Duchy of Swabia

A battered Hans enters the Swabian chambers, unlike earlier entries, none of his retinue are present this time.

Swabians...Hans looks around with a gaze, filled with grief and sleepless nights it is true that us Swabians have defeated the last of the Mongols...but it was not without cost, as many of your have heard by now from the messenger I had dispatched.
Our friend Jens was killed in the last few minutes of battle, just as victory seemed close Hans pauses, to let the words ring in his audience's ears. he fought well, very well for such a young man. Yet in the end, a lone archer, surrounded by a host of our knights managed to strike him down.
I do not have words to describe the horror, when I noticed him falling off his injured horse and being .... I shall spare you the details.

While many fell this day, inlcuding most of my retinue, it was Jens' death that affected me the most. As a commander, the death of any noble man entrusted to your command is a tragedy, and I wish it had hit another than him. I had rather it hit another common knight or myself even. He was a promising young leader and will not be forgotten. Let us together observe a moment of silence for him, who I have ordered knighted for his valor in battle.

Though I mein brother were distant, it is with pain that I hear of his death. Mein father's lineage now rests with me, and I must make sure his name is upheld.

On another note, I wish to take part in battle against the French. Perhaps I could cause a diversion for the attack on Caen?

I arrive with great news today.

While it is devastating for Jens to have died, perhaps his luck was transferred to me for I have delivered a decisive victory against the French forces defending Caen. Our spys in the area have not dissapointed either as they managed to open the castle gates and I have now taken over the castle.

A large French army does reside near the castle, but it is an army of mercenaries which shall be easy to rout should they attempt to take Caen once more.

I wish to congratulate you my Duke on this most crushing victory!
Finally we have a new point of resupply and can quickly amass our well deserved second household army.
The French shall scatter in fear of our might!

Dietrich von Dassel:

With the loss of Caen the French are crippled. I believe that next Diet Session the time will be right to finish them off. We should make preparations immediately.

I tragic loss, Jens was. I did not know him well, but to fall in battle is truly magnificent.

Athalfwolf stares accusingly at Hans

Though he was with you at the time... You have heard my queries...

Caen, is a English City, pah! We should burn, or worse a fate, give it to that Pope man.

Also, welcome Dietrich, welcome to the house of... well anyway, welcome.

Swabians,

Seeing how the diet session is fast approaching, we will need to prepare legislation that is to be put forward.
I shall welcome any opinions on our way forward for the next term as well for discussion.

My current proposal for the next term would be to pass an amendment to include Caen into the empire.
While we probably cannot force its inclusion into Swabia as it should be, I am considering passing a second amendment that bypasses Siegfried's decision of incorporation and grants us both Paris and Caen.
However, this should be an option we ought to decide upon only if necessary I believe.

I would prefer my brother Elberhard take it up with Siegfried if possible.

I say that would be a waste.

Caen, of course, shall be converted into a Swabian Settlement. We fought for it, we marched for it and we died for it. SO why, for that large commitment, should we notr be rewarded for it?

Secondly, it is a entirely laughable thought that it shall stay Imperial for ever. Unless, lets say, the Kaiser especially likes Norman Wine or likes bathing in Cane for some unknown reason, then it shall be turned Swabian. Unless the Franconians want it.

No, perhaps we should push forward for something letting us take Toulouse for example? Or Rennes or Bordexou.

I say we keep one SHA Northwards scouting between Paris and Caen, our new territory. Any somewhat expected French, English or Portuguese Invasions can be fought off with fury.

The Second SHA, if passed, can head South to either start a Spanish offensive or a Offensive against Toulouse, or if not passed, ward off any Spanish Attacks.

I call for an attack on Brugges. According to our spies, the French only possess two cities - Brugges and Zaragoza. Brugges is the cheif ciry of Flanders, and should pour more florins into the Reich's coffers. It also secures the Reich's northern frontier against an English invasion.

Should this be agreed upon by our electors, I offer myself to lead the expedition.

Count von Salza, I am somewhat confused by your comment that the amendment to incorporate Caen into the empire is a waste.
According to CA 10.2 I believe it is, unless we pass an amendment to incorporate Caen, it will be abandoned, and seeing how Siegfried has yet to assign Paris to Swabia, I have no doubts he would exactly do so during his term at the upcoming diet.

Of course, if you have a suggestion of how to ensure us keeping Caen without a CA, I am more than willing to listen. Similarly, if you did not mean so, then I apologize for the misunderstanding.

Now, I like both Bruges and Toulouse as possible targets, but it is unlikely the diet will help us pass more than one. I say we have a vote among all Swabians whether to take either or not take any at the next diet. While the final say lies with our Duke Scherer, I am certain he would like to hear the general consensus as well.

Finally, I agree with Count von Salza's sentiment of SHA placement. I would go a step further and assign both to raid French territory if we will not be allowed/able to take a territory to ensure they will not strike back with full force and to allow all of us ample opportunity to battle.

Dietrich von Dassel:

We shall see which way the wind is blowing in the Diet as far as how aggressive we want to be. That's all I'm saying for now.

Well, Hans, we could simply get on our knees and beg to the Kaiser. But we're Swabians, not Bavarians. So I say we ask in the Diet or by messenger.

I hope, mein Duke Friedrich, that you aren't drunk, as your lack of talk is somewhat disturbing.

Dietrich von Dassel: The sooner we get these seconded, the sooner we can present them for discussion. I assume that this is what we're going after:

Edict 13.x: The Chancellor is instructed to conquer the French settlement of Bruges by the end of his term.

Edict 13.x: The Chancellor is instructed to conquer the French settlement of Angers by the end of his term.

Edict 13.x The Chancellor is instructed to conquer the French settlement of Toulouse by the end of his term.

With all due respect Knight von Dassel, would you truly believe that the diet will vote in favor of any of these if all three were presented to them? They would call us selfish and warmongering and vote against each piece of legislation.

As I suggested, I believe we should focus on one target at best, lest we wish to be twiddling thumbs the next year.

Charter Amendment 13.x:Caen is formally incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire

Count von Salza, your words speak true. We shall not be begging for Siegfried's favor, for this would be both honorless and frame us as weaklings.

I also propose that we petition the Kaiser to elevate Swabia into a Principality. Undoubtedly, the other Duchies will desire such a change, but I am sure we can placate them some way or another. Bern, for instance, could be offered to Bavaria in exchange for her support.

Dietrich von Dassel:

I disagree, Hans. We could engage in some backroom dealing; maybe agree to support similar resolutions from other Houses in return for their support for ours.

And please, if you wish to focus on one target then pick the target.

I am sorry for not participating, but I seem to be always busy now a days.

Although I urge for more French land, we can not be too greedy in the next Diet as proposing too many Edicts that attempts to aquire land will surely cause all of them to be rejected.

I, however, do believe that taking Bruges may be a possible goal in the future, but may be a far off one. As for the edicts recommended so far, I believe incorporating Caen into the empire is a realistic one and would fully support it.

As you may have all realized, I have been missing from the Diet chambers for much time now, no small part due to the French, but I believe that I cannot serve Swabia well as its Duke and would relinquish my Dukedom to Hans who has taken good take care of it so far as its steward. I will still defend our western borders from the French, but I fear may not join everyone as often.

Hans nods and bows deeply before Duke Scherer

I humbly thank you for the honor you are bestowing upon me, Duke Friedrich, and will vow to do all in my might to further Swabian goals and borders.

My understanding is that you may be fond of Staufen where you have resided for most of the time you have been with us, and I will move the Swabian capital elsewhere if you wish to remain Count of Staufen. If however you wish to establish your residence elsewhere, speak and it shall be so.

That said, once our parting Duke has made his choice of residence, I will be reassigning counties as appropriate.

Further to this, Siegfried has finally agreed to give us Paris which we have defended with our own blood and sweat for so long and proposed an edict for us to take Bruges, which will immediately be our holding upon its taking. That said, I believe we should be content with this turn of events.

At this point in time, our household edict regarding Caen has yet to be seconded by a second member of his house. Who will be the second to support it?

Dietrich von Dassel:

I shall second the edict.

Your support will not be forgotten, von Dassel.
However, I must ask you to apologize to Duke Ansehelm, as we are in an informal alliance with Franconia, and it certainly is not appropriate for us to break the alliance at the earliest convenience. It may still come in handy for both our people.

As for the matter of Siegfried.... I am not sure what to say at the moment, but I will be sending a message to the diet at a later point.

Hm, I do respect Duke Ansehelm, but as mentioned in the Diet, he is carrying and executing orders blindly. He is merely walking to his doom at this rate. And us, in alliance with Franconia!? The last time I checked, they were dealing with Poles and Rus, whilest we deal with Danes and Francs? I think a informal alliance with Bavaria would be much better, as they fight Spainard and Francs as do we, at least these two houses share something in common?

As for the matter of Kaiser Siegfred...

If he does not attend this latest Diet, I shall speak out. He spends too much time in that Greek Place, we shall start to call him Emperor instead of Kaiser. Bah! This nation may be made up of Germans, Danes, Italians and French, but it shall never be made of Greeks, only when I die, and further!

Swabia, I think it is time we propose:

Edict x.x: There is to be a united German attack on the mainlands of Spain. We shall take outlieing Spanish Cities (Maximum 3) And then pursue Peace with them, thuis teaching a lesson.

The SPanish shall not rest until we are fighting for the very exsitence of Rome. THey shall forever pursue Sardina and Corisca. If we take Toulouse, they shall siege it for now until the day Rome falls. I say we act NOW! Teach them a lesson, a rap across the knuckles and showing them no one is safe from the marching armies of Germany. Then we can rest.

Actually, at the close of the last diet session, I had agreements made with both Duke Ansehelm and Duke Lothar, as I had announced here.
We all share common enemies, although more with Bavaria than Franconia.

As for the matter with the Spanish, Matthias has only just obtained a peace agreement with them, which in my opinion was paid too dearly from our side with 27000 florins. I would not advise an attack on them until they dare break the agreement again in hopes of extorting more florins from us. If they do, then I shall support your edict at the next diet.

I, too, shall second Duke Hans' edict.

Very well, thank you Count Hümmel.

Considering that Friedrich has not yet gotten back to me on his choice of county and we need be organized for the close of the diet, my preliminary assingment of counties is as follows:

Metz: Count Wolfgang Hümmel
Dijon: Count Athalwolf von Salza
Paris: Count Friedrich Scherer
Rheims: Prince Count Elberhard
Staufen: Duke Hans

The command of the SHA will be as follows:
Count Hümmel, accompanied by Count Scherer if he so wishes, will lead SHA1 to take Bruges and subsequently defend our northern regions around Caen, Paris and Bruges. I would advise stationing at Paris to ensure that he can strike quickly.

Count von Salza will lead SHA2 to defend the southern regions, stationed at his county of Dijon. If SHA1 is attacked with overwhelming odds, he will be ordered to move north to support, as our southern border tends to be fairly quiet.

In addition to defensive orders, both HAs are authorized to move into French-occupied territory and raid enemy land and forces. Of course, this does not include the taking of any settlements.

Note that unless one of your falls in battle or becomes unavailable for an extended period, no other is authorized to lead the HAs.

Further to this announcement, Jan von Hamburg has an opening in Outremer he wishes to fill. If one of you wishes to go on crusade, you are allowed to.

Dietrich von Dassel:

*chuckling softly*

Tell me Hans, since when did you become such a pawn of the Kaiser?

That is a good question. I would probably say never.

If you mean to say why I do not cry out like some others in the diet, then I shall remind you that his proposed edict is likely a free pass for us taking Bruges instead of a proposal by us, which may not be as easy to pass. Besides, he has finally agreed to assign Paris to us and will assign us Bruges. If we can secure Caen, he has agreed to consider giving it to us as well.

That said, it is not chivalrous to immediately backstab one who has given us much this diet. Of course we may question his motives or his actions, but I would prefer it be done within bounds and reason instead of trying to overthrow him at this time.

Besides, from past experience, the diet would not overthrow him anyway.

I think the other houses are swaying too much to the Kaisers will. I am rather joyed to see Swabia, as it always has, speaking out. I'd say Franconia is finnaly poisoned by the Kaisers will.

It rather seems that only Dietrich is truly speaking or should I say shouting in the diet. I am afraid that anyone who joins his unruly behavior of ad-hominum attacks against our remaining ally or further insults against Duke Ansehelm's person will find himself without a county and command of any army.
While I do have my own opinions on the Byzantines and Siegfried, they are not applicable to this talk of reunification at this time, as we do not yet know the final terms and it will not come to pass without the agreement of the diet body. Thus this is not something worth spending too much thought on at this time.

As for the chancellorship dispute, I think that there is no problem with Elberhard as acting chancellor. He is a Swabian afterall and this benefits us.

As you could see Duke Hans, Ihave apologised for everything I said against the Kaiser. I truly hope such a thing does not cross the DIet again.

Very well, Count von Salza.
You may say about him what you wish in private, it is only the diet I am concerned about and the mixed message we might be sending to other electors that way.
Please remember that unity is what makes a house strong. Even one dissenter can devastate what we have all worked for, as the example of Dassel has shown.

Currently, my belief is that we should stay neutral, neither favoring one side over the other extensively, as long as Swabia itself is not overly affected.
You are all free to speak your mind in here and debate without much consequence.

A scribe hurries over to Hans and passes a notice before running off again
Hmmm... it seems there will be something to talk about afterall. The English are still besieging Bruges, which will be our by right. As we are still allied with them, it would be unwise to attack them and then lay siege outselves. If we were to move to their assistance however, it is likely that they will feel enboldened and attack, taking Bruges for themselves.

That leaves us with the option of waiting and hoping the French defeat them or joining their siege and hoping they do not strike the French just yet. Personally, I would prefer the former as it is likely safer for us unless the English captain is overly cunning. The latter option might be well worthwhile if we only send a few forces to assist them. This may mean that this small force could be defeated if the English attack or are attacked, but it might open a window of opportunity. Either option would be a delay of a year at least.

What say you? I would also be open to a household edict calling for the taking of another French holding, with the condition that it only be taken if the English manage to capture Bruges.

Dietrich von Dassel:

An alliance with one as idiotic and foolish as Ansehelm is no great loss.

If you all had supported me then perhaps we could have done it; perhaps we could have actually made change. Instead I'm the whipping boy? Hans, are you truly content with simply being Duke?

And Athalwolf, again, I meant nothing at you, I was simply being sarcastic.

Dietrich, you may well know that I had intended to claim what was rightfully mine, but an overwhelming vote by the diet ended these aspirations.

I have no doubts that even at this point in time, the diet would rather vote in favor of Siegfried than another. Swabia may be stronger now than she has ever been, with us having as many electors as Franconia and more than either Austria or Bavaria, but we are not yet strong enough to claim the throne without significant support from another house or two.

There is a time to strike and a time to observe. Now is the time to observe in this particular matter, having already lost an ally.

A worthless ally, may I add.

Though I do agree, if we continue we shall getourselves into strife and eventually the Kaiser may even just make as a sijme Electorate instead of a Duchy.

I say wew wait out the Siege of Bruges, knowing the English, they will proably strike. What does it matter? There are richer French lands to be taken!

Quite.

Is Angers an agreeable target with you all or would you rather prefer us take Toulouse, if the English take Bruges before we do?
Taking Angers would shorten our borders and limit the French to the south of us.
Taking Toulouse may be more risky, but we close the border of France to Bavaria, which may have several benefits.

Edict 13.X: If Bruges is taken by the English, the Swabian household armies are authorized to take Angers.
Proposed: Hans
Seconded: Dietrich von Dassel

Edict 13.X: If Bruges is taken by the English, the Swabian household armies are authorized to take Toulouse.
Proposed: Hans
Seconded: None so far

Second the one of your choosing. Whichever one gains the majority vote first it is. You are allowed to second both if you so wish.

In the meantime, I would like to ask you all to submit your build orders for your counties.

Dietrich von Dassel:

*chuckling* Yeah, I'll get right on that Hans.

I say Angers is the better target so I'll second the first one.

If you vote in line with Swabian policy as set by this chamber and choose your words more carefully in the diet, you will find yourself with a county quite soon, von Dassel.

I was considering giving you my old county of Bern until you managed to break that alliance with Franconia and attacked Duke Ansehelm's person several times despite my suggestions to apologize instead or keep silent.

To be appointed Count requires a certain level of trustworthyness and integrity.
That said, I am willing to forgive your transgressions if you serve Swabia's common interests during this diet and the upcoming the voting session.

Hans enters the chamber, visibly shaken by recent events

Nobles of Swabia.

I have thought much about the recent church burnings and rebllious calls from Lutheran heretics and present you with special orders.

Every Count of Swabia is to manage their county with an iron fist and root out Lutheran heretics actively and banning and burning all his works wherever they are found.
Further, all church and council property is to be granted special protection to prevent their destruction. Hiring of additional guards is hereby authorized to keep up with this. Also, I would advise to hire spies to counter any insurgency in your counties.

Failure to obey this direct order will result in revocation of your county at the earliest convenience.
I will be reasonable however with the destruction, as you may not have full control over it, but the banning and prosecutions are to be carried out in full measure.

Any questions?

Elberhard: These are wise precautions, my Duke. I have hanged the scum who burned down the chapel in Acre. My magistrates in Rheims will take all steps necessary to protect religious buildings.

Fellow Swabians,

I have become increasingly tired these years and only further aggravated by various diplomatic matters within the Diet. I have already passed on my Dukedom, but will do more as I will serve the rest of my duty defending Caen until I am no longer needed and then will retire to a quiet life...

(OOC: I am not going to play in Kotr anymore after I get Friederich Scherer killed off)

Wilhelm von Staufen, old friend and now representative in Swabia of Crusader Andreas von Salzgitter, walks into the empty room and sits down, politely awaiting the Swabian Electors.

As can be seen nonble Knights of Swabia, the infomation log has been updated for future reference.

Now it is here where we discuss the future of Swabia. The Duchy is once again re united, to great joy, and now we are to foucs on important matters.

Andreas, you are of course under the command of the King. The rest of you have orders, follow them out unless you have questions to them. Once we have Swabia to its former glory, I will give most of you a free rein.

Duke von Salza,

Swabians! I urge you all to sign the document Count Fritz of Franconia has put forward (OOC: PM Ramses) It will further aid the defense of the Reich.

These chambers are silent, I wish to hear of attak plans and defenses! COme all, speak!

do excuse the silence, mein Herzog, but we are all unused to being part of a formal Duchy again.

As it stands I am recruiting more flemish to hold Bruges. While I have high hopes I will be able to hold the walls, any assistance would be appreciated.

Ludwig von Bohmen, Graf von Brugge

My Duke,

As you know from my recent correspondence with you, I have driven out the French that threatened Bern. However, as most my army lies dead or wounded, I will not be able to use them for further military action this year until I reach Staufen and replenish my troops.

If you require, I will endeavor to join you at Metz the next year.

Hugo walks in the House of Swabia halls, brushing away the cobwebs clinging to his face.

Seeing the halls deserted, he quickly walks out again, leaving only his footprints in the dust.

Welcome to our new Electors,

mein Herzog,

as your are doubtlessly aware, I am under siege. I do not expect the impossible, but some sort of a relief effort would be greatly appreciated, as I am dubious as to the skills of my flemish pikemen, who already cost Swabia one general. However, if they attack, we shall hold.

Count Ludwig,

I would come to your aid, but the French are besieging Metz and blocking all routes north. It will also take several years to rebuild the household army back to capable size while concurrently defending against raids.

I suggest you try to sally and hopefully wreak some damage with your loud puff guns on the French before retreating back to the city.

Count Ludwig,
I call upon you a great effort, to hold out for at least another two years. I shall relieve Metz, and then Count Ruppel, as he has kindly volunteered, shall head north with reinforcments.

If not capable, I am sure some mercaniares would be more then helpful with some more money.

Once these problems of defending our lands are done, our assualt on France may begin in earnest.

Count Ruppel has had some great ideas, that of involving banning Wolfgang Hummel from the Mausleoum, seeing as he is a traitor to the Reich. I am interested as of how many Electors would be interested in such a Edict.

A draft of such an edict would look like this I assume:

Edict 14.3: Wolfgang Hümmel and Dietrich von Dassel are to be confined to the Pillory for high treason, iciting rebellion, unlawful occupation of German lands, conspiring to rebel, premeditated murder of fellow Germans and disobeying authority.

If Duke von Salza would be willing to propose such, I would second it.

Count Ruppel, I shall at once take this edict to the Diet, and hope the rest accept.

I also urge to the other Swabian Electors to ignore any comments spoken by young members of other Duchy's. There unlawful comments shall be brought to justice very... fast.

Andreas walks into the Swabian chamber, looking slightly irritated. Upon seeing Duke von Salza, he bows.

Mein Duke, forgive me if I intrude. I am not quite sure if my presence is allowed in this chamber while I am still in service to Outremer. I came to escape the incessant but meaningless noise coming from one of those young Electors. Should you require it, I will leave.

My Duke's wish is my command.
I shall strive to keep out of petty quarrel.

It brings things which people can threaten you with later, you can slip and lose a valuable weapon.

It is good to have you be here Andreas, when you return to Outremer I hope yousend King Matthias my regards.

In the next few years we shall need to rebuild Swabia, but first defend. I have explained inital plans, but am happy to hear others.

Firstly, we shall beat them for Inner Swabia, and Flanders. Count von Bohmen, you may stay in Flanders as a bastion against the Danes there. Then Count Ruppel shall siege and assualt Rheims, with Hugo, while I take Dijon. From there, Erhart and Hugo will siege Paris, while I assist the Bavarians in reclaiming Marseille, though privately I hope for it to be gifted to us.

Any inquires, questions? Any volunteers for something else?

I'm glad to be of use and serve under Count Ruppel's command.

You shall hopefully be made a Imperial Knight within the next few years, and from there a capable commander as your own.

It seems Duke Arnold as got it right, ands his plans are all right except that of the retreat from Metz. THis decision lies to Count Ruppel. Do you wish to retreat and fight again, or perhaps wear them down so there a easier target? Either way, I am confident in your decisions.

Thank you for the welcome, mein Duke. I will give King Matthias your regards, although you may yet meet him yourself while he is in town for the Diet.

It is good to be in Swabia again. Despite it's troubles, with such fine men leading the House I have no doubt we shall recover quickly. Since I am not actively participating in campaigns in Swabia, instead spending most of my time in Outremer, I will not pretend to advise you on military matters here. However, I will vote for any bill reccommended by mein Duke von Salza.

There are some advising me to sally forth to wreak some destruction on the French besiegers. Is this a valid idea?

edit: I just think that with the amount of crossbowmen he has, my lack of cavalry as well as no archers, I will get hurt more than him

A letter arrives bearing the mark of Andreas von Salzgitter

Quote:

---

Fellow Swabians, as those of you who have revisited the Diet recently may be aware of already, I have recaptured the city of Antioch. In their haste to flee from Matthias, the Greeks had left the city virtually empty. By the end of the season, Matthias will once again be guarding the Iron Bridge. Meanwhile, our English neighbors in Outremer seem to be guarding their new territories well, recruiting many soldiers. All is not completely well, and the Greeks continue to greatly outnumber us, but it seems Outremer is on the mend.

Regards,
Andreas von Salzgitter, Crusader

---

At least one Swabian is getting things done, even if it's in Outremer. Gentlemen, I want more discussion taking place here, I want orders and I want a clear cut plan for how we are going to defeat the French. I am still holed up in Bruges and don't think I can leave with my army in the rather shabby state that it is, and my walls unrepaired.

But leave I shall and challenge any foe I must, so long as I see that it is part of some plan we have and not just squandering of our already preciously few resources.

So Duke, Herr Ruppel, for my humble benefit and that of the newcomers, what exactly is the plan?

On the southern front, Metz has fallen this year and the French are gathering for a crossborder strike I believe.
Our forces are still heavily battered and mostly fresh recruits and garrison troops that would stand little chance against the battle hardened French armies that stand at Metz and Dijon.

Without any additional cavalry being supplied to Swabia by the chancellor nor his steward, I fear that both Staufen and Bern may fall to the onslught of their hordes of chivalric footknight.

In the meantime, I have gathered what forces we have and moved just south of the ford near Staufen to counteract any French advance. It may be a futile undertaking, but I shall sooner die than let the French take more of our homeland.

Right. Sounds good Ruppel, but what is the grand master plan? Does our Duke even have one? And where is he for that matter? His presence in these discussions, or in any others for that matter is sorely lacking!

The French are powerful, yes they are certianly overwhelming but I believe this war is ours.

Seeing as we have a SHA, we shall closely follow Count Erhart's plan. For now, I thinkw e should keep on the defensive foot. Seeing as the French have massive armies, we can not contend.

Men, defend like your going to die, is what I say. Once the Reich is in a better state, I am cure the new Chancellor will provide us with reinforcements, perhaps we might even have the support of the Kaiser. Once we have at least a Second SHA then we shall plan our offense.

Any objections?

I would advocate a guerrilla war against the French, not all their settlements are well defended and a small force of our men could certainly avoid notice and strike behind the lines...

I volunteer to lead such a force and require only a few recruit, among which a siege or artillery crew would be a must...

OOC: This may sound odd (it did to me at first) but you can't send an army to take any settlement unless it's allowe by a specific Edict, even to raid. At least, that was the reason given why the Army of Outremer couldn't do so.

OOC : I am not fully aware of all legalities of the Reich... Anyway my character is a bit hot-blooded when France is mentioned in his presence and will advocate any and all solutions even illegal to further his ends and those of the Reich...

One thing I'm sure is that he is not knighted yet so the point should be moot...

And I think that Edict 14.3 passed during the last diet authorizes such raiding... on Caen, Paris, Marseilles, Dijon...

The emperor has fallen, may he rest in peace!

Now, as for the raids, I agree. I have sent the late emperor a letter requesting some swift cavalry and that the spies in France be moved into Dijon so I may strike at night to take Dijon while the French camp outside.

OOC: on that note, what precisely do I need to do to get myself knighted?

Edit: Oops I responded to this question before I realized this was the Swabia thread, my apologies. I thought it was the OOC thread.

OOC: Have your avatar fight in a battle where his unit does something meaningful. It's up to the person who fights the battle.

but the chances of me fighting alongside somebody else are fairly slim at the moment, so ill just have to wait, i guess.

and no worries replying here, really, what with andreas in outremer, you two are basically part of the family :D

Hmm normally you would have to serve under a knight in battle to be knighted.
However, given that you singlehandedly beat the French back from Bruges, I have little doubt that Duke von Salza would not knight you for this act, as Lothar Steffen has been knighted as such by his father, Duke Gerhard.

Count Ludwig has been knighted.

Count Ruppel, do whatever you can to stop the French, as the same for you Count Ludwig. I am going to train a few regiment sof knights and spearmen and siege the lightly defended city of Dijon.

If Hugo wishes, he may come as well, giving him the chance of being knighted.

I hope Kaiser peter will listen to us and come to Swabia instead, if not I think the Franconians may lend us a hand. I will offer the idea of some support from Franconia to Duke Dieter, and perhaps Count Fritz.

Does any Elector of Swabia need reinforcements, it seems the Kaiser has spared us a few regiments of knights.

Indeed, I have requested the knights from the emperor which he has graciously granted us, with the promise of further reinforcements from Frankfurt and Magdeburg whenever possible. He even suggested he may use Innsbruck for us after this year, thus I would refrain from ridiculing him in public lest we wish to jeopardize his generosity.

Once several regiments of knights arrive, I intend to launch an offensive against the French. God willing, we shall succeed.

Thankyou kindly Duke von Salza. I am unsure how to proceed against the French at the moment. My Flemish army relies heavily on pikemen, and they are not the most trustworthy of soldiers. They have been known to break if surrounded, and I have little to hold the flanks in a field battle.

Unless some knights can be given, you will have to do with the army you have for now. Count Erhart has a planned assault against the French, and if it succeds, and if the French don't siege Bern, you might receive reinforcements by 1350.

If sieged again I am sure you can repeat your last victory quite well.

Sounds reasonable. I think I should be fine in Bruges itself (any statements to the contrary in the Diet are to get us more reenforcements and faster). I just don't want to face the French in a field battle, because I cannot afford to lose men.

I'm eager to join in any fight against the French... Just point and I shall follow...

A message arrive from Outremer.

Hugo de Cervole,

I understand your predicament. Why travel half way across the world to fight, when the wolves are at your door step?

Outremer will still be here when you choose to come, I'll see to that.

Godspeed against the French,

Matthias Steffen

Count Ruppel, The SHA1 is marching to your immediate aid, it will reach Dijon soon (OOC: I am going to pick up the save and fight it now)

The Kaiser is also marching to Swabia, he agrees with us, and thinks we are in more dire need then Bavaria, rightfully so. When he arrives, and once Dijon is safe again, I thank you Erhart for that brave deed, we can finally start the offensive again.

Viceroy, When the French are defeated, I am sure Hugo, and perhaps more, will come to help you, but you seem to be going well now, with the help of the Swabian Andreas?

A message arrives from Outremer.

Quote:

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Duke Athawolf,

Indeed Count Andreas has fought admirably and proven a fine administrator as well. Having another General in the Holy Land has proved very useful, and I am grateful for your Duchy's assistance. I am glad to have returned Acre to a Swabian, it is a sign that Outremer is stabilizing.

It seems as if Hugo has found his niche assisting the Kaiser's army to its new destination. If he wishes to travel East someday, he will be welcome, but I do not wish to deprive Swabia of a fighting man who is obviously needed on the home front.

Matthias

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Well, Bruges is besiged again, but I have no fear that it will not be as glorious a French defeat as the last. However, I do regret that I can take no offensive action, but my lack of cavalry simply makes any such manouvres sheer folly. So IF those imperial knights we were promised ever arrive, might one unit make their way to Bruges?