I would also be willing to stand for Order captain once more.
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I would also be willing to stand for Order captain once more.
Brother Le Sueur, I will gladly put forward your name for the election. On other matters, Gaspard has called an emergency meeting in private, brother - your voice would be welcome there.
[OOC: please check the two new threads in the social group.]
Simon enters the Tavern room looking deligthed and relieved. He casts around him wonderingly as none of the Order can be seen. He rifles through the papers strewn on the desk. His expression grows somber has he reads the Princes letter and even more so as he reads the following responses. Cursing to himself he moves on to the private chambers.
As the deadline for nominations has expired and Brother Knight Le Sueur has informed me that he is withdrawing his candidacy, I announce that Gaspard de Neufville is elected nem con as the Captain of the Order for the remainder of this term.
Following an emergency meeting, the following change to the Order's charter has been agreed:
"On assuming the position, the Captain will immediately choose a Lieutenant as his second in command. The Lieutenant will assume the duties of the Captain if the Captain falls, resigns or is otherwise incapacitated."
I congratulate Gaspard and invite him to select a Lieutenant.
I hereby choose Sieur Hermant Mauvoisin as mon Lieutenant. His organisational skills will be of great assistance in these troubled times.
A toast to Gaspard de Neufville and Hermant Mauvoisin! May the Order thrive under your leadership!
Brother knights, there is a matter I would discuss in private with you.
OOC: Please check the social group.
Brother knights - our petition to the King has born fruit. Let us consider a response.
OOC: Pls check the social group.
Brother knights - I think we are in agreement about our response to the King, but let us reconvene one more time. Also, we need to think about the implications for the management of the Order - I have made some proposals on this.
[OOC: New thread in social group.]
Brother knights, we have discussed the allocation of land to the Order in private but now - by the Grace of His Majesty - it has become a reality.
Currently our Charter states:
Consequently, our Captain - Gaspard de Neuville - is the formal owner of Antwerp and as such eligible for election to Seneschal in the coming Conseil session; and to set it's build queue and unit prioritisations for the coming 10 seasons.Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Charter
Following our discussions in private, I propose that when we elect a new Captain, we also approve the following revision of the Charter:
This revision implies that - at the end of his term - the next Order Captain will appoint a Steward who will govern Antwerp and be eligible to stand for the Seneschal in the subsequent Conseil session. If there are no objections to this revision, we will pass it nem con - otherwise, I will organise a poll requiring a 2/3 majority.Quote:
Originally Posted by New Charter
[OOC EDIT: I have revised the above so that a Steward is appointed in time to both run for Seneschal and to set build queues; that means appointment by a Captain at the end of his term, rather than the beginning. I have also written it to protect any personal units members have from having ownership inadvertently transferred and to make units garrisoning Antwerp owned by the Captain not the Steward.]
Brother knights, the Conseil session has started so we must also hold a full Order session.
We have several items of business.
First - who will serve the Company on active duty in the coming 10 seasons?
Second - of those on active duty, who wishes to stand for Order Captain?
Third - we should discuss plans for the Order Company and for our Headquarters. While decisions will be made by the Captain and Steward respectively, it is now that we have time to reflect and consult.
I have previously proposed that - until the season of the next Conseil, Gaspard, our outgoing Captain, will serve as Steward of Antwerp - effectively its Count - and set its build queues and priorisations. I hope there is no objection to this.
For my part, I will continue to serve the Company on active duty. While I had hoped that we can institute a process of rotating active and reserve duty, I think our numbers are still too few for me to leave the Company at this point. I would like to see the Company always at least four brother knights strong, so that we bring real weight to it. I will not stand for Order Captain unless no other man stands.
In terms of priorities for the Order, I commend the current strategy of marching with the King. The Order was formed to defend France and so long as France's monarch has need of us, I can see no better use than to answer his call.
Beyond that, now that we have land, I believe our next concern should be acquiring companies of foot to support us. My ambition is that ultimately our Company be a standalone army capable of independent action. While our King and our Prince have shown that small companies of brave knights may achieve great things, as time goes on our enemies will grow strong and so ultimately we too will need to field proper armies to oppose them. As to how we can acquire companies of foot, we can regard the company in Antwerp as Order property - as well as the company that Gaspard will prioritise as governor of Antwerp. Beyond that, we are reliant on the next Seneschal. Trying to mandate recruitment through edicts is likely to prove counterproductive, so I would urge all members to strive to keep good relations with whoever is elected our Senschal. The Captain would also be wise to protect what few companies of foot we acquire until we have sufficient for their contribution to make a difference.
I will be on active duty again and, also again, I will stand for the position of Captain. My father can only die once so I hope this time there will be no interruptions.
If I were elected Captain I would agree with Brother Hermant and give the position of Steward to Brother Gaspard. I haven't heard from him but with land under his belt maybe he is willing to run for the office of Seneshal? Contenders seem to be scarce.
Whoever turns out to be Captain should work closely with the army commanders in the viccinity. This includes of course the King, but also the Dukes of Champagne and Bourgogne who both border the Germans. I'd even consider to split our forces. So long as we don't have an army of our own we can only learn from other capable generals of our Royaume. Watch and learn, that is. The past has shown that rash actions of our members can put us all into a bad light. I don't want this to continue.
What foot we have my be best used to garrison and guard Antwerp. While I would prefer proper training facilities we must make sure that we use Antwerp to the fullest of its potential. If we can't forge swords we will have to buy them
I can set your mind at ease, Brother Simon. I have just announced my candidature in the Conseil. Now it is up to see what the nobles of the realm decide.
Regardless of the result, you may be certain that I will provide the Order with men from Antwerp.
I shall be returning to the mainland and on active duty soon.
I wish to anounce my candicy for Order Captain also.
I see we have warred with the Germans and left France under the grip of English oppression. Also our expansion has sepread us thinly, with militia and peasant troops. I do hope the future brings better things for us but I shall defend our realm no matter what.
I commend Simon and Alexandre for offering to serve the Order as our Captain. I will organise a poll at the same time as the Conseil elections; now and unless otherwise stated in the future, the deadline for nominations for the post of Captain will be the same as that for Seneschal.
So we have three committed to be on active duty - Simon, Alexandre and myself. Who else will ride with the Company? Gaspard, do you wish to join us or would you prefer to personally oversee Antwerp?
There is also an urgent confidential matter I wish to discuss with you all (pls check social group).
I am available to remain on active duty.
I accept the confidence given to me and will act as Captain of the Order during the next Seneshals term. I appoint Alexandre le Sueur to be my Lieutnant. The role of Steward will remain in the hands of Gaspard de Neufville for now. Those of you interested in running for the position of Seneshal should contact me and then we can discuss the matter in private.
I have contacted the leaders of the Royaume to facilitate cooperation with the Order. We will fight wherever we are pointed and repell any attacks by the Germans!
Edit: OOC:
Is Gaspard on Active Duty, Igno? And what should I do about The Lemongate? I'm gonna assume him active for now, since his SoT provides for it. Anyone heard from him?
OOC: Lemongate can be considered inactive. He pmed me a bit ago about not having time for the game, but I wanted to wait a little bit in case that changed before actually drowning the character.
It is good to be on campaign again, Captain de Montpierre, and I congratulate Lieutenant le Sueur on his appointment.
Given there was no opposition, I have amended our Charter as discussed to cover the post of Steward. A key point for members to note is that - unlike the Lieutenant who is appointed by the Captain immediately after a Conseil session - the Steward is appointed by the Captain immediately before such a session. This is to allow the Steward to both be eligible for a election to Seneschal and to set a binding build queue for his term of office. I have left it open for the Captain to appoint himself Steward, as this may sometimes be in the best interest of the Order.
OOC: It will be a shame to lose Eloi, but the Kingdom has so many RBGs, having some removed may help balance the game.
I congratulate Sieur Montpierre on his election!
OOC: Gaspard's on active duty.
Thank you Brother Hermant for clearing up the legalities. It is a bit tricky but I am sure we will get used to it in no time. Brother Gaspard while you hold the position of Steward without owning Antwerp during the Council Session you can not prioritize units, but you can set a build queue. I have informed the Seneshal of this so pleas give him the appropriate orders. (OOC: Updated your SoT)
Speaking of the Seneshal. His report gives a good outline of the situation facing us. Defeating Emperor Maximilian is our highest priority right now, but we also have to look out for the safety of Antwerp. I feel it would be best if one of us volunteered to devote his actions this term to the defense of Antwerp. Whoever steps forward would not miss out in repelling the German Emperor but would depart immediately thereafter to ensure the safety of Antwerp. It is still quiet right now, but Antwerp lies within two seasons march of Hamburg, a mighty Castle in the north, so we should be careful.
Concerning the defense of Frankfurt I will leave this up to the King for now, although I haven't heard from him yet. Either way the Order will stand its ground and assist in keeping our borders clean of German scum!
In the light of the Seneschal's report, I agree with my Captain that an Order noble should be charged to defend Antwerp. I propose that our Steward, Brother Gaspard, be despatched immediately. He has responsibility for the settlement anyway and may benefit from overseeing its works in seasons when there are no German incursions to repel. [OOC: pick up traits for finishing buildings etc] If he is declines this assignment for whatever reason, I would be happy to go in his place but the logistics are such that whoever of us goes will be unable to ride with the Company for most of this Conseil.
I am willing to defend Antwerp. Someone must go and hold our lands.
Thank you Brother Gaspard! I will dispatch you there as soon as the threat of Emperor Maximilian is dealt with. Hopefully the Seneshal will send some Spear Militia with you toward Antwerp then. Also it might be a good idea to oversee the construction of some watch towers along the German borders while you're on your way. Either way I am sure we will find a solution to this once the Emperor is defeated.
My thanks Captain de Montpierre for the honour of the position of Lieutenant.
I shall server to the best of my ablity.
Brothers of the Order,
I stand before you to submit my application to join this most noble order.
I, Prince Henri, 2nd born of King Phillip of France, hereby swear without oppression or compulsion…
..to Fear and Honour God and maintain his most Holy Church.
To serve my Father and France in valour and faith at all times.
To never leave the weak defenceless and protect them from always harm.
To never strike at an unarmed and helpless foe, whomever they be.
To speak with truth in all things at all times.
Never to abandon a comrade to harm, poverty or distress.
And to neither refuse or insult a challenge from any equal.
…I pledge, as God is my witness, to uphold these precepts with all my heart and I trust that the Order accept my approach to them for inclusion in the Order.
Henri.
I welcome you to the Order Brother Henri!
I am Simon de Montpierre the elected Captain for this term. I hope you will go on active duty right away and join us in Frankfurt? We sure can use every man to keep the Germans at bay!
Edit: That is if no one speaks against Brother Henri joining our ranks.
Welcome, Prince Henri!
You favour us with your presence. It is an honour indeed to have a member of the royal family among us.
Thank you brothers. Think not of me as a Prince for I am only to be amongst equals in The Order, for that is my intention.
I know much of honour and chivalry, I have learned long and hard in skills of arms but have yet to prove myself amongst those who have such experience.
I ride with all haste to Frankfurt, though I fear I may not arrive until the season after next.
Prince Henri, it is a great pleasure to have you join our ranks. We have accepted all the great Lords of the realm as our patrons, but you honour us by standing with us a regular member.
I believe our Charter speaks of new members being approved at Order sessions, but in this case I am sure I speak for us all in regarding that as a formality. Our Captain has accepted you into our ranks and we will all be proud to ride with you.
Brothers, I would hope that such circumvention of the Orders rules is acceptable. I am happy to be accepted into the Brotherhood as an equal as much as is possible for a man of my blood.
There may be times when my family duties call me to remove myself from the side of my Order brothers but I trust these will be few in number. We all heed the call of our King, my father, an it may be at times when he has need of me that I will depart.
I march East and currently camp in the great forest on the road from Staffen to Frankfurt, I hope to be in your company in the next season should the Kings army not move.
There are move private matters I will discuss with the Order before my arrival and I will do so in the privacy of our meeting rooms….
(OOC: an IC and OOC posting on the Social Group board which I feel is quite important)
A short, hunched-over monk enters the Order's chambers.
My Lords, I am an assistant to the Royal Librarian. I am come to ask your preference for the record-keeping, where I am keeping a record of the great landowners of the realm.
Unlike the others however, the Orders lands are owned not by one man, but the organization as a whole. Would the Order prefer the records to list the Order itself as the owner of North Flanders, the current steward, or both?
My good man, I believe the answer would be both. Order lands are collectively owned by the Order itself, so this sould be recorded. However, for most practical matters such as the setting of build queues or eligibility for Seneschal elections, it is important that the identify of the Steward be noted.
Brothers, the excommunication of the English changes everything. From trading partners and prospective allies, they have now become the target of a crusade that the King is petitioning Rome for. Given the high regard we are held, I have no doubt this petition will be granted.
I have already spoken in Conseil about my personal opinion of this - it is my strong desire to join any such crusade. But this raises issues about the deployment of the Company. The Prince and the King have indicated a desire that we stand watch on the eastern front. This is understandable from a strategic point of view but does not take account of the strong desires I suspect we all feel to participate in the noble endeavour of a crusade. I would hear the views of our Captain on this. If he is of like mind with me, would he liaise with the King to seek to have the Company be part of the crusade?
Brother Hermant,
Regarless of our own feelings in this matter I am sure we will do as the King wills. Should Frankfurt be unable to defend herself we must ignore such personal glory in the face of defending our people from the Germans.
The answers to this remains to be seen however and I will follow the Order.
Brother Henri, with respect, desiring to serve God on crusade is not synonymous with seeking personal glory. I agree that Frankfurt cannot be left undefended. Indeed, I have personally sworn to the Senschal that I will do everything I can to make sure Frankfurt is protected. I will not renege on that promise. However, I believe the Kingdom can defend Frankfurt and free our Company to go on crusade. For example, there will be limit to how many companies can ride with the King on crusade, so it is unlikely our foot would be needed and could be left to assist in the defence of Frankfurt. [OOC: only 20 units can enter a settlement.]
Very well Brother, if we are permitted and Frankfurt is defensable I willl be happy to follow the Captain in this task.
I did not...intend any offense however with my comments regarding personal glory and I withdraw that statement.
Should the Pope indeed bless the French to strike against the blasphemous English King it would be a great honour for the Order to be amongst the first storming the walls of London! However we can't neglect the Eastern front because of this. Any strike against the English would have to be quick and lethal. I shall talk with the King and Seneshal about the matter. I am sure a solution can be found that is favourable to all parties involved.
I ask all members of the Order to meet in our private chambers to further discuss the last developments. I have spoken to and heard much from Brother Henri and Brother Hermant. What say the rest of you? Please let me know in private!
I am ready for England and will join the King! The captain as my permission to set up logistics of my men.
(OCC Updated in SOT Captain or King for movement.)
I shall join you on this crusade may we have a swift victory.
Brother Knights I hope you have all read the Seneshals report carefully. Once you have done so please join me in our private quarters.
Brothers, we mourn the sad loss of Robert Bouchard - proud son of France, dutiful servant of Bretagne and good friend to us all.
I understand that a Conseil session will soon be called. By our Charter, I believe the Captain should now appoint a new Steward for the Order. Any man wishing to run for Seneschal may wish to inform the Captain of that desire, as Stewardship of the Order provides one means to satisfy the landed requirement for candidates for that august post.
Brother Hermant is right. Please step forward and make yourself known to me. I know that Brother Gaspard wanted this opportunity to run for Seneshal. His ambitions have been somewhat lacking of late though so I don't know if he is available. We should find a solution to this quickly.
A word in private, brothers. (OOC: check social group)
The Council Session is about to begin and we need an official Steward. Since none of you came forward and asked to run for Seneshal I hereby make Gaspard de Neufville Steward. Since last I heard he intended to run and I don't want to deprive him of the chance, when nobody else shows an interest for it.
Brothers, a new Conseil session has started and so we too must attend to our own affairs. I thank our Captain, Simon de Montpierre, for his leadership and congratulate Gaspard on his re-appointment as Steward. I await to hear from Gaetan de Rethel about his offer to rejoin the Order.
Who will be on active duty in the coming term? I personally plan to start rotating duty with the Company with service with my Duchy and so will probably not be on active duty in the coming ten seasons. However, I would wish to join a crusade on the Moors if one is called.
I wonder who of those who will be on active duty wish to stand for the post of Captain? Perhaps Alexandre le Sueur is interested?
If there are any issues of Order policy that we wish to discuss, we can either do it here - in public - or retire to discuss them in private, if they are sensitive. [ooc: social group]
I am a new member and still unclear of the etiquette for such.
For my immediate future I will have to address the Realms Eastern front against the Germans and ensure, should they still refuse official peace, that such defences are maintained.
This may preclude me from a Crusade depending upon when it is called.
However, for the sake of the Order, I hope the Crusade is called soon. In three seasons the majority of the Order can be in or near our Iberian border ready to take the call officially, I would also suggest that Marselle is a good point of gathering as a seaborn contingent can come from there against the Moors.
How my duties meld with those of the Order I do not know at this time. I truely wish to rejoin you but duty is where duty lies as we all know. Certainly I would welcome the company of such fine men as yourselves in the East with me should it be possible, but I pledge to rejoin the Order and fight alongside you as soon as is possible.
The Counsil Session is nearly over and so far no one has stepped forward to take up the post of Captain. I honestly don't know how to proceed from this point as our Charter does not provide for such a case. What are we to do about this?
Brothers,
This is unacceptable indeed. Now, more than ever is such a vocal conscience needed in the Council and in the Kings ears.
DO YOU NOT HEAR what is being proclaimed there!?!
Had I been in the order for more than a few seasons I would put myself forward for Captain, ok, perhaps if none others feel they are worthy then so be it!
I ask you all to consider me for such a post. I am not worthy, I am not ready for such but I know my duty to France in all its forms.
If this tirade shames any of you to come forward then it has worked and I will withdraw myself from the post of Captain, but until then…here I am, you know me and know I will do all I can in private or public to see that right is done.
Your forthcoming is most honourable and while you cite your lack of age and experience don't forget that this Order was founded by young men and has been led by young men ever since. You would make a formidable Captain of that I'm sure.
I thank you and so, I stand to be approved for this position.
Brother Henri, I am glad that you will stand for the position of Captain. If there is another contender, we will vote on it when the Conseil votes; otherwise you will be appointed nem con.
I am also pleased to welcome Brother Gaetan back into our ranks. Now that he has reconciled with Prince Louis, and indeed joined the Prince's Duchy, I believe that the cause of his earlier departure is now behind us.
I thank you for your support Brothers. Should I become Captain I will do all I can and ensure there is a voice of conscience in the Kings ear, especially now he is Seneschal.
I urge the Order to vote now on the proposed Legislation, I find my self in a curious position for this session, I find that I must vote “yay” to all proposed Edicts. Although I do not like the final wording of Edict 3.6, it includes my dear wish for the long awaited Crusaded against the Moors so I must vote in favour.
Brothers, you are free to vote as your own conscience dictates but ensure you vote. We have a great power in our hands which we must use for the betterment of our nation.
Brothers,
I ask us to adjourn to more private chambers. The most recent developments require our full attention.
Brothers,
Look to our private chambers for current instruction.
Brothers,
I ask you to defend England against the Norsemen at this time. Full details are issued in our private chambers.
Brothers - a quick word in private, if you would.
You wish to speak to my privates? Hah!
*Gontran makes a sharp turn spilling wine as he departs*
Hermant mutters to an attendant:
"I must be getting soft in my middle age - I was half inclined to invite that strange chap into the Order to give him something to do and stop him going stir crazy in Marseilles. Probably a case of too little, too late, I fear though."
The young man confidently walks into the Order meeting area carrying a scroll.
My Brothers,
I accept your invitation to join your noble Order.
I Gauthier de Beauvis vow:
To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valor and faith
To protect the weak and defenseless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal
Well met, Chevalier de Beauvis! It is an honour to receive you into the Order!
I welcome you to the Order Brother Gauthier! We are in need of capable men and confident that you are one of them!
Well said Brother Gauthier, well said indeed. Most welcome to the order, these are trying times for us and it seems our Realm is beset by powerful enemies at many sides.
I ask all Brothers to make haste to the East to defend our lands. I will hope to have the Germans beaten by your arrival but I cannot be sure…so ride for Glory, ride for Honour…ride for FRANCE!
My Captain, I am on my way. I hope to reach you within the next season.
I am on my way to the Eastern Front my Captain and will join you next season!
I'll be sure to leave some Germans for you.
Brothers,
Please assemble at Frankfurt if you can. I honestly need your grace about me now.
Brothers,
I require a volunteer to return to Antwerp, it appears it is threatened again. The Duchy of Lorraine would ride to intercept the German army but we do not have sufficient companies of men at this time...and another two large German forces already threaten from the East.
Any who does not volunteer is free to continue the journey to Frankfurt.
Henri
Captain, I volunteer. I will make my way to Antwerp.
Brother de Beauvais, your sacrifice is noted and welcomed by your Captain.
I ask that you ensure the Kings requests are fulfilled in Antwerp and that you request sufficient troops to defend the city.
I have sent you a private note to this end.
Brothers,
As I am now a Duc, it is no longer appropriate for me to be Captain of the Order. To this end a replacement is needed. Please attend our meeting chambers to discuss this urgently.
Thank you,
Alexandre Le Sueur, you have full command and free reign to strike at the Germans surrounding my city of Frankfurt.
Brothers, Antwerp is threatened and I am certain I gave free hand to those Brothers within the city to strike at the Germans before they arrived. Was I misunderstood here?
Strike now! I am certain you have sufficient troops for the job...do not wait to be besieged, the honour of the Order is at stake. If we cannot actively defend our own holdings how can we defend France?
Knights of the Order,
I will send a message to each of you soon but should you read this first…
…my father has died as you know, leaving me now as Dauphin. Not only this but elections for a new Seneschal will take place soon.
With the combined fact that I am the Dauphin, Duc of Lorraine and that a new Seneschal session will commence it is now highly inappropriate for me to continue as Captain of the Order.
Patron, of course, member…I would like to remain so…but the Captaincy must remain remote from politics and direct Royal influence, which I can no longer guarantee.
To this end, I appeal to all of you to consider the future of the Order and the potential for you as Captain. Elections are open, I expect one of you to step forward for the good of France and take the pledge to uphold the ideals of the Order for this next session.
Do not worry about experience…I myself was barely a man when I took the responsibility on. Do not worry about knowledge of what to do …for we are all here as Brothers to support you.
I shall stand as a potental candidate for the role of captain.
My brothers we need to stay active and focused. We have a new king.
I expect the new king to be very active in expanding our lands as did his father.
We may even have some trouble keeping up.
We have a duty to defend france and her king so please come forward to stand with me as brother knights and potential candidates.
These are sad days, particularly for our Captain and Prince. We are grateful for his service and wish him every strength in this hour.
I must continue to serve my Duchy for this term, but I am sure that those brothers on active duty will see the Order through this testing time. I would remind whoever is Captain to pick a Lieutenant on active duty, so that our Company does fall idle should events conspire against us.
Brother Alexandre Le Sueur,
Your enthusiasm does you credit and your term as Lieutenant also puts you in good order for the Captaincy.
I encourage other candidates however, "one horse races" are never good.
Brothers, with my sadness in loosing a father I feel joy that he did not suffer and was active until the end for the good of the Realm. He is surely at Gods right hand now and our alliance with the Pope is surely testament of how highly he was regarded by God.
I propose that should no other step forth in the next 24hrs that Brother-Lieutenant Alexandre Le Sueur be announced as Captain of the Order.
The King moves swiftly to some great purpose and has requested the Orders involvement. I suspect the gathering is for a purpose we have long awaited and the Order must be ready.
I second that suggestion. It seems that the King does not wish this session of the Conseil to be an extended one, so having our Captain in place before it ends would be prudent.
Brothers,
I present step down officially as Captain of the Order as of this moment. In my place Brother Alexandre Le Sueur will now take the position of head of the Order during this next session.
I wish to retain membership of the Order however. I foresee many trying times and the guidance and wise council of the Order is much needed by me.