TroG Parliament

I believe that our Consul was simply pointing out possibilities for discussion and future planning. Obviously, our military is not strong enough at present to begin a prolonged campaign. Before we decide to attack any province we must be sure that we will have the necessary income to support a sufficient defensive garrison there while still protecting Tuscany and Genoa. I believe that the defense of Corsica and Sardinia is best accomplished through naval power. Martok and I are making progress toward this end with the current construction of a keep on Sardinia which will lead to the future construction of shipbuilding facilities.

A question for the Chancellor: Are the current troop levels in Genoa and Tuscany sufficient to defend those provinces against attacks from any and all of their neighbors? The answer to this question may provide direction for further discussions of strategy and policy.

Gunslinger of Cagliary has asked a good question. Stating whether an army is sufficient or not would be subjective, as there is no way of measuring such things as weather conditions, bravery and the ingenuity of field commanders. In my opinion, our army in Genoa is capable to defeat any German or Venetian invasion. Due to the war between Venice and the Empire, such is unlikely, and will not be an allied one for certain.
The situation in Tuscany is more complicated. The Venetians can invade there from Milan, and while they have similar numbers, the equipment of their troops is better and they have better leaders. This is extremely unlikely, as they have to protect themselves against the Emperor's troops in Tyrolia. Our Hungarian allies can also threaten Venice from the Dalmatian coast. Whether we can rely on them to help us is another question. Overall, while the Venetians are in war with the Empire, I do not think there is any reason to worry about them.
The Pope has raised sizeable armies in both Rome and Peruggia. He is our ally, and the Pappacy is not known as an aggressor, but his armies outnumber our army in Tuscany, and he also has knights and men at arms. Hopefully, he will use his army to expand south and kick the Greeks out of Naples. The Eastern Roman army there is weaker than our army in Tuscany. I do not think the Pope will attack until he has another option and we do not provoke him in some way.

It would probably be a good idea to send our Consul's brother, when he matures, into Tuscany, to provide the garrison there with some knights and a good commander. Tuscany by then should be able to pay for the upkeep of such knights, which is not low - 62 florints I believe. However, we need to keep our armies somewhat limited, so that we can support them. This is why improving our trading networks is important - we deseprately need the income, and right now each port that our ships protect, brings Genoa 32 florints per year. This is why I advised His Majesty to approve the production of more ships, and I am happy to see our Sardinian friends' commitment to contribute towards the creation of a strong navy. Let me remind you that my family already made a large donation to sponsor a navy of dromons. In the meantime, His Majesty should consider building a bowyer's workshop in Genoa to provide good bows to our sailors, so that we can field some missile troops to support our infantry in battles.

So long as our homelands are secure, I agree that we should continue to build our trading networks as well as the necessary infrastructure to field the most advanced fighting units possible. I don't think anyone will disagree that we need to expand our territory soon if we are to thrive. However, I believe that it is to our advantage to let events unfold around us for awhile, and take advantage of any oportunities as they arise. I feel strongly that the key to our greatness lies in the reclaiming the Isle of Sicily as a medium-term goal. I do understand that this undertaking will require considerable investments in military and naval power, and we may need the income from additional provinces on the mainland to help finance those investments.

By the way Chancellor, have we had any messages of. . .support. . .from our new ally, His Holiness The Pope?

I do not know that, dear Gunslinger, but I do know my opinion on this matter. As I said earlier, if oppurtunities arise, we should take them after consideration. So, if the Empire is a bit too busy to look after it's southern border, we can quickly expand our own border.

Now, as you all know, I'm in favour of securing our trade first - but I don't see why it would be a problem to do both at the same time. Of course, there will be a risk with money, but I trust that our Chancellor could make a good calculation of that.

As Gunslinger said, I also support the reclaiming of Sicily. The Mediterenian isles are easier to defend than lands in the center of Europe.

How does the old saying go? Discretion is the better part of valour or somesuch. Opportunities are often rare and not to be passed up upon, if God wills it we must except the fate he has granted us.

Gunslinger of Cagliary, I am not sure if I understand your question correctly. When the Pope's emissary offered us an alliance, he promised to us that His Holiness will use his secret agents against our common enemies. By common enemies the Pope apparently perceives the Holy Roman Emperor. So far, we have had no sighting of any secret agents, but as we have no border forts in all provinces apart from Corsica, it is hard for us to control who passes through. Considering the size of the Papal army, His Holyness has invested his gold and efforts in soldiers rather than spies and assassins. As for his inquisitors, there have been none of them in our lands thus far. There is an inexperienced Bishop currently in this very city, on his way to offer alliance to the Venetian Doge. A Papal emissary is spying in Venice. My informants assure me that the Pope is to be trusted, for now.

It appears that the general sentiment within this hall is to take a wait and see approach - a strategy which I support entirely. We can perhaps instigate other kingdoms to attack the Empire, to make sure that the Emperor cannot transfer troops to reinforce Savoy and the Provence. Dispatching Pietro Corsini to the court of the Danish king with such a mission might be a good idea. Other likely allies are the French, the Poles, The Norse and the Bohemians.

We need to act quickly, so I would ask that all nobles send me their messengers with plans for the next five years - please consult my report if you need to know your treasuries and incomes. I will also need orders from His Majesty, detailing what he needs built in Genoa, and also what alliances to offer and accept. Should we accept a marriage from an eligible Princess, even if she is not Catholic? I will be eagerly waiting for your letters.

An alliance with France would be most welcome if we could gain one. As if any future actions are taken against the Holy Roman Empire, assistance from the French would be most welcome in distracting the western fringes of the Empire, and prevent an effective counter-attack from the Holy Roman Empire.

Before I continue, what is the loyalty of Tuscany's population?

I should have posted the current Income-Loyalty situation in my report. Here what my informants from the various provinces have brought me:

https://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l...g?t=1174783865

As there were no more questions or suggestions from the Genoese nobles, Isbulino Doria closed the second session of Genoa's Parliament. After everyone left, he and Consul Gregorio had a lengthy discussion. Despite his Pride, the young Consul listened carefully to what the experienced Chancellor had to say. Finally their conversation ended, Isbulino bowed to the ruler and then went to his quarters. "Bring the Master Masons, Carpenters and Shipbuilders to my office. I will also need to meet with Pietro Corsini," he told his servant.

Your Majesty, Nobles of Genoa, I hope you have all had time to read my report. It has been a decade since I started taking care of the Republic's affairs - 10 years of peace and prosperity. We improved our lands, encouraged trade and signed alliances with almost all our neighbors and many of the other Catholics. Now, a dark danger looms from the North, threatening to destroy all we have been building. The Emperor has showed that the main goal of his reign will be to reassert his authority in Northern Italy. Our allies the Venetians have so far been able to rpeserve their independence, but at a heavy cost - the German armada sank two of their fleets, and if steps are not taken against those pirates, they may destroy trade altogether.
Fortunately, Don Tankerville showed that the Imperial armies are not invincible. That defeat, plus the excommunication has made the Emperor's position somewhat precarious. If he is to lose a few more battles and territory, his unloyal generals will probably start a civil war.

There are two main strategies available to us. The first one is to wait until the Empire is attacked from a few other Kingdoms and hope that our allies will be able to deal it a mortal blow, and then move in to steal Provence and Savoy. If we choose this path, we risk that our allies fail, and we miss the right moment to strike, or we risk that our allies, such as the French and the Venetians, beat us to Savoy and Provence and take them before we can.

The second strategy is to start secretly raising an army in Tuscany and Genoa, with which to defeat the German army in Provence. This is going to involve a huge risk, and the German army in this province is a sizeable one. However, its commander is not known as a great leader, and his strange habits have lowered the morale of his men. Also, the Imperial army contains no professional soldiers - no knights and men-at-arms.
Our Consul has spent the last several years studying the art of war, and is now known as a skilled attacker. This reputation will greatly encourage our troops, and they should be able to defeat the Germans if they are not significantly outnumbered. Our Urban Militia from Tuscany is superior to any other militia in the known world. Finally, 40 knights can decide many battles with a devastating charge.

So here is what I propose. After our new fleet of dromons is finished, we start training Genoese Sailors in Genoa. In the meantime, we should probably consider training a large number of Urban Militiamen in Tuscany. These two troops would make the core of our army. The German army in Savoy is weak, and we would need a small army to defend Genoa, while our main army invades Provence. If we leave Prince Pietro behind with a unit of Urban Militia and a unit of Genoese Sailors, this should be more than enough to keep order in the city and defeat any small German raiding party. For the main army, here is what I estimate to be enough to do the job in Provence - 41 knights, led by our Consul, 360 Urban Militiamen, most of them from Tuscany, 100 spearmen and 180 Genoese Sailors.
For the war on sea, I suggest we recall our galleys to the Ligurian, leaving a fleet of dromons to guard the shores of Sardinia and Corsica, and to protect the trade route between our ports and Rome. Currently all the Imperial ships are in the Gulf of Lions, and if they divide their fleets, we should be able to easily defeat them with surprise and numerical advantage on our side. As soon as the shipbuilder in Sardinia is built, we should start building warships there to replenish any losses. The cost for this fleet should be split, with the House of Sardinia responsible for 300 florints, Corsica responsible for 100 florints, and the rest evenly divided between Genoa and Tuscnay. Keep in mind that Genoa and Tuscany will have significant costs for the training and upkeep of soldiers.

Nobles of Genoa, Your Majesty, let me hear your opinions on the current situation.

I agree with the plans of war our Chancellor drew. I don't think there is anything specially wrong with them, but, if you disagree with this strategy, I will listen to your opinions, noble men of the Parliament.

I will need to confer with my cousin first, as he has the final say in the affairs of our House. However, I believe Lord Gunslinger will find your plan to be generally acceptable, Lord Chancellor.

The young Innocentius, a Genoan noble yet unknown to the Parliament due to his young age stands up.

As a good Genoan, I have to adjust to the supreme will of our beloved Consul Gregorio, but dare I say that a war is needed?
Just like Chancellor Isbulino states, darker times are approaching, and it is time we claim our rights and voice our opinions in this chaotic world. Much is changing, and the German giant to our north (and west!) is threatening to eat us should we not react properly, and quickly enough. And again, like Chancellor Isbulino already said; should we not be quick enough, other dynasties will claim the lands we intended and hoped to take as our own.
Invading such a province as Provence is a tough work, no matter how lousy the enemy commander is. We will still be outnumbered and our troops will have a long and tiresome march behind them, but yet I feel that we are capable of pulling such a war off.

So, should there still be anyone in this honourable Parliament who still has second thoughts about the war; may I then ask you: what honour have we left if we let out brothers in Venice fight this war alone? And how does God look upon those who did not fight for him, even though the could?

Innocentius calms down, and returns to his seat.

Young Innocentius, those are some truly courageous words. You know I am in full favor of a war, but I am in favor of a well planned and organized attack. Our forces are currently barely enough to defend our borders, and we would need at least five more years to assemble an adequate army and navy to allow ourselves a chance of defeating the mighty Empire and keeping the newly conquered provinces. I propose that all troops trained in Tuscany stay there until the last possible moment, to hide our true intentions from the Germans, and also to persuade the Holy Father that Naples is a much easier target than Florence. I also believe that we should wait until the invasion force is ready before we start any hostilities by sea - this may unfortunately allow the Germans to launch another navy, but otherwise they will become aware of our intentions and might rush reenforcements to Provence and Savoy, and we will lose some lucrative trade with Marseille. This income is vital, as our coffers are somewhat depleted and waging war is a costly thing - a bankruptcy may defeat our armies before they even come close to the enemy.
Hopefully, during these five years our Venetian allies will be able to defend themselves, and one or more of our other allies will open another front against the Empire. If Venice or Milan is to fall, this will require a change in our plans and an urgent session of Parliament.
I still need to hear what my cousin Rythmic and Wasp of Ajaccio have to say.

Well Tuscany can afford to train at least 240-300 of the 360 required Militiamen, it will cost all of our current coffers and the upkeep will be 150 Florins. Spearmen can also be provided, but I fear that this would cripple our current defensive capabilities. I do not mind the course of action taken though.

Wasp of Ajaccio stands up

I agree with the proposed course of action, although I'm a bit concerned about our coffers. Chancellor, are you sure the chances of taking Provence are large enough to start this kind of war? We must not forget the consequences it will have; without doubt the Empire will try to strike back the first chance it gets!

Now, I don't want to abondon the campaign, but I'd like to hear your thoughts on the other scenario's that can happen. What if we take Provence, but at an extremely large cost?

My cousin has pointed out that the proposed plan of auction will put a serious strain on everyone's coffers. However, we will need 600 Urban Militiamen altogether, of which we already have 360. 120 are the garrisons of the rulers of Corsica and Sardinia. There are 120 in Genoa, and another 120 in Tuscany. Theredore, only 240 more militiamen need to be trained, which given Tuscany's current coffers and income is feasible.

Honourable Don Wasp, you ask what will happen if Provence is taken at a huge cost. The economic cost has already been discussed. The loss of life will also be significant, but if we leave our Venetian allies to their fate, we will follow them as the Empire will undoubtedly turn its attention to our lands as soon as they finish the Venetians off. The price in this case, would be our Independence, which is a price we cannot afford to pay. If we muster an army, equal to the German in numbers, which this plan intends, quality and command will be on our side. Also, we will march with the Holy Corss ahead of our armies, as this will be a campaign against the excommunicated Germans, who in the Pope's esteem are lower than the infidels and heretics, and with the Lord's help on our side our armies will be simply undefeatable!

I will trust your wisdom then, Chancellor. I hereby declare my full support for the campaign. That we may be victorious with God on our side!

Noblemen of Genoa, I have summoned this Parliament a year earlier than agreed, because I fear we have an extraordinary situation to deal with. You have seen my report, let me hear what you suggest as course of action. Just a few additional notes:
- I have word from the French that if we attack in Provence, they might support us with troops. Not a reliable promise, but their 4 emissaries there have been heard to say that the French King wants the Germans cut of from the Mediterranean
- if we relieve the siege in Venice, we will get the gratitude of the Doge and a worldwide reputation as trustworthy allies, but nothing more
- The Imperial army in Venice will not attack us before Venice falls - their leader there is known as a weak attacker, and they risk being cut off if they leave an enemy keep behind them. Thus I feel Tuscany is safe from the Empire for now.
- there are no enemy ships in the Ligurian, which means we can transfer troops from Tuscany to the Provence as quickly, as it would take to transfer troops from Genoa to the Provence, which means we can strike with all our troops at once
- next year, a navy of dromons will be launched in Cagliari
- The Imperial army in Burgundy is a fearsome one, but it protects the province from our French allies and is somewhat unlikely to counterattck in Provence, if we launch a successfull invasion
- our other emissary, Pietro Corsini is on his way to Denmark (as per the Consul's instructions to seek allies against Emperor Conrad II).
- if we leave some small garrisons in Tuscany and Genoa, the rest of our armies will greatly outnumber the Imperial army in Provence, and our troops are deemed superior in quality. The Germans might withdraw to Savoy, as they already have too many borders to defend. Or they may choose to stay and fight, which will see their army crushed - one less sizeable force to worry about
- a conquest of the Provence combined with a relief on the siege in Venice will cause a sharp drop in the waning influence of Conrad II, likely to cause some of his generals, who are already starting to get tired of him (he is still excommunicated) to rebel.
- Princess Vittoria is now 16, and eligible to marry any noble. I need His Majesty's instructions regarding arranging such a marriage.

It is now your time to speak.

Provence seems a viable option when you place all the facts on the table. What do other members have to say?

Yes, I agree we should strike Provence and deal a great blow to the Empire! Perhaps, if I'm not speaking before my turn, we could arrange a marriage with the French for a more secure alliance?

Indeed, I agree with striking at Provence.

Quote:

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- a conquest of the Provence combined with a relief on the siege in Venice will cause a sharp drop in the waning influence of Conrad II, likely to cause some of his generals, who are already starting to get tired of him (he is still excommunicated) to rebel.

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This, though, is the best solution. I should wonder how many of our men would be needed to assist the Venetians?
And, how many men are awaiting instructions in both Genoa and Tuscany? (OOC: aka what units do we have in those provinces?)
Also, on the subject of Princess Vittoria, I believe she should be sent to marry a French noble.

Quote:

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In Genoa, we currently have 61 knights, 100 spearmen, 120 Urban Militiamen and 120 Genoese Sailors. In Tuscany, we have 100 spearmen and 360 Urban Militiamen.

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These are our forces on the mainland.

I see, pardon me, but I've not had time to see the Chancellor's report.
I should say we prepare a force of 61 knights, 100 spearmen, 240 Militiamen and 120 Genoese Sailors to assault Provence, and 100 spearmen, assisted by 240 militiamen to relieve Venice.
I'm not sure that's enough. If you have other suggestions, I'll glady hear them.

I have no suggestions, but only some advices to offer.
1. Because of the flood loyalty has dropped in Genoa this year, and it would be wise to leave some garrison in both Genoa and Tuscany just for order maintaining purposes.
2. My advice to Your Majesty is to do everything possible to ensure an easy victory in Provence - attacking with all knights and all members of the Royal family is a risky endeavour and a close battle with horrific losses on both sides is the last thing we want - we will need our troops later to defend the acquisiton and further expand our borders.
3. I have read some of the tractates of Roman military scholars, and all generaly state that spitting forces is a poor idea.
4. Helping our allies relieve the siege in Venice would be a noble deed, but we would get their gratitude regardless of whether we send 360 or 60 men there. The world will note our valiant effort in both cases. If the Doge is to counterattack the Germans with all his forces, his forces alone should be enough to repel the invaders, and if he chooses to wait, then our 360 men are deemed insufficient. Sending only 60 Militiamen there will ensure that we made an effort to help, and if we get no support from our various allies - the Venetian Doge, the Pope and the Hungarians, then even if we stay and fight, the sacrifice of these brave men will not be in vain, as they would ensure that the Germans are unable to storm the keep, and therefore the siege in Venice will be prolonged, allowing us to concentrate our main forces elsewhere. The Germans do not have cavalry in Venice, which means that our unit of Militia might be able to simply withdraw from the battlefield (but this will leave Don Tankerville all by himself and will perhaps result in poor reputation for the commander of our detachment).

We have still not heard from Gunslinger and Martok of Sardinia. Young Guido (also known among his peers as Innocentius due to his young age free of sin) perhaps also has some advice to offer, or at least a fervent speech on duty, chivalry and Divine Will.

The young Prince Guido rises and speaks.

It is my belief that such an opportunity to wrench Provence from the Germans will not again occur in a century. I say we act quickly and sieze this opportunity! Sending a minor - merely symbolic - force to Venice seems like an excellent idea. A mere unit of militiamen would do. Should the Venetians not come to their own aid then these men will probably die, but not without honour and glory and not before taking many Germans with them!
So, I suggest we muster our forces and immediately sail/march for Provence, leaving only a minimal amount of troops in Genoa and Tuscany to keep the order.

I agree that we should send assistance to Venice, as long as we retain the ability to defend our own territory and complete our own goals of conquest against the Empire. In my opinion, the size of the force we send into Venice should be sufficient to ensure victory without being so large as to cause the Germans to simply abandon the province. Aside from the worthy goal of increasing the standing of our Consul in the eyes of our neighbors, such a move would also serve to further deplete the German military reserves and cause strife within their leadership. If the Consul is confident that this can be accomplished with only a token force, then so be it.

While I have every confidence that the force Isbulino has proposed for the attack on Provence will succeed, I fear that we will sustain heavy casualties during the attack. Please understand, I am not suggesting that we call off the attack -- only that we keep in mind the need to quickly produce replacements for the troops that we will inevitably lose. To that end, I would like to offer the services of Sardinia's troop training facilities. While it is not feasible for Sardinia to produce and support large numbers of troops at this time, it would be a waste to let our facilities sit idle. If any member of this body would like to train troops in Sardinia (sadly, only basic militia men are available at this time) simply forward your request to the Chancellor. As long as our facilities are not occupied with the building of naval vessels, he may use them at any time.

I largely concur with my noble cousin Gunslinger. While I could scarely give two figs for Venice itself (they are our competitors in trade, after all), I can't deny that having the Doge's gratitude may have its benefits. If sending a only a small force will accomplish this, then so much the better.

As for Provence, I also believe that we should move against the Imperial garrison there without delay. We have confined ourselves long enough; and with the Germans occupied dealing with both the Venetians and the Danes, the time to strike is indeed at hand. Let the armies march forth!

All nobles have spoken, Your Majesty. You have the final word now!

*The Consul rises, and expresses himself clearly, with great determination.*
Very well. A decision must be taken.
It is obvious that the Parliament has decided to attack Provence, and send a relieving force to Venice.
That shall be done.
120 Militiamen (OOC=2 units' worth of militiamen, I mean) will be assist in relieving the Venetian Siege.
The amount of warriors that are to be sent to Provence is similar to those I outlined earlier: 61 knights, 200 spearmen, 240 Militiamen and 120 Genoese Sailors.
And, unless I am mistaken this should permit us to protect Genoa and Tuscany with 60 Militiamen in each province.
However, the Chancellor expressed worry on letting both me and prince Guido lead the army. I therefore ask the Prince: do you wish to come? It bothers me not.
The way has been chosen, it is now the time for WAR!

*While saying his final words, the Consul almost shouts, and after his speech, cheers resonated in the hall. The Consul sits, and smiles to himself. He even thought he could get used to this kind of life.*