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Karl Zirn:
I think it best that our units in Edessa remain behind walls to see what the Horse Lords bring to the fight. I just hope that taking the Turkish city Iconium, if that is still the plan. I hope it does not push necessary resources too far west.
Matthias:
I may still be stuck in Europe, but I agree with staying behind the walls for now. The reason we were able to dispatch the Mongols in the open field the first time was because the Second Crusade, and many of the forces of the First Crusade, arrived at Damascus at around the same time as the Horsemen.
I did not personally witness it, and I can hardly believe even after reading the historical records that such a large force of Imperial soldiers, four full Armies worth, gathered together in such a small area. God was smiling on us though, and through strong leadership and sacrifice, the Mongols were quickly defeated in the open.
We, unfortunately, do not have the same situation now. The forces of Outremer, while of excellent quality, are scattered and depleted. We will need time to reinforce and recruit. That is why I belive we should stay behind walls for now. It will also serve to negate the Mongol advantage in bowmen. The downside is that our garrison will be tied to one spot, allowing multiple Mongol armies, if they see fit, to engage us.
I hope to be in Outremer as soon as possible. I would be most vexed if I missed this.
A ragged messenger makes his way to the King's army bringing word from Damascus:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jan
Conrad Salier:
Seeing as you are not yet knighted the only option is to link up with me in Damascus. In the meantime, I will ask the Kaiser to really churn out the troops in the appropriate castles.
Jan:Quote:
Originally Posted by Conrad Salier
Then I eagerly await your arrival in Damascus so you can survey the situation personally. I only ask that if you go after these foes, that you please take me with you . I am starting to grow impatient from so much inaction. I feel my body has dulled from too much easy city living and I wish to sharpen and hone myself to be a better weapon for the Reich and the Lord.
Your humble servant,
Jan
Conrad Salier:
We need as many knights as we can get in the east, so yes, I definitely will take you with me. I will be amazed if we come out of this wave with no major deaths.
Crusaders,
When I ran for the post of Chancellor, I had one purpose: to prepare the Outremer for the Mongol assault. When I ran again a few years later, I had the same purpose, but we are out of time. I have sent all the troops to Edessa, and every Imperial castle in the Outremer has been training troops at the maximum capacity. Still, it is unlikely that we would win against the Mongols in the open field. All 4 Mongol armies remain near each other, and I believe most of their commanders would not be surprised by a sneak night attack. For that reason, Elberhard and Conrad Salier are to withdraw towards Aleppo, and set up a defense there, and at the bridge on the Euphrates river. Jan von Hamburg will remain with Salier's army. I will hold Edessa for as long as possible.
Fredericus von Hamburg.
In the light of this uncertainty, I am most displeased that the chancellor refuses my request to spend 1000 florins for a fleet to hasten my arrival in Outremer by at least 4 years. I shall reconsider whether in the light of these events my presence in Outremer is truly appreciated.
The newly knighted Jan von Hamburg walks into the King's command tent wearing dirty battle armor and accompanied by his brother in law, Dieter. He brings in a map of the area and unrolls it on a large table. Present is Jan, Dieter, the King, and aides to Elberhard and Karl Zirn so they may later take word back to their commanders.
My lord...assembled gentlemen...we have all heard of my father's intention to defend Edessa and wait for the Hordes to come to him. I don't know about any of you, but I am not about to let him fall at the hands of those pagan scum! I propose a plan to you, my fellow crusaders, that we might collectively take to my father, and hopefully convince him to let us implement. Please forgive the impudence I am about to display, but I believe my father's life hangs on the decisions we make at this very meeting. I have read the scouts' reports carefully and the situation looks grim. Four full stacks of Mongol hordes sit right outside of Edessa. I propose a bold plan to form a ring around this force and thereby set up a situation where we can both defend ourselves from these barbarians and mutually support each other after we are attacked.
Jan points with one finger at the river crossing just northwest of Edessa and points the other finger at Elberhard's aide.
Most of Elberhard's men are well rested and can make it to this river crossing. There they can hold off an assault while also providing support should the horse lords pick a different target.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Jan waves a hand towards the King while pointing at the bridge that Elberhard's forces currently occupy.
My king, if you wish, your forces can then take position on the bridge that Elberhard currently occupies. From here, you can defend yourself from an assault while maintaining the ability to come up from the South and attack the horse lords from behind when they pick their target.
Jan points at Dieter.
My brother in law, along with most of my forces, are well rested and can join up with the King in short time. I have to tend to my wounded from the last battle and can not make it for a short while but will be able to move soon.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
What this does gentlemen, is put our forces where we can assist my father in the event of a siege, while providing our forces with strong defensive positions. I implore you to give careful thought to my plan for I fear it might be the only chance my father has at coming out of this alive. I leave you all to convene with your commanders and advisers and I hope to hear from you all soon.
Jan rolls up the map, turns around, and walks out of the tent followed by Dieter.
Conrad Salier:
I would agree with this plan if the Horse Lords were our only threat. However, we must turn our gaze to the South at the moment, namely Acre. A large Egyptian army is about to make its way into our territory and could easily capture one or more territories. If we ring around the Horse Lords it will grow even more difficult to mark this force.
Jan:
Acre can be retaken. My father can not be brought back from the dead. Also, the horse lords are by far the greater threat. We have them in a situation where they are strategically disadvantaged. If we implement my plan, they will not be able to attack a target without leaving their own flanks vulnerable. The only way they can counter my plan is if they split their forces and send a stack towards each river. This leaves them only two stacks to assault Edessa. This cuts the forces my father would have to fight, in half, thereby increasing his odds. If they send all four to the assault, they leave themselves open for us to hit their stacks from behind. I do not know when we will ever be in such an advantageous position regarding these barbarians. Do we not owe it to a man who has lived his life in service to the Reich to at least try to make the odds a little more even? I understand and respect his choice to make his stand at Edessa. But, if we can give him a fighting chance at surviving, doesn't he deserve it? After the horse lords are dead, we can turn our eye south and kick the Saracens out of our lands for good.
Conrad Salier:
With him being Chancellor as well as the one whose life is at stake in Edessa, I believe that the final decision to go to Fredricus.
Gets impatientQuote:
Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief
Jan:
Of course its his decision! But, we can still come up with a plan to give him the most support possible while still defending our area! How can we expect him to let us implement a plan if we do not have a plan!?!
regains himself a little
My apologies my king. I'm just feeling at a loss as to what to do. I don't want to stand idly by and do nothing. Look, I know I spoke out of turn. I've said my piece...and then some. I will leave it in the hands of others and pray that someone will let us do something about this.
with a bowed head, Jan turns around and slowly walks out obviously depressed and upset
Elberhard:
King Salier,
I am humbly petition to be allowed to take my army and go and kick the @#$%^&!!! out of the Mongols. They are heading north across the Euphrates, but have a small rearguard trailing behind, still on the south bank. My army can catch them with their pants down. They are mainly foot archers and should be a piece of @#$%^&!!! for my lads. With luck, I may be able to bag the Mongol leader too.
Boss - let me at 'em. They just @#$%^&!!!ed up the Chancellor's army. It's only right we @#$%^&!!! 'em up in return. We can't let that insult to our honour stand or the Horse Lords will start getting ideas about our strength. Especially with the recent death of the Kaiser and the uncertainty over the succession. If I can whittle them down, your boys can hunt the remaining two armies down and then the job will be done, and we can all @#$%^&!!! off back home. Well, if you can call desert, heat and camel dung home.
Yours etc
Elberhard
Conrad Salier:
Take it down.
Karl Zirn:
King Salier the seige of Adanna has been lifted. The Turks were beaten and they retreated north to their stronghold. The General Qalawun Ilahi was killed in battle. I released all the prisoners.
There is the possibility of another attack from them they may have the resources. I am resupplying the troops and the fortress and willing to defend the western borders of the Outremer. Though I will come east to meet the Horse Lords if that is your wish.
There maybe some artillery and men to come your way. Also young Hummel is still with me and could be reassigned your way. There is no need for two commanders in the fortress.
For your consideration.
Jan:
My king,
Since the Egyptians no longer seem to be threatening Acre, I humbly request to be allowed to join the fighting around Edessa. If I can do some good, Edessa is where I should be.
Your servant,
Jan
Conrad Salier:
Thank you, Count Zirn, your efforts are greatly appreciated. I request that you remain in Adana for the time being. Should we fail to stop the Horse Lords, then you are to meet them in battle.
Count Hummel, you still wish to be reassigned to Europe, correct? If that is still the case I suggest you write the Chancellor.
Jan, please make your way north as soon as possible, preferably with your army.
Conrad Salier:
Elberhard. As no doubt your mercenary Captain informed you, you were somewhat dishonest in your request to do battle against the Horse Lords. You clearly emphasized hitting the rearguard instead an army and a half. I authorized that attack under the impression that you were only going to do some quick mop-up work.
The idea of it was to use numerical advantage for a change and kill half of an army for relatively nothing. Not engage in an all-out conflict and put everyone on the field's lives at risk!
Had you simply gone off, destroyed the rearguard, and returned we would be facing 2:3 odds instead of the 1:2 we now see. I congratulate you on your victory but do not obscure the truth of your actions to me again.
Jan von Hamburg walks into his home in Aleppo after traveling from the mountain pass at Acre. A note containing his orders is on the table. The contents infuriate him.
Damascus!?! What the !@#$ am I supposed to do sitting in Damascus!?!
Jan grabs a pen and paper and starts writing...
*edit*
Jan is in the market after handing off the letter when someone he knows walks up to him.
Sir Jan! The Saracens have taken the Jerusalem!, the man said.
Jerusalem!?! We need a crusade at once! And I want in on it! Maximiliian!! Fetch my horse!!
Conrad Salier:
I do not want this travesty ever to occur again. We have all been embarassed and it gives the anti-Outremer party more ammunition to use against us. Obviously, a Crusade is imminent. I believe that a united front is required in these matters, so, I aim to propose the Crusade edict as a House Edict.
Edict 11.x: The Chancellor is ordered to immediately request a Crusade with Jerusalem as the target. Regardless of whether the Crusade is approved or not, at least one full-sized army is to be sent to retake the Holy City of Jerusalem post-haste. After capture, the city is to be immediately given to the Pope.
I need two seconders. Let's have them.
In addition, too much concentration in one spot is obviously what led to this situation. I also aim to create a personalized Edict regarding permanent army positions in Outremer. This must not be allowed to happen again.
My King,
I would be honored to second such an Edict and I would be even more honored to join in on the Crusade. I am the closest to Jerusalem at Damascus and can be there soon after it is ordered.
Second
Karl Zirn
I also second your proposal and will gladly lead such an adventure to teach those heathens men some chivalry.
Conrad Salier:
Excellent, thank you all for your support.
In addition, this being a new Diet Session, I have changes to make in the list of Crusader Counts:
Wolfgang Hummel is no longer Count of Acre.
Prinz Elberhard's County switches from Edessa to Acre.
Jan von Hamburg is now Count of Edessa.
The updated list:
Antioch - Conrad Salier (GeneralHankerchief)
Damascus - Karl Zirn (Northnovas)
Adana - Matthias Steffin (OverKnight)
Acre - Elberhard (econ21)
Aleppo - Fredricus von Hamburg (FLYdude)
Edessa - Jan von Hamburg (Privateerkev)
Thank you my King!
Jan kneels down
As God as my witness, I will serve the people of Edessa well and protect it from all enemies. And I will do my utmost to spread the faith and bring the light of the Lord to the citizens there.
So help me God...
Noble crusaders,
I have few words suitable for an occasion such as this, and all of them are unprintable. We have been humbugged by the Egyptians. I fear we have grown complacent - too secure in our own pre-eminence.
I have played my own part in this complacency, rashly attacking the Mongol rearguard. I sincerely apologise to King Salier for not being explicit about what was involved. In my defence, I would say my enthusiasm rather got the better of me and in my naivete, I had little inkling they would prove so formiddable.
However, like the Chancellor before me, I make no apologies for bleeding the Mongols. It had to be done. The Chancellor and I have halved the Mongol horde threatening Outremer - admittedly at not inconsiderable cost, but we can make good our losses and they cannot.
I fear there is no low cost way to defeat the horse lords. They refused to take the bait at Edessa. Had multiple Mongols attacked my army while I was guarding the bridge on the Edessa-Aleppo road, I fear the outcome would have been worse.
Although we are all no doubt preoccupied with the loss of Jerusalem, we must give thought to the immediate threats we face. Acre is lightly garrisoned and a half-sized Saracen army approaches it. Two full strength Mongol armies stand outside Aleppo.
Fortunately, the Mongol armies are now divided and can be attacked in isolation. I humbly submit that King Salier take his army to strike against Khan Subetei. My army garrisoned in Aleppo is close enough to the Khan to support an attack on him without being moved. Together with King Salier's army, we will outnumber the Khan nearly two to one. If King Salier would prefer I command the attack, I would of course be willing but the honour should rightly lie with him.
After defeating the Khan, we can consider whether to press to a conclusion and deal with the final Mongol army. We will also be better placed to decide what reinforcements to send to Acre. I believe either Jan or myself should be rushed there at the earliest opportunity.
Finally, I would like to thank King Salier for my appointment as Count of Acre. After Jerusalem is liberated, I would be honoured to be based in Acre and to focus on making sure the Holy City it is never taken from Christendom again.
Conrad Salier:
Prinz Elberhard, I accept your apology. You have submitted an interesting proposal. I shall retire for the night and comment on it, as well as my own proposals, in the morning.
The Edict is necessary and I do like Elberhard's proposal.
However, the most important thing we could secure would be a Chancellor friendly to the Outremer. Has any of you Crusaders thought of running? Salier? Elberhard? Zirn?
Looking at the map, I have some ideas. There is no way to stop the Egyptians from sieging Acre next season should they choose to do so. Only a few fast horses could reach in time. But, if they do not immediately knock the walls down, and just pu the castle under siege, I can be there before they get in. I have two real routes to do this. I can take the force from Damascus, travel south, and cross the bridge just east of Jerusalem. But I am afraid that while my army is resting, the Egyptians in Jerusalem will place a blocking force in front of me and I would not be able to guarantee getting to Acre in time to save it. The other route is to loop north and then west, before going south. I can take the forces at Damascus and meet up with a column of troops that are marching just to the northwest of my position. I then would hit the Sultan, either killing him or at least knocking him out of my way. I would then travel north until I can go west. I would travel west to the sea and turn back south. That would put me and my forces just north of Acre before the Egyptians even siege it. An alternative to this plan would have the King drive his army straight south, but even he could not stop the Egyptians from sieging Acre, should they choose to do so. But, as Ebelhard pointed out, the King might choose to hit the Mongol army. So, my idea gives the King more flexibility to deal with the Mongol threat while I will ensure that Acre does not fall to the rebels. One of the reasons Acre is even threatened, is because I kept asking my father to allow me to move north, in order to join the fight against the Mongols. I feel it is only right that I be involved somehow in the defense of Acre. Then I assume we would gather for the Grand Crusade against Jerusalem.
By the way, has anyone noticed that the city is plagued?
Elberhard:
Good - we seem to be moving towards a consensus on the next immediate steps required to defend Outremer.
As regards the Chancellorship elections, at the moment there is a clear choice between a candidate who is joining us crusaders, Matthias Steffen, and one who will starve us, Lothar Steffen. Any other crusaders should think carefully before entering this contest, for fear of dividing the pro-Outremer vote.
My fellow Crusaders,
The King has given me permission to present a CA I am working on so I can get your feedback and comments. This is my personal edict and I will present it but I wanted to get it looked over here because I believe it would get a more favorable reaction than if I present it in my own Ducal House. I am concerned with the practice of executing prisoners. I believe that when a man raises arms against the Reich, his life is forfeit. But, once he puts those arms back down, he is to be given quarter. He is to be saved. Murdering him after he surrenders is wrong and an affront to God. Therefore, I present this CA:
Charter Amendment 11.x:
(a) All prisoners are to be released after every battle.
Now, I have gotten comments from some of you regarding this.
Someone suggested that (a) look like this:
(a) Under no circumstances are prisoners to be executed without first offering them to be ransomed.
I prefer a strong no exception approach but I admit that it might be politically impossible to offer something with no escape hatch so someone also offered this:
(b) The Diet can override clause (a) for a particular faction for one diet session by a normal edict.
I had preferred to also include language banning sacking and exterminations but I agree with others that it will be hard enough to pass the prisoner one by itself. I welcome your comments and thoughts.
Elberhard:
Jan, as I have said privately to you, I think your amendment is a good one. Perhaps you could add a clause:
No settlement can be exterminated without prior authorisation from a Diet vote.
I do not believe this clause would reduce support for your amendment - I doubt more people favouring exterminating innocents than favour executing prisoners.
Conrad Salier:
I second the proposed CA.
Also, should I fall in battle to the Horse Lords I hereby recommend that Karl Zirn be named as my successor. He has served Outremer well for many years, and I do not wish another Jobst/Siegfried incident to befall the Outremer.
Ebelhard, I like your idea and will consider adding it. You have a good point.
My king, hopefully we will not have to worry about succession in the Outremer for quite some time but I am glad the matter is settled and clear. Also, as my edict is a personal one, I will need seconds in the Diet itself. But, I wish it to be debated on here a bit longer first
Conrad Salier:
Bah! According to Lothar, we are allowed nothing but personal edicts.
In addition, Steward Ansehelm of Franconia has contacted us requesting support for his Teutonic Crusade. In return, he will support our venture. He is united, with us, against Lothar and I think we would do well to cooperate with him.
I do not know if I can support Ansehelm's crusade into Russia unless he supports my CA to not kill prisoners. He is well documented as an executor. I am afraid I would be condemning all of those Russians and Poles to death if I supported his edict.
Also, someone still needs to second Edict 11.1
The King proposed it and I seconded it. We need one more to go into the Diet and speak up.
Conrad Salier:
The deal was Crusade for Crusade, not Crusade for Crusade and prisoners.
Also, our cause is not helped by you invoking the ire of two Dukes and a Steward in the Diet. I have appointed you as a Crusader Count, meaning that I have publicly placed faith and trust in you. Please remember that before you speak or otherwise I may have to reconsider my decision.
My king,
I will say what I believe I have to say. Duke Arnold had my best friend killed and I suspect Ansehelm had a small part in it. As for Gerhard, he is the one that started it and I had to correct him on some matters. If I prove politically unpopular to you, then you must do what you must do. Either way I will serve the Lord. Hopefully you will not have to make that decision but everyone is putting great pressure on everyone else. I will not allow myself to be muzzled. The Kaiser himself has given me permission to speak on these matters and I will do so. And I respect why you are supporting Ansehelm's edict but you have to understand why I can not at this time. Which is ironic because it is Ansehelm himself that should be persuading me to vote for it seeing as we are in the same house.
Karl Zirn:
King Salier I am truly humbled by your recognition of my work here in the Outremer. Thank you!
Young Jan I like the merits of your edict but I find them restrictive. There should be a difference from battlefield to sieges. As you are aware I have the highest regard for our foot soldiers and that of the enemy. I will personally not execute or ransom the souls after a victory.
However, there maybe times and I have not personally been in that position but a battlefield victory may result in an eye for an eye depending on the enemy.
As for the sieges I can see this being more restrictive and the discretion of the Electors if a state of war is declared then the terms should be set with what should be done with occupied cities.
This is only my opinion unfortunately the fair play in war does not exsist in all men.
Matthias bows to King Salier
Your Majesty, Jan has withdrawn from the Diet for this session, I respectfully think this is punishment enough for any trespasses you feel he has committed.
He may be outspoken for the taste of some, but he has loyally served Outremer. Considering the political climate in the Diet, it would be wise to keep him in his position as the Franconian representative in the Holy Land.
Conrad Salier:
I have spoken to Jan privately. He will retain his position as Count of Edessa. Should you win the election I may be contacting you about his placement in terms of military strategy.
Of course, if elected, I will welcome any insights from you my Lord and my fellow Crusaders. With the new Crusade, the situation in Outremer will become even more hectic. Coordination will be key in destroying the Mongols while liberating Jerusalem at the same time.
Jan arrives in Outremer after the fastest boat ride ever.
Man, I rather face the whole Mongol Army than stay one more day in that Diet session!
I'm sorry to do this after so many of you helped me with it, but there is no way I could present the CA I have been working on. I don't even think I could second it. It is just too attached to me in other peoples' minds. If someone else presented it, I would vote on it though. I still plan on voting. I'm looking forward to that part more than ever now. *rubs hands together*
Conrad Salier:
Gentlemen,
A few deals have been made. It looks like Matthias's Chancellorship and therefore Outremer's continued nourishment has been secured. However, so we do not go back on our word, I ask that all of you support the following measures:
CA 11.1.
The Bavarian edicts (regarding Sardinia/Sicily)
The edicts relating to the Teutonic Crusade.
In addition, so there is no confusion, I request that one of you who still has his Personal Edict propose the following:
Charter Amendment 11.x: The Kingdom of Outremer is to be accorded the same privileges regarding Ducal Edicts (namely, three per Diet Session) as the other four Houses.
It would be much appreciated.
Elberhard: I'm on it, boss.
Conrad Salier:
(OOC, to save room in my inbox) Jan, I'll see what I can do.
A reminder that, in return for securing Matthias's Chancellorship, we have to vote on certain other pieces of legislation. We must keep our promises, after all. I am once again going to mention the pieces that we should vote "Yes" on:
- CA 11.1, or any such CA dealing with disputed succession and Kaisers.
- The Bavarian edicts (regarding Sardinia/Sicily)
- The edicts relating to the Teutonic Crusade.
Thank you.
(OOC: to further save room in your inbox)
My King, is there anything you want us to specifically vote against? I am assuming CA 11.4 is one of these. Any others?
Karl Zirn:
King Salier I come to report that the Crusade ended successfully with very little casualties on our part. Jerusalem is is safe hands. I hope we can properly defend it for the Christian faithful to return to the city.
I must say my King that I am disappointed in myself. It was truly an honour to lead the men to victory and to have the young nobles involved in the battle. Matthias truly lead like a knight and took command of the calvary as it ran through the streets chasing the enemy. I must say the von Hamburg also represented himself and his House well. He is less outspoken on the battlefield then in the Diet and carried out all assigned orders.
What I am disappointed in is the command I gave the troops to sack the city. The battle was over and has I carried on through the streets I was overwhelmed by the condition of the city held by the captures. I rode up to the Church of the Nativity and there I saw the graffiti all over the church. I was truly horrified and anger rose in me that someone must pay. It was at that moment a captain rode up and asked for the general orders to stand down the troops.
What should have been a standard order to occupy I ordered the city sacked to pay for the damages that were done. Shortly after my rage was gone, the troops were stood down. There was some repayment by the city and that money was channeled into repair cost of the city. Only some criminals and government officials were executed. Regardless of their faith none of the civilian population was touched.
I am sorry if I offended you or put disrespect on the Outremer and Crusade. I humbly apologize and will relieve my command of the garrison in Jerusalem and return to Damascus.
Count Zirn,
I must say, I was certainly surprised to be standing in the town square watching Imperial Troops ransacking the city. I pulled one aside and asked him what in God's name was going on and he said it was under your orders. I went around town trying to find your command tent but could not. I was about to write you a letter asking about this...episode, but having read your report to the King, my questions are answered. I only ask that we somehow figure out a way to prevent something like this from happening again.
My King,
I do want to take this opportunity to say to you that Count Zirn executed the assault perfectly and ask that fact be factored into any decision regarding the after-battle...episode. While I think all could agree that passions should be controlled at all times, I think we have all experienced moments when they temporarily got the best of us. And while the situation was regrettable, as far as I know, it did not lead to the deaths of any innocents.
Humbly,
Jan von Hamburg
Now the question is, do we stay and defend the city or venture out and clear the area of threats?
Conrad Salier:
Well, what's done is done. I thank all parties involved for their honesty. The important thing is that Jerusalem is back in our hands.
However, I would make a request to Chancellor Steffin that a force remain in the area to dispose of any remaining nearby Saracen threats. I don't want to have taken Jerusalem just to see it lost next year. The city needs extra protection while the Papacy gets back on its feet.
Karl Zirn:
Thank you my King. It would be wise to "clean up the area". I still request that I be moved to Damscus. There are then enough capable commanders in the area.
Elberhard walks into the Crusader Council, unwashed, covered in sweat and sand.
Elberhard: Khan Orda is dead. Although his army consisted only of foot archers, he fought like a @#$%^&!!!ing demon and smashed four of my regiments. I wouldn't @#$%^&!!!ing believe it if I did not witness it myself.
I think that is the last of the Horse Lord invasion force, although it is clear they command a vast empire to the east and may return at any time.
Elberhard drops his helmet and slumps into a chair, eyeing Karl Zirn keenly.
Congratulations on your capture of Jerusalem, Karl. But you @#$%^&!!!ed up the occupation big time. Sacking the Holy City? What were you thinking?
Well, you told us what you were thinking: you wanted money to pay for repairs. @#$%^&!!! it, Karl, you may be an Austrian but out here you are a crusader! Forget about that profit and loss @#$%^&!!! while you are here and follow your conscience.
@#$%^&!!! it, I know I have no @#$%^&!!!ing right to admonish you. You acted within your orders. (Casts a sideways look at Matthias). And I know you are one of the most chivalrous generals in the Empire. But still, it does not sit right.
Looking at Jerusalem, with no churches or other holy buildings, I have a proposition to put to the Chancellor and the Council. Before we return Jerusalem to the Papacy, we should build new holy buildings - perhaps even a cathedral. This time, the Papacy should keep Jerusalem for good. We can take care of the Egyptians. But another threat is rebellion - by establishing churches, we should make sure the city is peopled by God fearing Christians.
And in view of Karl Zirn's actions, I suggest to King Salier that Karl be appointed temporarily governor of Jerusalem. Overseeing the construction of holy buildings, should bring home the fact that there is more to crusading than death and plunder.
Matthias speaks.
Prinz Elberhard, congratulations on defeating Khan Orda. With King Salier's success, we are rid of the Mongols for now. I wish I could say forever, but we thought that the last time. You, King Salier and Count Fredericus have done great work over the past few years to counter the Mongol threat. Particularly Fredericus, it was during his term that we gathered our forces and broke their power.
We will have Jerusalem for at least a few years. I had recruited a diplomat in Zagreb in 1262, but it will take some time for him to get to Durazzo. Repairs and church building will be a priority. We will also clear the area of the Saracen taint.
If anyone here is angry over the sacking of Jerusalem, then speak to me, not Count Zirn. I can assure you that only the heathen quarters of the city were effected, the intent was to cow the population. Much like when Otto von Kassel reclaimed the city for the Church the first time around. Repairs and Churches will be a priority. Our priests will also stay in the region until the word of God has been brought back to the residents.
Jan returns from a scouting mission
My King and fellow Crusaders,
I have scouted the area just south of the city. There are three small units of Saracens that total up to a few hundred men. Plus, there is a navy in the lake with an army. The Papacy also has a navy in the lake with an army but they are not doing anything. If we wish, we can move now and take out the 3 forces south of Jerusalem. No reason to let them stay so close to us where they can make trouble. Since there is talk of a holding force around here, then I volunteer to stay and help. I am the most junior officer here so I will just fulfill a supporting role and someone more qualified can lead the garrison.
Command me for I am yours,
Jan
Conrad Salier:
Gentlemen, congratulations. We have eradicated the Horse Lords without any major deaths.
Outremer is still not safe, of course. We must send a message to the Saracens lurking around that borders will not be violated without consequences. I am all for Jan leading some sort of attack on the remaining areas.
In addition, Prinz Elberhard has contacted me about dispatching the Egyptian Sultan near Aleppo and I wholeheartedly agree. I request that some sort of force be sent to catch and destroy him.
Finally, as requested, Karl Zirn is the temporary Governor of Jerusalem until it is returned to Papal control.
Then I will immediately ask that the Chancellor allocate me a force so I can venture south and engage the three stacks. He is more than welcome to lead, since he is the highest ranking officer in the immediate area, but then I would request to be assigned to him so I can take part and assist where I can.
My lords, it remains to be seen what path the Mongols will take from Baghdad. They could emulate the first wave and proceed south of the Euphrates towards Damascus, or the second wave going north of the River towards Edessa and Aleppo. Obviously the path they take will determine our strategy.
I hope they go north, as the Turks may blunt them a bit and there are more natural choke points. If they go south, it's a straight shot across the desert and the Egyptians are unlikely to get in their way.
All I can do now, until they choose, is rearm the men we have and perhaps recruit a few more units. When they choose, we can reinforce the settlements along their line of advance and position field armies to fall upon the forces that break from the horde.
I would welcome any advice you all might have. I know Prinz Elberhard, Count Fredericus and King Salier are old hands at Mongol fighting. Of particular interest to me is if you think gunpowder artillery might be effective against them? It's too bad we don't have those "rocket launchers" they've deployed against us. They would serve very well to break up a Khan's charge.
As for gunpowder artillery, it makes sense to me to place these things up high in towers where the Mongols mobility does them no good. Placing these things on the ground just hamstrings our mobility. These are just my thoughts. Having cannons on towers will allow us to engage the Mongols far out if they siege. It should break up their siege equipment before it gets to the settlement. Then all of their mobility is useless outside of perfectly good walls. This also allows us to reduce our garrisons and spread out our forces among multiple settlements. I know many here prefer to meet these men in the field, and they are quite good at it I might add, but if we are going to do this "on the cheap", then we should think about using the settlements to bleed the Mongols upon our walls.
Like I said, this is just my opinion. All I ask is that I be allowed to move up to Edessa to protect my settlement if the Mongols come west. Until then I will continue to camp outside of the Holy City to support it.
Yours,
Jan
Conrad Salier:
Once again there seems to be four armies. I figure we finally don't have to pinch pennies to combat these guys, so let's meet them on even ground, with high-tech armies. I want the commanders who haven't had a chance to fight them yet on the front lines, preferrably the following:
- Jan, since he is Count of Edessa and it will probably come under attack first.
- Hans, since the reason he came back to Outremer in the first place was to fight the Horse Lords.
- Matthias, if you wish.
- I myself would like a final shot at the Horse Lords (OOC: mainly for story reasons).
As for gunpowder artillery, construction of towers in cities may be prudent in case any future threats make their way to Outremer, but for now I think we are proficient enough to handle the Horse Lords entirely in fieldwork.
Good, as soon as a replacement arrives to take over the defense of Jerusalem, I will request to be moved north at once. I would be happy to relinquish command at Edessa to a more capable commander. I just want to be there when they come.
(OOC: I don't mind having my avatar in someone elses stack. Jan has lower command than everyone here.)
Conrad Salier:
Ideally, this would be Elberhard (taking over Jerusalem, that is). The County assignments in the past have seemed haphazard when compared with the Counts' actual posts (Karl Zirn, Count of Damascus, fighting the Turks for example). In the future I would like the Counts stationed closer to their actual Counties.
Sounds good to me. I haven't actually set foot into the county I have been governing yet. When it comes to moving around Outremer, what is the protocol? Do we ask you and then tell the Chancellor? Do we ask the Chancellor and then he confirms it with you? Or do we ask you and you tell the Chancellor where we all go? I'm still new at this and I wish to be clear on the chain of command in regard to who issues the orders from the top and who to send up questions and requests from the bottom. I'm sorry about all of the questions but I have learned that a clear chain of command is a good thing.
I figure with seven decidedly unique personalities, it would be best if we could shave off some of the flurry of letters that will inevitably go back and forth once things get more exciting. So as to not overload our mail systems. (OOC: I mean our PM mailboxes)
Conrad Salier:
If the Chancellor is a Crusader Count (as is currently the case), I would appreciate it if we put all of our suggestions/requests out here. If this is not the case, then put your suggestions/requests here anyway and I will personally liaise with the Chancellor.
So its basically the equivalent of carving into the long oak table in the great hall here in Antioch? Alrighty then!
With a big grin, Jan pulls out his dagger and starts carving into the beautiful oak table in the great hall. The scrawl on the table reads:
Please move me up to Edessa once Ebelhard or some other replacement relieves me at Jerusalem. Thank you.
The Chancellor is indeed a Crusader so send your messages here. I will attempt to keep Crusaders in there assigned settlements, though I reserve the right to redeploy if needed.
Count Zirn is already in Damascus, I'm in Adana, King Salier will be moved to Antioch, Prinz Elberhard to Acre, Count Jan to Edessa, and once Jan is there Count Fredericus will depart for Aleppo. I must consult my maps before I decide where Hans will go.
This all depends, of course, on how quickly the Mongols move toward us.
I will also do what I can to reinforce the walls of Edessa and Damascus.
As I said before, our specific strategy will be dictated by which of the two the Mongols choose to march on.
Karl Zirn:
Will the Acre Garrison look after Jerusalem?
edit: location
Conrad Salier:
Since protection of Jerusalem is Outremer's main priority I'm inclined to say that everybody has a role, but due to practicality most of the burden will be shouldered on the Count of Acre.
The King is correct. Oversight of Jerusalem will fall to Acre and Prinz Elberhard. If needed we can use our small fleet to bring in reinforcements from Adana, or bring them overland from the other settlements.
Whenever Edessa is not threatened, feel free to use me as a floater. I'd like to be where the action is. I've already had more than enough of sitting on my duff in settlements for years. I still have to work off the pounds I've packed on.
(OOC: I have had the "too comfortable" trait from back when my avatar was a NPC and sat in Damascus for years.)
I would like to be moved up to my brother in law (Jan von Hamburg) as soon as possible as well as although I am young I still have seen very little action and would love to wipe the smile off the mongol Khan's face.
I will do what I can to accommodate your request Sir Dieter.
OOC: Your avatar has already been knighted due to losing 2/3 of his retainers when Conrad Salier attacked the Mongols outside Aleppo. It's in this battle report:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=119
Conrad Salier:
I grieve for the loss of Count von Hamburg. He was a great man, Crusader, and Chancellor. Time and time again he protected Outremer and the Papacy by engaging and defeating the Saracens and Horse Lords. He will most definitely be missed.
But, as with all things, there is replacement. Dieter Bresch, welcome to Outremer and may you help carry on Fredricus's legacy.
Yes, I mourn for the death of my father. But he would want us to continue his work here. And I have faith that Dieter will help continue my father's legacy just like I will strive to.
Indeed I will honour your father and will fight me hardest in Outremer in honour of his momory
Conrad Salier:
Some of Fredricus's staff have reported to me regarding his last words. Apparently they dealt with the Horse Lords and how they would be even more cautious, this time skirting around us. His staff reports that Fredricus condoned a strategy of us as the aggressors.
I for one agree with this strategy. We are tasked with defending the rest of Europe with this wave, and that does not mean that we can let this slide should they push through northern Anatolia instead of the Levant. I implore the Chancellor to march me and an army out to directly meet one of their armies in combat so that I may properly teach them about their place.
My King,
I respectfully request that I be allowed to accompany you. I know I said I would defend the city, but technically, attacking the horse lords away from the city is defending it. I am close enough to where I would not slow you down or force you to wait up. With the chancellor's permission, I can bring some of the garrison to get your army up to full strength. I would be honored to fight under your banner.
Humbly,
Jan von Hamburg
I have been in camp outside Antioch for a few years now, has my march to Edessa been cancelled or has something worse happened. I would very much like to join King Salier and Count Janin the defence from the horse lords.
(OOC: I just noticed I've been sitting around doing nothing for quite a few turns now)
Looking at the maps, it looks like you are on your way to Aleppo with some reinforcements. Its where a lot of our forces are gathering. We will try to hold them around Edessa, but if they get past us, we need forces on that bridge to Aleppo to create a last stand.
OOC: As far as I know, your being moved towards the upcoming battles.
Elberhard: The boss is dead? @#$%^&!!!ing hell! Poor bloke. Still he went out fighting - at the end of the day, you can't ask for more than that.
I don't know how many people know this, but it was always King Salier's intention to recommend Karl Zirn as his successor as King of Outremer. Seeing as we can't get in touch with the Kaiser right now to confirm it, I propose we make that appointment provisionally.
Pauses and takes a deep intake of breath...
But, err, the thing is that Karl is @#$%^&!!!ing flat out, sick in his bed. Some @#$%^&!!!ing nasty desert bug has got 'im. There's no way he is fit to rule at the moment.
Takes another deep breath...
So, with both the Kaiser and Karl out of action at the moment, I reckon that leaves me to decide who governs Outremer during this crisis. And I reckon I'm as good a man as any to do the job right now. Therefore, I am adopting the title of Steward of Outremer until such a time as Karl is fit to take on the duties of King or the Kaiser contacts us with his own assignment.
It's the Chancellor's call, but I believe we need to consolidate after the disaster at Edessa. I recommend Count Jan's garrison of the castle should be urgently reinforced by some decent men from the Chancellor's army. Then, I suggest the Chancellor take the rest of his army and protect Aleppo. With such large garrisons, I doubt the Horse Lords will even try to take Edessa or Aleppo.
Their target will surely be Antioch. Consequently, as Steward of Outremer, I request the Chancellor to designate the army under my brother Hans as the Army of Outremer. And I order it to return to Antioch to garrison that great city, the capital of Outremer, after first detaching a few good men to stiffen the garrison at Damascus (just to make sure the Horse Lords don't get tempted to go for a weakly defended city instead of Antioch).
My recommendation is that we hunker down behind our settlement walls and let the Horse Lords thrash around outside helplessly in the desert. When the time is right and they make a mistake, our armies can move out to strike them down.