The Duchy of Lorraine

Hugues reconvenes the House at Metz.

Thomas and Bertin, congratulations! You and your men fought well here. I'm afraid each of your retinues lost a man, but it is a small price to pay for. . .

Hugues scans the rather drafty wooden hall of Metz. A large hole in the outer wall can be seen swarming with work crews, while others are building a mustering hall.

. . .this. . .um. . .highly strategic castle. Soon using the full powers of this keep we will be able to recruit mighty. . .

Reeves whispers something to Hugues.

Peasants!? You mean we actually have to spend florins on a building so we can muster Peasants!? Why, so we can have a pitchfork foundry? Why the hell did we even. . .?

Reeves whispers to the Duc again.

Oh right! Yes, it seems we beat the Germans to the punch, as they have ten companies at the ford to the south. They will bear watching of course. We might have to deploy some men there at some point.

Also, while it is not the most glorious task, I was going to offer my services to the Seneschal to build watchtowers. Much of the frontier here is not visible at the moment. If we're not innudated with Germans, would anyone else like to volunteer?

OOC: I was thinking we could give the Seneschal temporary permission to move our avatars to build watchtowers on a turn by turn basis as long as there are no threats.

With Metz under the Kingdom's control, what should be the next move for our House? I'm a bit flummoxed myself, but maybe one of you will have a bright idea.

Edit: Oh, once this ghastly heat passes, I will have Reeves draw up my battle report.

Bertin enters Metz's shabby hall, followed by a small train of serving girls. They are all carrying pitchers of wine aside from a few who's pitchers contain ale.

It seems the rebel captain had quite an ample supply of wine at hand.

Bertin gestures for one the girls to pour some wine for Duc Hugues and himself.

I will volunteer for reconnaissance duty. I do not trust all these German companies marching through our lands. I can set out immediat...<Bertin eyes two especially beautiful serving girls> er, tomorrow.

Bertin wraps his arms around the two serving girls and whispers something in their ears.

Thomas addresses the duc.

"First, may I congratulate you on such a bloodless victory, there are no others among us who could have pulled off such a feat.

I will remain in Metz for the present, mon Duc, if you will allow it. Until such time as his majesty appoints a proper governor, I wish to see to the needs of these people. While I cannot explain my feelings, I feel a certain kinship with them. And while the immediate area may not be impressive, there are considerable natural resources and trade to be had in this province.

As far as our next move, while I will not pretend to understand our king's thinking, I believe that once Bruges is taken and our eastern border secured, the conquest of the continental English-held territories will be his next order of business. To that end in such a case we should provide support to the House of Bretagne and le roi to accomplish that end."

Hugues nods.

Good thoughts both of you. Thomas you seem to have a handle on the locals, so keep things in order if Bertin and I are sent off by the Seneschal.

Hugues persuses the serving girls over a raised wine glass.

Perhaps there is more to Metz than I thought.

Bertin, congratulations. With greater responsibility comes greater paperwork. Please have a build queue for Metz ready for the Seneschal as soon as possible.

It will be done, mon Duc.

This is wonderful news Baron Bertin. May the province of Metz flourish under your guiding hand.

Hugues appears again, a bit battered.

Well, that should give the Germans pause. Though we still have a few armies in the north to worry about.

For now I will stay at Staufen with my army. I hope to serve as a distraction to draw the Germans away from our lands. However I can march north if needed. I'm not too attached to the castle and our Duchy has priority.

Thoughts or proposals gentlemen? We're still in a bit of a pickle.

Well it seems we will have a fight on our hands if the Germans besiege Dijon.

I will most likely need those militia spearmen stationed in Reims. If either of you wishes to join next season, I would be grateful. We can adjust taxes in Reims to compensate for the loss of Thomas's skilled governorship, and I can perhaps convince the Seneschal to recruit some. . .ugh. . .peasants to garrison Metz while Bertin is away.

No need to leave this season, as both of you can make it to Dijon in one season's march.

Thoughts?

I am more then willing to ride out into the field of combat. I believe that after we defeat the army headed toward Dijon, we should continue to defend our lands from German incursions while the Bourgondians assault Bern.

Good man Bertin! I will prioritize a company of. . .ugh. . .peasants next season for Metz.

Edit: And Thomas makes three! I will adjust the taxes next season. No need for either of you to march this season, just remember to join me in the next once I make camp outside Dijon. Positioning might be tricky. We want to be where all the forces can join, but not so far away where we can't assist a sally. We will know more once the Germans move.

Thomas, the party is about to start at Dijon, please join us if you would. (See my post in the Order's thread)

Thomas arrives at Dijon and rides up to his lord. "A fine day is it not, mon duc? I took the liberty of bringing the additional militia along although you may likely not need them given the ease of your past victoires. May God grant us success in the fight to come!"

Hugues drinks from a wineskin as he looks southwest to Dijon.

Good to see you Thomas. For this battle, we will be under the command of Duc Raymond. Makes me a bit nervous not leading this, I must admit. Now I know how you and Bertin felt at Metz. Something like, "Who is this large man screaming orders at me, and will he get us all killed?"

(OOC: We're here as reinforcements. If Hugues's initiates the attack, the battle would take place on neutral ground. If Raymond initiates the attack by sallying, we come in as reinforcements on the settlement map. Having the walls and such on the battlefield is to our advantage. Also the AI doesn't handle split forces at a sally well. If things go poorly, Cecil can retreat within the walls and end the battle without getting insta-killed from a failed sally.)

We await the word from Dijon.

He raises the wineskin.

To inter-Duchy fraternité.

The Duc takes a long drag from the wineskin and then belches.

I detest waiting.

Hugues lurches into the room.

Thomas, next season, if the Germans take Staufen, bring the Militia to the Moselle ford. We must concentrate what forces we have to repulse any new Imperial thrusts. Leaving men in unthreatened cities is a waste.

Bertin, find a place to shelter, Metz will do, but keep within range of the ford if you will.

First, I'm preparing a private discussion area away from prying eyes. You two should have recieved directions to the new location.

Second, in a bit of a revision, Bertin will be returning to Metz (per a PM discussion). Thomas, I will be using those two full strength militia companies currently in Reims. It is your decision If you wish to join me in the field or stay in town.

I will join you at the Moselle ford at once.

My fellow Nobles, we have much to discuss in our new. . .um. . .nothing to hide hole.

OOC: Left a new message.

OOC: replied.

IC: Shhhhhhhhhhhh!

Thomas, if the Conseil ratifies the inclusion of Frankfurt into the Realm, I plan to make you Baron de Franconia.

You richly deserve lands of your own.

However, this title could be a dangerous one. Even now a large German army bears down on the city and it is likely the Germans will strive for years to reclaim their former capital.

The city may be a poisoned cup. Knowing this, will you accept it?

Though the threat of death may surround it, such a generous gift I could not refuse if the conseil wills it, mon duc and I thank you. So far as my being "richly deserving", I have done no less than my conscience demands of me.

Thomas, in light of your past comment, I believe I shall have you review all my speeches before I give them.

You were right.

Thomas, you are now the Baron of Franconia. Please set a build queue for the city. I would also appreciate it if you allowed newly recruited units to be moved from the city, as I mentioned in my report.

Also, if you swore fealty to Bertin, this would allow him to become the Comte de Metz. This would add to the influence of our House. You two talk it over and see if you can come to an agreement.

Mon duc, if you feel that the situation at the ford is safe enough, I would like to depart for Frankfurt to look over the state of affairs there. To ask others to defend our lands is all well and good, but I would not wish the situation to continue on indefinitely.

You may proceed to Frankfurt Thomas, a Baron should see his Barony.

You'll have the men you need there within the season.

Hugues coughs and indiscreetly points toward the inner chamber.

Thomas looks around, shuffling some papers and says quietly "Now where is that letter? I thought I had replied to the question from that bootmaker in Frankfurt."

Mon duc, will you release me from my oath of feality for the purpose of swearing a new one to Baron Bertin?

Hugues's eyes widen in feigned shock.

Thomas, what an unexpected question!

The Duc grows more serious.

Of course, you are released from your oath, you have fulfilled it with honor and I hope Bertin will find your service as competent and brave as I have.