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Milan will not fall. The Legion der Krone shall remain where specified by Duke Lothar. Until Bavaria is freed, the Legion der Krone shall not leave.
Prinz Dieter, I reccommend that you bring your army quickly and destroy any and all Greeks on your way. Execute all prisoners.
1356 Offensive Season recommendations from the Chancellor's office:
The War Office:
My Lords, 1356 is here and we have a multitude of sieges in progress. We need to lift them as best we can and stabilise the Reich from further aggression against our cities.
With this in mind I am proposing the following:
Franconia:
Bresch: Yet again Magdeburg...I'm speechless and not interested in talking about it. Rotting away in there is beyond my understanding.
Fritz: I will comply with your recent request and lure then further in. If of course the trap doesn't work and both Danish armies are present then I will retreat you as best I can. If not you will have your chance to take one out.
Swabia:
von Salza You and the 1st SHA are east of Bern. I recommend letting your only available and active commander, Sir Welf, head south pick up the army and relieve the siege of Bern. Welf can then head back to the bridge west of Staufen. You will remain in the vicinity and link up with Sir Hugo arriving from the south.
von Luxemburg: See the recommendation above.
Ruppel Time is on your side and event are conspiring to prevent the siege from being lifted. Patience is all I ask.
von Bohmen You are free of siege for the year. Given your reserve status moving you to Antwerp is the best idea. I just pray the French don't come again soon.
Bavaria:
Kaiser: Erlach; Lothar Let me form an army from the three forces that remain. There are more forces in the Swabian theater and they need commanders. The Kaiser can head north to assist in the defense of Swabia. Erlach can stay in Bavaria or also head to Swabia. Hermann Steffen can also head to Swabia or Franconia to be an active commander.
Prinz Dieter: Again you are free to move north.
Austria:
Johann Zirn: The Hungarian's have pulled back I would wait and hope Vienna is cured. I will then give you the gunpowder units and militia to defeat them later.
Lord Becker: The Poles are approaching again. You can meet them in the field or remain behind your walls.
I will kill the final Venetian force this year and well before the Pope's deadline.
Outremer:
The Greeks have pulled back dramatically. Both Citadel's are free of infection.
Viceroy: Hold your position while I recruit clean troops for the assault on Nikosia.
von Salzgitter: Hold your position while I recruit clean troops.
A letter arrives from Outremer.
I have just received the wonderful news from Viceroy Matthias that both Outremer citadels are free of the plague. However, I think Matthias and my armies' are still contagious. It might be best if clean troops recruited in Acre be moved to Antioch (assuming it's free of the plague as well) rather than merged with my army until such a time as it is no longer contagious. The same for the Viceroy would seem wise, although that is his decision, of course.
Herrmann Steffen:
If there are any clean armies in Swabia, I shall depart to take command.
The Chancellor
Sir Hermann,
There are basically no "clean" armies. But with the plague abating I expect this to change very soon. Therefore I would prefer at least two more active general in the Swabian Duchy for the pending round of battles.
Count von Salzgitter,
I will certainly not combine clean troops with any of your forces. At best they will be positioned to aid in battle as reinforcements.
Herrmann Steffen:
Considering the time it will take for me to arrive on the Swabian fronts, I'll leave now.
The Chancellor
Thanks for the go ahead Sir Hermann. You'll receive specific orders very soon.
Taking the save.
Welf von Luxemburg:
My Lord Chancellor,
Bern has been relieved. Although the city's garrison took a beating, the 1st SHA got off more lightly than I could have hoped. I will provide a full account in due course.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
My expectation of being able to return to Staufen was over optimistic, so I sent the infected men in the field there to safety in the citadel while summoning the uninfected companies to me.
Your servant
Welf von Luxemburg
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1356-1.zip
I shall remain in Bavaria if Duke Lothar needs me. Otherwise, I shall go to Swabia with Hermann.
My Duke, while I could engage the Polish force with a good chance of success I would like to wait until the next season. That would give me some time to receive reinforcements and conduct retraining, and the longer this army is in Bohemia the more time until another takes it's place.
I hope the there is room in the budget now to augment my forces, it would require less than one thousand florins at the most. Please review my situation and make whatever decision you see fit.
Bavaria has a surplus of commanders and a deficit of armies. Count Erlach and myself are more than capable of handling the current situation, given that there is really only one army to command. It is worth noting that Prinz Dieter is also nominally in the Bavarian theatre of operations, though he is currently without the ability to advance north. I believe it would be entirely appropriate for both the Kaiser and my son, Herrmann, to depart for other fronts at this time if they are needed there.
The Chancellor
Lothar, thank you for the approval of my request. Swabia has a great need for active commanders and given the current forces in Bavaria and Prinz Dieter availabilty to assist in the near future I think it is best.
I will move your son and the Kaiser along the same line of march as Sir Hugo.
Then I shall depart Italy for France. Good luck, Duke of Bavaria.
Offensive season and orders are over my Lords.
Taking the save 1356-1
Chancellor Report 1356 continued
The Office of the Exchequer
Another merchant is being recruited in Antioch.
The church I accidentally bombed in Daruzzo is being repaired.
Garrison quarters in Staufen have been started.
Our standing with the Pope is steadily falling. With my final push on the Venetian's complete, it is hoped this does not fall any further. We simply do not have enough money to use the normal means of “acquiring” favour with his Holiness at the moment.
As mentioned previously the Black Death seems to be receding. Most importantly the Citadel's of Ragusa, Acre and Adana are now free of the pestilence. This is significant news as our economy is also recovering at the same time.
The War Office
The offensive season saw just two engagements.
Von Luxemburg has relieved the siege of Bern and is now outside its walls for protection with the 1st SHA in close proximity.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=242
I successfully attack the last remaining field army on the beaches below Daruzzo.
It was a heroic victory, although I can't say why the royal scribes have decided it shall be remembered that way. This hopefully brings to a close the war with the Venetian's for the next few years. I will be heading north now to assist in the defence of Zagreb.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=243
Recruiting:
Daruzzo: 1 x Spear Militia
Arhus: 1 x Xbow Militia
Innsbruck: 1 x DFK; 1 x Pavise Xbow
Adana: 2 x Pavise Xbow
Prague: 1 x Xbow Militia; 1 x Speak Militia
Bern: 1 x Spear Militia regiment was retrained.
Regional Report
Swabia
von Luxemburg went south and organised a multi command action against the French forces besieging Bern. In conjunction with the plagued 1st SHA, the Bern garrison and his own escort he managed to gain a decisive victory against the French.
Count Ruppel remains in Dijon with still no sign of any pending relief...still.
von Bohmen as he is no no longer under siege and in a reserve duty status he has been relcoated to Antwerp. This has affected the city of Bruge to some degree as he is an excellent administrator. As he has now left the governs report to me shows clear signs of corruption and mismanagement. This is causing our income to fall.
Duke von Salza has retired to the east and is heading to Nuremberg due to his reserve duty status.
Sir Hugo is nearly now with the 1st SHA, however it is still plagued so he will not be able to join with it immediately.
Franconia
Count Fritz is now perfectly placed to ambush the approaching Danes. I hope they fall for it this season and our most accomplished general can make them pay.
With one of the three Franconian nobles now dead, Magdeburg has become a charnel pit of death, disease and general waste. It is of great concern to me that this Duchy is slowly degrading before our eyes. If Magdeburg falls the heartland of our Reich will be exposed to the Polish.
Austria
Johann Zirn has maintained his defensive position on the bridge west of Vienna. The two Hungarian armies are now hesitating it seems, thus buying time for Vienna to throw of the plague and allow our health commanders to take command of the militia and gunpowder forces. Both Jan Zirn and Max von Hapsburg are with him.
Lord Becker is recruiting further forces in light of another impending Polish siege. One army is in position with a second more powerful looking ready to support the first.
I personally will now determine if the Venetian's have finally had enough of me. If they have I will head north to relieve Zagreb which I hope can hold out until I arrive.
Bavaria
Prinz Dieter's has left Rome and taken up position on the bridge just north of the city. Cavalry reinforcements from Palermo are now just behind him and I have sent the small mediterranean fleet back to the Citadel to pick up some plague free troops and bring them north.
Duke Lothar and Count Erlach are now stationed in the woods outside Milan with the newly formed “Otto/Gerhard Memorial Corp”. They are ready to surprise the French should they attack. Another three regiments from Innsbruck stand close at hand to assist. Unfortunately they are plagued and will have to be monitored to determine their health in the coming years.
Hermann Steffen and the Kaiser are now in the Alps heading towards Swabia.
Outremer
The Viceroy has maintained his position while the Greeks continue to prance around like complete fools.
von Salzgitter has also remained on the Iron Bridge.
We are still waiting to see what happens next.
Chancellor's Notes:
We experienced a lull in our engagements as the general level of momentum we had is slowly grinding to a halt. With the plague abating and the economy recovering it is hoped that the final years of this period begin a new era for us all.
Ironically my moniker has been a omen for the decades that have just past. The feeling of foreboding and dread has touched us all. This has been clearly seen in the very high number of deaths amongst the Reich's nobility.
Having said that my lords there does seem to be light shinning ever so slightly on us. With a last push from us all I believe we can see through this “dreadful” period in our history and be in a strong position for the future.
OOC: Situation before pressing end turn.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1356-4.zip
Defensive season to follow:
Please save directly after you have completed your defense. In the case of Magdeburg who/if anyone defends the Citadel then please save after the fight so I can do the start of 1358.
We have the following avatar lead battles this defensive season:
A) Milan is being assaulted. Duke Lothar and Count Erlach are able to defend the city if they are lucky. (TC, this is a city rush and you are on a 90 degree angle of attack to the French.)
B) Genoa is being assaulted. Sir Hans von Bavaria...it is grim. My the lord protect you.[B]
C) Sir Fritz. The Danes have fallen for the trap. It is a perfect ambush against the first Danish army. Destroy it. (OOC: at least it was when I went through the AI turn twice).
D) Duke Bresch, the future of Franconia is in the balance. The Poles are assaulting. Someone in the Citadel must rouse themselves to conduct the defense.
My Lords...prepare yourselves for a monumental end of the season!!!
Results
The first engagement saw Duke Lothar and Count Erlach conduct a perfect city defense from outside the walls. The managed to rush for the city square, hold off the French cavalry, then steady the fighting line and then let the crossbowman do their work. A truly excellent result give the circumstances.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=244
The second engagement saw yet another fatality amongst the nobility of the Holy Roman Empire. Facing overwhelming odds and with only militia troops available, Hans von Bavaria fell in battle defending Genoa.
The third engagement involved our empires greatest commander doing what he does best. I wont go into the details but it was a Heroic victory. Read the field report for the full details.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...&postcount=245
Finally the Magdeburg story continues...however I am happy to report that Duke Bresch held of the Polish forces with aplomb and is now in a position to potentially move out of Magdeburg and enter the field.
This concludes the Chancellors report on 1356
I'll fight as soon as I am able to today. That could be this morning, but it could also be later this afternoon. Will post ASAP when I'm done.
Hi TC, you got my PM about ending the turn and then being first up? just wanted to check in case you look at the save and raise an eyebrow.Quote:
Originally Posted by TinCow
Yeah, I took a quick look at it. I appreciate giving it to me like that since I can still shuffle the forces a tiny bit. I can make another slot by combining two spear units, thus giving me control over another of those depleted militia units in the other army. I've got to run out to the optometrist now, but will fight battle when I get back this afternoon.
Great TC. That's what I thought after setting you up terribly for the last city engagement.Quote:
Originally Posted by TinCow
Good to hear you could tweak it a little more to your liking.
Cheers
AG
Battle fought. Beforehand I shuffled the units around a bit and also moved the 'extras' in the small army nearby so that they would join the battle too, since every man was needed. I left them on AI control, though, so that they will all come in at the same time. Battle summary:
Immediately rushed all units to the town square when they appeared, except the mounted crossbowmen who rode around the walls to shoot at the French as they entered the city. They did a decent amount of damage from here throughout the battle and distracted about 3 units of infantry, which was very useful. Lothar, Fredericus, and the small number of Imperial knights arrived first because they were mounted and blocked the French cavalry in the street until the foot could arrive and form up in the square. Surprisingly, the bodyguards of Lothar and Fredericus did massive damage the Gendarmes and Lancers, despite being outnumbered at least 4:1. When the foot were finally setup, Lothar and Fredericus retreated back behind the lines with their few (3-4) surviving bodyguards. The huge numbers of crossbowmen lined up in a thin L formation on the sides of the square farthest from the street that the French were using, and the infantry was assembled off to the side in a large block. This allowed most of the crossbowmen a direct shot into the densely packed French coming down the street, inflicting massive casualties. The French still inflicted huge casualties on the blocking infantry, but the infantry did their job (thanks to no-breaking in the town square) and held them while the crossbows continued to fire unobstructed into the French flanks. Eventually missile fire exterminated them all and the mounted crossbowmen mopped up the few who fled back through the main gate. End result, heroic victory at the cost of most of the infantry in the army. The army is still capable of defending the city, but it will need significant infantry and cavalry reinforcements before it can face another full stack in the field.
I will definitely write up a battle report for this one.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1356-5.zip
I feel bad for vpmd, the Genoa battle looks unwinnable to me.
Taking the save.
It's done.
Ramses you're up and you can also take a night battle when you want.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1356-7.zip
After you're done go right up until the Magdeburg screen and then load it up for Elite Ferret.
I'm on it. Wish me luck. As tempting as your 'rush them' strategy is, I think I'll try to preserve as much of my army as possible. :laugh4:
:egypt:
The Danes have been defeated.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1356-8.zip
Under a cool, concealing mist they didn't even know we were there until the first cannon shot landed among them and then my cavalry burst upon them. It was glorious! They fought like devils and killed many of my men, but my army is mostly intact. (Battle story a bit later maybe).
Fritz von Kastilien
:egypt:
taking the save
edit done and won: (save won't upload?)
https://img118.imageshack.us/img118/...otr1nq3.th.jpg
despite me pressing escape straight after the battle the menu only came up at the same time as the pop-ups, much to my frustration. I took screens of all of them and will PM them to you AG, sorry for my incompetence.
EF there is no need to apologies. I know you knew what to do...it just didn't work. The problem is mate, if you can't get that save upload then we are in a spot of bother...you might have to refight...then at least you can give it another shot at saving.Quote:
Originally Posted by Elite Ferret
There is a problem with the Org uploader but you can successfully upload on the Mizus one here :
http://www.mizus.com/files/pbmupload.php
PMed TosaInu about the problem...
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1358
The Office of the Exchequer
World Events:
I took the offer to build a Merchant Guild in Bologna. In a turn of fortunes our economy is clearly recovering.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The plague is continuing to recede. The Imperial Surgeon's Office is doing a remarkable job making sure it does not spread or resurface. The Exchequers Office has confirmed 6900 soul's died last season, this represents approximately a 60% drop in mortality. Likewise only 1300 soldiers have perished, this is over a 70% percent fall from the last period of assessment.
There were no reported deaths amongst the nobility this year and neither were there any other significant servants throughout the empire.
Most notably I have fully recovered as well as Duke Lothar, Viceroy Matthias, von Salzgitter. Please look at the final reports for the full situation. There are critical issues all over the Reich with regards to the plague. An example is that Duke Lothar is current cured while Count Erlach and the rest of the army are in fact infected. I will be requesting he leaves his post for the time being. This will be addressed in detail at the end of the report.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
In some astounding news Duke Bresch has sired a new baby boy named Sifridus. Honestly Duke Bresch, I think you need to get out of that Citadel because that is just a shocking name to inflict upon your only son!!!
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
On the other hand the Egyptian are holding us in a dim view still...I still have no idea why and I'm starting to get upset that the Exchequers office seems to have no clue about it.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Meanwhile the English think where the proverbial "dogs bollocks". I personally think its because I take the English ambassador out to reputable establishments an indulge him to the point of it being criminal in some parts of the world.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Our economy is rebounding nicely. We are running into a solid position with the black death now on the wain.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The important thing to take note, is that we now have a series of quarantine issues to deal with. You will notice that settlements my now be clean from disease but one of our nobles still has the black death. I need all of you to assess you specific areas and make sure that those "mixed" armies or settlements are identified and that we separate the infected from the uninfected.
Here is the situation untouched at the beginning of 1358 my Lords. Begin your planning and make your suggestions known to me. I will come back to you all with my recommendations in due course.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1358-1.zip
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT 1358 to be continued:
Chancellor Arnold I believe I shall reset my ambush precisely as it was before. Leave Captain Euse(whatever) exactly where he is, but back my army up into the forest directly north of him.
One change, however; it will be critically important this time to combine my spearmen into whole companies. Small companies of militia spearmen are worse than useless, they'll break instantly when charged. I should have three whole companies and one fragment at seven men when you're done. I would also appreciate it if you topped off the more experienced crossbowmen from the less experienced companies, but that's less important.
I can imagine only one reason for the Dane's Prince Stenkil failing to attack me last season. It is because he is terrified that I will execute him and hang his corpse from the walls of Arhus like I did his mad cousin. He is right to be afraid, and I must bank on that fear holding him where he is. (I think the AI is having a pathing issue with trying to move two armies onto the island in the same turn. I don't think it's gamey because they can actually get to me to fight, just not both at once. Call it intelligent use of limited terrain. :beam: )
If he does cross I may be forced to withdraw, but for now I will reset my ambush exactly as it was and wait to see.
:egypt:
The Chancellor
Your request is understoond Sir Fritz. I will adjust your regiments and reset the positioning of your forces as you have outlined.
Hugo de Cervole
Chancellier, I would request to give me command of the 1st SHA so that I could lead it to Dijon and help in the relief of Comte Ruppel.
The Chancellor
Sir Hugo, please have Duke von Salza confirm this and I will have you assume command immediately.
The 1st SHA is still diseased I believe...keep that in mind. Plus the approach of French towards Staufen may make the relief of Dijon a more pressing need.
I need a Duchy level overview my Lord.
OOC : I tried taking command without any plague showing on my avatar... So ?
IC : Of course, I will bow to my Duke's will concerning the command of the SHA
As I am co-commander of the SHA, I grant permission to Cervole to leading it for the purpose of relieving Dijon.
OOC: Press end turn and see if that is still true. I think infections from joining a poxed stack only show up after you end the turn.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tristan de Castelreng
They show up immediately
Taking the save.
Welf von Luxemburg:
My Lord Chancellor,
The French are not advancing on Staufen - Staufen is advancing on the French:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Your humble servant
Welf von Luxemburg
http://www.mizus.com/files/pbm/kotr1358-2.zip
OOC: Holy crap. I don't know how you people win battles like that so easily.
I concur! Mine would have been drag down mud sling not a Heroic Victory with so few casualties. I am glad they are on our side!:laugh4:Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonsg91921
The Chancellor
Well, I guess that is a clear indication of what is happening in Swabia.
If anyone would care to fill the leadership void I would greatly appreciate some strategy before I enact the orders for this season.
Welf, well done...god know's how you managed that but the report should clarify things. I assume then that you still have your channel open to Duke Leopold.
Welf:
My Lord Chancellor,
With Count Ruppel entombed in Bern and Count von Bohmen on leave in Antwerp, the only remaining strategic issue for Swabia concerns SHA1. The movement orders for this army are now in the first instance the responsibility of its new commander, General der Cervole.
For what it is worth, my impression was that SHA1 may be able to reach Dijon this year if the ribault battery is left behind. Personally, I found the ribaults next to useless in the relief of Bern so I would not regard their absence as a major problem. However, General der Cervole may view the matter otherwise. And I believe Count Ruppel - whose mastery of tactics is widely acknowledged - has argued for the use of artillery to help relieve Dijon.
In the absence of clarification from these individuals, the most cautious option would be to retain the ribault and advance SHA1 towards Dijon. (OOC: you may have to ditch the peasant archers to keep within the historical armies rule.) The lancers besieging Dijon are content to wait out the siege, so the matter is not yet urgent.
Yours
Welf
The Chancellor
Sir Welf,
While the issue in Dijon is still not critical, it is stifling the entire Swabian front and to be perfectly honest the situation there and around Magdeburg is a #$%@#ing painin the arse and I would like it resolved in my term of office.
Keep in mind Bruges is besieged yet again and as we have no commander in the city I fret over the outcome should the French commence their assault. Someone needs to get up there to relieve the situation.
I'll await word from Sir Hugo or Count Ruppel on the artillery matter. The 1st SHA Army will head towards Dijon this year...it will simply be a case of determining the distance.
OOC: The army you used to crush the French...was that historical?
On second thoughts, seeing how Comte Ruppel is in no danger of immediate assault by the French, and with the SHA confirmed to be still plagued, I would ask permission to oversee the governance of Bern until all diseased soldiers of the SHA are either dead or cured.
OOC : I did what Econ suggested (and contrary to what FH said) on end turn, Hugo found himself plagued... I hope it is not too late...
Your fine Tristan. I knew you were not going to see the plague until the next turn. It doesn't happen in real time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tristan de Castelreng
I guessed it was still plagued...but you're heading to Dijon with the SHA in tow anyway. Unless you can explain why you shouldn't.:inquisitive:
OOC: To be honest, I did not think to check but looking back I think it was. I had eight knights (gen + 3TK + 3DFK + 1DIK), which is the maximum but otherwise it was pretty balanced.Quote:
Originally Posted by AussieGiant
EDIT: Oops - from the screenshots there were 4DFK, so no, it was not historical. The 19 DIK could go without affecting the army's power much, though.
Chancellier,
I would ask the spear militias from Bern to be put at my disposal and if possible the recruitment of mercenary Pavise Xbows and spearmen from around Dijon so as to replace the losses due to the plague in the SHA.
Any time you're fighting a high morale force (3x silver Lancers) I think a ribault can be useful. The trouble is getting it in just the right position so it can fire at just the right moment and hit only the enemy. It doesn't even have to kill anything, just having it fire at them will substantially reduce their morale.
:egypt:
I was thinking more along the lines of sally, place ribault nicely at the Lancer's flanks, and fire striking through the long line of lancers :grin:
As for the plaguing, thats interesting. Are you sure you didn't just miss the plague icon appearing in Hugo's portrait after merging? Thats what usually is the case.
Sure... There was no icon the first time I did it... I know where to look...
Is it automatic ? I seem to remember in previous TW games that you seem to have a random chance (high but still...)
The Chancellor
Please note my lords that I will not be making any recommendations this season.
I ask you all to assess your situations and inform me accordingly, or attack as you see fit with the forces under your command.
Taking the save to update and provide a little momentum for a few people.
-edit-
Just to be clear. I didn't see the start of the turn so I have no idea which avatar less forces are plagued or unplague. So again I will have to take a very conservative approach to the combining forces. And there are a number of forces out and about without avatars. Frankfurt is about to be sieged as well I think.
Plus two major issues.
Magdeburg the Citadel is unplagued, yet the two avatars inside are plagued. I'm leaving them in there due to the number of Poles outside wanting to come in...again.
Bavarian Otto/Gerhard Corp has Lothar uninfected but Erlach infected. I'm going to move Lothar out of there just to be sure.
if this is not ok please let me know. Of course if anyone fights a battle that will lock in the moves I do now.
Chancellor Report 1358 continued
My Lords this is my last full report to you as Chancellor. I will have the next report prepared in the initial stages for the man that follows me into office. I am preparing the Reich for a period of expansion like we have never seen before. With the plague now essentially over we can face the challenges ahead without the fear of death by disease and the corruption of our bodies.
The Office of the Exchequer
Again a merchant is being recruited in Antioch. Given the value of these trade routes this investments is clearly needed.
The Cidatel in Magdeburg is being repaired in expectation that yet another siege next season.
As I mentioned previously our standing with the Pope has fallen. I initially approached his holiness with what I thought was a favourable offer. I was sadly mistaken.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
As a result of this outrageous attitude toward me there was a small incident in Ragusa with one of the Preferati's retinue. I threaten him with bodily harm at one point, but the matter has now been resolved and we have settled on an agreement that should have us in good standing in the early stages of the next Chancellor's term of office.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
I continue to enjoy my time with the Russian nobility. This season, while taking some time off to celebrate my survival of the plague, I managed to get yet another noble of Russia completely drunk. Surprisingly he was a the brother of the Russian Exchequer. We entered into yet another excellent round of negotiations which left us with the following deal.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
This allow the following things to occur;
The War Office
The offensive season saw just one engagement.
Von Luxemburg has yet again smashed the French force approaching Staufen. God knows how he is managing this but I'll take the results every time.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Recruiting:
As mentioned previously this is my last report and therefore I have enacted a massive recruiting surge. The following regiments where requested from the War Office for next year. This is one of the largest troop surges we have had in the last 50 years and dates back to before the beginning of the Cataclysm.
Rome: 1 x Militia Halberd; 1 x Militia Crossbowman
Milan: 1 x Militia Spearmen; 1 x Militia Crossbowman
Innsbruck: 1 x DFK; 1 x Pavise Crossbowman; 1 x Armoured Spearmen
Staufen: 1 x Pavise Crossbowman; 1 x Mounted Crossbowman; 1 x reinforced DFK
Acre: 1 x DFK; 1 x Pavise Crossbowman; 1 x Armoured Spearmen
Ragusa: 1 x DFK; 1 x Pavise Crossbowman; 1 x Armoured Spearmen
Adana: Reinforced the following; 1 x Canon; 2 x Pavise Crossbowman
Vienna: 2 x Forlorn Hope; 1 x Canon
Prague: 3 x Militia Spearmen
Frankfurt: 2 x Teutonic Knights
Arhus: 1 x hand gunner
With Fritz: 3 x Sergent Spearmen (Mercs)
Regional Report
Swabia (Home of strife and French loving)
von Luxemburg the magnificent: went on the offensive and attacked and defeated the French force heading for Staufen. In affect he has consecrated what is now clearly the 2nd SHA. He is now the commander of this army as far as I'm concerned.
Count Ruppel the continually stuck in Dijon: remains in Dijon with the 1st SHA now one season away.
von Bohmen, the siege queen: is still in Antwerp while Bruges has now come under siege yet again. I will be strongly recommending a relief action by Ludwig when he is back on active duty.
Duke von Salza of the spring break: continued eastward and has now set up a very nice marquee and drink station on a bridge just south of Nuremburg. If any nobles are heading through the area I recommend a stop and partake of the facilities there. They are truly befitting a Duke of this Realm.
Sir Hugo the slightly impressive: is now outside the walls of Dijon with the 1st SHA. The plagued still infects this force so it is stations in a reinforcing position for the moment.
Kaiser slightly dreadful & Sir Hermann Steffen the brilliant: have made their way through the alps and are entering the Swabian theater of conflict to add some of their momentum and skill the front.
Franconia (land of our greatest and most lethargic generals)
Count Fritz (the surprise expert): has now reset his ambush and is hoping that the Danish £$%%head sticks his todger straight back into the frying pan.
Magdeburg...ahh Magdeburg, a wonderful place of charming inhabitance and Polish visitors. Sir Tancred and the Franconian Duck...Duke. I've bet the Russian noble 10 000 florins they are besieged once again next season. Of course the idiot has accepted the wager.
Austria (The eastern front, dangerous, yet pretty in summer, dull in winter and full of merchants who want something.
Johann Zirn (such a nice pleasant chap...a shame really he seems to have some much potential): has separated from his brother and Hapsburg and is now stationed south of Vienna with a number of canon, some professional regiments and elements of the Vienna garrsion. He will be screening my approach on Zagreb and protecting Vienna from the incoming Hungarian forces.
Lord Becker (he of the Pole planter): is again recruiting further forces in light of another impending Polish siege. Prague is turning out to be one of the great holding actions of the Reich's history. The Poles simply slam themselves to pieces upon the walls being guarded by Lord Becker.
Bavaria (Land of spaghetti, capitals and annoying goat cheese eaters.)
Prinz Dieter's(the quite achiever): has left Rome and taken up position further north. It is hoped he is going to tempted the Byzantine forces out of Florence and bring the other Greek forces south to relieve the pressure near the river Po. He is set up nicely on the side of a mountain and has two smaller forces approaching as reinforcements.
Duke Lothar (he of the newly minted grey hair): has been moved to Venice. He is uninfected and I am not having him risk reinfection by staying with the “Otto/Gerhard Memorial Corp”. Elements of the Innsbruck garrison are heading south to the Duke at this time
Count Erlach (poxed ridden but still in the saddle): is now on the central bridge over the Po with a near fully completely formed “Otto/Gerhard Memorial Corp”. It is hoped this force with make the Greeks rethink the idea of heading over the Po
Outremer (such a well run and happy place)
The Viceroy (Mr Perfect): has moved back into Adana to rearm and reinforce his army. The Greeks continue to prance around like complete fools.
von Salzgitter (Mr Perfect's best friend): is infected and will remained on the Iron Bridge until he is free of the plague.
Chancellor's Notes:
With just one engagement this season we seem to have entirely run out of momentum. As this coincides with the end of my term in Office I'm not sure if it is luck or that I have caused it myself. Never the less our enemies continue to maintain their offensive posture towards us.
OOC: Situation before pressing end turn.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1358-10.zip
Defensive season to follow:
Results
We had just one engagement this defensive season. Sir Fritz bloodied the nose of the aggressive Danish Prinz and withdrew to a better defensive position.
That concludes the report for 1358.
I appreciate the spearmen Chancellor Arnold. If the Danes will come I mean to break them. Also at the Diet session I mean to propose a method for breaking the stalemate in Franconia, so rest assured it is a temporary situation.
:egypt:
The Chancellor
Excellent Lord Fritz. Something must be done in the north, and you seem to be the catalyst for that solution.
The defensive season is upon us!!
There is one action to be taken.
Lord Fritz, the Danes have taken the bait once more they have no idea and a night action is possible.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1358-11.zip
OOC: Save straight afterwards Ramses.
To you all I will move to 1360 on Monday afternoon to give the Diet session a set of weekdays instead of a weekend.
OOC: Have to talk to the wife and make sure I have enough time right now. My mother in law's birthday is today. :juggle2: :laugh4:
:egypt:
OOC: So obviously she said no (and slugged me for being 'insensitive'). Putting the lil one to bed now, and I'll be able to fight this in about an hour.
:egypt:
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1358-12.zip
I bled them and withdrew. With the large amounts of cavalry they fielded I was unable to execute my customary ambush tactics against their infantry. With hundreds of unbreakable Honor Guard Norse Swordsmen approaching my spearmen it was clear that the battle had no positive outcome. I am able to report that I inflicted two hundred casualties on them to thirty seven losses among my men.
My first retreat of the Danish campaign. I will still break them, this will simply draw out their torment a little longer.
Fritz von Kastilien
(Maybe I was just feeling timid because of the MIL party, or because my daughter was making funny sounds upstairs. They'll never take Arhus though! :laugh4: )
:egypt:
1360
The Chancellors Remarks
The year is 1360 my lords. This is the current situation as reported to me upon my departure for Nuremberg where the Kaiser and the Diet Speaker will open the 15th Diet session of the Holy Roman Empire.
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360.zip
It has been a privilege to have served as the Chancellor of this Empire.
It has been a trying period over the last 20 years, but I can now safely say that the the Black Death has finally finished. We have reported no civilian or military fatalities in the last season and barring a few nobles and administrators we should be free of this by the start of next season.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
In the following reports you will see the following general issues.
Zagreb has been assaulted and exterminated by the Hungarian. I will be making my presence full known in Zagreb in the next few years and the Hungarian will rue the day they decided to take such appalling actions on our civilian population. In addition Prague and Magdeburg are now again under siege by the Polish. I've collected the 10 000 florins from my Russian colleague and will be investing it in troops for the coming onslaught against the Hungarian pigs.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Some good news did come out of Prague just before it was placed under siege.
A merchant guild house was completed.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The OFFICE of the Exchequer also informed me that the following diplomatic relations have occurred plus we had another of our Bishops promoted to the rank of Cardinal.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
In other news we have taken a massive hit to our diplomatic, priest and merchant classes. In the past season three merchants, two priest and one diplomat passed away. These must be replaced as soon as possible as some of the merchants where involved in massively lucrative endeavors.
Our economy has taken a hit as a result.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The House of Bavaria and specifically the Steffen family have now a fully grown set of twins.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
At this time my lords I will ask you all to make your respective travel arrangements so we can convene the upcoming Diet session as soon as possible. The next Chancellor has much to do and is now in an excellent position to being retaking and expanding on what our Reich was before the Cataclysm and the Black Death took from us.
I look forward to meeting you all in person for the first time in many years.
Long Live the Reich!!!
My Chancellor I find myself in a difficult position and I must ask for aid. Though my ambush succeeded as well as I had expected against the immensely superior army of Prince Stenkil, my withdrawal from the island was a failure and I no longer have a clear path of march to reinforce Arhus. Additionally reports are that the city is free of the plague, and my men are not. If I am to decamp the island I must do so by calling on an old mercenary friend's ship(s?).
I trust that I have earned sufficient capital with my victories to take up the slack of this loss. It is clearly undesirable to move my plagued army into the clean city, and my forces are insufficient to bring home victory from a field battle against the overwhelming cavalry might of Prince Stenkil's Honor Guard, so I instead intend to sail north and raid Oslo, unless that fortress is overwhelmingly garrisoned. Perhaps the spy in the region, Herman, could be sent north ahead of me to scout the region.
Rest assured I will return in time to prevent the Danes from capturing Arhus. Leave Captain Euse(whatever) where he is, and he'll fight a delaying action to slow Stenkil's advance (He's useless spear militia and couldn't make it to the ships where Fritz would hire them anyway). Any of my men who are unable to fit aboard the ships should probably be left where they are to attempt to withdraw again in the event of Stenkil's attack.
Fritz von Kastilien
OOC: So resetting the ambush was a mistake, as evidently you can't properly withdraw from an ambush site. What are KotR's rules for travel by ship? How much of Fritz's army can I fit on one ship, etc.
edit: rather than waste another post, the doctor thing was a waste of time. A hour waiting for an unecessary 'last minute' appointment where she essentially said 'Yep, you need a steroid. Now go wait another 30 minutes at the pharmacy of your choice. Have a nice day!'
:egypt:
It's two units per ship, so if there is only one merc ship, then it would be Fritz plus the unit of your choice. Sorry it sounds grim.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ramses II CP
OOC: Two ships are available, if the funds can be spared. I could take Fritz, the bombard, the longbowmen (They more or less have to come for IC reasons) and probably the mercenary crossbowmen.
If only one can be purchased I'll probably take Fritz and the longbowmen.
If I'd really understood what was going to happen I probably would've fought that ambush a lot differently, or taken advantage of that second attack better, but I thought 'withdraw' would mean actually withdrawing. :shrug: Fortunes of war. Stenkil is moving slowly because of his ballistae, so right now I'm more worried about that army I ransomed last time moving right past him and sieging Arhus.
Either way, Arhus falls over Fritz's dead body. Hopefully the men who get left behind can actually withdraw next year, when attacked, and hopefully in the direction of Arhus too. Otherwise I'll be ferrying them around on those ships for awhile. :laugh4:
Sir Fritz,
I regret to say that my official powers are now discharged and you will have to take that up with the next Chancellor.
I will mention your situation for specific attention in my personal report to the next man.
Regards
Duke Arnold
Build Queue for Prague.
Taxes set to low.
1. Alchemist's Lab
2. " "
3. " "
4. Huge Stone Walls
5. " "
6. " "
7. " "
8. Merchant's Quarter
9. " "
10. " "
This queue stands regardless of whether or not it is possible to construct Huge Stone Walls in Prague.
Austrian Army Orders
1st AHA will be commanded by Count Zirn. Its primary task is to protect Vienna and screen Zagreb while it is retaken. Eventually and as the situation permits it should march on Budapest and retake it.
2nd AHA will be command by myself. It's primary aim is to retake Zagreb and remove the Hungarian's from the interior. It should then defend the southern approaches to the Duchy as best as the Chancellor sees fit.
The militia garrison of Prague is commanded by Lord Becker. Defending Prague and assaulting Breslau it's its primary focus.
Duke Arnold
Build orders to follow.
Build Queue for Acre:
1st: Armoury
2nd: Heavy Armourer
If at any time these two are too expensive but 1600 can be spared, I would like a Jousting List to be built.
Build Queues
Adana
Ballista Towers
Heavy Amrorer
Chancellor's Discretion
Antioch
Church
City Hall
Fairground
Taxes set to avoid rioting
Army Orders:
My army is to stay in the area of Adana, hopefully to be reinforced with infantry and cavalry. If advantageous attacks can be made against Greek forces, I will make them.
Andreas's army is to take the lead on assaulting Cyprus. Please consult with him concerning strategy and what troops he will need.
Edessa will be attacked if troops can be spared after Cyprus. Iconium and Caesarea are targets of oppurtunity once Edessa has been transferred.
Orders for Swabia as per previous term.
If the funds are available I would like to have my understrength unit of Pavise Crossbowmen (only one man left! :dizzy2: ), Dismounted Feudal Knights, and Armoured Sergeants retrained. If the field army by Nikosia is to be defeated I would request an additional two units of armoured spearmen, and some basilisks to take out the citadel's walls. Lastly, there are a couple units of turcopole mercs in the area that could be hired. Dealing with the Greek Horsearchers outside Acre before was a huge pain, and I'd like to repay the favor.
OOC: This would put me at about 3/4 of a stack, to the Byzantines army's full stack.
The army commanded by Fredericus Erlach will be BHA Gerhard and he will remain in command of it. As far as I am concerned, BHA Otto does not exist at the moment, but I have high hopes that we will soon receive sufficient reinforcements to reconstitute it. I give specific permission to have the Bavarian armies bulked up with militia if professional troops are not available, though I do demand that all recruitment in Innsbruck be directed towards Bavaria for the forseeable future. When BHA Otto is assembled, I will personally command it.
I would like to have one of my two sons, I care not which, to travel to BHA Gerhard to act as Count Erlach's second. Perhaps he can prove himself in battle at the same time. I will personally supervise my other son.
Building Queues
Vienna
1. Royal Arsenal
2. Ballista Towers
3. Farm
Taxes high
Venice and Ragusa:
I leave both their build queue's up to the Chancellor's needs.
I shall delay my sally until the Italian Situation is resolved. If you feel it is late in the campaigning season, Chancellor Fritz, please inform me so I may sally at once.
I guess we should start the clock running on the 24 hour window for players to instigate offensive battles?
I understand that Ramses wants Dieter to do his battle first - and he will pick up the save this afternoon - but players can still give orders and fight battles that are unrelated to Bavaria.
Mini Econ is taking the save.
Yes, I suppose I should officially declare the offensive season open. I will be in touch as soon as I have assessed the situation in Bavaria Lord Becker.
:egypt:
Chancellor,
Congratulations on your election!
But my God, those Byzantines can be the devil to fight! They wrecked my army. But for the assistance of my physician and his team, I would have only a third of my men left. We were engaged in close combat from the start - no time to use the missile superiority we enjoyed and our lack of foot knights was sorely felt. Still, thanks to the bravery of our men, we prevailed and thanks to our physicians, my army is still fighting fit.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Honour dictated that I offer the enemy prisoners at least the chance of ransom. Unusually, our foe's coffers appear full so it was accepted. I fear that may complicate the advance on Bologna and Florence.
Yours
Prinz Dieter
http://www.totalwar.org/patrons/pbm/kotr1360-2.zip
Congratulations Prinz Dieter! An excellent start to the season. Lord Becker if you wish to sally now you have my blessings, simply make your wishes known.
:egypt:
Peter von Kastilien will leave Herrmann Steffen in Swabia and requests a new army be trained for him to return to Bavaria - it is in dire need.
Taking the save to situate Bologna!
My Kaiser, if you would consent to lead the siege of Metz before you depart Swabia that should free me up to train an army for you during your journey.
A German agent in the Bologna region is reporting that he has a contact among the Byzantines guards for that city, and may be able to open the gates for an immediate assault. I need to know if any of the commanders in that zone of control would be able to take on such a task.
Further by splitting Prinz Dieter's army it will be possible to drive back the men he just ransomed, away from the walls, and join the greater part of his men to the siege (I auto-calc'd against the ransom crew to test if Dieter could reach the city and had very few losses), thus it will be possible for any of three commanders (Two more if anyone is jumping on the Steffen twins) to bring the battle to the enemy immediately at Bologna.
It is not necessary to bring home victory immediately, but this chance to blood the enemy within Bologna should not be passed up.
OOC: I think TC is on active duty, and would be appropriate to lead the attack. Whichever commander wants it can hire all the local mercenaries before their attack. I'm taking the save to set up these circumstances, barring a desire on Prinz Dieter's part to actually fight that battle rather than auto it.
:egypt: