyers is the only way I can think of explaining it when I ask TC for things. :yes: )

Matthias speaks grimly again.

I am the Count of Adana. That is enough. What has been given away in ignominy shall be returned in Glory.

And you will be again when this is over. What I am offering is only for the duration of the emergency. Let me know if you change your mind.

(OOC: giving matthias a city would give both matthias and jan money. :2thumbsup: )

Elberhard: Good, it seems we are agreed.

Matthias will garrison Antioch this year with the cannon and militia along with his Army of Antioch. I regret I will not transfer the armoured sergeants I had mentioned a while back, Matthias, but if you return to the iron bridge, they will be provided. King Jan will raise two regiments of spear militia in Antioch; I will raise another.

King Jan will march directly to relieve Aleppo.

I will march to engage Nikolaos. Not to clear a path for King Jan as I had supposed - I see he is right and the way is already clear. However, the attack will thin our enemies more than they reduce us and that, above all else, is what we must do in order to prevail here in Outremer.

Dieter von Kassel will sally from Acre. Do not worry about the young man, Matthias. Upon coming of age, he has already been stripped of his promised inheritance and maligned as an idiot by his Duke. I think he will have something to prove. And he does have a good tutor to watch over him.

As for the future, you are right, Matthias, that Damascus is formidably garrisoned at the moment. However, it is cut off and the Byzantines may unwisely venture out. Moreover, I believe with cannon, we may be able to effect an easy capture of the city. If my experience at Antioch is anything to go by, we may be able to launch a surprise attack. Based on that experience, I have been pondering a new stratagem: quickly bring the assaulting army to the gates while the defenders are mustering in the city square, then at close range, blow open the doors with cannon. Once the gates are down, rush in with archers to take position on the walls before the garrison has time to react. I am recommending this tactic to Lorenz Zirn for Budapest. If it works, it may reveal Damascus to be a less costly target than we had feared from the size of its garrison.

I would also like to move my army south to be able to support Acre - and, with some reluctance, Jerusalem - should things hot up there. Heading for Damascus may kill two birds with one stone.

I have learned some good news regarding production. We have shifted manpower priorities at the castles to allow them to grow enough food to export. That means they can make us money. Therefore, I have some thoughts on county assignments. I will use "points" to represent money to simplify things.

Antioch: It is a city and gives me 3 points. I have appointed the Kaiser as "count" of Antioch so it will give him 1 point and me 2.

Aleppo: Is a castle and gives me 1 point. I am appointing Count Matthias as Count of Aleppo. This will give him 1 point and me 0. If Matthias wishes to remain county-less until we re-take Adana, then I will respect his wishes.

Acre: Is a castle and gives me 1 point. In recognition for his service in the defense of Acre, I am appointing Count Dieter as Count of Acre. This will give him 1 point and me 0. Congratulations Count Dieter!

Remember, your county is more productive if you are present to oversee it.

I am doing this to provide everyone with a basic income. It is not much but it is the best I can do for now under the circumstances.

OOC: TC is changing the economy rules and they will go into effect next turn. See his post in the OOC thread for details. :yes:

Elberhard: King Jan, that sounds most equitable. I have destroyed the army of Nikolaos - good luck at Aleppo.

I have also received word from Lorenz Zirn at Budapest - it seems that storming a city with cannon is not as easy as my capture of Antioch had led me to believe. I suppose the defenders do make it easier if they refuse to get off their horses! I am still inclined to move on Damascus, but it will not be as costless as I had hoped.

Thank you my Kaiser for clearing the way.

With luck, and some help from God, we will save Aleppo.

Oh, a word with you in private please?

Jan comes back with dusty armor

It's done. Aleppo has been relieved and the forces inside are joined with AoJ to bring it more up to strength. They fought like tigers though for awhile. The Byzantines and their cavalry. With them, its a war for the flanks. Once you win that, the soft middle is easy to puncture.

There is an army just to the north so I suspect we'll be under siege again soon enough. Oh well, one thing at a time.

I wonder how my nephew is faring in Acre. I wish him luck.

Matthias looks a bit sheepish.

Thank you King Jan, I will administer Aleppo until the current crisis has passed.

Another thing I want us to keep in mind is the strength of our regiments. We can't retrain our regiments right now but we can merge units together. If two or more of us have an understrength regiment of the same type, we could move them to each other and merge them together. This allows us to get the most out of our units.

An example of this is: Count Matthias and I both have Teutonic Knight regiments. His is around 40. And mine is around 20. If I sent mine over, his would be full strength. Having 20, doesn't do me a whole lot of good but him having 60 would help him.

Just something to keep in mind.

OOC: captain stacks can move as "reinforcements". Reinforcements move from avatar to avatar and can only go 2 territories. TC confirmed that we can still merge units during the cataclysm. :2thumbsup: