-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Henry: On the matter of the Explorer's Guild at Venice, if we have no other such guild in our kingdom, my mild preference would be to accept the Explorer's Guild. It may be a useful place to train some of our generals in logistics, so that they may maneouvre more rapidly.
However, if we have another such guild already in one of our settlements - or if the Chancellor prefers not to accept for some other reason (for example, in the hope of attracting a merchant's guild), I will decline the Explorer's guild.
EDIT:
On further review, let us accept the Explorer's Guild in Venice.
Build queue for Budapest
When current building completed, please queue Drill Square (to get halberd militia)
Also demolish Master Thieves Guild asap (we have too many thieves guilds already).
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1176 continued:
Conrad Salier was victorious and has thrown the Milanese back into the sea!
In the East, Leopold was able to crush some Croatian Axemen, who had blocked the Danube crossing into Croatia. They were mercilessly shot down and killed by his superior troops. The much battered Austrian Household Army could finallay recieve reinforcements from Zagreb castle.
Fredericus von Hamburg returned to his city, now that the threat to Frankfurt has perished. The Danish have moved a smaller army to their southern border, so it is wise to keep a watch on them.
It seems that Hans is in hot pursuit of the Crusaders, but as he is about to leave Imperial territory several armies roaming the lands ahead of him could prove disastrous for his ambition to rejoin the Crusade.
Conrad Salier has not been idle either and is now attacking the Rebel scum north of Rome!
He was victorious and the roads to our capital are once again free.
Unfortunately by the time the word of our Emperor has reached our funds were already too depleted to support an Explorers Guild in Venice and so the offer had to be declined. I will keep his notions in mind though should any future offer come up.
Larger Walls are now being constructed in Frankfur, Stettin, and Bern. The rest will follow once the funds allow it.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1178:
In the North the Danish have reconsidered their movements and have verged off north entering the islands of the Skaggerak. While this move of Fredericus von Hamburg has proven effective the Polish have reemerged around Frankfurt and are besieging the city once again. It is the depleted force that attacked Frankfurt last season. 180 Mailed Knights from Magdeburg were dispatched towards the Franconian capital and another attack should prove as futile as the first one.
Meanwhile Fredericus von Hamburg is travelling South to Magdeburg, as the Polish are still roaming the woods East of the castle.
Further East the Polish are bringing several large armies in position around Thorn. One is even led by a family member now. It seems that they are avoiding decisive battles though, making the job for Günther von Kastilien all the harder.
The Hungarians near Vienna have decided to march South where they will probably meet with the reinforced Austrian Army. I confidently await their arrival.
Northern Italy, after getting rid of the Milanese, sees the Venetians advancing on their former capital. Gerhard Steffen has already mustered enough men to help defend Venice should it come under attack.
Conrad Salier has arrived in Rome and taken over the defenses of the city.
In the West the French lie quiet and the unrest in Dijon could finally be stopped, although French agents are still at large. Ulrich von Hümmel could continue his siege as planned and is readying to attack the city.
Another guild has approached us in Venice, this time the Merchant's and I willingly accepted their proposal of setting up a guild house.
The Heretic threat in the East has dropped the number of Catholics in those regions. It is believed that many there now follow heretic cults. Two Cardinals and two priests are trying to redeem this situation as soon as possible.
Michel de Lannoy, who has been at the root of this, could finally be dennounced by Eusebius von der Pfalz. Hopefully this will make their task easier in the future.
The Crusaders are nearing the Hellespont and have chosen to cross the sea South of Constantinople, not wanting to offend the Byzantines any more than necessary. Travel through off the road is proving slower though, but it is still much faster than negating the Byzantine capital and taking a detour north.
This enabled Duke Otto von Kassel, who has been pushing the cavalry as hard as possible to nearly catch up with the main Crusading Armies.
Word from Hans has been scarce and it is rumoured that he is stuck deep in the Hungarian Venetian border territories, making him possible prey for both our enemies. I wish him good luck on his journey and God's speed!
Word has reached me from Ulrich von Hümmel. It seems like he is about to assault Metz. I await the outcome of this battle with much anticipation. An example should be made of the populace to prevent future insubordiantions!
Ulrich von Hümmel was successful and defeated the unloyal Metz garrison. For their repeated insubordination many traitors were slain on the spot and a large part of the populace massacred. I commend Duke Ulrich von Hümmel on a job well done!
Gunther von Kastilien has put to flight several of the Polish armies that are avoiding open conflict. He finally managed to set upon a small force near Thorn and is currently attacking them!
He was once again successful and defeated the Polish.
The defenders of Frankfurt have waited long enough for the reinforcements, who were able to drive the besiegers from the city. Now they are ready to attack the Poles in earnest to keep them from coming back again.
With the support of the Mailed Knights from Magdeburg the garrison of Frankfurt was once again successful against the Poles!
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1180:
This is the final year of my Chancellorship and this will be my last report covering the progress of the Reich under my rule. As one of my last acts I have ensured that the Crusaders pass the Hellespont safely via local shipping routes and they have now entered Anatolia. Duke Otto has caught up with Emperor Henry and the cavalry support is once again established. Hans follows closely after a close escape from the Hungarians.
Our trespassing into Byzantine soil has not been without consequences though. It seems that in the future much more will be needed than a measly tribute to keep the goodwill of our neighbours.
Let me now come to the rest of Reich. In the north English troops have landed near Hamburg, it's a pitifully small force though. The Danish have also reappeared near our border. Fredericus von Hamburg will be occupied with Stettin though. The Poles he was sent to deal with have turned about and are now besieging the city.
Further East, Günther von Kastillien has replenished his troops in Thorn castle and with the countryside free of Poles for once, he can once again plan to take Breslau.
In the South East the Hungarians were quiet and decided not to attack my force. They are within striking distance though and will be attacked after the next Diet session. Budapest was approached by members of the Theologians Guild, I believe that we are in need of every guidance we can get and thus accepted their offer of setting up a guild house in Budapest.
Furhter South the Venetians are marching on Venice. Gerhard Steffen has enough men assembled to defeat the Milita rabble they sent, with the aid of the Venice garrison.
As you know, Conrad Salier is in charge of the defense of Rome. Pope Fillipus the Warmonger has not yet lived up to his name.
In the West the French remain a threat, but they seem on the defensive after the fall of Metz and the other glorious victories made by Prince Jobst.
Their spies continue to cause unrest in Dijon though.
The problem of Heresy is hunted down vigirously by our Priests and Cardinal, who are now roaming the countryside near Metz, Dijon and Bern.
I leave the office behind with our coffers filled once again with 12000 florins, just the way it was when I took up this office what now seems so many years ago. My Chancellorship was one of expected hardship and I am proud to announce that not a single settlement remains lost at the end of my term. Quite to the contrary we are now in posession of the Hungarian capital Budapest.
Although there were conflicts I have held my promise and ensured a safe travel for the Crusading armies through hostile Hungarian and Venetian territory. The have safely reached and crossed the Hellespont and can now continue through Anatolia all the way to the Levant.
The biggest failure of my term as Chancellor remains in the continued excommunication by the Papacy. This along with the various states at war with us, remain the biggest part to our Empire. I have tried every diplomatic avenue short of giving away Imperial territory for nothing, but to no avail.
It will be our greatest challenge in the future to find ways around this sitution. I belive Duke von Kassel has already made proposals concerning this in the Diet and they should be expanded upon.
I said that I would try to get peace with our neighbours, but it seems that as long as we are excommunicated peace will be hard to achieve with our enemies. Several diplomatic attempts were made during my term, but everyone of them failed. Even our allies the Byzantines were not willing to grant mutual Military Access. It seems that our reputation has suffered through our recent actions. If we want peace, reconciliation with the Papacy is a must!
I will follow the example of my predecessors and not stand for reelection at the next Diet. It is for another to step forward and guide our Reich further through these troubled times. I have already included advice for any future Chancellor in the above, but would like to add some more.
The taking of Breslau should be a top priority in our future. The roaming armies around Thorn prevented me form achieving this in my term. Since the Poles are unwilling to sign a peace, we have to take Breslau to once again close our frontier with them. The vast forests between Magdeburg, Stettin and Prague have been an often-used avenue of attack from the Polish getting them as far as Frankfurt with only short notice. These woods are difficult to defend and if we would own Breslau this would make the task much easier.
Another priority would be the rebuilding of our fleets. During the recent troubles all of our ships were lost and we are now left without a navy. The money needed to build up and reinforce our armies on land left little to be spent at sea. Right now every Noble, able of commanding an army has one under his control to protect the Reich. It will be the task of my successor to deal with this task. That's why there is also one Mission from our Council of Noble unfulfilled. They demand to blockade of Caen port, but we simply lack the fleets to do it.
This ends my term as Chancellor and I hope that I have been a worthy leader of our Reich. I tried my best to guide us through the troubles caused by my deceased father. May the next Chancellor guide us as well or even better!
Duke Leopold of Austria,
Ex-Chancellor
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Nuremburg:
Fairground
Irrigation
City Watch
Taxes set as high as possible without rioting.
Nuremburg is again focusing on expanding economic facilities to provide further income for the Reich. If the large sum required for Irrigation cannot be allocated by the Chancellor, but a sufficient amount can be found for the City Watch, the queue may be altered accordingly to allow this. However, the Count of Nuremburg will be most grateful if investment in both the Fairground and Irrigation could be made a some point over the next Chancellor's term.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Tax levels in Vienna and Budapest are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.
Build priorities Vienna:
Large Stone Wall
Communal Farming
Great Market/City Hall (depending on funds)
Vienna will not accept a guild house from the following guilds:
Assassins' Guild, Thieves' Guild, Explorers' Guild, Theologians' Guild
Build priorities Budapest:
City Hall
Communal Farming
Militia Drill Square
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Orders for Bern:
1: Finish Stone Wall (1), hire 1 spear militia as city can support 4 now
2: Build Fairground (4)
3: Build Paved Roads (3)
4: Build Blacksmith (3) (1 of which in next chancellor's term)
Taxes to be set so that PO > 69% Red face at 70% is totally acceptable and should be aimed for.
Bern may not accept the following guilds: Thieves' Guild, Explorer's Guild.
Theologian's Guild may only be accepted at Bern once we are reconciled.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Rome:
Complete Militia drill square (3 turns)
Merchant bank (4 turns)
City hall (4 turns)
Order of city hall and merchant bank can be swapped if available cash is tight.
Taxes highest possible consistent with order>69%.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Building queue for Castle Zagreb
1. Stables
2. Chapel/Church
3. Boywer
4. Crops
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build priorities Prague:
Council Chambers
Paved Roads
Fairground
Prague will not accept a guild house from the following guilds:
Assassins' Guild, Explorers' Guild, Theologians' Guild
Build priorities Venice:
Church
Paved Roads
Council Chambers
Fairground
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Thanks Ituralde.
OK I can't see the game for the moment so Ituralde is stating the build queue for Venice.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Conrad Salier:
Build queue for Milan is left up to the Chancellor to decide.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build que for Genoa:
Abby
Warehouse
Leather Tanner
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1180
Duke Leopold is triumphant against the Hungarians who were moving on Zagreb:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...4&postcount=50
The AHA will move to Zagreb to rearm. Depending on the events of the rest of the year, they may stay put, or move on Ragusa in 1182.
I have now ordered Count Steffen and the reinforced BHA to engage the Venetians moving on their old capital. The Count of Venice has led his garrison across the causeway to assist. While I'm sure Venice could resist a siege, I did not want the Venetians to seize the bridge outside the city as a choke point.
Our combined forces match theirs, but are divided. I'm sure, however, that a skilled General such as Gerhard can use this to his advantage. . .
Count Steffen and the garrison of Venice are victorious! The pitiful remnants of the Venetian army have dispersed, they will trouble the Empire no longer. The garrison has returned to Venice. Gerhard has rode ahead of his army to head off any rioting in Milan.
I have dispatched Heinricus Plittersdorf to negotiate with Pope Filippus the Warmonger:
Our diplomat's best offer was rejected. The Pope responded, "We cannot quite accept this. You are alone in wanting to find a peaceful resolution to this war."
Despite being powerless and bankrupt, the Pope has refused. If he will not accept this offer for only peace, I shudder to think at what he would demand for peace and reconciliation.
Count von Hamburg has broken the siege of Stettin, but the retreating Polish forces lie just beyond his reach.
Steward von Kastilien has left Thorn to march on Breslau.
In order to root out the French agent causing unrest in Dijon, I have ordered many of the Reich's nearby agents to converge on the city. I have also ordered repairs to the Thieves Guild in the city and will recruit another spy.
One of our assassins decided to practice his technique on a French Captain enroute, he was succesful and his skill has grown. Unfortunately, Kaiser Henry has lost some of his Chivalrous reputation due to this action. My deepest apologies, mein Kaiser, I had no idea this would occur. I will refrain from further use of assassins if you wish.
In order to try to meet Filippus's outrageous demands for peace, I have been forced not to start any building projects this year. I must save as many florins as I can, so I can bribe. . .I mean facilitate peace with the Holy Father.
So ends 1180, a year of military triumph but diplomatic stagnation.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Guilds of the Holy Roman Empire
I will keep this updated throughout my term.
Thieves Guild: Bologna and Dijon
Merchants Guild: Genoa, Florence, Marseille and Nuremburg
Master Merchants Guild: Venice
Master Theologians Guild: Budapest
Teutonic Knights Minor Chapter House: Frankfurt and Thorn
Swordsmiths Guild: Staufen
-
Re: Chancellor and Governor reports
Build Queue for Dijon:
Ballista Towers: 3200 Florins
City Watch
Printing Press
Thats all for now.
Me and Ulrich (Ignoramus) are workign out a plan of swapping the positions (Hey Ig, did you reply to that PM, I can't remember) between commanders. But I think I am still in control, is this correct?
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Standing Orders for the Austrian Household Army:
The army is led by Duke Leopold.
The army will pursue any Hungarian or Venetian armies entering Austrian territory. Leopold will try to set up in a position between Zagreb and Budapest from where he can reach both settlements within 1 to 2 turns. An attack against Ragusa can be made at the Chancellor's discretion, if the other Austrian settlements are not under immediate threat.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1182
A diplomat from England contacted us at Hamburg at the beginning of the year. They wanted a cease fire. With the rare opportunity of peace negotiations, I managed to have the English pay 2200 florins for damages against Hamburg in return for trade rights and peace. Other diplomatic developments might explain their desire for negotiations:
The Teutonic Knights have established a Minor Chapter House at Thorn.
One of our merchants was driven out of business near Vienna by a Byzantine.
Prinz Jobst has his first child, a daughter named Lyse, congratulations.
Despite my efforts, the French agent was not expelled from Dijon. In an interesting development, a Danish agent was expelled from Frankfurt. It seems to be a popular city.
I have again sent a diplomat to Pope Filippus with my latest offer:
Despite a very generous offer, the Pope has once again refused. I am at my wits end, I am sure he will want even more for reconciliation. Yet what would I give him then? I will think on how to untie this Gordian Knot.
I have also traded map information and arranged trade rights with the Turks. I'm not sure how long this will last, but the Crusade will benefit from the information.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
The Swabian Ducal Army shall be led by Duke Ulrich. I have told Chancellor Otto where I desire it to be led.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ignoramus
The Swabian Ducal Army shall be led by Duke Ulrich. I have told Chancellor Otto where I desire it to be led.
And where would that be my lord?
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
I may think that DUke Ulrich wishes to keep this info to himself and Swabian Counterparts.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warluster
I may think that DUke Ulrich wishes to keep this info to himself and Swabian Counterparts.
Is that right Your Highness...this sounds a little unusual.
Do I detect a note of defensiveness?
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1182 continued
With no armies threatening Austrian cities, besides a small Hungarian force over a year's march from Budapest, Duke Leopold has marched from Zagreb to take Ragusa, he should be there in 1184. The Budapest garrison has been reinforced with two militia units, and another two are being recruited.
Speaking of Budapest, our first Guild trained priest has been recruited there. I envision the city as a training ground for much of our new clergy.
The Council of Crusaders has decided to pursue the Egyptian Jihad Army threatening Constantinople, a confrontation may occur in 1184:
The Crusader Armies have transferred some units so that most of the infantry and crossbowmen are in the vanguard now. The rearguard will now serve as a mobile cavalry reserve. The delay that this reconfiguration caused has allowed Count Hans to catch up with his father. I am sure the Crusaders will welcome his arrival. . .
Upon further study of the situation, I realized the Byzantines have blocked the land bridge to Constantinople with a fleet. In order to prevent the Egyptians marching south, I have moved all of the cavalry forces of the Crusade forward. The Jihad is now hemmed in between Nicea, a Byzantine army, the mountains and us. We will be able to attack them next year.
Despite of, or because of, Kaiser Henry's loss of chivalry, his authority has increased.
I have fulfilled edict 7.6. I tried to get military access but the Byzantines again said no.
Welf Courcy, one of our assasins, has eliminated a French diplomat approaching Metz. I will not have a repeat of French treachery:
He has gained a young apprentice and his skill has increased.
I have taken steps to reinforce the battered Swabian HA in Metz with new troops raised in Staufen. More will be on the way next year.
Due to negotiations with Pope Filippus proving futile, I have decided to take advantage of our new found peace with England.
On my orders, Imperial diplomat Wilhelmus Becker has contacted the English:
He has brokered an Alliance between England and the Reich:
It cost us dearly, 10,000 florins plus a tribute of 1,700 florins for 5 years. Yet I hope we will get much more than just an ally with this deal. If we cannot make a deal with the current Pope, we should seek one with a possible successor.
With the money left over, I have started a modest building initiative. Hamburg has been ordered to start a Shipwright, and construction begins on Paved Roads for Staufen. A full building program will commence next year, I thank the Electors for their patience in this matter.
Count von Hamburg has caught up with the small Polish force that had besieged Stettin, he is ready to engage them. . .
The band of Polish bandits has been chased away from Stettin. 524 soldiers were deployed against 70 poles. 23 casualties were sustained, and 19 of the enemy killed, with 48 being captured. The prisoners were ransomed for about 300 florins.
I congratulate Count von Hamburg, not all battles are glorious but he dispersed the Poles with his usual efficiency. The ransom money will prove useful as well.
Steward von Kastilien's move toward Breslau has caught the attention of the Polish. Three Polish armies surround him south of Thorn. It is less dire than it sounds though, only two of them can support each other, and those two are made up of levies and siege equipment. Still the Steward must fight them if he's to continue on to Thorn. . .
I have received word from Steward von Kastilien:
Quote:
I faced the two (of the three total) Polish forces and won the battle. Killing almost a thousand Poles, to about 20 of our own. God was on our side, and everything went according to plan.
The prisoners that were taken were even accepted back by the Poles, at the hefty sum of approximately 3000 florins.
I have put this extra money to good use, a port has been ordered for Stettin and a church will be built in Venice. The planned shipwright for Hamburg has been changed to paved roads at the request of the Franconians.
The ransomed Poles, unfortunately, have taken shelter in Breslau. The garrison there is quite large now. Steward von Kastilien will need reinforcements from Thorn to mount an effective siege, but that third Polish army to the east blocked his supply lines to the castle. He has been forced to pursue it and attack after the Poles retreated close to Thorn itself. I await word from the Steward on this battle. . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steward von Kastilien
I am pleased to inform you that the battle was won, and the Polish were completely destroyed, it cost a mere 60 soldiers to make it so.
Being so close to Thorn, the Steward will winter there. His troops will be reinforced, and he will proceed to Breslau in the new year. While our conquest of that has been delayed, we have drawn the Poles into open battle and they have suffered greatly. We have put them on the defensive.
In other news, the reinforced SwHA lead by Duke Hummel has taken position on the bridge southwest of Metz. They await mounted reinforcements that will reach them from Staufen in the new year.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
No,no, Count. I am simply...stateing.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1182 concluded
Count von Hamburg, after his victory outside Stettin, began to move to Magdeburg.
With some trepidation I decided to enforce the second part of edict 7.2. The Rome garrison, led by Captain Friedrich, engaged Pope Filippus in battle:
The Warmonger is dead and his army dispersed. We lost 103 men and Friedrich is the man of the hour:
He is an associate of Count Hans, and I'm sure the Swabians can make use of his services. I have moved him north, as I'm sure Count Salier will no longer want him as his second.
We shall see what the Papal election will bring us in 1184.
God save the Reich.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1184
I have finally received a message from Pope Lanbertus:
This is wonderful news! Our excommunication of almost 40 years is over! God be praised! Needless to say, we are no longer at war with the Papal States.
Our reconciliation has caused a shift in the College of Cardinals and our standing with the Pope:
I am glad to see an Imperial Cardinal first among the Preferati!
Of course, I must point out the following:
Quote:
Charter Amendment 6.7: Any decision that would lead to the excommunication of the Reich has to be authorized by a Diet vote, requiring a 2/3 majority. In the event of a conflict, this Amendment supercedes Rule 3.3 and Charter Amendment 5.1.
This is the law of the land, and I will make sure it is followed. Woe to anyone who defies it. This may however, effect how I may pursue the goals and edicts of my Chancellorship. I will take steps to improve our relationship with the Papacy so we might have some flexibility in our course of action.
On to other news. . .
The French have once again besieged Dijon. I do believe however that the French agent has been expelled from the city. I will leave the decision whether to sally forth or to defend to Prinz Jobst.
Duke Hummel has a new son named Jens.
The Council of Nobles has requested we blockade Rhodes. This might take a while, and it is not a priority.
A Master Theologians Guild, chartered by the new Pope himself, has been built in Budapest.
The Egyptian Jihad Army has moved to the eastern walls of Byzantine Nicea, though they have not laid siege to the city.
The Crusade Army stands ready to attack the Egyptian Jihad forces, it only awaits an order from Duke von Saxony. A Byzantine messenger has informed me that Emperor John will march from Nicea to join the battle. I do not doubt his bravery, but his force is mostly siege equipment. (OOC: Still our first ally battle, :2thumbsup: ) :
I await word on the battle. . .
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1184 continued
Duke von Saxony has led the Crusade to victory against the Egyptians!
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...5&postcount=52
It is our holy mission's first victory, but not our last God willing. The Empire, of course, is now at war with Egypt. This is authorized by the original Crusade edict, if anyone was wondering.
The citizens of Nicaea have showered Duke von Saxony with praise and gifts, and they plan to hold a chariot race in his honor. Unfortunately this has delayed his army from moving (OOC: In winning the victory, Dietrich's stack moved into Nicaea's zone of control, ending his movement for the turn. Stupid Byzzies.)
TREACHERY!
I had ordered Duke Hummel to engage the bandits to the rear of his army, so he could be reinforced from Staufen and relieve the siege of Dijon. Yet he has not responded to my messengers and instead has gone rogue with the Swabian Household Army!
He has laid siege to the French city of Rheims! This is in direct violation of the will of the Kaiser, Diet and myself! While he is technically not in violation of E1.7 or CA 6.7, he soon will be. I have been informed that due to this action that our standing with the Pope has fallen to reasonable (5/10). In pursuit of personal glory and vengeance, the Duke would cast us back into the Abyss!
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1184 continued
With unrest abating in the Reich after our reconciliation, I have adjusted tax levels in many cities. We will soon be able to resume our normal level of construction.
Rome has built the first three Holks of the newly reformed Imperial Navy. Our ships immediately went into action driving a small French fleet from the seas south of Genoa. The keels of two Holks have just been laid in Thorn, the Baltic fleet will soon be reborn as well.
The first merchant of my term has been recruited as well. His guild training has paid off as he is a mercantile genius, he is currently trading coal but will soon depart north to trade fish, which is surprisingly lucrative.
Count von Hamburg will winter in Magdeburg and reinforce his troops. Depending on what happens in the new year, I may send him south against that large rebel force near Nuremburg, or north to watch the Danes.
Steward von Kastilien has again marched from Thorn to take Breslau, I hope he will draw out the Poles again. If they are focused on Breslau, they will not raid our cities in the interior.
The BHA, led by Count Steffen has been ordered to the French border. I hope this will distract the French from Dijon and make them divide their forces.
In the absence of the BHA, the Milan garrison, with assistance from some spearmen making their way from Innsbruck, engaged a small company of Venetian dismounted Knights that had wandered close to the city. They were routed and about 50 knights have retreated to the east.
Cardinal von der Pfalz successfully prosecuted a heretic southwest of Dijon. He is now considered a living saint by many.
Ortwinus Roht, a failed assassin in our service, died while attempting to sabotage the militia drill square in Paris. A pity, but an incompetent agent is not worth 200 florins a turn.
Friedrich Scherer will be sent to serve with Duke Leopold. The Austrians could use another noble on their front. I hope to get him blooded and knighted.
Speaking of Duke Leopold, he has arrived at the castle of Ragusa. Our agent in place has opened the gate for him. As there is only a Venetian noble and his retainers garrisoning the castle, he has been ordered to attack. This way, we will avoid Papal interference. I am glad to be back in the Church, but I did not miss the meddling. I await word from the Duke about the outcome of the assault. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...9&postcount=53
Ragusa is ours! We have suffered no further loss of standing with the Pope for taking it. I would urge the Kaiser to order roads to be built in our new acquisition as mobility is a key concern on our large southeastern front. Duke Leopold will winter in Ragusa to rest and rearm.
Prinz Jobst has asked permission to sally out of Dijon to attack the French. I have agreed, but I remind the Prinz that the men serving under him are Imperial troops and not members of the Swabian Household Army. I await word of the outcome. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...7&postcount=54
Prinz Jobst has won a heroic victory! As Vienna became a burial ground for the Venetians, Dijon is a Necropolis for the French! I salute the Prinz's bravery and wisdom in his decision to sally forth.
Acting on Friedrich Scherer's suggestion, I have contacted the English and sounded them out about attacking the French. This proposal was considered very demanding, even with the offer of a 1000 florins. I withdrew it before making an official proposal so as to not harm the influence of our diplomat.
I have written Duke Hummel, warning him of the peril he is in. I have had no response.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1186
My agents tell me that Duke Hummel's siege of Rheims has caused a French response:
The French chose not to attack, nor have I any word if Hummel plans to.
Our diplomat near Rome, Heinricus Plittersdorf, has been bribed into the service of the French. A waste of money in my opinion, his many failures in negotiating with the Papacy had already ruined him.
The experience of the Count of Venice in trading has paid off, a Master Merchant's guild has been built in his city.
Unfortunately, we have lost the last merchant recruited before my term to the same Byzantine merchant who struck before. A poor show of gratitude for the Greeks.
Speaking of the Byzantine Empire, they have made peace with the Egyptians.
That annoying French agent in Dijon has been eliminated.
The Hungarian Boris Janos has been made a Cardinal.
The Pope has ordered us to cease hostilities with the Venetians for 8 years (4 turns), or risk excommunication. The Pope, surprisingly, made no mention of France. A pity for the Venetians that we already have Ragusa. I have no intention of advancing against them, so I will gladly comply.
Soon after this, more serious news reached me about the Pope:
I mourn the passing of Pope Lanbertus, for Cardinal Aston could have easily forsaken our agreement, but did not.
I was a bit shocked when I saw who the candidates were for his replacement:
It seems Cardinal von der Pfalz is now more favored than Cardinal Herden among our delegation. More alarming to me was the presence of the Sicilian Cardinal Amocacci in the Preferati. Ironically, I had hoped for this six years ago. But now, the Sicilians would vote for their own, we would not have their support for our Cardinal. This was a blow, as the Venetians and Hungarians had 5 votes total. If they both voted for Burislev we would be in terrible danger.
While I deeply wish to have an Imperial Cardinal become Pope, this was not to be our year. I decided to throw our support behind Cardinal Amocacci:
The gamble paid off, we are now very high in the favor of Pope Pisanus:
I have written to the new Pope and asked him to give his blessing and sanction to our Crusade. I await his reply.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
It has been exactly 40 years since we were cast out of the Church. We have toiled and sacrificed to restore the Reich to the Vangaurd of Christendom and Europe. We have been accepted back into the Church and now I have heard from Pope Pisanus:
We, who were pariahs, are now the Sword of Christ! Our Crusade to free the Holy City from the Infidels has been blessed by the Pope! With God's Grace, nothing will stop us! Glory to God, the Kaiser and the Reich!
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1186 continued
The Crusade Armies have officially taken the Cross. With renewed vigor and faith we have traveled a great distance:
I would point out the Turkish Jihad Army east of Caesarea. It seems the Turks will try to take Constantinople despite the failure of their Egyptian brethren. Adana seems lightly defended, and debate continues in the Council of Crusaders if we should take it.
News has reached me that Duke Hummel has accepted my offer to abandon his vendetta against the French and take the Cross. First he must extricate himself from the French forces surrounding him. I await word of the result. . .
I have a messenger from Steward von Kastilien. His forces have arrived at Breslau, and our spy has managed to open the gate for him. The garrison of Breslau is small and led by a Polish nobleman, but a large army of ballistas and levies are southwest of the city and would attempt to assist if the Steward attacks:
I await word on what he plans to do. If the Steward attacks this turn we could seize Breslau without risking interference from the Pope. However, if he waits, he might have the chance to fight a defensive battle to his advantage or wear down the forces in a siege. (OOC: Kagemusha, you're covering for Dutch_guy, please let me know if you wish to attack this turn)
I have heard from Steward von Kastilien, he will lay siege to Breslau. He expects a Polish attack in response, and prefers to meet them on the defensive. I will respect his wishes in this matter.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Ragusa
Paved road
Communal farming
Crop rotation
Irrigation
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1186 continued
Sir Hummel has destroyed the French army outside Rheims. King Louis of France fell in the battle, though I am lacking key details from the battle and await a full report from him. While Ulrich had a clear line of retreat, he chose to give battle, and this has left him pinned outside Rheims for the rest of the year. If he survives a possible French counterattack, he will take the Cross in the new year.
Prinz Jobst has taken the remaining castle trained troops from Dijon and attacked the rebels blocking our supply lines between Staufen and Metz. The rebels retreated, and he will continue to pursue them in the new year, at which time he will have cavalry support from Staufen. The garrison at Dijon remains strong, though I do not feel the French will move against the city next year as their attention has shifted north.
Count von Hamburg has moved west from Magdeburg to crush some rebels north of Frankfurt. He will reach them next year.
Our new fleet based in Genoa has engaged and sunk a small French fleet outside Rome. This fleet will be used to transport Sir Hummel to the Holy Land, but they may as well defend our coasts while here.
In an effort to catch up on construction, I have initiated new walls in Florence and Vienna. These are expensive, but they are our most critical needs. Frankfurt also needs new walls, but I am waiting on more funds, and the permission of Steward von Kastilien. There is flexibility within his queue to do this, but I would be more comfortable having his blessing.
Our Papal relations remain excellent (9/10) despite the events of this year. I will continue to monitor them, as Pope Pisanus seems more comfortable at sea and is out of reach of our diplomats.
Three Venetian units, the ones that were trying to reinforce Ragusa before Duke Leopold took it, unwisely decided to continue to the castle. He ran them off, but they compounded their folly by retreating north and not back to Durazzo. I have sent the Duke to finish them. As they are now on our territory, I think the Pope will not mind if we do this. I await word of the battle. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...3&postcount=56
Duke Leopold has crushed the Venetians, none of them will trouble the Reich any longer.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1188
The French did not attack Sir Hummel. The Poles did not attack Steward von Kastilien.
Ulaszlo the Unorthodox, a Hungarian Cardinal, has died. I am proud to announce that Tancred von Magdeburg, a newly recruited priest in Budapest, has been named to replace him in the College of Cardinals. Truly the Master Theologians Guild has shown its utility as we now have four Cardinals, the most of any Catholic nation.
Pope Pisanus has made landfall in southern Corsica, I will dispatch a diplomat to him as soon as possible.
On a more disturbing note, a Russian fleet is outside of Thorn and a small Russian army has entered Franconian territory. I will keep an eye on this.
Denmark and Scotland have declared a truce.
Paved Roads were completed in Staufen and Hamburg. Rome now requires an upgrade of her walls, I ask the Kaiser's permission to build them immediately.
England, France, Sicily and Scotland have joined the Crusade.
The Turkish Jihad Army is now directly south of our Crusade forces, but they are separated by a mountain range.
Another Egyptian Jihad Army has appeared directly northwest of Adana. It blocks the Crusade's path to both that Castle and the Holy Land:
Our spy in southern France noticed an odd thing, the city of Marseille had no garrison at all and the population was rioting:
It seems a French nobleman and his retainers were the only unit garrisoning the city. I'm not sure if he died in the rioting or of natural causes, but I was not going to let such a golden opportunity pass. Gerhard Steffen and two units of mailed Knights rode ahead of the BHA and seized the city! The infantry followed and are right outside the northern gate. The city was sacked bringing nearly 12,000 florins into the Imperial coffers. This move has lowered our relations with the Pope (8 from 9), but I feel it is worth it. There was a Byzantine diplomat outside the city and I wasn't going to let him get the city first. I congratulate Count Steffen on showing such initiative. Edit: The herectical French have not built even a small church in their former city. I suggest that be our first priority.
Steward von Kastilien has a decision to make. With the small Russian incursion into Thorn, we need to reach a decision against Breslau and the large Polish army outside it quickly. If the Steward intends to take Breslau, we need to do it this year. I await word of the battle. . .
Count von Hamburg is ready to engage the rebels north of Frankfurt. I also await word from this battle. . .
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Kaiser Henry: Of course, Rome's walls may be upgraded.
In fact, given the unpredictability of when such upgrades are possible, I would suggest the Chancellor have the discretion to insert them into the build queue as he sees fit without asking for governors' authorisation. I may propose this along with any other "housekeeping" revisions in a Charter Amendment. (Governors could always have the right to state in advance they do not authorise wall upgrades - but the presumption should be that they are allowed.)
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
I have news from Count von Hamburg:
Quote:
A largely routine skirmish in the forests north of Frankfurt occurred. The rebels were well-equipped but poorly disciplined, and the entire force of 749 was quickly routed, most of them being captured. 92 casualties were sustained from an initial strength of 900.
The Count will be dispatched back to Magdeburg, as a similar army of rebel scum have sprung up near there.
Sir Hummel has officially taken the Cross. I welcome him to the Crusade and wish him and his men a swift journey:
Kaiser Henry and the 1st Crusade Army have moved to engage the Egyptian Jihad Army. Count Mandorf and the 2nd Crusade Army are ready to attack the Turkish Jihad Army. The known world turns its eyes to southeastern Anatolia as the holy warriors of two religions and three nations battle each other:
I await the results. . .
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
The Crusade has triumphed!
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...7&postcount=57
Kaiser Henry crushed the Egyptian Jihad! The cowards who survived the battle have taken shelter in Antioch. The way to Jerusalem is open! Though what route it will take will be discussed in the Council.
The Turkish Jihad was annihilated by Count Mandorf. In the confusion after the battle our agent managed to open the gates of Adana and the fortress was seized! The Reich now has a foothold in Outremer as well.
I salute Count Mandorf and Kaiser Henry, today is a day that will be long remembered.
If the Kaiser permits, I will begin construction of a Small Chapel in Adana to commemorate these three victories against the heathen. God has smiled upon us, and we should give our thanks to Him.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Indeed, a small chapel at Adana would be most appropriate. For subsequent builds at Adana, I would ask Count Manfred to set the build queue. I believe he will be garrisoning the castle and so is the best person to make these decisions. This request should not be interpreted as prejudging the assignment of Adana to any particular House at the next Diet.
Build queue for Marseilles
Demolish Brothel
Church
Wharehouse
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1188 concluded
Count Mandorf will remain in Adana with the 2nd Crusader Army. The 1st Crusader Army has moved into Egyptian territory in the northern Levant. I am following closely behind with some cavalry from Adana and will overtake them next year.
News of Count von Hamburg's concern about the modernity of our forces has reached me. I have decided to upgrade the castle at Magdeburg in response. I know this is not in the queue, but I doubt Steward von Kastilien will mind.
Steward von Kastilien has decided to continue the siege of Breslau. I am a bit confounded by this, but will respect his wishes.
Prinz Jobst has continued his pursuit of the rebels between Metz and Staufen. He has caught up to them and I await word of the battle. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...7&postcount=59
He has crushed the rebels. The Prinz will move on to Staufen to winter. Despite rumors that reached him that Dijon is in revolt, this is not so. The populace is disillusioned but not rioting.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Building Queue Zagreb
Good call on the fortress upgrade I didn't see the building started in the original que and did not want to appear demanding for the upgrade not knowing the financial state.
Now that it is upgraded and the stables have started please continue with the original list after the stables, Chapel, Boywer and crops.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1190
Sad news from the Levant:
The Hero of Nicaea died peacefully in his sleep. The Reich is lessened by the loss of such a geat warrior. I have received a message of condolence from Emperor John, it seems Dietrich is a hero of two Empires. I am at a loss for words.
The Hungarians have declared war on the Byzantines. A large Magyar army is outside Constantinople.
It seems the Church moves quickly, an Inquisitor has been spotted east of Adana. The reason I know this is:
The more things change, the more they stay the same. I am outraged that one of our priests who has risked life and limb to join us on Crusade was put on trial for heresy. At least the farce ended in Father Ritter being found innocent.
A Merchants Guild has been built in Marseille.
Sir Hummel and his Crusade army have embarked at the port of Genoa. The fleet now nears the Sicilian straits.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1190 continued
The Crusade is now north of Acre. Half of the Crusade will besiege the castle in the new year, the other half will move on to Jerusalem.
A diplomat has been dispatched to Corsica. He will be able to meet with Pope Pisanus next year.
Another diplomat has met with Captain Zavid, the leader of the small Russian force that has trespassed near Thorn. We exchanged map information, and we will provide the Russians with a stipend of 100 florins for 10 turns. I hope this will discourage them from attacking. I do not fear them, but they are valuable trade partners, and I would not wish to lose that income.
Speaking of Thorn, I have dispatched our newest priest, Henry von Nassau, north from Budapest to assist Cardinal Herden in converting the heathen.
I am aware of the call for peace from some members of the Diet. I will meet with the Milanese and the Polish in the next few years. Other nations will follow depending on the location of our diplomats. I have had informal talks before, and the results were not encouraging. Still, I will make the effort.
I have given my mid-term report to the Diet:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=484
I await word on three battles:
Breslau is ready to be assaulted by Steward von Kastilien. . .
He has taken the town.
Count von Hamburg has engaged some rebels north of Magdeburg. . .
The latest band of rebels have fallen to his sword. The Count will now make his way toward Stettin.
Prinz Jobst accompanied by Friedrich Scherer will attack the rebels southwest of Nuremburg. These scum have been troubling the Reich since my term began, and I will be glad to see them crushed. . .
Prinz Jobst did crush them, with extreme vigor I might add. Friedrich Scherer has been knighted for his part in the melee.
It seems that the large Polish army northeast of Breslau, led by Captain Zygmunt, is now on our land. They must be destroyed, I have ordered Duke von Kastilien into battle once again. . .
The Polish are routed, while there are a few random stragglers, none of their forces remain in the Reich.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1192
Two of our young noblemen have come of age:
Helmut von Hamburg at Magdeburg and Elberhard, the Kaiser's youngest son, at Rome.
A Theologians Guild has been built in Milan at the request of Cardinal Otterbach.
Hungary has joined the Crusade. A Hungarian army that was visible from Budapest, led by Istvan, has marched out of view to the east.
We are now known as the most advanced Faction in the world.
Our two flotillas of Holks returning to Genoa after transporting our diplomat to Corsica were attacked by the French. Our fleet was victorious and Admiral Nikolaus is now known as a competent sailor.
A large Egyptian force led by Captain Youseff is now directly south of Acre. It seems the Saracen will not give up their Fortress without a fight.
I have taken a good part of the Crusade Army and engaged the Egyptian relief force while Count Hans besieges Acre. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...2&postcount=60
I have utterly destroyed the relief force, I await word from Count Hans about the assault on the fortress. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...5&postcount=61
The Count has taken Acre. The way to Jerusalem is open!
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1192 continued
Leaving a garrison in Acre, the rest of the Crusade has laid siege to Jerusalem. Even though the city is only held by an Egyptian nobleman and his retainers, I want as many of our troops as possible to take part in the completion of our Holy task.
News of our entry into the province of Jerusalem has reached the Pope, our relations with him have improved back to outstanding.
A fleet of ships has departed Venice for the Holy Land with 5 priests, 2 merchants, a diplomat and a spy.
Duke von Kastilien has returned to Thorn with his army. He will rest and rearm his troops while keeping an eye on those wayward Russians. If the Poles make a move toward Breslau, he will be able to respond.
Count von Hamburg has chased down some bandits north of his home city. I await word of the battle. . .
Quote:
The latest band of rebels has been routed. They were 555 in number, going up against 1086 of course. They were all killed or captured, and 106 casualties were sustained.
I hope the Count's demonstration of the Reich's might will not be lost on the Danes.
Duke Leopold has engaged even more rebel scum north of Zagreb. If destroyed, there would be no bandits left in the Reich, or at least until next year. I await word of the battle. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...0&postcount=62
The Duke has crushed them. He will move on to our new frontier with Hungary to build watchtowers.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1194
Three units of Polish Nobles have besieged Stettin. I am confused on how they plan to batter down the gates from their horses, but I have sent Count von Hamburg and his son to relieve the city.
Two Polish armies have appeared in the eastern part of the province of Thorn, I have sent Duke von Kastilien to hunt them down.
Following Duke Leopold's instructions, I have declined a Theologians Guild for Vienna.
Hungary has used the pretext of the Crusade to take Constantinople from our ally. We have done all we can to save that city from infidels, yet a Catholic nation has seized it. This is dark news.
France and England are now at war, this is good news. The Moors and Byzantines are now fighting, this is bad news, since we are allied to both of them.
The Pope was pleased that we fulfilled his predecessor's request that we cease hostilities with the Venetians.
Sir Hummel's Crusade fleet is now southwest of Cyprus.
While the new Swabian Household Army is being fitted out in Staufen, Prinz Jobst has returned to Dijon, while Steward Scherer has gone to Metz.
The Heretic Pontius has been denounced by Cardinal von der Pfalz outside of Rome. The apostate has seriously damaged the faith of the area, and the Cardinal will remain to repair this.
Dire news from Adana:
I find their lack of faith disturbing. I will recruit new forces to replace them.
The rest of the Crusade, led by Kaiser Henry, is ready to assault Jerusalem. I am sure the world awaits word of this battle. . .
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...1&postcount=64
The Crusade is victorious! Jerusalem is freed from the infidel! The Pope was most grateful for our efforts:
I have crushed the remnants of the relief army. The survivors were ransomed for over 1,000 florins:
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1194 concluded
At the urging of Kaiser Henry our diplomat in Corsica has approached Pope Pisanus with the offer of Jerusalem in exchange for an alliance:
Jerusalem is the new Papal States and they are our allies. I had to give them 4,000 florins on top of Jerusalem to agree to it. They will need the money anyway to help defend their new city:
What an odd garrison, I suppose it was the best they could scrape together. Public order is now very low in Jerusalem (40%). We shall see what the new year brings.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1196
Order has returned to Jerusalem after the handover (75%).
Ansehelm von Kastilien has come of age in Thorn:
Denmark is now at war with Russia and Scotland.
England and Portugal have declared a truce.
Hungary is now the most advanced faction.
With our holy endeavor over, there are two ex-crusader armies in our territory. I hope the Scots and English will leave our territory peacefully, Duke Leopold will keep watch over them:
I have again approached Pope Pisanus with a proposal, this time concerning military access:
The proposal was accepted, though I find paying to better protect our new allies somewhat vexing.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1196 continued
Sir Hummel is now a year away from making landfall in the Levant. I'm sure his arrival will be a surprise to the Egyptians.
The Poles have retreated from the Thorn region. Duke von Kastilien has taken up position on the bridge south of the castle.
The five holks of the Imperial Fleet based out of Genoa have won a victory against a Milanese fleet off of Corsica. They can't invade us if they don't have any ships.
Steward Scherer has joined the rejuvenated Swabian Household Army on the bridge southwest of Metz. He has done this with my full knowledge and consent.
I engaged a force of Egyptian spearmen that had come south near to Acre. Lacking cavalry or bowmen they were easy pickings, I killed or captured all of them. The Egyptians refused the ransom offer this time, and the survivors were put to the sword:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...1&postcount=65
Count von Hamburg has broken the "siege" of Stettin. He has pursued the Polish Nobles and brought them to battle. I await word of the result. . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by FLYdude
The skirmish is over. Of the three enemy cavalry groups, two were surrounded and annihilated, and the third, although being attacked from all sides, managed to slip away in part. Of the 181 enemy, 135 were killed or captured, with an offer of ransom not being accepted. The survivors retreated toward Poland. 93 casualties were sustained from an initial strength of 1012. Just how much would a giant wall from Thorn to Prague cost, do you suppose?
Finally, Helmut von Hamburg has been knighted on the field of battle.
Count von Hamburg.
A good jest by the Count. With men like him we don't need walls.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1198
We have found and executed a French spy in Marseille.
I declined to build a Thieves Guild in Bern.
We are now the most advanced faction.
The Polish forces that retreated from east of Thorn are now directly across the bridge from Duke von Kastilien, but are in their own territory.
The French have sent a large army under a Captain to their border with Metz. It is close to the Swabian Household Army commanded by Steward Scherer.
Admiral Nikolaus has engaged and defeated a French fleet southwest of Genoa. He is now known as a fine officer.
It seems Egyptian reinforcements have rushed in from their eastern provinces:
Count Mandorf will hold tight for now in Adana while he continues to reinforce.
Kaiser Henry and Count Hans have marched north from Acre with all the full strength units in the area. They have reached the border with Antioch, but cannot engage the Egyptians this year.
I have stayed behind in Acre with the units that still need to be refitted. I will also keep an eye on Jerusalem.
Sir Hummel has landed in the Levant, southwest of Antioch. I have sent him to engage an army of Egyptians that crossed the ford from Aleppo. I await word of the battle. . .
Ulrich has defeated the Saracens and now holds the ford to Aleppo. I have sent the Teutonic Knight's from the Kaiser's army to reinforce him.
Count von Mahren has embarked on two flotillas of ships that will return to Venice. The remaining three flotillas from Sir Hummel's former fleet have blockaded Antioch.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
1200
Many Egyptian armies are massing around Antioch and Aleppo, with a small force threatening Acre, but they did not attack:
A Turkish spy appears to have infiltrated Adana, the population is still content however.
The Turks and Russia are now allied.
Scotland and England are now at war.
We have been ordered by Pope Pisanus to cease hostilities with France for 14 years (7 turns). It seems he took offense that our Genoa fleet was attacking their ships. If we do not comply our standing will fall with him.
Prinz Jobst has a new son, Athalwolf.
Kaiser Henry's bodyguard is now an official part of his retinue.
My term is now over, I have sent a final report to the Diet, it will arrive shortly.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=496
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build queue for Bern:
1: Finish Paved Roads
2,3,4: Council Chambers
5,6,7: Blacksmith
8,9,10: Abbey
Following guilds may be accepted:
Swordsmith, Horse breeder, Mason, Theologian, Merchant, Assassin, Teutonic
Build queue for Acre:
1: Finish Garrison quarters
2,3,4: Communal Farming
5,6: Leather Tanner
7,8,9: Knight's Stables
Upgrade to Citadel when available. [OOC note: even when its still building another building, you can select citadel and drag it to #1 position of the queue without losing progress]
Acre may only accept Swordsmith guild
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Nuremburg:
Large Stone Walls
Cathedral
Mines
Build Queue for Adana:
Practice Range
Archery Range
Blacksmith
Adana may accept a Teutonic Knights Chapter House and a Swordsmiths Guild.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Innsbruck:
Archery Range
Armourer
Irrigation
Build Queue for Bologna:
Communal Farm
City Hall
Warehouse
Build Queue for Florence:
Fairground
Warehouse
Build Queue for Marseilles:
Council Chamber
Abbey
Communal Farm
BHA Orders: The Army is to be commanded by Gerhard Steffen. The Army will defend Bavarian lands and engage any enemy forces that enter our territory. If Edict 8.1 passes, the BHA will be made available to enforce the edict if a peace agreement cannot be reached. At all other times, the Army will be quartered in Marseille to assist in the pacification of the city.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue Venice:
Economics my Dear Kaiser. Anything you wish, but please focus on Economics and Goverment Builds. I leave it to your judgement.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queue for Dijon
Ballitsa Towers
Any other upgrades to the City
Also build any economical building you wish Chancellor.
I also do not mind what Guilds you build in Dijon.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Order for the Swabian House Army
A defensive war is to be fought with the French until the excommunication threat ends. Should the French send an army larger than 1000 men or an army with one general greater than 3 command stars within our borders, that army shall be swiftly destroyed and the Swabian House Army shall make a fast forage within French territory to conquer one province bordering the House of Swabia. The province with the least garrison shall be attacked.
Once the excommunication threat ends, the Swabian army shall attack the most undefended settlement bordering Swabian lands regardless of whether the French has made an intrusion.
The army shall be stationed currently at the bridge south of Metz
Orders for Staufen:
1:continue irrigation
2:continue
3:jousting fields
4:continue
5:barracks
6:continue
7:continue
8:continue
9:stable
10:continue
I understand that Staufen is close to becoming a Citadel soon after which I would wish the current building to be completed and then the Fortress upgraded to a Citadel
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Tax levels in Vienna, Prague and Budapest are to be set to Very High.
Happyness is to remain above a blue face. This overrides any tax settings.
Build priorities Vienna:
Merchant Bank
Great Market
Mining Network
Please begin with whatever building the current treasury allows.
Vienna will not accept a guild house from the following guilds:
Assassins' Guild, Thieves' Guild, Explorers' Guild, Theologians' Guild
Build priorities Prague:
City Watch
Fairground
Brothel
Should funds be too low, go ahead with the brothel as its cheap to build.
Prague will accept any guild.
Build priorities Budapest:
Printing Press
Merchant Bank
Militia Drill Square
Build priorities Ragusa:
Chapel
Blacksmith
Jousting Lists
I will not add further constructions, as I'm pondering to convert Ragusa into an efficient Trade Port. This depends on the outcome of peace negotiations with the Venetians though.
Ragusa will accept any guild.
Orders for the Ducal Army:
Duke Leopold will lead the Ducal Army.
The Army will be positioned in the Southwest of the Budapest region where the Paved Roads cross into Croatia. Duke Leopold although nominally leading the Household Army will stay in Vienna. Should a threat arise to either the Eastern or Southern border the Army will move out immediately to counter it.
Should Edict 8.7 pass and the Venetians refuse the peace offer, the Household Army will move south to destroy and exterminate Durazzo.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
The tax levels in all cities are to be set as high as possible, until the risk of riots grows to great (read, until happiness levels sink bellow the blue face).
Now for the building queues:
Stettin
church
brothel
town guard.
Frankfurt
merchant bank
printing press
tavern.
Thorn
armourer
siege works
jousting lists
Magdenburg
paved roads
armourer
archery range
Breslau
Inn
ballista maker
Hamburg
merchant's wharf
mining network
market
city watch
Funds should be allocated in the following order:
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Thorn
Magdenburg
Stettin
Breslau
Guild are accepted in all cities, but I am leaving it up to the various governors of the settlements to decide where their priorities lie in that field.
The Household army orders are as followed:
The army is to be commanded by Duke von Kastillien and shall wage an aggressive war against the Poles, destroying all enemy armies en route to Krakow. A city which we shall take. For the taking of this city, and for dealing with the missile cavalry heavy Poles, I urge the chancellor to re-enforce the household army with catapults, and some cavalry, be it light or heavy.
Krakow will be attacked, and put under siege for some years. I am willing to starve out the city unless attacked by Polish re enforcements, or by the trapped Poles in the city.
:balloon2:
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build que for Genoa:
I'm not going to give specific orders just that the chancellor should focus on missle type military and economic buildings
(OOC: I'm at work for several more hours and don't have access to the game till later tonight, I'm looking for pavise crossbowmen [if they can be built in cities] and then economic buildings [ports, trader types, banks/printing press, farms in no particular order].)
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Building queue for Zagreb
After the chapel
1. Paved Roads
2. Convert to City
As a agreed that Ragusa will the main Fortress for the area.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
End of year Chancellor’s report, 1200 AD
My Lords,
I write to you outside of Antioch, on the eve of a climatic battle. Three Egyptian armies are poised to strike. I ask for your prayers for Count Hummel and our men in the struggle that is to come. One way or another, tomorrow will decide the fate of the fledgling state of Outremer.
Since assuming the office of Chancellor, I have immersed myself in the minutiae of office. I remain profoundly impressed by the strength and stolidity of the Reich as bequeathed by my Duke Otto and his predecessors. Nonetheless, I have identified a few concerns.
(1) Our armed forces are generally backward - with many regiments of unarmoured sergeants, peasants and militia. Only the Swabian Household Army consists of top of the line regiments - dismounted feudal knights, pavise crossbowmen, armoured sergeants and mounted knights. I have decided to embark on an extensive recruitment programme to upgrade all Household Armies to this standard. This year alone, I have recruited seven regiments of dismounted feudal knights, two regiments of pavise crossbowmen, three regiments of armoured sergeants and three regiments of mercenaries (Turcopoles). After negotiation with Duke Kastilien, I have authorised the construction of an archery range in Thorn so that the Franconians may benefit from the construction of steel arbalests. All this recruitment has meant I have had precious little money to spare for the economic investments I emphasised in my manifesto, which leads me to my second concern.
(2) Our finances - although showing a healthy net income of 20000 florins - are inadequate to meet all the construction plans of our governors. I would like to increase this surplus, so that I can authorise more of your build queues. The only way I could envisage increasing this surplus in the short run was a programme of retrenchment. This is doubly necessary given the future increase in upkeep from the military recruitment already reported on. To this end, I have disbanded twenty seven regiments of militia and peasant missile troops, ten regiments of peasants, seven of sergeant spearmen, five of mercenaries and four regiments of knights. Inevitably, this retrenchment leaves our forces leaner and our borders more lightly guarded which brings me to my third point.
(3) I am concerned that our large interior has no mobile force to police it and more generally that we lack a strategic reserve. Consequently, I have ordered Prince Jobst to begin training the nucleus of an Imperial Army. This will be available to respond to any emergencies such as a rebellion, a Polish incursion in the east or a new war in the north or south. My immediate concern is with the powerful ex-crusader armies of England and Scotland currently travelling deep in our interior. In the longer term, I believe it is right and proper that the Reich have its own standing armies, similar to Household Armies. These might appropriately be led by the Chancellor, the Kaiser and the Prince. If this initiative is successful, Prince Jobst and I may propose such legislation at the next Diet. However, I do not wish to go down in history as a war fighting Chancellor but rather an architect of a new Pax Romana. This leads me to my fourth and final concern.
(4) Diplomatically we are on poor terms with all but the Papacy. In accordance with recent edicts, Milan was offered peace for 5000 florins and just rejected it; Venice was more defiant in its rejection of peace for 4000 florins. I confess I am at a loss to know how to improve our standing, although breaking our alliance with the Moors will surely lower it further. Presently, I am inclined to increase the offer to Milan and postpone breaking out alliance with the Moors - although I recognise both moves may be opposed by some in the Diet. I would hear your views on this matter.
I trust the above has provided you with information on our progress and some food for thought. Now, I must turn now back to the matter at hand and prepare for battle.
Kaiser Henry
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor’s Report, 1202 AD
My Lords, the victory at Antioch has unlocked the northern Levant. I am now besieging the Egyptian castle at Aleppo. It is bereft of soldiers - only a stubborn noble and his escort defy us. Ulrich has made a rendezvous with troops from Adana at the bridge north of Antioch. Our garrison at Acre is menaced by a large Egyptian army, however. I fear Duke Otto may have a fight on his hands soon.
Duke Otto appears to relish fights, however. Although the Milanese just rejected our offer of peace, Duke Otto has privately and publicly refused to be flexible on the implementation of his edict that purported to seek a ceasefire. Although I am sure we could have attained a ceasefire with a slight increase in our offer - and despite us starting the year with over 46000 florins - Duke Otto has refused to sanction such an increased offer. So be it. Gerhard Steffen has landed at Ajaccio with the Bavarian Household Army and has it under siege. However, this aggressive move has left our Italian heartlands exposed and now a Milanese fleet stands at anchor off Genoa with a large army of cavalry and siege engines. Steffen’s fleet did intercept the Milanese, but they escaped annihilation. I fear this Milanese army will make landfall and the militia of the Bavarian cities will be powerless to stop them. Conrad Salier has ridden north from Rome to oversee our defence and Innsbruck is hastily raising armoured spearmen, but I fear several Bavarian cities will have been sacked before my term of office is out.
The Franconian drive on Krakow has been halted by internal reorganisation and an injunction from the Pope to cease attacks on the Poles for seven turns. Fredericus Hamburg is moving to take control of the Franconian Household Army, will be used to screen our eastern border from the Polish armies massing at Krakow. Gunther von Kastilien has been left with a strong garrison at Thorn, although on reflection I may give that assignment to his son. [OOC: Dutch_guy is having computer problems, so Thorn would have to be an autoresolve.]
Given the adamant rejection of a ceasefire by the Venetians, I have no hesitation in facilitating Duke Leopold’s march on their continental holdings. Unlike Milan, there is no hope of peace with Venice at the moment. Jonas von Mahren is blockading Venetian-held Rhodes as requested by the Council of Nobles. Maximilien von Tyrolia, an Austrian merchant, is gathering together the agents required for the trade and missionary expedition proposed by the House of Austria.
All is quiet on the Swabian front. Thanks to the Prince of Antioch’s bounty, Staufen is being upgraded to a Citadel. Prince Jobst’s Imperial army at Staufen continues to grow. A large rebel army has been spotted south of Frankfurt - they will provide the Prince’s army its first chance to prove itself.
I have gifted our Byzantine brothers 1000 florins but our relations remain terrible. I hope Hans mission to return Constantinople to them will improve this lamentable situation. Hans is with Duke Otto in Acre. When the crisis there subsists and a sufficient force can be levied, he will depart for Constantinople.
The project to modernise our household armies continues - this year I have hired each House a regiment of Teutons, the finest knights in the Reich.
I know anxiously await news from Genoa and ask the Dukes to remember the prime function of their Household Armies - to defend their realms, not to conquer their neighbours! Conquests - particularly where they risk leaving Duchies exposed - should properly be done by Imperial armies, led by the Chancellor or his appointed commanders.
Kaiser Henry
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1202-end.zip
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor's report, 1204 AD
My Lords, it has been a quiet year for the Reich, opening as it did with the sad death of our venerable Count Maximillan Mandorf. It seems all across the Reich the pace of life slowed down and men moved about their business with sombre calm.
Christendom will miss the stern corrective guidance of Count Maximillan. As if emboldened by our loss, the Mohammadans in Jerusalem have rebelled and thrown off their Papal masters. I heard the news just before storming the lightly held fortress of Aleppo. Consquently, I have left my army - the veterans of Antioch - and embarked on a ship to handle the crisis personally. I had hoped that Duke Otto at Acre could oversee the defence of Jerusalem, but perhaps I expected too much of him.
Duke Hummel has moved to Adana to garrison the key fortress after Count Mandorf's death. His arrival comes not a moment too soon - a large Turkish army has entered the province from the west. It appears to be moving to collect reinforcements from Caesara before turning south to menace Outremer.
Back in southern Europe, our South Mediterranean fleet managed to pursue and engage the Milanese armada they had previously scattered. The enemy has fled back to the straits between Corisca and Sardinia. I am now confident we can deal with them without giving them the opportunity to land their army in vulnerable Italy. However, I am less sure of Gerhard Steffen's ability to storm Ajacco. It is defended by a Milanese noble and three regiments of dismounted knights. None of our proud Bavarian knights can be induced to dismount and scale the walls. As I am reluctant to send mere Sergeants against Italian knights, I have decided to starve the enemy out until the dismounted feudal knights I have recruited can arrive to put some backbone into the Bavarians. This deficiency in the Bavarian Household Army highlights the need for the modernisation of our Household Armies.
Elsewhere, all continues to be quiet on the Swabian front. As it seems unlikely we will have to endure a French offensive, I would ask the Duke of Swabia which French settlement he intends to target once the Pope's injuction to refrain from hostilities expires.
The Franconian Household Army is now east of Stettin, arranging a transfer of command from Duke Kastilien to Count von Hamburg. The Duke's son has returned to Thorn to garrison this key salient in our eastern front.
The Austrian Household Army is marching towards Ragusa, together with Maximillan von Tyrolia's mercantile expedition. Once there, the two will separate and head south on their respective missions.
Diplomatically, my court has informed me that a charming Portuguese Princess approached with an offer of alliance. As this will give us an interest in the west, to match our interest in the east, I was happy to approve a gift of 1200 florins for two turns to seal the deal. Like the Roman Empire of old, I believe our Reich should wield influence across the Mediterranean from west to east. I encourage the Diet to support Portugal in any future conflicts and strengthen our alliance.
Finally, I am pleased to recognise three new generals to the court. Harold von Dassel has married Judda der Stolze. Erhart von Mahren and Jan von Hamburg have come of age. It seems that just as God takes away, so he gives.
Yours
Kaiser Henry
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
End of year Chancellor’s report, 1206 AD
My Lords,
This has been a dark year for the Reich. It began with a Polish siege of Breslau. The reorganised Franconian Household Army, now under command of Count von Hamburg, was not able to arrive to relieve the settlement. However, I am hopeful that the approach of this powerful force will at best deter the Poles from pressing home their siege or at worst quickly undo any damage they wreak.
In Outremer, the year has ended with a Turkish siege of Adana. Fortunately, the Prince of Antioch has amassed a formidable force at Adana that I had hoped would be able to sail to Constantinople under my son, Hans. However, the Turks have forced a change of plans. I now plan to use my son, and the veterans of our great victory at Antioch, to break the siege.
The one ray of light has been the final destruction of the Milanese armada off the south of Corsica. Their entire army of cavalry and siege machines has been lost at sea. Count Steffen is now free to take their settlement at his leisure.
In other news, the Swabian front remains peaceful. If I do not hear from the Duke of Swabia soon, I will target Rheims as the target for their expansion once the Papal ultimatum to cease and desist ends.
Duke Leopold has arrived at Ragusa with the Austrian Household army and the mercantile expedition. My brother has informed me that his army’s target will be Thessalonika, while the merchants will head to North Egypt where their accompanying priests can cause some mischief converting the Mohammadans.
For my part, I have landed at Acre and assumed command of the garrison from Duke Otto. I scaled the Golan heights and drove off the Egyptian army that has been threatening Acre without loss to either side. I intend to engage them in battle and then take Jerusalem from the rebel Mohammadans.
May God have mercy on their souls, and ours.
Kaiser Henry
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
I do wish for us to attack the city of Rheims. After which if there are no significant enemy forces nearby, a quick assault of Paris will follow. With their captial gone, the French will be crippled and shall suffer greatly
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
As Duke of Franconia I wish to appoint my son Ansehelm von Kastillien as count of Thorn.
:balloon2:
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
End of year Chancellor’s report, 1208 AD
My Lords,
I am weary - I feel drained, as if the burden of office or the stiffling climate are dragging me down. The sky is filled with dark omens. Word has come from merchants of the east of a great horse lord by the name of Ghengis Khan. He is sweeping all before him with an unstoppable mass of cavalry. These men - called Mongols - are traversing Transoxania at an alarming rate and look set to continue on westward, arriving either north or south of the Caspian sea.
My Lords, to a man in Frankfurt or Vienna, these names of provinces and seas may sound faraway and strange. But to the people of the Levant, they are familiar, neighbouring places. Dusan My advisors tell me that Outremer itself is in peril and we must secure its great cities quickly before all hell breaks loose.
My son Hans has broken the siege of Adana by the Turks and is about to embark for Constantinople. I have now cleared away the Egyptian armies menacing Acre and Jerusalem, laying siege to the Holy City again. It will soon belong to the Reich once more. Then all that will remain to complete Outremer will be the capture of Damascus.
Back in Europe, my staff inform me that there has been yet more reorganisation of the Franconian Household Army. Now it is under the command of its Duke, with Count von Hamburg beginning a long trek to the Levant. A Polish army stumbled upon the Duke's army but unfortunately our Papal injunction prevents us from crushing them. All this delay has allowed me to recruit three catapults for the planned siege of Krakow, however, and Thorn has produced its first regiment of pavise crossbowmen.
The Swabian army remains on the bridge south of Metz, ready to be unleashed on Rheims when its own Papal restraint order expires.
Gerhard Steffen continues to besiege the Milanese fortress. He now has one regiment of dismounted feudal knights with two more marching through north Italy to join him. I await his instruction to launch an assault, but am content for him to starve out his enemies.
Duke Leopold has reached the border of Venetian territory. Jonas von Mahren has disembarked in north Greece seeking to join my brother. I pray for his safe passage through enemy lands.
Finally, the Moors have attacked our new allies the Portuguese. This has allowed us to end our strange alliance with the Mohammadans in accordance with a Diet edict but hopefully without lowering our general diplomatic reputation. Good riddance to bad rubbish, say I.
Now, I must return to matters at Jerusalem. My head aches and I will find no rest until this business is resolved.
Kaiser Henry
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/1210-1.zip
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor's Report for 1210
My Lords,
The year has been uneventful. Duke Otto evicted the rebel Mohammadans from Jerusalem. For this service, he has been named King of Outremer. A diplomat has been sent to return the Holy City to the Papacy.
The Household Armies continue with their assigned duties.
The only real news I can provide is some absurd diplomatic escapades. The Moors declared war on us and then promptly asked for a ceasefire. I agreed in return for a tribute of 500 gold for ten turns, to compensate me for the tedium of having to waste good parchment reporting on their antics. A Danish Prince asked me to assassinate his father. I have a mind to find the young Prince and assassinate the cur instead, but no doubt father and son deserve each other.
Oh, and there was some little difficulty with one of my retinue. You just can't find the staff these days.
Kaiser Henry
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor’s Report for 1212
My Lords,
This report contains news somewhat more momentous than the trivia of my last.
First, the horse lords have arrived at Baghdad. I have a mind to see what manner of men are these - perhaps I should despatch a diplomat and a spy, if I do not travel there in person.
Second, Pope Pisanus died. While Eusebius der Pfalz was one of the Preferati, our allies the Sicilians also fielded a strong candidate who I decided our Cardinals should back. Pope Angellus was suitably grateful, restoring our relations with the Papacy to Perfect (they had sunk to so-so before Pisanus’s death).
Unfortunately, the Lord valued Angellus too much and spirited him away from us before this year was out. This time, I voted for our own Eusebius der Pfalz. These chaotic events in the Papacy have prevented us negotiating the quick transfer of Jerusalem (OOC: our diplomat has taken time getting to the Papal army). But the Diet can be assured the transfer will be complete by my next report.
My first act of diplomacy with the new German Pope was to request a crusade on Damascus, as mandated by Edict 8.3. In accordance with our Charter, I request all generals who wish to join the crusade to give me notice within 48 hours. I understand Count von Hamburg will join, but need to know Austria’s representative. In this connection, I recommend to Duke Leopold a most promising young Austrian general called Karl Zirn, recently married to the Duke’s daughter Meckil.
I turn now to the affairs of each of the four Houses.
The Franconian Household Army is approaching Krakow, although the Papal mission to refrain from hostilities with the Poles will last until the time of my next report.
The Swabian Household Army, however, is now free of its injunction and so in my next report I hope to report it is besieging Rheims.
The Austrian Household Army is nearing Thessalonica, Jonas von Mahren having safely rendezvoused with Duke Leopold. Unfortunately, a large Hungarian army is approaching Budapest. I am training a professional force at Ragusa to come to the aid of the city’s militia, but I lack an outstanding general to lead them (Count von Hamburg is near but I am unsure whether to distract him from his journey to the Levant).
The Bavarian Household Army has, however, been ordered to stand down at Ajacco. The Milanese approached me for a ceasefire and I judged it best to accept, leaving them the accursed island and establishing trade rights with their merchants. I realise that I may be criticised for this decision in the light of 8.1, but I hope Duke Otto will see that he has gained his ceasefire and saved the 5000 florins he was prepared to spend. Ironically, I did contact Gerherd Steffen offering him the chance to assault the fortress before I was approached by the Milanese, but I fear his many ailments must have drawn him away and he did not respond in time. However, I do not withdraw the Bavarians from Corsica with any reluctance. I came to power promising a Pax Romana and that is what I am working towards. Moreover, a large rebel army has gathered near Rome and Conrad Salier’s militia are simply no match for them. I will be grateful to bring the Bavarian Household Army home to see them off.
In other news, Prince Hans has finally set sail for Constantinople. I am also pleased to announce that our heavy recruitment of Teutons from Frankfurt has led to their Chapter establishing its headquarters in that city. They have also opened up a minor chapter in Magdeburg. I wish they could be persuaded to serve in Outremer.
Now, my Lords, I have much to attend to,
Until next time,
Kaiser Henry
Save for the beginning of 1214:
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/1214-1.zip
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor's report for 1214
My Lords,
Another quiet year - we seem to alternate between the frenetic and soporific.
The Franconian Household Army came within spitting distance of Krakow. By the time of my next report, Duke Kastilien will be free of Papal restraint and able to strike at some of the several Polish armies milling around their capital.
The Austrian Household Army has laid siege to Thessalonica.
The Bavarian Household Army has landed near Florence, heading for the rebel army north of Florence.
The Swabian Household Army has laid siege to Rheims.
Prince Jobst marched his Army of the Interior to Prague, attempting to forestall the Hungarian advance on Budapest. Fortunately, the Hungarians turned back at the end of the year, alleviating this threat. The Prince may next year march towards Hamburg, as Danish and Scottish armies are lurking around our northern flank - a worry given that Count von Hamburg and his two sons are heading to Ragusa to join the crusade on Damascus.
In Outremer, King Otto defeated two small Egyptian armies trespassing on the land of our Papal allies. The spy I sent to find the horse lords has instead spotted a large Egyptian city, Edessa, west of Aleppo. I intend to take it, as there should be no Egyptian presence north of Gaza and Edessa will provide a first line of defence against any Mongol invasion.
The end of the year brought an unpleasant shock however: a Russian army has besieged Thorn. Although the fortress is well garrisoned, it lacks a distinguished general - I sent the Count of Thorn to earn his spurs with his father near Krakow.
I suspect, as has become the pattern, my next report may be more eventful than this.
Kaiser Henry
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor’s report, 1216
My Lords,
Due to conservative spending in 1214, we began the year with twice our usual starting balance: 42,353 florins. This allowed me to indulge in some largesse to the church: an abbey was ordered to be built in Marseilles for Gerherd Steffen to recuperate in, while in Nuremburg work was begun on a cathedral dedicated in honour of the late Maximillan Mandorf.
The Pope invited us to begin our crusade to Damascus, but I will hold off a while. My brother, Duke Leopold, has requested to lead the crusade and must return from Thessalonica to Ragusa to head the force I am gathering there for him. Count von Hamburg is nearing Ragusa with both his adult sons and young Karl Zirn has reached there from Rome. There are also two sons of Jonas von Mahren at Ragusa. Their father will take over command of the Austrian Household Army now besieging Thessalonica. Duke Leopold has decided pressing an assault on Thessalonica would be too costly right now, so there will be a pause while more siege engines are constructed. I am hopeful the besieged Venetians will be emboldened by their superior numbers to attempt a sally.
Duke Leopold and Count Jonas face some interesting strategic dilemmas at the moment. They have two armies - the Austrian Household Army and the nascent crusader force. But they face three strong forces - a Hungarian army loitering around the border of Budapest; the besieged Venetians in the Thessalonica and their compatriots at Durazzo. I would welcome any opinions from Jonas or Leopold on how to respond to these challenges. I feel the enemy at Durazzo must be bloodied before the Crusade proper begins; I cannot risk letting Ragusa fall to Venice - it is in the process of upgrading to a Citadel and is far too precious to lose. As for the Hungarians, I now regret turning back Prince Jobst’s Army of the Interior from its march on Budapest.
The mercantile expedition has made landfall in North Africa although they are not as close to Northern Egypt as I would have liked. However, the Egyptian navy is powerful and my priority is to join their transports with those of Prinz Hans’s expedition to Constantinople. The combined fleet may be able to transport Duke Leopold’s crusade in due course. The merchants and priests will have to walk the rest of the way to their destination.
France has been excommunicated although I caution Swabians not to get too excited by this news given the venerable age of our Pontiff. The Swabian Household Army under Duke Scherer has stormed Rheims with very low casualties.
While the Russians besiege Thorn, our Baltic fleet has sunk two of their warships. The Franconian Household army has been unleashed on the Poles around Krakow. Duke von Kastilien reports bitter fighting and feels his army lacks the strength to push on to siege Krakow. I have authorised his withdrawal north towards Thorn. Another of the Duke’s sons, Peter, has come of age.
In the Levant, I cut down an Egyptian general who foolishly attempted to block my advance on Edessa. Next turn I will besiege the city, but it is clear it will not fall until I am out of office. Prince Ulrich has been authorised to hunt down a band of Turks trespassing around Adana, but deemed them not worth getting out of bed for.
My next report will be my last. I am sure you will be glad to be rid of me.
Kaiser Henry
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
With Rheims newly taken, here are the build orders.
I do not remember the length of construction, but here is a general order.
church
ballista towers
next higher level church
militia square (i think, but its the barracks thing)
Please train additional militia to garrison the city as soon as possible.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor’s Report for 1218
The year began with disaster: despite having a strong garrison, the fortress of Thorn fell to a bold assault from a Russian force half its size. The only consolation from this bitter defeat is that the Russians chivalrously spared the fortress from being sacked or exterminated.
There are, I believe, lessons from this bitter defeat. First, we cannot rely on garrisons to protect our frontiers. The garrison I provided for Thorn was the force that the late Maximillan thought sufficient to hold Adana against all comers - vis, three regiments of spearmen, three of archers and two of dismounted feudal knights. However, what was missing was clearly the late Maximillan or his equivalent - a distinguished general to oversee the defences. I know that the Count of Thorn will feel resentment that he was not kept in post to defend Thorn. However, in my defence I can only say that I had no knowledge that Russia would attack us until Thorn was besieged and I judged the priority to be the Count earning his spurs in battle against the Poles, so that then he could be used to freely command forces in Franconia and elsewhere.
A second lesson of Thorn is that our borders have become stretched, especially with Household Armies assigned to conquer neighbouring provinces. When Thorn fell, the Franconian army was far away outside Krakow. Similarly, when Genoa was menaced, the Bavarian army was in Corsica. When the Hungarians threatened Breslau and the Venetians massed at Durazzo, the Austrian army was in Thessalonica. Now the Swabian army is at Rheims, I fear for Marsellies and Metz. Duke Otto has said that it is the Chancellor’s responsibility to balance the imperatives of implementing edicts for conquest with the need for homeland defence. Perhaps there is some truth in this, but I believe Houses should exercise more oversight over the deployment of their forces and provide more nuanced edicts or standing orders that recognise the primacy of defending our borders.
In response to the loss of Thorn, I began the march northwards of Duke Kastilien’s battered household army from outside Krakow back to Thorn. Unfortunately, a small Polish army blocked the road north and we are once again subject to a Papal injunction to desist from attacking them. Consequently, the FHA was forced to go off road and skirt round the Poles. To speed up the march on Thorn, I detached the catapult batteries from the FHA and sent them to Breslau under the Count of Thorn’s command.
In Rheims, the Swabian Household Army is under siege by an inferior French army. I have yet to learn if the Duke of Swabia will lead a sally out of the city. After the debacle of Thorn, I will not authorise a junior commander to fight the battle. [OOC: no autoresolving here!]
Prince Jobst has crushed a rebel army south of Frankfurt. North of Rome, Steward Scherer has finally reached the rebel army menacing our interior. I await news of the battle.
Near Ragusa, Duke Leopold has joined with the bulk of the army to be formed into a crusade. Count Salier is bringing up more knights. I do not say that all the nobles gathering there will join the crusade but I am giving my successor as Chancellor the freedom about who else to include (beyond Leopold, Salier and Zirn). Before departing, Duke Leopold and the next Chancellor may wish to strike down the Venetians massing around Durazzo. Otherwise, I fear that they will do to Ragusa what the Russians have done to Thorn. There is also the strong Hungarian army wandering around the borders of Budapest. Count Mahren remains besieging Thessalonica, but I believe this endeavour may prove futile just like the Bavarian strike at Corsica and the Franconian march on Krakow. I should also report that Spain and Denmark have embarked on the crusade to Damascus. In other Austrian news, Zagreb has accepted a Merchant’s guild.
At sea, a small Egyptian fleet has reached Ragusa and sunk some of the ships that transported Conrad Salier to Ragusa. This means that we are unable to reinforce the crusade with units from the BHA despite Steward Steffen’s generous offer. The ships returning from landing our mercantile expedition in north Africa encountered a much larger Egyptian fleet. Fortunately, the enemy did not strike but I was sufficiently alarmed to send the ships to join with Prinz Hans’s armada. I pray that our large naval force will be sufficiently strong to protect the transports bringing the Prinz’s army to Constantinople.
I declined an offer of marriage for Demuth von Hamburg. There was nothing wrong with the young suitor, but with all the Kastiliens, von Hamburgs and von Mahren’s swanning around Rome and Ragusa, the last thing I felt the Reich needed was another Franconian trying to make an impression.
In the Levant, I drove off a small band of Egyptians under a chap called Medhat Karfur. At the time, I lacked any full regiments of pavise crossbowmen and the difficulty of dealing with Medhat’s one regiment of Mameluk archers has impressed on me the importance of having sufficient missiles if we ever have to face a horse archer force such as that of the horse lords. I recommend that the next Chancellor increase the proportion of pavisers in our Outremer archers as a precautionary measure. After the battle, I ransomed Medhat back to Edessa and have assembled a strong army on the approach to the city.
Now that Antioch is mainly Christian, I have moved our many Cardinals and priests to Damascus to convert the population in advance of our crusade. I hope our crusaders will be able to occupy the city without having to massacre its population. I have ordered all our settlements in Outremer to recruit more priests. I believe some priests should be sent to Edessa if the next Chancellor intends to take it from the Egyptians as I would recommend. Our spies have encountered the horde of horse lords south of Baghdad. A diplomat is en route to parley with them.
That ends my last annual report. I will provide short review of my full term in office shortly.
Kaiser Henry
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
After my son's courageous participation in the Franconian Household army's intense battle of last year, he is now knighted - and fully able to lead a force of his own in battle.
:balloon2:
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Chancellor’s final report
My lords, I promised a final report summing up my term in office. Unfortunately, it has been delayed by the need to travel from Edessa. And my achievements have been somewhat overshadowed by the recent disasters at Thorn and over the Danish crusade. However, I do have some last comments on the state of the Reich at the end of my Chancellorship.
Assignments: Rheims is assigned to Swabia. Antioch and Aleppo remain formally Imperial settlements. However, as per the draft constitution of Outremer, Aleppo is informally assigned to Franconia.
Territory: We ended my period in office with a three extra provinces (Antioch, Aleppo and Rheims) but lost Thorn. I believe we should seek to maintain this modest rate of expansion. In the coming Diet, we may wish to complete the conquest of Outremer by taking Damascus and Edessa, although work will have to be done to convert the local population if we are to avoid a rebellion such as that which occurred in Jerusalem. I have already moved our many Cardinals and priests from Antioch to Damascus; I would urge the next Chancellor to move some to Edessa as well. Outremer also needs a facility for training spies to avoid unrest. Thorn should be retained and Krakow taken; however, I am unpersuaded by the case for further territorial expansion.
Military: Our armies have been largely upgraded, although Franconia still requires more pavise crossbowmen. However, we face multiple threats along our borders - from the Hungarians, the Poles and now from the Danes. I am sympathetic to the case for second Household Armies. However, this case varies by House: Franconia is most in need - especially now that the Danes are at war with us. By contrast, the Bavarian Household Army could even be downgraded in size. On reflection, I would oppose formally establishing second Household Armies but would recommend that the Chancellor do it informally when required. We must also recognise that our enemies have grown in strength and that quickly taking enemy settlements may become rare - we achieved it at Rheims, but were thwarted at Ajacco, Krakow, Thessalonica and Edessa. Perhaps we should fight with more dispersed forces to try to induce the enemy to attack us outside of its fortifications?
Economy: Although I began my term in office frustrated that I was unable to build much that our governors desired, the cost cutting measures I implemented and the effect of past investments soon changed this. Since that first year in office, there has been sufficient income to authorise every building I have wished to authorise. I would urge the next Chancellor to keep a careful eye on our economic situation in order to continue being in this happy position. If, as I expect, we need more armies to defend our borders, rather than expand our military, I would recommend splitting some of our Household Armies - Prince Jobst has shown that a small, upgraded force can easily triumph over larger lower grade enemies.
Diplomacy: Our alliances had begun to bear fruit until the unfortunate incident with the Danish crusade. Hopefully, we can put things right. I would like to see peace overtures made to all our Christian enemies. We must recognise - as has occurred with the Poles - that Papal restraint provides only a very short window for offensive action against brother Catholics. Moreover, the biggest challenge we face is now the pagan horse lords. I believe we are ineluctably on a collision course with them and we must prepare for this. I volunteer to take my army and block their approach to Damascus, although I would appreciate a few more of King Otto’s excellent pavise crossbowmen for the task. My ability as a night fighter may allow me to buy the crusade needed time to reach Damascus first. I have not much time left for war and offer myself to the Reich in one last service.
Yours,
Kaiser Henry
Summary information on Kaiser Henry's Chancellorship, 1200-1218
Build queues in Kaiser Henry's Chancellorship
Italics indicates authorised
List of Battles in Kaiser Henry's Chancellorship
FA=field battle (attacker)
FD=field battle (defender)
SA=siege assault (attacker)
SD=siege assault (defender)
YA=sally (attacker)
YD=sally (defender)
AA=ambush (attacker)
AD=ambush (defender)
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build Queues for Outremer
Adana
Blacksmith
Barracks
Shipwright
Antioch
Abbey
Council Chambers
Aleppo
Chapel
Garrison Quarters
Drill Square
Barracks
Acre
Paved Roads
Blacksmith
Drill Square
Tax levels should be set to avoid rioting.
Orders for the Army of Outremer
I will command the army. As I consider the army currently under Kaiser Henry's command an Imperial one, my Army will be formed by drawing off some of the elements of the Adana and Acre garrisons and new recruitment, if possible. The Army will converge at Acre.
At Acre, the Army will perform oversight on Antioch, Aleppo, Jerusalem and the advance of the Mongols. The Army will respond to any of these that are threatened, or in the case of the Mongols, becomes a threat. If Adana is besieged by a force that the local garrison cannot handle, the army will move to relieve the Fortress. I hope the Chancellor will take great care in making sure that one of these goals is not over pursued to the detriment of the others, though the defense of Jerusalem is paramount.
If the Chancellor has any questions feel free to contact me.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Build priorities for Vienna:
Crop Rotation
Militia Drill Square
Inn
The Inn may be built whenever the funds don't allow for more expensive investments.
Build priorities for Venice
Community Farming
Fairground
The upgrade of the city defense to Huge Stone Walls should have absolute priority over the above mentioned buildings.
Build priorities for Ragusa
Blacksmith
Jousting Lists
Armoury
Orders for the Austrian Household Army:
The Austrian Household Army will be led by Jonas von Mahren.
As soon as a Austrian noble, who is not on Crusade, gets knighted he will take over command of the Army.
Jonas von Mahren will have full control over the movements of the Army. I have contacted him, that he should bring the siege of Thessalonica to an end, one way or another and return to the Austrian homeland. He should pick up the younger Austrian nobles on his way north and defeat the Hungarians loitering in our territory.
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Orders for the Austrian Household Army
With the permission of Duke Leopold the following orders are issued to the household army of Austria. The army will lift the siege of Thessalonice and move to west to Ragusa where those of Duke´s and my sons who will stay here in Reich and are not going on to crusade are to join the army. After that the army is to move so that it can push back the Hungarian army that is threatening Austria.
Jonas Von Mahren
-
Re: Chancellor and governor reports
Building queue for Zagreb
After the mines if finances dictate;
1.Crop Rotation
2.Grain Exchange
3.Abbey or City Watch depends how much trouble the Venetians are.
Upgrades will supercede any building queue if finances available.
